By Melanie Nathan, December 24, 2015. #THANKSfortheLOVE #Heartbreaking I am very very touched by the outpouring of holiday love from the LGBTI refugees who are in contact with me and many who have not previously been in contact with me- from many parts of Africa. I had no idea that many people knew about our … More Xmas Love from LGBTI Refugees in Africa
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
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
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
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
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
December 1, 2015, by Melanie Nathan. World AIDS Day Message: “Today is World AIDS day: While we remember those lost to AIDS we must note that the goal to eradicate HIV/AIDS will never be met for as long as we criminalize sexuality!” Melanie Nathan, Executive Director African HRC. On this World AIDS Day, the one … More One Reason We May Never Eradicate AIDS
” 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
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
|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
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
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
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
By Melanie Nathan, November 06, 2015. In a victory for the country’s LGBT community, the Colombian Constitutional Court ruled on November 4, 2015, that same-sex couples in Colombia can adopt children. Previously couples could only adopt a child if it was the offspring of one of the partners, but after hours of debate a 6-2 … More Colombian Constitutional Court Rules Same-sex Couples can Adopt
Posted by Melanie Nathan, November 05, 2015. The Union for Reform Judaism met in Orlando, Florida this week, for its biennial conference, where it endorsed a policy detailing specific steps to be taken by synagogues to thwart discrimination against transgender people. Included is the crucial adoption of gender-neutral language and the provision of gender-neutral restrooms, … More Largest Jewish Religious Group in U.S. Embraces Transgender Rights
Houston voters reject non-discrimination protections for gay and transgender people Posted by Melanie Nathan, Nov 03, 2015. The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) responded to news that voters have repealed the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), which banned discrimination against Houstonians in housing, employment, public accommodations and city services. It protected residents from public … More Houston Equal Rights Ordinance Repealed
TLDEF Condemns New York Senate Majority Leader’s Disingenuous Criticism of Transgender Rights Regulations Posted by Melanie Nathan, November 02, 2015. New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) responded to comments made by New York Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan suggesting that Governor Andrew Cuomo went beyond his authority by proposing new … More Condemnation for New York State Senator’s Criticism of Transgender Rights
O’MALLEY WAS THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE TO ENDORSE THE EQUALITY ACT, AND LONG HELD THE BELIEF THAT MARRIAGE IS A HUMAN RIGHT, NOT A STATE RIGHT Posted by Melanie Nathan, October 30, 2015. DES MOINES, IA —Tonight, Governor O’Malley will be the first presidential candidate to address the Iowa Safe Schools Spirit Awards. Governor O’Malley has a … More Governor O’Malley Unveils Progressive LGBTQ Policies at Iowa Safe Schools Spirit Awards
Posted by Melanie Nathan, October, 28, 2015. In the traditionally macho sport of rugby, the World Cup will break new ground this weekend, when for the first time it will be refereed by an openly gay man. While we look forward to the day when homosexuality is so acceptable that sexuality warrants no mention, and … More Rugby Breakthrough as First Openly Gay Referee Chosen for World Cup Game
By Melanie Nathan, October 22, 2015. A well known Ugandan transgender activist is in hospital after being beaten by an angry anti-LGBT mob in Uganda, today. Beyonce Karungi, 35, went into hiding after receiving several hate threats. When she emerged, she was attacked by a group of five unknown men, sustaining serious facial and … More Ugandan Trans Activist Brutally Assaulted by Anti-LGBT Mob
By Melanie Nathan, October 20, 2015. BETWEEN THE SHADES is a feature film documentary exploring the shades of being gay; discussing what connects us all: Our desire to love. I had the great privilege of interviewing award-winning filmmaker, Jill Salvino. We discussed Between the Shades, her new project, and first feature length documentary. As an … More Documentary that Transcends Equality
AIDS Quilt Documentary The Last One Gears Up for Fall 2015 Screenings and 2016 National Youth Outreach Campaign Posted by Melanie Nathan, Oct 20, 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 … More Film About AIDS Memorial Quilt Covers its Birth and Impact
By Melanie Nathan, October 19, 2015. Finally a measure of justice has been attained in Russia as nine members of the gang known as Occupy Paedophilia have been sentenced to prison terms or suspended sentences for luring, torturing and publishing the humiliating recorded videos of young men perceived as gay. Here on Oblogdee we covered … More Russians who Tortured Gays on Video get Jail Time
Posted by Melanie Nathan, Oct 11, 2015. SACRAMENTO – Legislation authored by Senator Mark Leno that provides new protections for transgender foster youth in California was signed into law today by Governor Jerry Brown. Senate Bill 731 ensures that all foster youth, including those who identify as transgender, are placed in appropriate homes where they … More California Protections for Transgender Foster Youth Signed into Law
where the revised rules could be strengthened from a human rights perspective..
The first concerns the prohibition of discrimination,” he said, adding that he is “disappointed that sexual orientation and gender identity were not explicitly recognized as grounds for discrimination, given their recognition by most human rights treaty bodies.
… More UN launches ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ on improving treatment of prisoners
YES! for Gay People in Dutch Reformed Church – NG Kerk – There were Tears of joy after the announcement. By Melanie Nathan, October 08, 2015. History was made in South Africa today, when the synod of what was once probably the most conservative church on the planet, the Dutch Reformed Church, (NG Kerk/ DRC) … More History made as South African Church Votes to Bless Same-sex marriage and Ordain Gay Ministers
Posted by Melanie Nathan, October 07, 2015. Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-10), and the Ali Forney Center (AFC) announced three new federal grants to help continue AFC’s important work serving homeless youth in New York City, an estimated 40% of which identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ). Combined, the more than $1 million … More New Federal Funding to Serve Homeless LGBTQ Youth in NYC
By Melanie Nathan, Oct 02, 2015. A few days ago, the Sharia police, in Indonesia, arrested two young women aged 18 and 19, when they saw the pair hugging in a public place in Banda Aceh, the provincial capital. A police official told reporters that they “suspected the women were lesbians.” Yes with a mere … More Sharia Police Arrest Women for being Lesbian because of Public hug
By Melanie Nathan, Oct 01, 2015. A former San Francisco police officer has been arrested and charged with embezzlement. Mike Evans, 34, was booked into San Francisco County Jail on Wednesday, charged with felony embezzlement and felony grand theft of $16,000 in dues from the department’s Pride Alliance for LGBT officers, according to SF Gate report. … More San Francisco Police Officer Charged with Embezzlement from Pride Alliance
CAP Report Outlines Barriers Homeless Queer Youth Face in Obtaining Important Identification Documents Posted by Melanie Nathan, October 01, 2015. Washington, D.C. — Research suggests that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, youth experience homelessness at a much higher rate than their non-LGBT peers. Like for most homeless youth, this leads to significant challenges … More Barriers LGBT Homeless Youth Face in Obtaining Important ID Documents
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