In 2021, there were 140 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 114 changes made and 158 in the following year. A total of 618 legal changes have been made so far in the 2020s.
- December 30
- December 20Same-sex marriage becomes legal.On 20 December 2021, the Secretary General of Government, Libia Dennise García Muñoz, issued an official directive addressed to officials of the state civil registry that, effective immediately, same-sex couples can marry in the state.
- December 16Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (6-month deferral).Deferral was lowered to 6 months.
- December 9LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.Article 134A of the Penal Code (2000), amended by Law No. 1,482 (2011), criminalizes discrimination based on "sexual orientation", while Article 136C (3) and (4) increases the penalty if such discrimination is committed by public servants or during the provision of public services. These provisions prohibit discrimination based on “sexual orientation” in general terms and therefore apply to employment. Article 136C (6) also includes the reason for denial or restriction of employment rights as an aggravating circumstance. Added to the previous factor we have the SU440-21 decision of the Colombian Constitutional Court. The Colombian Supreme Court "Corte Constitucional de Colombia" ruled on December 9, 2021 based on decision SU440-21 that trans people in Colombia cannot be discriminated against due to their gender identity when receiving financial pensions from the State, despite the ruling of having as its object the receipt of financial pensions from the State, the sentence in its paragraph 55, section III makes it clear that the principle by which this decision was taken is that gender identity is protected by the general constitutional clause of article 13 of the Constitution of Colombia, making clear that discrimination based on gender identity is prohibited in other areas, which includes discrimination in housing and employment. The Colombian Ministry of the Interior released a presidential decree in spring 2016 that provides a broad policy of procedural obligations for government institutions and territorial entities in relation to LGBTI rights. The document calls for the creation of an Intersectoral Commission to Guarantee the Rights of the LGBTI Community (Spanish: Comisión Intersectorial para la Garantía de los Derechos de la comunidad LGBTI). The decree specifically addresses the rights of LGBTI Colombians in public education, health care, prisons and as victims of armed conflicts. The text clarifies that “national entities cannot refuse to recognize that a same-sex couple can form a family and, consequently, enjoy the constitutional protections and equal opportunities provided to other families”. [26] In May 2018, President Juan Manuel Santos issued an executive decree ordering the Ministry of the Interior to continue guaranteeing the rights of LGBT people in the social sector, namely in health, education, work, housing, recreation, sport and culture, as well as establish support programs. Therefore, this decree serves as a prohibition of housing and employment discrimination at the state level, reinforcing previous jurisdiction and legislation.
- December 7
- November 11
- November 2Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.Michigan does recognize gender X marker on all passports and all government IDs. 2021 Governor Whitmer has stated in a letter to her staff saying that she is allowing people to get X markers on drivers licenses and passports, as well as birth certificates. In 2022, US State Government allows all passports to have gender marker X. This is only for passports and not for other government issued ids, it is still states discretion for gender markers as of 2024
- November 1
- October 28Censorship of LGBT issues becomes varies by region.Censorship became "other punishment" in the state of Texas, and in Florida Govt. DeSantis wants to ban LGBT topics from being discussed in schools. Generally, LGBT Topics are considered under the Free Speech Clause. Due to the nature of the current laws, and state decisions such as in Florida; "Varies by region" is the best indicator to use.
- Censorship of LGBT issues becomes state-enforced.Numerous schools and libraries in Texas have been instructed to terminate or remove books with topics that, "make students feel uneasy". The topics under fire include (but are not limited to) lgbtq characters, same-sex relationships and gender discussion. Teachers that ignore this law could be fired.
- October 25Conversion therapy becomes varies by region.Currently in the Philippines there is one region that has put a ban on conversion therapy- Bataan.
- October 21LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts."A Namibian court has found that the constitution bans discrimination based on sexual orientation."
- LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only."A Namibian court has found that the constitution bans discrimination based on sexual orientation."
- LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
- October 19
- October 15Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.The Justice of Alagoas recognized for the first time a non-binary person. The decision allows a person registered with a male name and gender, but who does not recognize themselves as male or female, to have a new birth certificate, without gender. Coordinator of the Itinerant Justice project, Emanuella Porangaba highlighted that the sentence will serve as a basis for future requests from non-binary people. “Fenix was the first, certainly not the last person to fall into this situation. The judiciary has already taken the first step and is open to accepting these fair and dignified claims that grant citizens the fullest citizenship, which until then this was mitigated”.
- October 6Censorship of LGBT issues becomes no censorship.Utah has no active laws on censorship of LGBT topics.
- October
- September 28Conversion therapy becomes banned.The Congress of Colima approved reforms to the state Penal Code to sanction whoever imparts, promotes, offers, applies, finances, submits or forces, with or without profit, another to receive conversion therapies . People who break the law will be sentenced to two to five years in prison and will receive 50 to 100 hours of work in favor of the community. This crime may be prosecuted ex officio.
- September 24
- September 23
- September 22
- September 15
- Censorship of LGBT issues becomes imprisonment as punishment.It is illegal and punishable by death to be homosexual in Afghanistan. Taliban is censoring LGBTQ+ topics because LGBTQ+ is illegal under Islamic Sharia Law.
- Equal age of consent becomes n/a.As homosexuality is punishable By death in Kandahar , So Kandahar doesn't have age of consent for LGBTQ+.
- September 1
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal with restrictions.Sanquin concluded from research that the risk of blood-borne infections is minimal, and any man in a monogamous relationship with another man has been able to become a blood donor with no deferral based off sexuality since September 1st, 2021.
- August 25
- August 24
- Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.Nationwide, expect in some states.
- Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.Nationwide; expect in some states.
- Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.Nationwide; expect in some states.
- Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.The Superior Administration of the Public Defender's Office of the State of Tocantins (DPE-TO) requested the Internal Affairs Department of Justice of Tocantins the regulation to include the "non-binary" gender in the civil registry for those who do not identify as female or male. However, for the moment, the government only recognizes intersex people as per federal legislation.
- August 16Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.Blood donation criteria brought in line with UK rules, after being delayed since June 2021.
- August 15Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).Homosexuality is Illegal.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).Under the Taliban rule.
- Homosexual activity becomes illegal (death penalty as punishment).Under Taliban rule.
- August 6Conversion therapy becomes banned.The Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Act was revised to ban any therapy that attempts to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
- August 5
- August 3Conversion therapy becomes banned.Under Chilean Law.
- July 23
- Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.Intersex children have to be registered with an "unknown" gender on their birth certificate, has per the National Justice Council ruling. This means that Brazil at least recognizes intersex people federally. However in some states, non-binary people can also have the same registration.
- July 21Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.Decree in place since july 21th of 2021 as of Presidential Decree N ° 476/21. Recognizing identities outside the male and female binomial by incorporating the nomenclature "X" in the National Identity Document as an option, for all people who do not identify themselves as male or female.
- July 15Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
- Conversion therapy becomes banned.On July 15, The governor of Minnesota signed an executive order restricting conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth in the state.
- Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (limited rights).
- July 14
- June 30Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel declared unconstitutional a state law requiring sex-reassignment surgery to change the sex designation on a birth certificate.
- June 28Conversion therapy becomes banned.The Government of Baja California Sur approved the 'Trans Identity Law' that prohibits conversion therapies and allows gender self-determination.
- June 24Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.The Gender Recognition Act allows for LGBTQ people to change their gender on their drivers licenses or permits. Anyone over 17 is able to do so without a parent, Under 17 requires a parent. Gender Recognition Act was introduced in 2017 but was made law in 2021, and is still currently active. Gender Recognition Act repelled subdivision 1 of section 502 of the vehicle and traffic law, which requires an applicant for a driver license to submit proof of fitness. Driver's Licenses and Permits and Birth Certificates all have the X gender marker, this allows people of all genders to select the marker without repercussions.
- June 15
- June 14Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.The Channel Islands have passed a new law in keeping with the UK, saying that MSMs will not be asked if they have sex with men or not, and instead everyone donating blood will be asked the same set of questions about sexual activity regardless of sexuality and a risk assessment will be carried.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.Men who have sex with men and who have had the same partner for 3 months or more and meet other eligibility criteria are able to give blood.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.Donors of any gender will be asked about their recent sexual activity, and those who have only had one sexual partner within the last 3-months will be eligible to donate.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.Donors of any gender will be asked about their recent sexual activity, and those who have only had one sexual partner within the last 3-months will be eligible to donate.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.The 3-month deferral for MSM has been dropped in England, Wales and Scotland. Instead, donors of any gender will be asked about their recent sexual activity, and those who have only had one sexual partner within the last 3-months will be eligible to donate. Northern Ireland is due to follow suit with these changes in September 2021.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.Donors of any gender will be asked about their recent sexual activity, and those who have only had one sexual partner within the last 3-months will be eligible to donate.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.Donors of any gender will be asked about their recent sexual activity, and those who have only had one sexual partner within the last 3-months will be eligible to donate.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.The 3-month deferral for MSM has been dropped in England, Wales and Scotland. Instead, donors of any gender will be asked about their recent sexual activity, and those who have only had one sexual partner within the last 3-months will be eligible to donate. Northern Ireland is due to follow suit with these changes in September 2021.
- Conversion therapy becomes banned.On June 14, 2021, Michigan governor signed an executive order to prohibit the use of state and federal funds for conversion therapy practiced on minors. The state is looking at implementing a total ban.
- June 12Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
- June 8Conversion therapy becomes banned.On June 8, 2021, the Administrative Rules Committee voted to prohibit licensed social workers from practicing conversion therapy to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. This doesn't prevent religious leaders or non-licensed counselors from practicing it, however.
- Conversion therapy becomes banned.Under a section titled “Physical and Mental Health Professionals”, justice Venkatesh said healthcare professionals should offer support to LGBT+ people “who are facing stigma and discrimination from society”. However, he also prohibited “any attempt to medically ‘cure’ or change the sexual orientation of LGBTIQA+ people to heterosexual or the gender identity of transgender people to cisgender.” Justice Venkatesh also ordered the National Medical Commission, the Indian Psychiatric Society and the Rehabilitation Council of India to revoke the licence of any professionals who involve themselves “in any form or method of conversion ‘therapy'”.
- June 7
- June 1LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.New article 27a "Discrimination in Housing" was added to the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination.
- Conversion therapy becomes banned.On June 1, 2021, Wisconsin governor signed an executive order prohibiting state and federal funds being used for conversion therapy which aims to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity. Cities like Milwaukee and Lacrosse also have a complete ban on conversion therapy.
- May 12Gender-affirming care becomes legal.Bill SB-5313 makes it Illegal for health insurers to deny or limit coverage for gender affirming treatment when that care is prescribed to an individual on the basis of a protected gender expression or identity, is medically necessary, and is prescribed in accordance with accepted standards of care.
- May 3Equal age of consent becomes n/a.Not applicable since same-sex sexual relationships are illegal.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland (4 months).
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland (4 months).
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland (4 months).
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland (4 months).
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland (4 months).
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland (4 months).
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland (4 months).
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In all of Finland.
- May 1
- MayLegal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.While making gender marker change on birth certificates available to transgender individuals, an X gender marker option was also added for non-binary individuals.
- Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.Ohio's birth certificate law was struck down in December 2020 and judged discriminatory against transgender individuals. Thus, Ohio-born citizens will now be able to modify their gender marker. There is no specific requirement to modify the gender marker, since each court will have their own ruling, but it is advised that their requirement be as accessible as possible.
- April 23Conversion therapy becomes banned.Since 2021, Law on the recognition and protection of the rights of people in mental health care (Law 21.331) (2021) prohibits mental health professionals from diagnosing patients based on their sexual identity or orientation. In March 2023, the Ministry of Health issues Circular B2 No. 6 instructing all individual and institutional health providers, both public and private, the prohibition of the implementation of "conversion therapies" for not be valid clinical practices. It also states that diagnoses of mental health status cannot be based on criteria biasedly related to sexual orientation or gender identity and gender expression. The Senate approved the bill that modifies and strengthens Law No. 20,609, which establishes measures against discrimination, adding as arbitrary discrimination any act, practice and/or medical, psychological, psychiatric treatment or of any other nature that aims to modify the sexual orientation or gender identity and expression of a person or a group of people.
- April 6Gender-affirming care becomes legal, but banned for minors.The state legislature passed the "Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act." This law prohibits any person under 18 from receiving gender-affirming care. The law passed despite a gubernatorial veto. This was the first ever bill passed in the United States that outlawed gender-affirming care for people under the age of 18.
- March 25Intersex infant surgery becomes full ban.German law prohibits intersex surgery on infants. However, intersex rights campaigners have criticised the law for having too many loopholes caused by ambiguous wording and for not defining any penalties for those who perform unauthorised surgery.
- March 16
- March 11LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.This law makes stirring up hatred on the basis of gender or intersex identity illegal
- March 6Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.Prince Edward Island residents can change their IDs and birth certificate to a gender neutral marking.
- March
- February 26Serving openly in military becomes legal.President Biden removed former President Trumps ban on transgender people serving in the military, transgender people are still allowed to serve as of 2024. A year after the ban was lifted, Admiral Levine was sworn into being an Admiral, becoming the first transgender woman to hold a high rank in the Navy and in Cabinet.
- February 17
- January 31Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).Since January 31, 2021, the deferral period has been reduced to three months.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).Since January 31, 2021, the deferral period has been lowered to three months.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).Since January 31, 2021, the deferral period has been reduced to three months.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).Since January 31, 2021, deferral time has been reduced to three months.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).Since January 31, 2021, the deferral time for MSMs has been reduced to three months.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).Since January 31, 2021, the deferral period has been reduced to three months.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).Since January 31, 2021, the deferral period has been reduced to three months.
- January 14Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.Donors of any gender will be asked about their recent sexual activity, and those who have only had one sexual partner within the last 3-months will be eligible to donate.
- January 1
- (date unknown)Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).In Australia sexually active LGBT people are unable to donate blood unless they abstain from sex for three months. Since 2021, the deferral period within Australia was reduced from 1 year to 3 months without PrEP. In June 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved a submission from Australian Red Cross Lifeblood calling to remove most sexual activity ineligibility criteria for plasma donors.
- January 1Censorship of LGBT issues becomes fine as punishment.The government has passed laws banning LGBTQ+ topics from schools. It also made stores wrap books with LGBTQ+ content in them in a wrapper. By law there cannot be any LGBTQ+ content containing books near 200 meters of schools or churches. This law has been enforced before.
- Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (1-year deferral).Since January of 2021, the Red Cross in Luxembourg has been accepting all donors without discrimination regarding their sexual orientation. They no longer ask donors about their lifelong sexual practices, they only ask donors about their sexual practices during the last twelve months before donation.
- Same-sex adoption becomes illegal.Article 55 of the General Adoption Law establishes that joint adoption will be constituted when the applicants are spouses or cohabitants in a de facto union and of different sex. Bill No.121 was passed in 2021, the bill was criticzed as cruel and banned same-sex couples from adopting children, but allowed single parents to adopt. Single LGBT individuals may be able to adopt under this technicality.
- (date unknown)Serving openly in military becomes illegal.The Personnel Policy of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF), issued in 2021, states the following: 4050. a. Definition. Homosexuality is the unnatural tendency of a man or woman to have sexual inclinations towards a member of his or her own sex. Buggery i.e. sodomy, is an offence at common law, the punishment for which is fixed by the Offences Against the Person Act, section 76. b. Involvement. Involvement in homosexual and buggery practices will normally result in discharge from the Force either by disciplinary or administrative procedure. The same applies to other forms of sexual deviancy such as sadism, transvestism and carnal abuse of minors. c. Discouragement. All Ranks must discourage such practices and are in no way to condone homosexual or other deviant acts which come to their notice and should report them to their superiors as a matter of priority. In particular, officers, warrant officers and NCOs are to be especially alert for attempts to involve young members of the Force. d. Alteration of sexual organs/parts of the body. (1) Members of the GDF are not to subject themselves to hormonal or surgical alterations to obtain the character of the opposite sex. These include augmentation/ enlargement of the male/female sexual organs and other body parts. (2) Members of the GDF are forbidden to engage in transvestite behaviours. Such behaviours refer primarily to cross dressing. e. Reports. Commanding Officers are to report details of all cases of actual or suspected homosexuality or other deviant behaviour to the Headquarters, which will advise whether disciplinary or administrative action is appropriate. f. Discharge. Where an application for discharge is to be made, the Rank is to be reminded of his right to have audience with the competent military authority in respect of his application. g. Recruits. All recruits are to be warned of the Force‟s policy on homosexuality and buggery before the final decision is made about joining, and warnings are to be included in lectures at training establishments.
- LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.Article 212 of the Penal Code bans acts of discrimination based on all settings
- LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.According to ILGA: Since 2021, Article 7 of Law on Promotion of Access to Formal Employment for Transvestites, Transsexuals and Transgender Persons (Law No. 27,636) expressly prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of "gender identity and gender expression".
- LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.Article 212 of the Penal Code criminalises acts of discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, health, education and in the provision of goods and services.
- JanuarySame-sex marriage becomes varies by region.Cambodian national law does not recognize same sex marriage. Some provinces have begun recognizing lesbian partnerships as marriages. As of June 2021, same sex relationship recognition offering limited legal rights known as "declaration of family relationship" was available in 68 Communes.
LGBT Organizations Founded in 2021
Intersex Greece
Intersex Greece is a nationwide collective of intersex adults, parents of intersex children, supportive individuals and related professionals located in Greece. Intersex Greece…Rainbow Tarnow
Rainbow Tarnów was initiated to create a safe space for LGBTQAIP+ people from Tarnów and the surrounding area. The assosiation was inspired by the traumatic events for the…Gibraltar LGBTQ+ Committee
The Gibraltar LGBTQ+ committee was created to promote and support LGBTQ+ rights and issues in Gibraltar. Founded in 2021, the committee's mission is to raise awareness, provide…