Tag: LGBTI

Jubilation as Botswana High Court Rules to Decriminalize LGBTI

June 11, 2019

Botswana became the latest country to decriminalize LGBTI individuals  Tuesday when the High Court rejected as unconstitutional sections of the penal code that punish same-sex relations with up to seven years in prison. Jubilant activists in the packed courtroom cheered the unanimous decision in the southern African nation. It came less than a month after Kenya’s … More Jubilation as Botswana High Court Rules to Decriminalize LGBTI

Three Must See LGBTQI Films at Frameline

June 10, 2019

I am so excited to announce African Human Rights Coalition as Co-presenter at Frameline! Hope to see you at the famed Castro Theater! UNSETTLED, DIR Tom Shepard 2019 USA, Produced with Jen Giloman, 88 min,In English: Sunday, June 23 at the Castro theatre at 1PM  In this powerful documentary, acclaimed director Tom Shepard (Scout’s Honor, Frameline25) follows four LGBTQ+ refugees … More Three Must See LGBTQI Films at Frameline

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

June 10, 2019

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

March 24, 2019

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

Hostile Host Countries further the persecution of LGBTI Refugees in Africa

March 22, 2019

A Critical frontier for Human Rights Advocacy – Melanie Nathan (2019) – the subject of 2 Articles in global press- Harpers and Mamba-Online – elucidating a critical mess for LGBTQI refugees!  This week two articles have been written by accomplished journalists at two different corners of the world, reflecting on the stories of refugees attempting to avail … More Hostile Host Countries further the persecution of LGBTI Refugees in Africa

Kenyan Court Postpones much anticipated ruling on Criminalization of Homosexuality

February 22, 2019

The much anticipated ruling in the case challenging the Kenyan anti-Homosexuality Clauses of the Penal Code which criminalizes homosexuality has been postponed. Eric Gitari v Attorney General & another (Petition no. 150 of 2016), brought by the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) challenges Sections 162 a) c) 163, 165, of the Kenyan Penal … More Kenyan Court Postpones much anticipated ruling on Criminalization of Homosexuality

Groundbreaking LGBTI Study Shows Ugandan Parents Anger, Denial and Stigma

February 20, 2019

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

Agriculture and Forest Products Industry Leaders Gather to Support LGBT Diversity

February 19, 2019

Portland, Oregon – The Cultivating Change Foundation hosted its third annual reception in Oregon to celebrate the love of agriculture and agriculturists on Friday, February 15.  The Foundation’s mission is one-of-a-kind: to value and elevate lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals in the agricultural industry through advocacy, education, and community.  It’s a unique mission … More Agriculture and Forest Products Industry Leaders Gather to Support LGBT Diversity

LGBT Refugee Peaceful Protest Turns Violent at UNHCR Compound in Kenya

December 11, 2018

Kenya is a hostile host to LGBTI refugees:– Thirty LGBTI Refugees in Kakuma Camp, Kenya, mostly Ugandans participating in an approved peaceful demonstration, tried to deliver a document to UNHCR, but after being refused entry into the compound were viciously attacked by police.  I have reached out to UNHCR for comment and will update accordingly. The conditions … More LGBT Refugee Peaceful Protest Turns Violent at UNHCR Compound in Kenya

South Africa’s LGBTQ March Calling Shame on Tanzania and Uganda

November 28, 2018

It is imperative that South Africa lead the movement to decriminalize homosexuality in Africa. And two major events have occurred this past month in South Africa, in what seems to me an historic push for such leadership.  Earlier this month Johannesburg Pride took the bold move of sending an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, … More South Africa’s LGBTQ March Calling Shame on Tanzania and Uganda

South African President Ramaphosa Must Take the Lead for Journalists and LGBTQ in Africa

November 14, 2018

South Africa’s history and legacy compels it to do more when it comes to human rights on the Continent of Africa! To speak out and to offer a diplomacy of insistence. Most countries in Africa have suffered the oppression and ills metered out by Colonizers. It is a long history. It is a large continent. … More South African President Ramaphosa Must Take the Lead for Journalists and LGBTQ in Africa

Anti-Gay Extremist Scott Lively Loses on This One!

August 11, 2018

Appeals Court Bats Away Anti-Gay Extremist Scott Lively’s Attempt to Censor Judge This week the First Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed anti-gay extremist Scott Lively’s attempt to appeal a ruling from the district court to remove language that harshly criticized his role in the persecution of the LGBTI community in Uganda in the case Sexual … More Anti-Gay Extremist Scott Lively Loses on This One!

Ugandan Minister of Ethics Bans HIV/AIDS Conference

May 14, 2018

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

Trump Pence Trans Military Ban is as UnAmerican as a Commander-in-Chief or anyone can get!

March 24, 2018

Imagine an American Commander in Chief turning on American soldiers? That is what Donald Trump did as he sneaks the implementation of his Ban on Transgender people serving in the Military, just yesterday. The White House on Friday announced a policy to ban most transgender people from serving in the US military. Following a Pentagon … More Trump Pence Trans Military Ban is as UnAmerican as a Commander-in-Chief or anyone can get!

Kenyan Court to Hear Case That Challenges Anti-LGBTI Penal Codes

February 20, 2018

This week, the Kenyan Court will be hearing a matter, at Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi, to challenge the Colonial Penal Codes that in essence serve to criminalize homosexuality and target the LGBTI community. The case has been brought by the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC). The case seeks to enforce the … More Kenyan Court to Hear Case That Challenges Anti-LGBTI Penal Codes

New President of Zimbabwe Unlikely Good for Gays

January 26, 2018

Snipers took up positions around the Zimbabwe stadium amid tight security as jubilant Mnangagwa supporters streamed in to hail the new President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as he was sworn in on Friday and LGBT community expect a replay of Mugabe’s virulent anti-homosexuality stance. The man known as “The Crocodile” wore a dark suit, red … More New President of Zimbabwe Unlikely Good for Gays

African HRC Reports on New Delays for LGBTI Refugees After Trump Suspension Ends

November 1, 2017

In my capacity as executive Director of African Human Rights Coalition (African HRC), where we advocate for LGBT asylum seekers and refugees from African countries, I report as follows on the African HRC website: : Since the suspension on the United States refugee program has expired, the Trump administration has ordered new measures, supposedly a stronger vetting … More African HRC Reports on New Delays for LGBTI Refugees After Trump Suspension Ends

Trump Admin Failing LGBTI Refugees Bound for U.S.A.

October 24, 2017

Here is what the BBC Reports today (And I have chosen the BBC report to make my point for good reason): “US President Donald Trump will allow refugee admissions to the US to resume while announcing stricter rules for vetting applicants, US media report. It comes as the 120-day ban on refugees expires on Tuesday. … More Trump Admin Failing LGBTI Refugees Bound for U.S.A.

Trumps Muslim Ban To Be Renewed to 10 Countries

September 22, 2017

We are receiving reports that the Trump administration will institute travel restrictions for approximately ten countries by Sunday, when the travel ban for six majority Muslim countries is set to expire. These reports come as the Supreme Court prepares to hear oral arguments in the Muslim and refugee ban case in a few weeks. This travel ban is … More Trumps Muslim Ban To Be Renewed to 10 Countries

A Sad Day for the United States in the United Nations

September 19, 2017

Trump’s Terrifying United Nations Speech September 19, 2017 Statement by Melanie Nathan, Executive Director of African Human Rights Coalition on the speech delivered by the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to the United Nations General Assembly, today: “For a President of a major world power to use the world’s peace-making platform to threaten war … More A Sad Day for the United States in the United Nations

Zanzibar Arrests 20 LGBTI People at HIV/AIDS Education Workshop

September 17, 2017

Police in Zanzibar are reporting that 20 people have been arrested in the Tanzania semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar in an anti-homosexuality raid. The 12 women and eight men were picked up in a hotel where they were receiving training about HIV/Aids education programs. Earlier this year, authorities banned private health clinics from providing HIV/Aids services, … More Zanzibar Arrests 20 LGBTI People at HIV/AIDS Education Workshop

Report Finds Arabic Media Perpetuates Homophobia Transphobia in Region

August 30, 2017

OutRight Action International has launched a new report titled, ‘Arab Mass Media: A Monitoring Report Looking at Sexuality and Gender Identity in Arabic Media from 2014 to 2017.’ The report is available in both English and Arabic. The report monitors widespread local and national newspapers in 14 countries in the Arab region, radio, TV channels, … More Report Finds Arabic Media Perpetuates Homophobia Transphobia in Region

More than 1 Lesson from Thiel’s Affair with Trump

August 10, 2017

I too have had some months to soak in all those Trump assurances.  Not that I was ever stupid enough to believe them: The “oh don’t worry about LGBT rights going backwards, Trump will be great to gays, after all he has ‘Ivanka the Wonderful’, who has sooo many gay friends, she will surely influence … More More than 1 Lesson from Thiel’s Affair with Trump

US Jewish Leaders Plea to Israel for Same-Sex Adoption Rights

July 25, 2017

In response to the growing controversy in Israel regarding adoption by same-sex couples, A Wider Bridge organized a public letter which was published today. The letter, signed by nearly 200 Jewish Community Leaders from across America, calls on the Israeli Ministries of Justice and Social Affairs to treat same-sex couples equally in the adoption process. Lesbian, … More US Jewish Leaders Plea to Israel for Same-Sex Adoption Rights

Critical Truth in Telling Gay Love Stories of Africa

July 24, 2017

By Melanie Nathan, July 24, 2017. The importance in showcasing love stories and the relationship evolution to marriage, illustrating how couples avail themselves of tradition and of the laws that equally pertain to all, is critical to an LGBT movement in Africa-  where homophobia is rampant through the lies that have perpetuated misunderstanding. This outward … More Critical Truth in Telling Gay Love Stories of Africa

LGBT Refugees and Asylum Seekers to March at San Francisco Pride

June 22, 2017

As Vice President of San Francisco Pride Board, I am really proud that SF Pride has provided the platform for this message of resistance, love and this opportunity for awareness: This message is published on the African HRC website as a message of love and hope to LGBTI refugees and asylum seekers, in Africa around … More LGBT Refugees and Asylum Seekers to March at San Francisco Pride

When it Comes to LGBT Refugees here is Food for Thought

June 15, 2017

The work for African Human Rights Coalition has been extensive these past few months – here is a brief report: 1) After weeks of preparation, we  have established a new fund appeal starting today: We have been working for some time to establish a plan to support  200 LGBTI refugees in Kakuma Camp. They need … More When it Comes to LGBT Refugees here is Food for Thought

Court Smacks Scott Lively Across his Immoral Face while Dismissing SMUG Case on Jurisdictional Grounds

June 6, 2017

A Scathing Ruling, Court Affirms SMUG’s Charges Against U.S. Anti-Gay Extremist Scott Lively While Dismissing on Jurisdictional Ground  – Historic Case Has Broken New Legal Ground, Documented Lively’s Campaign of Persecution in Uganda June 6, 2017, New York – Yesterday, a federal court minced no words in affirming that U.S.-based anti-gay extremist Scott Lively aided and … More Court Smacks Scott Lively Across his Immoral Face while Dismissing SMUG Case on Jurisdictional Grounds