Calum Stuart

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Stonewall Reinforces Need for LGBTI Children’s Books Following Spate of Bans

UK-based LGBTI rights group Stonewall has reinforced the need for LGBTI-themed books for children. The group says that books highlighting LGBTI issues are essential for LGBTI youths exploring their sexuality and gender identity. The group made the statement at a time when LGBTI themed children’s books have faced considerable opposition in numerous countries, including the US and Canada. Sidonie Bertrand-Shelton, Stonewall’s head of education programmes, said that including LGBTI themes in children’s books is not only important for the development of LGBTI youths but in ‘[helping] all pupils develop an understanding of difference,’ the Guardian reports. ‘Celebrating difference is an important […]

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Conservative Group Sues to Block Trans Women from Using Faith-based Shelter

A conservative Christian group in the US has urged a district judge to block trans women from using a faith-based women’s shelter. Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) sued the city of Anchorage in Alaska to stop the authorities from applying a gender identity law to the Hope Center women’s shelter. The ADF – which has been labeled an anti-LGBTI ‘hate group’ by some rights organizations – argues that issues of privacy and religious freedoms are at risk. The case was brought about after a trans woman was turned away from the shelter last year. ADF attorney Ryan Tucker argued that a number […]

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Michigan Governor Signs LGBTI Workplace Protection Directive Before Leaving Office

Days before leaving office, Michigan’s governor has signed a directive to protect against LGBTI discrimination. The directive signed by Republican governor Rick Snyder states that companies seeking loans, grants or other contracts must agree not to discriminate against LGBTI employees. Snyder announced the directive on Friday (28 December) after signing it the day before. ‘Michigan’s continued reinvention and economic growth depend on talented individuals choosing to live and work here,’ Snyder wrote. ‘It is essential for state government to be a leader in welcoming all people to our state and ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.’ Snyder […]

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152 Elected Officials Urge Incoming Congress to Prioritize LGBTI Rights

152 elected officials in the US have signed an open letter urging the incoming Congress to prioritize a series of LGBTI rights initiatives. The list of priorities include protections of trans constituents, amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity, focussing on HIV/AIDS treatments, and supporting asylum claims from LGBTI people who face persecution in their home nations. The letter lists its signatories as including ‘Members of Congress, Governors, State Legislators, Mayors, City Councilmembers and School Board Members’. The officials wrote the letter last week at a conference which was hosted by the Victory […]

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The Hidden LGBTI Community of Brunei

‘I’m extremely scared,’ says Khairul, a young gay man from Brunei. ‘Khairul’ (not his real name) would only speak to GSN under the condition of anonymity out of fear of persecution in his home country. ‘Being gay in Brunei is something which means keeping it to ourselves and trying not to be open about it. There’s an invisible pressure which keeps us hidden,’ he says. ‘It really scares me to think that if they find evidence that proves I’m gay or conspiring against Sharia Law [by virtue of being] LGBT, then I’m scared that they might actually take action, and have […]

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