Across much of the world, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people continue to live in fear of persecution. 72 countries still have laws against gay sex and in 13 countries it’s punishable by death.



The last few years have seen a series of gains made by the international LGBT community, however. In 2015, same sex unions became legal in Chile, Ecuador and all 50 states of the US, and same sex adoption was also approved in Colombia and Bermuda. Then in 2016, the UN appointed its first independent investigator to protect LGBT people from violence, the Seychelles, Belize, Benin and Nauru decriminalised homosexuality and Northern Ireland lifted its ban on gay men giving blood. Several countries also took moves to ban conversion therapy. And this year Taiwan looks set to be the first country in Asia to legalise same sex marriage.

But none of these changes would have been possible without great campaigners on the ground and we want to recognise these people. Last year, we asked you to nominate your LGBT heroes – and we were inspired by the individuals and grassroots groups you told us about, who are bringing about real change where you live. So, who’s inspired you this year? We want to know.

From 20 to 26 February, the Global Development Professionals Network will be dedicating a week of coverage to mark the amazing work that’s been done in the LGBT community. To join in the conversation ...



Tweet us @GuardianGDP with your LGBT heroes using the hashtag #LGBTchange



Share your stories and pictures of grassroots activism over the world through GuardianWitness



Email us at globaldevpros@theguardian.com with “LGBT change” in the subject line. Please also send story ideas to this address - what LGBT issues in developing countries are going underreported?



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