IDAHOT 2020 LGBTI Refugees and UNHCR Breaking the Silence

IDAHOT – International Day Against Transphobia and Homophobia, IDAHOT: 2020 Theme BREAK THE SILENCE Today, May 17th is the day millions of people around the world commemorate IDAHOT, a special day, to raise awareness and commit further to impact the right to liberty, equality, justice and happiness for LGBTI people around the globe. However violence … More IDAHOT 2020 LGBTI Refugees and UNHCR Breaking the Silence

Ugandan Homeless Shelter Raided by Authorities in Homophobic Attack

The Ugandan Government has raided a safe shelter for homeless victims of human rights abuses. While sheltered in place and in protection form the Corona Virus outbreak, authorities sought fit to victimize the residents, with homophobic slurs and physical beatings to solicit confessions as to their sexuality. At this time we believe approximately 23 people … More Ugandan Homeless Shelter Raided by Authorities in Homophobic Attack

Ugandan Mob Attacks NGO Amidst Increasing Violence against the LGBTI Community

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AHRC Implores Media and LGBTQI Community to use Smollett Hoax Positively

“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

Groundbreaking LGBTI Study Shows Ugandan Parents Anger, Denial and Stigma

GROUNDBREAKING STUDY OF UGANDAN PARENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS LGBTI FAMILY MEMBERS SHOWS ANGER, DENIAL, DISBELIEF, STIGMA — AND ALSO, A DESIRE TO LEARN Chapter Four Uganda, an organization working for the promotion of civil and political rights for marginalized populations today released findings of a baseline study of the perceptions and experiences of parents, families and … More Groundbreaking LGBTI Study Shows Ugandan Parents Anger, Denial and Stigma

If the Jussie Smollett Attack was a Hoax ….

According to Chicago media, Jussie Smollett paid two brothers to stage an attack against him, directed them to buy items used in the alleged assault and actually rehearsed it with them. Sources apparently tell media that at least one of the brothers bought the rope used in the incident at Smollett’s request. All I am … More If the Jussie Smollett Attack was a Hoax ….

Ugandan Minister of Ethics Bans HIV/AIDS Conference

It is hard to believe that in 2018, this is still happening: Ugandan Ethics and Integrity Minister, Simon Lokodo, has blocked an HIV/Aids conference, saying it was organized to promote “homosexuality and other dirty things.” ALL AFRICA: In an interview with the Daily Monitor on Wednesday, Fr Lokodo said the conference organized by the Uganda … More Ugandan Minister of Ethics Bans HIV/AIDS Conference

Ugandan Pride Cancelled and Government Minister Threatens Physical Harm

It is with sadness that we report the unconscionable ongoing persecution of LGBTI people in Uganda, where the Government helms attacks through homophobia and fails its own Constitution that purports to guarantee freedoms to all its citizens. It is this that serves to underpin the cancellation of Uganda Pride as explained by the organizers, below. … More Ugandan Pride Cancelled and Government Minister Threatens Physical Harm

Travel Warnings as Honduras Murder of Gay Couple Motivated by Homophobia

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

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

WORLD BANK Organizes Events to Commemorate IDAHOT

The World Bank: Despite some legal and social advances in the past two decades, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people continue to face widespread discrimination and violence in many countries. This leads to exclusion and adversely affects both the lives of LGBTI people as well as on the communities and economies in which they … More WORLD BANK Organizes Events to Commemorate IDAHOT

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

Anti-Gay Gambian President Ousted

Yahya Jammeh, the Gambian president, known for his virulent homophobia and vicious anti-gay threats, has been ousted in this week’s presidential election in The Gambia. Jammeh, an authoritarian president for 22 years, suffered this surprise defeat in the country’s general election. He will be replaced by a property developer, Adama Barrow, who won more than 45% of … More Anti-Gay Gambian President Ousted

Moving Condolensces from Uganda to Orlando

LGBT persecution in many African countries is severe, including Uganda. There persecution is openly practiced with impunity. Violence against the LGBT community is not unusual. It is institutionalized,  and people have had to navigate years and years of their government threatening to enact the death penalty against them.  Many have gone into hiding or exile. … More Moving Condolensces from Uganda to Orlando

South African message of condolence to US following Orlando Massacre

It am pleased to note that  South Africa’s President Zuma has issued a statement condemning the massacre of LGBT Americans.   Indeed this is an important statement to make and I am grateful for it. Yet cannot help but note the hypocrisy and in doing so – lets hope speaking out brings renewed consciousness. Here … More South African message of condolence to US following Orlando Massacre

South African Minister Promises Change for Home Affairs to become LGBTI Friendly

South Africa has a relatively new Constitution, birthed soon after iconic former President Nelson Mandela was released from prison and Apartheid ended. Included in that dramatic change was equality for all, including LGBTI people. Yet, despite its all inclusive Constitution, South African gays, lesbians, and transgender community has experienced profound homophobia and transphobia, often resulting … More South African Minister Promises Change for Home Affairs to become LGBTI Friendly

U.S. Pastor Uses Tel Aviv Pride In Antisemitic Tirade

A prominent Pastor from Alabama seems to be having a hissy-fit that smacks of homophobia and antisemitism. Ricky White, Pastor at House of Refuge, from Haleyville, Alabama is expressing his dismay about the fact that Israel, the Holy Land, has accepted gays, lesbians, transgender and bisexual folk, to such a degree, that it was able to … More U.S. Pastor Uses Tel Aviv Pride In Antisemitic Tirade

Did Padres Participate in Out at the Park Homophobia

” Out at the Park event at Petco Park turns into mass homophobia” – SDGLN Headline. According to SDGLN: The San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus (SDGMC) didn’t get a chance to sing the National Anthem at The annual “Out at the Park” event at Petco Park on Saturday, instead their microphones were turned off, and … More Did Padres Participate in Out at the Park Homophobia

San Francisco Groups to Protest Trump Hate Fest and Violence

From many of our perspectives,  Donald Trump is promoting a series of hate fests at his Presidential campaign rallies. San Francisco activists are getting together to protest Trump and his underlying message which is serving to promote violence, corporate greed, homophobia, Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment. PLEASE JOIN US TO EXPRESS OUTRAGE – Here is the … More San Francisco Groups to Protest Trump Hate Fest and Violence

GSA Day for Racial Justice

LGBTQ youth are taking action today–GSA Day for Racial Justice–to fight for our future and celebrate the multiple identities we hold. GSA Day for Racial Justice is more than just a day of action. It has become a movement of LGBT youth who are fighting to end state violence against black lives, who educate each other on sexual health and wellness, and who understand that gender is a social construct that limits people in all races and ethnicities. … More GSA Day for Racial Justice

Protest as Lesbian Hate and Transphobia Haunts South Africa

PROTEST: Tomorrow, Jan 12, 2016 LGBTI activists are holding a rally and will march to the Mafatsana Police Station By Melanie Nathan, January 11, 2016. Two recent horrific murder cases elucidate the horror that lesbians and trans people encounter when faced with what is still considered endemic homophobia, lesbian hate and transphobia, in South Africa, … More Protest as Lesbian Hate and Transphobia Haunts South Africa

Hate Group Leader Visits CA Coastal Community Under Protection of Republican Women’s Group

1AngryOldLesbian.org puts spotlight on Brad Dacus and Pacific Justice Institute Update: Event photos below An otherwise idyllic year-round vacation spot became host today to a fear mongering, falsehood generating, anti-LGBT hate group—The Pacific Justice Institute and its President, Brad Dacus—speaking at the Estero Bay Republican Women Federated luncheon at the Morro Bay Golf Course, the … More Hate Group Leader Visits CA Coastal Community Under Protection of Republican Women’s Group

Kenyans March Against Gays Warning Obama No Gay Talk

By Melanie Nathan, July 7, 2015. Kenyan anti-gay protesters took to the streets in Nairobi Monday, warning US President Barack Obama not to speak about gay rights when he visits Kenya, “the country of his ancestors,” later this month. (As the Ugandan Monitor put it!) The march today, was organized by the Evangelical Alliance of … More Kenyans March Against Gays Warning Obama No Gay Talk

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