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

Three Must See LGBTQI Films at Frameline

June 10, 2019

I am so excited to announce African Human Rights Coalition as Co-presenter at Frameline! Hope to see you at the famed Castro Theater! UNSETTLED, DIR Tom Shepard 2019 USA, Produced with Jen Giloman, 88 min,In English: Sunday, June 23 at the Castro theatre at 1PM  In this powerful documentary, acclaimed director Tom Shepard (Scout’s Honor, Frameline25) follows four LGBTQ+ refugees … More Three Must See LGBTQI Films at Frameline

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

Rise in Racial Segregation Revealed in Report on San Francisco Bay Area

June 7, 2019

When I first arrived in Marin County in 1995 to start my life here I recall saying to a friend – ‘wow this place reminds of Apartheid South Africa.’ Over that bridge is Johannesburg (whites only) and over that bridge is Soweto (black people only.) It was then that I decided to join the board … More Rise in Racial Segregation Revealed in Report on San Francisco Bay Area

Trump’s LGBT Pride Month Tweet is a Lie, Hypocrisy and a Threat

June 1, 2019

It is Pride Month and politicians seem to think this is the time to court LGBT votes- even those ‘dispicables’ who tout our demise! Including Donald Trump: In effect Trump is complicit in the ongoing assault, rapes and deaths of LGBT people worldwide. As many of you know I have been blocked by Donald J. … More Trump’s LGBT Pride Month Tweet is a Lie, Hypocrisy and a Threat

A Very British Lesbian Comes to Marin

May 29, 2019

A solo play about saving one’s own life: “The problem is women. They’re bloody everywhere.” That’s what Fiona Goodwin – a very British, hilariously funny, middle-aged lesbian – has discovered and recounts in her one-hour, one-woman play. Fiona’s shows will be on in Edinburgh and London during July: Dates and ticket links here. https://www.unrestrictedview.co.uk/edinburgh-preview-a-very-british-lesbian/ Fiona Goodwin, the … More A Very British Lesbian Comes to Marin

History Made as Equality Bill Passes House – BUT NOW is the Time for HUGE LGBTQ Advocacy

May 17, 2019

Today the House of Representatives took the historic step of passing the Equality Act, the federal bill that would finally afford basic civil rights protections for the LGBTQI community. If it passes the Senate and is signed by the President, it would amend the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual … More History Made as Equality Bill Passes House – BUT NOW is the Time for HUGE LGBTQ Advocacy

Introduction of Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act to Reduce Bullying

May 16, 2019

Murray, Baldwin, Pocan Introduce Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act to Reduce Bullying and Harassment at Colleges and Universities Across the Country One in five college students are victims of cyberbullying, and LGBTQ students are nearly twice as likely to be harassed than their peers | Legislation would require colleges and universities to establish policies to … More Introduction of Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act to Reduce Bullying

Marin County steps up Fair Housing – Is it enough?

May 7, 2019

San Rafael, CA – With encouragement from the federal government, the County of Marin has entered into a new agreement designed to improve local fair housing choice and result in more affordable housing options for its most financially strapped residents. At its hearing of May 7, the Marin County Board of Supervisors voted to enter … More Marin County steps up Fair Housing – Is it enough?

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

Travelers: Immunize Against Measles Before You Go

April 29, 2019

Marin Public health department urges vaccination prior to international trips – San Rafael, CA – Marin County Public Health is reminding residents that those planning for international travel should ensure they have already received the recommended two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Nationwide, measles cases now total 704 in 2019, the highest … More Travelers: Immunize Against Measles Before You Go

NQAPIA Call to Critical Action on behalf of Reuniting Families

April 26, 2019

DO IT! This could be the single most meaningful call to Action of this political era – Its families, its children, its LGBTQI!!! Hi friends please visit the NQAPIA website– to see the fabulous work they are doing and take heed of this new action. See the link below.  This is an important action request … More NQAPIA Call to Critical Action on behalf of Reuniting Families

Morehouse College’s Landmark Trans Inclusivity Policy

April 16, 2019

WASHINGTON – Morehouse College, a historically Black men’s college, announced that they would be accepting applications from Transgender men. In response to the news, the National Black Justice Coalition released the following statement: “Every student has a right to an educational experience where they feel safe, engaged and supported. However, the fact remains that far … More Morehouse College’s Landmark Trans Inclusivity Policy

The Notre Dame Fire is not yet extinguished and “Persecuted Christian” Gaffney blames Muslims

April 15, 2019

Today a massive blaze at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris devastated large parts of the 850-year-old church. Then comes the hate:- “Attacks on French Churches constitute a warning” says the fear mongering dishonest extreme American organization known as “Save the Persecuted Christians” and a nutcase, hiding behind this organization named for Christianity, is saying this while scapegoating Muslims, … More The Notre Dame Fire is not yet extinguished and “Persecuted Christian” Gaffney blames Muslims

Palm Center Corrects Misleading NPR Story on Trump Transgender Ban

April 12, 2019

Story Describes New Policy Incorrectly; Wrongly Calls Americans “Divided” on the Issue, Understating Transgender Support SAN FRANCISCO, CA – An NPR story about the Trump transgender military ban which went into effect today described a key element of the policy incorrectly, and failed to use methodologically rigorous polling, resulting in understating the level of American and military … More Palm Center Corrects Misleading NPR Story on Trump Transgender Ban

Trump’s Transgender Ban is Revenge Politics at its worst – a host of hate in leadership!

April 12, 2019

The President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, has spewed failed Republican leadership with antics and political policies that are embroiled in revenge against the Democrats. Is that the way a good leader runs a country and expresses himself globally? In playing his revenge game Trump has worked avidly to rob children of family, … More Trump’s Transgender Ban is Revenge Politics at its worst – a host of hate in leadership!

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

U.N Body to Declare Parts of Italian Reproductive Law contrary to International Law

March 29, 2019

LOYOLA’S INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER PERSUADES U.N. BODY TO DECLARE PARTS OF ITALIAN REPODUCTIVE LAW CONTRARY TO INTERNATIONAL LAW LOS ANGELES – The International Human Rights Center (IHRC) at LMU’s Loyola Law School, Los Angeles has secured a favorable ruling from the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in a challenge to … More U.N Body to Declare Parts of Italian Reproductive Law contrary to International Law

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

Queering BREXIT

March 19, 2019

Gender and Queer Perspectives on Brexit Editors: Dustin, Moira, Ferreira, Nuno, Millns, Susan (Eds.) “On 24 June 2016, many people had the feeling that they woke up in a country prone to isolationism and protectionism, risking hurting its economic and social development for the sake of imperial nostalgia and moral panic about ‘loss of sovereignty’ … More Queering BREXIT

“Love & Pride” a New Musical in San Francisco – Link to Discount Tickets

March 17, 2019

Theater on the Cusp presents “Love & Pride” – a new musical that turns the conversation on gender, sex, and sexuality on its head – Support Queer Theatre- See discount code below! San Francisco, CA  – Theater on the Cusp presents Love & Pride at the EXIT Theatre for an 8-show run. This will be the 4th production in … More “Love & Pride” a New Musical in San Francisco – Link to Discount Tickets

Message: Within Post Massacre Unity we Cannot be Silent while U.S. President still Promotes its Motivation

March 16, 2019

SPEAK OUT NOW!  In the wake of the New Zealand terrorist attack, perpetrated in the name of white nationalism, we are learning that the terrorist, in his 87 page Manifesto, specifically cited U.S. President, Donald Trump, as is his motivator.   The massacre has led to religious denominations unifying in condemnation of the attacks and … More Message: Within Post Massacre Unity we Cannot be Silent while U.S. President still Promotes its Motivation

Condemnation of the White Nationalism Terrorist Mass Murder of Muslims in Christchurch

March 15, 2019

He said he wanted the world to know that nowhere in the world will be safe: This threat is from a white nationalist!  Two Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand were attacked in act of terror yesterday, killing 49 people and seriously injuring another 20. A man in his late 20’s has been arrested and charged … More Condemnation of the White Nationalism Terrorist Mass Murder of Muslims in Christchurch

Asylum Seeker Credibility – Landmark Ruling on Expert Medical Evidence

March 14, 2019

Credibility is often an issue in asylum cases. It can be a tough indictment on nervous victims of persecution and torture, terrified at having to function in a milieu of transparency, after having hidden themselves for so long!  How do you come out openly in your attempt to seek asylum in a safe country, after … More Asylum Seeker Credibility – Landmark Ruling on Expert Medical Evidence

Why The Equality Act is Critical for LGBT People

March 13, 2019

Simply stated the Equality Act would provide protections to millions of LGBT people – All members of our LGBTQI community and allies should be speaking loudly about this and contacting our representatives, regardless of their level of support, or party affiliation. Let representatives in the House and Senate know just how important this is to us and … More Why The Equality Act is Critical for LGBT People

National Black Justice Coalition Statement on the Introduction of the Equality Act

March 13, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC– Today, the Equality Act will be introduced by Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island and Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey.  The Equality Act would extend existing civil rights protections to include on the bases of sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex. … More National Black Justice Coalition Statement on the Introduction of the Equality Act