Transgender individuals may now openly join the U.S. military
Starting today, transgender individuals may openly join the U.S. military, this despite stiff opposition from President Trump.
LGBTQ+ rights & well-being
This archive tracks real progress on LGBTQ+ rights and well-being — from legal protections and policy wins to health access, community support, and cultural recognition. Each story focuses on what’s working and where momentum is building, offering a grounded, hopeful look at a topic that shapes millions of lives.
Hong Kong to host 2022 Gay Games as LGBT acceptance grows in parts of Asia
The win comes amid growing momentum for the gay rights movement in Asia, with Taiwan’s constitutional court this year declaring that same-sex couples have the right to marry, the region’s first such ruling.
Playboy features first transgender playmate
Playboy Magazine is making history next month. Lakshmi Singh talks to French model Ines Rau, the first transgender woman to appear in Playboy magazine’s coveted centerfold spot.
Uruguay’s 1st transgender senator seated, vows protections
The 34-year-old lawmaker representing the Communist Party assumed her seat in the upper chamber of congress, where she intends to push a law that would let transgender people change their legal identities without having to get a judge’s approval.
Cambridge University to accept transgender students at women-only college
Applicants for Murray Edwards College will simply have to identify as a woman at the time they submit their application.
First West Africa LGBT-inclusive religious gathering takes place
More than 30 delegates from 10 West African countries gathered in Ghana from Aug. 24-28 for the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa’s first-ever interfath diversity event.
Top military officials call on Trump to reverse transgender ban
A letter signed by 56 retired admirals and generals argues transgender military members must not be dismissed or forced to compromise their integrity.
Anglican church set to offer special services for transgender people
The General Synod, meeting in York, voted in favour of the move by 284 votes to 78. It was the second time in two days that it gave overwhelming support to motions seen as positive towards LGBT people, suggesting to some a significant change of mood.
Parliament in Germany approves same-sex marriage
Lawmakers in Germany voted on Friday to allow same-sex marriage after a brisk but emotional debate in Parliament, setting the stage for the country to join more than a dozen European nations including Ireland, France and Spain in legalizing such unions.
Pakistan issues its first passport recognizing a transgender designation
Instead of having “male” or “female” listed on their official documents, Pakistani transgender men and women can have a “X” under the sex category.