The Global Struggle for LGBTQ+ Rights: Progress and Setbacks
The global struggle for LGBTQ+ rights is like a marathon — a long, gruelling race that stretches across time and continents, with some runners charging ahead while others are left in the dust. The journey toward equality for LGBTQ+ people has seen significant progress in many parts of the world, but there are also moments of painful setbacks, and at times, the path seems as winding as a labyrinth. Although strides have been made in the fight for legal recognition and social acceptance, the battle is far from over. In fact, the struggle continues to unfold in different ways depending on the region, culture, and political climate.
As LGBTQ+ rights continue to evolve, the global landscape is in constant flux. This struggle is shaped by decades of societal, legal, and political shifts, often with stark differences between nations. For instance, many countries in the Western world have made impressive strides toward legalising same-sex marriage, enacting anti-discrimination laws, and fostering social acceptance. However, these gains are not universal. In other parts of the world, LGBTQ+ people still face criminalisation, violence, and discrimination — which, unfortunately, is often exacerbated by deeply entrenched cultural and religious attitudes. The journey is complicated, with both victories and challenges.
Source: Margaux Bellott, Unsplash
Progress and Achievements
There’s no denying the progress made for LGBTQ+ rights in recent decades. The past twenty years have witnessed a remarkable shift in attitudes, legal frameworks, and public awareness. In numerous countries, same-sex marriage is now legal, LGBTQ+ people can serve openly in the military, and anti-discrimination laws have been passed to protect individuals in the workplace, housing, healthcare, and other areas of life. This has been a hard-fought victory in many nations, symbolised by monumental moments such as the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in 2015 that legalised same-sex marriage nationwide. Similarly, the legalisation of same-sex marriage in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands has set important precedents.
Cities like New York, London, and Berlin host some of the most vibrant and visible Pride celebrations in the world, where millions gather to not only celebrate but also advocate for the ongoing fight for rights. For LGBTQ+ communities around the world, Pride has become a powerful symbol of resilience, strength, and unity. It’s like watching a rainbow slowly unfurl, and with each new colour, we get a little closer to a world where people are free to love who they love, without judgment.
But, as much as the rainbow is a symbol of hope, it’s not without its storm clouds. Despite significant advances, LGBTQ+ people around the world continue to face violence, persecution, and discrimination. This is particularly true in many countries where laws remain hostile, where societal acceptance is still a distant dream, and where LGBTQ+ people are subjected to shame and violence. For example, in countries like Uganda, Nigeria, and Russia, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to be criminalised, and the legal and cultural challenges they face are so severe that it feels as though the fight is at a standstill. On the other hand, t also represents the broad diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, encompassing a wide range of identities, expressions, and experiences. That’s why Pride isn’t just about celebrating marriage equality — it’s about recognising and honouring the unique experiences of people who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and more. The LGBTQ+ community is not monolithic, and as it expands and diversifies, the fight for equality takes on even greater significance.
Additionally, many countries have made substantial progress in improving the safety and rights of transgender people. The movement for transgender rights has grown exponentially, with several nations now enacting policies that allow individuals to self-identify their gender and change legal documents accordingly. In the US, the Biden administration has rolled back certain discriminatory policies, allowing transgender individuals to serve openly in the military and pushing for increased protections in healthcare. This momentum is encouraging, though much work remains, especially for trans people of color and trans youth who continue to face disproportionately high levels of violence and marginalisation.
Setbacks and Challenges
The setbacks in the LGBTQ+ rights movement often stem from deeply ingrained cultural, religious, and political attitudes that resist change. Even in countries where laws have been passed to protect LGBTQ+ rights, such as the U.S. and parts of Western Europe, social attitudes can lag far behind. In some instances, these laws are only half-heartedly enforced, and LGBTQ+ people still experience discrimination in healthcare, housing, education, and employment. It’s like putting up a new fence to keep people safe, but forgetting to lock the gate, so they still face the same threats as before.
For example, in the United States, while same-sex marriage has been legalised, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. Many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in more conservative states, continue to face harassment and violence. Anti-transgender laws, which target gender-affirming healthcare and sports participation, are on the rise, with several states proposing or passing bills that undermine the rights of transgender individuals. This includes harmful policies like banning transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports or criminalising healthcare providers who administer gender-affirming treatments to minors. Such actions represent a significant rollback of rights, and they are part of a broader wave of backlash against the progress of the LGBTQ+ movement.
This backlash is not limited to the U.S. Many countries have seen a resurgence of conservatism and authoritarianism, which has fuelled the restriction of LGBTQ+ rights. In countries like Poland and Hungary, LGBTQ+ individuals face significant legal and social obstacles. The European Union has issued strong condemnations of discriminatory policies in these nations, but enforcement of LGBTQ+ rights is difficult when the political climate is so resistant. In places like Russia, LGBTQ+ people face violence and persecution, exacerbated by the country’s “gay propaganda” laws, which make it illegal to promote LGBTQ+ rights. Russia’s draconian approach has inspired similar anti-LGBTQ+ movements in neighbouring countries, further complicating the global struggle.
Source: Norbu Gyachung, Unsplash
Perhaps one of the most alarming setbacks is the rise in violence against LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans individuals. According to numerous reports, including those from Human Rights Watch and the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), the number of reported murders of transgender people, especially transgender women of colour, continues to rise globally. In countries where LGBTQ+ rights are not widely recognised or respected, such as in parts of Africa and the Middle East, individuals are subjected to physical and psychological violence, leading to a constant state of fear and insecurity.
Personal Perspective: Love Knows No Labels
As someone who doesn’t like to be boxed into labels — I like who I like, regardless of gender, the idea of identifying as simply queer feels like a personal truth that reflects my experiences. Love and attraction are as complex as human nature itself, so why should they be reduced to neat categories? If I feel a connection, that’s what matters, not whether you fit into a predefined box. I’ve had relationships with both boys and girls, and in the end, it’s the emotional bond that makes the difference personally, not the gender. This is the essence of what the LGBTQ+ movement fights for: freedom to love and express ourselves as we are, without the need for justification or explanation.
Love isn’t a formula that fits neatly into a test tube — it’s a dynamic, evolving force that transcends rigid labels. Just like any other relationship, it’s built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding, whether it’s with someone who identifies as male, female, or something else entirely. The need for equality is simply a matter of basic human rights — the right to live authentically, the right to love freely, and the right to be accepted for who we are, not who we’re told to be.
It’s important to remember that the LGBTQ+ struggle isn’t about finding the “right” way to express yourself, it’s about the freedom to explore your identity and relationships in an environment that is supportive, not judgmental. Just like the rest of society, the LGBTQ+ community is diverse, multifaceted, and ever-evolving. The key is the freedom to be whoever you are without fear of retribution or ridicule. And it’s essential that we remember that this freedom is not a given — it’s a privilege, a hard-fought battle that must be defended.
Looking Forward: A Queer Future?
Looking ahead, I remain hopeful that LGBTQ+ rights will continue to improve, but I also recognise that the fight is ongoing. As society evolves, so too does our understanding of gender and sexuality. What we view as progressive today may look entirely different in a few decades as newer generations continue to challenge and redefine what it means to love and live authentically. But no matter how much society shifts, one thing will remain constant: the need for equality. We must continue to challenge the status quo, to question assumptions, and to push for inclusivity and equality. No longer can we tolerate the notion that love, identity, and expression should be confined to certain boundaries. The future should be a world where people aren’t afraid to be their true selves, regardless of whom they choose to love or how they choose to express their gender.
There is also a growing recognition that LGBTQ+ rights must be linked to broader social justice issues. Gender identity and sexual orientation cannot be separated from race, class, and disability rights. The fight for LGBTQ+ equality must include efforts to dismantle systems of oppression that disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ people of colour, immigrants, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities. Intersectionality must be at the forefront of our movement, as it ensures that we lift up the voices of those who have been historically marginalised within the LGBTQ+ community.
The global struggle for LGBTQ+ rights must continue to be a fight that brings people together rather than divides. Despite the challenges ahead, there is one undeniable truth: love, in all its forms, is a force that refuses to be ignored. We must continue to harness this power as we push for a world where love knows no boundaries — where the labels that limit us can finally be tossed aside.
Source: Mercedes Mehling, Unsplash
A Marathon, Not a Sprint
The struggle for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over, but it is a fight worth continuing. Progress has been made, yes, but the road ahead is still filled with challenges and setbacks. The true power of this movement lies not just in the legal victories or the vibrant Pride parades, but in the everyday acts of resistance, resilience, and love. For me, and for so many others, the battle is about the freedom to love and live without fear, without labels, and without apology. In the end, the most important victory will be a world where the very notion of “coming out" becomes obsolete — where we simply are, without needing to announce it. Love, in all its beautiful forms, transcends boundaries. The fight for equality is a marathon, not a sprint, but each step we take is one closer to a world where everyone can live authentically, proudly, and without hesitation.
S xoxo
Written in London, England
3rd February 2025