Gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights
Rights of marginalized are very important in democracy. Gender equality and LGBTQIA+ representation in society and democratic institutions is an indicator of advanced democracies.
Olympic committee: New transgender policy consensus reached across sports
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that global sports leaders have reached a consensus on a new, uniform set of eligibility criteria for transgender athletes.
Plastic surgeons group calls for delaying gender-affirming surgery until age 19
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has issued a new recommendation advising that gender-affirming surgeries for transgender youth be delayed until patients are at least
Trans athletes may not have fitness advantage in women’s sport, landmark study finds
A new study challenges the assumption that transgender women retain a significant athletic advantage over cisgender women after hormone therapy. While trans women were found
Campaigners challenge Scottish policy on transgender inmates in female prisons
The campaign group “For Women Scotland” has launched a legal challenge against the Scottish government’s policy of housing some transgender inmates in female prisons based
Update in case of man facing life in prison for having sex with another man
A Ugandan court has dropped the case against the first person charged with “aggravated homosexuality” under the country’s controversial 2023 anti-gay law. The defendant, who
Could tax reform bring thousands of women into the Swiss workforce?
Switzerland is considering a shift to individual taxation from joint taxation, which currently disincentivizes many married women from working or increasing their hours. Reforming Switzerland’s
Earlier posts:
Kazakhstan bans LGBTQ+ ‘propaganda’ amid local support and activist concerns
A new law signed by President Tokayev bans so‑called “propaganda” of “non‑traditional sexual orientation” across media, schools and public spaces, with vague wording that critics say invites arbitrary enforcement. Officials insist LGBTQ+ people themselves are not outlawed, but the ban raises uncertainty about speech, education and even social media posts. Proponents of the measure, including the ruling Amanat party, argue it is necessary to protect “traditional values” and shield children from harmful content. Conversely, international human rights organizations and the UN have condemned the ban, warning that it institutionalizes discrimination and violates Kazakhstan’s international human rights commitments. Rights groups warn allies, journalists and therapists could also be targeted.
Date: January 8, 2026. Source: euronews.com
California can’t bar teachers from telling parents about student’s gender identity at school, judge rules
A federal judge in California ruled that the state cannot prevent teachers from informing parents if their child identifies as a different gender at school. Judge Roger Benitez stated that barring such disclosures violates parents’ due process and religious rights, as well as the First Amendment rights of teachers. The ruling blocks the enforcement of policies that would require staff to keep a student’s gender identity confidential from their parents. While proponents hailed the decision as a victory for parental rights and religious freedom, critics and the ACLU argued it would undermine student privacy and safety.
Date: January 5, 2026. Source: independent.co
UK LGBTQ+ charities are in ‘hostile environment’ amid falling donations, experts warn
Experts have warned that LGBTQ+ charities in the UK are struggling with a severe drop in corporate donations due to a “hostile environment” influenced by anti-DEI trends in the US. Stonewall, the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ charity, reported its corporate funding has halved in the last year amid political pushback and frozen foreign aid for LGBTQ+ causes. Smaller grassroots organizations are also facing financial strain and legal threats over transgender-inclusive stances.
Date: January 7, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
Nevada Gov. Lombardo leads 2026 ballot initiative to block students born male from female sports
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has launched a ballot initiative for 2026 aiming to ban transgender students who were born male from competing in female sports. The proposed amendment to the Nevada Constitution would restrict participation in girls’ and women’s sports to biological females only. This move aligns with similar bans in other states but seeks to enshrine the restriction at the constitutional level in Nevada.
Date: January 8, 2026. Source: apnews.com
Attempt to overturn the Gambia’s ban on FGM heard by supreme court
The Supreme Court of The Gambia has begun hearing a case brought by religious leaders and an MP seeking to overturn the country’s ban on female genital mutilation (FGM). The plaintiffs argue the ban violates cultural and religious rights, a move that follows a failed legislative attempt to decriminalize the practice in 2024. Rights groups warn that legalizing FGM would be a major setback for women’s rights and could encourage similar regressions globally. The case comes amid reports of infant deaths related to the practice and continued high rates of FGM in the country.
Date: January 9, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
Commons women and equalities committee to stop using X amid AI-altered images row
The Commons women and equalities committee has decided to stop using X after the platform’s AI tool, Grok, was used to generate thousands of sexually explicit, digitally altered images of women and children. Sarah Owen, the committee chair, stated that X is no longer an appropriate communication platform given that preventing violence against women and girls is a primary focus of their work. While the committee will keep its account of 27,000 followers dormant to prevent impersonation, individual members have already begun leaving the site in protest of its “grossly offensive” environment. This move increases pressure on UK regulators and the government, who are currently considering major fines or even a total ban on the platform under the Online Safety Act.
Date: January 7, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
Judge me on what I do, says new EHRC chair after transgender groups’ criticism
Dr. Mary-Ann Stephenson, the new chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has called on campaigners to “judge me on what I do” following backlash from LGBTQ+ groups over her appointment. Critics, including Stonewall and TransActual, expressed concern over her past support for gender-critical views, though Stephenson maintains her actions were rooted in a commitment to freedom of expression and democratic rights. A primary challenge for her new role is finalizing guidance on single-sex spaces, following a Supreme Court ruling that defined sex as biological for such services. Stephenson emphasized the need to balance the rights of all protected groups, stating that while single-sex services must be based on biological sex, everyone must still have access to the services they need.
Date: December 31, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
More women reporting abuse in Norway as member of royal family to go on trial for rape
Norway has seen a significant increase in women reporting domestic abuse and sexual assault ahead of the February 2026 trial of Marius Borg Høiby, the son of the crown princess. Høiby faces 32 charges, including four counts of rape and the abuse of a former partner, which his lawyer states he largely denies. Women’s health organizations believe the high-profile nature of the case is helping to break long-standing taboos and encourages victims to seek help more readily. The scandal has also fueled republican sentiment in Norway, with some citizens reconsidering their support for the monarchy as the legal proceedings tarnish the royal family’s reputation.
Date: January 1, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
Trump’s equal opportunity agency wants to talk to white men about discrimination they have faced
Andrea Lucas, the acting chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) appointed by Donald Trump, has released a video specifically calling on white men to report instances of workplace discrimination. This move is part of a broader Trump administration effort to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which Lucas characterizes as sources of “illegal discrimination” and “anti-American bias.” While federal law protects all employees from discrimination, former EEOC officials criticize the initiative, arguing it lacks empirical evidence and diverts scarce resources from well-documented forms of systemic prejudice.
Date: December 30, 2025. Source: independent.co.uk
Tennessee actually just did something amazing for women
Tennessee has established the first statewide registry in the United States designed to track repeat domestic violence offenders, a move hailed by advocates as a significant step for women’s safety. The legislation aims to provide the public and law enforcement with better tools to identify individuals with a history of abuse, potentially preventing future violence. This development was highlighted as a rare positive systemic change amidst broader challenges for women’s rights in the country.
Date: January 3, 2026. Source: theguardian.com
US federal employees file complaint against Trump’s anti-transgender policy
A class complaint led by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation challenges a new federal benefits policy that eliminates coverage for gender‑affirming care under government health plans, arguing it is sex‑based discrimination. The filing targets the US Office of Personnel Management and indicates plaintiffs may escalate to the EEOC and federal court if not resolved.
Date: January 1, 2026. Source: aljazeera.com
More than a third of states sue HHS over a move that could curtail youth gender-affirming care
A coalition of over a dozen U.S. states has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), challenging federal moves that could restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare for minors. The states argue that the federal government is overstepping its authority and endangering the well-being of transgender youth.
Date: December 23, 2025. Source: apnews.com
Andy Burnham apologises for GMP historic failings towards LGBTQ+ people
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has issued a formal apology for the “shameful” and discriminatory treatment LGBTQ+ people historically faced from the region’s police force. His apology contrasts with the current Chief Constable’s refusal to apologize, which the Chief Constable labeled as potentially “performative.” Veteran campaigner Peter Tatchell welcomed Burnham’s statement but continues to call for a direct apology from the police leadership itself.
Date: December 23, 2025. Source: independent.co.
NSA employee sues the Trump administration over transgender rights and ‘immutable’ genders
A transgender employee at the National Security Agency (NSA) has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging discrimination based on the administration’s policies regarding gender identity. The lawsuit challenges recent moves to define gender as “immutable” and argues that these actions violate federal civil rights protections for transgender individuals. This legal challenge marks a significant confrontation between federal employees and the administration over LGBTQ+ rights.
Date: December 22, 2025. Source: https://apnews.com
Equal pay settlements for female council workers pass £1bn
Settlements for equal pay claims brought by female workers against UK local councils have now exceeded £1 billion, following a massive payout agreement involving Birmingham City Council. The claims address long-standing pay disparities where women in roles such as care and cleaning were paid less than men in comparable jobs. Unions report that thousands of claims are still pending, highlighting the scale of the gender pay gap in the public sector.
Date: December 27, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
‘For the first time, she could tell people who she was’: Ireland’s gender recognition decade
As Ireland marks the 10th anniversary of its Gender Recognition Act, which allows for gender self-identification, the legislation is being celebrated for the relief and dignity it has brought to transgender citizens. However, the anniversary comes amidst a rising tide of “gender-critical” activism and political opposition that was largely absent when the law first passed. Campaigners warn that the consensus which allowed the law to pass is fracturing under new social pressures.
Date: December 23, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Why is there a gender pension gap, and what can women do?
The UK’s gender pension gap has reached 32%, largely due to lower lifetime earnings and career breaks for caregiving. Financial experts emphasize that women’s retirement savings suffer because they disproportionately handle unpaid domestic labor and part-time work. To narrow this gap, women are advised to start contributing early and make small, regular increases to their pension pots. The article also suggests that couples should treat retirement planning holistically, with higher-earning partners contributing to the pensions of those taking time off.
Date: December 19, 2025. Source:independent.co
Iran curbs women’s rights further by changing dowry law
Iran’s dowry laws and legal framework often trap women in abusive marriages by making divorce financially and legally inaccessible. Human rights experts argue these laws institutionalize violence by granting men extensive control over their wives’ lives and autonomy. The report concludes that without legislative reform, Iranian women remain vulnerable to systemic discrimination and domestic abuse.
Date: December 17, 2025. Source: dw.com
House passes bill criminalising gender-affirming care and eyes Medicaid ban
The U.S. House passed a bill to criminalize gender-affirming care for minors, making it a federal felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. A second bill aims to prohibit Medicaid from funding these treatments, which include puberty blockers and hormone therapy. These votes mark the first time Congress has considered national bans on such care, signaling a major escalation in federal anti-trans policy. While the bills are unlikely to pass the Senate, advocacy groups warn that the legislation threatens the health and safety of transgender youth.
Date: December 18, 2025. Source:
Trump administration unveils plans to end gender-affirming care for minors
The Trump administration and HHS have proposed rules to eliminate federal funding for gender-affirming care for minors, including puberty blockers and hormone treatments. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the plan aims to stop these procedures by blocking Medicaid and Medicare participation for hospitals that provide them. The department also seeks to reclassify gender dysphoria so it is no longer recognized as a disability under federal law. While House Republicans have passed supporting legislation, health experts and advocacy groups have condemned the moves as a harmful attack on vulnerable youth.
Date: December 18, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Rules on single-sex spaces pose risk to trans people’s mental health, UK charities say
Fifteen leading mental health charities in the UK have warned that proposed government guidance on single-sex spaces could severely harm the well-being of trans and non-binary people. In a letter to the equalities minister, the organizations expressed “deep concern” that excluding trans people from facilities aligning with their lived gender would deepen inequalities and remove safe spaces. They urged the government to ensure any new rules strengthen rather than erode support for vulnerable groups.
Date: December 8, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Trump-picked appeals court judges side with Hegseth policy to kick out trans troops
Two Trump-appointed appeals court judges upheld a policy directed by former Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to ban transgender service members from the U.S. military. The ruling dissolved a lower court order that had blocked the ban, with the judges arguing the policy “furthers legitimate military interests.” A dissenting Obama-appointed judge strongly criticized the decision, labeling the policy “openly hostile” and based solely on “blatant animus.”
Date: December 9, 2025. Source: independent.co
‘The patriarchy runs deep’: women still getting a raw deal in the workplace as equality remains a dream
A new World Inequality report highlights that gender equality in the workplace remains a “distant dream” due to deep-seated patriarchy. Women globally work longer hours than men—an average of 10 more hours per week—when paid and unpaid labor are combined. Despite this, women only earn about a third (32%) of what men get per hour, a share that has barely changed in the last 35 years. Structural barriers, such as a lack of affordable childcare and restrictive family leave policies, continue to prevent women from achieving equal footing with men in the paid workforce.
Date: December 10, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Olympics decision on gender eligibility to come in early 2026
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced it will finalize its policy on transgender athlete eligibility in early 2026. After previously deferring to individual sports federations, the IOC is now seeking a consensus to “protect the female category” while addressing inclusivity. The decision comes amid ongoing debate and a patchwork of varying rules across different sports.
Date: December 10, 2025. Source: aljazeera.com
Meta shuts down global accounts linked to abortion advice and queer content
Meta has restricted or removed dozens of accounts belonging to abortion access providers and LGBTQ+ groups worldwide in recent weeks. Campaigners describe this as one of the biggest waves of censorship on the company’s platforms, affecting organizations in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Meta denies targeting specific groups, stating that all users are subject to the same rules, but activists argue the move mirrors a broader suppression of reproductive and queer rights.
Date: December 11, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Gay ‘conversion therapy’ should be consigned to history. In the US, it could make a comeback
Despite being condemned by mental health organizations, the dangerous practice of conversion therapy could see a resurgence in the US. This rise is linked to a Supreme Court case challenging state bans and a broader political environment hostile to the LGBTQ+ community. Research consistently shows that subjecting youth to these practices leads to severe mental health consequences, including a heightened risk of suicide. The article argues the practice is based on the homophobic assumption that diverse gender identities and sexual orientations are illnesses.
Date: December 1, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
Joe Biden slams Republicans for turning transgender rights into ‘political football’
Former US President Joe Biden used a speech at an LGBTQ+ leaders conference to criticize Republicans for weaponizing transgender rights for political gain. Biden argued that the Republican party is attempting to distort the fight for equality and make transgender identity seem sinister. The former president urged the community to “get up and fight back” against rising anti-trans rhetoric. He emphasized that the core of the issue is simply affording every American basic decency, dignity, and respect.
Date: December 6, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
DoJ moves to eliminate sexual abuse protections for LGBTQ+ people in prisons
The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has issued a memo moving to eliminate rules that protect LGBTQ+ people from sexual abuse in prisons. Advocates warn this policy shift is “reckless and dangerous” and will inevitably lead to a spike in assaults behind bars. The directive stops facilities from being held responsible for violating certain Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards meant to shield queer and trans inmates. These regulations cover critical safeguards, including risk screening and protection from discriminatory pat searches.
Date: December 5, 2025. Source: theguardian.com
From vaccines to gender: How Christian ‘momfluencers’ are reshaping the American right
A rising group of conservative Christian women, dubbed “momfluencers,” are using social media to blend religion, aesthetics, and personal stories to influence American politics. They actively promote traditional gender roles and domesticity while pushing back against what they call “feminism” and “gender ideology.” This movement is having a real-world impact, contributing to legislation across multiple states that bans transgender women from competing in women’s sports. They frame their activism around anti-LGBTQ+ issues and gender as a spiritual battle.
Date: December 2, 2025. Source: apnews.com
Princess Aiko’s popularity sparks calls to change Japan’s male-only succession law
The popularity of Princess Aiko is fueling renewed debate over Japan’s 1947 Imperial House Law, which dictates male-only succession to the throne. This law forces female royals to lose their status upon marrying a commoner, causing the imperial family’s numbers to rapidly dwindle. Experts suggest that a failure to reform the rule risks the long-term stability of the monarchy. Calls are growing to at least allow female members to retain their royal status and continue performing official duties.
Date: December 1, 2025. Source: independent.co
Protesters worldwide demand end to violence against women
Protesters across the world rallied to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, demanding immediate public action to combat the global scourge. The rallies highlighted grim statistics, including a recent UN finding that about 50,000 women were killed by partners or family members in the past year alone. Demonstrations were reported in multiple cities, including Guatemala City, Milan, and Paris. Activists are focusing on holding governments accountable for insufficient legal protections and lack of effective prevention programs.
Nov 26, 2025. aljazeera.com
Italy adds ‘femicide’ to the criminal code to curb violence against women
Italy’s parliament formally added the crime of femicide—the deliberate killing of women and girls due to their gender—to its criminal code. The bill was unanimously approved, establishing a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for the crime. This legislative action coincides with global protests on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the approval as a sign of political unity against violence targeting women.
November 26, 2025. aljazeera.com
Rising levels of hate forcing women out of Swedish public life, says equality agency
Sweden’s government equality agency warned that increasing levels of hate, harassment, and threats are compelling women to leave public life and political office. The climate is forcing women, especially younger ones, to censor themselves, which the agency labeled a “big threat to democracy.” This follows the recent high-profile resignation of a senior politician who cited hate and threats as her reason for quitting. The survey data shows female politicians are subjected to higher levels of feeling vulnerable compared to their male counterparts.
December 1, 2025. theguardian.com
Breaking barriers: Chennai auto driver wins Kamla Bhasin Award for gender equality
Mohana Sundari, an auto driver and union president from Chennai, India, won the Kamla Bhasin Award for driving gender equality in South Asia. She was honored for her advocacy work in the transport sector, a male-dominated field where she faced significant opposition. Mohana Sundari is the president of a cooperative that secures better pay and benefits for over 600 women auto drivers. Her work highlights the critical link between women’s financial independence and their ability to overcome societal challenges and patriarchy.
December 1, 2025. thehindu.com
Gaza women are ‘last line of protection’ for their families amid attacks, hunger and harsh winter
UN Women’s Chief of Humanitarian Action reported that women in Gaza are acting as the “last line of protection” for their families amid ongoing violence, extreme scarcity, and the onset of winter. Over 57,000 women are now heading their households, struggling to find basic necessities like food and shelter for their children. The official highlighted how women are forced to burn doors for fuel and face soaring prices, making survival impossible for many who have no income. UN Women called for a permanent ceasefire, more systematic aid delivery, and vital support for the 12,000-plus women with new disabilities.
November 25, 2025. news.un.org
Let’s fight for a simple, clear, and effective European definition of rape
Following a landmark case in France, European lawmakers are pushing once again for a unified, consent-based definition of rape across the entire EU. France recently amended its law to require informed, specific, and revocable consent for sexual contact, a reform prompted by the high-profile Gisèle Pelicot case. The article argues that the lack of a common standard in the EU results in unequal justice for victims and allows perpetrators to escape conviction. MEPs emphasize that national solutions are insufficient and that a unified EU approach is necessary to combat violence rooted in gender inequality.
Nov 24, 2025 euobserver
UK government insists it is ‘taking time to get this right’ on single-sex spaces
The UK government says it is carefully reviewing new guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on access to single-sex spaces, following a Supreme Court ruling defining “woman” by biological sex. Leaked details suggest the guidance could allow service providers — like hospitals or gyms — to question or exclude trans individuals based on appearance or concerns raised by others. Critics argue the rules risk discrimination and are unworkable, and a judicial review is pending.
Nov 20, 2025 https://www.theguardian.com
Will Europe’s next budget deliver on gender equality?
The negotiations for the European Union’s new multi-year budget (MFF) raise serious concerns about funding for gender equality and human rights organizations. Currently, the proposed budget for promoting human rights, including gender equality, is a tiny fraction (0.18%) of the overall budget, a figure many activists find inadequate. Women’s and LGBTQ+ rights groups are facing funding pressures as EU money often evaporates before reaching grassroots civil society, especially in member states with authoritarian or patriarchal governments. The negotiations are being viewed as a crucial test of whether the EU will move from symbolic rhetoric to providing actual resources for its equality commitments.
Nov 21, 2025 https://euobserver.com/eu-political/ar1eecc29a
EU’s top court tells Poland to recognise same-sex marriages registered elsewhere in Europe
The European Court of Justice has ordered Poland to transcribe and recognise a same-sex marriage conducted in Germany, despite Poland not allowing same-sex marriage under its national law. The ruling defends the couple’s right to a “normal family life” under EU freedom-of-movement laws. LGBTQ+ activists hailed the decision as a significant step toward equality and warned of pressure on Poland to align its policies with EU norms.
Nov 25, 2025 https://apnews.com
Starmer announces national summit on challenges facing men and boys
The UK government has announced a national summit to address the specific challenges facing men and boys in society. This move comes as part of a commitment to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, recognizing that men must be central to this conversation. The summit aims to explore issues like education, employment, and mental health affecting male demographics. While welcomed by some, others argue that resources must remain focused on marginalized groups.
November 20, 2025 independent.co.uk