2023 Wrapped: LGBTQ+ Milestones of the Year

Dec. 12 2023

by Lachlan

As we reach the end of 2023, let's take a joyous stroll down memory lane with our much-anticipated 2023 Wrapped! Despite a few setbacks for the LGBTQ+ community, we're choosing to shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements and milestones that made our community's spirit soar worldwide this past year.

From the jubilation of same-sex marriage triumphs in parts of Asia to the global strides in banning conversion therapy and the increased visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes in major sports, our pride flag fluttered triumphantly in 2023. Join us as we unwrap the highlights of the year, celebrating the victories and moments that made our community shine!

1) Spain, Cyprus, and Iceland criminalize conversion therapy.

2) The Netherlands amends its constitution on January 17 to forbid discrimination based on sexual orientation.

3) Latvia elects the first openly gay president, Edgars Rinkevics, on May 31, who pledges to legalize same-sex civil unions from 2024.

4) On January 31, Slovenia officially recognizes same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in Eastern Europe and the Balkans to do so.

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5) On June 25, 400 LGBTQ+ Turkish militants defied Turkey's ban on celebrating Pride and marched through the streets with pride.

6) Following a request from the Supreme Court of Nepal on March 20, Nepal becomes the first country in South Asia to recognize same-sex marriage on June 29.

7) Following the last-minute cancelation of Montreal Pride in 2022, Montreal Pride 2023 was bigger and better than ever, attracting more than 450,000 pride enthusiasts.

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8) Trans pop star, Kim Petras, receives a Grammy for best pop performance with non-binary partner Sam Smith, thanks to their song, Unholy

9) The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka kicks off a program on May 9 to decriminalize homosexuality.

10) 21 openly LGBTQ+ athletes participated in the Pan-American games in Santiago from October 20 to November 5

11) The parliament of Taiwan adopts a law on May 16 to allow same-sex couples to adopt children.

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12) San Francisco drag legend and owner of Oasis club, D'Arcy Drollinger, becomes the first drag queen to be awarded an honorary prize in America for her charitable work: Meals on Heels, in which drag queens delivered meals to housing shelters during the pandemic.

And there you have it—a captivating journey through the highs and triumphs of 2023 for our incredible community! As we bid farewell to this remarkable year, our eyes are set on an even brighter future in 2024. With unwavering solidarity, resilience, and an abundance of pride, let's persist in creating a world that embraces us all. Here's to a future filled with more victories, more progress, and the collective strength that binds us together. Cheers to making waves and shaping a world that truly welcomes us all! 

Feel like celebrating? How about planning your 2024 travel bucket list with our round-up of the world's safest countries for LGBTQ+ travel?