LGBTQ+ Ethiopians flee in the face of sudden crackdown
Few understand the dangers of belonging to a marginalized group in Ethiopia like Faris Cuchi Gezahegn. “The reality of being queer and being part of the LGBTQ+ community in Ethiopia and being Ethiopian is to the point of like, you know, we don’t exist,” they told DW. Gezahegn are far from alone in their anxiety. […]
Eight in 10 LGBTQ+ Americans fear for safety as bigotry sweeps nation, study finds
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), an LGBTQ+ nonprofit organisation, revealed in data analysis published on Wednesday (16 August) that almost 80 per cent of LGBTQ+ adults feel less safe amid the rise in right-wing laws across the US. For trans and non-binary adults, this number is significantly higher, with more than nine in 10 (94 […]
Saudi LGBTQ refugees live in fear of being kidnapped
In the wake of the tragic death of a Saudi trans woman who was coerced back to the country before taking her own life, LGTBQ Saudis are speaking out against threats they receive from their families and their fear of state authorities. Gay, trans, and queer Saudis living in the UK and US spoke to […]
Transgender women banned from women’s chess events
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) says it is temporarily banning transgender women from competing in its women’s events. The FIDE said individual cases would require “further analysis” and that a decision could take up to two years. The move has been criticised by some players and enthusiasts. Many sports governing bodies have been working on […]
Two Brewers stabbing leaves London queer community reeling: ‘Our second home was attacked’
In Clapham, there’s a sense of trepidation and sadness as the local LGBTQ+ community comes to terms with an attack at one of their safe spaces, iconic bar The Two Brewers. On Sunday evening (13 August), while a drag queen performed inside for locals, two men were stabbed in the smoking area. Their injuries weren’t […]
Black lesbian eco-feminists fight for victims of Caribbean pesticide poisoning
Over 90 percent of the population of Guadeloupe and Martinique is contaminated by a pesticide, chlordecone (Kepone), which was used on banana plantations from 1972 to 1993 with the acquiescence of French health authorities who were well aware of its toxicity for humans. Today, Guadeloupe and Martinique have the highest rates of prostate cancer in […]
Haifa abuzz as pamphlet blames LGBT people for the rise of Nazism
Residents on Berl Katznelson Street in the Neve Sha’anan neighborhood of Haifa were stunned to discover this week in their mailboxes a pamphlet with inciteful content against the LGBTQ+ community. R. and her partner L., who live on the street, said that “when we opened the pamphlet and started reading, we realized what it was […]
This is the gayest World Cup ever (and no one’s batting an eyelid)
There are about 100 openly LGBTQ+ players and coaches across the tournament’s expanded 32 teams, according to counts by LGBTQ+ publications. One of those, Autostraddle, noted that the tournament “just might be the most openly queer sporting event in history.” The impact for the queer community – not just here but around the world – can’t be […]
LGBT community members should be treated with love and affection like everyone else: Karnataka HC
Dismissing a petition challenging the filing of a criminal case for alleged abetment to suicide of a person of the LGBT community, the High Court of Karnataka said that everyone, including the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexual orientations and genders), should be treated with love and care so that lives are not […]
Estonian Methodists leave global group after LGBT conflict
During a church meeting, 97 per cent of the attending representatives indicated their support for leaving the United Methodist Church (UMC). The reason for their leave is the progressive course the UMC seems to be taking, Dagen writes. It is not the first time that the LGBT issue threatens the unity of the United Methodist Church. In […]
Pride event held in Maskwacis shows community support is building, organizers say
A Pride event held in Maskwacis last month shows support is building across the community, organizers say. Local advocate Chevi Rabbit noted the event was put on through a partnership between the Maskwacis Two Spirit Society in partnership with Samson Cree Nation. “It’s an informal committee through the four nations,” said Rabbit, adding the event […]
Uganda: New anti-homosexuality law could spark migration
Holding hands with the person you love and share a life with can get you thrown into jail in Uganda. Even penning this article would carry a penalty, as journalists also face imprisonment for publishing, broadcasting or distributing any content that might be deemed to advocate the rights of LGBTQ+ people. This is the nature […]
Amsterdam opens trailblazing skatepark: A safe haven for LGBTQ and women skaters
Despite its image as an alternative sport for baggy-pantsed rebels, in Amsterdam, a unique skatepark is one of the first in the world to offer a safe space for LGBTQ skateboarders. Nestled within a warehouse in the vibrant southern heart of Amsterdam, a compelling message echoes from the walls: “Skateboarding is for Everyone.” Embracing the […]
States that protect transgender health care now try to absorb demand
States that declared themselves refuges for transgender people have essentially issued an invitation: Get your gender-affirming health care here without fearing prosecution at home. Now that bans on such care for minors are taking effect around the country — Texas could be next, depending on the outcome of a court hearing this week — patients […]
Monument to gay victims of Nazis vandalized in Berlin
An unidentified vandal defaced a memorial to the LGBT victims of the Nazis in central Berlin with homophobic flyers and attempted to set fire to it, police said Tuesday. The man, who was spotted by a security guard but remains at large, threw a burning object at the memorial in the early hours of Saturday […]
Unraveling the crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in several African countries
Despite global efforts to promote inclusivity and equal rights, several African nations have taken measures to crack down on LGBTQ+ communities, sparking concerns among human rights activists and international organizations. On May 2 this year, the Ugandan parliament passed a bill that leaves the LGBTQ+ community vulnerable to severe punishments, including imprisonment and capital punishment. […]
Jordan’s New Cybercrime Law is a Disaster for LGBT People
On Saturday Jordan’s king approved a draconian cybercrime law that was rammed through parliament and is significantly worse than its antecedent. The law jeopardizes rights online and offline, including free expression and the right to privacy, and contains vague provisions that could target marginalized groups, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. The 2023 […]
African youths are divided on LGBTQ rights, new survey finds
A recent survey spanning 15 African nations has unveiled a striking divide in the attitudes of the continent’s youth toward LGBTQ rights, shedding light on the intricate challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals across Africa. Conducted by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, the survey engaged with 4,500 respondents aged 18 to 24, delving into their opinions on […]
Minister Soraya Martinez-Ferrada and Minister Pascal St-Onge announce funding for five Quebec 2SLGBTQI+ organizations
MONTREAL, Aug. 13, 2023 /CNW/ – Breaking down barriers, addressing all forms of discrimination, and empowering 2SLGBTQI+ communities help create a stronger, more diverse and inclusive society. Today, at Montreal Pride, the Honourable Soraya Martinez-Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and the Honourable Pascal St-Onge, Minister of […]
The NAACP’s LGBTQ+ acceptance has empowered the Black community
Over 7,000 people attended the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s (NAACP) 114th National Convention in Boston, Massachusetts from July 26 to August 1. Along with the attendees, hundreds of local and national vendors showed up and showed out, and the convention’s theme, “Thriving Together,” allowed Boston to reintroduce itself, creating a milieu […]
Tolerant Caribbean island of Guadeloupe should reach out to LGBT+ tourists
In a press release, LGBT+ rights organisations from Guadeloupe, the diaspora and Haiti, as well as this news site, denounced the Comité du Tourisme des Îles de Guadeloupe for making no effort to publicise how attractive Guadeloupe can be for LGBT+ tourists, leaving the impression that the archipelago is stuck in its homophobic past. This is […]
Gay couple from Toronto wins lawsuit in Italy after son’s birth photo used in anti-surrogacy campaign
A same-sex couple from Toronto took on Italy’s ruling right-wing political party and won after a moving image of their first moments with their newborn son was used without their consent in an anti-surrogacy campaign. In 2014, BJ Barone and Frankie Nelson welcomed their son Milo with the help of a gestational surrogate. Photographer Lindsay […]
Some 60,000 march in annual Prague Pride parade
The annual Prague Pride parade saw some 60,000 people on the streets of the historic city on Saturday demonstrating for more rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) people, the police said. Many were draped in rainbow flags or wore colourful costumes. The annual parade was also attended by prominent politicians, including Interior Minister […]
Rethinking Africa’s Stance on Human Rights and Sexual Orientation
The narrative is gradually shifting among African leaders, prompting them to re-evaluate their positions on human rights, particularly concerning sexual orientation. Basically, the cultural argument has been a cornerstone for those advocating against LGBTQ rights. They claim that homosexuality is alien to African traditions and could lead to moral decay. Some even go as far […]
Federal judge to make decision about whether or not to issue injunction over transgender law
A federal court judge is considering issuing an injunction to halt Georgia’s new transgender health law until a trial can determine if it’s constitutional. That law prohibits healthcare professionals from performing certain medical procedures on transgender children. The plaintiffs in this case, five parents of transgender children, say this law hurts them, so they want […]
Growing number of Brits view trans people negatively, YouGov study finds
A YouGov poll on attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community has found that hostility towards trans people is growing at an alarming rate. The research, published on Friday (11 August), found that 39 per cent of Brits “personally view” trans people in a positive light, with 33 per cent saying their feelings are neutral and four […]
Discrimination against LGBTQ will send a signal to American investors that Ghana is not welcoming – US Ambassador warns
The US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer has noted that there will be grave consequences if Ghana discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community. Speaking on the sidelines of the US-Ghana Business Expo, she said she hopes Ghanaians known for being tolerant and welcoming will not discriminate against the minority group of LGBTQ+ people. She said discrimination […]
LGBTQ+ people in Ethiopia blame attacks on their community on inciteful and lingering TikTok videos
Members of Ethiopia’s LGBTQ+ community say they face a wave of online harassment and physical attacks and blame much of it on the social media platform TikTok, which they say is failing to take down posts calling for homosexual and transgender people to be whipped, stabbed and killed. A local LGBTQ+ support group, House of […]
Transgender troops warned to avoid Florida over discriminatory laws
When Jodi Jeloudov walked into the West Palm Beach Veterans Affairs center for her monthly doctor’s appointment this summer, she felt on edge. For eight years, she had approached VA the same way: high heels clipping the pavement, makeup adorning her face. As a transgender veteran, she faces persecution and harassment every time she visits, […]
Ethiopia cracks down on gay sex in hotels, other venues
Security forces in Ethiopia are cracking down on hotels, bars and restaurants in the capital Addis Ababa where gay sexual activity is alleged to take place, the state news agency said on Thursday. Several African countries that criminalise homosexuality have enforced the law more harshly in recent years, with many governments proposing stricter laws and […]