2021 Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Equality Index
32.7 million or 16.1% of the worldwide LGBTQIA+ community live in countries that are classified as high or very high within the equality index
The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and all groups with non-traditional gender and sexual identities, collectively known as the LGBTQIA+ community, have been around in many forms for thousands of years. The community faced hundreds of years of persecution, targeted campaigns and gruesome convictions when prosecuted. It was not until the late 18th century that the gay movement began to gain momentum, with prominent people advocating for equality and a movement that continues today.
The LGBTQIA+ equality index focuses on the global status, rights, and legal treatment of the community. The index is compiled by reviewing the many rules and laws that directly affect and impact the community, areas such as the same-sex legal status, the right to marry, anti-discrimination laws and other key metrics
- 26.3% or 53.5 million individuals live in countries in which it is illegal to carry out same-sex related acts
- 84 countries have extensive anti-discrimination laws in place
- 54 countries allow LGBTQIA+ individuals or couples to adopt
- 42% or 98 countries have laws concerning gender identity/expression
- 11 countries have nationwide bans in place concerning Gay Conversion Therapy
- In 2021, in terms of the worldwide equality index:
- 26.6% of all countries are classified as high or very high
- 45.1% of all countries are classified as medium-high or medium-low
- 28.3% of all countries are classified as low or very low
- 26.3% or 53.5 million individuals live in countries in which it is illegal to carry out same-sex related acts
- 42% or 98 countries have laws concerning gender identity/expression
- For members of the LGBTQIA+ community living in countries in which same-sex related activities are illegal if prosecuted:
- 22 countries still criminalise same-sex activities; however, they do not enforce prosecutions
- 8 countries issue penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment
- 28 countries issue penalties from 2 years to life imprisonment
- 12 countries issue death sentences
- In terms of anti-discrimination laws:
- 84 countries have extensive laws in place
- 36 countries have some laws in place
- 113 countries have no laws in place
- In terms of other key factors affecting the LGBTQIA+ community:
- 54 countries allow LGBTQIA+ individuals or couples to adopt
- 113 countries permit LGBTQIA+ individuals to serve in the military
- 11 countries have nationwide bans in place concerning Gay Conversion Therapy
- 1 country has legalised Gay Conversion Therapy, making it state-approved
- Sudan, though it still criminalises same-sex relationships, the country has now lifted the death penalty for homosexuality
- Gabon decriminalised same-sex relationships, one-year after criminalising it
- Same-sex marriages became legalised in Costa Rica, Sark (Channel Islands) and Montenegro
- In South Africa, state marriage offices and magistrates can no longer decline to wed same-sex couples
- Hungary passed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, adoption by same-sex couples and ended recognition of changes of sex for legal purposes, including on documents for those who are Transgender and Intersex
- Russia implemented a referendum on more than 200 constitutional amendments resulting in a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage
- The Cayman Islands and Costa Rica passed laws allowing same-sex couples to adopt
- Albania and Germany implement nationwide bans relating to Gay Conversion Therapy
Click on a specific country within the map to find out the equality score
The LGBTQIA+ equality index focuses on the community’s global status, rights, and legal treatment. The index is compiled by reviewing the many rules and laws that directly affect and impact the community, including same-sex legal status, the right to marry, anti-discrimination laws and other key metrics. To understand all of the areas and how they contribute to the overall score, click here to view the how it was calculated page
Through the work of advocates and pioneers, many members of the LGTBQIA+ community now have the rights and freedoms to live their authentic lives or selves without fear of persecution; however, there are still inequalities and injustices occurring all over the world. Many brave individuals and groups work within those countries to change the laws and opinions, so hopefully, everyone will have the freedom and protection under the law one day.
Simply put, the higher a country scores, the lower the equality status of that country on the index. The lower the status, the worse they treat members of the LGBTQIA+ community. IMPORTANT: If you feel your life is in danger or fear persecution, visit the non-profit organisations and support groups’ pages. There are many specialist charities and groups available worldwide that can help. A link to support groups can be found in the footer of every page on the Gayther service
TAKING PRIDE IN YOU
It depends – visiting a country and living within a country are two very different things. A country with an equality status of medium to very low will typically not be treating members of the LGBTQIA+ community living in that country with the same rights and protection within the law as those heterosexual people residing within that country. If you are visiting, often by being discrete for the duration of your stay, you will likely visit without any incident; however, there is still a risk, and you should carry out independent research before you travel
In 2021, there are twelve countries that in force the death penalty; those countries are Afghanistan, Brunei Darussalam, Eritrea, the Republic of Islamic Iran, Libya, Mauritania, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda. Those countries listed are known to have elements within their societies where there are orthodox or traditional religious beliefs. With the majority within those countries holding strong beliefs, the governments and vigilantes target the LGBTQIA+ community, often distracting their societies from what is going on, typically corrupt governments, crippling debt, social inequality or any one of the problems these countries face
Equality means equal rights and treatment, which means not treating someone differently because of their gender or sexuality. Equality represents a belief that everyone within any given country should have the same rights and privileges enjoyed and given to the majority of people living in that country. In the example of sexuality, the majority would be individuals who identify as heterosexual. Equality would mean for the LGBTQIA+ community that people should be able to live without fear of persecution, love whomever they love, without condemnation and have the same access to education, healthcare, marry or form civil partnerships, and create loving family units
DISCOVER WHICH COUNTRIES LEGALLY RECOGNISE GENDER IDENTITIES...
Gender and body dysmorphia affects many people each year. Many will feel trapped in the wrong body and look to transform their outer appearance to reflect their inner self. For those going through their transition, it is often a challenge and lengthy process. Discover how each country around the world legally acknowledges and treats gender identities
Please select a country from the drop-down list to discover common phrases relating to equality