The issues of this community remain a subject of focus globally , with the Community experiencing or achieving both achievements and barriers to equality today. Looking at the most prominent gay and lesbian news of the year one can notice that the way to equality is hardly smooth and unwavering. Such years have also received moments of legal rights, visibility, and fighting back against the backlash this year. Now let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant and important stories covered on LGBTQ+ topics in the past few months.
Among all the events that took place this year, the fight for the rights of the Trans-gender people around the world has been one of the most noticeable narratives. Spain and Germany, for example, have adopted new or extended laws that allow trans sexed people to change their legal gender without any medical procedure. For instance, Spain recently enacted the legal recognition act that permits everyone over 16 years to obtain an updated official documentation and identification documents identifying the patient’s new gender without needing to undertake a medical check-up and the doctor’s recommendation to change a gender. They have applauded this call as a win for the trans community, because it affirms the agency and worth of transgender individuals.
In the U.S., still, it is a slightly different story. While some state governments have broadened their policies on the rights of trans persons, several states have presented bills that would further remove trans persons’ ability to access transition-related care, particularly if they are minors. Some of the measures that cropped up throughout the year elicited criticism from the LGBTQ+ community, supporters and healthcare professionals noting that they are rather traumatic and an invasion of the rights of a person. These have centered on the rights of the transgender people and many consider this as a key factor to the struggle of equality for the people in the LBGTQ+ community.
This year also saw some improvements in the acknowledgment of same sex marriages across the world. A landmark victory was achieved in summer 2014, when Estonia became the first Baltic state to approve gay marriages, the opposition in Eastern Europe being more statement than actual move. It was approved despite significant opposition while at the same time demonstrating an increasing acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in the area
As for Asia, two related events awakened discussions on SSM in Japan such as the local court decisions and raise public awareness on SSM. Despite the absence of the national government to promulgate same sex marriage, there is pressure on the citizen and groups to push forward on this area. In 2019 Taiwan became the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage and the increased rights appeared this year as the government granted same-sex couples adoption rights.
No man is an island and visibility is might in the fight for acceptance, this year brought some great advancement when it comes to the representation from the LGBTQ+ community in politics [Source 4]. In the United States, newcomers to politics and the candidates of the LGBTQ+ community became historic, many of them were elected to the local, state, and federal legislatures. Such leaders as Maura Healey, the first governor, and the first openly lesbian one in Massachusetts, become new icons indicating that the queer people are being accepted more and more in the official system.
In media, the visibility of the sexual and gender minorities has progressively increased and several movies and serials have stirred the new examples. Falling in love with the boys and being kicked out of the house, Henry agrees to become a fake prince for America’s only queen.
The bestselling novel-based movie “Red, White & Royal Blue” caused a stir on streaming platforms, telling mainstream viewers the story of two men’s love. Furthermore, series like “Heartstopper” and “The Last of Us” were praised by reviewers and fans as one of the most progressive works in the context of portraying queer characters and narratives in the media.
However, there were severe difficulties in this aspect, especially in some regions of the world during this year too. The emergence of conservatism and neo-fascisms is pushing the rights of LGBTQ+ people in many countries. The Ugandan government at one point enacted one of the worst anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in recent years outlawing consensual same-sex practice with lots of harsh penalties including death in certain circumstances. Due to this legislation which has been passed in Uganda many organizations and activists in the world chastise the Ugandan government and demand to impose a ban on the country.
DON’T SAY GAY bill of Florida in the United States banned the introduction of sex orientation and gender identity in school, which has sparked protest and legal lawsuit. These are some of the measures which have been condemned for removing theQueer within education and making schools unsafe spaces for Queer youth. The opposition to such legislation has been stiff with gay rights organizations and allies coming out in large numbers to oppose the laws remembering the courts and organizing vigorous campaigns.
Nevertheless, the LGBTQ+ community still celebrates embracing its identity and its accomplishments through the various events called Pride around the globe. This year’s pride was even special since after years of lockdowns caused by covid19 pandemic, many cities recorded high attendance. The annual New York City Pride Parade included an honorary march for the victims of LBGTQ+ violence as well as the future of the previous years. Other cities including São Paulo, London, and Sydney also had parades, with millions participating and stressing unity in the entire world for the community.
In India, Pride events gained momentum across various cities, reflecting a growing acceptance and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in a country where same-sex relationships were only decriminalized in 2018. The vibrant parades, cultural performances, and discussions highlighted the ongoing fight for equal rights, including the push for same-sex marriage legalization in the country.
There was also greater concern of workplace discrimination based on sexuality and gender identity for this group of people this year. Last year there were increased pressures for organizations all over the world to embrace equal opportunity at workplace and provide spousal benefits including health insurance for same-sex partners. Even now, many industries are not so advanced in this segment; however, technology giants, such as Google and Microsoft, took important steps in this direction.
The drive for equal opportunities employment has also been felt in countries that have not embraced the LGBT equals rights. Many companies have been supporting their employees regardless of the laws of the country in which they operate and this changes the culture in societies.
Conclusion
The year-end roundup of queer news involves both progress and regression, margin and mainstream, victory and failure, and a quest for an equal place. It remains a long process from victories in having laws passed, wide representation in media and the rough tide in some areas. But, what came out clearly during the event was the spirit of the LGBT + community and its supporters across the world as display of celebrations batching and further demonstration of advocacy for equal rights. Looking ahead it is however evident that the pace that has been set in this year still lays further progress and give voice and respect to the gay and lesbians and everyone who is in the community across the globe
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