This year was a tough one. In 2023, doom scrolling became a regular part of our daily routines. There was a lot to take in with news of war in Ukraine, impending presidential elections at home, and more. But there were also some high points. In this article, we’ll look back at 2023 and its golden moments for the LBGTQ community, abortion rights, healthcare access, and more.
LBGTQ Representation In Music
In addition to seeing more LBGTQ representation in movies and television (The Last of Us, Stranger Things, Sex Education), we also saw it in the music industry. Indie band Boygenius, comprised of Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus, garnered six nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards. While queer members Baker and Dacus are active in promoting representation and fighting for gay rights, Bridgers supports her members by doing the same.
Pride Events Were Bigger and Better Than Ever
Despite recent anti-gay headlines, 2023’s pride events were bigger and better than ever – including the ones right here in Washington, D.C. Thousands turned out for the Capital Pride Parade, one of the biggest celebrations in the nation.
Reproductive Rights Wins
This year, the FDA approved the first over-the-counter contraception pill, a massive win for those who do not have access to healthcare. The progestin-only pills are set to be available in early 2024.
Abortion Rights Wins
Despite Roe vs. Wade being overturned in 2022, there are glimmers of hope for the pro-choice movement. In November, Ohio voters amended the state constitution to add the right to abortion. In other positive news, Andy Beshear, the pro-choice Democratic governor of Kentucky, won reelection.
Trans Rights Victory
In a win for trans rights, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a historic ruling from the U.S. Fourth Circuit of Appeals that said people with gender dysphoria should be protected against discrimination under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The landmark disabilities act of 1990 now includes protection for transgender and non-binary people.
Christina Montoya Fiedler
Christina Montoya Fiedler is a news writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She’s a mom, wife, blogger, former publicist, lima bean hater, and coffee drinker extraordinaire — but not necessarily in that order. You can follow her on Twitter @cmf2009.
