How the LGBTQ+ Community Conquered 2020

2020 has not been the easiest of years for all of us. From wild bushfires and hurricanes, to a global pandemic and elections, this year has put a toll on all of us. 

But we want to look at the positives that happened in the LGBTQ+ community in 2020 to remind us all that there has been light in all of this darkness and that we should look forward to the wins which will greet us in 2021.

January

·        Northern Ireland legalised same-sex marriage

·        Utah bans LGBTQ conversion therapy for children

·        New Hampshire allows a third gender option on driving licenses 

February 

·        Croatia makes fostering children legal for same-sex couples

·        Switzerland votes to ban homophobic discrimination

March 

·        Virginia bans conversion therapy for children 

·        Gay panic defence removed as a defence for committing a crime 

April

·        Same-sex marriage legalised in Sark, UK

May

·        Germany bans conversion therapy for children and adults who were pressured into receiving it

·        Albania bans conversion therapy

·        Zambian President pardons 3000 people who were jailed for being homosexual

·        Costa Rica legalises same-sex marriage

June

·        The US Supreme Court ruled that LGBTQ+ people are entitled to protection from discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity

July

·        Montenegro voted to legalise same-sex civil partnerships

·        Gabon decriminalizes homosexuality 

·        Sudan abolishes death penalty for homosexuality

·        Scotland becomes first country to teach LGBTQ+ history as part of their curriculum 

·        Mexico City bans conversion therapy 

August

·        South African marriage officials cannot legally reject same-sex couples

·        In Australia, Queensland has banned conversion therapy

September

·        Inheritance laws in Hong Kong now fully cover LGBTQ+ people

·        English schools now teach LGBTQ+ inclusive lessons

October

·        In Mexico, the state of Mexico has banned conversion therapy

·        Pope Francis shows support for LGBTQ+ acceptance and civil unions

·        Canada reintroduces bill banning LGBT conversion therapy

November

·        Nevada to protect same-sex marriage in state constitution 

·        Sarah McBride became the first transgender state senator

·        Italy’s lower house of parliament approves bill protecting LGBT+ community

·        In Canada, Yukon has banned conversion therapy

December

·        In Mexico, Tlaxcala legalised Same-Sex Marriage

·        The UK lifted restrictions on blood donations from gay and bisexual men

·        Uruguay has also lifted restrictions on blood donations from gay and bisexual men

·        Bolivia holds its first same-sex civil union

The LGBTQ+ community has made a lot of progress in 2020 and that will only continue into 2021! As a community, let’s push forward and make the next year an amazing one! Stay proud!