Lesbian magazine DIVA, a monthly publication for les, bi, trans and non-binary women, reports that Spain tops the indexes for equalities.

The United Kingdom has been placed 22nd out of 49 countries for the second consecutive year, marking a significant decline from its leading position in 2015.

How the Rankings Work

Now in its 18th edition, ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map evaluates 49 nations based on the laws and policies affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. Countries receive scores between 0 and 100 per cent, determined by the level of legal protection and societal inclusion afforded to queer individuals.

Spain achieved an 89 per cent rating in the 2026 Rainbow Map, attributed to its implementation of legislation promoting equal treatment and prohibiting discrimination. Malta followed closely with 88 per cent. The top ten also featured Iceland, Belgium, and Denmark.

UK’s Declining Position

The United Kingdom managed only 44 per cent. This drop was primarily linked to a ruling by the UK Supreme Court last year, which has contributed to a worrying increase in transphobic sentiment. Sandra Duffy, a human rights lecturer and policy advisor for the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance, commented: “The fact our score has decreased yet again, and we have plummeted from number one all the way down the list on LGBT+ rights, is shameful. It reflects this government’s lack of action to protect trans people and we will keep dropping unless Labour reset their approach to transgender equality.”

On the 2026 ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map, the UK finds itself alongside nations such as Andorra, Albania, and Moldova.

Lowest Rankings

Russia received the lowest score on this year’s Rainbow Map, with just 2 per cent. This result stems from ongoing attacks on LGBTQIA+ human rights; notably, organisations supporting queer people in Russia have been classified as “extremist” groups. Azerbaijan also scored 2 per cent, remaining among the bottom two countries since 2015.

Commentary on the Findings

Katrin Hugendubel, Deputy Director of ILGA-Europe, reflected on the implications of this year’s Rainbow Map. She stated: “Spain’s number one ranking is a strong example of what becomes possible when a government makes a deliberate choice to advance equality rather than retreat from it. We see this same spirit in leaders like Zohran Mamdani in New York, who are refusing to bow to the authoritarian pressure of this moment and choosing instead to stand with their communities. Of course more needs to be done in Spain, but this is a reminder that political courage is a choice, and that governments who make it can effectively push back.”