FEATURED STORIES:Fresno, California – Priest comes out against anti-gay ballot during Mass. Stockholm, Sweden – AIDS scientists awarded Nobel Prize. Scotsdale, Arizona – Cold Stone Creamery founders donate against gay marriage. Uganda – Government to implement more anti-gay laws. AFRICA Senegal – Gay wedding attendee persecuted in Africa, finds refuge in New York. [SOURCE] Uganda – Government to implement more anti-gay laws. [SOURCE] ASIA AND MIDDLE EAST Afghanistan – Lesbian soldier sent suicide messages to friends. [SOURCE] Kyrgyzstan – A call to protect lesbians and transgender men from abuse. [SOURCE] Taiwan – Trailblazing transgenders use internet for support. [SOURCE] EUROPE Cardiff, Wales – Cowboy a rural love story wins gay prize at Iris Prize Festival. [SOURCE 1][SOURCE 2] East London – Gay man left paralysed by homophobic attack. [SOURCE] Ireland – Gay Ulster Defence Association gunman: ‘I hid my true self.’ [SOURCE] Lancashire, England – Bishops threatens lack of support if local adoption service accepts gays. [SOURCE] London, England – Chaplain Of Stock Exchange says we should tattoo sodomy warnings on gay men. [SOURCE] London, England – Vicar could be disciplined for blog slurs against gays and Muslims. [SOURCE] London, England – British Army major arrested for groping. [SOURCE] Portsmouth, England – Tottenham Football Club allows fans to chant homophobic abuse against Sol Campbell. [SOURCE] Stockholm, Sweden – AIDS scientists awarded Nobel Prize. [SOURCE 1][SOURCE 2] St. Petersburg, Russia – Russian gays blame authorities for film fest closure. [SOURCE] United Kingdom – Stonewall Awards attract top names to V&A ceremony. [SOURCE] United Kingdom – Mr Gay UK winner killed man then cooked, seasoned and ate his thigh – court told. [SOURCE 1][SOURCE 2] NORTH AMERICA Aberdeen, Washington – Actor turned activist Robert Arthur dies. [SOURCE] Atlanta, Georgia – Transgender politician wins legal battle. [SOURCE] Arkansas City, Kansas – Kansas mayor apologizes for appearing in blackface drag. [SOURCE] California – Yet another “youth” site fights gay marriage. [SOURCE] Boston, Massachusetts – New England Blade stops its presses. [SOURCE] California – Gay marriage banners counting on black Obama voters to help. [SOURCE] Columbia, South Carolina – Gay rights group would be arrested for protesting. [SOURCE] Des Moines, Iowa – Supreme Court to hear gay marriage arguments. [SOURCE] Fresno, California – Priest comes out against anti-gay ballot during Mass. [SOURCE] Kansas – US Supreme Court snubs sperm donor case effecting lesbian moms. [SOURCE] Little Rock, Arkansas – Government reconsidering support for gay foster parent ban. [SOURCE] Los Angeles – City number one for gay marriages. [SOURCE] Monroeville, Pennsylvania – Episcopal diocese OKs split over gays. [SOURCE] New York City, New York – Gay Republican hopes To make waves in senate. [SOURCE] New York City, New York – Laid-off Wall Streeter puts ‘gay virginity’ up for auction. [SOURCE] Orlando, Florida – Capital offers benefits to partners of gay employees. [SOURCE] Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Gay bookstore Giovanni’s Room marks 35 years. [SOURCE] Sacramento, California – Pastor walks a fine line in supporting Prop. 8, welcoming gays. [SOURCE] Scotsdale, Arizona – Cold Stone Creamery founders donate against gay marriage. [SOURCE] United States – 1.1 Million HIV Positive in U.S. [SOURCE]
The most pervasive global strain of HIV began spreading in humans around 1900 in sub-Saharan Africa, a new study claims. The research (published in the current issue of Nature), found that HIV began spreading between 1884 and 1924, around the same time urban centers in west central Africa were established. This estimated time of origin is decades earlier than the previous estimate of 1930. The researchers worked with a 1960 sample of HIV gene fragments from a wax-embedded lymph-node tissue biopsy from a woman in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This 1960 virus is the second-oldest known HIV-1 group M genetic sequence, with the oldest being a 1959 blood sample from a man also from Kinshasa. Worobey said that the HIV epidemic that resulted from the turn-of-the-century spread correlates to the urbanization of colonial Africa, principally the present-day city of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The growth of cities and associated high-risk behaviors may have been a principal cause of the rapid spread of the virus. Lead researcher Michael Worobey, an assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Arizona in Tucson, is optimistic about the eventual extinction of the HIV virus. “I think the picture that has emerged here, where changes the human population experienced may have opened the door to the spread of HIV, is a good reminder that we can make changes now that could help reverse the epidemic. If HIV has one weak spot, it is that it is a relatively poorly transmitted virus. From better testing and prevention, to wider use of the antiretroviral drug therapy, there are a number of ways to reduce transmission and force this virus back into extinction,” he said.
Read the full news article.
Imagine if you could test for diseases using a handheld electronic device? Well, European collaborators have developed a medical device that could detect cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV much faster (and much less expensively) than current lab tests by detecting “biomarkers” (molecules in the human body which are often a marker for disease) in about 15 minutes. “The technology could be used in doctors’ surgeries for more accurate referral to consultants, and in hospitals for rapid diagnosis. Tests have shown that the biosensors can detect a wide range of analytes (substances being measured), including biomarkers present in prostate and ovarian cancer, stroke, multiple sclerosis, heart disease and fungal infections. The team also believes that the biosensors are versatile enough to test for diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. The technology was developed through a European collaboration of researchers and commercial partners in a 2.7 million Euro project called ELISHA. ELISHA was co-ordinated by Dr Paul Millner from the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds, and managed by colleague Dr Tim Gibson. Says Dr Millner: “We believe this to be the next generation diagnostic testing. We can now detect almost any analyte faster, cheaper and more easily than the current accepted testing methodology.” It sounds pretty cool, though it’s doubtful that the item will be sold on the popular market. Also, no word yet on the full list of diseases the device will be able to diagnose or if the device is ever wrong.
FEATURED STORIES:Washington, U.S.A.: Washington ‘Mo’s team wins 181-mile Ragnar Relay. Arkansas City, Kansas: Mayor wins prize for blackface drag. Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: Study says start of AIDS pandemic in 1908. Sydney, Australia: Gay Mardi Gras gets government funding. AFRICA Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – Study pushes back origin of AIDS pandemic to 1908. [SOURCE] Uganda – Members of European Parliament concerned over state persecution of gays in Uganda. [SOURCE] ASIA Hong Kong, China – HIV up sharply among women, gay men. [SOURCE] Taipei, Taiwan – Activists call for laws to protect gay couples’ rights. [SOURCE] EUROPE London, England – Diva magazine map reveals saturation levels of lesbians living across UK. [SOURCE] London, England – London gay man left paralysed by homophobic attack. [SOURCE] London, England – Met police chief resigns after mayor “made clear” he should go. [SOURCE] Portsmouth, United Kingdom – Racial and homophobic abuse from fans directed at footballer Sol Campbell. [SOURCE] Sarajevo – Queer Festival organizers still under threat. [SOURCE] Vatican City – Vatican blocks appointment of gay diplomat. [SOURCE] Wales, United Kingdom – Dr. Who writer backs gay film festival. [SOURCE] NORTH AMERICA Arkansas City, Kansas – Mayor wins prize for appearing in blackface drag. [SOURCE] California – State takes initiative on HIV testing. [SOURCE] California – Fall Out Boy donates $50K to fight gay marriage ban. [SOURCE] Dallas, Texas – GOP challenger said to gay bait Dallas lesbian sheriff. [SOURCE] East Lansing, Michigan – Gay-rights activist to speak at state university. [SOURCE] Fort Collins, Colorado – State university OKs domestic partner benefits. [SOURCE] Hamtramck, Michigan – Priests urge rejection of antidiscrimination ordinance. [SOURCE] Little Rock, Arkansas – Child advocates challenge policy barring unmarried couples from foster parenthood. [SOURCE] Los Angeles, California – Gay-marriage ban appears to lose support. [SOURCE] Lynchburg, Virginia – Equality Ride, gay-rights college bus tour kicks off in conservative Christian Liberty University. [SOURCE] Mexico City, Mexico – Gay HIV-awareness vehicle disappears in Mexico. [SOURCE] Miami, Florida – Florida adoption law has new challenge. [SOURCE] New Haven, Connecticut – State party leaders quizzed on gay issues. [SOURCE] Orlando, Florida – Orlando protesters target Magic owner for support of gay-marriage ban. [SOURCE] Oxnard, California – Boy accused of Larry King murder owned White Supremist materials. [SOURCE] Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Church court says minister not guilty in same-sex union. [SOURCE] Rochester, Minnesota – Churches sponsor equality forum. [SOURCE] Sacramento, California – Student Council votes to back gay marriage ban. [SOURCE 1][SOURCE 2] San Francisco, California – City Hall memorial for gay-rghts activist Del Martin. [SOURCE] United States – Republican presidential candidate does written Q&A for gay magazine. [SOURCE] Vancouver, Canada – Court date pushed back for accused in alleged gay-bashing. [SOURCE] Washington – Six-man Washington ‘Mo’s team wins Ultra Division in 181-mile Ragnar Relay. [SOURCE] Washington D.C. – HRC to kick off Hype ’08 nationwide program at 10 historically black colleges and universities. [SOURCE] Washington D.C. – Arrest made in D.C. bashing in gay neighborhood. [SOURCE] Washington D.C. – Republican presidential candidate continues gay outreach. [SOURCE] OCEANIA Sydney, Australia – Gay Mardi Gras gets government funding. [SOURCE 1][SOURCE 2]
Yes, Cocktober is a great month for creating your own Halloween costume or butternut squash recipe, but it’s also GLBT History Month! and to celebrate, QCicons will be doing small profiles on gay figures throughout the month. To kick it off, we’ve posted a great short video released by the Equality Forum. They’ll be posting profiles on all the people featured in the video on their history month site, so be sure to regularly check it out. Alright, now go buy some sparkly fabric and fun-sized candy bars. See the videos from 2007 and 2006, after the jump!
AFRICA Malawi – British High Commissioner finds himself amidst gay rights row. [SOURCE] Morocco – Morocco may give gays some rights ‘within fifty years.’ [SOURCE] ASIA AND MIDDLE EAST India – Op/Ed: Anti-gay law ‘legal abomination.’ [SOURCE] Iran – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad discusses persecution of gays. [SOURCE] Iraq – Iraqi gay leader gunned down by militias. [SOURCE] New Delhi, India – Court told to ignore health minister’s call for decriminalization. [SOURCE] New Delhi, India – Gay activists say morality cannot overshadow fundamental rights. [SOURCE] Phillipines – Culture and Catholicism converge with gays left both outside and in-between. [SOURCE] Taipei, Taiwan – Homosexuals better off in Taiwan than China. [SOURCE] Taipei, Taiwan – Thousands attend Taipei gay rights march. [SOURCE] EUROPE Bosnia – Gay film festival coordinator among injured in attack on Sarajevo queer festival. [SOURCE] Britain – Alexander McCall Smith to write gay characters into his popular series, TheNo. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.[SOURCE] Britain – Character actress Miriam Margolyes worries disclosure of lesbianism caused mother’s stroke. [SOURCE] Bulgaria – Controversy as Bulgarian Parliament debates new Family Code. [SOURCE] England – Male rape victims ignored by system. [SOURCE] Greece – Greeks protest for same-sex marriage ahead of trial. [SOURCE] Liverpool, England – Gay village plan frustrated by council. [SOURCE] London, England – Member of Parliament weds lesbian partner. [SOURCE] Manchester, England – Gay pride parade raises £105,000 for charity. [SOURCE] Paris, France – European Union equality summit meets in Paris. [SOURCE] United Kingdom – Best in gay and lesbian film offers $25,000 prize. [SOURCE] United Kingdom – New website for newly HIV+ gay men. [SOURCE] NORTH AMERICA California – Gay marriage ban sparks ‘War of the Rings.’ [SOURCE] Canada – North Van’s Bruce named Mr. Gay Canada. [SOURCE] Chicago, Illinois – Author of banned “gay” children’s book, And Tango Makes Three, speaks out. [SOURCE] Hartford, Connecticut – Love Makes A Family responds to anti-gay rally. [SOURCE] Honolulu, Hawaii – Gay rights pioneer Bill Woods dies. [SOURCE] Jacksonville, Florida – Teen admits to killing man over homosexual comments. [SOURCE] Laramie, Wyoming – Memorial bench to slain gay student, Matthew Shepard, dedicated. [SOURCE] New Hampshire – Lawmakers face more debate over gay marriage. [SOURCE] New York City, New York – No ROTC on Columbia campus due to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” [SOURCE] New York City, New York – New York Times calls for California anti-gay measure’s defeat. [SOURCE] New York City, New York – Fundamentalists blame Wall Street’s woes on gays. [SOURCE] Orlando, Florida – Protesters target Magic basketball team owner for support of gay-marriage ban. [SOURCE] Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Gay man takes bias claim to appeals court. [SOURCE] Plattsburgh, New York – Man accused in Canadian gay killings convicted in New York murder. [SOURCE] San Diego, California – Firefighter describes gay pride parade ordeal. [SOURCE] Springdale, Utah – South Utah pride festival blossoms. [SOURCE] Tampico, Mexico – School teacher protests children’s use of the word ‘gay’ as an insult. [SOURCE] United States – American Airlines writes Congress in support of Employee Non-Discrimination Act. [SOURCE] United States – Male model sues Genre magazine for “gay harassment.” [SOURCE] United States – Senate okays bill to require HIV testing in prisons. [SOURCE] United States – AIDS Action Council joined launch of First National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. [SOURCE] United States – Pepsi risks boycott with donation to gay support group, PFLAG. [SOURCE] Utah – Activist at center of Utah gay rights battles to depart. [SOURCE] Vancouver, Canada – Two men arrested in connection with possible hate crime. [SOURCE] OCEANIA Hobart, Australia – HIV researcher questions blanket gay blood ban, but still endorses it. [SOURCE] Perth, Australia – Lord Mayor wants Perth to rival gay friendly cities. [SOURCE] SOUTH AMERICA Quito, Ecuador – New Ecuador constitution includes gay rights guarantees. [SOURCE]
Recently Newsweek has released a series of informative, but somewhat heartbreaking articles entitled, “Invisible and Overlooked” and “Lots of Unknowns” about the unique challenges facing aging homosexuals. No matter your age, they’re worth a read since the challenges facing today’s seniors are likely to become those of tomorrow’s. Caring for our aging LGBT brothers and sisters is a community responsibility. Below is just a short list of facts pulled from the above articles that shed light on some of the challenges we have ahead of us, as well as a few websites for aging LGBT seniors afterwards:
– Estimates indicate that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals will comprise 7 to 10 percent of that senior population.
– Over the next 25 years, persons in America who are 65 and older are expected to grow from about 12 to 20 percent of the total population. Estimates indicate that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals will comprise 7 to 10 percent of that senior population.
– Gay seniors are twice as likely as straights to live alone, and 10 times less likely to have someone to care for them should they fall ill, according to SAGE. Ninety percent of gay retirees have no children, and nearly 80 percent are single, according to some estimates.
– Gay men are at higher risk for HIV, hepatitis and other sexually-transmitted infections, and evidence suggests this may be especially true for older gay men.
– Despite infection rates that remain level, people over 50 now make up the fastest-growing segment of those living with HIV. Between 1990 and 2005, the number of AIDS cases among people over 50 increased more than 700 percent–today, 35 percent of people with HIV are 50 and older, and 70 percent are over 40, according to the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA).
– Gay seniors are half as likely to have health insurance coverage than their straight counterparts, according to the Williams Institute.
– According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 76 percent of the general public supports laws to protect gay men and lesbians from discrimination in employment. Most also support giving benefits to same-sex partners, including inheritance rights, employer-provided health insurance and Social Security.
– A survey conducted for SAGE’s Long Term Care Task Force found that only 13 percent of long-term care facilities include sensitivity training on sexual orientation.
– A study by the Milwaukee County Department for the Aging found that the city’s gay and lesbian seniors were five times less likely than straight seniors to access needed services if they feared discrimination. Relevant Web Sites: SAGE Lambda Legal AARP The Gay Men’s Health Crisis The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America Gray and Gay
Last week, The QC Pop Five irked some readers by posting a naked picture of Brad Pitt next to a news item about his $100K contribution to fight Proposition 8, the gay marriage ban set for voting in California this November. One commenter said, “Brad is a good friend to the glbt community. How stupid of QC to use a nude photo of him in connection with another of his generous acts. Grow up guys.” Another quipped, “Using this picture is like throwing sh@t in Brad Pitts’ face. The man does an act of kindness and respect for gays and Queerclick does this. Why?” Well, this is a gay porn site. We thought our readers would appreciate a naked picture of Brad Pitt (as they probably would any other day of the year) alongside a mention of his generous support. However, the commenter gripes highlight the importance of the California battle. So we’ve decided to cover the issue in this installment of the QC Weekender, complete with analysis, recent developments, links to groups on both sides of the issue, and a discussion of how it effects the international LGBT community at large. Brad Pitt’s not the only big name fighting against Proposition 8. Just this week, director Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw contributed $100K, the California public utility company, Pacific Gas & Electric and the Levi Strauss jeans company, donated $250K and $10K, respectively. And the giant of internet search engines, Google, came out against the measure. Also, not all religious groups are opposed to gay civil marriage either, including the Episcopal Church. Those worried that Proposition 8’s opponents have less money than its supporters should keep in mind that such publicity generated by the above endorsements may well be worth more than any sum of money.
For those of you who were upset with our nude picture of Brad Pitt last week, here’s a more modest pic of the gay marriage supporter. So what does the actual ballot measure facing Californian voters on November 4th say? Well, we happen to have a copy right here: ELIMINATES RIGHT OF SAME-SEX COUPLES TO MARRY. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT: Changes the California Constitution to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry in California. Provides that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. Fiscal Impact: Over next few years, potential revenue loss, mainly sales taxes, totaling in the several tens of millions of dollars, to state and local governments. In the long run, likely little fiscal impact on state and local governments. As we’ve said before, the most persuasive argument in support of gay marriage has to do with money. Married couples with children contribute more economically than unmarried individuals. Just think of all the lavish accouterments for a wedding and child rearing alone and you’ll understand the millions businesses stand to gain through the pink dollar. Furthermore, lots of businesses see partner benefits as a good way to utilize a growing gay and lesbian workforce. The Valley Industry and Commerce Association (VICA), a conservative business organization in California, supports gay marriage citing potential revenue and streamlined benefits paperwork as perks. Their outlook mirrors that of 14 U.S. states who currently extend partner benefits to state employees in same-sex relationships. Doing so ensures that qualified gay workers stay invested in a company long term rather than leaving for better equity.
ASIA AND MIDDLE EAST Baghdad, Bashar – Iraqi LGBT coordinator assassinated by religious militia. [SOURCE] China – Eye on Gay Shanghai: Gay Studies courses at Fudan Uni. [SOURCE] Iraq – Islamist deaths squads are hunting down gay Iraqis and summarily executing them. [SOURCE] Turkey -Transexual pop singer faces 2 years’ jail for criticizing military. [SOURCE 1][SOURCE 2] EUROPE Britain – London professor condemns fundamentalists for misinterpreting his research. [SOURCE] Britain – Army apologizes to harassed lesbian soldier. [SOURCE] Czech Republic – Vote on discrimination bill delayed until after elections. [SOURCE] England – Ed Balls tells conference of fight against homophobic bullying. [SOURCE] England – Public bodies told to embrace equality ahead of new legislation. [SOURCE] London, England – London to host Muslim LGBT conference. [SOURCE] London, England – Awards celebrate contributions to black gay community. [SOURCE] Manchester, England – Labour party votes overwhelmingly for trans inclusion. [SOURCE] Sarajevo, Bosnia – Bosnia gay festival closes after attacks at opening event injure nine. [SOURCE 1][SOURCE 2][SOURCE 3] Sarajevo, Bosnia – After attacks on gay pride parade, European Union says Bosnia must respect gay rights to become a member. [SOURCE] United Kingdom – Website for gay men newly diagnosed with HIV launched. [SOURCE] NORTH AMERICA Boston, Massachusetts – HX’s Boston Paper Going Down? [SOURCE] California – Anti-gay groups to attend Folsom Street Fair. [SOURCE] California – Bolthouse Farms responds to boycott over founder’s contribution to gay marriage ban. [SOURCE] Canada – Gay Conservative candidate resigns after saying queers promote promote drugs and promiscuity. [SOURCE] Chicago, Illinois – Study supports gay adoptions. [SOURCE] Chicago, Illinois – AIDS Run & Walk tops records. [SOURCE] Chicago, Illinois – BEHIV receives Wachovia Foundation Grant to provide HIV/AIDS housing. [SOURCE] Clovis, New Mexico – Principals to review gays in yearbook publication. [SOURCE] Dallas, Texas – Lesbian sues over pulled scholarship. [SOURCE] Halifax, Canada – Queer activists seek Halifax seat. [SOURCE] Indianapolis, Indiana – Study of 30 “down low” black New York men reveals fear of disclosing bisexuals. [SOURCE] New York City, New York – Son of architect Richard Meier claims his father is gay. [SOURCE] Ottawa, Canada – Sex workers rally for decriminalization. [SOURCE] Sacramento, California – Body of transgender man pulled from river. [SOURCE] United States – Group urges more inclusive commercials after “critical mass of intolerant ads.” [SOURCE] United States – PepsiCo Foundation grants $500,000 to PFLAG. [SOURCE] Washington, D.C., U.S.A. – Senate to consider same-sex benefits for US federal employees. [SOURCE] Washington, D.C., U.S.A. – Feds oppose domestic partner benefits bill. [SOURCE] Westchester County, New York – County, adoption agencies recruit gay couples considering kids. [SOURCE] SOUTH AMERICA Paraíba, Brazil – First gay wedding in the northeastern state took place this past weekend. [SOURCE] Brazil – Gay rights group Arco-Íris launches online petition to criminalize homophobia. [SOURCE]
Know any good gay international news sites (especially for Oceania, South America, Asia, and Africa)? Please let us know.
AFRICA Rwanda – Canadian anti-HIV drug heading to Africa. [SOURCE] ASIA AND MIDDLE EAST Iran – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad continues to insist there are no gays in Iran. [SOURCE 1][SOURCE 2] EUROPE Britain – Sir Ian McKellen tours schools to tell children being gay is OK. [SOURCE] NORTH AMERICA Atlanta, Georgia – Center for Disease Control calls for increased Hep B testing. [SOURCE] Baltimore, Maryland – Police probe shooting as possible hate crime. [SOURCE] Boston, Massachusetts – Catholic lector removed after gay memoir, Since My Last Confession. [SOURCE] California – Singer/songwriter pens gay marriage anthem “Love Won Out.” [SOURCE] California – California slashes HIV/AIDS prevention funding in new budget. [SOURCE] Fresno, California – Valley Presbyterian churches divided over gays. [SOURCE] Hastings, Nebraska – Mormon Church threatens excommunication for supporting gay marriage. [SOURCE] Louisiana – Male-on-male rapist/killer gets eight life terms. [SOURCE] Miami, Florida – For gay father, adoption ruling is `a defining moment.’ [SOURCE 1][SOURCE 2] New York City – Out classical music critic among winners of MacArthur “genius” awards. [SOURCE] Orlando, Florida – Black leaders to announce support for gay-marriage ban. [SOURCE] Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Oklahoma skinhead faces trial in death of gay man. [SOURCE] Salt Lake City, Utah – Number of gay, lesbian households rising. [SOURCE] San Diego, California – Firefighter describes gay pride parade ordeal. [SOURCE] San Francisco, California – Advocating for “Out of Home” youth. [SOURCE] San Francisco, California – Conservative groups confront SF mayor for “orgiastic” Folsom Street Fair. [SOURCE] United States – Christian “news site” distorts study about gays. Exactly no one surprised. [SOURCE] OCEANIA Australia – Gay rights bill passes first stage in Australian parliament. [SOURCE]
Know of any good gay Middle Eastern and Oceanic news feeds? Please tell us.
Rising medical costs may make the coming cold and flu season even more miserable. Luckily, relief may be within reach according to new study entitled, “Ejaculation as a potential treatment of nasal congestion in mature males” published in The Journal of Medical Hypotheses. It seems that five fingers and a few minutes may be all you need to alleviate chronic congestion and horniness. According to the study, most over-the-counter decongestants relieve congestion by stimulating adrenergic receptors that constrict nasal blood vessels. The author reasons that ejaculation will stimulate adrenergic receptors shortly after ejaculation, giving you relief from your cold. What that means is that blowing your wad should make it easier to blow your nose— now there’s more than one reason to keep tissues near your bedside. We know getting your rocks off isn’t a high priority when you’re sick, but is there anyone out there with a head cold that can test this scientific theory for us?
AFRICA Uganda – Government hunts and detains local gays. [SOURCE] ASIA AND MIDDLE EAST Cambodia – Siem Reap sees a fast increase in gay tourism. [SOURCE] Karmandu, Nepal – In conservative Nepal, ‘third gender’ activist speaks out [SOURCE] Tehran, Iran – Death penalty for man accused of homosexuality at age 16. [SOURCE] EUROPE Belgrade, Serbia – Two arrested in attack on Serbian gay event. [SOURCE] Britain, United Kingdom – Lesbian soldier gains compensation after unwanted sex offers. [SOURCE] Manchester, England – Asylum, equality and faith schools discussed at LGBT fringe meeting. [SOURCE] Perugia, Italy – Lesbian student accused of murder. [SOURCE] Rome, Italy – No prosecution for comedian over Papal jibe. [SOURCE] Sarajevo, Bosnia – Media supporting Bosnia’s first gay festival threatened. [SOURCE] United Kingdom – LGBT Labour comes up with t-shirt slogan “Never Kissed A Tory – never will.” [SOURCE] United Kingdom – Harman challenged over Evangelical appointment to equality commission. [SOURCE] Wales, United Kingdom – Gay blessing vicar is reprimanded. [SOURCE] NORTH AMERICA
Albany, New York – Uphill battle for gay Republican state Senate candidate. [SOURCE] Bloomington, Indiana – Obsession on “down low” bisexual activity of black males doesn’t aid health issues, says expert. [SOURCE] Boston, Philadelphia – Reported hate crimes on rise in Boston. [SOURCE] Canada – Feature: In defense of trans people. [SOURCE] Miami, Florida – Gay marriage opens new chapters on good manners. [SOURCE] Minneapolis, Minnesota – Study says “homonegativity” predicts mental, sex health. [SOURCE] Orlando, Florida – Orlando Sentinel speaks out against anti-gay ballot. [SOURCE] Pogughkeepsie, New York – Transgender employee tells tale. [SOURCE] Sacramento, California – Backers of California same-sex marriage ban are out-fundraising opponents. [SOURCE] Salt Lake City, Utah – Gay marriage ban vote motivates wealthy ex-Mormon. [SOURCE] San Francisco, California – Woman gets 15 years to life for letting dogs murder lesbian woman. [SOURCE]
Texas – Pictures from 25th Annual Alan Ross Texas Freedom parade. [SOURCE] United States – Slowly, companies embracing transgender employees. [SOURCE] Washington D.C., U.S.A. – John McCain’s Chief of Staff outed, wins Roy Cohn Award. [SOURCE]
Washington D.C., U.S.A. – Same-sex marriage proposed for DC. [SOURCE] OCEANIA
Australia – Lesbian mothers gain legal rights. [SOURCE] Brisbane, Australia – Lesbian who ran down teenage schoolgirl jailed. [SOURCE] Queensland, Australia – Anti-Gay bumper sticker lands gun boss in hot water. [SOURCE] New Zealand – Parliament’s ‘Rainbow Room’ to recognise gay contribution. [SOURCE]
ASIA AND MIDDLE EAST Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepalese lesbian recognised as “third gender.” [SOURCE] New Delhi, India – High Court sets deadline to hear arguments from government on decriminalization of homosexuality. [SOURCE] Serbia – Two arrested in attack on Serbian gay event. [SOURCE] EUROPE Vienna, Austria – Gay man still missing. [SOURCE] Cardiff, United Kingdom – Gay artist fears for his life on return to Azerbaijan. [SOURCE] England – 2008 Stonewall Award nominees announced. [SOURCE] London, England – Out gay man becomes Lord Justice of Appeal. [SOURCE] Portugal – Politicos differ on gay rights. [SOURCE] United Kingdom – Two gay asylum seekers deported from UK. [SOURCE] NORTH AMERICA Chicago, Illinois – Episcopcal church defrocks vocal anti-gay dissident bishop. [SOURCE] Columbia, South Carolina – Thousands turn out for Pride events. [SOURCE] California – Boycott against Bolthouse Farms for founder’s anti-gay contribution. [SOURCE 1][SOURCE 2] California – Openly gay Chico leader talks about recent marriage. [SOURCE] Dallas, Texas – Dallas deputies oppose sexuality survey. [SOURCE] Fouke, Arkansas – Anti-gay church raided in child porn case. [SOURCE] Naples, Florida – Naples rally held to urge ‘no’ vote on man-woman marriage amendment. [SOURCE] Nevada – Gay rodeo association saddles up for charity. [SOURCE] Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Skinhead ordered to stand trial in gay man’s slaying. [SOURCE] Ottawa, Canada – Gay Tory quits campaign amid controversy. [SOURCE] Raleigh, North Carolina – Church gives sanctuary to gay man and his family. [SOURCE] Sacramento, California – Gay-marriage foes protest outside Kevin Johnson’s church. [SOURCE] Savannah, Georgia – Gay-pride rally draws thousands. [SOURCE] Seattle, Washington – Lesbian couple harassed at Madison Park. [SOURCE] United States – Newsweek examines the effect of aging on people living with HIV/AIDS. [SOURCE 1][SOURCE 2] Vancouver, Canada – Gay-friendly course halted by Abbotsford school board. [SOURCE] Verona, Wisconsin – Gay music director booted from Catholic church. [SOURCE] Washington State – Man who quit job to care for same-sex domestic partner entitled to unemployment benefits. [SOURCE] Washington, D.C., U.S.A. – Immigration Equality, members of Congress call on HHS to lift HIV travel ban. [SOURCE] Washington, D.C., U.S.A. – Congressional support dramatically increases for Uniting American Families Act for bi-national gay couples. [SOURCE] Washington, D.C., U.S.A. – Transgendered person wins discrimination case against Library Of Congress. [SOURCE] OCEANIA Australia – Gay wedding held in Australian synagogue. [SOURCE]
