Tag: Gay

Violent Arrests at pro-Gay Rally in Russia

June 29, 2013

Clashes lead to arrests and detentions at St. Petersburg “Ravnopraviye” Pride Event By Cathy Kristofferson, June 29, 2013 Today in St. Petersburg, Russia pro-and anti-gay supporters clashed at a gay pride event organized by “Ravnopraviye” (Equal Rights.) The event had been sanctioned by the authorities.  The rally-march was organized to protest recent legislation banning “promotion of non-traditional … More Violent Arrests at pro-Gay Rally in Russia

UN High Commissioner Condemns Nigeria’s pending anti-gay law

June 28, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, June 28, 2013 Today, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, condemned the so-called same-sex marriage prohibition bill just passed by the Nigerian Parliament last month.  The bill, which in reality has more to do with criminalizing homosexuality rather than stopping same gender marriages in a country where homosexual acts are … More UN High Commissioner Condemns Nigeria’s pending anti-gay law

Same gender couples risking arrest apply for Marriage Licenses in Russia

June 28, 2013

by Cathy Kristofferson, June 28, 2013 Today 5 same-gender couples applied for marriage licenses in the registry office in the Admiralty Side, a district of St. Petersburg, Russia.  Officials at the registry explained that the licenses are only intended for couples of opposite gender and sent them on their way.  This is a bold move in … More Same gender couples risking arrest apply for Marriage Licenses in Russia

GAY U.S.A. Marriage Equality Decision Day articles

June 27, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 27, 2013. Yesterday was an historic day for gay Americans when the Supreme Court of the United States gave tens of thousands of already married same-sex couples in a growing list of states equal access to all benefits that the federal  government provides for those who are wed.  A closely divided Supreme Court … More GAY U.S.A. Marriage Equality Decision Day articles

Obama clashes with Senegal President over gay rights

June 27, 2013

 By Melanie Nathan, June 27, 2013. President Barack Obama on Thursday praised the Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage as a “victory for American democracy” and even called the Prop 8 and DOMA Plaintiff’s to congratulate them while he was on board Air Force One heading out to Africa.  However AP has reported that his … More Obama clashes with Senegal President over gay rights

President Obama Must Speak for Gay Rights in Africa

June 27, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, June 26, 2013 President Obama’s comments about LGBT equality which he made today following the Supreme Court marriage equaity rulings challenges him to “walk the walk”— while on his week-long three country tour of Africa.  Today he commented after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled DOMA unconstitutional: “We are a … More President Obama Must Speak for Gay Rights in Africa

Rubio staffer tries to have GetEQUAL DREAMer deported

June 25, 2013

Rubio staffer told the police officers in the room that one of the people in the room “is here illegally.” By Cathy Kristofferson, June 25, 2013 Today during the GetEQUAL action Senator Rubio’s (R-FL) Tampa office, a Rubio senior staffer – his Regional Director – tried to have GetEQUAL’s Co-Director Felipe Sousa-Rodriguez deported.  The Rubio staffer … More Rubio staffer tries to have GetEQUAL DREAMer deported

Binational same-sex couples hard hit by SCOTUS wait

June 25, 2013

UPDATE: SCOTUS announced remaining decisions including marriage equality will be released tomorrow – Wednesday. By Melanie Nathan, June 25, 2013. Every moment counts for those who have not held a partner close – in some cases for years – as SCOTUS has yet to deliver its decision on marriage equality. Today binational same-sex couples are … More Binational same-sex couples hard hit by SCOTUS wait

U.S. Activists protest RESISTANBUL at Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C.

June 24, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, June 24, 2013 Last night a coalition of U.S. activists answered the call to action made by LGBT activists in Istanbul Turkey. The activists determined to help raise awareness about the Turkish government’s brutality and threatened suppression of Turkey’s Pride march, held a light panel protest in front of the Turkish Embassy … More U.S. Activists protest RESISTANBUL at Turkish Embassy in Washington D.C.

Uganda’s Parliament reconvenes to a clogged house including anti-gay Bill

June 24, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 24, 2013. The Ugandan Parliament’s legislators are about to reconvene. The Daily Monitor, has reported that as the Ugandan Parliament will have to deal with a “clogged agenda” in the House. There are many issues waiting to be considered, including the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which has been lingering in Parliament over the … More Uganda’s Parliament reconvenes to a clogged house including anti-gay Bill

Exodus International gone but Ex-Gay impact continues

June 23, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, June 22, 2013 Friday morning I received email from a local LGBT activist who is also an ex-gay survivor that read “I am literally crying with happiness.”  The same day I saw a blog post by anti-gay “pray-the-gay-away” promoter Scott Lively proclaiming “Alan Chambers goes back to Egypt”.  Both of these are, of … More Exodus International gone but Ex-Gay impact continues

Join the Moscow Virtual Pride March beat the 100 year ban

June 22, 2013

SAY NYET! TO THE LAWS FORBIDDING PRIDE IN RUSSIA. Join the March from anywhere in the world #virtualpride By Cathy Kristofferson, June 22, 2013 OBLOGDEE has posted about the current wave of extremist homophobia in Russia resulting in anti-gays laws such as the so called  ‘promotion’ laws  and the bill to ban adoption of Russian … More Join the Moscow Virtual Pride March beat the 100 year ban

South African Lesbian photographer’s big ask of Norway’s Crown Princess

June 21, 2013

Please tell other Monarchs, especially in Africa, that being gay is OKAY By Melanie Nathan, June 21, 2013 The Crown Princess of Norway, Her Royal Highness Mette-Marit, met famed South African photographer, filmmaker and LGBTI activist Zanele Muholi recently at an exhibition of Muholi’s work in Norway. The event took place last night at the Kunstplass … More South African Lesbian photographer’s big ask of Norway’s Crown Princess

Resistanbul – Call to actions from Istanbul LGBT Pride

June 20, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, June 20, 2013 Turkish LGBT rights activists and organizations in Istanbul have posted requesting our support and solidarity.  We have previously blogged about their threatened Pride Parade here on OBLOGDEE. Now due to the Taksim Gezi Park actions and resulting police crackdowns both their June 23rd Trans Pride March and the  June 30th LGBT Pride March … More Resistanbul – Call to actions from Istanbul LGBT Pride

Justice delayed as reparative death camp killer has unpaid legal fees

June 19, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 19, 2013. Today, in Vereeniging, South Africa, the ongoing murder trial of the owner of Echo Wild Game Ranger Camp, Alex de Koker, 49, and his co-accused, Michael Erasmus (20) was postponed yet again,  due to the accused murderer’s inability to pay his legal fees resulting in the withdrawal of his … More Justice delayed as reparative death camp killer has unpaid legal fees

Call to Boycott Olympics in homophobic Russia reminds of Apartheid South Africa

June 19, 2013

“If they feel strongly about human rights they should boycott the Olympics in Sochi.” By Cathy Kristofferson, June 18, 2013 RUSA LGBT, a Russian-Speaking American LGBTQ group in New York City, is calling for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The lower house of the Russian Duma  last week unanimously passed their … More Call to Boycott Olympics in homophobic Russia reminds of Apartheid South Africa

Russian bill set to stop adoption to nations allowing same-sex marriage

June 18, 2013

The Bill is based on myth as expounded by Russian Deputy Speaker, who said:  “If a child ends up with a homosexual couple, it could cause severe damage and the child ends up with a distorted perception of reality.” By Melanie Nathan, June 18, 2013. As same-sex marriage is increasing in acceptance around the world, … More Russian bill set to stop adoption to nations allowing same-sex marriage

Poland Pride’s success dampened by first openly gay PM assault

June 17, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson,  June 17, 2013 Saturday about 8 thousand marched in Poland’s annual Equality Parade, Parada Równości 2013, under the slogan ‘Fully-fledged Diversity’.  Since Poland has become more accepting these days, the organizers decided to march for Russia and Eastern Europe where the LGBT communities are currently under attack.  Prior to the parade bout … More Poland Pride’s success dampened by first openly gay PM assault

As the U.S. waits on SCOTUS Durban lesbian wedding speaks volumes

June 17, 2013

Ziningi & Delisile Ndlela just married – Durban June 15, 2013. By Melanie Nathan June 17, 2013. While the United States struggles, state by state, to allow legal marriages between same-sex couples and while the United States waits with bated breath to see if any of its nine justices agree that marriage equality must be … More As the U.S. waits on SCOTUS Durban lesbian wedding speaks volumes

The part of London that is not safe for Gays and Jews

June 17, 2013

Posted by Melanie Nathan, June 17, 2013. Two men were arrested in January after a series of incidents in London saw members of the public harassed by self-styled vigilantes who posted footage of their activities online. One included a clip showing a man being subjected to homophobic abuse. The incidents are believed to be linked … More The part of London that is not safe for Gays and Jews

Idaho GOP resolves to reverse gay rights

June 16, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, June 16,2013 Idaho, like other states, has gained some protections for its LGBT community through municipal ordinances banning discrimination in housing and employment.  It seems the Idaho State GOP just can’t stand that fact!  Yesterday at their annual Central Committee summer meeting the Republican Party leaders of Idaho passed a non-binding resolution … More Idaho GOP resolves to reverse gay rights

On Fathers Day NBJC honors the commitment of Black gay, bisexual and trans men

June 16, 2013

Posted by Melanie Nathan, June 16, 2013. Statement by the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC): Black gay, bisexual and trans fathers, uncles and brothers play many important roles in the Black community. As caregivers, role models, providers, teachers, friends and leaders, Black gay, bisexual and trans men are invaluable threads in the fabric of the … More On Fathers Day NBJC honors the commitment of Black gay, bisexual and trans men

Porterville Spews More Hate by threatening to rescind LGBT Proclamation

June 14, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 14, 2013. Porterville City Council, the only city council in all of California to declare its support for the anti-gay Proposition 8 in 2008, is now threatening to rescind a proclamation signed by its Mayor, who had declared June to be LGBT Pride Month in Porterville. On June 04, despite heated … More Porterville Spews More Hate by threatening to rescind LGBT Proclamation

Julian Bond gives powerful statement opposing ENDA’s religious exemptions

June 14, 2013

“Religious liberty, contrary to what opponents of racial equality argued then and LGBT equality argue now, is not a license to use religion to discriminate.” By Cathy Kristofferson, June 14, 2013 Back in April when the 2013 version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) was introduced into Congress we posted here and here on OBLOGDEE … More Julian Bond gives powerful statement opposing ENDA’s religious exemptions

Taksim Gezi Park LGBT activists beaten arrested delivering food and medicine

June 12, 2013

“What is wrong to be humankind?” By Cathy Kristofferson, June 12, 2013 This morning I saw a post in my Facebook news feed from Istanbul LGBT Onur Haftası/ Istanbul LGBT Pride Week requesting desperately needed motorcycle helmets for the LGBT BLOCK at Taksim Gezi Park.  I was really trying to figure how to beam them my helmet … More Taksim Gezi Park LGBT activists beaten arrested delivering food and medicine

Public Booted from Trial of Accused Zambian Gay Couple

June 11, 2013

Inaccurate media reports could be exacerbated by privacy of trial, while Magistrate ‘s call for closed trial may evidence prejudice during time when Zambian Government calls to hunt down gays, By Melanie Nathan, June 11, 2013. Please note update (6/12/) below, where Magistrate denies trial is being heard in camera and accuses a Reporter of … More Public Booted from Trial of Accused Zambian Gay Couple

Protests and arrests as Russia’s State Duma passes anti-gay promotion bill unanimously

June 11, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, June 10, 2013 Update 6/30: President Putin today signed this bill into law. Proponents argue it is for the protection of children, but critics still allege it part of a broad crackdown on Russia’s LGBT community.  For his part Mr. Putin tells international critics “We ask you not to interfere in our … More Protests and arrests as Russia’s State Duma passes anti-gay promotion bill unanimously

Arrests in 2009 Tel Aviv Gay Youth Center Shootings

June 6, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 06, 2013. In a dramatic  and long awaited development Israeli Police have arrested 3 suspects in the Tel Aviv 2009 gay youth center shooting, that left 2 dead and 10 injured. It is believed that the motivation for the killings was based on personal revenge, according to a report by Eli Senyor … More Arrests in 2009 Tel Aviv Gay Youth Center Shootings

Guyana: Challenge to colonial era cross-dressing ban after 7 convicted

June 6, 2013

1893 law that makes it a criminal offense for men to wear female attire and for women to wear male attire “in any public way or public place, for any improper purpose.” By Cathy Kristofferson, June 06, 2013 Queue up another constitutional challenge outcome to await, this time from Guyana.  On May 10th and June 4th … More Guyana: Challenge to colonial era cross-dressing ban after 7 convicted

Breaking Gay Board Members attacked with hammers at meeting in Harare

June 6, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 06, 2013. Members of GALZ, an LGBT human rights organization in Harare, Zimbabwe, were attacked by five hammer wielding men during a board meeting at their offices. No injuries reported, however the group is extremely shaken. The attack occurred at GALZ offices  around 11 am on Thursday when five unknown men … More Breaking Gay Board Members attacked with hammers at meeting in Harare