Eric Wagner / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Our hemisphere is quickly becoming one of the most gay-friendly territories in the world. It has far and beyond the most people living with access to marriage equality, not to mention the largest pride celebration on Earth. Many countries in the Americas are expanding their safeguards against discrimination and boast some of the world's most vibrant LGBT movements.
But not everything is advancing in a positive direction. Almost a third of the 35 countries in the Americas criminalize homosexual relations. Violence and bullying against LGBT persons remain both too common and largely unpunished, even in those countries with otherwise progressive legal environments.
This is our pick for the top LGBT stories - both positive and negative - from the Americas in 2013. Separating the two lists should not give the impression that nothing good ever comes out of adversity. That is far from true. Some of these setbacks may very well become important catalysts of positive, corrective action. But it is also important to recognize that being LGBT in the Americas is not getting easier for everyone.
Video
Argentina is leading the way in the push for LGBT equality in the Americas, but despite its progressive laws, much remains to be done.
In this interview with PolicyMic, Pedro Robledo discusses youth activism, politics, and why he thinks that young people are the key to fighting for political change today.
As we look to 2013, here are some of the trends to follow in the hemisphere’s struggle for LGBT rights.
