2024 has been a year of significant challenges, but also one of remarkable progress and hope for the LGBTQIA+ community. These victories remind us that change is possible and that every step toward equality matters. From legal reforms and historic firsts to bans on harmful practices, this year’s achievements showcase the resilience and determination of our community.
There are some areas where we saw a whole lot of victories, so we’ve pulled those together, but there are also a few standout stories that are just as wonderful to read about. What are your highlights this year?
Blood Donations
In 2024, several countries revised outdated and homophobic blood donation policies, removing discriminatory deferral periods and outright bans for LGBTQIA+ people. These changes mark a significant step toward equitable access to life-saving healthcare contributions.
1. In May, the Bermuda Hospitals Board updated its blood donor eligibility criteria to include risk-based questions. These questions are the same for everyone, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender. There is still a deferral period for prospective donors who report having anal sex with a new sexual partner or having more than one sexual partner of any gender in the past three months. This is a change from the previous rule which had time-based deferrals specific to men who had sex with men, as well as women who had sex with men engaging in sex with men, during the previous three months.
You can OUTBermuda here.
2. The Ministry of Health in the Czech Republic introduced an individual assessment approach like many countries use for their blood donor screening and ended its indefinite deferral of men who have sex with men. The assessment will be used regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The new recommendation is that people who have had protected or unprotected anal sex with a new sexual partner in the last four months, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, won't be allowed to donate. According to a healthy ministry spokesperson, this is based on internationally accepted recommendations issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in the Czech Republic here.
3. In July, Denmark lifted its four month deferral period against men who have sex with men. The four month deferral period was introduced in 2020. While it was considered a step forward compared to the previous total ban on blood donation from MSM, there is no research to support these deferral periods.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in Denmark here.
4. Like many countries during the AIDS epidemic, Honduras banned blood donations from all gay and bisexual people due to a perceived higher risk of HIV and AIDS, and a lack of testing. Despite having reliable tests for some time, these holdovers have prevented change for some time. In November, however, Honduras struck down the ban. This was in large part because of the hard work of Cattrachas, a lesbian feminist organization dedicated to defending the human rights of LGBTI people in Honduras.
You can support Cattrachas here.
Decriminalization
This year, progress continued as multiple countries decriminalized consensual same-sex relationships, reversing laws that have long oppressed LGBTQIA+ individuals. These legal shifts bring hope for increased safety, dignity, and equality worldwide.
5. Mariam Wangadya, lawyer, human rights advocate, and Chair of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), called for the decriminalization of homosexuality and other victimless crimes in September. This ask marks the first time the commission’s position on queer rights in Uganda has been stated since the Anti-Homosexuality Act was signed in May 2023 by President Yoweri Museveni.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in Uganda here.
6. In April, Dominica's High Court decriminalized consensual same-sex relations, making it the fourth Eastern Caribbean country to do so. The country’s Sexual Offences Act, which punished “buggery” and “gross indecency” with prison and institutionalization, was decided to be unconstitutional and thus overturned. This comes after hard work from many LGBTQI+ organizations, including the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality.
You can support the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality here.
7. In June, Namibia’s High Court decriminalized homosexual acts. The court ruled that the country’s sodomy laws were unconstitutional; three three judges in the High Court said in a joint ruling that the laws that had banned “sodomy” and "unnatural sexual offenses" between men were unfair discrimination and should be removed. This fight began in 2022, when Namibian activist Friedel Dausab filed a case challenging the constitutionality of the laws criminalizing consensual same-sex sexual conduct. The age of consent for people of all sexual orientations was also made equal.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in Namibia here.
24 Stories to End 2024 Part II
Same-Sex Marriage & Partnerships
Marriage equality gained momentum in 2024, with several countries legalizing same-sex marriage or expanding legal recognition of same-sex partnerships. These advancements affirm the right of LGBTQIA+ couples to love and build their lives together openly.
8. In September, Thailand took a historic step and became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. This marks a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQIA+ rights in the region and a celebration of love and equality.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in Thailand here.
9. On January 1, Estonia’s law legalizing same-sex marriage officially went into effect, making it the first former Soviet country to achieve marriage equality—a remarkable milestone for the Baltic nation. Because only married couples can adopt a child, this law also allows same-sex couples to legally adopt.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in Estonia here.
10. On February 15, Greece's Parliament made history by legalizing same-sex marriage and adoption, becoming the first Christian Orthodox-majority country to do so. The law also allows same-sex couples to adopt children.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in Greece here.
11. April brought good news for Czech Republic’s LGBTQIA+ community as reforms granting same-sex partnerships expanded rights in income taxes, social security, and stepchild adoptions were approved to take effect in 2025. We hope the coming years might also bring the legalization of same-sex marriage, and we applaud the work on Czech LGBTQIA+ activists fighting to keep pushing for their rights.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in the Czech Republic here.
12. On May 16, Liechtenstein’s Landtag repealed its ban on same-sex marriage, setting the stage for marriage equality. The law will officially come into effect on January 1, 2025.
You can support FLay here.
13. On July 12, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands ruled that same-sex marriage is legal in Aruba and Curaçao. This decision brings long-awaited recognition and rights to same-sex couples in these Caribbean islands. It’s a significant step forward for LGBTQIA+ equality in the region.
You can support Fundacion Orguyo Aruba here. You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in Curaçao here.
Conversion Therapy Bans
The harmful practice of conversion therapy faced growing opposition in 2024, with several countries and states enacting bans. These legal protections safeguard LGBTQIA+ people from coercion and abuse, hopefully leading to a more accepting and authentic life for queer young people.
14. On March 22, New South Wales banned conversion therapy, even extending the prohibition to protect citizens outside the state. This landmark decision underscores a firm commitment to safeguarding LGBTQIA+ rights.
You can support SOGICE Survivors here.
15. In May, Pennsylvania enacted robust protections against conversion therapy, sending a clear message that affirming LGBTQIA+ identities is vital for equality and well-being. This marks significant progress in the U.S. fight against these harmful practices.
You can support Born Perfect here.
16. November brought a major victory for LGBTQIA+ rights in Kentucky, as the state banned conversion therapy. The new law is a testament to growing recognition of the need to protect LGBTQIA+ youth from harmful pseudoscientific practices.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in Kentucky here.
17. Mexico strengthened protections against conversion therapy with sweeping federal reforms that went into effect on June 8. These changes penalize anyone involved in such harmful practices, marking a decisive stand for LGBTQIA+ health and dignity nationwide.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in Mexico here.
18. In May, Peru’s Ministry of Health enacted a strict prohibition on conversion therapy, ensuring that medical professionals cannot promote or perform such practices. This is a major step forward for Peru’s commitment to the health and rights of LGBTQIA+ people.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in Peru here.
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19. Greenland’s new anti-discrimination law, enacted in May 2024, bans discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, expression, or characteristics. The law reflects the work of LGBTQIA+ Greenlanders and their dedication to ensuring dignity and equal treatment.
You can support LGBTQ+ Greenland here.
20. In a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQIA+ representation, Sarah McBride became the first out trans person elected to the United States Congress. Her historic win is important to note in a political climate that is increasingly aggressive towards trans people. While elected officials and government systems will not save us, it is nonetheless important to recognize these wins and push for change on the local level regardless of who is in office.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in the United States of America here.
21. On January 9, Gabriel Attal became France's first openly gay Prime Minister. His appointment is particularly important to note because his policies are mixed, and indeed evidence that queerness alone does not mean progressive or make one an ally to other marginalized peoples. Being an ally is active, and while the first queer person in any position is worth noting, it is also important we are critical of those representing us. We hope to see positive change for queer French people.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in France here.
22. Germany’s parliament took a major step toward LGBTQIA+ empowerment on April 12, passing the Self-Determination Act to simplify legal procedures for changing names and gender markers. This long-awaited reform affirms the rights of trans and nonbinary individuals to live authentically and with dignity.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in Germany here.
23. On April 17, Sweden’s parliament voted to lower the minimum age for legal gender changes from 18 to 16. This progressive move acknowledges the autonomy of younger trans individuals and supports their right to self-determination.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in Sweden here.
24. In a landmark decision on August 28, India’s Ministry of Finance issued guidance affirming that LGBTQIA+ individuals can open joint bank accounts and name their partners as beneficiaries. This inclusive policy helps recognize and validate LGBTQIA+ partnerships in financial systems.
You can find some of the LGBTQIA+ organizations in India here.
As we look to 2025, let’s carry the momentum of these successes forward, continuing to push for safety, recognition, and inclusion for all. What were your highlights this year? Whether it was a personal triumph or a moment of joy sparked by these stories, we’d love to hear about it. Here’s to a new year filled with progress, pride, and support for our vibrant and diverse community—including you!