Major French dictionary adds non-binary pronouns for the first time
An entry for iel and iels was added to the dictionary Le Robert that says: “Third person subject personal pronoun – singular and plural – used to refer to a person of any gender.”
Transgender rights & well-being
This archive tracks documented progress on transgender rights and well-being — from legal protections and healthcare access to community-led initiatives that improve daily life. Stories here focus on what’s working: policies enacted, barriers removed, and people thriving. It’s a resource for readers who want evidence that meaningful change is happening.
Brian Michael Smith becomes the first trans man to be named one of People’s Sexiest Men Alive
In 2019, he became the first out Black transgender man cast in a regular role on a network series with 911: Lone Star.
China’s first clinic for transgender children and adolescents set up in Shanghai
Experts expect that the clinic will serve as a bridge between transgender children, parents, doctors and the various circles of society.
U.S. issues first passport with non-binary “X” gender marker in historic move
The X gender marker will become a part of the routine passport application process in early 2022.
Joe Biden signs sweeping executive order fighting anti-LGBTQ discrimination
Biden’s order tells the heads of all executive agencies to ensure that they are interpreting bans on sex discrimination in U.S. federal law to also “prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.”
The United States’ first out trans state senator is sworn in to office
Sarah McBride is now the highest-ranking transgender elected official in U.S. history.
Victoria’s Secret hires Valentina Sampaio, its first openly transgender model
Victoria’s Secret has hired Valentina Sampaio as its first transgender model, her agent said on Tuesday, as the struggling lingerie brand seeks to modernize its image.
48% of the new cars sold in Norway in 2019 are fully electric
Almost half of new cars sold in Norway in the first six months of 2019 were fully electric, up from just over 25% in the same period last year.
Brazil’s top court votes to make homophobia and transphobia crimes
Six out of 11 judges voted to consider discrimination against gays and transgender people equivalent to racism.
World Health Organization removes transgender from list of mental disorders
The World Health Organization (WHO) has made history and removed transgender from its list of ‘mental disorders.’