It’s been a really, really tough year to be queer.
Across the globe, 2024 has been defined by a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ policies, rhetoric, and violence. From state-sanctioned crackdowns in Eastern Europe to emboldened anti-trans legislation in the United States, this year felt like a calculated attempt to push queer communities back into the shadows. But if history teaches us anything, it’s that LGBTQ+ people refuse to go quietly.
Let’s unpack the origins of this backlash, how it has unfolded on the world stage, and what it signals for the future of queer rights.
A Year of Retrenchment
The rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment this year wasn’t a random spike; it was a deliberate backlash against hard-won queer visibility. Politicians, religious groups, and far-right activists have turned LGBTQ+ rights into a lightning rod for political gain, fuelling fear and division.
- In the United States, a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in state legislatures, many targeting transgender youth. From bans on gender-affirming care to bathroom restrictions and even book bans, states like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee led the charge.
- In Europe, countries like Hungary and Poland doubled down on “anti-LGBT propaganda” laws, while Russia banned gender-affirming care for all ages and barred LGBTQ+ people from adopting children. LGBTQ+ refugees seeking safety in neighbouring countries faced increasing hostility.
- In Africa, Uganda’s draconian “Anti-Homosexuality Act” set a new low, with punishments including life imprisonment and the death penalty for same-sex relations. The law, widely condemned internationally, inspired other nations in the region to consider harsher policies.
- In so-called progressive nations, hate crimes rose alarmingly. In the UK, for instance, anti-LGBTQ+ violence soared, exacerbated by media-driven “gender-critical” rhetoric.
What’s Driving the Backlash?
The backlash isn’t a coincidence; it’s part of a coordinated effort to exploit LGBTQ+ rights as a cultural wedge issue.
- The “Gender Ideology” Narrative: Globally, right-wing leaders have framed LGBTQ+ rights—particularly transgender visibility—as an ideological attack on “traditional family values“. This rhetoric has been particularly weaponized against trans and non-binary communities.
- Economic Distraction: Economic instability often leads to scapegoating, and LGBTQ+ communities have been convenient targets for leaders seeking to shift blame away from their own failings.
- International Networks of Hate: Anti-LGBTQ+ movements are increasingly interconnected. Evangelical groups in the United States have exported their anti-queer ideology to Africa, while far-right politicians share strategies and resources across borders.
Queer Resistance: The Global Fight for Liberation
Despite the challenges, LGBTQ+ communities have fought back with resilience and creativity. Resistance in 2024 has been as fierce as the attacks themselves, proving that queer people are determined to thrive against all odds.
- Grassroots Movements: Underground networks supporting trans youth in hostile states and massive Pride protests in countries like Poland and Brazil have shown that community solidarity remains a powerful force.
- Legal Advocacy: Activists have taken their battles to court, winning victories like Malaysia’s ruling to return confiscated rainbow-themed Swatch watches. While small, these wins remind us that progress is still possible.
- Cultural Defiance: Queer creators have used art as resistance. Shows like Heartstopper and unapologetic queer visibility in music, film, and literature have kept hope alive, even in the darkest moments.
A Queer Lens on 2024
The stakes are personal. This isn’t just a political struggle—it’s about survival. For many queer people, 2024 was a year of fear, but also a year of solidarity. We’ve been here before, and history shows that LGBTQ+ people have always found ways to resist and thrive.
This year underscored how interconnected the fight for queer liberation has become. A bathroom bill in Tennessee echoes in the transphobic rhetoric of the UK. Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws embolden conservative movements in the U.S. The oppression may differ in degree, but the threads of hate are undeniably linked.
Looking Ahead: Staying Vigilant
The fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. Here’s what needs to happen as we move into 2025:
- Strengthen Global Solidarity: Support organisations that work across borders, like OutRight International and ILGA, to resist the global spread of anti-LGBTQ+ hate.
- Elevate Marginalised Voices: Advocacy must centre trans people, BIPOC queer individuals, and those in regions most affected by oppressive policies.
- Local and Global Action: Even in places with stronger legal protections, queer communities must push for systemic change, from healthcare reform to addressing the rise of hate speech online.
Final Thoughts
This year has been a stark reminder that progress is not a straight line. The victories of the past are not guaranteed to last, and the fight for queer liberation requires constant vigilance. But if 2024 has shown us anything, it’s that LGBTQ+ people refuse to be erased. We’re still here, still resisting, and still imagining a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear.
The fight isn’t over—but neither is our hope. – TML