How the Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Equality Index was calculated
The gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and all groups with non-traditional gender and sexual identities, collectively known as the LGBTQIA+ community, have been around in many forms for thousands of years. The community faced hundreds of years of persecution, targeted campaigns and gruesome convictions when prosecuted. It was not until the late 18th century that the gay movement began to gain momentum, with prominent people advocating for equality and a movement that continues today.
Understanding the scoring mechanism of the equality index, which focuses on the status, rights and legal treatments of every country around the world. The index is compiled by reviewing the many rules and laws that directly affect and impact the community, areas such as the same-sex legal status, the right to marry, anti-discrimination laws and other key metrics
- The index reviews the rules and laws at a national level. Some countries with multiple areas, regions, states, and provinces will occasionally have different rules and regulations by area. In cases where the rules are not consistent, for example, should most of the areas, say nine out of ten regions, have pro-LGBTQIA+ laws in place, then that would be classified with a better score at a national level. However, if laws do not exist at a national level or there is no clear majority with pro-LGBTQIA+ laws, then the index would apply a score equivalent to one where no laws exist
- The index has been compiled using a variety of sources, including news articles, publications and various pages on Wikipedia
The Equality Index is updated annually, typically in the first three months of the year
Learn each year how individual countries and regions around the world are treating members of the LGBTQIA+ community. From the status and laws of same-sex marriages to gender identity recognition, this easy-to-use equality index provides a score and breakdown for every country worldwide
Introduced within the index in 2019, the same-sex legal status relates to whether or not it is deemed legal or illegal to perform same-sex related activities within any given country
0
Not Illegal
10
Illegal
10
MAXIMUM
If laws exist within a country in which it is illegal to perform same-sex related activities, what is the maximum penalty if an individual is prosecuted
0
No penalty in place
5
Not enforced – exists, but the country does not enforce
10
Medium – up to 2 years imprisonment
15
Heavy – 2 years to life imprisonment
18
Vigilante – beatings and executions not condemned or stopped
20
Death – the death penalty exists
20
MAXIMUM
Introduced within the index in 2019, this section relates to whether anti-discrimination laws are in place to protect members of the LGBTQIA+ community from persecution or discrimination from citizens or officials in that given country
0
Bans all forms of discrimination
10
Bans some forms of discrimination
20
No anti-discrimination laws in place
20
MAXIMUM
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
Introduced within the index in 2019, the civil union or partnership, as it is also known, is a legally recognised relationship that is similar to marriage. A union has nearly all of the same rights and recognition as marriage, without the official term “married” used
0
Yes – recognised
5
No – not recognised
5
MAXIMUM
Introduced within the index in 2019, the status from a legal perspective, marriage is the union of two individuals that are legally recognised within the law in a given country. Same-Sex marriages typically have the same rights and privileges as traditional heterosexual marriages
0
Yes – recognised
10
No – not recognised
10
MAXIMUM
SAME-SEX MARRIAGES AND UNIONS WORLDWIDE
Over the past 20 years, more countries have legally recognised same-sex marriages and unions. Discover what types of unions are recognised in every country around the world, as well as useful information such as checklists, tools and translations. Discover the Gayther worldwide same-sex marriages and unions guide today
Introduced within the index in 2019, this section establishes whether members of the LGBTQIA+ community within any given country are legally allowed to adopt children
0
Yes – permitted
5
Limited – restrictions applied
10
No – not permitted
10
MAXIMUM
Introduced within the index in 2019, this section establishes whether members of the LGBTQIA+ community within any given country are allowed to actively serve within the military without having to hide their real identity for fear of persecution
0
YES
5
NO
5
MAXIMUM
EXCEPTIONAL AND DIVERSE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
Learn more about the exceptional and diverse global LGBTQIA+ community. Discover interesting facts, join in the fun with interactive games, learn more about the exceptional pioneers and advocates and take pride in all of the sexualities, gender identities and special groups. Discover all things LGBTQIA+ with Gayther today
Introduced within the index in 2019, this section establishes whether transgender, those that are gender fluid or non-conforming, have their true identity be legally recognised within any given country
0
Yes – laws exist recognising gender identity/expression
10
No – laws do not exist
10
MAXIMUM
Introduced within the index in 2021, this section highlights whether any given country has laws in place banning the use of Gay Conversion Therapy
0
YES
5
NO
5
MAXIMUM
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
Introduced within the index in 2021, this section establishes whether any given country backs or has approved the use of Gay Conversion Therapy
0
NO
5
YES
5
MAXIMUM
Once all of the country scores are totalled, the total score is then grouped into the corresponding categories
MEDIUM-HIGH
0 – 10
HIGH
11 – 20
HIGH
21 – 30
MEDIUM-HIGH
31 – 40
MEDIUM-HIGH
41 – 50
MEDIUM-LOW
51 – 60
MEDIUM-LOW
61 – 70
LOW
71 – 80
LOW
81 – 90
VERY LOW
91 – 100
TOTAL SCORE
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
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
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
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
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
Planning a trip? Gayther provides extensive country guides for every country across the globe
Find the information you need quickly with the wide range of guides available on Gayther
Be inspired and have some fun, with a wide range of articles, personality tests, quizzes and crosswords on offer
Discover more about sexuality, from the various identities to inspiring content and information
Discover more about the unique and diverse gender identities within the LGBTQIA+ community
Discover more about the special groups and the people and organisations supporting and helping the LGBTQIA+ community
Not sure what you are looking for? There are many ways to find what you need quickly; the search section provides links to the many search services
Impress your friends with key facts and keep updated on the latest developments and trends within the community
Discover Gayther Trinary, three unique services focused on the different aspects and requirements of the LGBTQIA+ community
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The LGBTQIA+ equality index has been compiled based on the rules and laws that exist at a national level, rather than for any given region, state or province. Though a country may score low on the index, it does not necessarily mean that they are not safe to travel to if personal discretion is applied. The LGBTQIA+ worldwide equality index is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute advice. It is essential that you carry out independent research on any countries you plan to visit before going as laws and regulations change frequently. Your country’s foreign office will advise any given country’s status and whether it is safe to travel there. Though we endeavour to keep all information across the site updated, we do not provide any guarantees to the accuracy and completeness of any information displayed. This page may contain external links to third party websites; Gayther provides these links for your convenience and does not endorse, warrant or recommend any particular products or services. By clicking on any external links, you will leave Gayther and be taken to the third-party website, which you do so at your own risk and by accessing the site, you will be required to comply with the external third party’s terms and conditions of use and privacy policies
