Author: Melanie Nathan

Global news drenched in Activism

HUD Wants your Input on New Rules for Transgender Shelter Seekers

January 14, 2016

Transgender activists, Trans Community and all who care please take note of this call to action by the Federal Government and leading organizations! Posted by Melanie Nathan, January 14, 2016. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently published a new regulation that it is considering adopting, one that would, for the first … More HUD Wants your Input on New Rules for Transgender Shelter Seekers

Lambda Legal Sues Boulder County Property Owner for Denying Housing to LGBT Family

January 14, 2016

Posted by Melanie Nathan, January 14, 2016 Lambda Legal today filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against a Boulder County property owner who violated the federal Fair Housing Act and the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act by refusing to rent a housing unit she owns in Gold Hill, Colorado, to a same-sex couple, one of whom is transgender, … More Lambda Legal Sues Boulder County Property Owner for Denying Housing to LGBT Family

Protest as Lesbian Hate and Transphobia Haunts South Africa

January 12, 2016

PROTEST: Tomorrow, Jan 12, 2016 LGBTI activists are holding a rally and will march to the Mafatsana Police Station By Melanie Nathan, January 11, 2016. Two recent horrific murder cases elucidate the horror that lesbians and trans people encounter when faced with what is still considered endemic homophobia, lesbian hate and transphobia, in South Africa, … More Protest as Lesbian Hate and Transphobia Haunts South Africa

Israeli Gay Couple Discover Surrogate Baby Mistake

January 8, 2016

Wrong Baby From Surrogate Mother in Nepal Posted By Melanie Nathan, January 08, 2016. Several weeks after completing the surrogate birth process in Nepal, a gay Israeli couple learned that the baby girl they’d been told was theirs and had been caring for is not their daughter. The error was revealed by the routine tissue … More Israeli Gay Couple Discover Surrogate Baby Mistake

Kinsey Takes Helm on Marin Board of Supervisors

January 6, 2016

Judy Arnold becomes First Vice President, Damon Connolly Second VP Posted by Melanie Nathan, January 06, 2015 San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Board of Supervisors conducted its annual reorganization on January 4 and voted District 4’s Steve Kinsey as its President during his final year as a Board member. Kinsey, first elected in … More Kinsey Takes Helm on Marin Board of Supervisors

Broad Coalition File Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Challenge to Texas Abortion Restrictions

January 5, 2016

The State of Texas has argued that the law protects the health of women seeking abortion, but the evidence at trial showed just the opposite. In fact, medical organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association, and the American Public Health Association have explained that the restrictions imposed by the new law are medically unnecessary and endanger, rather than advance, women’s health. … More Broad Coalition File Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Challenge to Texas Abortion Restrictions

DHS Immigration Raids Reverse Policy of Deporting Felons, Not Families

January 5, 2016

By Hassan M. Ahmad, Esq, January 05, 2016. The Department of Homeland Security has begun launching raids against undocumented immigrants with recent orders of deportation. This reversal of prioritization shifts DHS’s focus to those who pose the least threat. The planned raids won’t focus on people with criminal backgrounds, or those who are threats to … More DHS Immigration Raids Reverse Policy of Deporting Felons, Not Families

Judge Rules Against FedEx in Same-Sex Benefits Case

January 5, 2016

Posted by Melanie Nathan, January 05, 2016. Yes there is still fallout from DOMA and it is scandalous to note that FedEx did not have the decency to apply the Edie Windsor case retrospectively. So now let fairness, equality and justice prevail, with thanks to these Plaintiffs, NCLR, Feinberg Jackson Worthman & Wasow, the Civil … More Judge Rules Against FedEx in Same-Sex Benefits Case

TLDEF Condemns Indiana Bill Targeting Transgender Youth and Adults

December 28, 2015

Bill Would Punish Transgender People with Jail Time for Using Bathroom Posted by Melanie Nathan, Dec 28, 2015. New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) denounces an Indiana bill singling out transgender students and adults for discrimination. Introduced by Republican state Sen. Jim Tomes, Senate Bill 35 would prohibit transgender students in … More TLDEF Condemns Indiana Bill Targeting Transgender Youth and Adults

New York Times Sparks Breitbart Article Scapegoating against LGBT Human Rights Advocacy

December 22, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, December 22, 2015. Who has hurt African LGBT people more?  Is that the question?  Ask yourself always – where did it start and unless one fails to place a story in its absolute and full context, then we can be assured there is no truth.  The New York Times published a somewhat … More New York Times Sparks Breitbart Article Scapegoating against LGBT Human Rights Advocacy

Transgender Man Wins Health Insurance Coverage for Gender Transition

December 21, 2015

Victory! Union Affirms Ongoing Coverage for Transition-Related Care in Health Plan By Melanie Nathan, December 22, 2015. New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) has secured insurance coverage for a transgender man’s medically necessary care after his union-sponsored health insurance plan refused to cover it.  Adrian Sealy works in a … More Transgender Man Wins Health Insurance Coverage for Gender Transition

Hillary Clinton Policy Plan does not go far enough for Global LGBT needs

December 19, 2015

December 19, 2015 Melanie Nathan, Executive Director, African HRC Candidate for the Democratic U.S. Presidential nomination, former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, has outlined a comprehensive LGBT policy plan for domestic and global LGBT issues. While we at African Human Rights Coalition are grateful to Secretary Clinton for her recognition of the plight of … More Hillary Clinton Policy Plan does not go far enough for Global LGBT needs

Exiled Gay Pastor Struggles to Survive After Being Outed by LGBT Christian Ministry

December 17, 2015

This is for those Other Sheep who recklessly expose the names and faces of LGBTI people in Africa. By Melanie Nathan, December 09, 2015. A few months ago, I was contacted by a man identifying himself as a gay pastor from an African country.  The man sought emergency help. He was on the border between … More Exiled Gay Pastor Struggles to Survive After Being Outed by LGBT Christian Ministry

International Human Rights Day 2015 Statement by Secretary Kerry

December 11, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, December 10, 2015. Statement by U.S. Secretary of State , John Kerry, released for International Human Rights day, lacks a robust reflection on all corners of this globe: “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was forged in the aftermath of World War II to protect freedom and prevent future atrocities. As we … More International Human Rights Day 2015 Statement by Secretary Kerry

Reassuring LGBT Refugees – Donald Trump is not the Voice of America

December 8, 2015

Trump’s remarks are so outrageous and irresponsible that at this point, although we are not a political organization, we cannot keep silent, to reassure the Muslim community of refugees and to condemn these statements. It is our opinion that all civil society organizations, especially those in the field of equality and human rights should speak out vehemently against Donald Trump’s continued use of the presidential campaign as a security risk and bully pulpit. … More Reassuring LGBT Refugees – Donald Trump is not the Voice of America

Members of Congress Send Letter to Speaker Calling for End to Select Panel on Planned Parenthood

December 1, 2015

“Enough is enough!” By Melanie Nathan, December 01, 2015. After the ‪#‎PlannedParenthood‬ shootings, several members of Congress sent a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan calling on him to disband the Republicans’ Select Committee to Attack Women’s Health. Democrats are contending that the recent Planned Parenthood shooting in Colorado Springs,  resulting in three murders, including a … More Members of Congress Send Letter to Speaker Calling for End to Select Panel on Planned Parenthood

Ugandan Journalist Refugee Arrives in Miami After Speaking Against the Anti Gay Legislation

November 26, 2015

After much courage and hardship we welcome Andrew Ssebulime, a young hero, to America. An extraordinary journey by a resilient young man. Now our hope is that the Miami community will embrace Andrew and make him feel welcome! By Melanie Nathan, November, 25, 2015. A  journalist, who fled Uganda in fear of his life, has … More Ugandan Journalist Refugee Arrives in Miami After Speaking Against the Anti Gay Legislation

Uganda Passes Repressive Anti NGO Bill

November 26, 2015

” Organizations involved with LGBT issues and human rights defenders will be especially hard hit as the onerous legislation will impinge upon basic  freedoms, democracy and human rights. Democracy weeps!” Melanie Nathan, Executive Director,  African Human Rights Coalition. By Melanie Nathan, November 26, 2015. We have received a report that the Ugandan Parliament, today,  passed … More Uganda Passes Repressive Anti NGO Bill

AIDS Quilt Documentary “The Last One” Plans World AIDS Day Screenings

November 25, 2015

Film Spotlights AIDS Memorial Quilt; Reveals Progress, Setbacks and Hope in the Quest to End AIDS; Youth Campaign (Combining the Quilt Display with Screenings of the Film) Aims to Remind Young People About the History of HIV/AIDS and the Seriousness of the Disease Posted by Melanie Nathan, November 24, 2015. NEW YORK, NY–  Red Thread Productions … More AIDS Quilt Documentary “The Last One” Plans World AIDS Day Screenings

Bias Media Reports on 21 Nigerian Students Allegedly Involved in Homosexual Activities

November 22, 2015

|Melanie Nathan, November 22, 2015. Police in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria have arrested 21 students who they allege are   homosexuals. We have  not independently verified this report. Several agencies are reporting and it originated in PUNCH News. According to Punch News, a reliable source reported that the suspects were arrested at two state-owned polytechnics (names … More Bias Media Reports on 21 Nigerian Students Allegedly Involved in Homosexual Activities

HELP to Express Outrage as 47 Turncoat Democrats Vote Against Syrian Women and Orphan Refugees

November 21, 2015

hese Democrats allowed themselves to get hauled into a vote on minimal notice and were suckered into the Republican narrative, without doing extensive research. That one terrorist in Paris turned us against refugees is a sign of cowardice and gives the terrorists the upper hand, a victory. We have allowed them to further victimize the most vulnerable victims of their murderous campaign. I am ashamed of these Democrats – truly ashamed!

… More HELP to Express Outrage as 47 Turncoat Democrats Vote Against Syrian Women and Orphan Refugees

Observing Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 20, 2015

TLDEF Observes Transgender Day of Remembrance Posted by Melanie Nathan, Nov 20, 2015. New York, NY- The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) commemorates the 17th Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), a day to memorialize all those lost to anti-transgender violence and to honor the spirit and resilience of transgender people worldwide. TDOR began in … More Observing Transgender Day of Remembrance

One Million Moms Anti Gay Tirade Against Campbell’s Soup And Foster Kids

November 12, 2015

TAKE ACTION BELOW – Thanks To Campbell’s Soup for Including Everyone! By Melanie Nathan, November 12, 2015. The anti-gay organization, One Million Moms, is extremely busy, as of late. They have been asserting their fundamentalist extreme right wing prowess by pretending to be ‘morality’ police. When Campbell’s  Soup used a a same-sex married couple with … More One Million Moms Anti Gay Tirade Against Campbell’s Soup And Foster Kids

BBC Report on Ugandan LGBT Refugees in Kenya Speaks to Regret

November 10, 2015

While Failing to Note that the Choices are Few to None! By Melanie Nathan, November 09, 2015. Here is a BBC TV report for which I provided consultation.  I have posted the BBC transcript report here.  The TV version with pictures can be seen on the BBC website. The report  while providing crucial exposure, leaves … More BBC Report on Ugandan LGBT Refugees in Kenya Speaks to Regret

University Resolution Supports Nondiscrimination Protection for Transgender Individuals

November 9, 2015

Posted by Melanie Nathan, November 09, 2015. The Western New England University School of Law faculty voted unanimously on Friday, November 6, 2015, in favor of a resolution of support for pending legislation that would expand nondiscrimination protection for transgender individuals in businesses and other facilities that are open to the public, including within higher … More University Resolution Supports Nondiscrimination Protection for Transgender Individuals

TLDEF Urges Administration to Adopt Rule to Improve Transgender Health Access

November 9, 2015

Submits Comments to HHS Supporting Broadest Possible Rule to Ban LGBT Health Care Discrimination Posted by Melanie Nathan, November 09, 2015. New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) today submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), expressing support for improving the health and wellness of transgender Americans … More TLDEF Urges Administration to Adopt Rule to Improve Transgender Health Access