South African Student Tortured by Putin’s Anti-Gay Thugs

By Melanie Nathan, November 05, 2013. We have been reporting for some time the attacks of young people, including students, who are lured through the internet, by anti-LGBT, neo-Nazi and ultra-nationalists groups in Russia. We have also been reporting that these groups have gained strength and increased their attacks on young gay (LGBT) people or … More South African Student Tortured by Putin’s Anti-Gay Thugs

Why are LGBT Organizations and Democrats Pushing for a BAD ENDA?

IS THIS JUST ABOUT DONATIONS? By Melanie Nathan, November 04, 2013. On Thursday the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) filed cloture on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).  It stands before the Senate as I write. But is it right? For the past few weeks we have been bombarded with e-mails from Senators and LGBT … More Why are LGBT Organizations and Democrats Pushing for a BAD ENDA?

Tuxedoed Gay Activist Seizes Stage at London Symphony

GAY ACTIVIST ONCE AGAIN DISRUPTS CONCERT CONDUCTED BY PUTIN SUPPORTER VALERY GERGIEVAT THE BARBICAN IN LONDON Posted by Melanie Nathan, Nov 01, 2013. London, November 1, 2013— The opening night of London Symphony Orchestra principal conductor Valery Gergiev’s new concert season at the Barbican in London was disrupted last night (31 October) by a protest … More Tuxedoed Gay Activist Seizes Stage at London Symphony

Gays Protest Putin’s Homophobic Laws at U.S. Olympic Committee SOCHI Launch

New York, NY (October 29, 2013) — Two dozen members of Queer Nation interrupted the smooth flow of the opening event of the US Olympic Committee’s Road to Sochi tour, which launched in Times Square today. As the Road to Sochi event began at 12:00 pm with a press conference featuring Olympic and Paralympic athletes, … More Gays Protest Putin’s Homophobic Laws at U.S. Olympic Committee SOCHI Launch

Queer Nation Disrupts Russian Government Officials at Investment Forum

SEE VIDEO Posted by Melanie Nathan, October 28, 2013. New York, NY (October 28, 2013) — Gay activists directly confronted Russian government officials over that country’s anti-LGBT laws during a forum to promote US investment in Russia, disrupting a panel promoting investment in Moscow.One after another, three members of Queer Nation rose to question the … More Queer Nation Disrupts Russian Government Officials at Investment Forum

The SMUG v. Scott Lively Case is a must attend for LGBT Community

Lively’s hate and persecution continues and so must we! By Cathy Kristofferson, October 25, 2013 Back in January, I blogged “Sexual Minorities Uganda v. Scott Lively – why you should care, why you should go!”  The case is ongoing and heating up.  Until now Scott Lively and his defense team have been mustering up every … More The SMUG v. Scott Lively Case is a must attend for LGBT Community

New Yorkers to Protest with Divest Moscow Message at Russian Officials’ Meeting

Queer Nation to Protest Russian Government  Financial Officials at NYC’s Princeton Club New York, NY (October 24, 2013) — In the latest in a series of high-profile protests against the Russian government’s anti-gay laws, LGBT rights group Queer Nation will demonstrate outside a New York City meeting of Russian government officials. The protest will take … More New Yorkers to Protest with Divest Moscow Message at Russian Officials’ Meeting

Russian Consul Lambasted for anti-gay laws by Seattle Mayor and City Council

Seattle Mayor and City Council take Strong Stand for LGBT Rights against Russian Consul while inviting him to get educated By Melanie Nathan, October 21, 2013. An unanimous City Council of Seattle sent a letter to Russian Consul General, Andry Yushmanov joining Mayor Mike McGinn in condemning Russia’s anti-gay laws, inviting the Russian Consul to … More Russian Consul Lambasted for anti-gay laws by Seattle Mayor and City Council

Arrest in South African Lesbian Murder Case

By Melanie Nathan, October 18, 2013. According to Sapa, police in Gauteng, South Africa have confirmed that a 22-year-old man was arrested in Tokoza in connection with the horrific and brutal murder of a young lesbian, Duduzile Zozo. The man is scheduled to appear for charges, in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court on Monday, according … More Arrest in South African Lesbian Murder Case

Setting the Imperative Goal | America’s LGBT Community Complicit in its Own Marginalization

Are we serious and important enough to find our Mandela? By Melanie Nathan, October 18, 2013. In his first speech upon his release from prison, Nelson Mandela acknowledged the importance of the sanctions and boycotts against the Apartheid regime. Newly free, he asked that those sanctions NOT be lifted until apartheid was completely eradicated and … More Setting the Imperative Goal | America’s LGBT Community Complicit in its Own Marginalization

Nelson Mandela’s Speech at Inauguration of The National Council of Traditional Leaders

Noting the important historical content and lest we forget the roots of South Africa’s New Democracy – heads up Holomisa Posted by Melanie Nathan, October 18, 2013. When reading this critical speech, please keep in mind that some of the members of the traditional leadership, to whom this was addressed, have attempted in recent years,  … More Nelson Mandela’s Speech at Inauguration of The National Council of Traditional Leaders

Scott Lively in Russia to bolster anti-gay hate and partner with Russian Orthodox Church

Scott Lively brags about partnership with Russian Orthodox Church while pushing hate, pimping his book, and posing for the TV cameras… in Russia! By Cathy Kristofferson, October 18, 2013 American Evangelical anti-gay hate monger Scott Lively is currently “on a one-week mission to bolster the Russian pro-family movement” in Russia, he reports on his blog … More Scott Lively in Russia to bolster anti-gay hate and partner with Russian Orthodox Church

Global LGBTI refugee organization joins Europe’s premier refugee network

Posted by Melanie Nathan, October 17, 2013. San Francisco, 16 October 2013 – Europe’s leading civil society network for refugees accepted its first LGBTI member, last week. ORAM (Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration) – is proud to announce that the European Council of Refugees & Exiles (ECRE) Board has voted to accept ORAM into … More Global LGBTI refugee organization joins Europe’s premier refugee network

Protestors Condemn Gambian President’s Persecution of Gays

UN speech is latest of many homophobic rants  | Gay sex & cross-dressing illegal with a Threat to behead LGBTs Posted by Melanie Nathan, 14 October 2013. LGBTI protesters picketed the Gambian High Commission in London last Thursday, October 10,  to condemn the country’s president, Yahya Jammeh, over his repeated homophobic tirades. The protest was … More Protestors Condemn Gambian President’s Persecution of Gays

Putin’s Immoral Choice | Orphanages vs. Loving Same-Sex Families

By Melanie Nathan, October 14, 2013. Russian lawmakers would rather see infants and children starve and suffer neglect, resulting in deformities and attachment disorders than provide these children with the opportunities for love and health.  A picture speaks a million words – how does one grasp what could have been; and why would Russian lawmakers,  … More Putin’s Immoral Choice | Orphanages vs. Loving Same-Sex Families

Help ask International Criminal Court to Investigate and Prosecute The Top 3 Homophobic Ugandans

For Crimes Against Humanity by Magembe Norman, October 12, 2013. Uganda is one of the most homophobic nations in the world and it is estimated that over 500,000 L.G.B.T people in the country are at risk of harassment and discrimination. With Homosexuality already illegal in the country punishable by incarceration, there is no single law … More Help ask International Criminal Court to Investigate and Prosecute The Top 3 Homophobic Ugandans

Queer Nation Disrupts Carnegie Hall Performance

“Gergiev, Your Silence is Killing Russian Gays” by Melanie Nathan, Ocytober 10, 2013. New York, NY (October 10, 2013) — Tonight, four members of the LGBT rights group Queer Nation disrupted the performance of the Mariinsky Orchestra, led by world-renowned conductor Valery Gergiev, demanding that Gergiev oppose the Russian government’s attacks on LGBT Russians and … More Queer Nation Disrupts Carnegie Hall Performance

Queer Nation to Protest Russian Conductor at Carnegie Hall

LGBT Rights Group Again Targets Conductor Linked to Putin By Melanie Nathan, October 09, 2013. New York, NY (October 9, 2013) — In the latest in a series of high-profile protests against the Russian government’s anti-gay laws, Queer Nation will stage a demonstration at Carnegie Hall on October 10. The target of the protest is … More Queer Nation to Protest Russian Conductor at Carnegie Hall

South Africans Deliver the First People’s Pride

By Melanie Nathan, October 09, 2013. Johannesburg People’s Pride (JHBPP) took place in Constitution Hill on the 5th of October 2013. The theme People’s Pride indeed spoke for itself, because it embodied all kinds of People. JHBPP was not only for LGBTI people even heterosexuals were there. Lebo Mashile (poet) also graced the day with her presence. … More South Africans Deliver the First People’s Pride

A letter to Homophobes Living in South Africa

An open letter to Persecutors of Gays and LGBTI, Rapists, ‘Corrective’ Rapists,  Bullies, Hon. Holomisa, Ambassador Qwelane, Christian Evangelicals and those of you who know who you are – I address you as one in a short simple letter as follows: Dear Homophobes of South Africa, Please heed this simple yet imperative quote: “Never, never … More A letter to Homophobes Living in South Africa

Soweto Pride 2013 defies South African Homophobia

View Moving Pictures By Melanie Nathan, October 01, 2013. Despite its all inclusive constitution, declaring full equality for all South Africans, including gays, lesbians, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people, and despite the independence of its judiciary system, South Africa’s LGBTI community still suffers extreme homophobia and it’s LGBTI refugee community suffers Xenophobia in addition to … More Soweto Pride 2013 defies South African Homophobia

Mandela stands tall in Washington D.C. with 2 U.S. Congresswomen

Congresswomen Maxine Waters and Eleanor Holmes Norton revisit their part in the Anti-Apartheid movement at the unveiling of the Mandela Statue in Washington D.C. By Melanie Nathan, October 01, 2013 A statue commemorating former South African President Nelson Mandela was unveiled last week at an historic ceremony in front of the South African Embassy in … More Mandela stands tall in Washington D.C. with 2 U.S. Congresswomen

Scott Lively Sends Out a Hit List Targets Federal Judge and Lesbian Activist

Is Lively asking his flock to pray or prey? By Cathy Kristofferson, September 25, 2013 After failing, yet again, to have the case against him for Crimes Against Humanity dismissed, Scott Lively has sent what is tantamount to a persecutory email to his followers containing a ‘hit list’ of those who are supporting the prosecution … More Scott Lively Sends Out a Hit List Targets Federal Judge and Lesbian Activist

Scott Lively denied second Motion To Dismiss of Crimes Against Humanity charges

By Cathy Kristofferson, September 23, 2013 Today Scott Lively suffered another defeat in his quest to have the Crimes Against Humanity lawsuit brought against him by Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) dismissed. As we reported here on OBLOGDEE, the Federal Court in Springfield ruled against Lively on August 14th to deny his first Motion To Dismiss, which … More Scott Lively denied second Motion To Dismiss of Crimes Against Humanity charges

Sierra Leone’s Straight Deputy Education Minister Charged with Raping Student

Life in prison for being in loving gay relationships compared to 5-15 years for raping students By Melanie Nathan, September 18, 2013. Reuters reports from Sierra Leone that Deputy Education Minister Mamoud Tarawali has been charged with raping a university student, according to police. Sierra Leone is a country that criminalizes loving gay relationships. The … More Sierra Leone’s Straight Deputy Education Minister Charged with Raping Student

Famed South African Lesbian Visual Activist to Present at Los Angeles LGBT Center

ZANELE MUHOLI | VISUAL ACTIVISM AND BLACK LESBIAN VISIBILITY IN SOUTH AFRICA By Melanie Nathan, September 17, 2013. Award winning South African lesbian artist and activist Zanele Muholi will appear with her works at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center to discuss her visual activism, her work with the queer media collective Inkayiso, her … More Famed South African Lesbian Visual Activist to Present at Los Angeles LGBT Center

Budapest to receive $22 million Holocaust memorial center

Posted by Melanie Nathan, September 16, 2013. According to JTA, Budapest will build a $22 million memorial at a train station from which Hungarian Jews were deported during the Holocaust. The Hungarian prime minister’s chief of staff, Janos Lazar,  said the memorial will feature an educational center and will be opened by spring next year … More Budapest to receive $22 million Holocaust memorial center