By Sophie Molly
The UK has dropped to 22nd place in the ILGA Rainbow Map, marking its lowest-ever ranking. Once a leader in LGBTQIA+ rights, the UK’s rapid decline highlights growing concerns among queer citizens as the country’s legal and policy practices become increasingly hostile toward transgender and nonbinary individuals.
The Rainbow Map ranks 49 European countries according to their respective legal and policy practices for LGBTQIA+ people.
With a score of 45.65%, the UK is falling well behind first place Malta. At 88.83%, Malta scored nearly double that of the UK. Ten years ago, the UK topped the table for best LGBTQIA+ rights in Europe.
A Fall from Grace
The UK’s collapse in trans rights has seen the country drop six places in just one year. The ILGA report cites factors such as photo ID requirements for voting, the lack of Self-ID legislation, and puberty blocker restrictions as key reasons for the sharp decline. Notably, the Supreme Court ruling in April, redefining a person’s sex to mean biological sex, was not included in this year’s assessment, meaning the UK’s ranking could fall even further next year.
For many in the queer community, this dramatic shift is a source of profound worry. Reports of businesses banning trans people from using single-sex spaces are increasing, causing a decline in the quality of life for trans, nonbinary, and intersex individuals.
Yasmine Ahmed, UK Director at Human Rights Watch, described the Supreme Court ruling as “severely regressive,” echoing the sentiment of many who fear the erosion of human rights.
Community Reactions: Fear and Anger
TransVitae reached out to members of the LGBTQIA+ community to hear their thoughts on the UK’s plummeting ranking.
- Toni Widmo (She/Her) from Inverness said, “It’s terrifying how quickly governments can turn on marginalized groups like the queer community, as political parties compete in a race to the bottom to abandon human rights and appease a far-right media agenda.”
- Human rights campaigner Heather Herbert (She/Her) from Aberdeen expressed devastation: “We have seen 40 years of progress wiped out in a few short years. This, along with this week’s attack on migrants, is yet another example of the Trumpification of the UK. The only way we will turn this around is if all marginalized people stand together—women, the elderly, immigrants.”
- Jennifer (She/Her) from Dundee called the situation a disgrace: “It’s shocking that the UK has fallen so far—not because other countries improved, but because it has regressed due to outside influences using it as a battlefield in their false culture wars.”
- Robin (She/Her) from Dunfermline added, “It’s stark to see how the UK has fallen. In 2015, we were number one in Europe, partly because of our progress in gender recognition. Now we’re 22nd, mentioned alongside Orban’s Hungary.”
- Sugar (She/Her) from Dundee lamented the decline: “It’s sad that the UK, less than a decade ago a leader of empathy and inclusion, is now in harsh decline. The government has veered toward hate and segregation against people who just want to live in peace and safety.”
- Zoe (She/Her) from Edinburgh simply asked, “We just want the same rights as everyone else. We aren’t the enemy. Why can’t the government leave us alone?”
Dana Widmo, a nonbinary person from Inverness, shared their perspective:
“I grew up in Poland. I moved to the UK 20 years ago, hoping to live authentically, safe from hate and bigotry. The UK was once a world champion for queer rights, but over the last 20 years, that reputation has been tarnished. Today, the British establishment is moving closer to Russia regarding our rights. It’s not only a tragedy for the LGBTQIA+ community but for anyone who values democracy and human rights.
There is a well-established link between far-right groups and the gender-critical movement. The Kremlin spends large sums of money to bolster these hate groups to discredit the Western way of life and destabilize Europe. It is beyond disappointing to see our government and media helping Putin to do just that.”
Another trans person, who chose to remain anonymous, added, “Over the past ten years, the UK has been in a race to the bottom for LGBTQ rights and acceptance. What has that accomplished? Nothing. It has not averted a trade war with America. It has not stopped the war in Ukraine. It has not bolstered a faltering economy or helped lift up anyone except the already rich and powerful.
The UK is sacrificing its vulnerable people for nothing but bread and circuses, and the bread isn’t cheap anymore.”
A Growing Fear of Displacement
The fear within the UK’s queer community is palpable, with some even considering leaving the country to find safety and acceptance elsewhere. Activist Katy Montgomerie (She/Her) warned:“The government needs to act in a major way before this becomes their entire legacy.”
The decline in the UK’s ranking on the ILGA Rainbow Map has left many LGBTQIA+ citizens feeling abandoned and betrayed. As the country’s reputation as a leader in queer rights continues to erode, activists and community members are calling for solidarity among marginalized groups to resist the encroaching wave of discrimination. The fight for equality, they say, must continue, louder and more unified than ever.
About the Author
Sophie Molly is a dedicated political activist and intersectional feminist committed to advancing policies that promote inclusivity and equality. Sophie’s work emphasizes the importance of recognizing interconnected forms of oppression and advocating for comprehensive solutions that benefit all individuals, regardless of gender identity.
