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2021 in LGBT Rights

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In 2021, there were 215 recorded legal changes made affecting LGBT people. In the previous year, there were 141 changes made and 176 in the following year. A total of 967 legal changes have been made so far in the 2020s.

  • December 31
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Legal protections in the province under Law 3467-K on Access to Housing and Land for the LGBTIQNB+ Population.
  • December 30
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes ambiguous.
    In 2021, the state government of Mato Grosso do Sul passed a prohibition on the use of gender-neutral and nonbinary language in schools. This is despite the Supreme Court ruling in 2020 that censorship of LGBTIQ+ issues in education was unconstitutional.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    Legalized in 2021.
  • December 20
    Same-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 16
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (6-month deferral).
    Deferral was lowered to 6 months.
  • December 9
    LGBT 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
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Banned in all of Canada
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Banned through all of Canada
  • November 11
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    The Legislature of the Oaxaca Congress established that anyone who forces a person to receive a conversion therapy will be punished with jail.
  • November 10
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In 2021, Michigan began allowing individuals to select "X" as their gender marker on driver's licenses and state ID cards.
  • November 8
    Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    At the end of 2021, Governor Stitt issued an executive order, preventing the state from issuing new birth certificates with a change in legal gender. The state legislature codified the ban in 2022, and legal challenges were filed in that same year.
  • November
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In November, the Zurich cantonal council voted to ban conversion therapy.
  • Conversion therapy becomes varies by region.
    Several cantons have passed bans on conversion therapy while others have yet to take any action. At the federal level, however, the presence of a ban is less clear. In 2016 the National Council stated that conversion therapy and similar practices would go against the "loi sur les professions de la psychologie" (Psychological Professions Act) and should therefore be banned however the enforcement of this is seemingly non-existent.
  • November 1
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In 2021, the 3rd Chamber of Private Law of the Court of Justice of Sao Paulo ruled that nonbinary people should be provided legal gender recognition in the state.
  • October 28
    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 25
    Conversion therapy becomes varies by region.
    Currently in the Philippines there is one region that has put a ban on conversion therapy- Bataan.
  • October 19
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes ambiguous.
    In 2021, the State of Rondonia passed State Law No. 5123 which prohibited the use of gender-neutral and non-binary language in schools. This is despite the 2020 Supreme Court ruling that censorship of LGBTIQ+ issues in schools was unconstitutional. It was ruled unconstitutional and struck down by the Federal Supreme Court in 2023.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    The Congress of the State of Tlaxcala approved a reform that prohibits and punishes with up to 4 years in prison conversion therapies.
  • October 15
    Legal 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”.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Laws relating to the Protection of Personal Data and Privacy (Law 58 of 2021) defines sensitive personal data as information revealing a person’s sexual life. There are some protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity issued by the Government of Rwanda: -Standard Operating Procedures on identifying and safeguarding vulnerable persons under the Migration and Economic Development Partnership, April 2024. -Asylum and humanitarian protection decision making Standard Operating Procedures, April 2024. -Manual on Refugee Appeal Tribunal Standard Operating Procedures, April 2024.
  • October
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    From October 2021, gay and bisexual men can donate blood, regardless of when they last had sex. Israel no longer quarantines MSM blood and treats all donors equally, requiring no extra screening beyond the standard process.
  • September 28
    Conversion 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
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes varies by region.
    In June 2021, city councilors in Divinópolis, Minas Gerais state, unanimously approved a project that bans giving public funds for events and services that “directly or indirectly promote the sexualization of children and adolescents.” The law was in effect in September. This is despite the Supreme Court ruling laws censoring LGBTIQ+ content in education unconstitutional in 2020.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal with restrictions.
    On September 24, 2021, new guidelines were introduced. Men in monogamous relationships with men can donate blood with no deferral. However, men who have sex with men outside of a monogamous relationship still face a 4 month deferral.
  • September 23
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The congress of Sonora has voted to legalize same sex marriage.
  • September 22
    Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The congress of Querétaro approved to legalize same sex marriage.
  • September 15
    Serving openly in military becomes illegal.
    Homosexuality is Illegal.
  • Censorship of LGBT issues becomes imprisonment as punishment.
    The Taliban censors all forms of LGBTQ advocacy in the country.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes illegal.
    Homosexuality is Illegal.
  • September 14
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Since September 2021, Morelos provided for legal gender recognition on the basis of self-identification. Since November 2021, it is also provided for minors.
  • September 12
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Amazonas began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people would not be recognised until 2022.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Bahia began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people would not be recognised until 2022.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Goias began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people would not be granted recognition until 2023.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Minas Gerais began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people would not be recognised until 2023.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Parana began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people would not be recognised until 2023.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Paraiba began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people would not be recognised until 2023.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Pernambuco began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people would not be recognised until 2023.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Rio Grande do Norte began proving legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people were not recognised until 2023.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Rio Grande do Sul began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people would not be recognised until 2022.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Rondonia began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people were not recognised until 2022.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Sao Paulo began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people would not be recognised until 2 months later.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, the Federal District began providing legal recognition to intersex people under Brazilian federal law. However, there was no legal recognition of nonbinary people until 2023.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, intersex people were provided legal recognition in Alagoas under federal Brazilian law. A month later, nonbinary people would also be recognised in the state.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Sergipe began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, there is still no legal recognition provided to nonbinary people.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Mato Grosso began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people still lack legal recognition.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Maranhao began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people still lack legal recognition. A nonbinary person achieved recognition through a court ruling in October 2024 but this case did not guarantee full recognition to nonbinary people in the state and only applied to the individual.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Para began providing legal recognition for intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people still lack legal recognition.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Ceara began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people would not be recognised until 2024.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Espirito Santo began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people remained without recognition until 2025.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Mato Grosso do Sul began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people still have no legal recognition.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Amapa began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people remained without legal recognition until 2022.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Roraima began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. However, there is still no legal recognition provided to nonbinary people.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, intersex people achieved legal recognition in Acre under federal Brazilian law. However, nonbinary people are still not provided recognition.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Tocantins began providing legal recognition to intersex people under federal Brazilian law. In 2022, 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. Recognition would be granted in 2023.
  • September 7
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2021, La Rioja passed Law 10,374, which provided full protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Two months after Argentina’s federal protections provided on the basis of gender identity, La Rioja would extend protections from discrimination in employment to include sexual orientation.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    Law 10,374 of the province of La Rioja, on Guaranteeing and Promoting the Full Validity of the Principle of Equality and Non-discrimination, prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
  • September 1
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
    Registered partnerships,offering all of the rights, benefits and obligations of marriage, have been recognized in Aruba for different-sex and same-sex couples since 1 September 2021.
  • 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
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    The Yucatán Congress voted unanimously for prison sentences of up to three years for anyone administering conversion therapy treatment. Those who administer therapy on minors can be faced with up to six years of prison sentences.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The Yucatán Congress passed the marriage equality bill in a 20-5 vote margin.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    The Zacatecas Congress approved banning and sanctioning conversion therapies or ECOSIG (Efforts to Correct Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) almost on a par with Yucatan.
  • August 20
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2021, Guerrero added gender identity as a protected characteristic from discrimination, including in housing.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2021, Guerrero added gender identity as a protected characteristic from discrimination, including in employment.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2021, Guerrero added gender identity as a protected characteristic in its anti-discrimination law.
  • August 16
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    Northern Ireland's blood donation criteria were brought in line with UK rules in August 2021, after being delayed since June 2021. They removed any sexuality-specific deferral periods.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    In August of 2021, Northern Ireland changed blood donor rules to be equal to those of England, Scotland and Wales, who had reformed theirs earlier in the summer, making MSMs donating blood legal throughout the UK. Donors of any gender are 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.
  • August 15
    Homosexual activity becomes illegal (death penalty as punishment).
    In 2021, the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. Since then, they have frequently enforced Sharia law against individuals convicted of homosexuality, often sentencing them to death.
  • Conversion therapy becomes not banned.
    Nationwide.
  • Equal age of consent becomes ambiguous.
    Homosexuality is Illegal.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (indefinite deferral).
    Under the Taliban rule.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes illegal.
    Changing Gender is Haram in Islam.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes banned.
    Nationwide.
  • August 6
    Conversion 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
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    Section 13(1B) of the Civil Status Act (2021 amendment) reads: Where the sex of a newborn cannot be determined due to congenital anomalies at the time of birth or stillbirth, the officer shall register the sex as “undetermined”.
  • August 3
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Under Chilean Law.
  • August 2
    Conversion therapy becomes varies by region.
    Charleston, the capital of West Virgina became the first city to ban conversion therapy on August 2nd 2021. Morgantown quickly followed in October 2021. State law supersedes local laws and the ban is at risk of being rendered defunct if state legislatures were to nullify the legitimacy of the scope of these laws. No ban had been considered by state legislatures as of January 2025. In January 2024, a bill to mandate conversion therapy of trans people under 21 was pending.
  • July 31
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2021, Baja California Sur added gender identity as a protected characteristic in its anti-discrimination law, including in housing.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2021, Baja California Sur added gender identity as a protected characteristic in its anti-discrimination law, including in employment.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal.
    In 2021, Baja California Sur added gender identity as a protected characteristic in its anti-discrimination law.
  • July 23
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In 2021, Piaui began providing recognition to nonbinary people under a court ruling.
  • July 22
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    In 2021, the state of Mexico provided for legal gender recognition on the basis of self-identification.
  • July 21
    Legal 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 15
    Same-sex marriage becomes civil unions (marriage rights).
    In July 2020, the Parliament of Montenegro passed a bill to recognise life partnerships for same-sex couples and started recognising them in July 2021. The law also applies in Kološin.
  • 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).
    On July 1, 2020, the Parliament of Montenegro passed a bill to recognise life partnerships for same-sex couples and started recognising them in July 2021. Some articles need to be amended in order to give more rights to life partners.
  • July 14
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    On 14th July 2021, the law was changed so that MSMs were not singled out and instead the island follows a risk based assessment model. All islanders regardless of sexuality are asked about their sexual activity and a risk assessment is made.
  • July 8
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, San Luis began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Tierra del Fuego began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Tucuman began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Neuquen began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Misiones began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Santa Fe began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Formosa began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Jujuy began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Cordoba began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Salta began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Entre Rios began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Mendoza began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, La Pampa began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Corrientes began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2021, Santiago del Estero began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. Sexual orientation had been protected since 2008
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2021, San Juan began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. Sexual orientation was already protected since 2007.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation and gender identity.
    In 2021, Rio Negro began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. Sexual orientation had been protected since 2008.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, La Rioja began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remained unprotected until September of that year.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Chubut began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Chaco began providing protections from discrimination in employment to gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Catamarca began providing protections from discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Buenos Aires began providing protections from discrimination in employment to gender identity under federal Argentine law. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • July 1
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes fine as punishment.
    The government has passed laws banning LGBTQ+ content for minors under 18s in schools and media (such as books, films and more). The books containing LGBTQ+ themes must be wrapped with plastics to comply the law. Films like Harry Potter or Billy Elliot will be banned for under 18s and it will be broadcasted before 10pm. The law will also limits sex education in schools with no LGBTQ+ education.
  • Censorship of LGBT issues becomes no censorship.
    The 1998 clause in the Mississippi Code prohibiting education institutes from teaching about homosexuality was repealed in 2021. Until 2022, there were no known laws censoring LGBTIQ+ topics in Mississippi.
  • June 30
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes no protections.
    The old penal code stipulated that a person could not be fired, discriminated against or harassed in a work environment because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. When revising the penal code, a small change was made in the penal code. A small section was eliminated and summarized to remove the protection for LGBT people in the Dominican Republic. The new code was approved on June 30th. Article 186 of the new Criminal Code criminalizes the crime of "discrimination" and punishes acts such as refusing to provide a person with a good or service, hindering an economic activity or refusing to hire him because of his origin, age, sex, race, economic condition or religion, among other reasons.
  • Right 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 29
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes intersex only.
    In 2021, Morocco passed Law 36.21, which provides intersex people with the opportunity for legal recognition and the option to change their legal gender. However, this is not provided for nonbinary or binary transgender people.
  • Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    In 2021, Baja California Sur provided for legal gender recognition on the basis of self-identification. In 2024, this was expanded to include nonbinary people and minors.
  • June 28
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    The Government of Baja California Sur approved the 'Trans Identity Law' that prohibits conversion therapies and allows gender self-determination.
  • June 24
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    The 2021 Gender Recognition Act allows for LGBTQ people to change their gender on their driver's licenses or permits. Anyone 17 and over can do so without a parent, while those 16 and younger need parental approval. The Gender Recognition Act repealed clauses which require an applicant for a driver's license to submit proof of fitness.
  • June 15
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes ambiguous.
    In 2021, the state government of Santa Catarina passed a decree that bans gender-neutral and non-binary language in all schools in the state. This is despite the 2020 Supreme Court ruling that censorship of LGBTIQ+ issues in schools was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court would rule it in unconstitutional in 2025.
  • Same-sex marriage becomes legal.
    The legalization of same-sex marriage was approved in a unanimous vote in Sinaloa, however, a number of lawmakers abstained to vote.
  • Conversion therapy becomes varies by region.
    In 2021, the city of Columbia, which is the capital city and second most populous city of South Carolina, approved a ban on conversion therapies being performed on minors. Before the ban was repealed in 2025, it was the only region to establish an ordinance against the practice of conversion therapy in the state of South Carolina. The ordinance, which was passed by a 4-3 vote, only applied to licensed therapists; it did not apply to religious institutions.
  • June 14
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes varies by region.
    There was a 2-month period in 2021 when Northern Ireland had not yet abolished unequal restrictions on MSMs donating blood, while the rest of the UK had already enacted reforms.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    The 3-month deferral for MSM has been dropped in England, 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.
  • Blood 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.
  • (deleted region)
    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.
  • (deleted region)
    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.
  • (deleted region)
    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.
  • (deleted region)
    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.
  • (deleted region)
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    In line with England and UK.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes legal.
    In line with the rest of the UK, Scotland abolished sexuality-specific policies in recruiting blood donors.
  • 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.
  • 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 12
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Cajamarca under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in La Libertad under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Junin under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Amazonas under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Ancash under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Puno under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Lambayeque. under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Huánuco under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Tacna under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Madre de Dios under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Pasco under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Loreto under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Arequipa under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Piura under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Ayacucho under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in El Callao under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Huancavelica under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in San Martin under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Cusco under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Lima under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Ica under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Moquegua under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Tumbes under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Lima City under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Ucayali under federal Peruvian law.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, conversion therapy on LGBTIQ+ adolescents was banned in Apurimac under federal Peruvian law, including trans people in the ban.
  • Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    In 2021, the Ministry of Health issued the Technical Guidelines for the Comprehensive Mental Health Care of the Adolescents. Section 8.3.4 ban "conversion therapies" against LGBTIQ adolescents.
  • Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Although introduced in 2004, Assembly Bill A5465D, the Gender Recognition Act, did not pass until June of 2021. It was then signed into law by Governor Hochul, allowing non-binary genders to be used in legal documents.
  • June 10
    Conversion therapy becomes varies by region.
    Norman, Oklahoma is the third most populous city in Oklahoma. Concurrently, it is the only region to ban conversion therapy through an ordinance. The Norman City Council voted on Jun 29 2021 unanimously and around 100 citizens joined in support of the initiative. State law supersedes local laws and the ban is at risk of being rendered defunct if state legislatures were to nullify it's legitimacy. In 2022, a bill was under consideration to prohibit the restriction of conversion therapy in the state.
  • June 8
    Conversion 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 1
    LGBT 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 varies by region.
    An extensive list of jurisdictions passing ordinances and measures which prohibit the practice of conversion therapy have passed in Wisconsin. In brief this list includes the 14 communities of: Appleton, Cudahy, Eau Claire, Glendale, Kenosha, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Shorewood, Sun Prairie, Superior and West Allis. Each jurisdiction maintains different variations in fines and applicability to minors and licensed professionals. 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. State law supersedes local laws and the ban is at risk of being rendered defunct if state legislatures were to nullify the legitimacy of the scope of these laws. A battle against conversion therapy is currently pending in the Supreme Court and it is likely to be ruled on this term with Wisconsin being the origin state of the challenge.
  • May 3
    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.
  • 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 (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.
  • Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).
    Since May 3, 2021, the deferral period has been reduced to four months.
  • Homosexual activity becomes illegal (up to life in prison as punishment).
    The Sexual Offences Bill (2019), first tabled in 2015, criminalises sexual activity between persons of the same gender.
  • May 1
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (6-month deferral).
    A proposal was made for a 6-month deferral for MSMs by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare as early as 2006.
  • May
    Legal 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 30
    Serving openly in military becomes legal.
    In 2021, former President Joe Biden removed then-former President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the military.
  • April 29
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes no censorship.
    AL HB385 (2021), signed by Governor Kay Ivey in April of 2021, amended Section 16-40A-2, Code of Alabama 1992 to remove a clause in the state's public sex education that "in a factual manner and from a public health perspective, homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public and that homosexual conduct is a criminal offense under the laws of the state."
  • April 23
    Conversion 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 21
    LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Government Agreement Number 62-2024, issued on April 19, 2024, which approves the Code of Ethics of the Executive Branch, prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the public sector. It establishes that it is applicable to all public servants, contractors or other persons linked to the Executive Branch. The Code of Ethics and Integrity of the National Registry of Persons (2021) prohibits discrimination based on gender identity.
  • April 16
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    In 2021, Santa Catarina became the second state in Brazil to recognise nonbinary people after a court decision.
  • April 6
    Gender-affirming care becomes varies by region.
    At the federal level, gender-affirming care is unrestricted, since there are no federal laws governing it. Beginning with Arkansas in 2021, several states have passed laws that restrict access to such care, while others have adopted laws that protect it. On June 18 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s SB 1 in a 6–3 ruling (*United States v. Skrmetti*), allowing states to prohibit puberty blockers and hormone therapy for anyone under 18 who is transitioning. • The majority applied only “rational-basis” review and rejected claims that the ban violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. • The decision does **not** impose a federal ban, but it shields similar laws in at least 26 other states from most constitutional challenges. • Adult gender-affirming care remains legal, and the 2020 *Bostock* workplace-rights precedent is unaffected.
  • Gender-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 25
    Intersex 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
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Nationwide
  • March 6
    Legal recognition of non-binary gender becomes recognized.
    Prince Edward Island residents can change their IDs and birth certificate to a gender neutral marking.
  • March
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    Transgender people do not need a medical diagnosis to change their gender on documents in Rhode Island.
  • Same-sex adoption becomes illegal.
    Before the current law, single-only adoption for gay people was allowed, now same-sex couples are prohibited from adopting children.
  • February 25
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    In 2021, Puebla provided legal gender recognition on the basis of self-identification.
  • February 22
    Conversion therapy becomes varies by region.
    Lincoln is concurrently the only jurisdiction to ban conversion therapy in Nebraska. The city council approved the measure on February 22, 2021 via a 5-1 vote. The functions of the measure only applies to the pathologization of minors and bans recommendation of said practices by licensed mental health professionals only. State law supersedes local laws and the ban is at risk of being rendered defunct if state legislatures were to nullify the legitimacy of the scope of these laws. A ban had been considered against the practice statewide in March of 2023 but seems to have continued it's languish in the unicameral house legislature.
  • February 17
    Homosexual activity becomes legal.
    Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in Bhutan on February 17, 2021, after Section 213 was amended to clarify that “homosexuality between adults shall not be considered unnatural sex.”
  • Equal age of consent becomes equal.
    The Penal Code Amendment Act of Bhutan 2021 decriminalised homosexual activity. The age of consent for all people is 18.
  • February 9
    LGBT housing discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    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 and housing since 2021 in Angola. There is no explicit protection based on gender identity.
  • LGBT employment discrimination becomes sexual orientation only.
    Article 212 of the Penal Code bans acts of discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment in Angola since 2021. However, gender identity remains unprotected.
  • LGBT discrimination becomes illegal in some contexts.
    Article 212 of the Penal Code criminalises acts of discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, health, education, housing and in the provision of goods and services. There are no laws that protect gender identity from discrimination.
  • February 2
    Right to change legal gender becomes legal, no restrictions.
    In 2021, Sonora provided legal gender recognition on the basis of self-identification.
  • January 31
    Blood donations by MSMs becomes banned (less than 6-month deferral).
    In 2021, Australia reduced the deferral period for men who have sex with men donating blood to 3-months.
  • January 15
    LGBT employment discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    In 2021, Santa Cruz passed a law providing protections from discrimination on the basis of gender identity in employment. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • LGBT housing discrimination becomes gender identity only.
    The Comprehensive Law on the Recognition and Historical Reparation of the Rights of Transgender People (2020) prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and/or expression, including in housing. It came into effect in 2021. However, sexual orientation remains unprotected.
  • January 14
    (deleted region)
    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.
  • (date unknown)
    Conversion therapy becomes banned.
    Section 4(h) of Ordinance No. 16 (2021) prohibits “non-consensual medical or psychological examination to determine, alter, or both, a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.” Section 4(n) prohibits “inflicting or threatening to inflict bodily or physical harm or humiliation, repeated verbal abuse” in order to “express rejection” or prevent a child from “displaying or expressing” his or her identity.
  • January 1
    Censorship of LGBT issues becomes fine as punishment.
    The government has passed laws banning LGBTQ+ topics from schools. By law, books containing LGBTQ+ content cannot be placed within 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.

LGBT Organizations Founded in 2021

  • Intersex Greece FaviconIntersex Greece
    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 FaviconRainbow Tarnow
    Poland
    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 FaviconGibraltar LGBTQ+ Committee
    Gibraltar
    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…
  • Coloured Voices FaviconColoured Voices
    Uganda
    Coloured Voice was founded by a group of four LGBT youths in 2021 during the second COVID-19 lockdown, who were on the brink of suicide due to being ostracized and hunted by…
  • The African Sunbird Network FaviconThe African Sunbird Network
    Global
    Migrants in Africa often face barriers in accessing healthcare, education, legal assistance, and livelihood opportunities. Experience discrimination and stigmatisation within…
  • MinaS FaviconMinaS
    Germany
    MinaS is the largest association representing nonbinary and agender people in Germany. They have been involved in different forms of activism, such as lobbying the federal…