Tag: LGBT

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

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

Breaking GetEQUAL Activists Arrested protesting at Marco Rubio’s Office

June 25, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 25, 2013. Three members of GetEqual were arrested an hour ago in a GetEQqual protest action Marco Rubio’s office in Tampa where they protested to draw attention to his antiquated and anti-gay stances on immigration reform and employment discrimination. Those participating in the action and arrested we believe are Barb GetEqual … More Breaking GetEQUAL Activists Arrested protesting at Marco Rubio’s Office

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.

Aunt’s same-sex wedding song going viral

June 23, 2013

 What If We Are Just Like You?/Shannon’s and Lisa’s marriage equality Song by Melanie Nathan, June 22, 2013. Sherri Gray, “straight but not narrow,” shares her love – she wrote this song for niece Shannon and her fiancée, Lisa, a same-sex couple who are getting married this summer. “I wrote this song about equal rights … More Aunt’s same-sex wedding song going viral

Thousands March in Istanbul Trans Pride Parade

June 23, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, June 23, 2013 Even though Turkish security forces yesterday unleashed water cannons to break up a peaceful march in commemoration of those who were killed in the recent Turkish uprising, by all accounts available, Istanbul’s Trans Pride Parade today continued unaffected and was a huge success! There had been a lot of … More Thousands March in Istanbul Trans Pride Parade

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

Trevor Project to mark 15th Anniversary by ringing opening NYSE bell

June 19, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 19, 2013. The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention to LGBTQ youth, will ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Thursday, June 20th.  The organization celebrates its 15th “birthday” this August and will premiere its latest public service announcement, “Ask For Help,” at NYSE. … More Trevor Project to mark 15th Anniversary by ringing opening NYSE bell

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

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

Video of LGBT ENDA Activists Arrested at Boehner’s Office Today

June 13, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 13, 2013. Today eight members of the group Get Equal were arrested while protesting outside speaker Boehner’s office, calling attention to the House’s failure to pursue ENDA, the legislation that would end work place discrimination against LGBT people in America. The protestors were demanding that the speaker hold a floor vote … More Video of LGBT ENDA Activists Arrested at Boehner’s Office Today

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

P.E. Herald Publishes Hate Ad designed to intimidate Gay Community

June 12, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 12, 2013. UPDATED 6/13/20123. P.E. Herald took swift action in  Apologizing to the South African Gay Community for an Ad that was placed on page 3 of their print publication: “The Herald Port Elizabeth – The Herald distances itself from the contents of this advert which goes against the basic tenets … More P.E. Herald Publishes Hate Ad designed to intimidate Gay Community

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

Queerty Publishes Advance Article of a “Disappointing DOMA Ruling”

June 10, 2013

Predicting doom and gloom – or a publicity stunt for ratings – or a desire to jump the gun for SEO optimization- or an embarrassing mistake? By Melanie Nathan., June 11, 2013. In an over zealous attempt to be ahead, popular LGBT blog site QUEERTY, through writer Lisa Keen, jumped the gun by mistakenly hitting … More Queerty Publishes Advance Article of a “Disappointing DOMA Ruling”

Lesbian Fund Raisers and The Ellen Sturtz Fallout

June 8, 2013

AND A Letter from a Get Equal Lead, C.D. Kirven  to the First Lady Explaining the Actions of Ellen Sturtz. The lesbian community was drawn into a controversy this week as Ellen Sturtz, a leader from the group Get Equal, attended a D.C. fundraiser and interrupted the First Lady’s speech calling attention to the fact … More Lesbian Fund Raisers and The Ellen Sturtz Fallout

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