Tag: LGBT

Shocking Exclusion by United Nations of LGBT Groups at High Level AIDS Meeting

May 22, 2016

Saudi Arabia, Iran, Indonesia, Sudan, Egypt and Uganda blocking full and fair participation The United Nations is scheduled to host a global meeting to stop the AIDS epidemic, yet several countries want to exclude groups that represent LGBTI people or drug users. From 8 to 10 June 2016, world leaders, government representatives, HIV program implementers … More Shocking Exclusion by United Nations of LGBT Groups at High Level AIDS Meeting

Did Padres Participate in Out at the Park Homophobia

May 22, 2016

” 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

Help Push California AB 1888 to stop funding for Bigotry against LGBT Students

May 22, 2016

Equality California is urging action – please alert you California lawmakers to pass AB 1888. Read on: “Californians don’t like discrimination.  Over the past 15 years, that’s been abundantly clear as our state has passed some of the world’s strongest laws protecting LGBT people. But did you know there are islands of discrimination within California … More Help Push California AB 1888 to stop funding for Bigotry against LGBT Students

LGBT Refugees Panic as Kenyan Government Announces Closure of Refugee Camps

May 10, 2016

The Government of Kenya has announced that it intends to close all refugee camps in the country, and while UNHCR implores Kenya to reverse this decision, we await information as to how they plan to deal with what could be a severe crisis.  LGBT refugees, after seeing the headlines, are now extremely stressed and uncertain … More LGBT Refugees Panic as Kenyan Government Announces Closure of Refugee Camps

Islamist Militants Hack to Death Gay Rights Activist in Bangladesh

April 25, 2016

BBC and Guardian are reporting the horrific murder of an open LGBT rights activist in Bangladesh.  According to the report,  police say the top gay rights activist,  Xulhaz Mannan,  who is the editor at the the country’s only  LGBT magazine is one of two people who have been hacked to death. Mannan was one of … More Islamist Militants Hack to Death Gay Rights Activist in Bangladesh

New Ugandan Report on LGBT Persecution

April 22, 2016

Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) has launched a report titled, “And That’s How I Survived Being Killed”: Testimonies of Human Rights Abuses from Uganda’s Sexual and Gender Minorities. The report is intended to document the many forms of persecution that LGBT identifying individuals in Uganda face. In this report, based on first-hand testimonies, Sexual Minorities Uganda … More New Ugandan Report on LGBT Persecution

The World Congress of GLBT Jews Expanding Membership

April 17, 2016

Congregation Beit Simchat Torah , NYC, rejoins The World Congress At its Annual General Meeting held in Washington D.C. on April 10, the Board of the World Congress of GLBT Jews voted to expand its membership structure and elected new officers. During the 2015-16 period, the organization, a networking resource for LGBTQ Jews from around … More The World Congress of GLBT Jews Expanding Membership

N.C. Gov. McCrory Continues to Misrepresent HB 2 with ‘Meet the Press’ Appearance

April 17, 2016

North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory continues to misrepresent the animus behind the state’s discriminatory anti-transgender law, HB 2, with an appearance on ‘Meet the Press’ this morning. In the interview, McCrory attempted to create cover for himself from the increasing economic fallout directly tied to HB 2 by falsely claiming that other states have similar … More N.C. Gov. McCrory Continues to Misrepresent HB 2 with ‘Meet the Press’ Appearance

South African Police Show no Progress in Case of Lesbian Teen Murder

April 6, 2016

A young lesbian woman, was stabbed to death on the night of her birthday in Katlehong near Johannesburg. Lucia Naido, was murdered in a suspected hate crime close to her from her home on March 19. She was found dying by her horrified mother, who ran outside when she heard her daughter’s desperate screams. It has … More South African Police Show no Progress in Case of Lesbian Teen Murder

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant Signs Anti-LGBT Legislation

April 5, 2016

 TLDEF Condemns Sweeping New Discriminatory Law in Mississippi New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) responded to news that Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant has signed anti-LGBT House Bill 1523 into law today. The Mississippi Legislature passed the bill in a final vote yesterday. The measure allows individuals, religious organizations, and many businesses … More Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant Signs Anti-LGBT Legislation

TLDEF Condemns Sweeping Anti-LGBT Legislation in Mississippi

April 4, 2016

Urges Governor Phil Bryant to Veto Legislation New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) strongly condemns House Bill 1523 in Mississippi and urges Governor Phil Bryant to veto the legislation. The Mississippi Legislature passed the bill in a final vote today. Governor Bryant now has five days to sign or veto the … More TLDEF Condemns Sweeping Anti-LGBT Legislation in Mississippi

Panel Discussion Blasts LGBT Organizations for Racism

April 1, 2016

TV ONE’S NEWS ONE NOW PANEL BACKS MICHAEL SAM, BLASTS RACISM WITHIN LGBT MOVEMENT WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former NFL player Michael Sam was the first openly gay man drafted in NFL history. Today on TV One’s News One Now, his recent comments surrounding racism in the gay community sparked a heated conversation.  Host and managing … More Panel Discussion Blasts LGBT Organizations for Racism

Virginia Governor Vetoes Anti-LGBT Bill

March 30, 2016

Victory: Virginia Governor Vetoes Anti-LGBT Bill, Citing Harms in Other States RICHMOND – Today Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe vetoed a bill that would have allowed businesses and individuals to cite their religious beliefs as a reason to refuse services to LGBT people. In opposing the legislation, the governor said: “Businesses and job creators do not want … More Virginia Governor Vetoes Anti-LGBT Bill

Jerusalem LGBT Pride Murder Impacts the Reclaiming of Zion Square

March 30, 2016

Zion Square, one of the landmarks of Jerusalem in Israel, is set to undergo a redesign project, embracing pluralism and tolerance, evolving through circumstances and the passionate activism of several organizations and individuals. Diverse organizations, ad hoc groups and activists have worked together to bring this extraordinarily progressive plan to fruition, by meeting each Thursday … More Jerusalem LGBT Pride Murder Impacts the Reclaiming of Zion Square

TLDEF Responds to Report of Sexual Assault at Stonewall Inn

March 29, 2016

Police looking for Information regarding the report of  a Sexual Assault Against Transgender Woman at Stonewall Inn New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) responded to news reports that a 25-year-old transgender woman was sexually assaulted last Saturday night in a single-occupancy bathroom at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan’s West Village. The … More TLDEF Responds to Report of Sexual Assault at Stonewall Inn

LGBTQ Families Celebrate Purim in Jerusalem

March 28, 2016

On Thursday last week, LGBT families in Israel celebrated the first ever LGBT family event held by Jerusalem’s LGBT community groups. Members of Jerusalem’s LGBT community celebrated a daylong Purim festival called Puriya b’Tachana. The event, which included arts and crafts projects for children and parents, was promoted as an “LGBTQ-friendly Purim celebration for the … More LGBTQ Families Celebrate Purim in Jerusalem

TLDEF Condemns North Carolina Anti-Trans Student Law

March 24, 2016

North Carolina Law Strikes Down LGBT Protections, becoming First State to Exclude Transgender Students from School Bathrooms and Locker Rooms New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) condemns a new law passed by North Carolina lawmakers and signed by Governor Pat McCrory, which will ban transgender students in schools and all transgender … More TLDEF Condemns North Carolina Anti-Trans Student Law

Facebook Banned Italian LGBT Campaign Against Racism

March 22, 2016

On Monday 21 March (International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination), three Italian LGBT organizations presented a campaign to defeat the prejudices related to ethnic and religious differences and to inform LGBT migrants and asylum seekers about their rights. But a few minutes later, Facebook censored the campaign: a drawing of a bare-chested man … More Facebook Banned Italian LGBT Campaign Against Racism

San Francisco Pride Announces 2016 Community and Organizational Grand Marshals

March 10, 2016

San Francisco Pride has announced two of the winners for Community Grand Marshal and the organizational Grand Marshal for 2016 Pride Celebration and Parade to take place on the last weekend of June, 2016. The 2016 Public and Member’s choice vote for Community and Organizational Grand Marshals for the 2016 San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration … More San Francisco Pride Announces 2016 Community and Organizational Grand Marshals

Florida House & Senate Avert Disaster of Expanded Pastor Protection Bill

March 2, 2016

Legislature to clarify controversial measure and simply reaffirm current law

Screen Shot 2016-03-02 at 8.35.45 AMTallahassee – Avoiding the disastrous route of their Georgia colleagues, the Florida House of Representatives today is expected to pass an amended version of the so-called Pastor Protection bill (HB 43) to limit its scope and send the message that controversial amendments allowing discrimination would not be entertained.

The bill had been widely criticized as a vaguely worded and unnecessary duplication of existing laws that served as a Trojan Horse for more nefarious measures to be added. That was the route Georgia lawmakers took by amending their pastor protection bill last month to allow any individual or faith-based business, for-profit entity, or taxpayer-funded organization to ignore nondiscrimination protections or any law that conflicts with their religious beliefs about marriage. The state is roiling from the public outrage and the economic backlash that has been strong enough to draw the threat of a veto from the Georgia governor. … More Florida House & Senate Avert Disaster of Expanded Pastor Protection Bill

Equality California Endorses 10 Pro-Equality Candidates for State and Federal Office

February 24, 2016

Los Angeles — Equality California today announced the endorsements of 10 strong LGBT allies for office in Congress and the California Legislature. “These candidates represent the length and breadth of the state and come from a variety of backgrounds and experience,” said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California.  “However, they share a commitment to … More Equality California Endorses 10 Pro-Equality Candidates for State and Federal Office

Ugandan President Museveni Has Signed the Perilous Anti NGO Bill

February 22, 2016

Warning: Every organization operating in Uganda,  in association with organizations in Uganda, sending funds to Uganda, placing resources in the hands of Ugandans must re evaluate their positions considering the new NGO ACT of 2016 – or alternatively immediately support those who will challenge this law before publication and implementation.  The window of opportunity is … More Ugandan President Museveni Has Signed the Perilous Anti NGO Bill

GSA Day for Racial Justice

February 19, 2016

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

Five State Senators Kill Basic Protections for LGBT Floridians

February 9, 2016

Today five Senators killed a bill that would have provided basic protections for Floridians regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. By Melanie Nathan, Feb 09, 2016.A motion to reconsider a contentious bill banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people failed in a Senate panel Tuesday, signaling its virtual demise for the 2016 Legislative … More Five State Senators Kill Basic Protections for LGBT Floridians

Housing Discrimination Laws Invoked by LGBT at similar rate to POC and Women

February 9, 2016

New Study: LGBT people, people of color and women use housing non-discrimination laws at similar rates Posted by Melanie Nathan, Feb 09, 2016. LGBT people file housing discrimination complaints based on sexual orientation and gender identity as frequently as people of color and women file complaints based on race and sex, according to a new analysis … More Housing Discrimination Laws Invoked by LGBT at similar rate to POC and Women

Florida Historic First Hearing on LGBT Nondiscrimination

February 4, 2016

The Florida Competitive Workforce Act enjoys bipartisan support Posted by Melanie Nathan,  Feb 04, 2016. The Florida Competitive Workforce Act (HB 45/SB 120) will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee next Monday, February 8th at 1:30 PM. The meeting will be held in Room 110 of the Senate Office Building.  “This is a huge … More Florida Historic First Hearing on LGBT Nondiscrimination

FL House Committee to Vote on Bill Could Lead to ​Extreme Anti-LGBT Legislation

February 3, 2016

Senate Judiciary Committee has stated support for expanding the bill Posted by Melanie Nathan, February 03, 2016. The dangerous and so-called Pastor Protection Act (HB 43/SB 110) is scheduled for its last vote before reaching the House Floor in the House Judiciary Committee tomorrow morning at 9:00a.m. The bill passed through its first Senate committee … More FL House Committee to Vote on Bill Could Lead to ​Extreme Anti-LGBT Legislation

Naming Participants in the Creating Change 2016 LGBTQ Jew Bash Fest

January 31, 2016

The Mob: Who screamed for Israel’s destruction; who displayed hate above unity of purpose; who knew exactly what they were doing and who were the nochschleppers ? SCROLL DOWN for names. By Melanie Nathan, January 30, 2016 Last week the halls of The Hilton Hotel in Chicago, became the scene of a near riot.  The … More Naming Participants in the Creating Change 2016 LGBTQ Jew Bash Fest

Equality California Calls Out National LGBTQ Task Force for Disservice to LGBT Movement

January 26, 2016

“…. conference organizers failed to defend these organizations and correct the false information and gross distortions….,” EQCA By Melanie Nathan, January 26, 2016. Equality California (EQCA) has posted a strong and pointed statement, calling out The National Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Task Force, for its poor handling of the debacle at Creating Change 2016, … More Equality California Calls Out National LGBTQ Task Force for Disservice to LGBT Movement

LGBT Protesters at Creating Change Call for the Destruction of Israel

January 23, 2016

Has Creating Change taken on a New Meaning: Does that Change involve LGBTQ America Supporting Anti Semitism? By Melanie Nathan, January 21, 2016. This week will go down in history as one of the saddest and most destructive, ever, in the lives of LGBTQ Jews.  We became the target of antisemitism disguised as protesting alleged … More LGBT Protesters at Creating Change Call for the Destruction of Israel