Featured stories about LGBTQ+
Stories about LGBTQ+
Tatar language activist who identifies as queer: ‘Under the influence of the modern Russian state, Central Asian politicians are trying to implement similar anti-gay policies’
Interview with Tatar queer language activist Marsel Ganeyev, whose aim is to „help minorities reconnect to their roots or overcome the emotional trauma"
Undoing colonialism in gender diversity discourse in the Philippines
Colonized by Spain, the US, and Japan, the Philippines has a long history of discourses imposed on its own traditions, including the ones related to gender identity and fluidity.
The 11th Gay Games are happening in Hong Kong and very much watched
The games' attendees must agree to be filmed by police or security staff “for the purpose of ensuring public security at the Event and preventing crime.”
In Georgia, backsliding has taken over culture and art, says a new report
Those who spoke to PEN American said the repression reminded them of the Soviet occupation, "during which all art and culture was systematically repressed or exploited for government propaganda purposes."
In Azerbaijan, public transportation does not welcome trans passengers
Public transportation become a place where transphobic stares, harassment and threats of violence are rampant.
In Taiwan, Asia's largest Gay Pride event celebrates gender and sexual diversity
Here is a photo-essay showcasing Taiwan's 21st Gay Pride event in Taipei, also known as Asia's largest visibility event for the LGBTQ+ community, with about 170,000 participants this year.
Without official data about trans population in Brazil, civil initiatives try to translate reality
Non-governmental organizations and entities have been the source of data that help visualize what the population of trans people and travestis experience in Brazil, amid the absence of official surveys.
A deep dive into Taiwan's drag scene ahead of Pride 2023
As Taiwan is holding East Asia's largest LGBTQ+ Pride event in late October, local drag shows are experiencing something of a come-back in the island's art scene.
Landmark decision: Supreme Court of India rejects same-sex marriage
On October 17, 2023, a five judge bench of the Supreme Court of India has ruled against legalizing same-sex marriage in a unanimous verdict. This judgment has sparked concerns among LGBTQ+ activists.
Undertones: Transwomen in Pakistan reclaim their ancestral heritage
While Western far-right narratives take root in Pakistan, the queer community endeavors to remind citizens that they have always been there
Brazil: Communicators and activists from marginalized communities discuss online harassment and how they protect themselves
More than half of the journalists, communicators and influencers surveyed said they had received threats or been intimidated online, while 46 percent reported that they had already suffered hacking attempts on social media profiles
Snapshots of an LGBTQ+ immigrant and refugee community in Brazil
For five years now, an organization serves as network and a platform for empowering women and transgender individuals who face challenges related to migration, gender, and sexuality in São Paulo, the largest city of Brazil
Pakistan's transgender community faces increased challenges ahead of elections
In May 2023, the Federal Shariat Court in Pakistan cancelled three sections of the the Transgender Persons Act, prompting the halting of gender-based registration of transgender people and limiting their voting rights.
A queer artist’s quest for sexual liberation in Thailand
Patthakarn Sadubtham "tries to use art as a medium to alleviate the hardships that many gay individuals, some still compelled to remain in the closet, have had to endure."
#VoicesOfChange: Lorena Duarte fights for the rights of trans women in Colombia
"Today, more and more trans women are finishing their studies and becoming professionals," explains activist Lorena Duarte.
In Azerbaijan, one young queer activist is defying boundaries
Existing legislation in Azerbaijan does not address hate crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation. There is also no law on bullying despite advocacy efforts of activists.
Hong Kong top court says city must implement legal framework for same-sex relationships
HK’s top court: the government has not fulfilled its constitutional duty to provide any legal framework for same-sex relationships to be recognised.
The story of a transgender person in an occupied city in Ukraine
Knowing the homophobic Russian state policy, members of the LGBTQ+ community tried to avoid the Russian occupiers, fearing they might face increased persecution because of their gender or sexuality.
Gay couple fled from Russia to Moldova due to war and homophobia
After fleeing Russia due to the war and mounting homophobia, the couple is adjusting to being together without worrying that they could be arrested for being gay
Is the exiled Iranian queer community finally getting acceptance in the Iranian diaspora?
Punishable by death in Iran, homosexuality is also condemned by many member sof the Iranian diaspora. Yet thanks to a few exiled activists, things could be changing outside the country.
Unraveling the crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in several African countries
It is crucial to foster a nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ rights advocacy that respects cultural diversity while upholding the principles of human rights and equality.
