9.3 Global Women's and LGBTQ+ Rights Movements

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

• Suffrage movement 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 reproductive rights, equal pay, and ending gender discrimination

International Women's Rights Frameworks

• UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) 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
• Global South feminism 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 Chandra Talpade Mohanty and Vandana Shiva
• Intersectionality concept introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw 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
• Me Too movement 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

• Stonewall riots 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 Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera
  • Catalyzed formation of organizations like Gay Liberation Front and GLAAD
• Pride parades 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 (Obergefell v. Hodges)
  • As of 2023, same-sex marriage legal in 32 countries

Transgender Rights and Gender Theory

• Transgender rights movements 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
• Queer theory emerged in early 1990s as academic discipline
  • Challenges fixed notions of gender and sexuality
  • Key theorists include Judith Butler, Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick, and Michael Warner
  • Influences activism, policy, and cultural representation
• Gender mainstreaming 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 non-binary gender markers in some jurisdictions
  • Increasing use of gender-neutral language and pronouns