Stories about LGBTQ+ from February, 2011
Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica: The Facts About Banton
Globewriter comments on the shocked reactions to the Banton verdict: “The fact is there is video of Buju Banton chatting with federal agents and tasting the cocaine…and he is now convicted. What is the problem?”
St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Outcry Over Molestation Charges
‘Three male teachers were questioned/detained on charges of gross indecency and acts of lewdness with their male charges”, causing a firestorm of reaction in St. Vincent. Abeni hopes to bring some reason to the debate, saying: “In the hysteria over a story that is yet to be proven we cry...
Portugal: Fight against prejudice on transgenderism
In her blog, Eduarda Santos – a portuguese advocate for transgender rights – points several examples [pt] of transphobic prejudice by the mainstream media. In January she had posted a thorough analysis [pt] of President Cavaco Silva's enactment against the change of name and gender of transsexual people.
Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago: The Gay Agenda
Could prioritizing the gay agenda be diverting attention from more pressing issues? Iván's File Cabinet explores the possibilities, while gspottt says the Trinidad and Tobago government “has its priorities on GLBT issues wrong.”
Trinidad & Tobago: Same Sex Marriage
Lisa Allen-Agostini thinks “it’s great that we have begun to think about the question of same-sex marriage in Trinidad and Tobago…[but] we have a long way to go–legally as well as socially–before we can make it an option for our people.”
Malawi/Uganda: Pushing the gay agenda
What is the best method for pushing the gay agenda in Africa?: “Malawi is playing the ‘foreign aid tied to homosexuality promotion’ card. It is a tough one…But, we cannot underestimate the value that that card has. Here is the Malawi government. Apparently, aid is refused on the grounds that...
Africa: Reporting LGBTI news in East Africa
Kenne discusses shallow reporting on LGBTI topics in East Africa: “It’s about time queers started consciously nurturing their stories and those of their own so as not to be robbed of our dignity and integrity by the press, out to ‘tabloidize’ anything not directly related to politics.”
Trinidad & Tobago: Watching Egypt
Globewriter is “gripped” by the unfolding situation in Egypt, saying: “It is analogous to numerous other struggles going on within countries by groups of people who demand the right to be heard”, while Antilles reaches for the poems of Martin Carter: “Their ferocity seems recharged by the images and stories...
Cuba: Legalising Prostitution?
“The Cuban regime does not accept the practice of prostitution”: Iván's File Cabinet makes a case for why it should.
Peru: Gay Marriage Becomes Presidential Election Issue
Same-sex marriage has been debated for some time, and its possible legalization has become a part of the election platforms of presidential candidates in Peru. This follows the rejection of the matter by a representative of the Catholic Church. The issue has generated many diverse reactions.
Cameroon: EU Grant Sparks Homophobia Row
A few days after the slaughter of gay rights activist David Kato in Uganda, another gay-rights related issue has come under the spotlight in Cameroon. European Union funding of Alice Nkom's project about raising awareness on LGBT issues in the country has sparked a debate.
Uganda: War of words at David Kato's funeral puts spotlight on Anglican Church
Ugandan gay-rights advocate, David Kato, was slain on January 26, 2011. At David Kato's funeral the presiding Anglican minister ranted against homosexuality. The Anglican leadership in Uganda has been very supportive of the anti-gay rhetoric.
