A Look Back on 2017 & LGBTQ Rights

2017 was a year of progressive calls to action to stand up for LGBTQ rights, not only in America but also on the international stage. Worldwide we witnessed triumphant victories as the community led new conquests, striving to end age-old traditions in exchange for clearing a new path for future generations. Although it was a trying year, we are united and will continue our work to make the community heard and accepted.

Let’s rewind the clock and recount some of our 2017 challenges and achievements.

#1 Transgender Persons in the Military

Back in 2016, the Pentagon lifted the ban on transgender individuals serving openly in the armed forces, but 2017 brought threats from the new administration to reinstate the ban. Luckily,  the lawyers were on the case, suing in federal courts across the country to block the ban from taking effect. For now, the Pentagon is under court order to accept transgender recruits. We’ll have to wait and see how this shakes out in 2018, but signs point to a swell of support for transgender military service.  

#2 Elections: Domestic & Abroad

2017 was an exciting year for electing LGBTQ candidates. Seventy-one candidates ran, and more than half won their elections. Danica Roem became the first openly transgender person elected to the Virginia General Assembly and Lisa Middleton was the first transgender person elected to a non-judicial office in California.

Electoral victories aren’t just happening at home. Abroad, Serbia elected Ana Brnabic, the country’s first female and openly gay Prime Minister, and Ireland elected its first openly gay Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar.

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#3 Small Municipalities 

Small municipalities across the United States have stepped up by enacting anti-discrimination ordinances that protect the rights of LGBTQ workers, students, and staff in LGBTQ-supporting school districts.

#4 Recognition

In the District of Columbia, people getting licenses and state-issued IDs can now choose the gender neutral marking “X” instead of being limited to male or female. Similarly, California now allows persons to select non-binary as a third gender option on state-issued IDs.

#5 Marriage Equality

Marriage equality claimed victory around the world this past year, most notably in Germany, Finland, Australia, and Malta.

Final Thoughts

Our community and supporters are making great strides for equality and work tirelessly to promote the values that will lessen our strife. The struggles are not over for our community, but our fight and relentless pursuit of equality will continue to spur conversations that will lead us to a more perfect union. 
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