Leaving no one behind: Defending LGBTQIA+ rights in the contemporary context
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia
Written by E. C. Feng
Observed annually on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia was first coined in 2005, and has since expanded to include transphobia (2009) and biphobia (2015), evolving into a global campaign against all forms of LGBTQIA+ discrimination.
Now recognized in over 130 countries – including 37 where same-sex acts remain illegal – it serves as a global call to action, spotlighting injustices and advocating for equal rights for all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
Strenuous progress and growing global backlash against LGBTQIA+ rights
In recent years, significant strides have been made toward LGBTQIA+ equity across different parts of the globe. To name several positive examples from last year:
- In April 2024, Germany adopted a self-identification law that allows transgender individuals to change their legal gender without undergoing psychological assessment or court procedures – a significant move toward affirming personal agency.[7]
- In September 2024, Malta advanced legal gender recognition by officially acknowledging non-binary identities and lowering the minimum age for legal gender change to 16.[4]
- Most recently, on January 23, 2025, Thailand made headlines by enacting the Equal Marriage Law, granting same-sex couples the right to legally marry, becoming the third jurisdiction in Asia to do so, following Nepal and Taiwan.[6]
Despite notable progress, LGBTQIA+ communities around the world continue to face severe setbacks – socially, legally, and politically. In some regions, simply identifying as LGBTQIA+ can still lead to extreme consequences, including the death penalty. Polarizing rhetoric and regressive political agendas have stripped many individuals of access to essential healthcare, legal protections, and personal safety, while exposing them to systemic violence, poverty, and social exclusion.
In the EU, the findings point to a deeply uneven landscape – one where living realities of LGBTQIA+ can differ drastically depending on one’s location, identity, and how these intersect. More specifically, the EU LGBTIQ Survey III (2023) reveals stark disparities across Europe.[3] While legal protections exist, many still face daily discrimination and feel unsafe or excluded in public spaces, schools, and workplaces.
The rise in violence against transgender and gender-diverse people is particularly alarming. According to Trans Murder Monitoring data, over 5,000 trans (recorded numbers only) and gender-diverse individuals have been murdered globally since 2008 – 70% of these cases occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean.[5] Most victims were Black trans women and trans sex workers, revealing the compounded impact on those living with multiple marginalized identities.[5]
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, last April, the Supreme Court unanimously determined that the legal definitions of “woman” and “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act are to refer to strictly biological terms.[1] This decision could significantly restrict the accessibility of trans women to enter services and spaces designated for women, raising serious concerns about the erosion of trans rights in legal and public domains.[2]
Southeastern and Eastern Europe report the highest rates of discrimination and violence. For instance, in Albania, 64% of lesbian respondents and in Cyprus, 53% of bisexual respondents faced discrimination.[3] Romania and North Macedonia show particularly high rates of targeted physical and sexual attacks.[3] By contrast, Northern and Western European countries report lower levels of violence, though these should be seen as progress benchmarks, not guarantees of safety.[3]
Sustaining local actions for global change
Every progress would not be accomplished without local human rights defenders and advocates working behind the scenes. Supporting and sustaining grassroots efforts for change is essential because they are often the first responders to their community’s urgent needs, the lifelines for those most at risk, and the buzziest voices in advocacy.
However, for many defenders advocating for these fundamental human rights, the path forward is often marked by personal risk. The broader environment still fails to guarantee that LGBTQIA+ defenders can pursue their advocacy in a secure and sustainable way. Protection mechanisms such as access to a safer environment and tailor-made support can offer LGBTQIA+ human rights defenders at risk a brief but critical space, both mentally and physically, from pressures. For grassroots activists, especially, tailored support is essential, yet frequently absent in their engagement in specific movements due to a lack of equal distribution of comprehensive resources.
By facilitating such initiatives, Justice & Peace aims to provide defenders with the time and resources they need to recover, regroup, and continue their essential advocacy while remaining shielded from retaliation, violence, or threats that arise. For instance, through digital security training, capacity-strengthening workshops, sessions focused on mental wellbeing, opportunities to engage with allies, and more, we aim to create a space where LGBTQIA+ defenders can enhance their sense of agency, strengthen inner resilience, and carry on their work.
Former participants of our initiatives, Tsano, Iván, Nataliia, and Caroline honour the resilience of LGBTQAI+ worldwide and share their stories with us.
Audre Lorde
Tsano, creating safe spaces for intersex and transgender persons in Zimbabwe
Tsano is an activist striving for access to shelter, information, and resources in support of the intersex and transgender community and people living with HIV. In this documentary, they share more about their work shaping an inclusive and accessible world.
Iván, striving for LGBTQIA+ freedom, inclusion, and equality in Panama
A lawyer, diplomat, and human rights defender; Ivan had a catalytic role in the conceptualization, negotiation, and securing of significant agreements and protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals. This is his personal account on his impactful journey.
Nataliia, a journalist in service of human rights in Russia
Dedicated to documenting and improving the situation for the LGBTQ+ community, migrants, and people living with HIV, Nataliia is faced with a complex reality. In this interview, she recounts her experiences and mission towards equality.
Caroline, leading an intersectional feminist movement in Kenya
A video interview on the journey of being a queer person and advocating inclusive healthcare, policies, and narratives surrounding LGBTQAI+ identities in Kenya. Caroline defies societal limitations and contributes to a more just world.
“Your silence will not protect you”
The mission for LGBTQIA+ equality is far from over. Audre Lorde’s words still resonate today: “Your silence will not protect you.”[8] Silence will not shield those whose very identities are still criminalized, stigmatized, or erased. The current complex socio-political climate highlights a crucial truth – lasting change does not come solely from top-down legal reform, but also necessarily through sustained, community-driven efforts. Empowering and self-empowering local actors remains precarious and ensures that progress is not just symbolic, but rooted in lived experience. It is at this level, where the personal meets the political, that human rights take shape – and where lasting equity and justice are revealed.
Progress is never guaranteed – it demands continued, collective action. On this May 17 – and every day – we are reminded that human rights are not just written words. They must be claimed, practiced, and lived through action. Let’s make dignity and safety a shared reality for everyone.
[1] Athena Stavrou, “Trans people fearing arrest due to ‘confusion’ around Supreme Court ruling“, The Independent, 15 May 2025.
[2] Sanya Mansoor, “What to Know About the U.K. Supreme Court Transgender Women Ruling“, TIME, 16 April 2025.
[3] European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), “EU LGBTIQ Survey III“, 14 May 2024.
[4] Sarah Creighton Keogh, “Malta enacts landmark law introducing non-binary option on birth certificates“, GCN, 13 September 2024.
[5] Transgender Europe (TGEU), “Will the cycle of violence ever end? TGEU’s Trans Murder Monitoring project crosses 5,000 cases“, 13 November 2024.
[6] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thailand, “Thailand’s Marriage Equality: A Huge Step, But the Journey Continues“, 23 January 2025.
[7] Library of Congress, “Germany: New Self-ID Act for Transgender, Intersex, and Nonbinary Persons Enacted“, 9 July 2024.
[8] Sophia Siddiqui, “Your Silence Will Not Protect You“, Race & Class, 2018.
We need your support
Thanks to supporters like you, defenders like Tsano, Iván, Nataliia, and Caroline have had access to a supportive and inspiring space in Shelter City Netherlands to re-energize, receive security training, and build an international network of solidarity.
Your donation enables us to provide more support to LGBTQAI+ defenders at risk. Thank you for your trust!