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2023 Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Equality Index

The current status of equality for the Worldwide LGBTQIA+ community
Community Image - 2023 Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Equality Index
35.8 million or 16.8% 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
Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Equality Index
30%
of countries score high or very high
Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Dollar
$1.4 trillion
added to the world economy
Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Population
c.212.3 million
people living within communities across the globe
Worldwide Same-Sex Unions or Marriages
31.3%
73 countries recognise same-sex unions or marriages
Worldwide Legal Gender Recognition
42.1%

98 countries legally recognise gender identities

Worldwide Gay Conversion Therapy
6.9%
or 16 countries have laws banning Gay Conversion Therapy
Discover the equality status of any country…
Gayther Dropdown – 2023 Equality Index (500px)

  2023 SUMMARY

Gayther Equality Index - 2023 Statistics
KEY FACTS
  • 23.4% or an estimated 49.6 million LGBTQIA+ individuals live in countries in which it is illegal to carry out same-sex related acts
  • 84 countries have extensive anti-discrimination laws in place
  • 60 countries allow LGBTQIA+ couples to adopt, and 22 countries offer limited adoption rights such as step-child adoption or LGBTQIA+ individual adoption
  • 98 countries have laws concerning gender identity/expression
  • 16 countries have nationwide bans in place concerning Gay Conversion Therapy

LGBTQIA+ EQUALITY OVERVIEW

  • In 2023, in terms of the worldwide equality index:
    • 30% of all countries are classified as high or very high
    • 45.5% of all countries are classified as medium-high or medium-low
    • 24.5% of all countries are classified as low or very low
    • 23.4% or an estimated 49.6 million LGBTQIA+ individuals live in countries in which it is illegal to carry out same-sex related acts
    • 42.1% or 98 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:
    • 18 countries still criminalise same-sex activities; however, they do not enforce prosecutions
    • 8 countries issue penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment
    • 24 countries issue penalties of 2 years to life imprisonment
    • 5 countries have vigilante groups administering torture, beatings and executions
    • 10 countries issue death penalties
  • In terms of anti-discrimination laws:
    • 84 countries have extensive laws in place
    • 38 countries have some laws in place
    • 111 countries have no laws in place
  • In terms of other key factors affecting the LGBTQIA+ community:
    • 60 countries allow LGBTQIA+ couples to adopt, and 22 countries offer limited adoption rights such as step-child adoption or LGBTQIA+ individual adoption
    • 119 countries allow LGBTQIA+ individuals to serve in the military
    • 16 countries have nationwide bans in place concerning Gay Conversion Therapy
    • 2 countries have legalised Gay Conversion Therapy, making it state-approved

Developments from the previous year

  • Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Singapore decriminalised homosexuality, which was all signed into law
  • Same-sex marriages in Andorra, Cuba, Curaçao (Netherland Antilles), and Slovenia became legal, and Latvia legalised civil unions for same-sex couples. The United States implemented the Respect for Marriage Act, which protects same-sex and interracial marriages. The Supreme Court of Nepal ordered the government to recognise same-sex marriage, paving the way for the government to implement same-sex marriage legislation in the future
  • Colombia’s Constitutional Court ruled in favour of allowing non-binary people to have their gender legally recognised, and in the United States, passports are now issued with a non-binary “X” gender option
  • Canada and New Zealand implemented bans on conversion therapy, and the health ministry of Israel announced a ban on conversion therapy with the national medical commission within India, declaring anyone performing conversion therapies professional misconduct
  • Austria, Greece, France, Ireland and Lituania have removed or reduced bans on deferral periods for gay men who donate blood
  • Kuwait’s Constitutional Court has repealed a law that has been historically used to criminalise transgender people by forbidding the imitation of the opposite sex
  • Unfortunately, Russia introduced a bill making it a crime to spread so-called gay propaganda to anyone, regardless of age and in Uganda, the parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality bill in 2023, criminalising same-sex sexual activity with a life sentence or the death penalty, including criminalising identification of as LGBTQ+ individual and the promotion of homosexuality
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

  INTERACTIVE MAP

click here  Click on a specific country within the map to find out the equality score

  ABOUT LGBTQIA+ WORLDWIDE EQUALITY

Gayther Community - About Equality Index (2)
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

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

  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Gayther Equality Index - Safe to Visit
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
Gayther Equality Index - Death Penalty
Why do some countries still have the death penalty in place?
In 2023, ten countries in force the death penalty; those countries are Afghanistan, Brunei Darussalam, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Somalia. A further five 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 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
Gayther Equality Index - Equality Mean
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

  USEFUL PHRASES

Common phrases and terms in over 80 languages

Please select a country from the drop-down list to discover common phrases relating to equality

Gayther Useful Phrases - Equality (500px)
EQUALITY
COMMUNITY
DEATH SENTENCE
DISCRIMINATION
HARASSMENT
ILLEGAL
INEQUALITY
JUSTICE
LEGAL PROTECTION
LEGAL STATUS
LEGALISE
LEGISLATION
MARRIAGE
PENALTY
PERSECUTION
PREJUDICE
RACISM
STEREOTYPE
UNIVERSAL
VICTIM
VICTIMISE
WORLDWIDE

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

  BY COUNTRY


Learn more about the LGBTQIA+ equality status for any given country. The status is based on a scale concerning the laws and regulations around how that country treats the local community. To understand a particular status, click here to view the definition section. The countries are in alphabetical order, and if you want to learn more about any given country, click on the flag, or the country name, which will open the required content in a new window


A  


B  


C  


D E F  


G  


H I J  


K L  


M  


N  


O P Q  
NUMBER OF COUNTRIES GROUPED BY EQUALITY STATUS

The total number of countries is grouped by how well they score within the Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Equality Index. The index is based on 233 countries across the globe.

41
VERY HIGH
29
HIGH
44
MEDIUM-HIGH
62
MEDIUM-LOW
42
LOW
15
VERY LOW

  LGBTQIA+ EQUALITY STATUS DEFINITIONS

The Gayther equality index focuses on the LGBTQIA+ community’s global status, rights and legal treatment. The index is compiled by reviewing and categorising the many rules and laws that directly affect and impact the community. Categories and areas include same-sex legal status, the right to marry, anti-discrimination laws and other key metrics. Click here to view the How it was calculated page to understand all of the areas and how they contribute to the overall score


How can the LGBTQIA+ Equality Status help visitors and travellers?
The LGBTQIA equality index + indicates how well a country treats its citizens and the local community. Though many issues individuals face within a country, such as the right to marry or adopt, will not affect visitors or travellers, it helps to gauge attitudes. Countries, where LGBTQIA+ identities are more widely accepted within society tend to have more progressive laws. Laws, especially in democratically elected governments, are typically driven and implemented based on consensus and high approval rates amongst most citizens. Where countries score lower on the equality scale, the LGBTQIA+ community will likely face hostility, including visitors and travellers to that country, unless they are discrete. Ultimately the index is a great indicator; however, it is not the only one that can affect someone’s travel experience. Research must be carried out when planning to travel to a particular area or region to ensure that there are no problems, such as extreme weather, outbreaks of diseases or violence


DEFINITIONS
VERY HIGH
EQUALITY STATUS
Likely to be considered
Very Safe
Countries classified as very high generally mean that they are the safest and have a range of progressive laws protecting the LGBTQIA+ community. Counties which have decriminalised or have never criminalised same-sex relationships and have extensive anti-discrimination laws in place
LGBTQIA+ Travellers: Visitors and travellers to countries categorised as very high will likely not experience discrimination or negative attitudes due to their sexuality or gender identities. Experiences and perspectives will be higher in cities than in rural and less populated areas. Community smartphone apps should be safe and public displays of affection would be widely accepted
Attitudes toward the community: Countries categorised as very high will likely see large groups of the population, society, and country be more accepting of LGBTQIA+ identities, especially in cities and populated areas. Acceptance levels may be slightly lower in rural areas and remoter regions
HIGH
EQUALITY STATUS
Likely to be considered
Safe
Countries classified as high are considered safe and have a range of progressive laws protecting the LGBTQIA+ community. Counties which have decriminalised or have never criminalised same-sex relationships and have some anti-discrimination laws in place
LGBTQIA+ Travellers: Visitors and travellers to countries categorised as high will likely not experience discrimination or negative attitudes due to their sexuality or gender identities. Experiences and perspectives will be higher in cities than in rural and less populated areas. Community smartphone apps should be safe and public displays of affection may be accepted
Attitudes toward the community: Countries categorised as high will likely see society and the country be widely more accepting of LGBTQIA+ identities, especially in cities and populated areas. Acceptance levels may be lower in rural areas and remoter regions
MEDIUM-HIGH
EQUALITY STATUS
Likely to currently have
Issues
Countries classified as medium-high are considered generally safe but may have minor issues. Many of the counties will have some progressive laws protecting the LGBTQIA+ community. Counties that have decriminalised or have never criminalised same-sex relationships and have some or no anti-discrimination laws in place
LGBTQIA+ Travellers: Visitors and travellers to countries categorised as medium-high might not experience some form of discrimination or negative attitudes due to their sexuality or gender identities. Experiences and perspectives will be higher in cities than in rural and less populated areas. Community smartphone apps should be safe and public displays of affection will be less likely accepted
Attitudes toward the community: Countries categorised as medium-high will likely see improvements in society and the country regarding LGBTQIA+ identities, especially in cities and populated areas. Acceptance levels may be lower in rural areas and remoter regions
MEDIUM-LOW
EQUALITY STATUS
Likely to currently have
Serious issues
Countries classified as medium-low are where travel discretion is advised, considered a low-medium risk and will probably have serious issues within society or the government. Countries will likely have some progressive laws protecting the LGBTQIA+ community. Some countries have decriminalised same-sex relationships; however, most still have active laws. For those countries criminalising same-sex relationships, prosecutions will probably not be enforced. Many countries will also have some or no anti-discrimination laws in place
LGBTQIA+ Travellers: Visitors and travellers to countries categorised as medium-low might experience some form of discrimination or negative attitudes due to their sexuality or gender identities. Experiences and perspectives will be higher in cities than in rural and less populated areas. Community smartphone apps might not be safe, so discretion is advised, and public displays of affection will likely not be accepted
Attitudes toward the community: Countries categorised as medium-low will see attitudes lower than more accepting countries. Societies and the country may have seen improvements concerning LGBTQIA+ identities, especially in cities and populated areas. Acceptance levels may be lower in rural areas and remoter regions
LOW
EQUALITY STATUS
Likely to be considered
Not Safe
Countries classified as low are where travel discretion is advised and considered a medium risk and unsafe. Countries will likely have no progressive laws protecting the LGBTQIA+ community; instead, legislation targeting or singling out the community and its members. Counties will criminalise same-sex relationships, and prosecutions are often still enforced. Penalties will range from medium (up to 2 years imprisonment) to heavy (up to life imprisonment)
LGBTQIA+ Travellers: Visitors and travellers to countries categorised as low will most likely experience discrimination or negative attitudes due to their sexuality or gender identities. Discretion is advised, even though some countries might be more tolerant of visitors. Community smartphone apps might not be safe, so discretion is recommended, and there should be no public displays of affection
Attitudes toward the community: Countries categorised as low will see attitudes less accepting, even hostile towards LGBTQIA+ identities. Though LGBTQIA+ communities exist within those countries, many will likely be discrete, hiding or suppressing their true identity. Many community members will probably live in major cities and populated areas, meeting community members secretly and hidden from those in authority. Acceptance levels will be lower in rural areas and remoter regions, where vigilantes may take the law into their own hands
VERY LOW
EQUALITY STATUS
Likely to be considered
Serious Risk / Dangerous
Countries classified as very low are where travel discretion is advised and considered high risk, even dangerous. Countries will likely have no progressive laws protecting the LGBTQIA+ community; instead, legislation targeting or singling out the community and its members. Counties will criminalise same-sex relationships, and prosecutions are often still enforced. Penalties will range from heavy (up to life imprisonment) to death sentences
LGBTQIA+ Travellers: Visitors and travellers to countries categorised as very low, it is often dangerous, and people will likely experience discrimination or negative attitudes due to their sexuality or gender identities. Discretion is strongly advised, even though some countries might be more tolerant of visitors. Community smartphone apps might not be safe, so discretion is recommended. Not sharing physical locations and showing anything that could be used to identify you. It is strongly advised not to carry out any public displays of affection in any form
Attitudes toward the community: Countries categorised as very low will see attitudes as poor and less accepting, even hostile towards LGBTQIA+ identities. Though LGBTQIA+ communities exist within those countries, many will likely be discrete, hiding or suppressing their true identity. Many community members will probably live in major cities and populated areas, meeting community members secretly, risking their lives, often hidden from those in authority. Acceptance levels will be lower in rural areas and remoter regions. Nationwide, should their identity be exposed, it could result, in extreme cases, in a death sentence

  UPDATE FREQUENCY

Gayther Community - Updates
To keep up to date, we will typically update all of our community indices in the first quarter of every year (before March) to keep a consistent position. Should a landmark event occur, we would endeavour to change all relevant indices as quickly as possible.

When reviewing data, it is crucial to understand what it represents, whether it reflects the world and the experience of all those affected. Changes within any given country or region are not restricted to a specific month of the year or even are automatically triggered. Change, especially concerning equality, gender recognition, same-sex marriages and the status of gay conversion therapy, often takes work. Typically by many large groups of dedicated and focused individuals advocating and fighting for justice for positive change within their local communities.

The indices have been created to help you understand the world around you; however, engaging with your global community is essential. It is vital, especially if you are familiar with your desired destination. By reaching out and communicating with other members of the LGBTQIA+ community, you can establish critical details. It only takes a small amount of effort in locating people from or those who have already visited your particular destination for advice. Engaging on social media and Gayther’s networking platform, Gayther Affinity, can help you connect with the global LGBTQIA+ community.
Last Updated: March 31, 2023

EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE MAKING HISTORY

Over the past 50 years, the LGBTQIA+ global community has seen many positive developments, where the rights and protection for community members have greatly improved. The improvements and changes are a direct result of the exceptional individuals who stood up, often at great personal risk, to fight for and promote community rights. Discover more about some of these exceptional individuals today
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
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

Three dedicated websites offer various tools, services, guides, and much more. Free tools and services tailored toward all groups within the global LGBTQIA+ community

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  DISCOVER MORE ON GAYTHER

Discover more about the extensive tools, services and guides available on Gayther. From country and regional guides to LGBTQIA+ community resources, learn more about all that Gayther has to offer

Learn more about Gayther; it’s history, values and mission
Discover Gayther Care, a site dedicated to community support and care
Discover all about the LGBTQIA+ community from the many resources available
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
NOTES
  • The index has been compiled and is correct as of March 31, 2023
  • The index has been compiled using a variety of different sources, including news articles, publications and websites such as Wikipedia

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

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DISCOVER THE GAYTHER INTERACTIVE SITEMAP TOOL

Gayther is one of the largest LGBTQIA+ community resources available online. Thousands of helpful pages, tools, and guides are all available for you to use for free. We know Gayther is extensive, so to help, we have created various easy-to-use search facilities, including the Interactive Sitemap Tool
HOW TO USE
  • Click on the icon found in the header or at the top of every page
  • Once you have clicked the icon the full screen menu will appear
  • All you need to do is to click each of the options which best suit your requirements

Please sit back, relax and let us help you find what you are looking for quickly and easily