2022 Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Equality Index
37.7 million or 18.2% 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 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, areas such as the same-sex legal status, the right to marry, anti-discrimination laws and other key metrics
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 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, areas such as the same-sex legal status, the right to marry, anti-discrimination laws and other key metrics
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KEY FACTS
- 23.2% or 48 million individuals live in countries in which it is illegal to carry out same-sex related acts
- 87 countries have extensive anti-discrimination laws in place
- 56 countries allow LGBTQIA+ couples to adopt, and 22 countries offer limited adoption rights such as step-child adoption or LGBTQIA+ individual adoption
- 97 countries have laws concerning gender identity/expression
- 15 countries have nationwide bans in place concerning Gay Conversion Therapy
- In 2022, in terms of the worldwide equality index:
- 31.3% of all countries are classified as high or very high
- 42.5% of all countries are classified as medium-high or medium-low
- 26.2% of all countries are classified as low or very low
- 23.2% or 48 million individuals live in countries in which it is illegal to carry out same-sex related acts
- 41.6% or 97 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:
- 20 countries still criminalise same-sex activities; however, they do not enforce prosecutions
- 6 countries issue penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment
- 30 countries issue penalties of 2 years to life imprisonment
- 9 countries issue death penalties
- In terms of anti-discrimination laws:
- 87 countries have extensive laws in place
- 36 countries have some laws in place
- 110 countries have no laws in place
- In terms of other key factors affecting the LGBTQIA+ community:
- 56 countries allow LGBTQIA+ couples to adopt, and 22 countries offer limited adoption rights such as step-child adoption or LGBTQIA+ individual adoption
- 113 countries allow LGBTQIA+ individuals to serve in the military
- 15 countries have nationwide bans in place concerning Gay Conversion Therapy
- 1 country has legalised Gay Conversion Therapy, making it state-approved
- Angola and Bhutan decriminalised homosexuality, which was signed into law
- Same-sex marriages in Switzerland and Chile became legal
- North Macedonia passed a law that legally recognises a change of gender, and the US President issued an executive order lifting a ban on transgender people in the US military
- Chile, Croatia and Switzerland approved the ability for same-sex couples to adopt
- Canada, Chile and India approved nationwide bans on gay conversion therapy
- Spain introduced a bill that allows single women and LGBTQIA+ couples to obtain free IVF treatment
- Israel amended the surrogacy laws, which sees an end to discrimination against LGBTQIA+ couples
Want to learn more about how the LGBTQIA+ Equality Index was calculated? Our how guide provides explanations and in-depth scoring for each of the sections
Click on a specific country within the map to find out the equality score
The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, Intersex, Ally 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 and throughout the centuries. 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. From emperors to actors, the community has a long and rich history. Often a tale of people facing adversity, just for accepting who they are, even when the risk to their personal safety is so high. Many within the community face a challenge every day, in every country, region, and continent worldwide.
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
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
Acceptance and coming to terms with a part of what makes you can be challenging for many people. The Gayther pride in series is about celebrating all things relating to sexualities, gender identities and special groups. Showcasing the exceptional people, interesting facts and ways to connect with those unique communities, all designed to help and promote pride in LGBTQIA+ identities
Is it safe to visit a country with a low equality status?
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
Why do some countries still have the death penalty in place?
In 2022, nine countries in force the death penalty; those countries are Afghanistan, Brunei Darussalam, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia. A further six countries allow groups of individuals to attack, torture, and even murder LGBTQIA+ people living in those countries. Countries that do not have laws or police enforcement stopping vigilantes are Algeria, Cameroon, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda and Uzbekistan. All of the countries listed have elements within their societies of 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
What does equality mean?
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