Country Overview
Brazil
At a glance
Same-sex Relations for Men Legal Throughout the Country?
Same-sex Relations for Women Legal Throughout the Country?
Legal Gender Recognition Possible?
LGBTI Orgs Able to Register?
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In Brazil, the human rights of LGBTIQ people have seen significant advances, but the situation remains complex and, in some cases, troubling. Marriage equality has been legal since 2013, when the right was recognized by the Supreme Court. However, there are efforts in Congress to repeal it, driven by lawmakers linked to anti-gender and anti-democratic groups.
Despite laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Brazil continues to have one of the highest rates of violence against LGBTIQ people, particularly against transgender individuals. Although there have been legal advances, the enforcement of these protections remains inadequate, and LGBTIQ people face significant challenges in ensuring their safety and rights on a daily basis.
LGBTIQ persons actively participate in politics, with over 300 openly LGBTQ candidates running for office in the 2024 municipal elections. Trans people can legally change their gender markers based on self-determination. In addition, trans voters have been allowed to register with their gender identity and lived name, even when their official identification documents have not been updated. Although there are no specific laws protecting intersex people, on the International Day of Intersex Solidarity and Remembrance in November 2023, the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship issued an ordinance to formally establish the Working Group for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights of Intersex Persons—a historic milestone for intersex political participation in Brazil.
*Outright research indicates that the bodily autonomy of intersex people is not respected and protected in this country.
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.
United Nations
Our work at the United Nations centers around advocating for the advancement of the rights of LGBTIQ people.
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