Stories about LGBTQ+
Is the European Union applying a practical visa policy on Russia? Interview with activist Almut Rochowanski
We hear a lot of Ukrainian civil society voices, but these are elite voices. For Belarusians, their revolution is still ongoing. For European foreign policy experts, the uprising is over, and it failed.
Societal beliefs and perceptions are the enemies of transgender people in India
Global Voices interviewed Somabha Bandopadhay, a community activist and a legal expert, to discuss the myriad challenges that transgender and hijra people face in India.
LGBTQ+ stigmatization in the Czech Republic: A worrying trend among local politicians
Some conservative Czech politicians and elected officials are instrumentalizing the LGBTQ+ community, accusing it of imposing its "agenda," and are trying to take away their rights.
Armenia is rocked by the suicide of a gay couple
In Armenia, a suicide of a gay couple on October 20 sparked a wave of criticism against existing and widespread homophobia in the country.
Klinika Bernardo pioneers, innovates community health care for HIV patients in the Philippines
"I thought my life had become meaningless. But here I am, helping others live on."
Activists predict homophobic and transphobic violence in Russia, but most avenues of escape are slammed shut
The law on prohibiting "propaganda" from the LGBTQ+ community might trigger homophobic and transphobic violence. Time is running out, and the plea to help needs to be urgently heard.
‘The fight for human rights begins in the kitchen': Interview with Czech writer Radka Denemarková
Following a brutal hate murder in Slovakia, Czech author Radka Denemarkova discusses the models of patriarchy that still shape societies in Central Europe.
Murder of two queer people by far-right teen signals worsening plight of Slovakia's LGBTQ+ community
The October 13 shooting took place at a bar that was a rare safe haven for LGBTQ+ people in Slovakia.
Brazil’s first round of elections: left scores historical wins but bolsonarism still strong
Despite coming in second place by about 6 million votes in the first round, Bolsonaro's allies managed to secure more seats in parliaments and as governors than Lula's candidates, showing his force to mobilize votes.
In Brazil's election year, women in politics denounce recurring threats
In the lead-up to Brazil's 2022 Elections, women in politics have been denouncing threats, which in Brazil is recognized as an electoral crime of political gender violence.
In Turkey, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is on the rise
The organizers, asked for legal changes as well as closure of all LGBT organizations. Their demands were made for the sake of protecting their families and children.
“Those people”: comments by French minister spark questions about homophobia in government
The new government of Emmanuel Macron is currently facing backlash over homophobic comments and stances expressed by some of its members.
Lawmakers try to bar gender and sexuality education in Brazil, says Human Rights Watch
Of the proposals to ban or even criminalize the key concepts of "gender" and "sexual orientation" in all areas of education, 47 passed and at least 20 were still in effect as of May 2022.
Organizers refuse to cancel the 2022 Belgrade EuroPride claiming the government's ban is unconstitutional
Involvement of Kremlin proxies in homophobic protests against EuroPride in Belgrade could indicate Russian malign influence undermining Serbia's strategic orientation of joining the European Union.
Hate speech and disinformation surface in Serbia ahead of the 2022 Belgrade EuroPride
Disinformation and hate speech toward the LGBTQ+ community and human rights supporters have been noticeably on the rise as the Serbian capital Belgrade is preparing to host the 2022 EuroPride during this week.
Queer folks fleeing Azerbaijan: Alone, but liberated
Despite the lack of guarantees for her safety, Banu took a risk and moved to Georgia where she is looking for a job and enjoying her freedom.
Carving a path for LGBTQ+ people through shame, homophobic violence, and bans
People lean towards embracing dignity and pride for what they are. Being “Kazakh” and being “gay” seemed to be mutually exclusive, but we become aware of our rights, our self-worth.
Peruvian trans activist and Harvard student dies in police custody in Indonesia
"I just want to remind you that violating the law doesn't mean that that person deserves to die in detention: extorted, isolated from loved ones, getting transphobic treatments..."
Taiwan withdraws from hosting WorldPride 2025 over naming controversy
The WorldPride 2025 Taiwan Preparation Committee withdrew from hosting the global LGBTQ+ event as the organizer, InterPride, insisted on changing the title of the event from WorldPride Taiwan 2025” to “WorldPride Kaohsiung 2025."
Prague Pride parade is back after a two-year pandemic hiatus: A photo essay
Considered one of the largest in Central Europe, Prague Pride’s parade returned to the streets on August 13 after a two-year hiatus, drawing an estimated 60,000 people.
In Turkey, religious values are used to censor online content
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office claims the music streaming platform approved playlists that were "insulting religious values and state officials."