Category: Advocacy & Activism

Call for Florida Cities to Suspend Relationships with Russian Sister Cities

August 26, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, August 26, 2013. Due to the passage of extreme anti-gay legislation and the alarming increase in anti-gay violence in Russia, Equality Florida has called upon all Florida cities to suspend their Sister/Friendship City relationships with Russian cities.  Letters have been sent to the mayors of Gainesville, Orlando, Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee. … More Call for Florida Cities to Suspend Relationships with Russian Sister Cities

Castro Russian Orthodox Churchgoers flee in advance of Gay Protest

August 26, 2013

Churchgoers flee fearing the wrath of a Rainbow? By Melanie Nathan, August 26, 2013. On Sunday, Gays Without Borders together with members of San Francisco’s LGBT community paid a visit to St. Nicholas Cathedral Church, a Russian Orthodox Church located in the Castro to raise rainbow flags bringing awareness about Russia’s anti-gay laws and to … More Castro Russian Orthodox Churchgoers flee in advance of Gay Protest

Putin bans meetings and protests during Sochi Winter Olympics

August 23, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, August 23, 2013. In an atmosphere of LGBTI oppression and calls for the removal of the Winter Olympics from Sochi, Russia because of recent anti-gay laws, an ABC News reporter is tweeting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has banned all meetings, protests and demonstrations during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. … More Putin bans meetings and protests during Sochi Winter Olympics

Like a Party at Pride American Gay Community Must do More for Global Gay Solidarity

August 22, 2013

A Comment on U.S. and Global LGBTQI Activism By Melanie Nathan, August 22, 2013. While we fight for our civil rights  and equality in the United State of America, LGBTI people in 76 Countries fight for their lives – they fight not to be beaten – not to be killed – not to be imprisoned … More Like a Party at Pride American Gay Community Must do More for Global Gay Solidarity

Crucial leadership emerges on boycotts against anti-gay Russian laws

August 22, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, August 22, 2013. While the less educated on the realities and impacts of boycotting Russia because of its new Putin signed anti-gay laws, are quick to draw conclusions that boycotts are not working, relevant leadership emerges calling for persistent boycotts. Masha Gessen is emerging as the new and prized leadership, an imperative … More Crucial leadership emerges on boycotts against anti-gay Russian laws

San Francisco Castro to Protest Russian Anti-Gay laws

August 21, 2013

Sunday Protest | Gay Oppressor Russian Orthodox Church lives in the Castro By Melanie Nathan, August 21, 2013. This Sunday morning as San Francisco’s Castro awakens to its persistent rainbow flags, the heartbeat of gay America will show solidarity for Russia’s persecuted LGBT community. Who could have imagined that the Russian Orthodox Church would nestle … More San Francisco Castro to Protest Russian Anti-Gay laws

The good news is Nikolai Alekseev not willing to talk to U.S. Press

August 21, 2013

Alekseev refuses to talk to Washington Post in his bid to control western media by=ut still wants to come to the US as a guest Of Human Rights First By Melanie Nathan, August 21, 2013. I wrote an article this past weekend about the outrageous social media antics of Russian activist Nikolai Alekseev.  As I … More The good news is Nikolai Alekseev not willing to talk to U.S. Press

Ghana Press misrepresents UNAIDS blaming AIDS and HIV on Homosexuality

August 20, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, August 20, 2013. In an unconscionable gross misrepresentation and twist of wording the press in the African country Ghana is seizing on the words of the UNAIDS (United Nation’s AIDS Organization) to further demonize homosexuality and local LGBTI people. Following a conference in Abidjan Cote D’Ivoire, as reflected in the  example of … More Ghana Press misrepresents UNAIDS blaming AIDS and HIV on Homosexuality

Scott Lively’s accountability for Crimes Against Humanity should now extend beyond Uganda to the FSU

August 18, 2013

“…widespread, systematic persecution of individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity constitutes a crime against humanity.” By Cathy Kristofferson, August 15, 2013 On August 14 we reported here on OBLOGDEE that Springfield U.S. District Court Judge Michael A. Posner, ruled against radical Christian Evangelical Scott Lively in his motion to dismiss the case … More Scott Lively’s accountability for Crimes Against Humanity should now extend beyond Uganda to the FSU

The White House and HRC must call for complete Boycott of Winter Olympics in Sochi

August 11, 2013

While the kidnapping, torture and outing of young gays continue with public endorsement in Russia through the tacit license of anti-gay laws | And even if we are assured of the safety of our athletes, are we willing to leave Sochi, after a “successful games” only to know that this persecution will continue for LGBT … More The White House and HRC must call for complete Boycott of Winter Olympics in Sochi

Donald Trump holding Miss Universe in Russia will earn him Vice Czar of Homophobia Crown

August 10, 2013

How Many Carrie Prejeans will be at Miss Universe in Russia? By Melanie Nathan, August 10, 2013. Russian President Valdimir Putin has earned a new name – Putin ‘Czar of Homophobia.’ His new anti-gay law and the increase in homophobic violence has led to calls for sanctions against Russia, from boycotts of Russian vodka to … More Donald Trump holding Miss Universe in Russia will earn him Vice Czar of Homophobia Crown

Senator Mark Leno takes a stand against Russian Anti-gay laws with California investment resolution

August 9, 2013

Following Anti-Gay Crackdown, Leno to Introduce Resolution Urging CalPERS and CalSTRS Not to Make Future Investments in Russia By Melanie Nathan, August 09, 2013. SAN FRANCISCO – Senator Mark Leno, joined by Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Senator Ricardo Lara and bill sponsor Equality California, will introduce a Senate Resolution on Monday urging CalPERS … More Senator Mark Leno takes a stand against Russian Anti-gay laws with California investment resolution

Russia: Silencing Activists, Journalists ahead of Sochi Games

August 8, 2013

More reasons to Boycott Sochi as a venue for the Winter Olympic games 2014 – Six Months Before Olympics Launch, Fresh Concerns about Intimidation REPORT by Human Rights Watch: (Aug 07, 2013.) Preparations for the Sochi Games have been plagued with serious human rights abuses and other problems, many of which have only been brought … More Russia: Silencing Activists, Journalists ahead of Sochi Games

Gay Rainbow Flag Creator says NO Rainbow Flags at Olympics in Sochi Russia

August 8, 2013

“The Rainbow Flag is the international symbol of LGBT freedom — it is not an endorsement of repression.” Gilbert Baker By Melanie Nathan, August 08, 2013. We have have written numerous articles on this website calling for a full boycott of Russia due to their legislated persecution of LGBT people. To all of you who … More Gay Rainbow Flag Creator says NO Rainbow Flags at Olympics in Sochi Russia

Armenia next as Russia’s anti-gay laws start to spread

August 8, 2013

 Sparking need to increase international outcry and calls for boycotts By Melanie Nathan, August 08, 2013. It would seem that the recent promulgation of anti-gay laws in Russia is spreading in the region.  We are receiving reports from Yerevan, Armenia that  Armenia’s police have proposed a ban on promoting “non-traditional sexual relationships” in the country. … More Armenia next as Russia’s anti-gay laws start to spread

The truth about Russian Vodka Boycotts, Stoli Stolichnaya and ALL OUT Boycotts

August 7, 2013

The Facts About Stolichnaya \ What Stolichnaya Execs, its PR Firm and Ad Agency Say About the Brand – What Stolichnaya Execs, its PR Firm and Ad Agency Say About the Brand By Melanie Nathan, August 08, 2013. Updates August 11, 2013. – In its attempts to separate itself from the Russian vodka boycotts, Stoli … More The truth about Russian Vodka Boycotts, Stoli Stolichnaya and ALL OUT Boycotts

Boycott Sochi Games and Stephen Fry’s compelling letter

August 7, 2013

 and then have the courage of our convictions to insist “NO AMERICAN IN SOCHI” until the Russians rescind their anti-gay laws and start treating LGBTI people with the dignity they deserve. By Melanie Nathan, August 07, 2013. As soon as the Russian DUMA legislated its anti-gay Propaganda law, we here at OBLOGDEE called for an … More Boycott Sochi Games and Stephen Fry’s compelling letter

President Obama Condemns Russia’s Anti-Gay laws

August 6, 2013

Ask IOL to move the Olympics from Sochi. By Melanie Nathan, August 07, 2013. U.S. President Barack Obama today criticized a new Russian law cracking down on gay rights activism, saying he has “no patience for countries that try to treat gays and lesbians and transgender persons in ways that intimidate them or are harmful … More President Obama Condemns Russia’s Anti-Gay laws

San Francisco LGBT community calls on Mayor Ed Lee to Boycott Russia

August 6, 2013

Russia Spills Gay Blood We Spill Russian Vodka at SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL By Melanie Nathan.  August 07, 2013. “Russia Spills Gay Blood We Spill Russian Vodka” read my sign today, as I joined my fellow activists from Gays Without Borders, when we poured Russian vodka onto San Francisco’s street outside City Hall and called … More San Francisco LGBT community calls on Mayor Ed Lee to Boycott Russia

Gay teenager kidnapped and tortured by Russian homophobes believed to have died from injuries

August 5, 2013

YOU SPILL GAY BLOOD WE SPILL RUSSIAN VODKA | Noon San Francisco City Hall August 06, 2013. By Melanie Nathan, August 05, 2013. PINKNews is Reporting  and we have not yet independently verified: The gay teenager who was kidnapped and tortured by Russian neo-Nazis has died from his injuries it has been claimed. Spectrum Human … More Gay teenager kidnapped and tortured by Russian homophobes believed to have died from injuries

HRC Leading U.S. Gays in failing to take the ultimate stand against Russia’s anti-Gay laws

August 5, 2013

“The contradiction glares when HRC asks the IOC to ensure “special treatment’ for American athletes and visitors. I find it unconscionable of HRC not to be taking the ultimate stand for a BOYCOTT of the Olympic SOCHI Games in Russia and using their immense power and membership to demand that  IOC  move the games out … More HRC Leading U.S. Gays in failing to take the ultimate stand against Russia’s anti-Gay laws

Alabama public meeting abuses prayer to denigrate fellow Americans

August 3, 2013

SEE PETITION below: Gays abused by Abuse of prayer | Calling LGBT Americans to help fight the hate hiding behind religious dogma in Alabama By Melanie Nathan, August 03, 2013. On July 17, Twinkle Cavanaugh, president of the Alabama Public Service Commission, after a detailed glorifying introduction, invited her good friend John Delwin Jordan to … More Alabama public meeting abuses prayer to denigrate fellow Americans

U.S. House Reps send Letter to Kerry about Anti-Gay 2014 Olympic Games in Russia

August 2, 2013

Rep. Nadler Leads Bipartisan Letter to Protect LGBT Rights at 2014 Olympic Games in Russia By Melanie Nathan, August 2, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, lead a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State John Kerry regarding the protection … More U.S. House Reps send Letter to Kerry about Anti-Gay 2014 Olympic Games in Russia

Gays to Fly Rainbow Flag Outside Russian Consulate in San Francisco

August 2, 2013

Protest Part of Global LGBT Solidarity Campaign By Melanie Nathan, August 02, 2013. San Francisco, CA — On Saturday, August 3, 2013, at 12:00 pm (noon) San Franciscans will gather at the Russian Consulate at 2790 Green Street (near Baker Street) to protest new anti-gay laws passed in Russia that subject LGBT Russians and foreign … More Gays to Fly Rainbow Flag Outside Russian Consulate in San Francisco

Russian Sports Minister confirms Olympic athletes are NOT exempt

August 1, 2013

“…but if he goes onto the street and starts propagandizing it, then of course he will be held accountable” By Cathy Kristofferson, August 1, 2013 A series of tweets from @r_sport, who bills themselves as the “Official host news agency for @Sochi2014”, alerted me to renewed confirmation that Sochi Olympic athletes will NOT in fact be … More Russian Sports Minister confirms Olympic athletes are NOT exempt

Protests of Russian Violations of LGBT Human Rights at U.S. Embassy and Consulates

July 31, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, July 31, 2013 Today kicked off Embassy and Consulate protests in the U.S. against Russia’s LGBT human rights violations with actions in New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. We have blogged on the protests as actions people can take to help raise awareness about the worsening conditions for the Russian … More Protests of Russian Violations of LGBT Human Rights at U.S. Embassy and Consulates

As UN Launches Free and Equal Campaign Tutu speaks love and Mugabe death to Gays

July 26, 2013

We can try and change the tide of hate through education but will we if fail to hold leadership accountable? By Melanie Nathan, July 26, 2013. The United Nations is launching an unprecedented freedom, equality and anti-homophobia campaign amidst clashing ideologies in Southern Africa, not to mention the rest of Africa too. The launch of … More As UN Launches Free and Equal Campaign Tutu speaks love and Mugabe death to Gays

10 Actions you can take against Russia | shocking video of Russian Gay Teen torture

July 26, 2013

10 ways to STOP the Russian terror of Gays By Melanie Nathan, July 26, 2013. Anti-gay sentiment and violence against LGBTI people has been a Russian habit for some time. However in recent months it has escalated with lack of basic law and order, exacerbated by Vladamir Putin’s legislative onslaught through various laws that criminalize … More 10 Actions you can take against Russia | shocking video of Russian Gay Teen torture

Outrcry as Petitioners Protest Delayed Justice in Ugandan Minorities Case

July 25, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, July 25, 2013. This week Ugandan Constitutional Court saw protests when, according to the Daily Monitor,  “minority groups stormed the Constitutional Court in Kampala on Tuesday, protesting what they called ‘delayed justice’. The potential landmark case of Jjuuko Adrian v. Attorney General Constitutional Petition No.1 of 2009,  has yet to receive a ruling, … More Outrcry as Petitioners Protest Delayed Justice in Ugandan Minorities Case