International

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Young gay couple die by suicide in Armenia ‘because of intolerence’

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A young gay couple in Armenia tragically took their own lives because of “intolerance towards them”, according to an LGBTQ+ group. The couple, reportedly named Tigran and Arsen, posted a series of Instagramphotos of themselves on Thursday (20 October) before their tragic deaths. The photos showed the two kissing and appearing to show off engagement rings. “Happy ending. The decisions about sharing the photos and our next steps were made by both of us,” the harrowing caption read. The two then ended their lives in the country’s capital, Yerevan, reports Armenian LGBTQ+ group Pink Armenia. The post has since been flooded with […]

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Same-sex marriage is now legal in all of Mexico’s states

 Lawmakers in the border state of Tamaulipas voted Wednesday night to legalize same-sex marriages, becoming the last of Mexico’s 32 states to authorize such unions. The measure to amend the state’s Civil Code passed with 23 votes in favor, 12 against and two abstentions, setting off cheers of “Yes, we can!” from supporters of the change. The session took place as groups both for and against the measure chanted and shouted from the balcony, and legislators eventually moved to another room to finish their debate and vote. The president of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, Arturo Zaldívar, […]

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Even During War, Ukraine’s Zelensky Works to Advance LGBTQ+ Rights

A former standup comedian who became president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky is a Jewish man who has become a global hero for standing up to a tyrant. Against all odds, Zelensky has led his nation to successfully rebuff the efforts of a world superpower bent on assassinating him and taking political control of his country. In refusing to surrender to Russia, he inspired his fellow Ukrainians (including 90-year-old grandmothers) to take up arms. His rousing speeches in defense of democracy, peace, and equality have moved the international community to support his cause with billions of dollars of military and humanitarian […]

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Same-Sex Marriages Begin In Cuba After National Vote

The Associated Press reports: Serious, standing upright and dressed in long gala dresses – despite the midday Cuban heat – Lisset and Liusba quietly walk up the ten steps of the notary office, their hands clenched and shaking. Less than a few feet ahead walk their two young daughters. Nearly an hour later, when they walked out of the doors, the tension on their faces was replaced by smiles. From that moment, they were wives. It became a possibility just three weeks before on the island when Cuba’s new Family Code – opening up everything from equal marriage to surrogate mothers […]

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Odessa Kelly looks to make history in Tennessee House race

Odessa Kelly is the archetype of a grassroots community advocate turned politician. Her long, wavy locs frame the kind of smile that will lend you a cup of sugar or invite you to an impromptu backyard barbecue just because. Kelly speaks like someone who has been in the trenches, can relate to all our struggles, and is authentically rooting for our successes.  A native of Nashville, Kelly grew up on the east side of the city in a poor working class neighborhood riddled by poverty and gun violence. An active and creative child, Kelly played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball […]

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Gay Rwandan man who found safety in the UK warns LGBTQ+ asylum seekers will be ‘seen as criminals’

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Growing up gay in Rwanda was like “living in prison” for Innocent. As a child, he was singled out by children and adults alike because he was seen as “feminine”. Teachers who should have tried to put a stop to homophobic bullying instead encouraged it, saying Rwandan culture didn’t accept queer people. Innocent fled Rwanda and arrived in the UK as a refugee. He’s built a new life for himself as an openly gay man. For the first time, he feels free. That’s why he was so shaken when he heard that the UK government is planning to deporting asylum […]

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Censoring Sexuality Education is Not a ‘New Idea’

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The “New Ideas” government of President Nayib Bukele appears to be ignoring the potential of sexuality education to foster understanding and reduce violence against sexual and gender minorities. This is not an innovative approach, but rather an antiquated, prejudiced idea. El Salvador’s Education Ministry recently fired the director of the National Institute of Teacher Training and announced a “restructuring” of that institution. The reason? The Institute had greenlit a segment of Let’s Learn at Home—a remote education television show initiated during the pandemic—that explained the concept of sexual orientation. The ministry said the information was not “in adherence with [Salvadoran] reality.” Subsequently, the Institute’s website became inaccessible and currently displays an error message. The segment, […]

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‘Radicalized teenager’ killed two outside Slovakia gay bar, prime minister says

A “radicalized teenager” shot dead two people outside a gay bar in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, Prime Minister Eduard Heger said. The gunman killed two people and wounded another near the Teplaren bar in the city center Wednesday evening, police said. The suspected attacker was found dead Thursday morning, officers added. “I strongly condemn a murder of two young people shot dead in Bratislava last night by a radicalized teenager,” Heger wrote on Twitter. “No form of white supremacy, racism and extremism against communities, incl. LGBTI, can be tolerated,” he added. Police said they have not yet determined the motive behind […]

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Mexico votes to ban all conversion therapy: ‘A historic advance in human rights’

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Mexico’s senate has voted to ban all conversion therapy that aims to alter sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression – putting the UK to shame. On Tuesday (11 October), 69 lawmakers voted for the bill, with two against and 16 abstentions. It will now head to Mexico’s chamber of deputies for a final vote. The vote has been years in the making, with the bill first introduced by senators from the parties Citizen Movement, Morena and the Green Party in October 2018. LGBTQ+ human rights organisation Yaaj Mexico said in a press release: “The eyes of the world are today […]

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Gay Afghan man brutally murdered by the Taliban

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A young gay man has been shot dead by the Taliban in Afghanistan because of his sexuality.  Hamed Sabouri, from Kabul, was killed in August, local activists have told PinkNews. He was just 22. He was reportedly kidnapped by the Taliban and a video showing his murder sent to his family days later. Bahar, another gay Afghan who knew the victim personally, told PinkNews Sabouri had dreams of becoming a doctor, but his hopes were stolen from him when the Taliban seized power in August 2021. He described Hamed as a “shy” gay man with an infectious laugh. “Life is hell for every LGBT Afghan,” Bahar said. “Taliban terrorists […]

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