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How the Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Equality Index was calculated
Helping you to understand how the worldwide index relating to the rights and laws affecting the LGBTQIA+ community is calculated
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.
Understanding the scoring mechanism of the equality index, which focuses on the status, rights and legal treatments of every country around the world. 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
Understanding the scoring mechanism of the equality index, which focuses on the status, rights and legal treatments of every country around the world. 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
LGBTQIA+ Families
36.47%
62 countries legally recognise same-sex joint or second-parent adoptions
Gay Conversion Therapy
6%
or 14 countries have laws with full bans relating to Gay Conversion Therapy
CONTENTS
SECTIONS
OVERALL SCORE
ABOUT
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Selections
| explore the sections that form the Equality Index
Explore all sections and descriptions related to how each is scored and the weight they carry on the Gayther LGBTQIA+ Equality Index.
Community rights and protections
Each year, learn how different countries and regions around the world treat members of the LGBTQIA+ community. From the status and laws of same-sex marriages to gender identity recognition, this easy-to-use equality index offers a score and breakdown for every country globally.
section
One
- The index reviews the rules and laws at a national level. Some countries with multiple areas, regions, states, and provinces will occasionally have different rules and regulations by area. In cases where the rules are not consistent, for example, should most of the areas, say nine out of ten regions, have pro-LGBTQIA+ laws in place, then that would be classified with a better score at a national level. However, if laws do not exist at a national level or there is no clear majority with pro-LGBTQIA+ laws, then the index would apply a score equivalent to one where no laws exist
- The index has been compiled using a variety of sources, including news articles, publications and various pages on Wikipedia
The Equality Index is updated annually, typically in the first six months of the year
Learn each year how individual countries and regions around the world are treating members of the LGBTQIA+ community. From the status and laws of same-sex marriages to gender identity recognition, this easy-to-use equality index provides a score and breakdown for every country worldwide
section
Two
Introduced in the index in 2019, the same-sex legal status indicates whether engaging in same-sex activities is legal or illegal in a particular country.
0
NOT ILLEGAL
10
ILLEGAL
10
MAXIMUM
section
Three
If laws exist within a country in which it is illegal to perform same-sex related activities, what is the maximum penalty if an individual is prosecuted
0
No penalty in place
5
Not enforced – exists, but the country does not enforce
10
Medium – up to 2 years imprisonment
15
Heavy – 2 years to life imprisonment
18
Vigilante – beatings and executions not condemned or stopped
20
Death – the death penalty exists
20
MAXIMUM
Positive representation helps in
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.
section
Four
Launched in the index in 2019, this section concerns whether anti-discrimination laws exist to protect members of the LGBTQIA+ community from persecution or discrimination by citizens or officials in that country.
0
Bans all forms of discrimination
10
Bans some forms of discrimination
20
No anti-discrimination laws in place
20
MAXIMUM
section
Five
Introduced in the index in 2019, the civil union or partnership, as it is also known, is a legally recognised relationship that is similar to marriage. A union has nearly all the same rights and recognition as marriage, without the official term “married” being used.
0
Yes - recognised
10
No – not recognised
10
MAXIMUM
What is spoken where
It is estimated that over seven thousand languages and dialects are spoken worldwide. When travelling, it is essential to learn which languages are spoken in various areas, as well as key phrases and words in those languages. The Gayther Worldwide Languages Guide features all the main languages spoken globally, organised by country and region. Discover everything about languages today.
section
Six
Introduced in the index in 2019, the legal status of marriage is the union of two individuals recognised by law in a given country. Same-sex marriages generally have the same rights and privileges as traditional heterosexual marriages.
0
Yes - recognised
10
No – not recognised
10
MAXIMUM
Extraordinary people
Over the past 50 years, the LGBTQIA+ global community has seen many positive developments, with rights and protections for its members greatly enhanced. These changes are a direct result of the extraordinary individuals who have stood up, often at considerable personal risk, to advocate for and defend community rights. Discover more about some of these remarkable individuals today.
section
Seven
Added to the index in 2019, this section determines whether members of the LGBTQIA+ community in any given country are legally permitted to adopt children.
0
Yes - permitted
5
Limited – restrictions applied
10
No – not permitted
10
MAXIMUM
Legal recognition of
Gender dysphoria affects many individuals each year. Many feel trapped in the wrong body and seek to alter their appearance to reflect their true self. For those progressing through their transition, it is often a challenging and lengthy journey, but it is ultimately rewarding when they express their authentic identity. Learn more about different countries around the world and the legal status, recognition, and support for gender identities.
section
Eight
Introduced in the index in 2019, this section determines whether members of the LGBTQIA+ community within any given country can actively serve in the military without needing to conceal their true identity due to fear of persecution.
0
YES
5
NO
5
MAXIMUM
section
Nine
Introduced in the index in 2019, this section determines whether transgender individuals, including those who are gender fluid or non-conforming, have their true identity legally recognised in any given country.
0
Yes – laws exist recognising gender identity/expression
10
No – laws do not exist
10
MAXIMUM
Helping you get the support you need
When disaster hits, it is crucial to get the right information quickly. From the correct emergency telephone number wherever you are in the world to how we communicate with a medical professional during an emergency, Gayther offers a range of useful tools, such as the emergency telephone number tool and the medical diagnosis tool. Discover the Emergency Services tools today.
section
Ten
Introduced into the index in 2021, this section indicates whether any country has laws prohibiting the use of Gay Conversion Therapy.
0
YES
5
NO
5
MAXIMUM
Exploring the Worldwide
Learn more about the LGBTQIA+ family index, which compares the rights of community members regarding adoption, surrogacy, and parental rights worldwide. With same-sex marriage and unions now being recognised in over 38 countries and nearly 40 countries offering adoption and parental rights for same-sex couples, the definition of the nuclear family has been changing from being just based on heterosexual relationships, with more LGBTQIA+ individuals opting to adopt or have children of their own, creating a loving and caring family.
section
Eleven
Introduced in the index in 2021, this section determines whether a country supports or has authorised the use of Gay Conversion Therapy.
0
NO
5
YES
5
MAXIMUM
Join in the fun
An event is taking place somewhere in the world at any given time. Whether a gathering for people with similar interests, a pride event attended by thousands, or a concert for a popular musical artist, events not only help us have fun and escape everyday life for a short time, but also help us connect with people, society and the wider community. With the LGBTQIA+ community existing in every country in the world, often as a minority group, whether at home or travelling abroad, attending community-tailored or inspired events, or events that just welcome everyone, can be an excellent opportunity to connect with the community and, at the same time, have some fun. The Worldwide events tools provide a variety of methods for quickly and efficiently searching for and narrowing down events that suit your interests. Discover the Worldwide Events tool today.
Discover more about how often the index is
updated
Once all the country scores are totalled, the overall score is then categorised accordingly.
VERY HIGH
0 – 10
HIGH
11 – 20
HIGH
21 – 30
MEDIUM-HIGH
31 – 40
MEDIUM-HIGH
41 – 50
MEDIUM-LOW
51 – 60
MEDIUM-LOW
61 – 70
LOW
71 – 80
LOW
81 – 90
VERY LOW
91 – 100
TOTAL SCORE
Worldwide recognition of
Marriage equality differs across the globe, and the legal landscape, both positive and negative, continues to change. The Gayther index highlights every country where same-sex marriage or civil unions are legally recognised, offering LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, and allies clear information about their rights. Whether you’re planning to move, travel, or simply want to understand the global picture, see where progress has been made and where challenges remain.
important things to know
about the index
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
Understanding the world around us with
Discover the Gayther Indices, community-related trackers that are among the most comprehensive LGBTQIA+ resources worldwide, covering a wide range of themes from global equality to healthcare systems, to help inform and engage everyone. Whether you are looking for the perfect travel destination or aiming to better understand and support equal rights for community members across the globe, the Gayther Indices are your essential international resource.
Quickly find all the information you need when planning a trip. Home to over 600 detailed country and regional guides, including a wide range of general information as well as dedicated LGBTQIA+ specific details
Search over 900 unique weather locations using the fun and interactive weather tool. Discover the best time to travel to a specific area, when is it the hottest, when is the least chance of rain or when it might snow
Planning a trip takes time and effort. Deciding where to go and how to get there can be a challenge. The interactive travel tool is home to thousands of airports, trains, buses and ports worldwide
Connect with the community
Gayther Affinity is a private platform for the global LGBTQIA+ community. A space that gives you the freedom to be yourself. Helping you communicate with and connect to people similar to yourself. People from around the world from all age groups and backgrounds. Signup for your free Affinity account today
Gayther
your community resources
A community platform that features a variety of tools, services, guides, and much more. Free tools and services tailored toward the global LGBTQIA+ community
The big directory comprises fourteen groups and over one thousand categories, from travel accommodation to home maintenance
There are thousands of events taking place, it is not always easy to know what is going on and when, Gayther can help
The Care Providers and Services directory lists businesses and services that are inclusive and welcoming to all
There are millions of non-profit organisations, advice services, and support groups worldwide, all designed to help you
The RM Directory is designed to showcase organisations and services experienced in assisting those seeking refuge or relocating. Whether a refugee who is forced to leave home due to war or a migrant seeking out better living conditions, the RM Directory can help
Enhanced your experience
Gayther is designed to work perfectly on any device, whether on phones, tablets, or desktops. Enhance your experience and navigation by adding a Gayther shortcut to your home screen or bookmarking your favourite pages, so everything you need is just one tap away. See how simple it is to set up and eliminate the hassle of finding what you’re looking for, wherever you are.
When we explore, we learn; the more we know, the greater our
understanding of the world
Gayther is a positive platform for everyone. One that empowers people to understand more about the LGBTQIA+ community by dispelling misinformation, to showcase all aspects of the exceptional and diverse global community and all that it contributes to the world
Planning a trip? Gayther provides extensive country guides for every country across the globe
Find the information you need quickly with the wide range of guides available on Gayther
Be inspired and have some fun, with a wide range of articles, personality tests, quizzes and crosswords on offer
Discover more about sexuality, from the various identities to inspiring content and information
Discover more about the unique and diverse gender identities within the LGBTQIA+ community
Discover more about the special groups and the people and organisations supporting and helping the LGBTQIA+ community
Not sure what you are looking for? There are many ways to find what you need quickly; the search section provides links to the many search services
Impress your friends with key facts and keep updated on the latest developments and trends within the community
Discover Gayther Trinary, three unique services focused on the different aspects and requirements of the LGBTQIA+ community
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The LGBTQIA+ equality index has been compiled based on the rules and laws that exist at a national level, rather than for any given region, state or province. Though a country may score low on the index, it does not necessarily mean that they are not safe to travel to if personal discretion is applied. The LGBTQIA+ worldwide equality index is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute advice. It is essential that you carry out independent research on any countries you plan to visit before going as laws and regulations change frequently. Your country’s foreign office will advise any given country’s status and whether it is safe to travel there. Though we endeavour to keep all information across the site updated, we do not provide any guarantees to the accuracy and completeness of any information displayed. This page may contain external links to third party websites; Gayther provides these links for your convenience and does not endorse, warrant or recommend any particular products or services. By clicking on any external links, you will leave Gayther and be taken to the third-party website, which you do so at your own risk and by accessing the site, you will be required to comply with the external third party’s terms and conditions of use and privacy policies
