All articles tagged with #anti lgbtq laws
Kazakhstan's parliament has passed a bill to ban the promotion of 'non-traditional sexual orientation' in public and media, mirroring Russia's anti-LGBTQ laws, sparking criticism from rights groups who warn it will increase vulnerability for LGBTQ individuals in the country.
Pride Month kicks off globally, celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and rights, but faces challenges in the U.S. with new state laws targeting LGBTQ+ individuals, especially transgender youth. The month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots and includes events worldwide. Despite progress, such as same-sex marriage legalization in Greece and Estonia, anti-LGBTQ+ laws persist in many countries, and recent U.S. policies have raised concerns about potential rollbacks of LGBTQ+ rights. Safety at events remains a priority amid threats from terrorist organizations.
Activists have accused the US nonprofit organization Family Watch International and its founder Sharon Slater of promoting anti-LGBTQ laws in Uganda, Kenya, and Ghana. The group, which claims to promote "family values," has denied these allegations. The rise in anti-LGBTQ legislation in Africa, including Uganda's harsh laws that include the death penalty, has led to an increase in the number of Ugandans seeking asylum in Kenya. The proposed Kenyan Family Protection Bill, which would criminalize gay sex and ban LGBTQ Africans from seeking asylum, has further marginalized the queer community in Kenya. Despite international backlash, Kenyan lawmakers are pushing forward with the bill. LGBTQ activists and asylum seekers in Africa continue to face persecution and discrimination, while organizations like Family Watch International face accusations of contributing to the oppression of the LGBTQ community.
LGBTQ activists reflect on the progress made in the fight for equality since Matthew Shepard's death 25 years ago, but warn that recent events and the wave of anti-LGBTQ laws pose a significant threat. While significant milestones such as same-sex marriage legalization have been achieved, the community now faces challenges including bans on sports participation and medical care for young transgender people, as well as restrictions on LGBTQ-related topics in schools. Activists emphasize the need for continued advocacy and understanding to combat the backlash and protect the rights of LGBTQ individuals.
A heart doctor in Louisiana is leaving the state due to what he calls "discriminatory" anti-LGBTQ+ laws passed by the legislature. Dr. Jake Kleinmahon, who has lived in Louisiana for 12 years, said that these laws have made him and his family feel unwelcome. He worked as a pediatric cardiologist and director of the pediatric heart transplant program, and his departure will leave a hole in medical care. Kleinmahon hopes his story highlights the impact of such laws on families and warns that the state may lose talent and skilled professionals if discriminatory laws continue.
Families in Florida are fleeing the state due to a slate of new laws signed by Governor Ron DeSantis targeting the LGBTQ community, including a ban on gender-affirming health care for transgender people under 18 and a ban on the use of preferred pronouns in public schools. Civil rights groups have issued travel advisories for LGBTQ tourists to reconsider plans to visit the state, and some transgender families are placing their children in private schools. NBA superstar Dwyane Wade announced that he had moved his family to California in part because he feared his transgender teenage daughter “would not be accepted or feel comfortable” in Florida.
The Human Rights Campaign has declared a "state of emergency" over anti-LGBTQ laws passed across the US, with more than 75 anti-LGBTQ bills signed into law in various states this year, more than doubling last year's number. The HRC has issued a national warning and guidebook for LGBTQ Americans to know their rights and to access health and safety resources, including a state-by-state list of anti-LGBTQ laws. Conservative lawmakers have focused their efforts on enacting laws banning drag performances, gender-affirming care, LGBTQ-inclusive education, inclusive bathrooms, and laws attacking transgender athletes' ability to play sports.
Tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people are attending Florida's Gay Days festival, despite the state's recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies. The event includes pool parties, theme park rides, and all-night parties. Organizers hope that a large turnout will send a message that LGBTQ+ people are not going away in Florida. The Human Rights Campaign recently issued a travel and relocation warning for the state, joining other civil rights organizations. However, Gay Days organizers and supporters say that Orlando is a gay-friendly city, earning a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign index.
Madonna has added nine new shows to her Celebration Tour, including a stop in Nashville, despite the state's recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The pop icon and tour opener Bob the Drag Queen have spoken out against the legislation, with Madonna committing to donating a portion of proceeds from her show to support trans rights organizations. The tour now spans 80 dates across North America and Europe, with presale tickets available for Citi cardmembers and fan club members starting tomorrow.
Nashville musicians are holding a benefit concert called "Love Rising" to raise awareness and funds for the LGBTQ community and its allies in the face of Tennessee legislation that is seen as targeting the rights of gay and trans people generally and drag performers specifically. The concert is being held at Bridgestone Arena and is also being livestreamed internationally via the Veeps platform. The bill of performers includes Paramore’s Hayley Williams, Sheryl Crow, Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Yola, Brittany Howard, Hozier, Adeem the Artist, Julien Baker, Joy Oladokun, Jake Wesley Rogers and Mya Byrne, along with co-organizer Allison Russell. The beneficiaries of proceeds include the Tennessee Equality Project, Inclusion Tennessee, Out Memphis and the Tennessee Pride Chamber.