Tag: LGBT

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-Top News UK News

Sunak apologises for LGBT ban in armed forces

The government has previously accepted that the treatment of LGBT armed forces personnel and veterans prior to the year 2000 was completely unacceptable and highly regrettable…reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday apologised on behalf of the UK government for the treatment of LGBT veterans, saying a previous ban on their deployment in the armed forces was an “appalling failure” of the British state.

Sunak’s apology in the House of Commons came as an independent review concluded that pre-2000 investigations into an individual’s sexuality were intrusive and invasive, and for some caused long-lasting and severe impacts on the lives of veterans and their families.

“The ban on LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people serving in our military until the year 2000 was an appalling failure of the British state – decades behind the law of this land,” said Sunak.

“As today’s report makes clear, in that period many endured the most horrific sexual abuse and violence, homophobic bullying and harassment while bravely serving this country.

“Today, on behalf of the British state, I apologise, and I hope all those affected will be able to feel part of the proud veteran community that has done so much to keep our country safe,” he said.

The independent review, chaired by Lord Terence Etherton and co-commissioned by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Office for Veterans Affairs, examined the experiences of personnel between 1967-2000 who were impacted by the ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

The government has previously accepted that the treatment of LGBT armed forces personnel and veterans prior to the year 2000 was completely unacceptable and highly regrettable.

“I am pleased that this review has shone a much-needed light on a shameful and unacceptable historical chapter in our armed forces history,” said Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

“It is heartbreaking that the very tolerance and values that we expected our soldiers, sailors and aviators to fight for, were denied to many of them. I am pleased we now have the opportunity to right those historic wrongs so that LGBT veterans can once again take pride in their service,” he said.

The scope of Lord Etherton’s review focused on three main areas, with the primary one being the effect the historic policy may have had on those impacted by the ban, including the consequences for their future lives.

It also looked at the accessibility of veterans’ services for LGBT people and how to ensure that LGBT veterans are recognised and fully accepted as members of the armed forces.

“The apology today is an important part of addressing the historic hurt that many LGBT veterans feel,” said Johnny Mercer, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

“We’re also looking to the future as we learn from the past, including stepping up support services for veterans affected by the issues raised in this review,” Mercer said.

To support those affected by the historic ban, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs said it is awarding 250,000 pounds to LGBT organisations to provide support services for impacted veterans.

This is in addition to the 45,000 pounds in funding provided to organisations last year to help them gather evidence for the review, the MoD said.

Within the review are 49 recommendations, including the restoration of medals that were required to be handed back on dismissal or discharge, the awarding of campaign and other medals that were withheld, the clarification of pension rights and the presentation of the Veterans Badge.

The government said it is committed to working with LGBT armed forces veterans to ensure that all restorative measures delivered are appropriate.

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-Top News China Social Media

WeChat deletes over a dozen LGBT accounts in China

Several followers posted screenshots of the notice which they received when they tried to access the accounts….reports Asian Lite News

Chinese tech giant Tencent’s WeChat social media platform has deleted over a dozen LGBT accounts run by university students, sparking fear of crackdown on gay content.

LGBT rights supporters protested on social media the abrupt closure of these accounts, which the company said, were removed after “receiving relevant complaints”, reported CNN.

Several followers posted screenshots of the notice which they received when they tried to access the accounts.

“After receiving relevant complaints, all content has been blocked and the account has been put out of service,” the notice read, citing violation of government regulation on the management of online public accounts.

China decriminalized homosexuality in 1997 and removed it from its official list of mental disorders in 2001.

But same-sex marriage is still illegal in the country, and people who identify as LGBT continue to face discrimination in both personal and professional spheres.

Chinese authorities have tightened control of views that are not in line with official policies or positions.

The blocking of WeChat accounts triggered outrage on Chinese social media.

Logo of WeChat(WIKIPEDIA)

“The era is regressing. China wasn’t like this 10 years ago. Gradually we’re losing all our freedoms,” said a comment on Weibo.

But the move has been welcomed by online nationalists, some of whom claimed, without evidence, that these LGBT groups have been infiltrated by “foreign forces.”

“I support the blocking of the accounts…why should we keep these public accounts run by anti-China forces in our higher education institutions? Are we waiting for them to brain wash university students who have yet to form their values?” said one comment on Weibo.

ALSO READ: India’s Africa outreach aimed at keeping China at bay

Last month, a lecturer from a top Chinese law school has been suspended from teaching after he argued in favour of allowing polygamy, a practice of having multiple spouses, for some intellectuals.

Bao Yinan, an associate professor of international law at East China University of Political Science and Law in Shanghai, wrote on his WeChat Moments – a social media platform restricted to friends – that teachers at Chinese colleges and universities should be given “special treatment” in marriage and as well as lifelong allowances.

But his comments on polygamy in the private channel were leaked to public platforms, prompting a backlash.

The teachers work unit under the university’s Communist Party committee issued a statement over the weekend, saying Bao had been removed from all teaching duties for “publishing wrong views online”.

Pic credits @WeChatApp

The statement said the school would take further unspecified action against Bao.

Chinese authorities have tightened control of views that are not in line with official policies or positions.

Bao’s comments were initially made about an article on a ruthlessly competitive tenure system for young lecturers at Chinese universities, where only a small percentage of young teachers get tenured jobs.

It was part of his argument for better treatment for younger university workers – an issue brought to the fore when a 39-year-old mathematics teacher at Shanghai’s prestigious Fudan University killed a Communist Party official after learning that he was about to lose his teaching job. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Biden ends ban on TikTok, WeChat

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-Top News Community UK News

UK Foreign Office sorry for LGBT staff ban

The official said he wanted “to apologise publicly for the ban and the impact it had on our LGBT staff and their loved ones, both here in the UK and abroad.”…reports Asian Lite News.

The UK Foreign Office apologized on Monday for the historic ban that prevented LGBT people from working in the British diplomatic service until 1991.

In a message to staff, Philip Barton, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Head of the Diplomatic Service said: “The ban was in place because there was a perception that LGBT people were more susceptible than their straight counterparts to blackmail and, therefore, that they posed a security risk.”

The official said he wanted “to apologise publicly for the ban and the impact it had on our LGBT staff and their loved ones, both here in the UK and abroad.”

Baron claimed, however, that since the ban was lifted 30 years ago, the Foreign Office had made “great progress” in employing LGBT people and becoming a champion for LGBT rights around the world.

Xinhua quoting UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab reported that he also thanked the LGBT diplomats who represented the UK in the past or are working in the foreign service, and highlighted that as a co-chair of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC), alongside Argentina, the UK is working with 41 partner countries to tackle discriminatory laws and prejudice globally.

The official apology comes as the UK prepares to co-host an ERC conference on July 6-7 as a preamble of the global LGBT global conference to be held in person in London in June 2022. (ANI)

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READ MORE-Biden recognises LGBTQ Pride Month

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Bollywood Community Lite Blogs

Ayushmann unveils pride flag to bring awareness

Pride Month is observed in June to celebrate and raise awareness about the LGBTQ+ community…reports Asian Lite News.

‘Queer’ is getting more visibility in cinema in the modern era. Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who played a gay man on-screen in “Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhaan”, wants to draw focus to the all-new Pride flag that has been unveiled aiming to make the movement more gender inclusive.

“I read about the intent with which the new design of the Pride flag has been unveiled and I wanted to bring attention to this important conversation. The new design by Intersex Equality Rights, UK, incorporates intersex people into the movement,” Ayushmann said.

He added: “I try and bring focus towards inclusivity as much as possible with my films and social media, and I do feel that people need to be aware of the intersex movement. As actors, we are fortunate that we can raise awareness to important issues and I’m trying to do my bit by speaking about Pride month.”

Pride Month is observed in June to celebrate and raise awareness about the LGBTQ+ community.

On the occasion, the symbolic rainbow flag has been redesigned to become more inclusive. The new flag incorporates intersex people into the LGBTQ+ movement, and was led by Valentino Vecchietti.

ALSO READ-Violence against LGBTI people increased during Covid: EU

READ MORE-Biden recognises LGBTQ Pride Month

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Community Lite Blogs USA

Colourful Pride events in US cities

Those protests are now commemorated in the city’s annual Pride Week celebration, one of New York’s most beloved festivals and with time, it has evolved way beyond its party-hard reputation of previous decades…writes Siddhi Jain.

Queer groups have gained much more acceptance in society since they started to raise their voice against discrimination. June is marked as the LGBTQ Pride Month, usually celebrated with street festivals, events and parties. Majority of the Pride events in the USA take place in June and July to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising which mostly happen on the same weekends. So, whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ community or an ally, here’s all you need to know about how Pride events are celebrated in five key US cities to experience the colorful affair to the fullest.

San Francisco, California
Long considered as one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the U.S., San Francisco is nicknamed ‘the gay capital of the world’ and is home to one of the largest and most prominent LGBT communities in the country. There are rainbow-clad streets, gay-friendly districts, and some of the most prominent LGBT festivals and celebrations take place here. And if there’s any gay pride event in the U.S. you surely need to attend, it’s the San Francisco Pride. It takes place in June’s latter half and draws over a million people.

While there will be no big Pride parade and celebration event in downtown San Francisco this year, you can still expect a mix of in-person gatherings and online events as people around the Bay Area celebrate Pride. San Francisco’s Pride celebration embodies the freedom of expression, human rights and love; all things that the California city is known for embracing.

New York City, New York
Every June, the streets of New York are transformed into a blitz of rainbow flags, bared skin, and joyous dancing. While at first glance it might look like just a typical New York City Street party, NYC Pride’s roots are steeped deeper in history. The modern gay rights movement began here in 1969, when riots followed a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, an LGBTQ bar. Those protests are now commemorated in the city’s annual Pride Week celebration, one of New York’s most beloved festivals and with time, it has evolved way beyond its party-hard reputation of previous decades. The late June event includes a rally and parade, with more than 350 contingents marching through Manhattan.

This year, The NYC Pride March will take place virtually on June 27 with Grand Marshals Wilson Cruz from Star Trek: Discovery and activist Ceyenne Doroshow leading the event that includes live performances and street side activities. The Rally on June 25 will host a number of speakers in an online forum. There’s also a human rights conference and a Black Queer town hall.

Denver, Colorado
Famed for its mountains, craft-beer, legal marijuana, and hunky bearded men, Denver is also a magnet for LGBTQ+ people all over the ‘Wild West’. While the gorgeous Rocky Mountains are right on the doorstep, you can also find a diverse selection of gay bars, clubs, and bathhouses alongside plenty of art, culture and growing culinary scene.

Denver, Colorado’s PrideFest celebration, which takes place in mid-June is the most family-friendly gay pride event in the US. It has been growing in recent years, drawing more than 350,000 people. The festivities include parties, concerts, a parade, a 5-kilometer walk/run and activities like face painting for kids. Denver is also a dog-loving city, and the ‘Dogs in Drag parade’ is one of the most popular event of PrideFest. To keep the community safe and healthy during the Covid-19, the Denver Pride Parade is going virtual again for the 2021 Coors Light Virtual Denver Pride Parade.

Charleston, South Carolina
It is a charming city full of colourful architecture, oak-shaded plazas, and history aplenty plus tranquil beaches, making it a winning choice for Pride festivities. Charleston Pride Fest is a party like no other. It is one of the later pride events in the USA, taking place each year in September. It is the perfect excuse for an end of summer escape with great weather and a charming welcome. Charleston Pride Festival is held over 7 days with a series of rainbow studded events culminating in a final weekend pride festival and parade.

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READ MORE-Priyanka joins pride month celebration

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Bollywood Community Lite Blogs

Priyanka joins pride month celebration

Priyanka is currently working on the spy series ‘Citadel’. It also stars Richard Madden. The project is backed by Amazon and helmed by the Russo Brothers of ‘Avengers’ fame…reports Asian Lite News.

Pride month has been receiving much more acceptance and popularity. As the calendar turns to June, LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies across the world mark Pride Month. On Tuesday, global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas also celebrated the occasion on social media.
The ‘Baywatch’ actor posted a happy sunkissed video of her on Instagram and extended Pride Month wishes in her caption. She wrote, “Love is….Take a video sharing what love means to YOU and tag me so I can see! #HappyPrideMonth,” followed by pride-themed heart emojis.
Bollywood actor Zareen Khan dropped several emotions in the comments section of the post that garnered more than 2 lakh likes. June marks a time when millions of people come together to support the LGBTQ community.

It was first celebrated in the US in 2000 when then US President Bill Clinton issued a presidential proclamation designating the month. To celebrate it, people come out on the streets for pride parades, marches, rallies.
Pride is about people coming together, to show and celebrate how far gay rights have come and how much is still left to achieve. Pride month is about equality, teaching acceptance, education in pride history and above all, love. This year, celebrations across the globe will resume gradually as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and more people get vaccinated.

On the work front, Priyanka is currently working on the spy series ‘Citadel’. It also stars Richard Madden. The project is backed by Amazon and helmed by the Russo Brothers of ‘Avengers’ fame.
The actor has finished shooting ‘Text for You’ with Sam Heughan, Celine Dion, Russell Tovey, and Omid Djalili. Priyanka will also be seen in an Indian wedding comedy with Mindy Kaling, which she will co-produce and feature in. She also has ‘Matrix 4’ and a film based on the life of Maa Anand Sheela in the pipeline. (ANI)

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-Top News USA

Biden recognises LGBTQ Pride Month

Unlike predecessor Donald Trump, President Biden has urged Congress to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination by passing the Equality Act….reports Asian Lite News

In a proclamation marking the start of Pride Month celebrating the LGBTQ community, President Joe Biden on Tuesday said that nearly 14% of his 1,500 federal agency appointees identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer, according to media reports.

Unlike predecessor Donald Trump, who never officially recognised Pride Month during his four years in office, President Biden has urged Congress to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination by passing the Equality Act.

“For all of our progress, there are many States in which LGBTQ+ individuals still lack protections for fundamental rights and dignity in hospitals, schools, public accommodations, and other spaces,” reports quoted Biden as saying.

He said “we will not rest until full equality for LGBTQ+ Americans is finally achieved and codified into law.”

Biden also recognised the service of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in the Cabinet, and Assistant Health Secretary Rachel Levine, the first openly transgender person confirmed by the Senate, according to reports.

Meanwhile, the President on Tuesday announced a series of measures aimed at narrowing the wealth gap among racial groups in a speech commemorating the 100th anniversary of Tulsa massacre, one of the most atrocious racial violence in US history.

ALSO READ: Violence against LGBTI people increased during Covid: EU

Biden detailed a raft of policies intended to bolster homeownership and help minority-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The measures include using federal purchasing power to invest more money into minority-owned businesses and allocate $10 billion in infrastructure funds to rebuild disadvantaged neighbourhoods across the country.

The first President to come to Tulsa and commemorate the massacre, Biden also plans to enhance the Fair Housing Act in ways that the Department of Housing and Urban Development will “more vigorously enforce” the law, according to a senior administration official, who added that the goal is to increase Black homeownership.

Missing in the Biden initiative, however, was a plan to cancel student debt, which disproportionately affects Black students. The rollout also failed to address the issue of reparations for relatives of massacre victims, who said the federal payments could restore what was erased during the attacks.

Biden in his speech also announced that Vice President Kamala Harris will lead the administration’s efforts on protecting Americans’ voting rights. The White House has accused the restrictive voting laws recently enacted in several Republican-leaning states of making it harder for Americans to cast their ballots.

ALSO READ: Biden eyes narrowing racial wealth gap


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-Top News COVID-19 EU News

Violence against LGBTI people increased during Covid: EU

He stressed that every human being is born free and equal and reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to defend and promote human rights, including for LGBTI people, reports dpa news agency…reports Asian Lite News.

The European Union’s (EU) foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has highlighted the worsening situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has led to even higher levels of violence and discrimination against LGBTI persons, including domestic violence, hate speech online and offline, and hate crimes,” the 74-year-old said on Sunday ahead of Monday’s International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

He stressed that every human being is born free and equal and reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to defend and promote human rights, including for LGBTI people, reports dpa news agency.

He said he was concerned that 69 countries criminalised loving relationships between people of the same sex and 11 countries even threatened the death penalty.

“The EU will continue to address discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, highlighting the vulnerable situation of LGBTI persons in the Covid-19 recovery and calling for fairer, more inclusive and sustainable society,” Borrell said in the statement.

The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is observed every year on May 17.

In March, the European Parliament had adopted a resolution declaring the entire 27-member European Union as a “LGBTIQ Freedom Zone”.

The symbolic resolution was passed in response to local authorities in Poland labelling themselves “LGBT ideology-free zones” in recent years.

The members of the European Parliament also highlighted that LGBTIQ-free zones are part of a broader context in which the community in Poland is subject to increased discrimination and attacks, notably growing hate speech.

Although the Commission rejected applications for EU funding under its town-twinning programme from Polish towns that adopted such resolutions, MEPs urge the institution to go further.

The Commission should use all tools, they say, including infringement procedures, Article 7 of the Treaty on EU, as well as the recently adopted regulation on protecting the EU’s budget, in order to address violations of the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ people in the EU.

Same-sex relationships are not legally recognised in Poland, and the country already bans same-sex couples from adopting children together.

However, as single people are permitted to adopt, some have managed to get around the ban by applying to adopt as single parents, according to BBC report.

Under the new law, authorities will be required to perform background checks on anyone applying to adopt a child as a single parent.

If a person is found to be applying as a single parent when they are in a same-sex relationship, they will be criminally liable.

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