COMMUNITY INDICES
The Gayther Indices are among the most comprehensive LGBTQIA+ trackers worldwide, covering a wide range of themes from global equality to healthcare systems, to help inform and engage everyone, especially the international LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you are searching for the perfect travel destination or seeking to understand better and support equal rights for community members across the globe, the Gayther Indices are your essential global resource
COMMUNITY STATISTICS
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
WORLDWIDE INDICES
ABOUT GAYTHER INDICES
GAYTHER DATA STANDARDS
GAYTHER INTEROPERABILITY
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Explore all of the unique
indices on gayther
Discover all the LGBTQIA+ indices available across the Gayther platform.
Click on the image or more button to find out more
The Where We Stand report provides a summary and overview of data from all Gayther Indices. Covering topics from decriminalisation to same-sex marriage, the report highlights the progress, changes, and statistics from the current year
Explore how different countries and regions worldwide approach LGBTQIA+ rights. From the legal status of same-sex marriage to gender identity recognition, this straightforward equality index offers a score and a detailed overview for every nation.
Discover all the countries that have legalised same-sex marriage and unions. Explore whether a country recognises civil unions, same-sex marriages, and marriage terms available in over 89 languages.
Discover which countries legally recognise gender identities, including all the requirements needed to obtain legal recognition, such as sterilisation or reassignment surgery, and whether a government issues official legal documentation.
Find inclusive businesses and services
The Gayther platform features seven inclusive and interactive directories, from detailed weather updates to listing services that showcase the inclusivity of businesses, services, and events for the global LGBTQIA+ community. Learn more about each directory and how they can help you find what you need. Discover more about Gayther today.
Understand the size of the LGBTQIA+ community in any country, region, or continent worldwide with this easy-to-use guide, which ranks individual countries by estimated LGBTQIA+ population.
Learn how much the global LGBTQIA+ community adds to the world economy. This straightforward guide ranks countries by total expenditure and includes data from all populated continents and 233 countries worldwide.
Learn more about the different types of healthcare available around the world, from private insurance to universal healthcare, and examine the systems used in each country.
Discover more about the countries with nationwide bans on gay conversion therapy, including those where the practice still has state approval.
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.
Learn more about LGBTQIA+ refugees, from those fleeing war to those escaping persecution based on their gender or sexual identity, and the challenges faced when many safe countries do not recognise LGBTQIA+ rights and protections.
Explore more than 230 interactive country guides designed for LGBTQIA+ and other refugees and migrants, providing essential community information, helpful translations, and much more.
Discover the LGBTQIA+ Family Index, which compares the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals on adoption, surrogacy, and parental rights around the world.
Learn more about the age of consent worldwide, the legally recognised age at which a young person of any sex, gender, or sexual orientation can lawfully agree to sexual activity.
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.
Indices that offer a snapshot of
lgbtqi+ rights
- 12 indices
- Compiled each year
- 233 countries and territories
- Unique and exclusive to Gayther
The indices are central to Gayther, a platform that has grown into one of the world’s largest sources of current LGBTQIA+ information. Each index aims to help people better understand their surroundings: not only how different countries treat community members, but also how many individuals are likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ globally, their economic contributions, and more.
The indices serve as both a gauge and a guide. They offer insight into how you might be treated when visiting a country, what daily life is like for the local community, and the attitudes and behaviours you are likely to encounter. A country that scores low on the Gayther Equality Index will probably treat both its local LGBTQIA+ community and visitors poorly. Some visitors may feel unaffected if they remain discreet, but a certain level of risk will always remain.
Over the years, the indices have evolved to reflect what matters most to people: the themes and factors that significantly impact the community. Currently, there are more than 12 unique indices covering areas such as equality, health, refugees, family, and marriage, among others. They are designed to inform, engage, and ultimately support the global LGBTQIA+ community, enabling better decisions in response to the ever-changing political and social landscape.
The indices also underpin the Gayther LGBTQIA+ Travel Guides, which cover over 230 countries and 600 regions. These detailed guides are free to access, available both online and as downloadable versions, and cover not only the usual travel information, languages, currencies, and practicalities, but also community-specific information, health considerations, and much more. Comprehensive, accessible, and built with the community in mind.
The indices serve as both a gauge and a guide. They offer insight into how you might be treated when visiting a country, what daily life is like for the local community, and the attitudes and behaviours you are likely to encounter. A country that scores low on the Gayther Equality Index will probably treat both its local LGBTQIA+ community and visitors poorly. Some visitors may feel unaffected if they remain discreet, but a certain level of risk will always remain.
Over the years, the indices have evolved to reflect what matters most to people: the themes and factors that significantly impact the community. Currently, there are more than 12 unique indices covering areas such as equality, health, refugees, family, and marriage, among others. They are designed to inform, engage, and ultimately support the global LGBTQIA+ community, enabling better decisions in response to the ever-changing political and social landscape.
The indices also underpin the Gayther LGBTQIA+ Travel Guides, which cover over 230 countries and 600 regions. These detailed guides are free to access, available both online and as downloadable versions, and cover not only the usual travel information, languages, currencies, and practicalities, but also community-specific information, health considerations, and much more. Comprehensive, accessible, and built with the community in mind.
Explore the world
Travelling is one of the most popular hobbies and interests around the world. Exploring new places, cultures, and experiences is both exciting and rewarding. For most people, knowing the best time to visit and basic travel details is enough; however, for the LGBTQIA+ community, further research is necessary. The Gayther Travel guides cover hundreds of countries and regions, providing essential travel information, useful terms in local languages, and important health advice, including details on how each country treats members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Discover Gayther guides today.
Gayther Indices follow a unique
structure and approach
All of the Gayther Indices follow a standardised structure and approach, with data organised around 233 countries and territories. While the United Nations recognises 195 countries, including 193 member states and 2 observer states, we expanded our list to include an additional 38 territories: 2 disputed territories, 34 overseas territories of sovereign nations, and 2 smaller island nations. These territories are included because they are distinct places in their own right, visited by travellers and characterised by their own culture, legal framework, society, and, in many cases, language, separate from that of their associated sovereign nation.
Although not all 233 countries and territories are United Nations member states, they are all internationally recognised and included within widely adopted international standards, such as the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 3166. These frameworks establish the basis of our data sets, allowing us to connect, assemble, and consolidate information within a consistent, comparable structure.
This consistency is where the true power resides. A single data set can provide a valuable and insightful perspective on its own, but combining and linking data sets allows us to expand and deepen our understanding in ways that would otherwise be impossible. For example, mapping cancer rates by country and year can offer insights into relative health outcomes, but connecting that data with the types of healthcare systems in use can begin to uncover meaningful patterns and trends. Similarly, comparing LGBTQIA+ equality status against forms of government, such as authoritarian or democratic, can reveal compelling correlations. When data is consistently structured and formatted to a high standard, the possibilities for exploration are virtually endless, helping us better understand the world around us.
Although not all 233 countries and territories are United Nations member states, they are all internationally recognised and included within widely adopted international standards, such as the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 3166. These frameworks establish the basis of our data sets, allowing us to connect, assemble, and consolidate information within a consistent, comparable structure.
This consistency is where the true power resides. A single data set can provide a valuable and insightful perspective on its own, but combining and linking data sets allows us to expand and deepen our understanding in ways that would otherwise be impossible. For example, mapping cancer rates by country and year can offer insights into relative health outcomes, but connecting that data with the types of healthcare systems in use can begin to uncover meaningful patterns and trends. Similarly, comparing LGBTQIA+ equality status against forms of government, such as authoritarian or democratic, can reveal compelling correlations. When data is consistently structured and formatted to a high standard, the possibilities for exploration are virtually endless, helping us better understand the world around us.
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.
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 Indices follow a unique
structure and approach
In data analysis, management, and information technology, you will often hear the term interoperability: the ability of systems, devices, applications, and datasets to connect and exchange information seamlessly.
Connecting and linking data is powerful and can transform the meaning and deepen our understanding of any information presented. For example, a breakdown of a country’s population can reveal how many people live in different areas, their likely age ranges, and an overview by ethnicity, offering valuable insights into a nation’s demographics. However, it shows us where people are and who they are, not what their lives are actually like.
Combine that population data with economic and education data from the same country, and a richer picture begins to emerge, one that suggests how many people are likely to live in different circumstances, what their jobs might be, their earning potential, and much more. The more data you connect, the more detailed and nuanced the story becomes, helping us explore and understand the daily lives and conditions of people around the world.
This is central to the Gayther platform. Linking the indices together enables us to examine not only the conditions faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in any given country, but also the likely size of the LGBTQIA+ population, whether that country recognises gender rights, and what healthcare provisions are available to them. The Gayther datasets are designed to be connected, aggregated, and explored, providing a unique and revealing snapshot of lives and conditions across countries worldwide.
Connecting and linking data is powerful and can transform the meaning and deepen our understanding of any information presented. For example, a breakdown of a country’s population can reveal how many people live in different areas, their likely age ranges, and an overview by ethnicity, offering valuable insights into a nation’s demographics. However, it shows us where people are and who they are, not what their lives are actually like.
Combine that population data with economic and education data from the same country, and a richer picture begins to emerge, one that suggests how many people are likely to live in different circumstances, what their jobs might be, their earning potential, and much more. The more data you connect, the more detailed and nuanced the story becomes, helping us explore and understand the daily lives and conditions of people around the world.
This is central to the Gayther platform. Linking the indices together enables us to examine not only the conditions faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in any given country, but also the likely size of the LGBTQIA+ population, whether that country recognises gender rights, and what healthcare provisions are available to them. The Gayther datasets are designed to be connected, aggregated, and explored, providing a unique and revealing snapshot of lives and conditions across countries worldwide.
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.
When travelling, as a non-native speaker of a language or when you cannot speak, communicating how you think and feel to a medical practitioner can be challenging. The medical diagnosis interpreter, also known as the MDI, is a free click-and-point solution where you can use literal translations for up to 89 different languages
Knowing the local emergency telephone numbers is crucial, whether at home or abroad. The Gayther guide not only provides the various telephone numbers for the emergency services worldwide but also common phrases in the native language
When escaping persecution or conflict, travelling through a country as a non-native speaker of a language or when you cannot speak is difficult. Quickly communicating your needs and any required assistance is challenging and often time-critical. The refugee communication tool is an essential tool designed to help anyone in a problematic situation share their circumstances with those in a position to help
How Gayther data
connects seamlessly
In data analysis, management, and information technology, you will often hear the term interoperability: the ability of systems, devices, applications, and datasets to connect and exchange information seamlessly.
Connecting and linking data is powerful and can transform the meaning and deepen our understanding of any information presented. For example, a breakdown of a country’s population can reveal how many people live in different areas, their likely age ranges, and an overview by ethnicity, offering valuable insights into a nation’s demographics. However, it shows us where people are and who they are, not what their lives are actually like.
Combine that population data with economic and education data from the same country, and a richer picture begins to emerge, one that suggests how many people are likely to live in different circumstances, what their jobs might be, their earning potential, and much more. The more data you connect, the more detailed and nuanced the story becomes, helping us explore and understand the daily lives and conditions of people around the world.
This is central to the Gayther platform. Linking the indices together enables us to examine not only the conditions faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in any given country, but also the likely size of the LGBTQIA+ population, whether that country recognises gender rights, and what healthcare provisions are available to them. The Gayther datasets are designed to be connected, aggregated, and explored, providing a unique and revealing snapshot of lives and conditions across countries worldwide.
Frequently asked questions and
answers
Explore some of the common and frequently asked questions relating to the Gayther indices.
1 | WHY DO YOU UPDATE THE INDICES ONCE A YEAR?
Change, whether large or small, occurs continuously and incrementally throughout the year. While it is technically possible to update the indices in real time, doing so would cause inconsistencies across the Gayther platform. The data we gather feeds into various sources, tools, and guides, and we consistently produce detailed analyses, articles, and reports based on data captured at a specific point in time. Constantly changing figures would undermine the consistency of those resources and make meaningful comparisons over time much more difficult.
In practice, most changes that occur throughout the year are relatively small, specific in nature, and have limited wider impact, whether recorded in real time or as part of an annual review. Larger, more significant shifts happen less frequently and tend to be widely covered in traditional media and across social platforms when they do.
Producing an annual snapshot requires significant time and effort, not only to track changes and update datasets but also to ensure the data remains relevant and consistent across all our reports, guides, and articles. An annual update provides a stable and reliable foundation, one we can build upon and expand throughout the year in everything we produce.
In practice, most changes that occur throughout the year are relatively small, specific in nature, and have limited wider impact, whether recorded in real time or as part of an annual review. Larger, more significant shifts happen less frequently and tend to be widely covered in traditional media and across social platforms when they do.
Producing an annual snapshot requires significant time and effort, not only to track changes and update datasets but also to ensure the data remains relevant and consistent across all our reports, guides, and articles. An annual update provides a stable and reliable foundation, one we can build upon and expand throughout the year in everything we produce.
2 | HOW RELIABLE IS THE DATA?
The data used in the Gayther Indices is comprehensive, and in many cases, we have compiled and expanded datasets that have never existed before. Reliable LGBTQIA+ data is inherently difficult to obtain; many countries lack census data or nationwide surveys on the subject, and community members in numerous parts of the world face very real fears and risks when disclosing their sexuality or gender identity to the authorities and government.
Much of the existing data in this area relies on public records, legal developments, media coverage, commentary from specialists in demographics and related fields, and academic research. Although data is available, gaps persist, prompting many organisations, charities, and aggregators to conduct surveys with sample groups to create a more comprehensive picture.
At Gayther, we rely on a range of reputable, trusted sources, supplemented by informed estimates based on sample analyses of available data. Transparency is fundamental to everything we do. For all our main indices, we have dedicated pages on the Gayther platform that explain exactly how scores are calculated and which sources are used.
Much of the existing data in this area relies on public records, legal developments, media coverage, commentary from specialists in demographics and related fields, and academic research. Although data is available, gaps persist, prompting many organisations, charities, and aggregators to conduct surveys with sample groups to create a more comprehensive picture.
At Gayther, we rely on a range of reputable, trusted sources, supplemented by informed estimates based on sample analyses of available data. Transparency is fundamental to everything we do. For all our main indices, we have dedicated pages on the Gayther platform that explain exactly how scores are calculated and which sources are used.
3 | ARE THERE OTHER INDICES OR TRACKERS OUT THERE?
Yes, there are many excellent and reputable options available. Services like Equaldex and the ILGA Rainbow Map are two examples of the available tools and resources. Although many organisations use similar sources, it is the way the data is interpreted and utilised that makes each one unique and valuable in its own right.
At Gayther, we decided to develop and compile our own indices rather than relying on existing ones with their own frameworks and structures. This approach ensures consistent formatting and structure across all datasets, uses a clear, straightforward scoring scale, and provides complete transparency about the source and collection of our data.
Importantly, some indices and resources are unique to the Gayther platform and cannot be found elsewhere. We deeply respect other tracking services; each one provides something different, and together they serve the community and the wider world much more effectively than any single resource alone.
At Gayther, we decided to develop and compile our own indices rather than relying on existing ones with their own frameworks and structures. This approach ensures consistent formatting and structure across all datasets, uses a clear, straightforward scoring scale, and provides complete transparency about the source and collection of our data.
Importantly, some indices and resources are unique to the Gayther platform and cannot be found elsewhere. We deeply respect other tracking services; each one provides something different, and together they serve the community and the wider world much more effectively than any single resource alone.
4 | WHY IS THE DATA SO IMPORTANT?
Data helps us make better decisions. When we have reliable information, we can approach any situation or challenge objectively, weigh all the positives and negatives, and use everything at our disposal to make the best possible decision and achieve the best outcome.
When data is limited or absent, we often rely on personal experience, assumptions, and intuition. While these can sometimes guide us correctly, they often do not show the full picture or reflect the reality most people face.
Good data is vital in all aspects of life, whether assessing risk, identifying opportunities, or making decisions for an upcoming trip. At Gayther, we work hard to ensure the statistics we publish are accurate, consistent, and accessible, so that anyone who needs them can make decisions with confidence.
When data is limited or absent, we often rely on personal experience, assumptions, and intuition. While these can sometimes guide us correctly, they often do not show the full picture or reflect the reality most people face.
Good data is vital in all aspects of life, whether assessing risk, identifying opportunities, or making decisions for an upcoming trip. At Gayther, we work hard to ensure the statistics we publish are accurate, consistent, and accessible, so that anyone who needs them can make decisions with confidence.
5 | CAN I USE ANY OF THE INFORMATION WITHIN THE GAYTHER INDICES?
Yes, the information and data within the Gayther Indices are free to use and are designed to inform and support everyone, not just the LGBTQIA+ community. All we ask is that you cite your source whenever you use the information. The source format will vary depending on which Gayther Index you are referencing, but we have provided an example below to guide you.
EXAMPLES
Although entirely optional, we would also love to hear how you have used the information. Where possible, we may even showcase or reference your work on the Gayther platform, though there is no obligation to contact us or share.
To make things easier, we have also created CSV extracts of all the information contained in the indices, typically including the ISO code, FIPS code, country name, and index-specific data. You can explore all available extracts on the Gayther Download Service.
EXAMPLES
- Source: Gayther | Where We Stand (https://gayther.lgbt/community/indices/where-we-stand)
- Source: Gayther LGBTQIA+ Equality Index (https://gayther.lgbt/community/equality-index/)
- Source: Gayther LGBTQIA+ Marriages and Unions Index (https://gayther.lgbt/community/marriages-unions/)
- Source: Gayther Gender Identity Recognition Index (https://gayther.lgbt/community/gender-identity/)
- Source: Gayther LGBTQIA+ Population Index (https://gayther.lgbt/community/lgbtq-population/)
- Source: Gayther LGBTQIA+ Dollar Index (https://gayther.lgbt/community/lgbtq-dollar/)
- Source: Gayther Worldwide Universal Healthcare Index (https://gayther.care/universal-healthcare/)
- Source: Gayther Banning Gay Conversion Therapy Index (https://gayther.lgbt/community/gay-conv-therapy/)
- Source: Gayther LGBTQIA+ Refugee and Migrants Resource (https://gayther.care/refugees-migrants/lgbtqia-refugees-guides)
- Source: Gayther Refugee and Migrants Country Guides (https://gayther.care/refugees-migrants/refugees-country-guides/)
- Source: Gayther LGBTQIA+ Families Index (https://gayther.lgbt/community/lgbtqia-families/)
- Source: Gayther Worldwide Age of Consent (https://gayther.lgbt/community/age-of-consent/)
Although entirely optional, we would also love to hear how you have used the information. Where possible, we may even showcase or reference your work on the Gayther platform, though there is no obligation to contact us or share.
To make things easier, we have also created CSV extracts of all the information contained in the indices, typically including the ISO code, FIPS code, country name, and index-specific data. You can explore all available extracts on the Gayther Download Service.
6 | WHAT IF I FIND AN ERROR?
Resources designed to help you engage
With more than a thousand data points on weather stations around the world, hundreds of LGBTQIA+ country and state travel guides, and articles, fun activities, and games related to the community, there is something for everyone on Gayther. Support your friends, followers, or customers by including a badge or one of the many colourful QR codes in your newsletter, blog, vlog, or website to direct them to resources that connect directly to you, your business, or your service. Discover QR codes and gayther badges today.
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.
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
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
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information displayed on this page is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute advice. It is essential that, before travelling, you independently gather information specific to your requirements and circumstances. Though we endeavour to keep all information across the site up to date, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information displayed. The languages and terms featured on this page are literal translations and have not been validated or verified. The service is provided free of charge, and by using it, you accept that you are doing so at your own risk. 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
