Most LGBTQ-Friendly Countries (2023 Update)

Updated March 28, 2023 | Infoplease Staff

The struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights is ongoing and there are still many countries where discrimination against the community is prevalent. It is important for individuals and organizations to continue advocating for equal rights and recognition for LGBTQ individuals around the world!

What Are the Most LGBTQIA-Friendly Countries in the World?

The LGBTQ community has been fighting for equal rights and recognition for decades. While some countries have made significant progress in this regard, others continue to discriminate against the community. Here are some of the top LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world, based on the laws and regulations in place there.

Canada

Canada is widely regarded as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal.

Sweden

Sweden has been at the forefront of LGBTQ rights for many years. It was the first country to allow transgender people to legally change their gender in 1972, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009.

Norway

Norway is another country that has made significant progress in LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009, and the country has some of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in the world.

Spain

Spain has been a trendsetter in LGBTQ rights for many years. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005, and the country has some of the most progressive transgender laws in the world.

Netherlands

The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. The country has a very liberal attitude towards LGBTQ individuals, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal.

Iceland

Iceland is another country that has made significant progress in LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and the country has some of the most progressive transgender laws in the world.

Denmark

Denmark has been at the forefront of LGBTQ rights for many years. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2012, and the country has some of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in the world.

Portugal

Portugal is another country that has made significant progress in LGBTQ rights. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and the country has some of the most progressive transgender laws in the world.

Belgium

Belgium has been a leader in LGBTQ rights for many years. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2003, and the country has some of the most comprehensive anti-discrimination laws in the world.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a relatively new addition to the list of LGBTQ-friendly countries. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013, and the country has made significant progress in LGBTQ rights in recent years.

Additionally, it's important to recognize that even within these LGBTQ-friendly countries, there is still work to be done. Discrimination and violence against LGBTQ individuals still occur and it's crucial to address these issues. It's also worth noting that LGBTQ rights vary from region to region within a country.

For example, while Canada as a whole is LGBTQ-friendly, there are still areas where LGBTQ individuals face discrimination and violence. It's important to continue advocating for LGBTQ rights and to work towards true equality and recognition for the community worldwide.

Countries With the Most Pro-LGBTQIA+ Populations

Here's a list of the top 10 most LGBTQ-friendly countries according to a report from Williams Institute.

The study asked people in 175 countries the question, "Should society accept homosexuality?" The highest-ranked countries had the highest number of people who responded with "Yes" according to the 2021 survey by the Williams Institution, the most recent data on record.

Note, the survey sampled peoples' views from 175 countries, so it is not comprehensive — but does give a good indication of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world.

Source: UCLA School of Law: Williams Institute.

Concluding LGBTQ-Friendly Countries

It’s important to continue advocating for equal rights and recognition for LGBTQ individuals around the world, and to address issues of discrimination and violence that still occur even within LGBTQ-friendly countries. By working together, we can continue to make progress towards a more inclusive and accepting world for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity!

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