Being LGBT is illegal in 81 countries, and in at least eleven of them punishable by death. On the other hand, thanks to the devoted work of advocacy groups and equal rights organizations, a significant progress has been made in winning new rights and protections for LGBT people elsewhere. Today, more than 1.3 billion people live in countries with some form of legal protection against discrimination against LGBT people, while 780 million live in countries with same-sex marriage or civil unions. More than a billion people live in countries which bar workplace discrimination against LGBT people.
In honor of the International day against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, follow the link and explore the legal situation for LGBT people around sex, marriage or civil partnerships, adoption, workplace discrimination and hate crime by region, country and overall population.
In only 11 days thousands of advocates and LGBT allies form around the world will celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia in an attempt to draw the attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBT people internationally. As part of GLAAD's Global Voices program, which works to accelerate LGBT acceptance across the globe, GLAAD will participate and celebrate IDAHOT together with thousands of diverse groups and individuals. As IDAHOT 2015 approaches, we give you 17 reasons, one every day, why May 17 matters. We invite you to create and share your own, via the hashtag #May17Because and amplify the voice for LGBT equality.
#May17Because Rule #7: we live in a world where 81 countries outlaw same sex relationships. 11 of them with death penalty.