LGBT rights have gained traction throughout the world, but these efforts have prompted a backlash in several countries. A discussion on the global state of LGBT Equality with Michael Lavers, International News Editor for the Washington Blade. Lavers stated, "While we've seen a lot of progress in many countries around the world -- Europe, even parts of Latin America, Asia -- expanding marriage rights to same-sex couples, for example, enacting anti-LGBT discrimination protections, we see many, many countries around the world that still not only openly persecute against LGBT people, but those who live in those countries often face violence and discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity." Visit the Washington Blade on the web, on Facebook or follow on Twitter.