QC World Headlines 12-03-08
FEATURED STORIES (from left to right): Iraq - Kurdish journalist jailed for writing about homosexuality. [2] Juchitan, Mexico - Mexican transvestite fiesta rocks indigenous town. Bangkok, Thailand - Thailand holds first sexual diversity day. South Africa - Country health officials finally recognize link between HIV and AIDS.

AFRICA
South Africa - Country health officials finally recognize link between HIV and AIDS.

ASIA AND MIDDLE EAST
Bangkok, Thailand - Thailand holds first sexual diversity day.

Beijing, China - China AIDS activist returned home.

China - Police muzzle Chinese AIDS activist.

Iraq - Kurdish journalist jailed for writing about homosexuality. [2]

EUROPE
Belfast, Ireland - Church homophobic advert oversteps advertising codes. [2]

Britain - Brian Paddick voted off reality show I'm A Celebrity. (Related - An interview with the hunky ex-cop)

Britain - New bill announced in Queen's Speech will "drive forward equality."

England - Tories "broadly welcome" Equality Bill but want more detail.

Ireland - Police investigation into Iris Robinson's homophobic comments is "active."

Manchester, England - Charity for gay homeless teens rebrands to reach new generation of kids in need.

Vatican City - Vatican says gays don't need any special protection.

NORTH AMERICA
British Columbia, Canada - Of 81 youth suicides in last 4 years, most at risk include gay teens and aboriginal youth.

Brooklyn, New York - Hipster AIDS Benefit album raises money for international AIDS/HIV awareness and treatment.

California - Equality California's "market tested" language continues to exclude specific reference to LGBTs.

California - Out lawmakers to introduce measures to fight Prop 8.

Canada - Canada may prove good market test case in favor of gay marriage.

Chicago, Illinois - Photojournalist Jerry Pritkin recalls active roll in 70's gay rights movement.

Fayetteville, Arkansas - Gay adoption ban passes despite shortage of homes for needy children.

Florida - Pro-gay protest planned for Charlie Crist's wedding Dec. 12th.

Georgia - Anti-gay former representative warns of "leftist government chokehold" in robo-call.

Hollywood, California - Can macho, non-hetero actor play gay?

Indiana - Anti-gay marriage amendment may make a comeback.

Juchitan, Mexico - Mexican transvestite fiesta rocks indigenous town.

Las Vegas, Nevada - GLAAD applauds comedienne Wanda Sykes for coming out.

Los Angeles, California - Female execs rise in porn biz.

Manhattan, New York - American folk singer and civil rights icon Odetta has died at 77, of heart disease.

New Mexico - Gay "choice" gaffe behind him, Governor Richardson named Secretary of Commerce.

Orrington, Maine - Marriage Alliance forms in reaction to clergy who support gay marriage.

Ottawa, Canada - Gay activists urge Ottawa to sign global declaration.

Park City, Utah - Emboldened gays plan job action and vigil.

San Francisco, California - Gay Bay Area doctor dies in mysterious elevator shaft plunge.

Seattle, Washington - Essayist/activist Dan Savage discusses statements on Prop 8 racial claims.

Toledo, Ohio - University HR official fired for anti-gay column now suing the school. [2]

United States - Majority favors legal protection for LGBT Americans. [2]

United States - Rolling Stone blaming No on 8 may be little more than "a hit piece."

United States - President-elect Barack Obama pledges to expand domestic AIDS plan.

Washington, D.C. - Openly lesbian union activist up for Secretary of Labor.

Washington, D.C. - In discussion of AIDS/HIV, neither Bush nor guest mention homosexuality.

Washington, D.C. - Obama's repeal of gay military ban make take a year or two.

SOUTH AMERICA
Bogota, Colombia - Where homophobia totes a gun.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - Gay icon, Madonna's concert only 11 days away.

WORLDWIDE
Health - AIDS link goes back millions of years.