How Same-sex Unions Are Rooted in Indian Tradition

Indian LGBTQ+ activists and couples were hoping for a positive verdict from the Supreme Court | RAHUL BAXI
BBC: On Tuesday, India's Supreme Court refused to legalise same-sex marriage, disappointing millions of LGBTQ+ couples and activists. While these unions may still not have legal sanction in India, they were far from rare even centuries ago, experts say.

When author and activist Ruth Vanita attended and taught at the Delhi University - from the 1970s to 1996 - "same-sex love was almost never mentioned in the academy".

Around the same time, she was active in the women's movement, and found that a "similar silence prevailed then in feminist politics as well, both left-wing and right-wing".

"Many of the leading activists in women's groups were lesbians, but they never mentioned or discussed this in activist forums," Prof Vanita, who now teaches at University of Montana, wrote in a 2004 essay.

Fourteen years later, in a historic decision, India's Supreme Court ruled that gay sex was no longer a criminal offence, overturning a 2013 judgement that upheld a colonial-era law - known as section 377 - under which gay sex was categorised as an "unnatural offence".

While some in India voiced concerns that the repeal of the colonial-era law was driving the country toward the adoption of Western ideals of liberalism, Prof Vanita's argument was that history actually demonstrates the contrary. » | Soutik Biswas, India correspondent | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

India Supreme Court declines to legalise same-sex marriage: India's Supreme Court has declined to legalise same-sex unions, dashing the hopes of millions of LGBTQ+ people seeking marriage equality. »

Lebanon LGBTQ+ Activists Say Attacks Are Distraction from Country’s Problems

THE GUARDIAN: Community reports shift from uneasy tolerance to being scapegoated for socioeconomic crisis

An anti-LGBTQ+ protest in Beirut, Lebanon, this month. Photograph: Wael Hamzeh/EPA
When the Christian extremists of Soldiers of God menaced a bar in Beirut’s nightlife district during a drag show, their members had a chilling message for patrons: “We have warned you a hundred times … this is just the beginning.” The group, whose members sometimes carry weapons, have repeatedly threatened places associated with Lebanon’s LGBTQ+ community, accusing them of “promoting homosexuality” amid an increase in homophobic rhetoric from the country’s politicians.

Lebanon has long been considered a bastion of relative tolerance compared with other countries in the Middle East, with gay-friendly clubs, bars and civil society organisations existing in pockets of the capital.

Spaces of relative safety flourished despite growing pressure from conservative elements across Lebanese society. However, LGBTQ+ people say they have noticed a shift from an uneasy tolerance to being scapegoated for the country’s problems. » | Ruth Michaelson | Wednesday, August 30, 2023

LGBT in Tschetschenien | Doku HD Reupload | ARTE

ul 26, 2023 | Der investigative Dokumentarfilm begleitet unerschrockene AktivistInnen, die im Kampf gegen die andauernde Anti-LGBTQ-Verfolgungswelle in der russischen Teilrepublik Tschetschenien ihr Leben riskieren. Durch uneingeschränkte Einblicke und unter Wahrung der Anonymität der Beteiligten berichtet der Film von Grausamkeiten, die medial kaum Beachtung finden.

Seit 2016 findet unter dem tschetschenischen Staatschef Ramsan Kadyrow eine brutale Kampagne zur „Blutsäuberung“ von tschetschenischen LGBT-Personen statt. Es kommt zu staatlich bewilligten Einsätzen, in denen Menschen inhaftiert, gefoltert und hingerichtet werden. Da dieses Vorgehen international kaum verurteilt wird und der Kreml untätig bleibt, ergriff ein breites Untergrundnetzwerk von AktivistInnen die Initiative. Zahlreiche Menschen wurden bereits getötet, noch mehr Personen werden vermisst.

Schlecht ausgerüstete und unterfinanzierte LGBT-AktivistInnen kämpfen für die Einhaltung der Menschenrechte. Sie bieten eine Notruf-Hotline und ein großes UnterstützerInnen-netzwerk, Notunterkünfte, Safe Houses und sicheres Geleit. Sie riskieren ihr Leben, indem sie sich mit Überlebenden treffen und sie über die Grenzposten aus dem Land schleusen. Mittels eines offenen Austauschs mit den AktivistInnen – vom Russian LGBT Network bis zum Moscow Community Center for LGBT+ Initiatives – berichtet dieser Dokumentarfilm von Grausamkeiten, die kaum Beachtung finden, und von den Gefahren, darüber zu sprechen.

In dem Dokumentarfilm kommen hilfesuchende homosexuelle Männer und Frauen zu Wort, die offen ihre Geschichten erzählen. Zur Wahrung der Anonymität derer, die um ihr Leben fürchten und fliehen müssen, verändert France die Stimmen und nutzt Pseudonyme. Außerdem setzt er die neue digitale „Face Double“-Technik ein. So können die Überlebenden ohne Angst vor Repressalien ihre bewegenden und schmerzhaften Geschichten erzählen. Beim Abschluss des Films konnte das LGBT-Netzwerk 151 Menschen helfen, rund 40.000 Menschen leben weiterhin versteckt.

Dokumentarfilm von David France (USA 2020, 103 Min)
Video auf YouTube verfügbar bis zum 11/09/2023


WARNUNG: Diese Dokumentation ist für Kinder nicht geeignet. Auch nicht für empfindliche Leute. Sie enthält etliche grafische Bilder und Szenen, die manche Leute durchaus stören könnten. Vorsicht! – Mark

Neues Gesetz soll „Verständnis“ für sexuelle Minderheiten stärken

LGBTQ IN JAPAN
FRANKFURTER ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG: Als letzte große Industrienation verabschiedet Japan ein Gesetz, dass die Rechte sexueller Minderheiten stärken soll. Ein Satz darin sorgt jedoch für Kritik.

In der Innenstadt von Tokio ist das nichts Besonderes: Der Barista im Hipster-Café trägt Pferdeschwanz und diverse Ohrringe. Vor dem Café laufen zwei Männer Hand in Hand, offensichtlich Touristen, was hier, in der Nähe des Tokyo Towers, niemanden weiter interessiert.

In weiten Teilen der japanischen Gesellschaft sieht das aber noch anders aus – was sich an den jahrelangen Diskussionen um ein Gesetz für mehr Toleranz gegenüber sexuellen Minderheiten (LGBTQ) zeigt. Am Freitag hat es Ministerpräsident Fumio Kishida mit seiner Regierungskoalition nun verabschiedet. » | Von Tim Kanning, Tokio | Freitag, 16. Juni 2023

Saudi Seizes Rainbow Toys in Hhomosexuality' Crackdown | WION Fineprint

Jun 16, 2022 | Saudi Arabia is seizing rainbow-coloured toys and articles of clothing from shops in an apparent crackdown on homosexuality in the kingdom. Officials say the colours send a "poisoned message" to children. Molly Gambhir tells you more

Chase Strangio: Alabama Ban on Trans Youth Healthcare Is Part of Wider GOP Attack on Bodily Autonomy

May 30, 2022 • Alabama has become the first U.S. state to make it a felony to provide gender-affirming medical care to trans youth. The Alabama law is the latest in a series of escalating conservative attacks on LGBTQ people in the United States. "This is all happening in the same context that we're seeing the criminalization of abortion care, that we're continuing to see the massive suppression of votes across the country," says ACLU attorney Chase Strangio, deputy director for trans justice with the organization's LGBTQ & HIV Project. "All of these things are interconnected and creating chaos and fear among individuals, families and communities."

Donald Trump ridiculed for saying teachers shouldn’t ‘teach transgender’ to kids: Former US president Donald Trump – clearly with nothing better to do – has once again attacked trans people at a hate-filled rally. »

Ex-Muslim, LGBTQ, Defiant

Omar (not his real name) tells his story of growing up as a gay ex-Muslim in a country where both homosexuality and apostasy can be met by death. Directed by Sarah Haider, produced and edited by Aurora Creative Media.

Ex-Muslims of North America (EXMNA): If you wish to help them, you can donate here ».

Micky Maus wird zum LGBTQ-Aktivisten

NEUE ZÜRCHER ZEITUNG: Ein neues Gesetz in Florida verbietet den Unterricht über Geschlechtsidentitäten bis zur dritten Klasse. Disney hat deshalb die Spenden an die Republikaner eingestellt und will die Vorschrift bekämpfen. Im Internet entlädt sich ein konservativer Shitstorm.

Das symbiotische Verhältnis zwischen den Micky-Maus-Erfindern und der Republikanischen Partei in Florida steht vor eine Zerreissprobe. | Alisha Jucevic / Bloomberg
Die Beziehung zwischen der in Florida dominierenden Republikanischen Partei und der Walt Disney Company gestaltete sich bisher weitgehend harmonisch. Schliesslich ist der Unterhaltungsriese mit seinen Vergnügungsparks einer der grössten Arbeitgeber im Sunshine State und ein Touristenmagnet. Während die Politik den Konzern mit Steuerentlastungen und anderen Privilegien unterstützte, revanchierte sich die Traumfabrik mit grosszügigen Parteispenden. Gemäss dem «Orlando Sentinel» soll Disney seit Jahresbeginn 2021 mindestens 2,2 Millionen Dollar an politische Kandidaten und Komitees in Florida überwiesen haben. Rund 80 Prozent dieser Gelder seien an die Republikaner und konservative Kreise gegangen.

Am Montag jedoch unterzeichnete der republikanische Gouverneur Ron DeSantis ein neues Gesetz, welches das symbiotische Verhältnis zwischen den Micky-Maus-Erfindern und der konservativen Mehrheitspartei in Florida vor eine Zerreissprobe stellt. Offiziell heisst die neue Regelung «Gesetz für elterliche Rechte in der Bildung». Ihre Gegner sprechen jedoch vom «Sag nicht schwul»-Gesetz, weil es den Unterricht über sexuelle Orientierungen und Geschlechtsidentitäten vom Kindergarten bis mindestens zur dritten Klasse verbietet. Hält sich eine Schulbehörde oder ein Lehrer nicht an diese Vorschrift, können Eltern gegen sie klagen. » | Christian Weisflog, Washington | Freitag, 1. April 2022

Disney's opposition to gender identity law angers DeSantis: Florida’s tetchy Republican governor Ron DeSantis is threatening retaliation against the state’s largest private employer Disney after it pledged to work to overturn the state’s controversial new “don’t say gay” law banning gender identity discussions in schools. »

Florida's Controversial "Don't Say Gay" Bill - A Threat to the LGBTQ Youth? | Brendon Wolf Interview

Mar 10, 2022 • Florida lawmakers have passed the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, which bans discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. Governor Ron Desantis, who has emerged as a potential candidate to be the next President of the United States is expected to sign the bill next week. Activist Brandon Wolf sees this as the beginning of a cultural war in the US, which impacts issues regarding race, gender and abortion.

Florida Lawmakers Pass Bill Limiting LGBTQ Discussion in School

REUTERS.COM: March 8 (Reuters) - Florida lawmakers on Tuesday passed a Republican-backed bill that would prohibit classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity for many young students, rejecting criticism and student protests that characterized the measure as discriminatory and misguided.

The legislation, referred to by its opponents as the "don't say gay" bill, has stirred national controversy amid an increasingly partisan debate over what schools should teach children about race and gender.

Governor Ron DeSantis, who is seeking re-election this year, has indicated his support for what is formally called the "Parental Rights in Education" bill. He and other Republican politicians across the United States say they want to give parents more control over what young children learn in school.

Democrats say such policies will harm the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community. The Florida measure bars classroom instruction in public schools on sexual orientation or gender identity for children in kindergarten through third grade, or from about ages 5-9.

It also prohibits such teaching that "is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate" for students in other grades. Under the law, parents would be allowed to sue school districts they believe to be in violation. With video » | Gabriella Borter | Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Latter Gay Stories: Duane Jennings | Balancing Science and Spirituality

Jan 27, 2022 • From an early age, Duane Jennings felt drawn to better understanding life from two perspectives: science and spirituality. His desire for knowledge and the human understanding led him to better understand empathy and opportunity.

Shortly after returning home from his Mormon mission to South Africa, Duane realized that his life was best lived in authenticity and honesty. The author of Stumbling Blocks and Stepping-Stones [website] shares his personal story and how embracing his identity made all the difference.

"I’m a Gay Priest"

Dec 2, 2016 • Americans who identify as LGBT are significantly less likely to be religiously affiliated than those who identify as heterosexual. But for these openly gay religious leaders, coming out didn't mean walking away from their faith. Meet the LGBTQ clergy fighting to change their religions from within.

Turkey: Homosexuality Could Soon Be “Illegal”

Mar 15, 2021 • “The clock is ticking! Homosexuality will be illegal in Turkey! We must act NOW! Recently, Turkish President Erdogan said there was no such thing as LGBT people! His Interior Minister referred to protesters as ‘LGBT Deviants’ on Twitter. Their rhetoric is ramping up, and we KNOW how this will end. Soon, it will be illegal to be LGBTQ in Turkey. We must act NOW!”

In this video, Okan Sengun explains what is happening in Turkey. From the 2021 Boğaziçi University student protests, trans women were arrested at the Women's March.

Okan explains what Twitter should do immediately to stop the spread of hate speeches in Turkey and the horrible end gay Turks are facing if they don’t speak out.

Fans Point Out the Obvious as Saudi-owned Newcastle United Back Gay Footballer Josh Cavallo

Newcastle United sent a message of support to gay footballer Josh Cavallo. Fans pointed out the "hypocrisy" given the club is now majority owned by a Saudi Arabia-led group.(Getty/Matt King)
PINK NEWS: Fans have criticised Newcastle United for not seeing the “hypocrisy” in its support for Josh Cavallo after the club’s takeover by Saudi Arabia.

Earlier this month, Newcastle United Football Club (NUFC) announced it had been taken over by a Saudi Arabia-backed fund, ending billionaire Mike Ashley’s ownership of the club. As a result, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – chaired by crown prince Mohammed bin Salman – now owns 80 per cent of the club, with the rest divided between RB Sports & Media and PCP Capital Partners.
Saudi Arabia has one of the worst LGBT+ rights records in the world. There has been strong backlash from fans, LGBT+ fan groups and human rights groups over the takeover. » | Maggie Baska | Thursday, October 28, 2021

Secret Histories: LGBTQ Life in Pre-Revolutionary Russia

THE CALVERT JOURNAL: Where can we turn to uncover the pre-history of LGBTQ rights in modern Russia?

It’s difficult to learn about LGBTQ history in a country where the community still struggles with homophobia at all levels of society. Most of the current research on the topic is still carried out by foreign scholars, and most of the [the] historical Russian texts on homosexuality, even when written by prominent scholars and writers, are disregarded. So where can we turn to learn about the phantom queer cultures that laid the ground for LGBTQ life in Soviet and post-communist Russia?

Historian Dan Healey, whose 2001 book Homosexual Desire in Revolutionary Russia was translated into Russian in 2008, argues that despite several prohibitive laws sexuality was considerably less regulated in pre-revolutionary Russia than elsewhere in Europe at that time. Several researchers claim that historical accounts show that before the 18th century, Russian society held rather lenient views toward homosexuality, and that homophobia was at least in part “imported” from Europe by Peter the Great — along with European traditions in food, architecture and fashion. Some argue that it was Peter’s father, Tsar Alexis, who first started persecuting gay people, but the first law that made homosexuality illegal (initially only for men in the army and navy) was signed by Peter in 1716. For civilians homosexuality was made illegal in 1835 — again for men only. However, not only there few recorded cases of these laws were actually applied, but the rapid urbanisation that followed the abolition of serfdom in 1861 allowed for LGBTQ communities to form in the capital, St Petersburg, as well as Moscow and other large cities. » | Text: Tasha Raspopina | Monday, June 3, 2019

ROMANCE OF THE ROMANOVS »

Matthew Vines: "For the Bible Tells Me So: Hermeneutics and the Debate About LGBTQ Inclusion"

Mar 6, 2020 • One of the most important issues for Christians to understand in our interpretation of the Bible is the role of hermeneutics—not just what the text says, but how we most faithfully understand and apply the text today. In this talk from our Reconcile and Reform conference in Seattle, TRP's Executive Director Matthew Vines explains how the tools non-affirming Christians already use to interpret the Bible can and should be applied to the conversation around LGBTQ inclusion in a way that leads to an affirming conclusion.

This talk was given on November 8, 2019, at Plymouth Church United Church of Christ in Seattle, Washington.

Gay and Queer in Europe: How to Tackle Exclusion? | To the Point

Jul 1, 2021 • How much freedom do members of the LGBTQ community enjoy? In recent weeks, Gay Pride marches in countries around the world have underlined the solidarity in the community. But discrimination, violence, even the death penalty, are still part of the global agenda of hate. There's been angry criticism of Hungary's new anti-LGBTQ law - and of European soccer's blocking of the use of the movement's rainbow colors at a big European championship match in Munich. Gay and queer in Europe: How to tackle exclusion? Our guests: Joseph Hutchinson (US journalist), Pascal Thibaut (Radio France Internationale), Bernd Riegert (DW Brussels).

Alone Out Here: A Gay Farmer on Love, Isolation, and Disrupting the Meat Industry in Australia | The New Yorker

Jun 9, 2021 • In “Alone Out Here,” by Philip Busfield and Luke Cornish, an Australian rancher who is openly gay in a conservative industry fights to reduce carbon emissions through his cattle farming.

Can Gay Muslims Reconcile Their Faith with Their Sexuality?

Aug 15, 2018 • Act Of Faith, March 2003: This beautifully made 16 mm short questions whether it will ever be possible to be both Muslim and homosexual.

Rabbi Mark Solomon Interview for Rainbow Jews

Aug 14, 2014 • Rabbi Mark Solomon giving an oral history testimony about being Jewish & gay in the UK. The interview was conducted within the Rainbow Jews project and produced by University of Portsmouth. All rights reserved.