By Sophie – writer at 72gender.com
In 2025, conversations around gender identity are more visible than ever. From parliamentary debates to school policies, gender has become both a personal truth and a political topic. But how different that conversation looks across the globe is striking.
In some countries, gender-diverse people are gaining increasing recognition and rights. In others, gender identity remains heavily restricted or even criminalized. This blog explores these diverging trends — not to judge, but to better understand how context, culture, and legislation shape the lived experiences of gender-diverse individuals around the world.
Progressing Landscapes: Where Gender Identity Is Gaining Ground
Several countries are leading in legal protections and public dialogue around gender diversity. In these places, policies are increasingly aligned with self-identification, healthcare access, and anti-discrimination protections.
Canada
Canada has established some of the most comprehensive gender identity protections globally. Since 2017, gender identity and expression have been explicitly protected under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Provinces have added gender-neutral options on IDs, and schools have introduced inclusive policies supporting trans and non-binary students.
Argentina
Argentina was a global pioneer with its 2012 Gender Identity Law, allowing people to change gender markers on official documents without medical intervention. The law emphasizes autonomy and dignity, and inspired similar movements across Latin America.
New Zealand
New Zealand has made substantial progress in gender recognition, particularly with the recent move toward self-ID on birth certificates and the government’s proactive use of gender-diverse language. Public institutions actively consult with LGBTQ+ communities in policy development.
Germany & Nordic countries
Germany recently passed a new self-ID law that simplifies legal gender changes. Sweden, Denmark, and Norway already offer broad protections and healthcare access for gender-diverse individuals, and public education includes gender diversity as part of the curriculum.
Restrictive Environments: Where Gender Identity Faces Barriers
In contrast, other countries maintain stricter control over gender expression and legal recognition, whether due to cultural conservatism, religious influence, or political agendas.
Russia
Russia has passed increasingly strict laws limiting LGBTQ+ visibility, including a ban on what it calls “non-traditional sexual relationships” in media. In 2023, legal gender recognition processes were restricted, and public discussion of gender diversity is largely suppressed.
Hungary
Hungary banned legal gender change in 2020, and since then, official documents must reflect “sex at birth.” Educational content related to gender identity is also tightly controlled, and NGOs working in this space face limitations.
Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, gender identity issues are largely viewed through a legal and religious lens. Trans and non-binary identities are not recognized, and individuals face significant risks of arrest or harassment. Activism is minimal due to legal constraints.
Indonesia
While Indonesia has vibrant LGBTQ+ communities in urban centers, legal protections are minimal. In some regions, Sharia-inspired laws have led to increased scrutiny and punishment of gender non-conforming individuals.
A Matter of Law and Culture
Legal progress is only part of the story. In some countries, rights exist on paper but public stigma remains strong. In others, formal rights may be absent, but grassroots acceptance and visibility are growing.
For instance, India legally recognizes a “third gender” and provides certain protections, yet trans communities often face discrimination in education, healthcare, and employment. Meanwhile, in countries like Thailand, public visibility of trans people is high, even though legal gender recognition remains limited.
What Shapes These Trends?
The differing political landscapes often stem from a complex mix of:
- Cultural values (e.g., collectivism vs individual autonomy)
- Religious influence on law and education
- Media freedom and how gender topics are framed
- History of colonial laws, especially in Africa and parts of Asia
- Activism and visibility within civil society
It’s also important to note that no country is fully “ahead” or “behind.” Progress is not linear — laws can change rapidly in either direction, and public opinion often moves independently of government action.
A Global Conversation
While the differences across countries are significant, one thing is clear: gender identity is no longer a fringe topic. It is now part of mainstream political and cultural debate, education policy, and even foreign diplomacy.
Understanding where and how these debates unfold helps build empathy — not just for those in supportive environments, but especially for those navigating difficult terrain. It reminds us that visibility, language, and law are all part of a broader journey toward dignity and recognition.
Whether you’re living in a place of affirmation or one of silence, your identity remains valid. And your story matters — everywhere.
— Sophie
Writer at 72gender.com
