The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, marking its 25th anniversary, announced a new name—OutRight Action International—at its annual gala in New York City, a press release stated. "We chose a new name that speaks to the heart of our mission. We have been 'out' for rights for 25 years, and at a time when civil society and LGBTI rights are under attack in many parts of the world, we believe our new name speaks to our commitment to LGBTIQ activism and resilience internationally," said Jessica Stern, the executive director. Alan Cumming, an ambassador for the organization, called it "a beautiful new name" in a video message.
In recognition of her work and her courage, Ugandan lesbian Kasha Nabagesera, 36, has now been honored with a Right Livelihood Award, DW.com reported. Better known as the "Alternative Nobel Prizes," the awards support people "from all walks of life" who offer "exemplary answers" to challenges facing the today's world. Nabagesera—born in the Ugandan capital, Kampala—was expelled from several schools and later almost from her university for being gay. She has been a human rights activist since she was 21.
Norwegian billionaire Stein Erik Hagen has come out as bisexual, according to Queerty. The 59-year-old executive owns multiple companies in everything from commercial real estate to e-commerce. He's worth an estimated $4.3 billion, making him the second richest person in Norway. Despite not being publicly open about his sexuality until now, Hagen said both of his ex-wives were aware of the situation.
David Berger, an openly gay German academic who formerly worked for the Vatican, told the magazine Stern the number of gay men working in the Catholic Church was well above average—and even more so in the papal state, Gay Star News noted. In the interview, Berger also said employing gay men worked "exceptionally well" as they guilt-trip themselves into being better priests. Berger also said the biggest rule in the Vatican was while people could have gay sex, in public they should always remain true to the Church's principles and not talk about it.
In a poll, three-quarters of London Pride goers are happy the event is backed by big corporate sponsors, despite criticisms it has become too commercialized, Gay Star News noted. The parade was ambushed this year by a group of anti-capitalist protestors marching to mark the "death of pride." However, a survey by organizers says 70 percent of participants think "having sponsors makes for a better and bigger Pride," while 77 percent agree with the statement, "It's great to see so many high-profile people and companies taking part.
Two suspected lesbians who Islamic Shariah police detained in Indonesia's conservative Aceh province will undergo what an official described as "rehabilitation," and won't be charged with a crime, The Associated Press reported. The women, 18 and 19 years old, were taken in for questioning by Sharia police officers who saw them sitting and hugging each other in Ulee Lheue, a coastal neighborhood in the capital, Banda Aceh; they women later said they're lesbians. The two women will not be charged because a new criminal code for Aceh that criminalizes homosexuality won't take effect until later this month.
Islamic militants from ISIS murdered two Iraqi men, on Oct. 4, for being gay, LGBTQ Nation reported. An eyewitness told ARA, "Daesh ( ISIS ) called on the people of Mosul to gather in the square of Bab al-Toub [in the city of Mosul] in order to witness the execution of the two men. The victims were taken to the top of a building and were brutally thrown off the roof." Two other men were murdered in the city of Nineveh in the same fashion.
International Gay and Lesbian Tourism Association ( IGLTA ) President/CEO John Tanzella will serve on an international advisory board for France at the invitation of Atout France, the French Tourism Development Agency, a press release stated. He was recently appointed to a three-year term and will meet with the group for the first time Oct. 18 during a French Affairs event in Atlanta.
The International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations ( INCLO )—of which the American Civil Liberties Union is a member—released a report that addresses tensions between freedom of religion and equality rights and proposes resolutions to those tensions in three areas: LGBT rights, reproductive rights and religious appearance, a press release stated. The report, "Drawing the Line: Tackling Tensions Between Religious Freedom and Equality," is the first of its kind and was released at an interdisciplinary international conference at Cardozo Law School called "The Conscience Wars: Rethinking the Balance between Religion, Identity, and Equality." The full report can be found at https://www.aclu.org/report/drawing-line.
Gay Men's Health Crisis ( GMHC ) praised the release of the World Health Organization's ( W.H.O. ) Early Release Guidelines on when to start antiretroviral therapy and on pre-exposure prophylaxis ( PrEP ) for HIV, according to a press release. These guidelines recommend initiating antiretroviral therapy in adults living with HIV, regardless of CD4 cell count, and to offer PrEP as a prevention option to all people at substantial risk of acquiring HIV. Visit www.who.int/hiv/pub/guidelines/earlyrelease-arv/en/ .
In a video filmed in Spain, a young gay couple from the United States ask for help translating homophobic directions to their hostel, PinkNews noted. After explaining to passers by that the directions they have are in Spanish, they ask for help translating it. Most of the translators find it impossible to tell the oblivious couple what is written—with many on the verge of tears. Conceived by Spain's State Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Transsexuals and Bisexuals, the video is part of a campaign calling on people to report homophobic, biphobic and transphobic threats, insults or attacks.
Neil Amin-Smith, part of the British electronica act Clean Bandit, has responded to fans who say they want to "rape" him, PinkNews noted. The pop star ( whose boyfriend is Years and Years front man Olly Alexander ) said using the term as a "compliment"—an increasing trend on social media—was "gross" and "f*cked up." Disgusted by the barrage of violent comments he has received, he tweeted, "There is not anYthing flattering, cute or attractive in being told by someone that they want to rape you."
