Category: TOURISM

Press Release: July 30 ELEPHANT REFUGEES World Premiere at Sonoma Film Festival

July 29, 2020

PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release: Contact: Melanie Nathan, for Dream Out Loud Films, Nathan@AfricanHRC.org ELEPHANT REFUGEES WORLD PREMIERE AT SONOMA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL A film by LOUISE HOGARTH 2020 / 81 Minutes / BOTSWANA / USA Screening Format DCP NTFS/MAC A crisis of elephantine proportions, playing out in the dry sandy Kalahari woodlands of eastern Botswana unfolds … More Press Release: July 30 ELEPHANT REFUGEES World Premiere at Sonoma Film Festival

All Marin Parks Closed Amid COVID-19 Spread

March 22, 2020

Public Health issues order to stem influx of selfish visitors – ruining spaces for locals….. ugh… San Rafael, CA – The Public Health Division of Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an order March 22 for the immediate closure of all Marin parks – from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area down … More All Marin Parks Closed Amid COVID-19 Spread

250,000 March in Largest Gay Pride Parade in the Middle East

June 14, 2019

* Tel Aviv-Yafo Mayor: “We will continue to support and celebrate our local LGBTQ culture and act as a welcoming destination for the International gay community.” *International Ambassador for Tel Aviv pride 2019, Neil Patrick Harris: “Tel Aviv Pride has become an important symbol of LGBTQ visibility and acceptance on the world stage. June 14, 2019, … More 250,000 March in Largest Gay Pride Parade in the Middle East

Could Freddy Mercury have been the Voice for Decriminalization of Homosexuality in Africa

November 18, 2018

The early box office success, and swift criticism, of the Queen biopic movie Bohemian Rhapsody, is also attracting interest in Freddie Mercury’s African roots: The country of his birth, may not only have failed to embrace him, but most certainly would have persecuted him through its criminalization of homosexuality and bisexuality.  Freddy mercury was born in … More Could Freddy Mercury have been the Voice for Decriminalization of Homosexuality in Africa

Another Ruling Blocking Muslim Ban 3.0

October 18, 2017

IAAB v. Trump Team Praises Ruling Blocking Muslim Ban 3.0 Washington, DC – Early this morning, Judge Theodore D. Chuang of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland issued a ruling in Iranian Alliances Across Borders (IAAB) v. Trump, blocking the Trump administration from implementing Muslim Ban 3.0, which was scheduled to go … More Another Ruling Blocking Muslim Ban 3.0

Preliminary Injunction Sought to Prevent Muslim Ban 3.0 from Going into Full Effect

October 6, 2017

Today, the plaintiffs in Iranian Alliances Across Borders (IAAB) v. Trump filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to block President Trump from fully implementing his latest attempt to ban nationals from several predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. IAAB v. Trump, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, … More Preliminary Injunction Sought to Prevent Muslim Ban 3.0 from Going into Full Effect

Trump Extends Muslim Ban under guise of adding non Muslim Countries

September 24, 2017

The Trump administration announced new restrictions on visitors from eight countries — an expansion of the preexisting travel ban that has spurred fierce legal debates over security, immigration and discrimination. Chad, North Korea and Venezuela were added to the expiring and now reinvoked list. In announcing the new rules, officials said they are meant to be … More Trump Extends Muslim Ban under guise of adding non Muslim Countries

U.S. Refugee Program Can Continue under SCOTUS Ban Decision

June 27, 2017

 So what should happen to LGBT and other Refugees already accepted by the USA for resettlement after the US Supreme Court decided to allow a limited portion of the Muslim Travel Ban to stand: …. Read the position of CGRS in their response and the bottom line is we too at African Human Rights Coalition … More U.S. Refugee Program Can Continue under SCOTUS Ban Decision

After 4th Circuit Appeal Loss by TRUMP America Must hold Him and Republicans Accountable

May 25, 2017

“The enormous damage is palpable” -Melanie Nathan, Executive Director of African Human Rights Coalition Tonight we celebrate the 4th Circuit decision to uphold the BAN on Trump’s Muslim travel ban and the denial of Trump’s second failed Executive Order which also sought to suspend the entire US Refugee Program. Trump lost because in America it is unconstitutional … More After 4th Circuit Appeal Loss by TRUMP America Must hold Him and Republicans Accountable

Official Airlines for 47th Annual San Francisco Pride Offering Discount

May 20, 2017

A message from San Francisco Pride:   We hope that you can join us for the 47th Annual San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade on June 24th and 25th. As San Francisco also commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Summer of Love, our travel partners are here to ensure that you get the most out of … More Official Airlines for 47th Annual San Francisco Pride Offering Discount

Travel Warnings as Honduras Murder of Gay Couple Motivated by Homophobia

May 20, 2017

According to VICE: An attack in Honduras reported to have been motivated by homophobia has left a Canadian man and his partner dead. Gerard Argiud, 80, described as a Canadian national, and his partner, a 42-year-old Honduran named Jorge Sarmiento, were attacked by multiple people on Friday, May 12 in the home they shared in … More Travel Warnings as Honduras Murder of Gay Couple Motivated by Homophobia

Headliner and Performers Announced for 2016 San Francisco Pride Celebration

June 8, 2016

PEACHES TO HEADLINE THE 46TH ANNUAL SF PRIDE CELEBRATION  | TWO DAYS AND OVER 20 ENTERTAINMENT VENUES ARE PLANNED TO CELEBRATE THE DIVERSITY OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY, COMMEMORATE LGBT HISTORY AND EDUCATE ATTENDEES ON TOPICS OF RACIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE  San Francisco, CA – SF Pride will culminate its 2016 Celebration at Civic Center with … More Headliner and Performers Announced for 2016 San Francisco Pride Celebration

Jerusalem LGBT Pride Murder Impacts the Reclaiming of Zion Square

March 30, 2016

Zion Square, one of the landmarks of Jerusalem in Israel, is set to undergo a redesign project, embracing pluralism and tolerance, evolving through circumstances and the passionate activism of several organizations and individuals. Diverse organizations, ad hoc groups and activists have worked together to bring this extraordinarily progressive plan to fruition, by meeting each Thursday … More Jerusalem LGBT Pride Murder Impacts the Reclaiming of Zion Square

FL House Committee to Vote on Bill Could Lead to ​Extreme Anti-LGBT Legislation

February 3, 2016

Senate Judiciary Committee has stated support for expanding the bill Posted by Melanie Nathan, February 03, 2016. The dangerous and so-called Pastor Protection Act (HB 43/SB 110) is scheduled for its last vote before reaching the House Floor in the House Judiciary Committee tomorrow morning at 9:00a.m. The bill passed through its first Senate committee … More FL House Committee to Vote on Bill Could Lead to ​Extreme Anti-LGBT Legislation

A Lot of Fun for LGBT Travelers to Philadelphia

October 1, 2015

Festivals, Events, and Exhibitions this Winter and Fall for LGBT Travellers Posted by Melanie Nathan, October, 01, 2015. PHILADELPHIA, October 1, 2015 – A welcoming and diverse destination that celebrates its LGBT pride every day, Philadelphia offers a range of cultural and social events perfect for gay and lesbian travelers this fall. Highlights: OutFest, the … More A Lot of Fun for LGBT Travelers to Philadelphia

Texas Hotel Cancels Ugandan President Museveni for Anti-Gay Stance

September 18, 2014

By Melanie Nathan September 17,2014. The Dallas Voice is reporting that the Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni’s hotel accommodation has been cancelled  by The Four Seasons hotel.  It is believed the cancellation occurred because of Museveni’s stance against gays and the possibility of planned protests. Museveni is scheduled to be in Texas this weekend of the 21st … More Texas Hotel Cancels Ugandan President Museveni for Anti-Gay Stance

Thirty Maryland Students Robbed at Gunpoint in South Africa on Tour Bus

May 14, 2014

An Embarrassment to Zuma By Melanie Nathan, May 14, 2014. Armed robbers boarded a tour bus and robbed 30 American students at gun point in Pretoria, South Africa. The students, from a Maryland university, on a trip to South Africa will return home early. No one was injured during the robbery according to Stevenson University. … More Thirty Maryland Students Robbed at Gunpoint in South Africa on Tour Bus

Ugandan MP’s Face Travel Bans for Anti-Homosexuality Support

May 8, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, May 08, 2014. Members of Uganda’s Parliament and ministers, have according to the Ugandan press, been notified of visa restrictions because of their “public utterances” during the passing of the disputed Anti-Homosexuality Act, which makes same-sex relations  punishable with life imprisonment. International Affairs minister Okello Oryem told MPs on the Foreign Affairs … More Ugandan MP’s Face Travel Bans for Anti-Homosexuality Support

Did the Ugandan Ambassador Wonekha Lie About NTA Partnership to Boost Tourism

April 24, 2014

NTA denies it has a Partnership with Uganda to Boost Tourism creating suspicion that Ambassador lied in Embassy Post By Melanie Nathan, April 24, 2014. The Ugandan Ambassador to the United States, Hon Oliver Wonekha,  posted a headline and article on the Ugandan Embassy website declaring a partnership between NTA, National Tour Association, of North America, … More Did the Ugandan Ambassador Wonekha Lie About NTA Partnership to Boost Tourism

Anti-Gay Uganda’s Ambassador Partners with National Tourism Association NTA in U.S.A.

April 23, 2014

To try and attract more U.S. tourism | NTA ignores plight of LGBTI Ugandans By Melanie Nathan, April 22, 2014. Given the current state of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, and the profound anger at Uganda’s state institutionalized homophobia, causing horrific persecution of the LGBTI community in Uganda, we are shocked that the National Tour Association (NTA), … More Anti-Gay Uganda’s Ambassador Partners with National Tourism Association NTA in U.S.A.

Tour Operator Cancels Ugandan Safaris due To Anti-Gay Bill

February 24, 2014

“… We must be able to ensure the safety and comfort of all our guests regardless of sexual orientation.”” By Melanie Nathan, February, 2014. Many in the tourism industry consider the country of Uganda a jewel, often describing it as “the pearl of Africa.” Wildlife abounds and gorilla tracking is prime.  At Oblogdee we warned … More Tour Operator Cancels Ugandan Safaris due To Anti-Gay Bill

While Museveni Signs Anti-Gay Bill he Provides Excuses to Obama

February 21, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, February 21, 2014, Reports have come in, which remain unverified, that President Yoweri Museveni has signed his assent to The Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda. The Bill, once referred to as The Kill the Gays Bill provides stringent prison sentences, of up to Life In prison, for so called aggravated homosexuality. It also … More While Museveni Signs Anti-Gay Bill he Provides Excuses to Obama

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

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

Russia arrests Dutch tourists on gay propaganda charges

July 21, 2013

How will this not happen during the Olympics! By Cathy Kristofferson, July 21, 2013 Updates posted below. So it has begun.  Russia today arrested tourists ‘violating’ their new anti-gay propaganda law.About an hour ago, the LGBT Russian Network posted on their Facebook wall: “URGENT NEWS! In Murmansk city (North Russia) 3 Dutch citizens detained by the … More Russia arrests Dutch tourists on gay propaganda charges