Tag: LGBT

WND promoting anti-gay Scott Lively’s revisionist Pink Swastika and the call to kill gays

April 20, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, April 20, 2013. The News Publication, WND, with an extreme right wing slant describes itself on its about page as  “an independent news company dedicated to uncompromising journalism, seeking truth and justice and revitalizing the role of the free press as a guardian of liberty.” And continues to note: “We remain faithful … More WND promoting anti-gay Scott Lively’s revisionist Pink Swastika and the call to kill gays

Immigration Equality begs on backs of binationals | Failed strategy has its remedy in death of DOMA

April 20, 2013

Begging for money to fund a failed strategy for immigration inclusiveness is a waste of time, money and resources | It is too late because even if UAFA is included in CIR, it will be the demise of DOMA that get binational spouses their green cards. Immigration Equality has always described itself as the preeminent … More Immigration Equality begs on backs of binationals | Failed strategy has its remedy in death of DOMA

Gay Professor Murdered in Norwood | Carl Mischke More than just another number

April 18, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, April 18, 2013. Prof C Mischke, Faculty of Law, Department of Mercantil, University of Johannesburg An accomplished Professor of law, Carl Mischke, was brutally murdered this week in Norwood, a suburb of Johannesburg where I spent my teens.  Like me he too was a member of the Johannesburg’s LGBTI community and also … More Gay Professor Murdered in Norwood | Carl Mischke More than just another number

San Francisco’s Our Family Coalition Survey Needs You Now

April 17, 2013

PLEASE help spread the word By Melanie Nathan, April 17, 2013. Our Family Coalition is a Bay Area organization committed to promoting the equality and well-being of LGBTQ families. The organization  strives to provide programs responsive to the evolving need of the communities they serve. With many challenges ahead,  OFC needs your critical input; they … More San Francisco’s Our Family Coalition Survey Needs You Now

Pat Buchanan calls for new era of civil disobedience in response to UN’s calls for equality

April 17, 2013

Is this a tacit call to violence? By Cathy Kristofferson, April 17, 2013 Yesterday was day two of the United Nations International Conference on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.  A conference at which Ban Ki Moon, its Secretary General, said: “Religion and culture cannot justify discrimination against gays and lesbians“. Also yesterday, Pat Buchanan penned a … More Pat Buchanan calls for new era of civil disobedience in response to UN’s calls for equality

Keeping the UN Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference Opening Remarks Lively

April 15, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, April 15, 2013 “Ladies, gentlemen, and all those in between” is how Espen Barth Eide, Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, opened the United Nation’s Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity’ conference today in Oslo.  Potential for something good, I thought. He spoke not only of grave human rights violations (in general … More Keeping the UN Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Conference Opening Remarks Lively

Medical schools innovate on care for LGBT patients

April 15, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, April 15, 2013. As Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered patient, especially those who have yet to come out,  and others who are less pronounced in their declaration of being gay, those who live in less accepting  communities, can pose different challenges for doctors and professional medical staff, starting with language and trust.  … More Medical schools innovate on care for LGBT patients

Will Sec. John Kerry do enough to help LGBT international human rights?

April 14, 2013

Press Release invokes questions The struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States’ commitment to promoting human rights.” –President Barack Obama By Melanie Nathan and Cathy Kristofferson April 14, 2013. The Press release:  Secretary of State John Kerry has … More Will Sec. John Kerry do enough to help LGBT international human rights?

Housing Discrimination against Gays, Lesbians, and Poor Still Legal in Most States

April 12, 2013

National Fair Housing Alliance Report Calls for Modernizing Fair Housing Act to Include Protection for LGBT People and Source of Income By Melanie Nathan, April 13, 2013. Washington, DC – Today the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) released “Modernizing the Fair Housing Act for the 21st Century,” its 2013 Fair Housing Trends Report.  This year’s … More Housing Discrimination against Gays, Lesbians, and Poor Still Legal in Most States

$300 billion in federal contracts granted where no LGBT job protections exist

April 10, 2013

20% of the American workforce is ‘dreaming and waiting’ for you, Mr. President…  By Cathy Kristofferson, April 10, 2013 Following the Supreme Court hearings on marriage equality, I wrote a piece here on this BLOG titled ‘Marriage is nothing without job protections’.  One of the described protections that could be put in place was an executive … More $300 billion in federal contracts granted where no LGBT job protections exist

USAID announces LGBT Global Development Partnership

April 9, 2013

$11 million, four-year initiative to further LGBT equality worldwide By Cathy Kristofferson, April 08, 2013 Following the United Nations’ historic resolution endorsing LGBT human rights in 2011, President Obama issued a mandate to all agencies involved with foreign aid and development to “enhance their ongoing efforts with governments, citizens, civil society, and the private sector … More USAID announces LGBT Global Development Partnership

Zambian Police Hunting Homosexuals and Arrest HIV/AIDS Activist

April 9, 2013

Zambia – LGBTI Community under attack as scapegoats- as government discusses contentious issues in the draft constitution… By Melanie Nathan, April 09, 2013. This evening, prominent HIV/Aids activist Paul Kasonkomona was picked up from Muvi TV station in Lusaka’s mass media area by Woodlands police for questioning after his appearance on a live program called … More Zambian Police Hunting Homosexuals and Arrest HIV/AIDS Activist

Dutch Pride flags at half mast, thousands set to protest Putin visit

April 8, 2013

Putin’s  proposed ban on homosexual ‘promotion’ just as Scott Lively drew it up… By Cathy Kristofferson, April 08, 2013 Update from Amsterdam press conference: When asked today about whether gay rights are violated in Russia, in true bigot form Putin responded with a comparison to pedophilia: “Can you imagine an organization promoting pedophilia in Russia? … More Dutch Pride flags at half mast, thousands set to protest Putin visit

‘Iron Lady’ Margaret Thatcher has died

April 8, 2013

Gay icon, or just a supporter of ‘individual liberty’? By Cathy Kristofferson,  April 08, 2013 The BBC is reporting that The Iron Lady ex-Prime Minister Lady Margaret Thatcher has died.  Thatcher, a staunch conservative, supported the decriminalization of homosexuality back in 1967.   As PM her government later legalized homosexuality in both Scotland and Northern … More ‘Iron Lady’ Margaret Thatcher has died

Breaking ground in South Africa with a traditional Zulu gay wedding

April 7, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, April 07, 2013. South Africa is a leader in the world of equality, enjoying an all inclusive constitution, where same-sex marriage is legal and discrimination against LGBTI people outlawed. However that has not stopped homophobia and fear to embrace LGBTI South Africans as fully equal. This video  and the report of the … More Breaking ground in South Africa with a traditional Zulu gay wedding

San Francisco Pride expects bigger crowd due to SCOTUS Prop 8 and DOMA decisions

April 4, 2013

SF Pride is looking for medical volunteers By Melanie Nathan,  April 04, 2013 In an announcement naming Rock Medicine a partner in services to San Francisco Pride this year, organizers noted that this June, San Francisco Pride will need as many medical volunteers as possible because they will be expecting an increase in Pride attendees … More San Francisco Pride expects bigger crowd due to SCOTUS Prop 8 and DOMA decisions

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. as a leader in equality for all

April 4, 2013

Believing that Dr. Martin Luther King would have stood for marriage equality. By Melanie Nathan, April 04, 2013. When Dr. Marin Luther King, Jnr. was assassinated on April 04, 1968,  I was a small child in South Africa, living apartheid.  I came to the United States in 1985, before apartheid ended, expecting a country that … More Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. as a leader in equality for all

Johannesburg Gay Pride Cancelled as Board Dissolves

April 3, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, April 04, 2013. The board of Johannesburg Gay Pride Festival Company (JGPFC) has voted to wind up the Section 21 (not-for-profit­) company that has produced ‘Joburg Pride’ over the past seven years. The voluntary winding up of JGPFC  was decided by an unanimous resolution at a board meeting held on Wednesday, 13 … More Johannesburg Gay Pride Cancelled as Board Dissolves

After the Apology demands that HRC be all inclusive on all issues

April 2, 2013

Will HRC put its money where its mouth is? By Melanie Nathan, April 1, 2013 Thousands of LGBT community members and allies showed up at the steps of SCOTUS this past week to support marriage equality, and many were there because of the extraordinary organizing efforts of a coalition of LGBT organizations under the title, … More After the Apology demands that HRC be all inclusive on all issues

Ugandan anti-gay pastors hold hate rally next to gay hero David Kato’s grave

March 31, 2013

“Say No To Homosexuality” Campaign officially launched By Melanie Nathan, March 31, 2013. Ugandan Pastors Solomon Male & Rev. Musoke are conducting an anti gay rally next door to David Kato ‘s burial grounds in Mukono Uganda to not only further persecute LGBTI Ugandans, calling for hate in the name of Christianity, but also to … More Ugandan anti-gay pastors hold hate rally next to gay hero David Kato’s grave

Activists ‘seeing red’ over HRC antics at SCOTUS hearings

March 29, 2013

as the Human Rights Campaign exhibits their typical lack of inclusivity… By Cathy Kristofferson, March 29, 2013. During the SCOTUS trials the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) convinced many in the Facebook world to change their avatars to red.  Following the hearings many activists are seeing a different red now that two incidents – insulting both the … More Activists ‘seeing red’ over HRC antics at SCOTUS hearings

Historic Marriage Equality events underway across the United States

March 24, 2013

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

Headline Speakers Announced for Tuesday, March 26 Marriage Equality Gathering at Supreme Court

March 23, 2013

Civil rights,  religious,  Republican, military leaders and families to speak at historic event By Cathy Kristofferson,  March 23, 2013 Supporters of marriage equality will gather at 8:30am Tuesday morning on the steps of the Supreme Court before the first of two marriage equality hearings. The speakers will include an impressive collection of civil rights activists, … More Headline Speakers Announced for Tuesday, March 26 Marriage Equality Gathering at Supreme Court

Uganda Speaker Kadaga nominated for San Francisco Pride most harmful to gays Pink Brick award

March 20, 2013

PLEASE VOTE \ at http://www.sfpride.org/vote/ By Melanie Nathan, March 21, 2013 UPDATED 3/21/2013. : After informing the San Francisco Pride Board that Ugandan activists were horrified by this nomination and concerned about the harmful backlash that could follow, the Pride organizers agreed to remove Kadaga from the site as a nominee.  They were apologetic for … More Uganda Speaker Kadaga nominated for San Francisco Pride most harmful to gays Pink Brick award

Equality is waiting, History is watching….

March 20, 2013

How long will we have to wait to get our Constitution’s promise of  Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness? By Cathy Kristofferson, March 20, 2013. The United in Marriage: Light the Way to Justice coalition has reached 160+ events in all 50 states and Washington D.C.  before and during the Supreme Court oral arguments … More Equality is waiting, History is watching….

Ugandan President Museveni seems to make case against Anti-Homosexuality Bill in visit with Kerry Kennedy

March 19, 2013

The Ugandan Parliamentarians should note that the President of Uganda makes the case that Anti–gay legislation is unnecessary  By Melanie Nathan, March 19, 2013. According to Ugandan press, a delegation of USA human rights activists, led by Kerry Kennedy, the president of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, met with Ugandan … More Ugandan President Museveni seems to make case against Anti-Homosexuality Bill in visit with Kerry Kennedy

Changing America and Bayard Rustin as we head to D.C. to rally for marriage equality

March 18, 2013

VISIT SMITHSONIAN EXHIBIT AND ASK PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR A MEDAL OF FREEDOM FOR BAYARD RUSTIN Posted by Melanie Nathan, March 18, 2013. On Bayard’s 101st birthday (March 17), we are well into the 50th anniversary year of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.  Many consider the March the highpoint of the African-American civil … More Changing America and Bayard Rustin as we head to D.C. to rally for marriage equality

Video Hillary Clinton talks about the importance of marriage equality

March 18, 2013

‘That more perfect union promised to us all” Hillary Clinton By Melanie Nathan and Cathy Kristofferson, March 18, 2013. Former Secretary of State speaks out about marriage equality and respect for LGBT Americans, through her international experience and as a mother. “Full and Equal rights and deserve full citizenship -“ Marriage is a fundamental building … More Video Hillary Clinton talks about the importance of marriage equality

Islamists preaching hate against gays blocked at East London University

March 18, 2013

University & student union fail to publicly condemn preachers London – 18 March 2013 – The University of East London (UEL) blocked an Islamist meeting that was due to be held on the Stratford campus last Friday, 15 March. The meeting was billed as featuring hate preachers Khalid Yasin and Jalal Ibn Saeed. The meeting … More Islamists preaching hate against gays blocked at East London University

Red White and Blue is for ALL as LGBT Americans prepare Marriage Rally Signs for SCOTUS

March 17, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, March 17, 2013. nathan@privatecourts.com Further to our post yesterday, (http://oblogdeeoblogda.me/2013/03/16/rallies-across-the-united-states-for-marriage-equality/)  about the LGBT community and supporters converging on D.C. to attend the events surrounding  the SCOTUS opening arguments for marriage equality in the DOMA and Prop 8 cases, and the 150 nationwide events, to rally in support of marriage equality and full … More Red White and Blue is for ALL as LGBT Americans prepare Marriage Rally Signs for SCOTUS