Daniela Vega makes Oscars history as first openly transgender presenter
The actress emerged on stage to introduce Sufjan Stevens’s performance of “Mystery of Love” from Call Me By Your Name making her the first openly transgender Oscars presenter.
LGBTQ+ rights & well-being
Canada’s Eric Radford becomes first openly gay athlete to win Winter Olympics gold
Eric Radford became the first openly gay Olympic champion in the history of the Winter Games, by virtue of his role among Canada’s gold medalists in team figure skating. He and partner Meagan Duhamel took the top spot in the pairs free skate program with their show-stopping routine set to Adele’s Hometown Glory.
Myanmar LGBT festival goes public for first time
The widening acceptance boosted numbers with some 6,000 people coming along on the first day alone, compared with 2-3,000 over the whole festival in previous years.
Transgender individuals may now openly join the U.S. military
Starting today, transgender individuals may openly join the U.S. military, this despite stiff opposition from President Trump.
First LGBT radio station in the Arab world launches in Tunisia
Broadcasting as of December 15, Radio Shams is the brainchild of the LGBT rights organization Shams, with support from the Dutch embassy.
Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte comes out in favour of same-sex marriage
Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday announced plans for the commission as he spoke at the 7th LGBT year-end gathering at Azuela Cove.
Botswana court orders government to recognize transgender woman as female
A transgender woman has won a legal battle against Botswana’s government to be recognized as female in a landmark victory for the rights of the lesbian, gay and transgender community.
Justin Trudeau will formally apologize for Canada’s past LGBTQ persecution
The address is expected to be the most comprehensive ever offered by any national government for past persecution of sexual minorities.
Australia votes for gay marriage, clearing path to legalization
A solid majority of Australians voted in favor of same-sex marriage in a historic survey that, while not binding, paves the way for Parliament to legally recognize the unions of gay and lesbian couples.
Andrea Jenkins from Minneapolis becomes the first openly transgender black woman elected to public office in the U.S.
Jenkins, who has been elected to the Minneapolis City Council, became the second openly transgender candidate to win a race Tuesday night.