All articles tagged with #lgbt community
Cecilia Gentili, a transgender advocate and actress known for her role in Pose, passed away at the age of 52. She was remembered by friends, fans, and colleagues for her advocacy work and impact on the LGBT community. Gentili spent her life fighting for the rights of undocumented immigrants, sex workers, and LGBT people, and later turned to creating art, including publishing a book and starring in her own one-woman show.
In a landmark ruling approved by Pope Francis, the Vatican has stated that Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples, as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies. The document from the Vatican's doctrinal office, which reversed a previous declaration, emphasized that such blessings do not legitimize irregular situations but rather signify God's acceptance of all. Priests are advised to decide on a case-by-case basis and not hinder the Church's support for people seeking God's help through a simple blessing. The document clarifies that these blessings should not be confused with the sacrament of heterosexual marriage and should not be performed with the rituals associated with weddings. This ruling marks a significant step forward in the Church's ministry to the LGBT community.
Transgender women in Italy expressed gratitude towards Pope Francis for making them feel more accepted and human. The pope invited a group of transgender individuals, along with other poor and homeless people, to have lunch with him on the Church's World Day of the poor. The Vatican recently issued a statement allowing transgender people to be godparents at Roman Catholic baptisms and participate in religious ceremonies. While some conservatives criticized the move, LGBT rights advocates welcomed it as a step towards inclusivity. The pope has been working to make the Church more welcoming to the LGBT community without altering Church teachings. The transgender community in Torvaianica, Italy, received support from a local pastor and the cardinal who runs the pope's charities during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to their meeting with the pope.
Lebanon's culture minister, backed by Hezbollah, is seeking to ban the film "Barbie" from cinemas, claiming it promotes homosexuality and contradicts religious values. The move comes amid a broader campaign against the LGBT community, with powerful religious leaders and the Christian far right joining forces. Lebanon, once seen as a safe haven for the LGBT community in the Middle East, has recently seen tensions rise over the issue. The film, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has already grossed over $1 billion worldwide.
Pope Francis stated that the Catholic Church is open to everyone, including the LGBT community, but emphasized that the Church has rules that regulate life within it. While the Church does not allow women to become priests or perform same-sex marriages, Francis supports civil legislation that grants rights to same-sex couples. He stressed the importance of ministers accompanying all individuals, including those who do not conform to the rules, with patience and love. The Pope's remarks reflect his ongoing efforts to make the Church more welcoming while maintaining its teachings on chastity and morality.
The White House's display of a rainbow-colored Pride flag flanked by two American flags during Pride Month celebrations has been criticized by Twitter users who claim it violates the US Flag Code. The code mandates that the American flag should be in the center of any display featuring multiple national flags or pennants. President Joe Biden celebrated the LGBT community during the event, praising them as "the bravest and most inspiring people" he has ever known. The White House has not yet responded to the criticism.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir vows to keep all those who plan to attend the Jerusalem pride march safe while allowing people to demonstrate against the march. Over a dozen Knesset members, mostly from the opposition, will participate in the march. Approximately 2,000 officers, including some undercover, will secure Thursday's march in Jerusalem. The rise in violence against the LGBT community and threats on the march's organizers is a concern for some Knesset members.
Disney announced its first-ever "Pride Nite" event, which will require a separate ticket to attend and will take place during Pride Month in June. This move comes as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis threatens the company with potential retaliatory schemes, including raising taxes and imposing new inspection regulations, after Disney objected to his "Don't Say Gay" legislation. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie criticized DeSantis's heavy-handed legislating and expressed concern about government retaliation against critics becoming normalized. Conservative podcaster Ben Shapiro also had a meltdown on his show, predicting Disney's total demise if they make a beloved princess a lesbian.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene protested Bud Light's partnership with a transgender influencer by buying Coors Light, but was mocked on social media for being unaware that Coors Light has had a longtime relationship with the LGBT community. Bud Light's partnership with the influencer has drawn numerous protests from celebrities, including Kid Rock and John Rich. Videos have been shared online showing consumers dumping their Bud Light products out in protest of the beer.
Paul O'Grady, who has died at the age of 67, became a star for his comedy and presenting - not to mention his love of dogs. But one pre-fame story shows his role in fighting for LGBT rights. O'Grady was preparing to go on stage as his drag alter ego Lily Savage at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in south London one Saturday night in January 1987, when a police officer burst into his dressing room. The raid sparked a backlash from the LGBT community and landlords of other gay pubs, while the Campaign for Homosexual Equality wrote to the home secretary to say they were worried "that some officers of the Metropolitan Police are embarking on a deliberate policy of harassment of gay pubs".