Best of LGBT+ 2017
December 20, 2017Even with many countries legalising same-sex marriage the world still seems to be a dangerous place for anyone who doesn’t fall into “the norm of society.” People around the world still face violence and inequality, sometimes torture, even execution, because of who they love, how they look, or who they are. Sexual orientation and gender identity are integral aspects of our selves and should never lead to discrimination or abuse.
Looking back at 2017 from an LGBT+ perspective can seem rather hopeless. From crackdowns on the community in Chechnya, Azerbaijan and Egypt, just to name a few, to staggering numbers of homophobic hate crimes and people going back into the closet once they transition from university to workplace. On top of that, we have the leader of the free world constantly trying to take away the rights the LGBT+ community fought for decades to obtain.
Once you start digging deeper though, you find a silver lining. More and more people stand up and raise their voices. More and more people are done being silent and starting to take the responsibility to make the world a better place into their own hands. These are OUR LGBT+ highlights of 2017.
1) LGBT+ Representation
Never before have we seen a greater LGBT+ visibility on screen and off. Pop culture is finally catching up with reality giving more gay, lesbian and trans characters and entertainers a platform to shine. From the Oscar-winning Moonlight to Battle of Sexes, greater visibility leads to greater equality.
2) Marriage equality
The list of countries to legalise same-sex marriage increased from 23 to a total of 26 countries in 2017. Australia, Malta and Germany are the newest additions to an ever-growing list. The most notable one was Australia that chose a heavily critised public postal vote on the matter. Afte the Australian public voted yes, the Senate legalised same-sex marriage in a 43-12 vote. Given that there have been over 20 failed attempts to pass this legislation in either house of parliament, the decision was a huge deal.
3) Anti-discrimination laws
India’s Supreme court declared sexual orientation as protected by the country’s constitution. Sri Lanka always promised to decriminalise homosexuality. Canada introduced a law that bans discrimination against transgender people, followed by an apology by Prime minister Trudeau to Canadian victims of anti-LGBT discrimination. Scotland released an official apology to the victims of discrimination as well.
4) Protests
When atrocities against the LGBT+ community in Chechnya broke news, the campaign #EyesOnChechnya resulted in protests all around the world. Pride parades were reinforced by their original meanings, and more people than ever joined.
5) Transgender visibilty
According to NowNewNext more than half of Americans report they would support their kids’ transition if they came out as trans. A great step forward. During his election campaign, Donald Trump promised to protect the rights of all Americans. Since he took office he tried to ban trans people from using bathrooms and serving in the military. His transphobic efforts were blocked by several judges
6) Political movements
The international LGBT community also saw some big political wins in 2017: Ana Brnabić was elected as the first openly gay (and first female) Prime Minister of Serbia; Leo Varadkar became the first openly gay Prime Minister of Ireland, and Tomoya Hosoda became Japan’s first out trans elected official.
More than half of the 71 openly LGBT candidates who ran for office this year won their races in November. Among the victors were many history-making trans candidates, including Lisa Middleton in Palm Springs, California, Danica Roem in Virginia, Andrea Jenkins in Minneapolis, and Tyler Titus in Erie, PA.
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