Post by : Raman

Photo : Reuters

In the last year, elections around the world have shown a worrying trend for LGBTQ+ people. According to a report by Outright International, a rights organization that works for LGBTQ+ rights globally, politicians in at least 51 countries used homophobic or transphobic language during campaigns. This includes blaming LGBTQ+ people for social problems, calling them a foreign threat, or criticizing “gender ideology.”

Despite this, there is some good news. The number of openly LGBTQ+ people running for office is rising. In 36 countries, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals stood as candidates. Some of these countries, like Botswana, Namibia, and Romania, had LGBTQ+ candidates for the first time. Brazil also saw a big increase, with the number of LGBTQ+ elected officials doubling to at least 233.

The rise in visibility for LGBTQ+ people, however, has also led to a strong backlash in many places. Conservative politicians and far-right activists often use LGBTQ+ people as scapegoats, blaming them for societal issues. Alberto de Belaúnde, a director at Outright International, said there is a “weaponization of hate” happening. He explained that similar anti-LGBTQ+ messages are spreading in many countries, often coordinated and well-funded.

Many LGBTQ+ candidates faced online hate and harassment. Countries like El Salvador, Finland, Pakistan, and the United States reported threats and abuse against LGBTQ+ politicians. In the US, Sarah McBride made history by becoming the first transgender member of the House of Representatives, even while Republican campaigns spent $200 million on TV ads attacking transgender people during the 2024 elections.

The report highlights examples from around the world. In Georgia, a country in the former Soviet Union, the ruling party called LGBTQ+ activists “foreign agents” and claimed they wanted to harm traditional values. In Ghana, where gay sex is illegal, political parties used “family values” as a campaign point while accusing opponents of supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

Europe also saw strong anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s party claimed that “Brussels elite and the Soros network” were trying to push gender ideology on children. In Germany, the far-right Alternative für Deutschland opposed equal treatment for same-sex couples.

Even in Asia, LGBTQ+ candidates faced harassment. In Indonesia, politicians reportedly promised to “eradicate LGBT,” and Pakistan’s transgender candidates were verbally attacked both online and in person during the February 2024 elections.

Outright International’s report also connects these attacks with the rise of authoritarianism in many countries. LGBTQ+ people and other minority groups often face discrimination first when democratic rights are under threat.

The picture is complex. On one side, more LGBTQ+ people are running for office and winning positions, showing progress and courage. On the other side, discrimination, hate speech, and political attacks remain widespread.

As the world becomes more aware of LGBTQ+ rights, the backlash highlights how far there is still to go. Protecting these communities requires strong laws, public support, and global attention to ensure everyone can live safely and equally.

while the rise in LGBTQ+ candidates is hopeful, the global political climate shows that equality is still under pressure. Society must work together to challenge hate, support diversity, and make politics safer for everyone, regardless of who they love or how they identify.

LGBTQ Rights, Global Elections, LGBTQ Representation, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Equality, Political News