9.3 Global Women's and LGBTQ+ Rights Movements
4 min read•august 9, 2024
Global women's and LGBTQ+ rights movements have fought for equality and recognition. From suffrage to Me Too, women have challenged discrimination in voting, work, and society. These movements have shaped laws and attitudes worldwide.
LGBTQ+ activism, sparked by events like Stonewall, has pushed for marriage equality and transgender rights. Despite progress, both movements face ongoing challenges in achieving full equality and combating violence and discrimination globally.
Women's Rights Movements
Suffrage and Early Feminism
Top images from around the web for Suffrage and Early Feminism
File:National Women's Suffrage Association.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Women's suffrage - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Suffragette - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:National Women's Suffrage Association.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Women's suffrage - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Suffrage and Early Feminism
File:National Women's Suffrage Association.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Women's suffrage - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Suffragette - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
File:National Women's Suffrage Association.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original
Is this image relevant?
Women's suffrage - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- emerged in late 19th and early 20th centuries advocated for women's right to vote
- Involved tactics like protests, hunger strikes, and civil disobedience
- Key figures included Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Emmeline Pankhurst
- First-wave feminism focused primarily on legal issues, particularly voting rights
- Culminated in women gaining suffrage in many countries (United States in 1920, United Kingdom in 1928)
- Second-wave feminism of 1960s-1980s expanded focus to workplace, sexuality, and family issues
- Popularized slogan "the personal is political"
- Advocated for , equal pay, and ending gender discrimination
International Women's Rights Frameworks
- () adopted in 1979
- International bill of rights for women addressing discrimination in various spheres
- Ratified by 189 countries, notable exception being the United States
- Requires regular country reports on progress in implementing women's rights
- emerged as a critique of Western-centric feminist discourse
- Emphasizes diverse experiences of women in developing countries
- Addresses issues like colonialism, economic exploitation, and cultural imperialism
- Notable figures include and
- concept introduced by in 1989
- Recognizes overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage
- Examines how factors like race, class, and sexuality intersect with gender
- Influences contemporary feminist theory and activism
Contemporary Women's Rights Issues
- Reproductive rights remain a contentious global issue
- Encompasses access to contraception, abortion, and maternal healthcare
- Varies widely between countries, from liberal policies to strict restrictions
- Ongoing debates over bodily autonomy and religious/cultural values
- gained global prominence in 2017
- Originated with Tarana Burke in 2006, went viral after Harvey Weinstein allegations
- Sparked widespread discussions on sexual harassment and assault
- Led to high-profile resignations and policy changes in various industries
- Ongoing challenges include gender pay gap, underrepresentation in leadership positions, and violence against women
- Efforts to address these issues through legislation, corporate policies, and grassroots activism
LGBTQ+ Rights Movements
Historical Milestones and Activism
- in 1969 marked a turning point for LGBTQ+ rights movement
- Spontaneous demonstrations against police raid on Stonewall Inn in New York City
- Led by trans women of color, including and
- Catalyzed formation of organizations like and
- evolved from commemorations of Stonewall riots
- First parade held in New York City in 1970, now celebrated globally
- Serve as visibility events, protests, and celebrations of LGBTQ+ identities
- Some controversy over corporate involvement and inclusivity
- Marriage equality became a major focus of LGBTQ+ activism in 21st century
- Netherlands became first country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001
- U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015 ()
- As of 2023, same-sex marriage legal in 32 countries
Transgender Rights and Gender Theory
- gained visibility in recent decades
- Advocates for legal recognition, healthcare access, and protection from discrimination
- Issues include bathroom access, sports participation, and gender marker changes on documents
- Faces significant opposition and legislative challenges in many countries
- emerged in early 1990s as academic discipline
- Challenges fixed notions of gender and sexuality
- Key theorists include , , and
- Influences activism, policy, and cultural representation
- adopted as strategy by many organizations and governments
- Involves assessing implications of policies and programs on people of all genders
- Aims to promote gender equality in all areas of society
- Critiqued for sometimes reinforcing gender binary and excluding non-binary identities
Contemporary LGBTQ+ Issues and Challenges
- Ongoing discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals globally
- Varies widely between countries, from full legal protections to criminalization
- Hate crimes, workplace discrimination, and social stigma remain prevalent
- Debates over inclusion of transgender athletes in sports competitions
- Policies vary between sports organizations and countries
- Balancing fairness, inclusion, and scientific evidence remains challenging
- Intersectionality within LGBTQ+ movement gaining recognition
- Addressing unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people of color, disabled LGBTQ+ individuals
- Efforts to make Pride events and LGBTQ+ spaces more inclusive and accessible
- Growing visibility and rights for non-binary and genderqueer individuals
- Legal recognition of in some jurisdictions
- Increasing use of gender-neutral language and pronouns
Key Terms to Review (27)
CEDAW: CEDAW, or the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations in 1979 that aims to eliminate discrimination against women and promote gender equality. The treaty serves as a comprehensive framework for governments to take action towards ensuring women's rights and addressing issues such as violence against women, reproductive rights, and economic participation, making it a foundational document for global women's rights movements.
Chandra Talpade Mohanty: Chandra Talpade Mohanty is a prominent feminist scholar and activist known for her work on women of color and postcolonial feminism. She critiques Western feminism for often marginalizing the experiences of women in the Global South, advocating for a more inclusive approach that recognizes diverse identities and cultural contexts.
Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick: Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick was a prominent American literary theorist and queer studies scholar whose work has profoundly influenced the fields of gender studies, LGBTQ+ studies, and critical theory. She is best known for her groundbreaking book 'Epistemology of the Closet,' which explores the complexities of sexual identity, desire, and the ways these concepts intersect with culture and power dynamics.
Gay Liberation Front: The Gay Liberation Front (GLF) was a political and social movement founded in the late 1960s in the United States, aimed at advocating for the rights and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals. Emerging from the Stonewall riots, the GLF sought to challenge the systemic discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community and promote a more inclusive society. It was characterized by its radical approach, emphasizing direct action, community organizing, and the importance of identity politics.
Gender identity: Gender identity refers to an individual's personal sense of their own gender, which may align with or differ from the sex assigned to them at birth. It is a deeply held understanding of oneself that influences how people perceive themselves and how they express their gender through behavior, clothing, and roles. This concept connects to various societal frameworks and cultural expectations, highlighting the complexities of gender roles, the impacts of intersecting systems of oppression, and the movements advocating for gender equality and rights globally.
Gender mainstreaming: Gender mainstreaming is a strategy aimed at integrating gender considerations into all levels of policy-making, planning, and implementation in order to promote equality between genders. This approach seeks to recognize and address the different needs, experiences, and priorities of individuals based on their gender, ensuring that both women's and LGBTQ+ rights are considered and upheld in various sectors, including economic, political, and social spheres.
Glaad: GLAAD, which stands for Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, is an American non-profit organization that works to promote LGBTQ+ acceptance and equality through media advocacy and education. Founded in 1985, GLAAD plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of LGBTQ+ individuals and issues, often by fighting against harmful stereotypes and misinformation in the media.
Global south feminism: Global South feminism refers to feminist theories and practices that emerge from the Global South, which includes countries in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. This perspective emphasizes the unique experiences and challenges faced by women in these regions, critiquing Western-centric feminist narratives and advocating for social justice, equity, and empowerment that resonates with local cultures and histories.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework for understanding how various social identities, such as race, gender, class, and sexuality, intersect to create unique modes of discrimination and privilege. It highlights the complexity of people's experiences and the interconnected nature of social categorizations, which can lead to overlapping systems of oppression and advantage.
Judith Butler: Judith Butler is a prominent philosopher and gender theorist known for her work on gender identity, performativity, and the social construction of gender and sexuality. Her ideas challenge traditional notions of identity and highlight how societal norms shape our understanding of gender, influencing discussions on diversity and inclusion.
Kimberlé Crenshaw: Kimberlé Crenshaw is a legal scholar and critical race theorist best known for developing the concept of intersectionality, which examines how various social identities such as race, gender, and class intersect and create overlapping systems of discrimination and privilege. Her work highlights the importance of understanding these intersections to fully grasp the complexities of social justice issues.
Marriage equality movement: The marriage equality movement is a social and political campaign advocating for the legal recognition of same-sex marriage, aiming to achieve equal rights and protections for LGBTQ+ couples. This movement seeks to dismantle discriminatory laws and cultural stigmas surrounding same-sex relationships, asserting that marriage is a fundamental human right for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation. The movement has gained momentum globally, reflecting broader struggles for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality.
Marsha P. Johnson: Marsha P. Johnson was a prominent African American transgender activist, drag queen, and key figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, particularly during the late 1960s and 1970s. She is best known for her role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, which marked a significant turning point for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States and inspired global movements for equality and justice.
Me too movement: The me too movement is a social movement against sexual harassment and sexual assault, particularly in the workplace, which gained significant traction in 2017. It aims to empower survivors to speak out about their experiences, raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence, and advocate for systemic changes to prevent harassment. The movement has highlighted intersections with broader issues of gender inequality and discrimination, impacting global women's and LGBTQ+ rights as well as contemporary resistance efforts fueled by digital activism.
Michael Warner: Michael Warner is a prominent American literary critic and cultural theorist known for his work on queer theory and the social construction of sexuality. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how sexual identities are shaped by cultural contexts and historical moments, which connects to the broader discourse on rights movements advocating for women and LGBTQ+ communities.
Non-binary gender markers: Non-binary gender markers are designations used to indicate a gender identity that does not conform strictly to the traditional binary understanding of male and female. This concept encompasses a range of identities and expressions that exist outside the conventional gender spectrum, including those who identify as genderqueer, genderfluid, or agender. As societies evolve in their understanding of gender, non-binary markers are increasingly recognized and integrated into legal systems, documentation, and social practices.
Obergefell v. Hodges: Obergefell v. Hodges is a landmark 2015 Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage across the United States, ruling that state bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional under the Fourteenth Amendment. This decision marked a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights and has had profound implications for the global movement advocating for equality and recognition of diverse sexual orientations.
Pride parades: Pride parades are vibrant public celebrations that promote LGBTQ+ identities and advocate for equal rights, often commemorating the Stonewall Riots and other pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ history. These events serve as a platform for visibility, solidarity, and community, encouraging acceptance and challenging discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals globally.
Queer theory: Queer theory is an academic framework that challenges the traditional notions of gender and sexuality, positing that these identities are socially constructed rather than inherent. It emphasizes the fluidity of identity and the complexities surrounding sexual orientation, arguing against binary classifications like heterosexual/homosexual. By examining how power structures shape understandings of gender and sexuality, queer theory connects deeply with social constructs, systemic oppression, rights movements, and evolving identities in a diverse world.
Reproductive rights: Reproductive rights refer to the legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health, including access to contraception, the right to abortion, and comprehensive sex education. These rights are crucial for promoting gender equality and ensuring that individuals have the autonomy to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. They intersect with broader discussions about women's rights, health care access, and social justice.
Sexual orientation: Sexual orientation refers to an individual's emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to other people, which can encompass a variety of identities including heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and more. This concept not only shapes personal identity but also intersects with social and cultural factors, influencing the experiences of individuals within various movements advocating for rights and acceptance.
Stonewall Riots: The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community that took place in June 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, marking a significant turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. This event is widely regarded as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, as it galvanized activists and encouraged many individuals to openly advocate for equality and acceptance. The riots represented a breaking point against systemic discrimination, police harassment, and societal stigma towards LGBTQ+ identities.
Suffrage movement: The suffrage movement refers to the campaign for the right to vote, primarily advocating for women's voting rights, which gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement was pivotal in challenging societal norms and advocating for gender equality, as it sought to extend democratic rights to women and other marginalized groups, influencing broader conversations about identity and representation.
Sylvia Rivera: Sylvia Rivera was a Venezuelan-American activist known for her significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ rights movement, particularly in advocating for the rights of transgender individuals and marginalized communities. She is best recognized for her involvement in the Stonewall uprising and her founding of organizations that focused on providing support and resources for transgender people, solidifying her legacy within global women's and LGBTQ+ rights movements.
Transgender rights movements: Transgender rights movements are social and political campaigns aimed at advocating for the rights and recognition of transgender individuals, focusing on issues like legal protection, healthcare access, and social acceptance. These movements seek to challenge discrimination, violence, and stigma faced by transgender people, and they often intersect with broader struggles for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality.
UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women: The UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an international treaty adopted in 1979 aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and promoting gender equality. This landmark agreement defines discrimination against women and outlines obligations for governments to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all women in various spheres of life, including political, economic, social, and cultural contexts.
Vandana Shiva: Vandana Shiva is an Indian scholar, environmental activist, and anti-globalization author known for her work on issues related to biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and women's rights. She is a prominent figure in global movements advocating for environmental protection and the empowerment of women, linking ecological sustainability with social justice and gender equality.