Rumor About Trans Exclusion Sparks Concern
The Viral Claim
A troubling claim has recently gone viral on social media: “18 countries have removed trans people from LGBT recognition, recognizing only LGB identities.” Understandably, this has caused anxiety and confusion within the LGBTQIA+ community. But after a thorough review, there is no credible evidence or official confirmation that such a policy shift has taken place in any country.
The Reality of Trans Rights Globally
While no nation has formally abandoned the inclusion of trans individuals in LGBTQIA+ policies, some have enacted laws that significantly limit or undermine trans rights. These legislative shifts have raised red flags among international human rights organizations and LGBTQ+ defenders.
- Hungary: In 2020, the government passed a law that bans the legal recognition of gender transitions.
- Russia: In 2023, new regulations outlawed gender-affirming medical procedures and restricted legal gender recognition.
- United States: Multiple states have introduced measures that restrict healthcare access for trans youth and bar their participation in school sports.
In these regions, legal protections for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals may still be in place, while trans rights are frequently left behind—or are directly attacked.
Divisions Within LGBTQ+ Advocacy
The spread of misinformation about trans exclusion is also fueled by fractures within the community itself. Certain organizations, such as the UK’s LGB Alliance and LGB International, have publicly separated themselves from the broader LGBTQ+ movement by excluding trans individuals. These groups argue that issues around gender identity dilute the core focus on sexual orientation.
However, the overwhelming majority of LGBTQ+ advocacy groups reject this stance, emphasizing unity in the fight against all forms of queerphobia—including homophobia and transphobia.
Debunking the Misinformation
The claim about “18 countries” dropping trans recognition appears to be completely unfounded. Renowned organizations such as the United Nations, ILGA World, and Human Rights Watch have issued no statements to support this rumor.
What we are seeing instead:
- An increase in anti-trans legislation across different countries.
- A few LGB-only activist groups distancing themselves from the LGBTQ+ umbrella.
- Political tactics that aim to divide the community by framing LGB versus trans rights as separate or opposing priorities.
The Global Fight Continues
LGBTQIA+ rights remain highly uneven around the world. While countries like Spain, Argentina, Canada, and Germany continue to advance protections for trans individuals, others—such as Russia and Hungary—are moving in the opposite direction.
The rumor of “18 countries” abandoning trans rights reflects a broader worry, but it oversimplifies a deeply complex global situation. Rather than widespread exclusion, the real issue lies in ongoing challenges and targeted rollbacks in several countries.
👉 Bottom line: No country has officially erased trans people from its LGBTQIA+ framework. However, trans rights are under serious threat in multiple regions, making it more essential than ever to stay informed, united, and vocal in defense of equality for all.