Poor Scott Lively bullied and intimidated by homo-fascists

Homo-Fascism vs. the First Amendment… By the Editors, May 21, 2013 Scott Lively has long taken full advantage of his First Amendment rights and while no one would ever deny him that right, it certainly becomes pitiful when he whines about us not loving his hate when he exercises it.  He is welcome to scurry … More Poor Scott Lively bullied and intimidated by homo-fascists

First Pride ever in Moldova | Huge Scott Lively Fail

On 19 May, the first Pride March was held in Chisinau, Moldova. By Cathy Kristofferson, May 19, 2013 I just saw this on twitter and cheered out loud: First Pride March held in Moldova http://t.co/NGwq6Bepbr%5B@Eastbook_en%5D EurAlmanac16:15 I cheered not only because I was thrilled for the Moldovan LGBT community, but also for the bitter defeat … More First Pride ever in Moldova | Huge Scott Lively Fail

Bigots stalk, video and harass at Boston Youth Pride

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 18, 2013 I started this piece months ago when there was risk of the delegates from Uganda being exposed at the Scott Lively trial in Springfield MA by those who have the vile habit of exposing members of the gay community in some misguided attempt of shaming them…  ‘straight’ I suppose.  I … More Bigots stalk, video and harass at Boston Youth Pride

Somerville Mayor publicly condemns homophobic language directed at appointed official

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 15, 2013 Ah, but were every city’s Mayor so enlightened. The Mayor of Somerville, MA, Joseph Curtatone, has publicly chastised the use of homophobic language against a recently appointed official, Alderman Courtney O’Keefe.  He is using the opportunity to remind everyone demanding the respect of all. Mayor Curtatone’s open letter starts … More Somerville Mayor publicly condemns homophobic language directed at appointed official

Belize: Final thoughts from the Caleb Orozco v. The Attorney General Case

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 14, 2013 The dust has now settled a bit in Belize after last week’s whirlwind 4 day trial of the Caleb Orozco v. The Attorney General.  The case challenged the constitutionality of Section 53, a law inherited from the colonial legal system, that criminalizes same gender sexual conduct in Belize. The case brought … More Belize: Final thoughts from the Caleb Orozco v. The Attorney General Case

The Most Tweeted hate from eastern part of U.S.

Cross posted by Melanie Nathan, May 14, 2013. The most hateful tweeters in the United States tend to live in the eastern half of the country, according to a new map that pinpoints hate speech from Twitter across country. The map, created by geography students at Humboldt State University in California, looks at more than … More The Most Tweeted hate from eastern part of U.S.

Belize anti-sodomy penal code trial wraps-up its final day

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 10, 2013 Court opened for the fourth day in the Caleb Orozco v. The Attorney General of Belize trial challenging the constitutionality of the Section 53 anti-sodomy penal code trial.  The Churches continued their claim that social issues such as public morality and health do not belong before the court.  Once again … More Belize anti-sodomy penal code trial wraps-up its final day

Belize Attorney General argues to maintain anti-sodomy penal code

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 09, 2013 Day Three of the Caleb Orozco v. The Attorney General of Belize trial challenging the constitutionality of the Section 53 anti-sodomy penal code started with chatter in the courtroom about the Claimant Caleb Orosco’s home being vandalized: This came on top of new reports last night on Belize Channel 5 … More Belize Attorney General argues to maintain anti-sodomy penal code

Belize Court hears Closing argument in Penal code anti-Sodomy case

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 08, 2013. Today, on Day Two of  Caleb Orozco and the United Belize Advocacy Movement’s (UBIBAM) constitutional challenge of Belize’s Section 53 anti-sodomy law, lead attorney Christopher Smith‐Hamel SC,  made his closing arguments.  During his closing,  he quoted Bishop Desmond Tutu,  the Anglican humanitarian leader from South Africa: “’Our lesbian and gay brothers and sisters … More Belize Court hears Closing argument in Penal code anti-Sodomy case

Opening Arguments in Belize Urge Supreme Court to Uphold the Constitution

By Cathy Kristofferson, May 07, 2013 Today began the four day constitutionality challenge trial of Belize’s Section 53 anti-sodomy law in their Supreme Court.  I have been watching the #UNIBAM twitter feed all afternoon (Belize = CST) for wonderful live-tweeting from Asa DeMatteo and now have been emailed (thank you!) the Press Release for Day One. … More Opening Arguments in Belize Urge Supreme Court to Uphold the Constitution

Belize Government and Christian right fight Supreme Court Challenge to decriminalize homosexuality

Getting rid of the old British Colonial penal code criminalizing homosexuality in Central America… By Cathy Kristofferson,  May 05, 2013 The nation of Belize, bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, is the last country in Central America where homosexual acts are still illegal and punishable by long prison terms.  But that could change for Belize and set … More Belize Government and Christian right fight Supreme Court Challenge to decriminalize homosexuality

Historic Marriage Equality events underway across the United States

172 events start in all 50 states, with all eyes on Washington, D.C., as people start record breaking queue outside SCOTUS By Melanie Nathan & Cathy Kristofferson, March 24, 2013. 3/25 UPDATE:  over 2500 people have gathered at events ranging from Casper, Wyoming, to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Cleveland, Ohio already.  And tonight is the big “night … More Historic Marriage Equality events underway across the United States

Why march in an alternate St. Patrick’s Day parade?

An injustice to one… By Cathy Kristofferson, March 18, 2013 Sunday I marched in the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Peace Parade, the alternate to what is now called ‘traditional’ St. Patrick’s Day parade.  Now that I have had a day to thaw and ruminate on why it is I marched for the 3rd year … More Why march in an alternate St. Patrick’s Day parade?

House of Lords calls for decriminalization of homosexuality in Commonwealth because of higher HIV rates

See the  must watch Video – Criminalization of Homosexuality Kills – The link is made between increase in HIV/ AIDS in countries that criminalize homosexuality – Homophobia causes higher HIV/AIDS rates. By Melanie Nathan, March 14, 2o13. Yesterday Conservative Peer Lord Black of Brentwood,  led a debate on Criminalization of Homosexuality and how it has caused … More House of Lords calls for decriminalization of homosexuality in Commonwealth because of higher HIV rates

South Africa’s newest political party against homophobia | Agang

“But again we haven’t educated people to understand that being orientated sexually in a particular way is not a crime,”  Mamphela Ramphele, By Melanie Natha. March 09, 2013. South Africa is a democratic country with one party that dominates the state.  The African National Congress (ANC), has been holding power, with wide margins, since the … More South Africa’s newest political party against homophobia | Agang

Lesbian Group Disrupts Johannesburg LGBTI Pride Parade

by Melanie Nathan, Oct 07. 2012. South African lesbian feminists called for a pause, a minute of silence at the Johannesburg  (Joburg) Gay Pride Parade, to remember lesbians and LGBTI victims of homophobic murders,  yet were denied their moment by Pride organizers. A group calling themselves One in Nine chanted “one minute of silence” and … More Lesbian Group Disrupts Johannesburg LGBTI Pride Parade

Gay Flag of South Africa and ANC Hold Historic Public Meeting to Condemn Homophobia in SA

By Melanie Nathan, August 30, 2012. An historic public meeting took place Thursday between the South African majority party, the ANC and the Gay Flag of South Africa (GFSA) an NPO to condemn recent homophobic violence against the LGBTI community in South Africa, as well as the anti-gay commentary by Traditional leaders who are reviewing … More Gay Flag of South Africa and ANC Hold Historic Public Meeting to Condemn Homophobia in SA

The Cameroons Celebrates Gay Hate Day While the World Watches Silently

Imagine a world where there is such little outcry internationally, …I think it is time for the West to take a stronger stand and in doing so to open its borders to a whole new breed of  refugee.  By Melanie Nathan, August 21, 2012. Today is ‘Gay Hate Day’  in Cameroon, where homosexuality is criminalized … More The Cameroons Celebrates Gay Hate Day While the World Watches Silently

Gay Flag of South Africa at World Pride Parade Hopes to end Homophobia

South Africa’s Gay Flag flies in London,  amidst the threat of revocation of equality and heightened violence precipitated by homophobia By Melanie Nathan, July 08, 2012. LONDON- More than 250000 people turned out to celebrate World Pride 2012 in London last Saturday (7 July) and marching in the crowd was The Gay Flag of South … More Gay Flag of South Africa at World Pride Parade Hopes to end Homophobia

South Africa and Homophobia on GAY STAR NEWS

South Africa must change its tune for LGBTI citizens The South African constitution should be used and enforced, not changed to freeze out gay and trans citizens, says lesbian human rights campaigner Melanie Nathan 03 July 2012 | By Melanie Nathan on GAYSTARNEWS Read the full Article…… CLICK HERE The truth is that, for over … More South Africa and Homophobia on GAY STAR NEWS

World Premiere A MISSIONARY POSITION by Ugandan American Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine

While the passage of  Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill, known as Kill the Gays Bill, remains a threat – Posted by Melanie Nathan, June 12, 2012. LOS ANGELES, CA — Noted Hollywood actor and photographer Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine (Blood Diamond; Treme; Heroes; CSI) debuts his newest solo work, A Missionary Position, this summer at REDCAT (Roy and … More World Premiere A MISSIONARY POSITION by Ugandan American Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine

South African National Protests by Gay Rights Activists Sheds Light on ANC Weakness

What happened to the Madibe and ANC assurance that all South Africans will be protected from persecution? Now SA Gays are under attack by members of the ANC. By Melanie Nathan, May 20, 2012. South Africans may have been surprised today as hundreds of people took to the streets of Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and … More South African National Protests by Gay Rights Activists Sheds Light on ANC Weakness

San Francisco Flag Lowering Ceremony for International Day Against Homophobia

Diverse LGBT Speakers List for SF’s May 17 IDAHO at UN Plaza Gays Without Borders has organized an event on Thursday, May 17 , to honor International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. The  commemoration will begin at noon at UN Plaza in San Francisco. The commemoration will start off with poignant speeches about the violence … More San Francisco Flag Lowering Ceremony for International Day Against Homophobia

South Africa’s Shocking Constitutional Review of its Sexual Orientation Rights

Activists are concerned as decades of lobbying and progress for LGBTI rights in South Africa are under threat. Nelson Mandela: ” Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another” By Melanie Nathan, May 04, 2012. Since the end of Apartheid and the … More South Africa’s Shocking Constitutional Review of its Sexual Orientation Rights

South African Children Criminals in Shocking Rape Cases

By Melanie Nathan, May 03, 2012 40% of child sex offenses are committed on children by other children; is that the new South Africa’s legacy? Teenagers and minors are raping women in South Africa Over. See the shocking CNN Video linked below which tells the story of a young 8 year old girl who was … More South African Children Criminals in Shocking Rape Cases

Commonwealth Secretary General Condemns Homophobia

Speech at UN Human Rights Council in Geneva By Melanie Nathan, 02/29/2012 The Human Rights Council in Geneva  has heard it from Kamalesh Sharma, the Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations who  reiterated this week that homophobia is incompatible with Commonwealth values. This sends a signal from the top that persecution based on sexuality … More Commonwealth Secretary General Condemns Homophobia

Uganda’s Homophobic Parliament vs Concerned Spiritual leaders | Return of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill |

“If you are Lesbian, when you come to Uganda to entice our young people to join you in the immoral vice of homosexuality, we shall arrest you….” Y. Bihande by Melanie Nathan, 02/10/2012 This week the Ugandan Parliament got one step closer to legalizing persecution in its country.  David Bahati, the MP from Nordwa province … More Uganda’s Homophobic Parliament vs Concerned Spiritual leaders | Return of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill |

South Africa Lesbian Killers| Zoliswa Gets Justice at Last

Lesbian Murderers Receive 18 years and Magistrate sets hate crimes acknowledgment precedent by Melanie Nathan, February 01, 2012. A cheer rang out and the crowd sang and danced outside the Khayelitsha Courthouse, Cape Town, South Africa, the scene of over thirty postponements in a murder trial that shocked the world, taking five years to meter … More South Africa Lesbian Killers| Zoliswa Gets Justice at Last

South Africa Prestigious JB Met | Gay Activists to Protest Zulu King Hate Speech Dressed as Zulu Warriors

by Melanie Nathan, January 27, 2012 UPDATED Cape Town, January 28, 2012:  The Flag Boys did it! The won best dressed couple – Imagine gay boys dressed in camp Zulu warrior garb, protesting Zulu King’s homophobic remarks, win best dressed couple at H&B Met Red Carpet event! Read our pre-event report …… South African gay … More South Africa Prestigious JB Met | Gay Activists to Protest Zulu King Hate Speech Dressed as Zulu Warriors