For the LGBTQ community of the country, it has undoubtedly been a time of variations. In addition to the record number of anti-LGBT costs passed in 2023, LGBTQ people also had to deal with the introducing of transphobia, the deterioration of the ability to object to love speech on social media, and a new U.S. House speaker who has an extensive history of opposing Gay views.
The community did, however, celebrate victories that shouldn’t be overshadowed by negativity in spite of the recent upsurge in hateful rhetoric.
According to Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, “the extraordinary method LGBTQ people and our allies continue to stand up for our group and one’s fundamental freedoms is the metal lining in this year of challenge.”
Ellis cited the re-election of Kentucky’s pro-trans right governor. One of the things to be thankful for this year is Andy Beshear, the removal of Tucker Carlson, and Beyoncé’s “phenomenal journey” honoring gay Black people.
Below are six tales that encapsulated the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ community in 2023, ranging from fantastical to dark to quite chaotic.
1. A rainbows storm
The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute reports that 250 out-and-proud candidates won their votes in 2023, a new record for an odd-numbered election time. Virginia Delegate Danica Roem made history as the first openly transgender people to be elected to the state senate in the South during this ancient time for LGBTQ individuals across the U.S.
2. Kim Petras and Sam Smith are brilliant.
The second nonbinary and transsexual performers to receive a Grammy for Best Duo Pop Performance for the party floor-ready “Unholy” were English singer-songwriter Sam Smith and pop lady Kim Petras. Conservatives were incensed by their wicked rendition of the track at the ceremony night.
3. Drag prohibitions and the laws itenacts
After Tennessee became the first state to impose restrictions on public drag shows in March, some other Republican-led states, including Montana, Texas, and Florida, followed suit. This is despite the fact that shows starring celebrities wearing garments of the same sex date back to ancient Greece. However, the anti-drag movement has since been put on hold by judge directions across the country.
4. protection for trans people
The spread of anti-trans propaganda online, exacerbated by the deterioration of safeguards against hate speech on social media platforms, added to the “inaccurate, biased policy of trans people” by well-known news outlets, and turned into a real-life threat for the area. More than 120 different organizations and leaders joined GLAAD in pleading with The New York Times in February to change its “inaccurate, dangerous” coverage of transgender individuals and issues.
5. Dylan Mulvaney’s savage care
After collaborating with Bud Light for a social media campaign earlier this year, trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney came under fire for “more bullying and transphobia than she could have ever imagined.” A brief film that was posted on her Instagram profile in April sparked a significant social media uproar involving anti-LGBT activists and U.S. senators.
6. Anti-LGBT policy
The Human Rights Campaign declared a “state of emergency” for the first time in its four-decade record thanks to an unprecedented effort by Republican legislators in conservative states to target the right of LGBTQ community members. According to the HRC, 43 states introduced more than 550 anti-LGBT costs in 2023, and over 80 of them were passed into law. In contrast, 29 bills were passed last month, which is currently the worst year on record.
