About the LGBTQIA+ Community
The term LGBTQIA+ is an abbreviation of the first letter for each group represented, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning or Queer, Intersex and Ally. The plus symbol is used to represent all of the smaller sexual and gender identity groups. The LGBTQIA+ community is the only representative group in the world that is diverse and includes every ethnicity, faith, and all genders. One that is inclusive for those unable to identify as binary or able to label their sexuality.
A community focused on improving the rights and protection within the law for people on both the sexuality scale and/or gender spectrum, with exceptional and brave advocates and pioneers fighting for centuries for equality. Though equality has been improving around the world, there is still a long way to go. With over 20 countries still criminalising same-sex relationships, over 160 still not allowing same-sex marriages or unions and worse, 12 countries still impose the death penalty for same-sex prosecutions, the fight goes on.
LGBTQIA+ stands for inclusivity, including everyone and excluding no one. To educate, not indoctrinate, and ensure that everyone, everywhere globally, is treated the same, with equal rights and protection under the law, without persecution due to a person’s gender or sexual identity.
A community focused on improving the rights and protection within the law for people on both the sexuality scale and/or gender spectrum, with exceptional and brave advocates and pioneers fighting for centuries for equality. Though equality has been improving around the world, there is still a long way to go. With over 20 countries still criminalising same-sex relationships, over 160 still not allowing same-sex marriages or unions and worse, 12 countries still impose the death penalty for same-sex prosecutions, the fight goes on.
LGBTQIA+ stands for inclusivity, including everyone and excluding no one. To educate, not indoctrinate, and ensure that everyone, everywhere globally, is treated the same, with equal rights and protection under the law, without persecution due to a person’s gender or sexual identity.
The LGBTQIA+ community has been around in many forms for thousands of years and throughout the centuries. One of the earliest known records of a same-sex relationship was in Ancient Egypt in 2400 BC, where archaeologists discovered the tomb of two high-ranking officials buried together, who are believed to have been in a same-sex relationship. Attitudes have changed throughout the centuries, and for many years and in many parts of the world, homosexuality and transsexuality were generally accepted and commonplace amongst certain cultures and societies. From Ancient Greece to Ancient Rome, there is evidence of transgender priests and practices such as pederasty and cinaedus. Though many of these practices are shocking by today’s standards, they were still part of everyday society in their time. It was not until thousands of years later and the rise of modern-day religions that the community and people became targeted and persecuted, which is still taking place in some countries worldwide.
In the 11th century, attitudes began to change. In the 12th century AD, the Italian inquisition, under instruction from the pope, began to target same-sex relationships as sinful and immoral. Those prosecuted would be banished, with parts amputated for first offences and death for repeat offenders. The 15th century saw the beginning of the Spanish inquisition, a horrific period of history in which any individuals convicted of being involved in same-sex relationships were castrated and banished from society. It was not just western religions; there are many examples of castrations, death by stoning and other gruesome deaths throughout the histories of all known religions, from Islam to Judaism, all teaching that the act is a sin, as immoral and prescribing extreme measures to stop it. The community’s persecution was deeply rooted in many religions for centuries; however, most have evolved to be more tolerant and inclusive of the community in more modern times.
The LGBTQIA+ community never went away or was stamped out, no matter how hard governments, religions and countries tried. Even with the constant fear of persecution and personal threat to their lives, the community just became better at hiding and concealing who they were. They were so good at it that many have held important positions and lived-in plain sight. We only know that the community survived due to the records for those unfortunate and who became discovered and persecuted. Not all countries or cultures treated or persecuted the community in the same way, ranging from generally leaving them alone as long as they were discreet to being targeted and prosecuted if found guilty; however, the level of treatment came from the beliefs and views held by the people and wider communities. Though some may not have been directly targeted or left alone, they still had no legal rights or protection compared to their heterosexual counterparts.
It was not until the late 18th century that the LGBTQIA+ movement began to gain momentum, with prominent people advocating for equality and a movement that continues today. The fight to gain and hold on to equality is fragile; take the example of what happened over 76 years ago. During the second world war, gay and lesbian individuals were rounded up with people that followed Judaism. The Nazis categorised people, as Jewish individuals, who were identified by the yellow patch on their prison uniforms. Black triangles were used to identify those regarded as asozial (anti-social), including lesbians and pink triangles were used to identify gay, bisexual men and transgender women. The exact numbers of those persecuted are unknown; however, it is believed that over 100 thousand LGBTQIA+ men and women lost their lives through being used as target practice for soldiers, medical experimentation, starvation and execution. Even today, many of the LGBTQIA+ community are targeted and persecuted in some parts of the world, the brutality masked by antiquated morality laws, poorly educated societies and the majorities within many countries around the world fearful that giving the community equal treatment diminishes their rights and protection.
From emperors to actors, the LGBTQIA+ 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 around the world.
In the 11th century, attitudes began to change. In the 12th century AD, the Italian inquisition, under instruction from the pope, began to target same-sex relationships as sinful and immoral. Those prosecuted would be banished, with parts amputated for first offences and death for repeat offenders. The 15th century saw the beginning of the Spanish inquisition, a horrific period of history in which any individuals convicted of being involved in same-sex relationships were castrated and banished from society. It was not just western religions; there are many examples of castrations, death by stoning and other gruesome deaths throughout the histories of all known religions, from Islam to Judaism, all teaching that the act is a sin, as immoral and prescribing extreme measures to stop it. The community’s persecution was deeply rooted in many religions for centuries; however, most have evolved to be more tolerant and inclusive of the community in more modern times.
The LGBTQIA+ community never went away or was stamped out, no matter how hard governments, religions and countries tried. Even with the constant fear of persecution and personal threat to their lives, the community just became better at hiding and concealing who they were. They were so good at it that many have held important positions and lived-in plain sight. We only know that the community survived due to the records for those unfortunate and who became discovered and persecuted. Not all countries or cultures treated or persecuted the community in the same way, ranging from generally leaving them alone as long as they were discreet to being targeted and prosecuted if found guilty; however, the level of treatment came from the beliefs and views held by the people and wider communities. Though some may not have been directly targeted or left alone, they still had no legal rights or protection compared to their heterosexual counterparts.
It was not until the late 18th century that the LGBTQIA+ movement began to gain momentum, with prominent people advocating for equality and a movement that continues today. The fight to gain and hold on to equality is fragile; take the example of what happened over 76 years ago. During the second world war, gay and lesbian individuals were rounded up with people that followed Judaism. The Nazis categorised people, as Jewish individuals, who were identified by the yellow patch on their prison uniforms. Black triangles were used to identify those regarded as asozial (anti-social), including lesbians and pink triangles were used to identify gay, bisexual men and transgender women. The exact numbers of those persecuted are unknown; however, it is believed that over 100 thousand LGBTQIA+ men and women lost their lives through being used as target practice for soldiers, medical experimentation, starvation and execution. Even today, many of the LGBTQIA+ community are targeted and persecuted in some parts of the world, the brutality masked by antiquated morality laws, poorly educated societies and the majorities within many countries around the world fearful that giving the community equal treatment diminishes their rights and protection.
From emperors to actors, the LGBTQIA+ 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 around the world.
TAKING IN 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
The LGBTQIA+ community faced hundreds of years of persecution, targeted campaigns and gruesome convictions when prosecuted. It was not until the late 18th century that in England, the philosopher, jurist and social reformer Jeremy Bentham argued to decriminalise same-sex relationships, which did not happen until 1967, 182 years after Mr Bentham’s campaign. Following the French Revolution, France became the first western country to decriminalise same-sex relationships in 1791. The French nobleman, lawyer and statesman, Jean Jacques Régis de Cambacérès was a key player in decriminalising homosexuality as he was one of the authors of the Napoleonic Code, which even today, underpins the French civil law and the laws in many other countries. After France decriminalised same-sex relationships, other neighbouring countries began to change their laws.
Throughout the centuries, most countries have removed their antiquated laws; however, in 2022 there are still 23.2% or 48 million individuals living in countries that still criminalise homosexuality. Even though Poland and Vietnam never outlawed same-sex relationships throughout their histories, it does not mean that the people living in those countries were accepted or even that they had it easy. Often, in the past, laws were only put in place concerning matters where the treatment and prosecutions varied by region. Most countries typically did not actively police the laws; instead, it was left to smaller communities to manage and implement mob rule regarding moral and ethical behaviour at that time.
It was not until the 1960s, just over 60 years ago, that rights and protections for the LGBTQIA+ community began to improve. The Stonewall riots in 1969 started due to a police raid on a gay bar (the Stonewall Inn) but quickly escalated to become a catalyst for a global movement. The LGBTQIA+ community living in New York was tired of the constant harassment and abuse they received from the city’s police department. When they raided the bar, it became the final straw for the community. The riots lasted only five days; however, they attracted international media attention. The protests inspired other LGBTQIA+ to take a stand in solidarity and ensure that their voices, too, were heard. The Stonewall riots did not start the gay movement but instead kick-started change that continues to this day.
Equality for the community has significantly improved around the world, and in 2022:
Throughout the centuries, most countries have removed their antiquated laws; however, in 2022 there are still 23.2% or 48 million individuals living in countries that still criminalise homosexuality. Even though Poland and Vietnam never outlawed same-sex relationships throughout their histories, it does not mean that the people living in those countries were accepted or even that they had it easy. Often, in the past, laws were only put in place concerning matters where the treatment and prosecutions varied by region. Most countries typically did not actively police the laws; instead, it was left to smaller communities to manage and implement mob rule regarding moral and ethical behaviour at that time.
It was not until the 1960s, just over 60 years ago, that rights and protections for the LGBTQIA+ community began to improve. The Stonewall riots in 1969 started due to a police raid on a gay bar (the Stonewall Inn) but quickly escalated to become a catalyst for a global movement. The LGBTQIA+ community living in New York was tired of the constant harassment and abuse they received from the city’s police department. When they raided the bar, it became the final straw for the community. The riots lasted only five days; however, they attracted international media attention. The protests inspired other LGBTQIA+ to take a stand in solidarity and ensure that their voices, too, were heard. The Stonewall riots did not start the gay movement but instead kick-started change that continues to this day.
Equality for the community has significantly improved around the world, and in 2022:
- 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
DISCOVER HOW WELL THE COMMUNITY ARE TREATED..
From marriages and unions to the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships, discover how well each country treats members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Updated each year, you can learn of the positive and negative developments for every country worldwide. Learn more about LGBTQIA+ Worldwide equality today
Nearly all countries around the world keep records relating to births, deaths and marriages. Many countries go further by carrying out surveys and censuses to understand better the size, behaviours and changes in the broader population. Censuses are typically carried out every five years; however, gender identity and sexual identifiers are not part of the question set, which means that there are no official statistics or numbers relating to the size or scale of the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide. Even if questions were included, there would likely be reluctance, especially among older generations, to share personal and intimate information with the government.
With no statics relating to the size, independent bodies and research units have carried out studies based on sample size or a small section of society, in which they were able to draw conclusions. Though only estimates, the LGBTQIA+ community is stated in ranges, from as low as 1% of any given country’s population to as high as 20%. Though some countries may wish to deny it; the reality is that we know that statistically, there are LGBTQIA+ individuals in every country around the world, including those that are hostile towards the community
Based on conservative estimates, Gayther built the LGBTQIA+ Worldwide Population and Dollar indexes based on:
- Lesbian & Gay – 1.3444%
- Bisexual – 1.2889%
- Transgender – 0.0060%
- Total – 2.6393%
LGBTQIA+ COUNTRY & REGION GUIDES
With countries around the world treating members of the LGBTQIA+ community differently, planning an overseas trip can be challenging. With over 233 country and 435 regional guides, Gayther guides provide you with all the information you need when planning your trip. From LGBTQIA equality to essential travel information, discover Gayther guides today
With over an estimated 200 million LGBTQIA+ individuals living worldwide, many work and contribute to the countries and societies they live within. Based on estimates, it is estimated that the global LGBTQIA+ community contribute over 1.3 trillion US dollars each year to the global economy. The contribution is significant, and compared to 2019, that amount against the economies of countries, the LGBTQIA+ contribution was equivalent to: –
That is a range of 6% to 75% of major economies around the world.
- 6% of the United States of America’s economy, which was 21.43 trillion
- 34% of Germany’s economy, which was 3.86 trillion
- 46% of the United Kingdom’s economy, which was 2.83 trillion
- 75% of Canada’s economy, which was 1.74 trillion
- 9% of China’s economy, which was 14.34 trillion
That is a range of 6% to 75% of major economies around the world.
Over the years, specific words and phrases were used against the LGBTQIA+ community, often as insults and to demean people. Words such as queer, homo, limp-wristed, dyke, faggot, flammer and countless others have all been reclaimed by the community. LGBTQIA+ individuals, friends and allies are all helping to redefine their meaning. Instead of being used negatively, they are being transformed into positive words and phrases. It is common to hear some within the community use one or all of the reclaimed words to describe themselves, turning negativity into positivity.
WHAT ARE YOUR PREFERRED PRONOUNS?
For many people that are transitioning or those that identify with gender-fluid identities, pronouns and how they are addressed become important. Learn more about some of the most commonly used personal pronouns, as well as a range of email templates, images and name badges all designed to positively promote individual pronouns
WHAT ARE GENDER OR SEXUAL IDENTIFIERS?
For years people have referred to sexual identifiers as sexual orientation, preference or choice and, in terms of gender, forcing individuals to accept their assigned gender at birth, regardless of how that individual feels. However, each of those terms indicates that the individual is making a choice or decision around who they are, who they love, or who they are attracted to physically. The reality is that nearly all are born the way they are, and the only choice they have to make is whether they accept and come to terms with who they are or do not accept and live within society conforming to the norms, pretending to be something that is not their true self.
The terms gender or sexual identifier are more around how a person identifies themselves and that these identifiers are only part of who they are, not the only defining factor.
The terms gender or sexual identifier are more around how a person identifies themselves and that these identifiers are only part of who they are, not the only defining factor.
WHAT ARE PERSONAL PRONOUNS?
Gender and personal pronouns have been around for centuries in many languages and relate to how we like to be addressed or referred to when people are communicating with us. Personal pronouns are especially important concerning individuals who identify as transgender, gender fluid, or gender non-conforming/non-binary. To understand the importance, imagine waking up one morning and looking at yourself in the bathroom mirror. The person looking back at you is the opposite sex to what you have always known yourself to be or the assigned gender at birth, a man who is looking at a female in the mirror or vice versa. Though you know your true gender or self, everyone you speak to, know or meet will view you differently from how you know yourself. You are desperately trying to conform and accept this identity; however, when you go for a coffee, a barrister refers to you as maim or sir, reminding you of how the world sees you; it would likely upset most people, however, is the reality for many individuals.
Not only are gender pronouns old fashioned and antiquated, but they are also used to create a distinction between genders, so if we live in an equal society, should there be a distinction between his and hers? The reality is that some individuals like the use of traditional gender pronouns, whereas others feel that those pronouns do not represent them. Ultimately it is around choice, the choice around how you like to be addressed or referred to and the responsibility for society to respect your wishes to use your preferred personal pronouns.
Not only are gender pronouns old fashioned and antiquated, but they are also used to create a distinction between genders, so if we live in an equal society, should there be a distinction between his and hers? The reality is that some individuals like the use of traditional gender pronouns, whereas others feel that those pronouns do not represent them. Ultimately it is around choice, the choice around how you like to be addressed or referred to and the responsibility for society to respect your wishes to use your preferred personal pronouns.
WHY IDENTIFIERS AND PRONOUNS ARE IMPORTANT?
When you live in a free and equal society, your sexual identity or the personal pronouns you use to identify yourself should not matter. The reality is that even right now, there is still a quarter of all of the countries in the world have laws in place in which same-sex activity is considered illegal, and individuals can even face the death penalty should they be prosecuted. Though some countries have not prosecuted anyone for twenty plus years, they still exist in itself is an issue.
The LGBTQIA+ community has been around for thousands of years, and it is the only group that represents every country, race, and religion and speaks every language across the globe. The community is made up of a diverse group of individuals united by the desire to be their true selves and to avoid persecution for being something that they cannot change. Though the community has been around for a long time, many have had no choice but to suppress and hide their true self for fear of rejection or persecution.
Countless brave individuals have advocated and fought for rights and the laws in many countries to be changed for the better of the LGBTQIA+ community, where many within the LGBTQIA+ community now have legal rights equal to those enjoyed by heterosexual individuals.
Ultimately, we are all the same; we have the exact desires and wishes. Our sexual identities are a part of who we are and not the only defining factor that makes us who we are. No one should live in fear of being their true self.
The LGBTQIA+ community has been around for thousands of years, and it is the only group that represents every country, race, and religion and speaks every language across the globe. The community is made up of a diverse group of individuals united by the desire to be their true selves and to avoid persecution for being something that they cannot change. Though the community has been around for a long time, many have had no choice but to suppress and hide their true self for fear of rejection or persecution.
Countless brave individuals have advocated and fought for rights and the laws in many countries to be changed for the better of the LGBTQIA+ community, where many within the LGBTQIA+ community now have legal rights equal to those enjoyed by heterosexual individuals.
Ultimately, we are all the same; we have the exact desires and wishes. Our sexual identities are a part of who we are and not the only defining factor that makes us who we are. No one should live in fear of being their true self.
GAYTHER AFFINITY
Gayther Affinity is a private platform for the LGBTQIA+ community and their friends. A space that gives you the freedom to be yourself, helping you communicate with and connect to people similar to yourself from around the world and from all age groups and backgrounds. Get involved with groups discussions, ask questions or quickly search for inclusive business, services, and events near you. Gayther Affinity is committed to safeguarding its users. Through a closed network where user registration is required and enforcing block/report policies and functions to stop online abuse. Signup for your free Affinity account today.
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