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Country Overview

Laos

At a glance

Same-sex Relations for Men Legal Throughout the Country?

Yes

Same-sex Relations for Women Legal Throughout the Country?

Yes

Legal Gender Recognition Possible?

No

LGBTI Orgs Able to Register?

Yes

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Since its independence from France in 1954, Laos has never criminalized consensual same-sex sexual acts between adults. At the same time, LGBTIQ couples cannot marry, adopt, or enter into civil unions. Gender-affirming healthcare and surgeries are not very accessible for trans people, and some travel to other countries to access them. There are no laws that ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, and LGBTIQ people often face family rejection and social stigma. Although the visibility of the LGBTIQ community has been low in the past, LGBTIQ civil society organizations and activists are increasing the visibility and societal awareness of LGBTIQ issues in Laos with the support of international actors. There is generally a level of tolerance in the country—one study ranked 69th out of 175 countries based on social acceptance toward LGBTIQ people. LGBTIQ civil society organizations can register as such and operate independently, while NGOs are subject to state supervision and control. Laos has hosted Pride parades, which have been attended by government officials. 

 

Global Impact

Sub-Saharan Africa

Outright supports LGBTIQ organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa and works with mainstream human rights organizations to respect human rights and influence positive changes in laws, policies, attitudes and beliefs that cause discrimination against LGBTIQ people.

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United Nations

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In the Middle East and North Africa, we partner with local groups in various countries as part of our international solidarity work. We also work with our local partners on different topics through capacity building, advocacy, research and holistic security.



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Europe and Central Asia

Outright International partners with activists to fight for an end to human rights violations based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in Europe and Central Asia, where most of our work involves emergency responses to harassment, discrimination, violence, and most recently, Russia’s brutal and expanded invasion of Ukraine.

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Our work in the Americas continues to build on the fundamental and positive transformation of human rights protections in recent years. We partner with groups in the Caribbean that focus on ending gender-based violence and eradicating discrimination against trans people.

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Pacific

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