Author: Melanie Nathan

Transgender Lives Lost and Never Forgotten TDOR 2018

November 20, 2018

First published at African Human rights Coalition:  Lives Lost Transgender Day of Remembrance TDOR – 2018 The Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual event that started in 1998 after the killing of Rita Hester, a transgender African American woman, in the United Sates.  Today on TDOR we memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hate and prejudice. It … More Transgender Lives Lost and Never Forgotten TDOR 2018

Marin County and Homeward Bound Partner on Shelter Needs

November 19, 2018

Support for people experiencing homelessness to increase existing capacity San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) and the Novato-based nonprofit Homeward Bound of Marin have established emergency shelter surge capacity to supplement 190 year-round shelter beds during severe weather events.  In the case of a severe weather event, the … More Marin County and Homeward Bound Partner on Shelter Needs

Victory Fund Candidate Data on 2018 Rainbow Wave

November 19, 2018

Data provides look at sexual orientation and gender identity of candidates Washington, DC – Today LGBTQ Victory Fund released a demographic and informational breakdown of the 432 openly LGBTQ candidates on the ballot this past Election Day – looking at sexual orientation, gender identity, race/ethnicity, office level, party affiliation, and the equality levels of the … More Victory Fund Candidate Data on 2018 Rainbow Wave

Could Freddy Mercury have been the Voice for Decriminalization of Homosexuality in Africa

November 18, 2018

The early box office success, and swift criticism, of the Queen biopic movie Bohemian Rhapsody, is also attracting interest in Freddie Mercury’s African roots: The country of his birth, may not only have failed to embrace him, but most certainly would have persecuted him through its criminalization of homosexuality and bisexuality.  Freddy mercury was born in … More Could Freddy Mercury have been the Voice for Decriminalization of Homosexuality in Africa

Controversy Surrounds Disappearance of Gay Swazi Socialite with Accusations Lobbed at Swaziland’s King

November 16, 2018

Friends are concerned that Sakhile “Oros” Msibi  has been murdered, possible with ritual as motive and fingers are pointed at Swazi King  It is hard to imagine that in this day and age, especially with social media providing linkage and quick contact, that a very public socialite could go missing .  Some suggest that the … More Controversy Surrounds Disappearance of Gay Swazi Socialite with Accusations Lobbed at Swaziland’s King

Marin Fair Housing Discrimination Case Settled

November 16, 2018

Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California and Client Settle National Origin Discrimination Complaint San Rafael, CA – Late last month, Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California (FHANC) and one of its clients settled a complaint alleging discrimination based upon national origin that had been filed with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing against Continuum … More Marin Fair Housing Discrimination Case Settled

INFINIX Mobile Phone Billboard Promotes Violence Against LGBTQ People in Nigeria

November 15, 2018

“…these billboard add another bullet to the head of gays and lesbians and all LGBTQI in Nigeria… ” Melanie Nathan When Corporations think it is in their interests to promote homophobia on the Continent of Africa, one wonders if they realize they are actually promoting hate and harm. It is bad enough that Africa’s LGBTQI … More INFINIX Mobile Phone Billboard Promotes Violence Against LGBTQ People in Nigeria

TLDEF Appoints Nationally Recognized LGBTQ Activist Andy Marra as Executive Director

November 14, 2018

New York, NY – Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Andrea “Andy” Hong Marra as its new executive director. Marra is a nationally revered social justice advocate with a strong track record of service to the LGBTQ movement. Marra succeeds Dolph Ward Goldenburg who has served as … More TLDEF Appoints Nationally Recognized LGBTQ Activist Andy Marra as Executive Director

South African President Ramaphosa Must Take the Lead for Journalists and LGBTQ in Africa

November 14, 2018

South Africa’s history and legacy compels it to do more when it comes to human rights on the Continent of Africa! To speak out and to offer a diplomacy of insistence. Most countries in Africa have suffered the oppression and ills metered out by Colonizers. It is a long history. It is a large continent. … More South African President Ramaphosa Must Take the Lead for Journalists and LGBTQ in Africa

Africa Brief – Tanzanian Gay Hunt, Cameroon Turmoil, Expat Somalis Win U.S. Elections and More…..

November 11, 2018

Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis has turned into a full-scale propaganda war. The return of 78 kidnapped schoolchildren this week has led to an exchange of allegations between Cameroon’s government and Anglophone militant separatists claiming the other side was responsible, reports Amindeh Blaise Atabong from Yaoundé. Meanwhile, TV journalist Mimi Mefo Takombo has been detained indefinitely by … More Africa Brief – Tanzanian Gay Hunt, Cameroon Turmoil, Expat Somalis Win U.S. Elections and More…..

Donald Trump Proclamation Set to Shut Down Access to Asylum

November 9, 2018

Today Trump issued a new Proclamation with the new interim final rule which would shut down access to asylum for many individuals and families fleeing life-threatening persecution. The rule would specifically preclude from protection those who cross the United States’ southwest border between official ports of entry. If implemented, it would result in the deportation … More Donald Trump Proclamation Set to Shut Down Access to Asylum

Stacy Abrams for Governor in GA is Keeping Her Every Vote Campaign Vow

November 7, 2018

Stacey Abrams, who served as minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017, has now run a race for governor, steeped in dignity and indicative of a deep passion and love for her state and all its people. A member of the Democratic Party, she has fought an historic battle against Georgia … More Stacy Abrams for Governor in GA is Keeping Her Every Vote Campaign Vow

Nebraska Makes LGBTQ Political History With Megan Hunt

November 6, 2018

Voters Send First Openly LGBTQ Person to Its State Legislature Tonight Nebraska voters made history in electing Megan Hunt, the first openly LGBTQ candidate ever elected to the Nebraska state legislature. LGBTQ people are severely underrepresented in Nebraska government, with just four openly LGBTQ elected officials currently serving in the entire state. Before tonight, Nebraska … More Nebraska Makes LGBTQ Political History With Megan Hunt

Jared Polis First Openly Gay Man to be Elected Governor in U.S. History

November 6, 2018

Tonight U.S. Representative Jared Polis of Colorado became the first openly gay man elected governor of a U.S. state, defeating his Republican opponent by a strong margin. Throughout the campaign Polis spoke with voters about his partner and children, making him one of the most visible LGBTQ candidates in the nation and a model for … More Jared Polis First Openly Gay Man to be Elected Governor in U.S. History

First LGBTQ United States Senator Tammy Baldwin Wins Reelection

November 6, 2018

Wisconsin voters also reelect U.S. Representative Mark Pocan Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, the first openly LGBTQ person, and first lesbian ever elected to the U.S. Senate, was tonight reelected by Wisconsin voters in a race closely watched by both political parties and the LGBTQ community nationwide. LGBTQ Victory Fund invested heavily in … More First LGBTQ United States Senator Tammy Baldwin Wins Reelection

Flavored Tobacco and Vaping Products Banned in Marin

November 6, 2018

San Rafael, CA – Starting January 1, 2020, specialty tobacco stores in unincorporated Marin County will be prohibited from selling flavored tobacco products, including vaping liquids and menthol cigarettes. For all other retailers and individuals, the ban goes into effect July 1, 2019. With support from its Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) staff, … More Flavored Tobacco and Vaping Products Banned in Marin

Speaking Out Against Trump Asylum Seeker Political Stunt

November 2, 2018

VIA CNN:  United States President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed he would sign an executive order “next week” aimed at restricting US asylum rules, as he seeks to use a group of Central American migrants heading for the US border as part of his midterm election closing argument. He also suggested that the US troops … More Speaking Out Against Trump Asylum Seeker Political Stunt

Trump Refugee Lies Perfect Storm for Antisemitic Massacre

October 27, 2018

Antisemitism and Refugees and Jews helping refugees mixed with trump Anti Refugee dicta and lies is the perfect storm! Today the Pittsburgh Jewish community was attacked by a terrorist, killing at least 4 people and possible as many as 8, with reports of numerous injuries. While some may suggest we wait to get more information … More Trump Refugee Lies Perfect Storm for Antisemitic Massacre

TLDEF and Pro Bono Partner Lawyers Support Transgender Americans Letter

October 24, 2018

New York, NY –  TLDEF and pro bono partner attorneys respond to anti-transgender Trump Administration memo…  “As law firms, attorneys and advocates, we proudly support human rights and human dignity for all transgender and gender nonbinary Americans. We are deeply troubled by the leaked Department of Health and Human Services memo proposing a discriminatory definition … More TLDEF and Pro Bono Partner Lawyers Support Transgender Americans Letter

Powerful International LGBTQ Love Story Regional Premiere at NCTC, San Francisco

October 24, 2018

The NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER – presents a moving and timely international LGBTQI love story, Cardboard Piano by Hansol Jung, – A powerful tale of redemption   San Francisco, CA (September 12, 2018) – In October, New Conservatory Theatre Center is pleased to present the regional premiere of Cardboard Piano by Whiting Award-winning playwright, Hansol Jung, … More Powerful International LGBTQ Love Story Regional Premiere at NCTC, San Francisco

Statements as Trump Admin Threatens to Erase Trans Community

October 22, 2018

Trans people in the United Sates have responded to the Trump threat to tighten the definition of gender as revealed by the New York Times with a resounding: “WE WON’T BE ERASED”. It was reported that the Trump administration is considering narrowly defining gender as a biological, immutable condition determined by genitalia at birth, the most drastic move … More Statements as Trump Admin Threatens to Erase Trans Community

Inter Parliamentary Union Votes to Ban LGBT Debate as led by Homophobic Ugandan Delegation

October 18, 2018

At the Legislators meeting in Geneva of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), a majority voted a ban debate on the subject of LGBT human rights  – and according to Ugandan reports this is a forever-enduring ban. Some nations brought the subject to the floor, in the hope of passing an amendment to include LGBT people in … More Inter Parliamentary Union Votes to Ban LGBT Debate as led by Homophobic Ugandan Delegation

Help Fight the Opioid Crisis by Purging Unused Meds

October 17, 2018

Opioid overdose remains the leading cause of accidental death in Marin County. | DEA Drug Take-Back Day is October 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. San Rafael, CA – The opioid abuse crisis is a national phenomenon these days – there’s even a White House webpage devoted to it – but it’s been lingering in … More Help Fight the Opioid Crisis by Purging Unused Meds

As ICC celebrates 20 years since Treaty, Trump Inhumanity is Food for Thought

October 14, 2018

It has been 20 years since The Rome Statute: On 27th September, thirty-five countries renewed their support for the International Criminal Court at the United Nations  General Assembly.  Notably the United States of America has never ratified the treaty. The Court participates in the global fight to end impunity, and through international criminal justice, the Court … More As ICC celebrates 20 years since Treaty, Trump Inhumanity is Food for Thought

Local Marin Leaders Mobilizing Against Cruel Immigration Changes

October 10, 2018

Homeland Security proposal would penalize those receiving public benefits Marin County, CA – Local community leaders are mobilizing in response to a new proposal from the Trump Administration that would penalize certain immigrants seeking to change their legal status if they receive public benefits or are deemed likely to become a “public charge” in the … More Local Marin Leaders Mobilizing Against Cruel Immigration Changes

NAACP President Calls Kavanaugh Confirmation “Devasting Blow”

October 6, 2018

Move Signals Dark Days Ahead for Civil Rights Communities – America Deserves Better BALTIMORE (October 6, 2018)—NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson released the following remarks regarding the Senate confirmation of nominee Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. “The U.S. Senate’s decision today to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court is devastating blow to our democracy. … More NAACP President Calls Kavanaugh Confirmation “Devasting Blow”

Women Flood the US Capitol with Mass Sit-Ins, Chanting Ahead of Kavanaugh Vote

October 6, 2018

Hundreds arrested for taking over the US Capitol steps as women and survivors promise: this is only the beginning Washington, D.C. — Today, after weeks of survivors turning their pain into action and building grassroots power across the country, thousands of women flooded the US Capitol to protest just moments before the final vote on … More Women Flood the US Capitol with Mass Sit-Ins, Chanting Ahead of Kavanaugh Vote

How Kavanaugh’s Latest Op-Ed proves he IS Lying and Unfit.

October 4, 2018

By Melanie Nathan In  a last ditch effort to persuade the undecided, Brett Kavanaugh penned an op-ed akin to a defensive grovel in the Wall Street Journal, hoping that he will be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, as a Justice to the Supreme Court. Clearly aimed at that teeny audience of three who are the … More How Kavanaugh’s Latest Op-Ed proves he IS Lying and Unfit.