Iconic Moments for the Queer Community in 2022

In 2022, Las Naciones Americanas underwent what many are calling a ‘rainbow wave.’

Across North and South America, there is reason to celebrate for the LGBTQ+ communities and their allies. Over the last year, several nations elected record numbers of queer officials and passed some historic pieces of legislation. Especially in Latin America, where ethno-religious traditions sometimes overlap the political landscape, the queer community has never been more supported, protected, and celebrated.

On January 7, Canada banned conversion therapy.

Business Insider quoted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Twitter after the legislation was passed:

“As of today, it’s official: Conversion therapy is banned in Canada. Our government’s legislation has come into force – which means it is now illegal to promote, advertise, benefit from, or subject someone to this hateful and harmful practice.”

On March 10, rights to same-sex marriage took effect in Chile after decades of persistence from several LGBTQ+ groups. On the same day, Javier Silva and Jaime Nazar became the first two men to marry in the nation’s history. Together for seven years with two children, their legally-recognized union is a pivotal step for their family and countless others.

Silva told reporters (USNews):

“Being the first couple to get married in Chile for us is an honor, something to be proud of. We did it! It’s something we didn’t think could happen.”

On April 11, U.S. passports began including a “X” gender marker for citizens who do not identify as male or female. For gender-nonconforming people, this was a huge step toward being represented accurately on forms of identification.

On July 6, Antigua and Barbuda repealed laws criminalizing gay behavior, which decriminalized gay sex at long last.

On August 30, neighboring St. Kitts and Nevis followed suit.

On September 26, Cuba approved same-sex marriage and adoption with a sweeping legislative majority. Even amidst conservative pressure from swaths of religious groups across the island, support from President Díaz-Canal and public figure Mariela Castro has sustained the win following approval from parliament.

As reported by PBS, President Díaz-Canal said:

“[Passing this legislation] is to pay a debt to various generation[s] of Cubans whose domestic plans had been waiting years for this law. As of today, we will be a better nation.”

On October 27, México officially made gay marriage the law after Tamaulipas became the final state to legalize unions as such. As reported by PBS, President of the Supreme Court Arturo Zaldivar tweeted:

“The whole country shines with a huge rainbow.”

This passage is a historic win for México, the queer community across Latin America, and for queer Latinos in the USA who frequently travel to Mexico for business and with their families.

On November 8 in the United States, a record number of queer and Latinx officials were sworn in during mid-term elections. Representing both communities is Robert Garcia, originally from Peru and mayor of Long Beach, CA, who became the first gay immigrant to join Congress. NBC reports:

“At least 400 out LGBTQ candidates . . . won their elections, according to the LGBTQ Victory Fund, which supports queer people running for office. That number surpasses 2020’s record of 336.”

Meanwhile, the US Senate passed the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation that will further protect same-sex marriage across the nation. The House is currently in the process of passing the bill. If they do, this will be another win for the queer community before the end of the year.

The fight for queer freedom and protection is ongoing. In Argentina, mothers of LGBTQ+ children continue lobbying to eliminate prejudicial laws. In Brazil, more and more trans officials are being elected. Across Latin America, the United States, and Canada, grassroots movements continue to inspire ally-ship, which, in turn, leads to legislation. Onward we move into 2023!