Namibian Appeal Sends Gay Man’s Case Back to Immigration Officials to Reconsider

By Melanie Nathan, March 07, 2022. Namibian immigration officials must reconsider their decision to deny residency to the Mexican partner of a gay Namibian man, the Supreme Court ruled today. Same-sex marriages are not recognized in Namibia, but the courts have gradually extended some protections to gay couples married in other countries. Guillermo Delgado had … More Namibian Appeal Sends Gay Man’s Case Back to Immigration Officials to Reconsider

Malaysia Allows Torture of Muslim Women Convicted of Attempting Lesbian Sex

More than 100 people witnessed the torturing of 2 women who were subjected to Sharia Law’s punitive measure for admitting to attempting to have sex. Two Muslim Malaysian women, aged 22 and 32, were each caned six times in the Sharia High Court in the state of Terengganu, after being convicted of attempting to have … More Malaysia Allows Torture of Muslim Women Convicted of Attempting Lesbian Sex

LGBT Community Mourns the Death of Edie Windsor

By Melanie Nathan,  September 12, 2017 Today millions of LGBTQI Americans will mourn the loss of Edith Windsor. She will be remembered with deep admiration and fondness as an LGBTQI rights icon and champion. Edie passed away peacefully today at age 88.  She touched the lives of so many people beyond her activism and beyond … More LGBT Community Mourns the Death of Edie Windsor

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

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

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

African HRC Calls for Apology from South African Relationship ‘Specialist’ regarding Anti Gay Teaching

“Please let me know if you would be willing to review your material and revise your publication with corrections, and also if you would be willing to issue an apology to the LGBT community. I am not sure how much harm has been done at this point, yet it is never too late to right … More African HRC Calls for Apology from South African Relationship ‘Specialist’ regarding Anti Gay Teaching

My Mom is a Lesbian – A Foster Adopt Child’s Letter to Donald Trump

 “My Mom is a lesbian…” We are told that Donald Trump is scheduled to sign an Executive Order today:  “Establishing a Government-Wide Initiative to Respect Religious Freedom”. The name is a hideous mask – a guise – a ruse.  While it seems to invoke religious freedom, in truth it is an excuse to trample on the constitutional … More My Mom is a Lesbian – A Foster Adopt Child’s Letter to Donald Trump

Tel Aviv Pride Attracts Tens of Thousands of Tourists

Poll Shows Dramatic Increase in Israeli Public Support of LGBT Community Israeli media has reported that 200,000 people attended LGBT Pride festivities as Tel Aviv celebrated its annual Gay Pride Parade on Friday, the largest event of its kind in the Middle East. It is believed that more than 30,000 tourists from around the world, … More Tel Aviv Pride Attracts Tens of Thousands of Tourists

Exiled Gay Pastor Struggles to Survive After Being Outed by LGBT Christian Ministry

This is for those Other Sheep who recklessly expose the names and faces of LGBTI people in Africa. By Melanie Nathan, December 09, 2015. A few months ago, I was contacted by a man identifying himself as a gay pastor from an African country.  The man sought emergency help. He was on the border between … More Exiled Gay Pastor Struggles to Survive After Being Outed by LGBT Christian Ministry

One Million Moms Anti Gay Tirade Against Campbell’s Soup And Foster Kids

TAKE ACTION BELOW – Thanks To Campbell’s Soup for Including Everyone! By Melanie Nathan, November 12, 2015. The anti-gay organization, One Million Moms, is extremely busy, as of late. They have been asserting their fundamentalist extreme right wing prowess by pretending to be ‘morality’ police. When Campbell’s  Soup used a a same-sex married couple with … More One Million Moms Anti Gay Tirade Against Campbell’s Soup And Foster Kids

Sen. Bob Casey Asks DOJ for Guidance on Annulment of Gay Partner Adoptions

By Melanie Nathan, November 02, 2015. Years ago many gay partner couples entered into adoptions thinking that the possibility of marriage would never be a reality in their lifetimes. Entering into an adoption guaranteed these couples certain legal protections like hospital visitations and inheritance rights. In the wake of the recent Supreme Court decisions in … More Sen. Bob Casey Asks DOJ for Guidance on Annulment of Gay Partner Adoptions

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

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

The Importance of Ireland’s Popular YES Vote in the Global LGBT Arena

Why the Irish Vote in favor of marriage equality is so important to Homophobic Countries  and leaders perpetuating lies about LGBTI people By Melanie Nathan, May 24, 2014. Ireland has become the first country in the world to legalize marriage equality by popular vote in a national election. On Friday, May, 22, 2015, Irish voters … More The Importance of Ireland’s Popular YES Vote in the Global LGBT Arena

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

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

LGBTI Activists to Protest Dolce Gabbana Store in London

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

Israel Includes Same-Sex Spouses under Law of Return Immigration

By Melanie Nathan, August 12 2014, Israel has decided that the law of return includes non-Jewish same sex spouses. Directly form the Haaretz report: The Law of Return, which gives Diaspora Jews and non-Jewish family members the right to immigrate to Israel, also applies to legally married same-sex spouses, Interior Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Tuesday. … More Israel Includes Same-Sex Spouses under Law of Return Immigration

Gender Controversial South African Olympian Caster Semenya to Marry Girlfriend

By Melanie Nathan, May 12, 2014. South African world champion athlete and Olympic silver medallist, Caster Semenya, is marrying her fellow athlete, Violet Raseboya. Following her victory at the 2009 World Championships, Semenya had been subjected to gender testing. She was then withdrawn from international competition until 6 July 2010 when the IAAF cleared her … More Gender Controversial South African Olympian Caster Semenya to Marry Girlfriend

Eastside Catholic now planning nationwide “Z-Day” protest

“We are not doing this to get on TV or be famous.  It is time for the Church to change its attitude.  We are going to stick around, no matter what.” By Cathy Kristofferson, January 4, 2014 At the second consecutive Saturday protest outside the Archdiocese of Seattle this afternoon, the students of Eastside Catholic announced … More Eastside Catholic now planning nationwide “Z-Day” protest

Catholic Diocese fires administrator in defiance of Pope’s call not to judge gays

“If someone who is gay seeks the Lord with good will, who am I to judge?” Pope Francis By Cathy Kristofferson, December 19, 2013 The Catholic Church has fired another school administrator for getting same-sex married. Vice Principal Mark Zmuda of Eastside Catholic in Seattle married his husband over the summer. Now that the Catholic diocese of … More Catholic Diocese fires administrator in defiance of Pope’s call not to judge gays

Despite criminalization homosexual acts Botswana educates through LGBTI film festival

By Melanie Nathan, February, 25, 2013. Last week the small Southern African country of Botswana saw a highly unusual and courageous event.  In a country that criminalizes homosexual acts, a film festival was held at the University of Botswana to educate the community on same-gender relationships. According to a report in the local Monitor publication, … More Despite criminalization homosexual acts Botswana educates through LGBTI film festival

President Obama’s Immigration Reform Proposal Does Include Same Sex Couples

A path to citizenship for all, if Obama’s plan is followed and the  U.S. Congress includes binational same-sex couples. Posted by Melanie Nathan, Jan 29, 2013. Today, President Barack Obama announced his support for comprehensive immigration reform that would establish a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and make it possible for US citizens in … More President Obama’s Immigration Reform Proposal Does Include Same Sex Couples

Immigration Policy Snubs Binational Same-Sex Couples as UAFA is excluded from Bipartisan Plan

Bipartisan bound to snub binationals indicative of failed Immigration Equality strategy, as gays tossed under the bus. By Melanie Nathan, January 28, 2013 (nathan@privatecourts.com) A bipartisan group of Senators from both parties revealed today the framework of a broad overhaul of the nation’s immigration laws, including a pathway to citizenship for more than 11 million … More Immigration Policy Snubs Binational Same-Sex Couples as UAFA is excluded from Bipartisan Plan

Senator Arlen Specter Remembered by Lesbian Activist at hearings on UAFA

WATCH VIDEO – Senator Arlen Specter’s service included solicitude and action for same-sex couples denied green cards. By Melanie Nathan, October 15, 2012. It is with great sadness that I note the passing of Senator Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania today.  While I thought I could never forgive him for his interrogation of Anita Hill, I … More Senator Arlen Specter Remembered by Lesbian Activist at hearings on UAFA

LGBT Foreign Policy Applauded AND Human Rights should Start at Home with Fiance Visas and Greencards for Same-sex Couples

Pro-Gay Foreign Policy Applauded,  YET Obama Administration Fails Binationals at home; surely being separated from fiance’s and spouses is a human rights issue too? Melanie Nathan by Melanie Nathan, Dec 06, 2011 Building on pro-gay policies put in place by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, President Obama today ordered overseas federal agencies to fight local … More LGBT Foreign Policy Applauded AND Human Rights should Start at Home with Fiance Visas and Greencards for Same-sex Couples

Watch Immigration Equality’s Rachel Tiven, Admitting Sell out of Same-sex Binational Couples

By Melanie Nathan, 08/10/2011 In the name of Immigration for all, Rachel Tiven Executive Director of Immigration Equality, is seen on this Video justifying  why her organization employed a strategy that served to sell out UAFA – The Uniting American Families Act. UAFA would have provided same-sex binational spouses with greencards.  Instead of pursuing UAFA … More Watch Immigration Equality’s Rachel Tiven, Admitting Sell out of Same-sex Binational Couples

I AM HERE WITH YOU IN THAT FIGHT and yet I give as much as the law allows?

I was skeptical about President Obama’s speech and yet hopeful. The short version of this post is that I was generally pleased. Of course I could highlight what was left out and the uncertainties that remain for our full equality, yet my ‘glass half full’ beckons and I succumb! Admittedly, the strongest language yet from … More I AM HERE WITH YOU IN THAT FIGHT and yet I give as much as the law allows?

AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN

“Hun, we live in a world where peoples are often so full of fear which is usually because of ignorance, – there are all sorts of different families – but they have usually only experienced their own. The unknown teririfies them; so they lash out in this way. What you heard on that ad, was unfair and contorted, but that is how the people who are against the idea of same-sex marriage think they can get other people to join their way of thinking.”

I provided more reassurance as best I could. A few more questions and answers later we arrived at school, and went on with the next two weeks, during which time HC and my four year old accompanied me to various “NO ON 8” rallies; “no on 8, no on 8,” a battle cry still performed by my 4 year old whenever she sees the number 8, whether in the market, at school or in the movies.

More AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN

reBlog ALERT- California Cry – Time is of the Essence – Help needed- Call Now

 Melanie on Lez Get real:- The very same culprits who passed Proposition 8, with all their Mormon funding, individual hate and corporate dollars threatening yet again, are now flooding the Governor with calls to block the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act.  Co-sponsored by our colleagues at Equality California and Sen. Mark Leno, SB 54, … More reBlog ALERT- California Cry – Time is of the Essence – Help needed- Call Now