Huck Reflection on Vulnerable LGBT Refugees in Kenya

“Kenya has become a ‘safe haven’ for those fleeing war and famine in neighbouring states. But in secret hideaways and temporary homes, LGBT refugees are being forced – once again – to hide their true selves instead of walking out into the world with pride …” Article by Jacob Kushner – Huck Magazine DONATE TO … More Huck Reflection on Vulnerable LGBT Refugees in Kenya

United Nations Human Rights Address warns of Mounting LGBTQI Human Rights Violations

In a landmark address, the United Nation’s first-ever independent expert investigating violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity warned that LGBTQ people around the world are facing mounting human rights violations. Speaking before the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, Vitit Muntarbhorn, whose position was created last June, presented his full report on the global … More United Nations Human Rights Address warns of Mounting LGBTQI Human Rights Violations

South African Lawyers Deported From Tanzania Amidst Accusations of Promoting Homosexuality

African Human Rights Coalition Reports: Tanzania has deported three South African lawyers after they were accused of promoting homosexuality. They were among 13 people arrested on October 17 for taking part in a meeting to discuss challenging a law stopping private health clinics from providing HIV and Aids services.  However, Sibongile Ndashe says they had no right … More South African Lawyers Deported From Tanzania Amidst Accusations of Promoting Homosexuality

African HRC Reports on New Delays for LGBTI Refugees After Trump Suspension Ends

In my capacity as executive Director of African Human Rights Coalition (African HRC), where we advocate for LGBT asylum seekers and refugees from African countries, I report as follows on the African HRC website: : Since the suspension on the United States refugee program has expired, the Trump administration has ordered new measures, supposedly a stronger vetting … More African HRC Reports on New Delays for LGBTI Refugees After Trump Suspension Ends

Critical Truth in Telling Gay Love Stories of Africa

By Melanie Nathan, July 24, 2017. The importance in showcasing love stories and the relationship evolution to marriage, illustrating how couples avail themselves of tradition and of the laws that equally pertain to all, is critical to an LGBT movement in Africa-  where homophobia is rampant through the lies that have perpetuated misunderstanding. This outward … More Critical Truth in Telling Gay Love Stories of Africa

Is Trump Purposely Defying Travel and Refugee Court Orders

By Melanie Nathan, Executive Director African Human Rights Coalition. Or Mere Incompetence of the Trump Administration In my capacity as the Executive Director of the African Human Rights Coalition, I advocate on behalf of LGBTI refugees in Africa. Since Donald Trump took office the program has been anything BUT smooth sailing!  When Trump took office … More Is Trump Purposely Defying Travel and Refugee Court Orders

IDAHOT 2017 Rally Pictures and African HRC Speech in Castro

Yesterday I was honored to be invited as a featured speaker for the San Francisco Castro IDAHOT rally:   Gary Virginia from Gays Without Borders organized and emceed the rally that featured speakers: • Tom Ammiano, former CA State Assemblyman; • Patrick Carney, Pride Week Pink Triangle , SF Twin Peaks; • Melanie Nathan, Executive Director, African Human … More IDAHOT 2017 Rally Pictures and African HRC Speech in Castro

San Francisco LGBTI Community to Rally for IDAHOT in the Castro

The date of Chelsea Manning’s liberation coincides with the IDAHOT, on May 17 The San Francisco Bay area community will gather for International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT) on Wed., May 17, 2017, 6 to 7pm, at Harvey Milk Plaza (2401 Market at Castro Street.) Participants in IDAHOT events globally will be posting … More San Francisco LGBTI Community to Rally for IDAHOT in the Castro

African HRC Calls for Apology from South African Relationship ‘Specialist’ regarding Anti Gay Teaching

“Please let me know if you would be willing to review your material and revise your publication with corrections, and also if you would be willing to issue an apology to the LGBT community. I am not sure how much harm has been done at this point, yet it is never too late to right … More African HRC Calls for Apology from South African Relationship ‘Specialist’ regarding Anti Gay Teaching

Court Decision Allows LGBTQ Refugees to Continue Entering U.S.

Quoting the NBC Article by Julie Compton: African LGBTQ refugees hoping to come to the United States got the news they had hoped for Thursday night — they would not have to remain in countries where they face persecution or even death. The news came after a three-judge federal appeals court panel refused to reinstate President … More Court Decision Allows LGBTQ Refugees to Continue Entering U.S.

African Human Rights Coalition Advocates Against Trump Ban

February 6, 2017 Some LGBTI refugees in Africa, who were scheduled to travel under the United States Refugee Resettlement program had their travel plans revoked last week under Trump’s illicit Executive Order which suspended the refugee program.  Now several have been rescheduled for travel this week,  with thanks to the court order halting Trump’s ban/ suspension and … More African Human Rights Coalition Advocates Against Trump Ban

London and African Asylum Seekers Mourn For LGBT Orlando in a Very Big Way

There has been an enormous national and global outpouring of emotion and love for the 49 young LGBT heroes slaughtered in the worst gun massacre in American history, as well as the 53 injured, many of whom lost loved ones and close friends.  Out of all the vigils and rallies I have seen reports on, … More London and African Asylum Seekers Mourn For LGBT Orlando in a Very Big Way

New York Times Sparks Breitbart Article Scapegoating against LGBT Human Rights Advocacy

By Melanie Nathan, December 22, 2015. Who has hurt African LGBT people more?  Is that the question?  Ask yourself always – where did it start and unless one fails to place a story in its absolute and full context, then we can be assured there is no truth.  The New York Times published a somewhat … More New York Times Sparks Breitbart Article Scapegoating against LGBT Human Rights Advocacy

Calling on Religious Leaders to look at The Face of Murderous Radical Hate

Speak Out Now against Scott Lively and other overt haters who spew hate in the name of religious dicta By Melanie Nathan, August 02, 2015. No Religion is exempt from radicalism. When one quotes from scripture, it always boils downs to interpretation- and how things are said. Radical fundamentalism leads to persecution and ultimately murder. … More Calling on Religious Leaders to look at The Face of Murderous Radical Hate

Did President Obama Snub Uganda because of its Anti-Homosexuality Stance?

By Melanie Nathan, July 29, 2015. The Ugandan media has named the issue of homosexuality as a reason President Obama may have snubbed Uganda by not visiting that country while on his recent trip to Africa.  The President visited only two countries; Ethiopia and Kenya. I think that President Obama did not overlook Uganda. I … More Did President Obama Snub Uganda because of its Anti-Homosexuality Stance?

Breakthrough African Academic Report Shows Basis for Anti-Homosexuality Laws Fail Science

Crucial tool for lobbying to misinformed African politicians June 11, 2015, by Melanie Nathan This month by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) countering the notions that underpin homophobia and the criminalization of LGBTI people in Africa and the impact on HIV. Eleven respected experts, mostly academic scientists based in South Africa, authored … More Breakthrough African Academic Report Shows Basis for Anti-Homosexuality Laws Fail Science

From Congo to Castro UNHCR Resettles Persecuted LGBTI Activist in the U.S.A.

Welcome Home Junior! By Melanie Nathan, December 16, 2014. I first met Junior Mayema back in 2011 when I was invited to keynote speak at Cape Town Pride’s Pink Gala in South Africa. At the time Junior, approached me along the Pride parade route. He told me that he was an LGBTI refugee from the … More From Congo to Castro UNHCR Resettles Persecuted LGBTI Activist in the U.S.A.

Africa Business and Human Rights

When Business Gets down to the Business of Human Rights Key Stakeholders are excluded Posted by Melanie Nathan, August 20, 2014. “At the U.S.-Africa Business Forum this month, President Barack Obama announced $33 billion in new private and government investment in sub-Saharan Africa, including new projects within Africa’s energy, aviation and construction sectors. Such robust … More Africa Business and Human Rights