Category: NEWS

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender news and perspectives of LGBT community

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

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

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.

Close-up Faces of those who cheered and laughed as Trump Mocked Sexual Assault Survivor

October 3, 2018

The faces of those patrons of the MAGA Trump rally who applauded and laughed as Trump mocked, in essence, all sexual assault survivors Last night America was shocked. Well shocked that there was something even more shocking than the things that have already been so shocking! We must be talking about Trump! Donald J. The … More Close-up Faces of those who cheered and laughed as Trump Mocked Sexual Assault Survivor

Marin DA Candidate Promises Reform for Outrageous Sexual Assault Hotline

September 29, 2018

By Melanie Nathan. “When survivors come forward the very least we can do is pick up the phone!” Anna Pletcher. San Anselmo -As my friends and followers  in Marin may know I support Anna Pletcher for Marin County District Attorney. That role could not be more important than now, when the issue of sexual assault … More Marin DA Candidate Promises Reform for Outrageous Sexual Assault Hotline

Brett Kavanaugh is a Conduct Unbecoming Liar and should not be on ANY Court Bench

September 29, 2018

By Melanie Nathan, JUST SAY NO!  “I know one thing for sure that if he is nominated to SCOTUS American woman will riot and burn this place down – and you can decide whether that is metaphorical or literal – let us see! So regardless Patriarchy, your days are numbered!” Melanie Nathan. When Donald Trump … More Brett Kavanaugh is a Conduct Unbecoming Liar and should not be on ANY Court Bench

LGBT Resources: OurTownSF Nonprofit Expo 2018

September 26, 2018

“Largest LGBTQ+ Resource Fair Ever to be Held in San Francisco – Theme: “Over the Rainbow” Over 100 local groups serving the LGBTQ+ community will come together for a day of fun and community building in the Castro – offering a whole lot of important information. African Human Rights Coalition will be there and yours truly,  Melanie … More LGBT Resources: OurTownSF Nonprofit Expo 2018

Africa 2018 List of Top Innovators by Quartz

September 23, 2018

The fourth edition is here- of the Quartz Africa Innovators, an annual series identifying some of the most ambitious and imaginative minds on the African continent. The 30 movers and thinkers on this list range across fields from the arts and science to technology and entrepreneurship and beyond. In congratulating all, I recommend reading the details and … More Africa 2018 List of Top Innovators by Quartz

Senators, Delay is NOT Enough: Women’s March

September 17, 2018

Women’s March: Delay is Not Enough, Women Want Kavanaugh Out Washington, DC — Women’s March Co-President, Bob Bland, released the following statement in response to news that the Senate Judiciary Committee would delay a vote on Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation to allow Dr. Christine Blasey Ford to testify: “Thank you to Christine Blasey Ford for your … More Senators, Delay is NOT Enough: Women’s March

LGBT Kenyans Support the Case to Overturn Ban on Film Rafiki

September 15, 2018

Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu filed a petition at the High Court of Kenya this week, seeking to have the ban on her film, ​Rafiki​, ​overturned. ​Rafiki is the first Kenyan film to be invited to show at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in its 70+ year history yet remains banned for distribution, broadcast and exhibition … More LGBT Kenyans Support the Case to Overturn Ban on Film Rafiki

StartOut Announces Winners of 2018 StartOut Awards

September 13, 2018

San Francisco, CA (September 13, 2018)– StartOut, the largest national nonprofit to empower, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) entrepreneurs and business leaders, announced the winners for its upcoming 7th Annual StartOut Awards, which will take place on Friday, September 21st at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco, in a ceremony presented by … More StartOut Announces Winners of 2018 StartOut Awards

BART allows Advertisement from Holocaust Denial Hate Group

September 12, 2018

Bart officials defend decision to approve advert from Institute for Historical Review, known for publishing antisemitic views BART, Bay Area Rapid Transport, the public transit agency in San Francisco, has approved advertisements from a group that promotes Holocaust denial and antisemitic views, claiming the organization has a “free speech” right to buy train station billboards. … More BART allows Advertisement from Holocaust Denial Hate Group

West Marin’s Irving Fire Closer to Containment

September 12, 2018

Downed power line believed to cause 152-acre blaze; Preparedness praised Woodacre, CA – Crews from the Marin County Fire Department and other supporting agencies continue suppression efforts for the Irving Fire, and investigators believe the cause was a downed power line. The vegetation fire near Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Marin’s San Geronimo Valley … More West Marin’s Irving Fire Closer to Containment

Women’s March To Host Our Votes Matter Event

September 10, 2018

Featuring Reps. Yvette Clarke and Andre Carson |Power to the Polls event to mobilize the formerly incarcerated, feature roundtable discussion and press announcement highlighting ways to combat voter suppression happening across the nation. Washington, DC — On Wednesday, September 12, 2018 from 11am-2pm, Congressional Representatives Yvette Clarke (D-NY) and Andre Carson (D-IN), and former Ohio … More Women’s March To Host Our Votes Matter Event

Marin Based GAIA Making a Difference in Africa in the Fight to End HIV AIDS

September 6, 2018

GAIA’s Mobile Clinic Program turns 10 Like African Human Rights Coalition, Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance is based here in Marin County – all working to assist advocates and practitioners on the ground in Africa.  Marin take heed and support the work neighbors! The GAIA Elizabeth Taylor Mobile Health Clinics were launched in rural Malawi ten … More Marin Based GAIA Making a Difference in Africa in the Fight to End HIV AIDS

Jubilation for Global LGBT World as India Decriminalizes Homosexuality

September 6, 2018

India’s Supreme Court has struck down section 377 of its Penal Code,  decriminalizing homosexuality. Jubilation has erupted in India after the supreme court unanimously ruled to decriminalize homosexual sex in a landmark judgment for gay rights.
… More Jubilation for Global LGBT World as India Decriminalizes Homosexuality

Uganda Bans Popular International Music and Art Festival Blames it on the Gays

September 6, 2018

For fear that some LGBTI people may show up?- Well that in truth is what it boils down to! Using gays as scapegoats again is a basic human rights infraction. I do not think the Ugandan people will fall for this ploy… Uganda’s misguided minister for ethics and integrity, Simon Lokodo, who is obsessed with what … More Uganda Bans Popular International Music and Art Festival Blames it on the Gays

Lynne Cotton and the Insidious Facebook Comment about Indian People

September 5, 2018

I expose hate on this BLOG.  With apologies to those hurt by the hateful remark of Lynne Cotton of Charleston,  South Carolina, apparently born 9/24/1963 on Facebook, and maybe living in Florida! CBS News Posted this story: In response to which Lynne Cotton posted this: I was stunned by this disgusting remark! Bad enough that … More Lynne Cotton and the Insidious Facebook Comment about Indian People

BREAKING: Women’s March Disrupts Kavanaugh Hearing, Dozens Arrested

September 4, 2018

Protesters: “Kavanaugh is a threat to women’s rights and an enemy of Democracy” #REPUBLICANS OLD WHITE MEN – WOMEN WILL VOTE YOU OUT! Washington, D.C. — Over 30 women have been arrested so far during today’s hearing on Brett Kavanaugh. Women’s March leaders from across the country took part in the protests alongside Women’s March … More BREAKING: Women’s March Disrupts Kavanaugh Hearing, Dozens Arrested

Will YOU let the Right Wing Fight Harder than America’s Majority for SCOTUS ?

September 3, 2018

“As we fight for the soul of this country, we must save its heartbeat – SCOTUS! Read this important piece and please follow up. If you do nothing this week that is proactive, then you are complicit in the silence that is destroying America. Because without ALL our voices, yes the majority, we are as … More Will YOU let the Right Wing Fight Harder than America’s Majority for SCOTUS ?

NAACP Mobilizing and Calling on Senate to Halt and Reject Kavanaugh Nomination for SCOTUS

September 3, 2018

The nation’s foremost civil rights organization will mobilize against Senate hearings for Donald Trump’s Supreme Court Nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Tuesday. The group is bringing leadership, members and supporters to Capitol Hill to voice their opposition to Kavanaugh, when the Senate hearings kickoff on Tuesday morning. NAACP President Derrick Johnson will attend the Senate Judiciary … More NAACP Mobilizing and Calling on Senate to Halt and Reject Kavanaugh Nomination for SCOTUS