Stories about Citizen Media from December, 2022
Welcome the new year with these joyful traditions from Latin America
We share some cheerful, curious, superstitious, and adventurous customs from Latin America to say goodbye to the old year and open a new chapter in our lives.
A Buryat voice calling on Russia to decolonize : Interview with Instagrammer Seseg Jigjitova
According to statistics, Russia is home to over 190 ethnic groups in which ethnic Russians account for around 80 percent of the total 146 million population. Yet Moscow maintains a Russian-centric discourse largely inherited from a Soviet colonial tradition. But its invasion of Ukraine has triggered new anti-colonial and anti-war...
The year in review: What the Caribbean looked like in 2022
The stories the Global Voices Caribbean team covered this year saw a stronger leaning towards pressing concerns like the environment and crime.
Trinidad & Tobago's calypsonian Black Stalin, the quintessential ‘Caribbean Man,’ dies at 81
A fiercely independent thinker and lyricist, throughout his long and vibrant career Stalin always managed to put a highly original, intelligent spin on the issues of the day.
Climate change, digital authoritarianism and disinformation campaigns ruled in South Asia in 2022
With 2022 nearly over, situations in countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka were extremely difficult. So, what did this year hold in store for South Asia? Read on.
Another attack on LGBTQ+ center in Podgorica highlights the need to protect human rights in Montenegro
Six young thugs armed with metal bars attempted to break into an LGBTQ+ Drop In center in Podgorica. In previous days similar groups of young men issued threats to the staff.
Transgender women are despised, like the Virgin Mary in her day
"I am a mother raising her child. There was no conception in my womb, but for me, it's really a miracle."
Art curator Mark Pereira's murder during a home invasion leaves Trinbagonian netizens nervous about crime
Trinbagonian art dealer Mark Pereira was shot and killed on December 19, apparently during an attempted robbery. The loss has plunged the art community into mourning and reignited concerns about crime.
The Venezuelan diaspora in London seeks ways to save lives in Venezuela
"It is as if the heaviness of migratory grief for so many losses and even regrets has been transformed into a source of honor and an impetus of solidarity and brotherhood."
Cartoonist Kianoush Ramazani: Hope in Iran during turbulent times
Award-winning political cartoonist and activist Kianoush Ramazani offers his thoughts on the Iranian people's resilience during the current demonstrations and the place of political cartoons among other forms of expression.
The climate crisis is a water crisis in the Himalayas
Climate change is heating up the Himalayas faster than the global average, disrupting this water cycle. The rains are becoming more erratic, groundwater is depleting, and glaciers have shrunk.
Did 2022 see the Caribbean become more ‘gay-friendly'?
While Barbados is the latest regional territory to deem its "buggery" laws unconstitutional, there has been some confusion — and even legal reversals — over LGBTQ+ rights in other Caribbean nations.
Twitter Space: What’s next for the Aragalaya movement in Sri Lanka?
Read excerpts from our Twitter space on Sri Lanka's notable Aragalaya movement. Find the full audio here.
In the midst of Trinidad & Tobago's parang season, calypsonian Singing Francine passes on
Her music had a melodious quality, with strong hooks that encouraged listeners to sing along, no matter how serious the topic — a mellifluence that helped her seamlessly transition to parang.
The journey of Trinidad's parang music, in one informative podcast
"Parang is not just a music of joy at the birth of Christ, but also tells part of the story of conquest and conversion."
Colmena: an open source media platform connecting Indigenous and rural communities
"The name 'Colmena', for me, represents a commitment to diversity."
Latin Americans still invest in cryptocurrency despite crisis
These assets are considered to provide a safe haven of value in the face of unstable economies.
Popular TikToker Nekoglai tells of torture by Russian police
The TikToker's example shows that videos with some political and oppositional content may be as popular among young audience as entertainment ones.
Twitter account “No Context Russia” is sad yet hilarious
A Twitter account shows images from Russia without context, portraying the country in sad and ironic tones.
Nigerian student arrested after calling First Lady ‘fat from corruption’ on Twitter
Last year, the Nigerian government suspended Twitter for seven months, lifting the embargo in January after Twitter agreed to the conditions made by the government, which further clamps down on the digital rights of Nigerian citizens.
‘In Ecuador, disinformation has spread like a fungus,’ says Ecuadorian investigative journalist
"Most politicians resort to the tactic of hiring an advertising agency to campaign, but the troll center is part of the deal."