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1985 in LGBT Rights

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In 1985, there were 11 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 5 changes made and 17 in the following year. A total of 164 legal changes were made in the 1980s.

  • April 30
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Homosexual activity has been legal since 1985.
  • April 17
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Non-inclusion of Gender Identity in Charter.
  • March 12
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
  • January 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).
    The UK banned gay men from donating blood in 1985 due to fear over the aids epidemic. This ban applied to Jersey law.
  • (date unknown)
    Gender-affirming care becomes restricted.
    In 1985, Botswana legalized sterilization, which de facto meant legalizing sex reassignment surgery, however, medical records regarding transsexualism had to be obtained abroad.
  • Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but restricted for minors.
    In 1985, Bahrain adopted the ICD-9 classification, which included codes allowing for the diagnosis of transsexualism in adults.
  • Gender-affirming care becomes restricted.
    In 1985, Saud Arabia legalized sterilization, which de facto meant legalizing sex reassignment surgery, however, medical records regarding transsexualism had to be obtained abroad.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).
    In reaction to the HIV/AIDS crisis, MSMs were banned from donating blood for life.
  • January 1
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Decriminalised by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands in 1985.
  • (date unknown)
    Equal age of consent becomes equal.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, but requires surgery.
    Dutch Civil Law provides that in order for a citizen to change their legal gender they must first undergo gender re-assignment surgery.

LGBT Organizations Founded in 1985

  • GLAAD FaviconGLAAD
    United States
    GLAAD builds support for equality by amplifying the voice of the #LGBT community and holding the media accountable for the words and images they present.
  • Arcigay FaviconArcigay
    Italy
    Arcigay is a non-profit organization which operates throughout Italy through local committees, clubs and associations promoting and protecting the right to equality.
  • SAN FaviconSAN
    Washington, United States
    SAN, formerly known as The Spokane AIDS Network, was established in 1985 as an informal network of friends, medical caregivers, and concerned citizens to coordinate services for…