Category: Conferences

Gay Flag of South Africa and ANC Hold Historic Public Meeting to Condemn Homophobia in SA

August 30, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, August 30, 2012. An historic public meeting took place Thursday between the South African majority party, the ANC and the Gay Flag of South Africa (GFSA) an NPO to condemn recent homophobic violence against the LGBTI community in South Africa, as well as the anti-gay commentary by Traditional leaders who are reviewing … More Gay Flag of South Africa and ANC Hold Historic Public Meeting to Condemn Homophobia in SA

Celebrating Bayard Rustin with Author of “I Must Resist” Michael Long

August 18, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, August 18, 2012. The Bayard Rustin LGBT Coalition, Alice B. Toklas Democratic Club, City Lights Booksellers, and Atlas Leadership Strategies will all be  co-sponsoring an evening with Michael Long, author of “I Must Resist: Bayard Rustin’s Life in Letters” at the Commonwealth Club San Francisco on August 21.This special gathering marks the … More Celebrating Bayard Rustin with Author of “I Must Resist” Michael Long

Celebrating the Launch of Nelson Mandela HIV/AIDS Medallions in the United States

August 3, 2012

South African Gold Coin Exchange, (SAGCE) August 03, 2012 This week, in conjunction with a launch event hosted by The South African Consul General in New York, the South African Gold Coin Exchange  (SAGCE) introduced the first ever Nelson Mandela gold and silver Medallions into the United States Market. The special release, launched to commemorate … More Celebrating the Launch of Nelson Mandela HIV/AIDS Medallions in the United States

Watch President Bill Clinton’s Speech at AIDS 2012

July 28, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, July 28, 2012 Thousands of delegates signed the Washington, D.C. Declaration, the official declaration of the XIX International AIDS Conference. The declaration states that we must strive for multi-disciplinary approaches that respect and uphold the human rights and dignity of all people affected by the epidemic and calls for nine concrete actions. … More Watch President Bill Clinton’s Speech at AIDS 2012

AIDS 2012 Ignites Momentum for the Beginning of the End of the AIDS Epidemic

July 27, 2012

While the Question still looms about the criminalization of homosexuality in Africa, Scientific, Political and Community Leaders Call for Collaborative Partnerships and Investments in Research, Treatment and Prevention to Turn the Tide on HIV Melanie Nathan, July 27, 2012  Friday, 27 July 2012 (Washington, D.C., United States) —The global AIDS community concluded its biennial meeting … More AIDS 2012 Ignites Momentum for the Beginning of the End of the AIDS Epidemic

AIDS 2012 to Discuss HIV and World Travel Bans

July 21, 2012

Dr Paul de Lay, Deputy Executive Director of the UNAIDS Programme said “Every individual should have the right to freedom of movement, regardless of their HIV status. UNAIDS is opposed to any restriction imposed on people living with HIV and restricting movement only on the basis of their HIV status. These restrictions are discriminatory.”
… More AIDS 2012 to Discuss HIV and World Travel Bans

Fight against AIDS Visionary and Dedicated Leadership Award by IAS for IAC 2012

July 18, 2012

IAS Presidential Award Honors Prof. Michel Kazatchkine for Visionary and Dedicated Leadership in the Fight against AIDS Posted by Melanie Nathan, July 18, 2012 The International AIDS Society (IAS) honours Prof. Michel Kazatchkine, former Executive Director Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, with the IAS Presidential Award for his extraordinary impact on the … More Fight against AIDS Visionary and Dedicated Leadership Award by IAS for IAC 2012

The South African Gold Coin Exchange Announces Launch of Nelson Mandela HIV/AIDS Medallion

July 18, 2012

“AIDS in no longer a disease; it is a human right’s issue,” President Nelson Mandela – South Africa Celebrates Nelson Mandela Day. By Melanie Nathan, July 18, 2012. Capturing the legacy of one of the most influential icons in the world, The South African Gold Coin Exchange (SAGCE) and The Scoin Shop (Scoin) has announced … More The South African Gold Coin Exchange Announces Launch of Nelson Mandela HIV/AIDS Medallion

Historic Line-up of Speakers for AIDS 2012 in D.C.

July 17, 2012

High level speakers announced for XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) By Melanie Nathan July 17, 2012. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Former U.S. First Lady Laura Bush, South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, U.S. Senators John Kerry and Lindsey Graham, U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi , U.S. Congresswoman Barbara … More Historic Line-up of Speakers for AIDS 2012 in D.C.

UNAIDS at Opening of The International AIDS Conference 2012

July 14, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, July 14, 2012. The Executive Director of UNAIDS Michel Sidibé will be among the high-level speakers at the official opening of AIDS 2012 which is taking place from 19:00–21:00 on Sunday 22 July in Washington DC. The Conference will bring together the world’s top AIDS researchers, community leaders, and other stakeholders. An … More UNAIDS at Opening of The International AIDS Conference 2012

AIDS 2012 Announces IAS Research Prizes

July 11, 2012

International AIDS Society and Partners Recognize Outstanding Researchers from Around the World at AIDS 2012 By Melanie Nathan, July 11, 2012 The International AIDS Society (IAS) today announced nine winners of four prestigious scientific awards to be presented during the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) to be held in Washington, D.C. , 22–27 July. … More AIDS 2012 Announces IAS Research Prizes

Ugandan Activists Fight in Court Against Minister Lokodo’s Anti-Gay Persecution

July 8, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, July 08, 2012. Ugandan Activists are fighting back after the Ugandan Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Hon. Rev. Fr. Simon Lokodo closed down a private meeting of LGBTI community at a luxury resort in Entebbe, accusing the group of illegally “promoting” homosexuality. Four members of the LGBTI community in Uganda sued the … More Ugandan Activists Fight in Court Against Minister Lokodo’s Anti-Gay Persecution

AIDS 2012 Conference | Strategy Towards an HIV Cure

June 28, 2012

Landmark Global Scientific Strategy to be launched in Washington D.C. Thursday, July 19 ahead of the XIX International AIDS Conference By Melanie Nathan, June 28, 2012. Wednesday 27 June 2012, (Geneva, Switzerland; Washington D.C. USA)–The Global Scientific Strategy Towards an HIV Cure,developed by some of the world’s leading HIV/AIDS clinicians and researchers, will be launched … More AIDS 2012 Conference | Strategy Towards an HIV Cure

Ugandan Government Spies on GAYS and Steals Documents in Ongoing Persecution

June 26, 2012

Observer Reports – NGOs’ gay plans leak, govt furious By Melanie Nathan, June 27, 2012. Ugandan LGBTI activists awoke this morning to a shock when they found that the Ugandan Government had infiltrated their meetings and obtained Minutes outlining their strategies and naming people and organizations in the movement. The Ugandan Newspaper, The Observer reports … More Ugandan Government Spies on GAYS and Steals Documents in Ongoing Persecution

Ugandan Minister Launches Crusade Against Human Rights and LGBT NGO’s

June 20, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, June 20, 2012. Uganda’s persecution of its LGBTI community is heating up with recent lashing out on the part of one Minister who has decided to take the law into his own hands by breaking up peaceful lawful meetings and trying to de-register NGO’s. Ugandan Fr. Simon Lokodo, a catholic priest with … More Ugandan Minister Launches Crusade Against Human Rights and LGBT NGO’s

Uganda Gay Activsts Arrested in Unlawful Police Raid at Private Hotel Meeting

June 18, 2012

See shocking Video as Gay Activists and foreign visitor allies  unlawfully persecuted in Ugandan raid at hotel denotes a great danger for any group holding a peaceful meeting in Uganda Melanie Nathan, June 18, 2012. Police have unlawfully raided a gay rights meeting in Kampala Uganda and arrested LGBTI activists.  The group of sexual minority … More Uganda Gay Activsts Arrested in Unlawful Police Raid at Private Hotel Meeting

President Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Elton John to Address AIDS 2012 Conference in D.C.

June 13, 2012

World’s Leading Scientists, President Bill Clinton, South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, philanthropist Bill Gates and humanitarian Sir Elton John to address the XIX International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C. (AIDS 2012) and Some 25,000 Scientists, People Living with HIV, and Other Stakeholders expected to attend AIDS 2012  Wednesday, 13 June 2012 (Washington, D.C., USA) … More President Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Elton John to Address AIDS 2012 Conference in D.C.

AIDS 2012 | Preparing for XIX International AIDS Conference Washington D.C.

May 27, 2012

Secretariat announces two off-site conference hubs for sex workers and people who use drugs |Record number of abstracts submitted Posted by Melanie Nathan, May 26, 2012/ Thursday 10 May, 2012 (Geneva, Switzerland, and Washington, D.C., USA)— The International AIDS Conference is the largest gathering of professionals working in the field of HIV, including people living … More AIDS 2012 | Preparing for XIX International AIDS Conference Washington D.C.

Traditional Leaders Should Not Forget What South Africa’s Freedom Means to the World

May 14, 2012

We celebrate the founding principles of the new South Africa, a country that knows what courage means. : Democracy, Justice,  Equality, and  Human rights. By Melanie Nathan, May 14, 2012. While South African traditional leaders ignore South Africa’s importance in the world with their draconian ideals, as they question the validity of their own equality … More Traditional Leaders Should Not Forget What South Africa’s Freedom Means to the World

Calling on Andrew Sullivan to Boycott the Maggie Gallagher Debate

March 29, 2012

Let us declare  Maggie Gallagher –  ‘marriage equality irrelevant’- By Melanie Nathan, March 29, 2012 I received an invitation to attend what is touted by organizers as the “media debate of the year ”  to be held at  Lee Chapel, at Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA – a debate on marriage equality between Maggie … More Calling on Andrew Sullivan to Boycott the Maggie Gallagher Debate

Video Seattle City Council Meeting LGBT Commission Regarding their Discrimination Against Israeli LGBT Guests

March 22, 2012

Incompetency of the Seattle LGBT Commission highlighted by the Council member questions at the end of the discussion in Video By Melanie Nathan Watch the apology and the dramatic and emotional testimony given by leaders from the Seattle LGBT and Jewish community to the Seattle City Council ( Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee … More Video Seattle City Council Meeting LGBT Commission Regarding their Discrimination Against Israeli LGBT Guests

Seattle LGBT Commission Issues Apology to Israeli Guests But Should Still Resign

March 21, 2012

The Seattle City LGBT Commissions has issued a formal apology, by posting it on Facebook, to the LGBT public and the Israeli AILO group, as can be seen below, for its actions in cancelling an event that in essence served to boycott and silence the visiting group from Israel.

It admits the “pain, offense … More Seattle LGBT Commission Issues Apology to Israeli Guests But Should Still Resign

Greater Seattle Business Association Outraged by Seattle LGBT Commission

March 20, 2012

Reacting to last week’s cancellation of a meeting with Israeli equality delegates,the Greater Seattle Business Association, the largest LGBT chamber of commerce in the United States with over 1000 members, wrote a letter to the City of Seattle LGBT Commission, to express their outrage at the commission’s decision to “silence LGBT voices by cancelling the City Hall event with a delegation of Israeli LGBT civil rights leaders.” … More Greater Seattle Business Association Outraged by Seattle LGBT Commission

Jewish Voices for Peace and the Seattle LGBT Commission Anomaly

March 19, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, March 19, 2012 I often wonder if advisory boards for non-Profit organizations keep a check on what they have tied their names to?  Many are apt to join for an appealing mission statement tied to common causes and very often because a friend or acquaintance pitched the importance. Although I do recognize … More Jewish Voices for Peace and the Seattle LGBT Commission Anomaly

Seattle LGBT Commission’s Boycott of Israeli LGBTI Guests Opens Wounds

March 16, 2012

By Melanie Nathan and Scott Rose, 03/16/2012 Caving to protests by a small anti-Israel and anti-Jewish contingency, using the guise of so called pinkwashing,  the  Seattle City LGBT Commission has silenced the voices of its Israeli LGBT guests  from the coalition Group AILO,  by cancelling, with less than 24 hours notice,  a dialogue event which … More Seattle LGBT Commission’s Boycott of Israeli LGBTI Guests Opens Wounds