Category: Africa

Kenyan President Demonizes Gays Again

November 9, 2019

In Climate of Escalating Antagonism by Kenyan Authorities toward LGBTI refugees Following the recent endorsement by Kenya’s High Court where it refused to decriminalize Penal Codes criminalizing homosexuality, it is not surprising that President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya has yet again demonized Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community by declaring  homosexuality as unacceptable to Kenyan … More Kenyan President Demonizes Gays Again

Ugandan Police Arrest Victims of Mob Attack and Force Anal Exams

October 23, 2019

“When you live in a homophobic country its is impossible to report even a violent crime perpetrated against you because you will be the one who is arrested!” Ugandan Gay Man A day ago Let’s Walk Uganda (LWU), a local LGBTQI support group was attacked by a screaming mob at the organization’s headquarters. Although a prominent … More Ugandan Police Arrest Victims of Mob Attack and Force Anal Exams

Ugandan Mob Attacks NGO Amidst Increasing Violence against the LGBTI Community

October 21, 2019

Police arrest the Human Rights Victims Instead of the Mob Perpetrators Tonight at African HRC we received a message that Let’s Walk Uganda (LWU), a local LGBTQI support group was under attack by a mob, screaming outside their offices. Another prominent human rights organization HRAPF was immediately called in to push for police protection.  Seventeen … More Ugandan Mob Attacks NGO Amidst Increasing Violence against the LGBTI Community

Under Threat of WE WILL KILL YOU ALL Another LGBTI Person Beaten in Uganda

October 20, 2019

We have received a report from Uganda that another member of the LGBTI community has been brutally beaten with a threat “we will kill you all.” The number of beatings and murders of gay people in Uganda has been on the rise since recent hateful rhetoric delivered by Ugandan Government officials, including the threat to … More Under Threat of WE WILL KILL YOU ALL Another LGBTI Person Beaten in Uganda

Can Gay Man’s Murder in Uganda be Linked to Security Minister’s TV Scapegoating of LGBTI People

October 5, 2019

When government officials in a place like Uganda, or anywhere for that matter, accuse Gay people of having an agenda as terrorists, they must be held responsible for the violence that will follow. Sadly a member of Uganda’s gay community was hacked in a brutal assault by ahomophobic straight person, using a hoe to his … More Can Gay Man’s Murder in Uganda be Linked to Security Minister’s TV Scapegoating of LGBTI People

UK Home Office Abuses against LGBT Asylum Seekers Highlighted in New Report

September 16, 2019

Home Office accuses LGBT church-goers of contradiction. Ban on working and financial destitution forcing LGBT people in need of refugee protection to become dependent upon homophobic acquaintances. Asylum process creating ‘Catch 22s’: LGBT people who don’t know they can claim asylum are then penalised for delays in submitting their applications. A new report has found … More UK Home Office Abuses against LGBT Asylum Seekers Highlighted in New Report

Report Exposes Global Reach of So-Called Conversion Therapy

August 22, 2019

A groundbreaking report released by OutRight Action International today exposes the global reach of so-called conversion therapy. Drawing on data from survey results with almost 500 respondents from 80 countries, and in-depth interviews with experts and survivors from more than a dozen countries, the report overwhelmingly shows that so-called conversion therapy efforts occur across the … More Report Exposes Global Reach of So-Called Conversion Therapy

History Made as the Rainbow Flag Ruled for Love Against Apartheid Hate

August 21, 2019

The banning of the South African Apartheid Flag as a symbol of hate now historically stands in stark and judicial contrast to the LGBTQI Rainbow flag – in effect expressly ruled a symbol of love! The Black Monday protests, which flared-up in October 2017 in South Africa, forced the Nelson Mandela Foundation and SA Human … More History Made as the Rainbow Flag Ruled for Love Against Apartheid Hate

Tom Shepard’s UNSETTLED Wins Prestigious OUTFEST, Los Angeles Award

August 2, 2019

With special thanks to the featured asylum seekers and refugees Mari, Cheyenne, Junior and Subhi, for having the courage and fortitude to tell your stories before you had barely landed! Dear Friends, This week I had the great honor of accepting the OUTFEST Los Angeles 2019 juried Best Feature Documentary award for the Film UNSETTLED … More Tom Shepard’s UNSETTLED Wins Prestigious OUTFEST, Los Angeles Award

Justice Sought for Young Brutally Murdered LGBTQI Ugandan

August 2, 2019

A young LGBTQI Ugandan has been brutally attacked and murdered in Gombe, Uganda. According to sources in Kampala Fahad Ssemugoma, 22, known as Legit’ Ferhd Kawere, described by some as gay and as transgender fell victim to violent mob violence at the hands of Boda Boda (motorcycle taxi) riders. There are many rumors spreading on social media … More Justice Sought for Young Brutally Murdered LGBTQI Ugandan

Deep Sadness Prevails this Day – Tribute to Johnny Clegg

July 16, 2019

Such a life never dies ….. much loved …. forever remembered….. Johnny – our legend- deep sadness prevails this day – even with profound and happy memories helming his magnificent legacy There will never be another Johnny Clegg Music, dance, language – The courageous cross pollination- a part of that which brought South Africa to its … More Deep Sadness Prevails this Day – Tribute to Johnny Clegg

Trump Admin Report on Global Religious Freedom Smacks with Hypocrisy

June 26, 2019

The US Secretary of State Pompeo released the 2018 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom. The report highlighted some of the successes for religious freedom of the past year, such as the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson from Turkey, and of Asia Bibi from Pakistan. But it also pointed to the increasing persecution of believers … More Trump Admin Report on Global Religious Freedom Smacks with Hypocrisy

MASK 05: Mistreatment of Lesbian Asylum Seeker Reveals Corrupt South African Officials

June 14, 2019

7 MASKS 1 STORY – This is MASK 05 out of 7 MASK stories which will be told each day this week: If you care you will share! If you have been following the series and already read this intro, you can skip to the header MASK 05, below: For the past ten years I have … More MASK 05: Mistreatment of Lesbian Asylum Seeker Reveals Corrupt South African Officials

New Investigative Article Reveals Abysmal Path for LGBTI Refugees in Africa

June 12, 2019

“Ultimately, Nathan believes that the current asylum system is broken for LGBTI asylum seekers and cannot offer them adequate protection. It is “virtually impossible to guarantee safety to someone who is LGBTI and on African soil,” she said. I first started communicating with Annie Hylton and Malia Politzer almost 2 years ago. They were interested … More New Investigative Article Reveals Abysmal Path for LGBTI Refugees in Africa

Jubilation as Botswana High Court Rules to Decriminalize LGBTI

June 11, 2019

Botswana became the latest country to decriminalize LGBTI individuals  Tuesday when the High Court rejected as unconstitutional sections of the penal code that punish same-sex relations with up to seven years in prison. Jubilant activists in the packed courtroom cheered the unanimous decision in the southern African nation. It came less than a month after Kenya’s … More Jubilation as Botswana High Court Rules to Decriminalize LGBTI

MASK 01: UNHCR System is Not Working for Persecuted LGBTI Refugees

June 10, 2019

7 MASKS 1 STORY – This is MASK 01 out of 7 MASK stories which will be told each day this week: If you care you will share! For the past ten years I have been working with LGBTQ individuals and communities in several African Countries in the global attempt to thwart homophobia and deal with … More MASK 01: UNHCR System is Not Working for Persecuted LGBTI Refugees

Trump White House Targets Asylum Seekers with Cruel Memorandum

May 1, 2019

This week the White House issued a presidential memorandum calling on the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to issue regulations that would impose onerous financial burdens on asylum seekers, undermine credible fear proceedings, and force judges to rush cases through the immigration court system, at the expense of due process. If enacted, … More Trump White House Targets Asylum Seekers with Cruel Memorandum

Sam Equality Deetz Remembered by African HRC

April 3, 2019

African HRC Mourns the Passing of Sam Deetz, by Melanie Nathan, Executive Director, African HRC. African Human Rights Coalition is deeply saddened to report the sudden passing of our Advisory Committee member, Sam Deetz, from Pennsylvania. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends, to Sam’s devoted husband Jim Zeigler, who he had shared … More Sam Equality Deetz Remembered by African HRC

Past President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia Yet to be charged in Theft and Pillage of Country

March 30, 2019

According to OCCRP, and other media outlets, for more than two decades of rule, the past president Yahya Jammeh of Gambia, a tiny West African country known for tropical beaches and tranquility in a region often rocked by conflict, did nothing much but pillage the country, and I add, a whole lot of screaming for … More Past President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia Yet to be charged in Theft and Pillage of Country

ILGA’s 2019 State Sponsored Homophobia Report Reveals Much Needed For LGBTQ Equality & Human Rights

March 24, 2019

On 20 March, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) launched the 13th edition of its flagship publication, State-Sponsored Homophobia, authored by Lucas Ramón Mendos. This publication compiles data on laws that affect people on the basis of their sexual orientation – a fundamental resource for researchers, civil society organisations, governments and the general … More ILGA’s 2019 State Sponsored Homophobia Report Reveals Much Needed For LGBTQ Equality & Human Rights

Hostile Host Countries further the persecution of LGBTI Refugees in Africa

March 22, 2019

A Critical frontier for Human Rights Advocacy – Melanie Nathan (2019) – the subject of 2 Articles in global press- Harpers and Mamba-Online – elucidating a critical mess for LGBTQI refugees!  This week two articles have been written by accomplished journalists at two different corners of the world, reflecting on the stories of refugees attempting to avail … More Hostile Host Countries further the persecution of LGBTI Refugees in Africa

Liberian Immigrants Sue Trump over Humanitarian Protection

March 13, 2019

BOSTON, MA –The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Lawyers for Civil Rights jointly filed a lawsuit today challenging President Donald Trump’s termination of humanitarian protection and relief for immigrants from Liberia. The lawsuit, the first of its kind in the country, was filed on behalf of African Communities Together (ACT), the UndocuBlack Network, … More Liberian Immigrants Sue Trump over Humanitarian Protection

Honoring Lesbian Survivors on International Women’s Day #IWD 2019

March 8, 2019

Today is International Women’s Day #IWD2019: We celebrate and stand in solidarity with all women, noting their tenacity and fortitude, especially those who courageously survive violence and defy patriarchy.  At African HRC with global lesbians and transgender women our family, we continue to fight for the basic human right to autonomy of mind and body. Here … More Honoring Lesbian Survivors on International Women’s Day #IWD 2019

UN, Red Cross Pledge Action on Sexual Violence in Conflict

February 25, 2019

Heads of UN, Red Cross/Red Crescent pledge to step up action on sexual violence in conflict The United Nations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement today pledged to step up action to prevent, end and respond to sexual and gender-based violence in and around conflict Through their work in conflict zones around … More UN, Red Cross Pledge Action on Sexual Violence in Conflict

Kenyan Court Postpones much anticipated ruling on Criminalization of Homosexuality

February 22, 2019

The much anticipated ruling in the case challenging the Kenyan anti-Homosexuality Clauses of the Penal Code which criminalizes homosexuality has been postponed. Eric Gitari v Attorney General & another (Petition no. 150 of 2016), brought by the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) challenges Sections 162 a) c) 163, 165, of the Kenyan Penal … More Kenyan Court Postpones much anticipated ruling on Criminalization of Homosexuality

AHRC Implores Media and LGBTQI Community to use Smollett Hoax Positively

February 21, 2019

“Empire” actor Jussie Smollett has been arrested, is appearing in a Chicago Court and faces a felony charge of disorderly conduct for allegedly filing a false report claiming two men attacked him last month. Statement by Melanie Nathan, Executive Director of African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC/ African HRC), first appearing HERE: I am stunned to … More AHRC Implores Media and LGBTQI Community to use Smollett Hoax Positively