Stories about LGBTQ+ from May, 2011
Cuba: Reflections on the Conference Against Homophobia
Blogger and gay activist Francisco Rodríguez Cruz reflects on the most recent Cuban Conference Against Homophobia [es].
Russia: Moscow Pride 2011
This year's Moscow Gay Pride event ended in clashes almost as soon as it began, at least 18 gay rights activists and 14 of their opponents are reported to have been arrested, and a journalist who had blogged about her reasons for attending the rally ended hospitalized with a concussion.
Trinidad & Tobago: Gay Rights
gspottt thinks that “it’s impressive that the Ministry is interested in attitudes to homosexuality; and notable that the poll [about equal rights for homosexuals] was commissioned by the last government”, but maintains that “it’s a matter of how you ask the question.” Photos and video of Trinidad and Tobago's first...
Slovenia: Law on Mayor/MP Conflict of Interest; New Family Code
Sleeping With Pengovsky reports that “a law establishing a conflict of interests between holding an office of mayor and MP at the same time” has been passed in Slovenia, and also writes about the attitudes towards “the new Family Code which – among other things – was meant to allow...
Puerto Rico: Review of Performance “Esquina Periferia”
The artist, professor and blogger Bernat Tort reviews the most recent artistic performance [es] created by the actor, dancer, and musician Eduardo Alegría, titled “Esquina Periferia.”
Guyana: Caribbean Law
Signifyin’ Guyana interviews regional legal expert Abiola Inniss about her new book and possible “solutions to some of the major issues which plague Caribbean law today.”
Iran: “We are Everywhere” Campaign Against Homophobia
This year, on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, several Iranians raised their voices by launching a “We are everywhere” campaign, on YouTube, Facebook and blogs against homophobia worldwide. In Iran, homosexuality is punishable by death.
Armenia-Azerbaijan: Eurovision Diplomacy?
Global Voices’ Caucasus Editor rounds up opinion to the possibility that winning this year's Eurovision Song Contest could contribute to change in Azerbaijan. The post looks at the situation in terms of LGBT and political rights, in addition to the ongoing conflict with Armenia over the disputed territory of Nagorno...
Costa Rica: Day Against Homophobia
Costa Rica celebrated the International Day Against Homophobia on May 17, and both online and offline people celebrated sexual diversity.
Bermuda: Gay Rights = Human Rights
Wishful Thinking says that “discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation” is a human rights issue and asks compatriots to “send a message that we've waited long enough and leave no doubt in the minds of our parliamentarians that we expect action now.”
China: Chinese Gays Profess Their Love On Stage At Beijing Concert
Fauna from ChinaSMACK translates the reactions of Chinese netizens towards the coming out of a gay couple n stage in front of a noisy crowd at the Beijing Chuan Zi Concert.
Cambodia: Blog to promote LGBT welfare
Cambodia LGBT Pride! is a blog established by volunteers who “work together with NGOs and local businesses to reduce discrimination based on sexuality and co-ordinate events to help nurture and strengthen the LGBT community in Cambodia.”
Macedonia: Report on Sexual & Health Rights of Marginalized Communities
The Coalition for Protection and Promotion of Sexual and Health Rights of Marginalized Communities has recently published [mk] its annual Report on sexual and health rights of marginalized communities in the Republic of Macedonia for 2010, available for download as a single e-book with Macedonian and English text documenting over...
Lebanon: Against Homophobia
LebIDAHO is a new initiative by seven Lebanese LGBT bloggers in preparation for Lebanon’s International Day Against Homophobia. It calls on its readers to write about their personal experiences regarding homophobia.
Azerbaijan: Eurovision Pride
Scary Azeri comments on her country's success in this year's Eurovision Song Contest by saying that she doesn't understand how ecstatic many of her fellow Azerbaijanis are about their victory. In particular the blog notes the high level of poverty in the country while also wondering if Eurovision fans from...
South Africa: Homophobia Hurts
Free Gender is a black lesbian organisation based in Khayelitsha township of Cape Town, South Africa: “As human rights defenders, we are also gender friendly towards transgender and intersex persons in our community. The organisation was founded in 2008 and have since participated in various protests/ political meetings/ guest talks...
Uganda: Police Paint Protesters Pink
Ugandan police have responded to the past month's ongoing Walk to Work protests by spraying protesters with tear gas and live bullets. During a demonstration on Tuesday, they took a different tack, firing water cannons filled with pink liquid at demonstrators who were attempting to walk to Constitution Square in the center of Kampala.
South Africa: Corrective Rape Claims Another Victim
The unending cases of "corrective rape" that have plagued South Africa at alarming levels are still on the rise. Corrective rape is a criminal practice, whereby men rape lesbian women, purportedly as a means of “curing” the woman of her sexual orientation. The latest victim is a twenty-four year old soccer player from Johannesburg who was stabbed to death minutes after dropping off her girlfriend.
Brazil: Internet Users Commemorate Legal Recognition of Gay Civil Unions
On Thursday, Brazil's Supreme Court recognized civil unions for same-sex couples. The historic decision, which brings an end to the legal discrimination of homosexuals, dominated conversations both virtual and otherwise.
Cuba: Activities Against Homophobia
Blogger and journalist Francisco Rodríguez Cruz discusses [es] the history of, and his participation in, the Cuban Symposium against Homophobia [es], which celebrates it fourth edition this May with events all over the island.
Georgia: Human rights precedent in the Caucasus
Unzipped: Gay Armenia reports that the first case against homophobia displayed by police in dealing with a LGBT activist in Georgia has been submitted to the European Court of Human Rights. Also the first such case from the Caucasus, the blog notes the important precedent it represents.
