After a recent screening of “The Abominable Crime” film in Mandeville, Jamaica, an ally asked the following questions that I have had to answer repeatedly. You may have heard them yourself: Q. If you call Tom your “husband,” what does he call you? A. “Husband,” “partner” or “Maurice.” It depends. Q. Why don’t you both … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: June 2016
Jamaican priest: I love and respect LGBT people, sex workers
In Jamaica, Anglican priest Fr. Sean Major-Campbell declares: LET IT BE KNOWN: I refuse to be silenced by the cheap psychology that says I am this gay rights activist who loves sex workers. I am used to this attempt at discrediting my work. This is supposed to resonate with the masses. I am proud to … Continue reading
Uganda will soon get an LGBTQ film festival
The Queer Kampala International Film Festival announced last week: The first ever and only LGBTQ-themed film festival opens up in Uganda It is a well-known fact that LGBT people in Uganda are not free. When they stand up for their rights, or merely stand out from other people, they often pay a heavy price, with … Continue reading
Africa / Americas / Commentary
Thanks to everyone who donated to save Joe Odero’s life
Thank you to all the generous donors who have made a kidney transplant possible for courageous Kenyan journalist/ activist Joe Odero. As you know, Joe needs a new kidney because he was attacked and nearly killed for his advocacy on behalf of a young intersex man who was murdered because he refused to conform. A … Continue reading
Pope: Christians must apologize to gays, women and more
The National Catholic Reporter reports: The Catholic church and other Christian communities must apologize to gay people and to many groups they have let down or offended throughout history, Pope Francis has said [aboard a plane flying him to Rome]. In a press conference Sunday on the flight back to Rome after his weekend trip … Continue reading
End anti-LGBTI religious bias, London Pride marchers say
The London Pride 2016 march was led by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, a Muslim; Matthew Barzun, U.S. ambassador to the U.K.; and other dignitaries and celebrities. A group of African gay people living in the United Kingdom marched in London Pride yesterday to call on people of religion to unite against persecution of gay people … Continue reading
Nigerian police extort money from man they claim is gay
Ikechukwu, a young Nigerian man, was harassed, threatened and accused of homosexuality by officers of the Nigerian police force, who later extorted money from him. The incident demonstrates that Nigerian police have interpreted the country’s anti-gay law as an authorization to extort money from innocent Nigerian citizens. The victim told the NoStrings podcast that, about … Continue reading
Mob beats up 20 suspected Nigerian homosexuals
About 20 innocent young men were severely beaten in the Sabo Fagi area of Jos, Nigeria, by a mob who claimed that the youths were homosexuals. The June 19 incident 9, left many youths bleeding profusely. According to a human rights activist on the scene, youths were individually hunted and abducted from their homes by … Continue reading
Despite his claims, Trinidad leader clings to anti-LGBT laws
The prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago claims that the government must protect its LGBT citizens, but he won’t work to repeal the Trinidadian laws that make same-sex intimacy a crime. Newsday of Trinidad and Tobago reports: PM: It does not matter who you sleep with The state has a duty to protect all citizens, … Continue reading
Sodom, Gomorrah and 2 faiths’ fear of same-sex love
Pernicious traditional interpretations of the Biblical and Quranic story of Sodom and Gomorrah underlie much of the world’s homophobia. Brian Whitaker, former Middle East editor of the Guardian, gives a brief explanation in the valuable Guardian article “Everything you need to know about being gay in Muslim countries”: ‘It’s about attempted male rape and the … Continue reading
