A Yosemite National Park employee was fired after participating in a demonstration to display a trans-pride flag over El Capitan, sparking controversy and accusations of silencing LGBTQ+ voices. The incident involved the group climbing El Capitan to raise the flag, which was later removed, but the employee's termination has raised concerns about free speech and park regulations. Activists are calling for reinstatement and an investigation, framing the event as a broader issue of civil rights and expression.
Andrea Gibson, a renowned poet, activist, and subject of the award-winning documentary 'Come See Me in the Good Light,' died at 49 after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer, leaving behind a legacy of influential poetry and social activism.
Sydney's annual Mardi Gras parade paid tribute to a gay couple, journalist Jesse Baird and Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies, who were found murdered a week prior. The event included a moment of silence and a collective act of remembrance for the victims, with Qantas honoring Davies on its parade float. The parade's theme, "Our Future," acknowledged the community's progress while reflecting on its complex history of activism and police brutality. The decision to ban uniformed officers from the parade aimed to create a safe space to protest, celebrate, and honor those lost, as the alleged killings were described as "of a domestic nature" and not a "gay-hate crime."
The funeral of transgender activist Cecilia Gentili at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York drew condemnation from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York, with a senior church official denouncing the event as a scandal. Gentili, known for her advocacy work for transgender people, sex workers, and those with HIV, was celebrated by a large audience at the cathedral. The controversial funeral sparked a statement of outrage from the church, leading to a subsequent Mass of Reparation. The event also featured a performance by "Pose" actor Billy Porter, drawing criticism from conservative groups.
The Archdiocese of New York has condemned the funeral service for transgender activist Cecilia Gentili at St. Patrick's Cathedral, stating that the church was unaware the service would include elements that they deemed sacrilegious and deceptive. The service, which featured a performance by LGBTQ advocate Billy Porter, has sparked criticism from the Archdiocese, while Gentili's family has labeled the backlash as hypocrisy and expressed their intention to continue celebrating her life.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York condemned the funeral of transgender activist Cecilia Gentili, held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, calling it an insult to the Catholic faith and stating it was unaware of her identity when agreeing to host the service. The funeral, attended by over 1,000 people, celebrated Gentili's advocacy for sex workers, transgender individuals, and those living with H.I.V., with some eulogies sparking controversy. While some Catholic liberals supported the church's decision to host the funeral, conservative Catholics vehemently disagreed.
A Harvard student, Zander Moricz, has gone viral for confronting Bridget Ziegler, co-founder of Moms for Liberty and a member of the Sarasota County School Board in Florida, at a public meeting. Ziegler has faced calls to resign after revelations of her involvement in a three-way sexual relationship with another woman. Moricz called for her resignation, not because of her private sex life, but because of her actions on the school board, including using public funds for political gain and targeting marginalized groups. He emphasized that politicians should serve their community, not police personal lives.
Russia's Supreme Court has effectively outlawed LGBTQ+ activism in the country, labeling it an extremist organization and banning it. The ruling is part of a decade-long crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights under President Vladimir Putin's leadership. The lawsuit targets activists and prohibits any organized activity to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Human rights groups have criticized the ruling, warning of its potential to lead to discrimination and violate freedom of association and expression. This latest move follows previous legislation restricting LGBTQ+ rights, including a ban on same-sex marriage and a law prohibiting gender transitioning procedures.
Russia's Supreme Court has effectively outlawed LGBTQ+ activism in the country, labeling it an extremist organization and banning it. This ruling is part of a decade-long crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights under President Vladimir Putin. The lawsuit targets activists and prohibits any organized activity to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Human rights groups have criticized the ruling, warning of its potential to lead to discrimination and violate freedom of association and expression. The ruling ushers in restrictions on participating in, aiding, or funding extremist organizations, and using certain logos and symbols associated with them. Violating these restrictions can result in prosecution and potential prison terms. This ruling will likely decrease support for LGBTQ+ people in Russia and make their needs less visible.
Women in the US now outlive men by almost six years, with the life expectancy gap between genders widening since 2010. The decline in life expectancy is attributed to the pandemic and "deaths of despair" such as suicide, drugs, and alcohol abuse. The US healthcare system is in crisis, and the solution lies in making it more accessible and equitable. In the UK, women in England will soon be able to get contraception without a doctor's visit. An ancient stone slab in Spain challenges gender stereotypes, while a Florida teacher was fired for using a gender-neutral honorific. Taylor Swift's influence led to a South American airline waiving change fees, and an Alabama woman with two uteruses is pregnant in both wombs. Dr. Mary Ross Ellingson is finally recognized for her contributions to archaeology, and Russia may label LGBTQ+ activists as "extremist." Anne Boyer resigned as poetry editor from the New York Times magazine in protest against the ongoing bombing of Gaza. One-third of Indian STEM conferences have no female speakers, highlighting gender disparities. Lastly, a street cat named Gacek in Poland gained fame as a top tourist attraction but has now been adopted by a family.
Bayard Rustin, the openly gay Black man who organized the 1963 March on Washington and served as Martin Luther King Jr.'s nonviolent spiritual mentor, is finally getting the recognition he deserves with the release of the biopic "Rustin" on Netflix. Rustin, often referred to as the "American Gandhi," played a crucial role in the civil rights movement but was largely overlooked due to his sexual orientation. The film highlights Rustin's charisma, intelligence, and meticulous organizational skills, shedding light on his contributions to social change. Rustin's character, attention to logistics, ability to inspire hope, and Quaker values are all showcased in the movie, solidifying his status as a great American hero.
Ociel Baena, Mexico's first openly non-binary magistrate and LGBTQ+ activist, was found dead at home in Aguascalientes. Authorities are investigating the cause of death, which is currently unknown. Baena's body was found alongside another person, believed to be their partner. Preliminary findings suggest it may have been a "personal matter." LGBTQ+ activists are calling for a full investigation into Baena's death, while human rights organizations are questioning if it was related to their gender identity. The former chief justice of Mexico's Supreme Court expressed deep sorrow over Baena's passing, highlighting their advocacy for equality and LGBTI+ rights.
Jesús Ociel Baena Saucedo, Mexico's first openly non-binary magistrate and prominent LGBTQ+ activist, was found dead at home in Aguascalientes, along with their romantic partner. The cause of death is unknown, and authorities have not found evidence of foul play. The case will be investigated from a gender perspective, but there is no mention of a potential hate crime. Baena's appointment as a non-binary magistrate was seen as a significant achievement for LGBTQ+ rights. Despite progress on marriage equality, LGBTQ+ activists and gender minorities in Latin America still face high levels of violence and discrimination.
Jesús Ociel Baena, Mexico's first openly non-binary magistrate and LGBTQ+ activist, has been found dead at their home in Aguascalientes, alongside their partner. The cause of death is currently unknown, and authorities are investigating whether it was a homicide or accident. Baena had received hate messages and threats of violence, but was breaking barriers for the non-binary community. They became a magistrate in October 2022 and were among the first to receive a gender-neutral passport in June. LGBTQ+ rights groups are urging a thorough and unbiased investigation into the deaths.
Jesús Ociel Baena, Mexico's first openly non-binary magistrate and LGBTQ+ activist, has been found dead at home. Authorities are investigating the cause of death, while human rights activists are calling for a thorough investigation into whether Baena's death was related to their gender identity. Baena had received hate messages and death threats, making them a target. LGBTQ+ communities in Mexico often face violence, and Baena's death could provoke further acts of violence. LGBTQ+ activists are planning vigils and demonstrations to honor Baena's memory.
