Tag: LGBTI

New York Times Sparks Breitbart Article Scapegoating against LGBT Human Rights Advocacy

December 22, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, December 22, 2015. Who has hurt African LGBT people more?  Is that the question?  Ask yourself always – where did it start and unless one fails to place a story in its absolute and full context, then we can be assured there is no truth.  The New York Times published a somewhat … More New York Times Sparks Breitbart Article Scapegoating against LGBT Human Rights Advocacy

Hillary Clinton Policy Plan does not go far enough for Global LGBT needs

December 19, 2015

December 19, 2015 Melanie Nathan, Executive Director, African HRC Candidate for the Democratic U.S. Presidential nomination, former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, has outlined a comprehensive LGBT policy plan for domestic and global LGBT issues. While we at African Human Rights Coalition are grateful to Secretary Clinton for her recognition of the plight of … More Hillary Clinton Policy Plan does not go far enough for Global LGBT needs

Uganda Passes Repressive Anti NGO Bill

November 26, 2015

” Organizations involved with LGBT issues and human rights defenders will be especially hard hit as the onerous legislation will impinge upon basic  freedoms, democracy and human rights. Democracy weeps!” Melanie Nathan, Executive Director,  African Human Rights Coalition. By Melanie Nathan, November 26, 2015. We have received a report that the Ugandan Parliament, today,  passed … More Uganda Passes Repressive Anti NGO Bill

Ugandan Trans Activist Brutally Assaulted by Anti-LGBT Mob

October 22, 2015

  By Melanie Nathan, October 22, 2015. A well known Ugandan transgender activist is in hospital after being beaten by an angry anti-LGBT mob in Uganda, today. Beyonce Karungi, 35, went into hiding after receiving several hate threats. When she emerged, she was attacked by a group of five unknown men, sustaining serious facial and  … More Ugandan Trans Activist Brutally Assaulted by Anti-LGBT Mob

History made as South African Church Votes to Bless Same-sex marriage and Ordain Gay Ministers

October 8, 2015

YES! for Gay People in Dutch Reformed Church – NG Kerk  – There were Tears of joy after the announcement. By Melanie Nathan, October 08, 2015. History was made in South Africa today, when the synod of  what was once probably the most conservative church on the planet, the Dutch Reformed Church, (NG Kerk/ DRC) … More History made as South African Church Votes to Bless Same-sex marriage and Ordain Gay Ministers

Uganda Pride 2015 The Proud and Brave Revisited

August 10, 2015

This week has been a coup for Uganda’s LGBTI community, as yet again, despite the anti-gay atmosphere in that country, the LGBT leadership and community pulled together a great week of Ugandan Pride.. Ugandan Pride has since come a long way – despite the odds- with great overseas interest, and participants from around the world in attendance. … More Uganda Pride 2015 The Proud and Brave Revisited

Calling on Religious Leaders to look at The Face of Murderous Radical Hate

August 2, 2015

Speak Out Now against Scott Lively and other overt haters who spew hate in the name of religious dicta By Melanie Nathan, August 02, 2015. No Religion is exempt from radicalism. When one quotes from scripture, it always boils downs to interpretation- and how things are said. Radical fundamentalism leads to persecution and ultimately murder. … More Calling on Religious Leaders to look at The Face of Murderous Radical Hate

Did President Obama Snub Uganda because of its Anti-Homosexuality Stance?

July 29, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, July 29, 2015. The Ugandan media has named the issue of homosexuality as a reason President Obama may have snubbed Uganda by not visiting that country while on his recent trip to Africa.  The President visited only two countries; Ethiopia and Kenya. I think that President Obama did not overlook Uganda. I … More Did President Obama Snub Uganda because of its Anti-Homosexuality Stance?

Consortium Reports Violations against LGBT People in Uganda Implicating Police

July 23, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, July 23, 2015. A new revealing report on persecution and discrimination against Uganda’s LGBTI community has been released by the Consortium on Monitoring Violations Based on Sex Determination, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. The report refers to 89 verified documented violations in 2014 in Uganda. That was the year the Anti-Homosexuality Act … More Consortium Reports Violations against LGBT People in Uganda Implicating Police

London Vigil on 10th Anniversary of Iran Teen Hangings

July 17, 2015

Stop killing gays – Stop killing kids – The 10th anniversary vigil for boys hanged by Iran | This Sunday London 2-3pm. Never Forget! Posted by Melanie Nathan, July 17, 2015. To mark the tenth anniversary of Iran’s hanging of two teenagers, Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni, the Peter Tatchell Foundation and the African LGBTI … More London Vigil on 10th Anniversary of Iran Teen Hangings

Kenyans March Against Gays Warning Obama No Gay Talk

July 6, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, July 7, 2015. Kenyan anti-gay protesters took to the streets in Nairobi Monday, warning US President Barack Obama not to speak about gay rights when he visits Kenya, “the country of his ancestors,” later this month. (As the Ugandan Monitor put it!) The march today, was organized by the Evangelical Alliance of … More Kenyans March Against Gays Warning Obama No Gay Talk

Vote OPDG for National Diversity Awards 2015

June 19, 2015

June 19, 2015, By Oblogdee. The African Lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersex organization Out and Proud Diamond Group (OPDG) , based in the United Kingom, has been nominated in UK National Diversity Awards 2015 under the category of Community organizations. These awards celebrate the excellent achievements of grass- root communities that tackle the issues … More Vote OPDG for National Diversity Awards 2015

Impressions of Israel by Nigerian LGBT Activist Invited to Tel Aviv Pride

June 15, 2015

June 15, 2015, Posted by Melanie Nathan Respected Nigerian born LGBTI activist and human rights defender, Davis Mac-lyalla, who has personally experienced unconscionable persecution and discrimination, attended what turned out to be Tel Aviv’s largest ever Pride festivities this past week. I asked him to write a brief note about his experience at Pride. Here … More Impressions of Israel by Nigerian LGBT Activist Invited to Tel Aviv Pride

Breakthrough African Academic Report Shows Basis for Anti-Homosexuality Laws Fail Science

June 12, 2015

Crucial tool for lobbying to misinformed African politicians June 11, 2015, by Melanie Nathan This month by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) countering the notions that underpin homophobia and the criminalization of LGBTI people in Africa and the impact on HIV. Eleven respected experts, mostly academic scientists based in South Africa, authored … More Breakthrough African Academic Report Shows Basis for Anti-Homosexuality Laws Fail Science

Kenyan Attorney General Appeals NGLHRC Registration Case

May 19, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, May 19, 2015. The Kenyan Court’s groundbreaking decision which ruled in favor of the regstering the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) as an NGO under the Non-Governmental Organizations Coordination Board Act,  is now being appealed by the Kenyan Government. The Attorney General for Kenya and interested parties filed a … More Kenyan Attorney General Appeals NGLHRC Registration Case

Wedding for Asylum Seeking African Lesbian Couple at San Francisco City Hall

March 31, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, March 30, 2015 After years on the run a young lesbian couple from an African country, surviving terrifying persecution, miraculously made their way to San Francisco where they are seeking asylum.  They will no longer be waiting in the wings as their dream to marry will soon be realized. Back in 2012, … More Wedding for Asylum Seeking African Lesbian Couple at San Francisco City Hall

Outrage at UK Visit by Ugandan Anti-Gay Pentecostal Reverend

March 18, 2015

Please sign the Petition below By Melanie Nathan, March 18, 2015 A Pentecostal reverend, a major anti-gay protagonist, who called homosexuals evil, is set to speak at St James Church, Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire, in the United Kingdom and activists are outraged. The controversial preacher, Rev. Simon Peter Emiau,  General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies … More Outrage at UK Visit by Ugandan Anti-Gay Pentecostal Reverend

LGBTI Activists to Protest Dolce Gabbana Store in London

March 17, 2015

Once Lovers now Homophobes Dolce and Gabbana turncoats | See updated pictures from protest below By Melanie Nathan, March 17, 2015. Dolce & Gabbana have not heard the last of LGBTI global community wrath.  Activists in the United Kingdom are calling for a London Boycott D&G picket which will be held at their Old Bond … More LGBTI Activists to Protest Dolce Gabbana Store in London

Shocking Report Reveals Uganda Police Abuse Gays

February 27, 2015

 By Melanie Nathan, February 27, 2015. A new 27 page report has been published indicating grave violations and human rights abuses in Uganda by Ugandan Police towards people arrested under suspicion of being LGBTI. The report categorically notes that the Ugandan police harass and physically abuse gay (LGBTI) people in custody. Chapter Four Uganda documented … More Shocking Report Reveals Uganda Police Abuse Gays

UNHCR Puts Hold on Registrations of Large Groups of Ugandans

February 20, 2015

Of Large Groups of Ugandans who claim to have an LGBT Profile By Melanie Nathan, February 20, 2015. I reported at African HRC that unscrupulous people may be conducting scams and taking advantage of LGBTI people who seek to escape their countries of origin. Of the several problems that seem to be happening at this … More UNHCR Puts Hold on Registrations of Large Groups of Ugandans

Obama High Horse Reflection Forgot Current Christian Persecution of Global Gays

February 10, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, February 10, 2015. President Obama raised a brow or two when reflecting on extremist violence perpetrated in the name of Islam as not being the only religion used in such egregious a fashion. When the President raised Christianity’s history of tyranny, he failed to reflect on how it is still being used … More Obama High Horse Reflection Forgot Current Christian Persecution of Global Gays

Ugandan Activists David Kato Never to be Forgotten

January 26, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, January 26, 2015. On January 27, 2011, the most outspoken gay rights advocate in Uganda, at a time when the country’s Parliament was considering a bill to execute gay people, was murdered. Today the LGBTI Ugandan community and global activists around the world, remember David Kato Kitsule  and his untimely passing. Kato  … More Ugandan Activists David Kato Never to be Forgotten

President Obama’s Speech and Impact on Global LGBT Persecution

January 21, 2015

By African HRC, January 21, 2015. The American Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community is thanking President Barack Obama this morning for his historic inclusion of all LGBT people in last night’s State of the Union address before the US Congress, the American people, and the world. This is the first time that Transgender people … More President Obama’s Speech and Impact on Global LGBT Persecution

United Kingdom Political Parties Urged to Adopt LGBT Global Human Rights Platform

January 16, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, January 16, 2015. Out & Proud Diamond Group, an international LGBTI organization is urging political parties in the United Kingdom to include in their upcoming General Election Manifesto, a commitment to work toward LGBTI equality and human rights worldwide, especially in Africa. The following has been included in a written appeal appeal … More United Kingdom Political Parties Urged to Adopt LGBT Global Human Rights Platform

One Step Closer for MA Homeless Queer Youth

December 31, 2014

As the Commonwealth enacts law to improve housing and services for homeless youth… By Cathy Kristofferson, December 31, 2014. Two years ago, on January 1st 2013, I posted here on OBLOGDEE about the ongoing plight of homeless queer youth. Every now and then that post gets renewed interest when someone quotes and/or links to it. That happened again … More One Step Closer for MA Homeless Queer Youth

2014’s Most Popular Posts on O-Blog-Dee-O-Blog-Da

December 29, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, December 29, 2014. Out of 506 articles written and posted on O-Blog-Dee-O-Blog-Da during the course of 2014, here are the most popular 36 by reads. The top article about the Ugandan Catholic Church’s Easter message had over 43,000 reads, with 20,000 in its first day of posting. If an article is dated … More 2014’s Most Popular Posts on O-Blog-Dee-O-Blog-Da