In a recent report conducted by the Williams Institute, 10 surveyed countries show high support for trans rights and care among the nations’ residents.
The pro-LGBTQ think tank found that in Mexico, China, South Africa, Peru, Poland, South Korea, Malaysia, Serbia, Turkey, and the United States, the majority of individuals support trans protections. Large populations in each country also voiced support for trans access to gender-affirming care.
Some of the countries surveyed might turn heads given their history of LGBTQ persecution, but this is actually one of the reports most profound findings. The beliefs of a small population of national leaders clearly does not correlate with the beliefs held by the majority. Although the governments in many of these countries are anti-LGBTQ, the citizens show high rates of support, giving queer advocacy groups cause to be hopeful for the future.
In Poland, Turkey, Peru, and Malaysia, trans citizens are granted little to no protections from their governments and are frequently subjected to persecution and violence. But despite the actions and laws put in place by their leaders, citizens are not adhering to these oppressive beliefs. Peru’s government currently has zero protections in place for their trans residents, but more than 7 percent of respondents said they believe trans people should be protected from discrimination.
Our new report series finds that majorities of people in 10 countries support non-discrimination protections for transgender people in their country. Take a look at the reports: https://t.co/442uX2mtZC pic.twitter.com/N8aLevQ7JV — Williams Institute (@WilliamsPolicy) August 10, 2021
These numbers, although hopeful, also prove to be troubling. Mexico boasts the highest rate of support for trans citizens at a staggering 83 percent, but the North American nation also has the world’s second highest rate of annual trans homicides. Brazil leads this statistic.
Mexican residents believe that this can be changed. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (72 percent) told the Williams Institute that Mexico is moving toward greater acceptance of trans people, and more than two-thirds (67 percent) wanted its leaders to do more to support this vulnerable population.
China had the second-highest rate of support at 74 percent, and South Africa recorded 72 percent. The United States lagged behind these other nations at 71 percent, which may not come as a surprise to Americans aware of the current assault on trans rights. Despite nearly three-quarters of U.S. respondents saying they believe trans people should have access to gender-affirming surgery, and the same number saying that the U.S. is becoming more tolerant of trans people, current, proposed legislation would indicate otherwise.
So far in 2021, 8 states have enacted laws banning trans kids from playing sports.
Louisiana Gov. Edwards stood with trans kids and vetoed an anti-trans bill. Anti-equality legislators in Louisiana are now trying to override that veto. #LetKidsPlay — Human Rights Campaign Rapid Response (@HRC) July 16, 2021
Republican lawmakers and conservative lobbyists have characterized 2021 as America’s worst year yet for trans rights. Countless bills have been introduced in blue and red states alike that would limit access to transgender health care, bar trans individuals from using their correct restrooms, and banning trans students from participating in school sports.
Although only 10 countries have been surveyed thus far, other nations not yet included are also beginning to show wider acceptance and support for their queer citizens. A 2016 Williams Institute report found Spain, Sweden, and Argentina as global leaders in trans acceptance, while ILGA’s Rainbow Europe index currently ranks Malta, Belgium, and Luxembourg as the European nations with the strongest legal protections for their LGBTQ populations.
