Pinke.biz Default RSS Feed http://www.pinke.biz Copyright Pinke.BizAn opinion piece in a Jewish newspaper that insists the decision to cure homosexuality should be left up to gays and lesbians has resulted in a major backlash.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6691/Columnist_says_gay_cures_deserve_a_chanceMon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000A London law firm that sacked a gay barrister because of his sexual orientation has lost its appeal against an earlier ruling that it practiced discrimination.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6693/Law_firm_loses_on_appeal_for_sacking_gay_barristerMon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000Britain’s Derby Crown Court found three men guilty of inciting hatred based on sexual orientation, a first in the country, with sentencing scheduled for this month.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6695/Three_men_to_be_sentenced_this_month_for_distributing_antigay_materialMon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000His character’s plan to break up Glee’s young gay couple has earned Grant Gustin some death threats from fans. Gustin, who plays Sebastian Smythe on the hit show, said he received threats on the micro-blogging site Twitter to the tune of ‘If you break up Klaine, I will find you and I will kill you.’” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6692/Glee_actor_receives_death_threatsSun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000An absent father has intervened in the life of his transgender daughter in Berlin and wants her committed to a mental institution because she refuses to live like a male.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6694/German_trans_youth_could_be_institutionalizedSun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000A rabbi who signed a ‘gay cure’ declaration and heads the Orthodox Ashkenazi community in Amsterdam said that he won’t return to the Netherlands because he fears for his life.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6686/Rabbi_in_Amsterdam_suspended_for_gay_cure_beliefsThu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000Close to 200 hundred members of the European Parliament signed a pledge in support of LGBT rights across the EU. Following a two-day long awareness event, 184 MEPs, including the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, signed the pledge of support to mark the halfway point of the parliament’s current mandate. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6687/MEPs_pledge_support_for_EUwide_LGBTI_rightsThu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000LGBT people in the United Arab Emirates are under attack, this time through a video which instructs how to cure gay men of their sexuality.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6688/UAE_video_attacks_effeminacy_in_menThu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000LGBT history month kicks off tonight across the UK. The event is in its eighth year and the theme is the issue of homophobia in sport. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6690/February_is_LGBT_history_monthWed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000Kylie Minogue is returning to Sydney’s Mardi Gras in March. In a video, Minogue said, “I am coming home for Mardi Gras this year!” She said she was disappointed that she wasn’t able to attend Australia Day in Sydney. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6684/Kylie_Minogue_returns_to_Sydney_Mardi_GrasMon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000A civil rights law firm in the ultra conservative state of Alabama has demanded that schools allow students to bring their same-sex partners to the prom. The letter, by the Southern Poverty Law Center to the County Board of Education in Tuscaloosa, made reference to a case last month in which a student at Brookwood High School was told by her principal that she was prohibited from attending the prom with another female. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6685/Letter_demands_that_US_county_allow_samesex_couples_to_attend_promMon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000The ‘gay panic’ defence is no more in the Australian state of Queensland following a petition by a Catholic priest that gathered over 25,000 signatures and international support. Defendants in murder cases employ the “gay panic” defence in an effort to dwindle down their murder charge to manslaughter. After a man was killed on the grounds of his church, Father Kelly began the petition. At the time he said, “It is simply intolerable that anyone can rely on a defence or an excuse that an alleged homosexual advance could somehow mitigate against violence that leads to death.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6682/Gay_panic_defence_no_more_in_QueenslandFri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000A petition submitted to the Scottish government denouncing gay marriage has been derided by rights groups as “outdated, inaccurate and homophobic” and put on hold by parliament. The petitioner, Amy King, put forward her ‘Preserving Marriage’ petition to the Scottish Parliament, which claims that gay people shouldn’t have access to marriage because of “poor social outcomes for homosexual adults” including “higher rates of domestic violence, suicide, STDs, and mental illness.” King writes: “Marriage should not be redefined for the whole of society given the tiny percentage of society actually affected by the issue.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6683/Antiequal_marriage_petition_put_on_hold_by_Scottish_governmentFri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000A teacher diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and depression is banned from teaching indefinitely following allegation of verbal and physical abuse by a number of students. While teaching at the East Brighton College of Media, the teacher Jason Gibbs used language such as “batty boys” and “poofs,” a disciplinary panel heard. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6678/Teacher_banned_from_profession_after_abusing_studentsThu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Ecuador’s new health minister has promised to shut down the county’s remaining “lesbian cure” clinics. Rafael Correa appointed American-born activist Carina Vance Mafla, who is openly gay, to his cabinet. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6679/New_Ecuadorean_health_minister_promises_to_shut_down_remaining_cure_clinicsThu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000South Africa’s Human Rights Commission will investigate homophobic comments made by the Zulu king. “If it is indeed accurate that His Majesty, the Zulu king, made the utterances as reported, they constitute hate speech [...] and are inflammatory,” said Human Rights Commission spokesman Vincent Moaga. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6680/South_African_human_rights_body_to_investigate_antigay_comments_by_Zulu_kingThu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000The cross-dressing comedy Work It on the US network ABC was dropped after two episodes following criticism of transphobia from the LGBT community. Work It centered on two straight men who, after losing their jobs as car salesmen, dress as women to find new work in a difficult economy. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6681/US_sitcom_pulled_for_transphobiaThu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000A battle over adoption legislation is underway in the US state of Virginia and right in the thick of it is whether prospective gay or lesbian parents will be permitted to adopt. Legislation introduced by Senator Adam Ebbin would prohibit the state to fund or contract adoption agencies that discriminate against hopeful parents on the grounds of ‘race, religion, national origin, sex, age, family status, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.’ http://www.pinke.biz/news/6676/Virginia_continues_to_discriminate_against_hopeful_gay_parentsTue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000A coalition of groups is calling on the Lord Provost of Edinburgh – a twin city to St Petersburg – to protest the latter city’s vehemently homophobic “propaganda” law. Last year lawmakers in Russia’s second largest city passed the “gay propaganda” law on a vote of 27 to 1. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6677/Lord_Provost_of_Edinburg_asked_to_stop_antigay_St_Petersburg_billTue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000A new study adds to the growing body of evidence that gay parents are just as capable as their heterosexual counterparts of raising children. Published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, the study found that teens raised by lesbian parents developed the same levels of happiness and quality of life as those of straight parents. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6674/Another_study_shows_gay_parents_do_a_good_job_raising_kidsMon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Picketers targeted an ‘ex-gay’ conference last week in Northern Ireland, which has referred to gay people are lepers. Organizers of “The Lepers Among Us” claim that lepers in biblical times compare with how people with “conflicted in religious and sexual identity” are treated now. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6675/Picketers_protest_exgay_Belfast_conferenceMon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000A UK man serving time for killing four gay men with a combat knife for his own sexual gratification lost his appeal to overturn his sentence in the European Court of Human Rights. The Chamber of seven ruled that there is ‘No violation of Article 3 (prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment)’ and that Peter Moore had ‘no hope of release.’ http://www.pinke.biz/news/6672/UK_man_serving_whole_life_sentence_for_killing_gay_men_loses_appealSat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000A university in the US state of Illinois became the first in the country to ask prospective students about their sexual orientation. Elmhurst College in Chicago asked an optional question on its application form regarding the sexual orientation and found that 5% of applicants noted being gay. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6673/US_university_asks_question_of_applicants_sexual_orientationSat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000The Tory government’s March consultation could witness a backlash against gay marriage by some backbench MPs. The Independent reports that some backbenchers are adamantly opposed to the government’s plans to consult on gay marriage, seeing the move as heading down the path of legalization. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6670/Backbench_Tory_revolt_against_equal_marriage_brewingThu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Human Rights Watch which has released a report documenting the torture and abuse of transgender women at the hands of authorities in the tiny Middle Eastern country of Kuwait. The report, titled “They Hunt us Down for Fun’: Discrimination and Police Violence Against Transgender Women in Kuwait,” is 63 pages and documents abuses at the hands of police, including physical, sexual and emotional abuse. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6671/Human_Rights_Watch_releases_report_of_abuses_against_trans_women_in_KuwaitThu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000A transgender man has made history in Israel by become the first in state history to give birth. Yuval Topper, 24, underwent sex change surgery three years ago. Last week, he gave birth at the Sheba Medical Center. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6668/Israeli_trans_man_gives_birthWed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000After winning a Golden Globe at Sunday’s award show, George Clooney said republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney was the wrong man to lead the country given his attitude on gay rights. “I’m not much concerned until there is an actual nominee,” Clooney said, saying Romney’s stance on gay rights is on “the wrong side of history.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6669/George_Clooney_derides_Mitt_Romney_on_gay_rightsWed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Chris Bryant, Labour MP, said that on some days a part of the Westminster complex is “virtually a gay bar.” Speaking at a debate on Parliamentary representation over the weekend, he said, “It is significant that we now have more out gay Members of Parliament than ever before. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6666/Chris_Bryant_Westminster_is_often_resembles_a_gay_barTue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Peter Tatchell says that the world is moving toward a post-gay society in which sexual orientation matters little and more folks engage in same-sex relations. “As homophobia diminishes and as future societies eventually embrace a post-homophobic culture, how will this transition to equality, dignity, understanding and acceptance affect the expression of sexuality?” Tatchell wrote in an op-ed piece in PinkNews.co.uk. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6667/Tatchell_Sexual_expression_is_everchangingTue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000LGBT are invited to attend an Adoption and Fostering Week next month in an effort to boost adoption, which is its lowest in a decade, among this segment of the population. The New Family Social says LGBT adoption has hit the radar and authorities have come to value the potential of gay and lesbian parents. In a New Family Social survey of 130 social workers, 72% said there was value in allowing LGBT to adopt. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6664/Adoption_week_to_raise_profile_of_LGBT_parentsMon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000An online poll by American Airlines and the gay travel site Gaycities.com has found Tel Aviv in Israel to be the greatest gay travel destination of 2011. Tel Aviv – Israel’s most cosmopolitan and liberal city – nabbed 43% of the vote followed by New York at 14% and Toronto at 7%. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6665/Tel_Aviv_tops_poll_for_best_gay_travel_destinationMon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Ernst & Young has grabbed top spot on Stonewall’s list of the 100 best places to work for gay and bi employees this year. The UK’s counter-intelligence and security agency, MI5, debuted at number 62. Back in 1989, the agency felt that gays were too “vulnerable to corruption” to work at the higher ranks of the spy agency because of the possibility of blackmail. Ernst & Young leaped to the top spot after a third place finish last year. The Home Office fell from the top spot last year to second this year. Barclays took the third spot. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6662/Ernst__Young_best_place_for_LGB_to_workSat, 14 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000After making a homophobic comment against gay rugby player Gareth Thomas, a player with Oxford City has been let go of the team. Regarding Thomas’ appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, Lee Steele, 38, tweeted: "I wouldn't fancy the bed next to Gareth Thomas #padlockmyarse." http://www.pinke.biz/news/6663/Club_releases_player_after_homophobic_tweetSat, 14 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000In a speech on Monday, Pope Benedict XVI said that gay marriage is a threat to the future of humanity. The comments came during an address to a meeting of 180 diplomats at the Vatican. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6660/Pope_says_gay_marriage_threat_to_humanityFri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000A Catholic priest in Queensland, Australia has drawn massive support for his petition against the “gay panic” defence used in the state. The petition, signed up 8,500 folks, says the defence – which if applied successfully reduces a charge to manslaughter - “belongs in the dark ages.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6661/Petition_against_gay_panic_defence_in_Queensland_draws_thousandsFri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Following a homophobic tweet to gay rugby star Gareth Thomas, Oxford City striker Lee Steele didn’t play a match over the weekend. “I wouldn’t fancy the bed next to Gareth Thomas #padlockeda**ehole,” Steele, 38, wrote on Twitter, referencing Thomas’ appearance on Celebrity Big Brother. The comment against the now retired Thomas was removed, but not until the following day. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6658/Lee_Steele_doesnt_play_game_after_homophobic_tweetThu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Bisexual actor Alan Cumming and his partner Grant Shaffer celebrated the fifth anniversary of their British civil partnership by marrying in New York. New York became the sixth and largest state in the US to legalize gay marriage back in June last year. Cumming, who is originally from Scotland, made the announcement on Twitter and included a message for Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6659/Alan_Cumming_marries_in_New_YorkThu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Sir Ian McKellen says that he has “no doubt” that given the nature of his plays, Shakespeare was gay. “I’d say Shakespeare slept with men,” said McKellen, the Daily Mail reports. “The Merchant of Venice, centering on how the world treats gays as well as Jews, has a love triangle between an older man, younger man and a woman. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6655/Ian_McKellen_Shakespeare_was_gayTue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000A recent tampon ad was pulled after criticism of transphobia, but now the featured drag queen has lashed back against complaints he’s calling “dragphobic.” Sandee Crack – his stage name – points out that he doesn’t consider himself trans and “never” will. In the ad, which Libra pulled earlier last week, a drag queen competes against a woman in the mirror. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6656/Performer_hits_back_dragphopic_criticsTue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Last week Jamaica swore in a new prime minister, Portia Simpson-Miller, who has taken a strongly pro-gay stance compared to her predecessor. In a live television debate, Simpson-Miller said she won’t bar gay and lesbians from serving in her cabinet – unlike the country’s previous prime minister, Bruce Golding, did. She also said that the criminalization of homosexuality will be reviewed. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6653/Progay_politician_becomes_Jamaicas_new_leaderMon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Simon Doonan, always tongue-in-cheek, has come out with a new book on the differences between “gay” and “straight” foods. Doonan book is a nod to the best-seller French Women Don’t Get Fat. He says that “gay men really are French women, from their delight in fashion, to their brilliant choices in accessories and décor, to their awe-inspiring ability to limit calorie intake.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6654/Gay_foods_straight_foods_whats_the_differenceMon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Stars the Sherlock have denied the existence of a gay relationship between the characters. Sherlock returned to huge acclaim on New Year’s Day and once more raise the possibility of a gay undercurrent on the show. According to PinkNews.co.uk, the characters deny the claim. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6649/Stars_of_Sherlock_deny_gay_undercurrentFri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000In his bid for the 2012 Republican US presidential nomination, Rick Santorum has made some wildly homophobic comments. Santorum – who finished second in the Iowa caucuses – said that should he become president, he would invalidate gay marriages in the country. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6650/Santorum_puts_homophobic_on_displayFri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Justin Timberlake could be playing Elton John once again, this time in a biopic. John, 64, told the LA Times that he would like to produce a “surreal look at my life, and not just a factual look at my life, more in the manner of a Moulin Rouge” and that he would like Timberlake to play him, saying “I’ve got a wish list of people. Number one on my wishlist is Justin Timberlake, because he played me before in a David LaChapelle video of Rocket Man and he was superb.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6651/Justin_Timberlake_could_play_Elton_John_in_biopicFri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Transgender air stewardesses in Thailand flew for the first time on PC Air’s inaugural flight from Bangkok to Surat Thani last month. Last year, the new airline hired thirty in-flight staff, four of whom were transgender. “I think these people can have many careers – not just in the entertainment business – and many of them have a dream to be an air hostess,” said PC Air boss Peter Chan, speaking to the Daily Telegraph. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6652/Transgender_flight_crew_take_off_in_ThailandFri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000After coming under pressure, Amazon has removed a heavily homophobic calendar by a Christian cartoonist. The calendar by American Christian cartoonist Joe King, was pulled earlier by Barnes and Noble, but remained available through Amazon in the US and the UK. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6645/Amazon_removes_homophobic_cartoonist_calendarWed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Chrisie Edkins – trans singer and DJ – said that she would play at any pride event for free this year in the name of promoting the LGBT community across the globe. Edkins – who said she would perform provided she transportation and accommodation are paid for – performed in Spain and Exeter this year and Las Vegas Pride in 2009. She told PinkNews.co.uk that she would like to perform at as many pride events as possible in the New Year. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6646/Chrisie_Edkins_offers_to_play_at_pride_events_across_the_globe_for_freeWed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Stephen Fry is the LGBT community’s most influential Twitter user according to a list compiled by PinkNews.co.uk. “It’s a very remarkable honour to top such a list. Thank you,” he told the news media outlet. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6647/Stephen_Fry_tops_list_of_influential_LGBT_Twitter_usersWed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000The Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists late last year said that homosexuality isn’t a psychiatric disorder. The College made the announcement following the coverage of faith-based ‘therapies’ in Hong Kong, which have garnered wide-spread media attention over the last several months. “The Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists opines that homosexuality is not a psychiatric disorder,” the body said in a statement. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6648/Hong_Kong_College_of_Psychiatrists_homosexuality_isnt_a_disorderWed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000Twitter is often home to plenty of homophobic ranting, and on Sunday night Will Young got a taste of it firsthand. On the micro-blogging site, Young was told he was “such a bender” by a Twitter user. Young, 32, responded to the user by saying “now Bender? Is that homophobia? Do clarify…. Cos if so I can get the police on to you….. Have a think about it mate…. [sic],” before adding that he would “report it anyway and see what they say.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6641/Will_Young_reports_homophobic_comment_by_Twitter_userTue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000A judicial review hearing in Northern Ireland on the ban against gay and unmarried couples adopting children will reconvene in March. Questions have now surfaced concerning whether the ban was a mistake. Mr Justice Treacy called for the hearing to be adjourned so the legislation could be further studied by lawyers. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6642/Judicial_review_on_gay_adoption_ban_in_Northern_Ireland_adjourned_until_next_yearTue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000A school in Utah isn’t backing down on its decision to out a 14-year-old student to his parents, arguing it was to protect him from potential bullying. The boy revealed his sexual orientation in a school project. His teacher then asked if he wanted his sexual orientation to be publicly known. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6643/Utah_school_defends_decision_to_out_boy_to_parentsTue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000The Labour Party’s 13 representatives at the European Parliament have all pledged their support for the equal love campaign in support of civil partnerships and marriage for LGBT and straight couples. “I hope Labour MPs at Westminster will follow the positive example of these MEPs and oppose sexual orientation discrimination in marriage and partnership law,” said international gay rights activist Peter Tatchell, who coordinated the equal love campaign. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6644/Labours_MEPs_pledge_support_for_gay_marriageTue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000A Catholic school in Australia refused a child because her parents are gay. The school has since changed its mind, but it was the parents’ turn to refuse. The diocese’s bishop intervened when he learned that the Sacred Heart Primary School in Broken Hill, New South Wales turned away a child because of her parents’ sexual orientation. “There’s no way in the world one can penalise a child for what his or her parents do,” said Bishop Kevin Manning. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6634/Catholic_school_in_Australia_denies_enrolment_to_child_because_of_gay_parentsFri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000Fans say agents are to blame for a lack of openly gay footballers, according to a survey out of the University of Staffordshire. The research of 3,500 football fans found that 90 per cent of those questioned said homophoba doesn’t belong in sport and they would support an openly gay player. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6635/No_gay_players_in_football_Blame_the_agentsFri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000A homophobic attack last week in Walsall last month left one man with a swollen eye. West Midlands police are looking for five men connected to the attack. The victim, 20, was at the Lion Bar and Club in Reedswood with friends on the night of November 26th. He was approached by the men and declined to speak with them. When he left the bar he was followed out by the men. When the victim was walking away from the venue, one of the men made a homophobic comment. The victim was then knocked to the ground and kicked in the head before the men ran off. “This was a particularly nasty attack which was unprovoked,” said West Midlands police spokesman Lee Page speaking to the Express and Star. “Violence of any kind will not be tolerated, but the homophobic nature of this assault makes it an especially nasty assault and we would like to speak to any witnesses who may know the people involved or have any information on the attack.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6636/Man_injured_in_Walsall_homophobic_attackFri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000Ghana’s Education Ministry said that if it has its way, homosexuality in the African nation will be a thing of the past. Speaking to the Accra Mail, Paul Krampah, a Public Relations Officer, said his department has been educating teachers on the health risks associated with sexual activity, such as sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. The plan is to illustrate the consequences of homosexuality to students with the hope that it will disappear in the future. The ministry believes it can stop young people from being gay. “We are very optimistic that things will change and the incidence of homosexuality in the country will be a thing of the past,” said Krampah. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6637/Ghana_plans_to_eliminate_homosexuality_through_educationFri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000Winning the title of Mr Gay Mamibia has come at a price. Wendelinus Hamutenya was assaulted outside his home in Katutra on the December 4 when the attackers demanded the money he won from the competition. He ended up being hospitalised for 24 hours with head injuries and injuries to his ribs after he was attacked with a bottle. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6638/Mr_Gay_Namibia_assaultedFri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000The sister of Kevin Rudd – Australia’s former Prime Minister – has referred to gay marriage as “utter nonsense” and has left the Labor Party as a result. “I couldn’t work for a party that had endorsed homosexuals marrying,” Loree Rudd told Fairfax. “It is a horrible thing for them to be discriminated against and that’s why my brother introduced laws so they are not discriminated against. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6639/Former_Australian_PMs_sister_calls_gay_marriage_nonsenseFri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000A zoo in China is giving a pair of gay penguins a baby chick to raise. Last month a zoo in Toronto garnered international attention when it chose to separate two gay penguins from each other and use them for mating purposes. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6632/Zoo_in_China_give_gay_penguin_couple_a_baby_chick_to_raiseThu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000Tour operators in India are working overtime to make the country a top travel destination for gays and lesbians. On November 28, the Asian Symposium on Gay and Lesbian Tourism was held in New Delhi at the Le Méridien Hotel – a first of its kind in Asia. At the symposium, 75 tour and hotel operators from India and across the globe were present to share ideas on how to market India as a gay-friend travel destination. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6633/Indian_tour_operators_hoping_to_attract_LGBTThu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000Openly gay contestant Marcus Collins was the runner up on the finale of the talent show X Factor, losing to the girl band Little Mix. The final broadcast was filmed on ITV 1 in front of an audience of 10,000 at Wembley Stadium. The 23-year-old Collins was a former hairdresser from Liverpool and lives with his boyfriend, a former contestant on the show in 2006. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6630/Marcus_Collins_is_runner_up_on_X_FactorWed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000Australian gay couples can now marry overseas without the interference of their home government. The move came at the ruling Labor party’s National Conference and was announced by Attorney-General Robert McClelland. Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage must be issued by the Australian government – as in many other countries around the globe – before allowing a couple to wed abroad. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6631/Australian_gay_couples_permitted_to_marry_abroadWed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000Thirty-eight-year-old gay actor Neil Patrick Harris has apologized for using the world “tranny” on television. Harris regularly appears on the US sitcom How I Met Your Mother and was inhaling gas to lower his voice. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6623/Neil_Patrick_Harris_apologizes_for_use_of_trannyFri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000With new regulations allowing civil partnerships on religious grounds, Peter Tatchell is calling on priests and congregations to reject the Church of England’s ban of such ceremonies in their churches. The Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 came into force yesterday. William Fittall, the Secretary General of the Church of England, issued a document last week that said “no Church of England religious premises may become ‘approved premises’ for the registration of civil partnerships without there having been a formal decision by the General Synod to that effect.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6624/Tatchell_calls_for_rejection_of_Church_of_England_banFri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000A US teacher intervened to save the words “gay apparel” after the lyrics were nearly replaced in the classic Christmas song “Deck the Halls.” A music teacher in Michigan chose to replace the term with “bright apparel” after the children in the choir struggled to maintain composure when the words came up. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6625/Teacher_saves_gay_apparel_lyrics_in_Christmas_carolFri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000With 467 completed in eight hours, Londoners set a new world record on World AIDS Day 2011 for the most HIV tests. The joint effort took place at 56 Dean Street clinic and the G-A-Y Bar on Old Compton Street. G-A-Y donated £10,000 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, with another £2,823 donated by folks attending the event. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6626/Londoners_set_a_world_record_for_most_HIV_testsFri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000A number of organizations from across Scotland have come together in a coalition to back same-sex marriage. Amnesty International, the Scottish Youth Parliament, UNISON, the Humanist Society of Scotland, NUS Scotland and LGBT Youth Scotland came together at a conference in Edinburgh to form the Equality Network. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6627/Coalition_of_Scottish_organizations_formed_to_support_gay_marriageFri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000The United States is prepared to do more to tackle the criminalization of homosexuality across the globe, said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a speech to the United Nations summit in Geneva. Clinton said that LGBT are “human beings born free and bestowed equality and dignity, who have a right to claim that, which is now one of the remaining human rights challenges of our time.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6628/US_pledges_to_fight_for_gay_rights_around_the_worldFri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000Daniel Radcliffe – who in the past has spoken out repeatedly in favor of gay causes – is set to play Allen Ginsberg in a new play about the gay poet’s life. The play – Kill Your Darlings – examines Ginsberg’s relationship with Jack Kerouac and Lucien Carr, who spent two years in prison for murdering his stalker. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6618/Daniel_Radcliffe_to_play_Allen_Ginsberg_in_playTue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000A considerable portion of UK adults are not informed about HIV and aren’t using condoms during sex, according to a new survey. The online survey by Durex found that 34% of men and 26% of women didn’t know enough about the virus that causes AIDS to answer several questions. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6619/Considerable_portion_of_UK_adults_lack_knowledge_of_HIVTue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000The Church of England’s legal team has said that regulations on civil partnerships in religious buildings provide sufficient protections for those who do not wish to perform them. The argument goes before the House of Lords on December 15. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6620/Church_of_England_says_enough_protections_to_avoid_performing_civil_unionsTue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000The Russian government denies that a propaganda bill is directed at LGBT and instead is intended toward the promotion of “paedophilia.” In the city of St Petersburg, a proposed law would issue fines for the “promotion” of “lesbianism, bisexualism and transgenderism,” homosexuality and “paedophilia” to minors, and now talk is being generated at the federal level about a similar proposal. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6621/Russian_government_says_it_wants_to_target_paedophilia_not_homosexualityTue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000There has recently been a great deal of publicity around Life Assurance plans for people of a more senior age group. These plans tend to become available at age 50 and can be taken out by people up to the age of 80, often without any medicals checks, or questions. On face value they seem a good idea, but are there any other options? We have recently been approached by Simon, who is looking for life insurance cover on behalf of his mother Delia. She is currently 73 years of age and is looking for a basic Life Assurance for £5,000 that would meet any funeral expenses should the worst happen. Unusually she does not have any existing medical conditions. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6622/Over_50s_Life_AssuranceTue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000There were disqualified for being bisexual – or rather because their team had too many straight players. Now, three men have been paid an undisclosed sum by organizers of the 2008 Gay Softball World Series, according to the Associated Press. The team, D2, from San Francisco, also had their trophy denied from them after it was thought the team had too many straight players. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6614/Players_disqualified_from_team_for_being_bisexual_receive_compensationFri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000A quarter of those infected with HIV in the UK are unaware they have the disease, according to a new report by the Health Protection Agency, which put the number of those with HIV at 91,500 in 2010. The data was released by the HPA ahead of World AIDS Day today. The data also shows that the UK in 2010 had the highest rate of infections ever. Of the 6,660 new infections in the population, 3,000 came from gay men. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6615/Figures_by_HPA_suggest_a_possible_100000_HIV_cases_in_the_UKFri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000A studying out of the US has found that 5% of dentists refuse to provide services to those living with HIV/AIDS, a rate that is praised as being comparatively good for the healthcare industry. The Williams Institute study also found that another 5% of the 612 dentists’ offices in Los Angeles County, California would provide some services such as a basic cleaning to HIV positive patients but not other more complex procedures. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6616/US_study_finds_that_5_of_dentists_wont_treat_HIV_patientsFri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000A month-and-a-half of juvenile detention is what a 15-year-old US student has been sentenced to after he was videotaped attacking a gay classmate. The gay student – also 15 – tried to escape twice from his attacker who “beats the holy living crap out of him,” said the victim’s mother in an interview with a local station. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6617/Juvenile_detention_for_student_who_beat_gay_classmateFri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000The ‘Pull a Cracker’ Christmas Show will feature EastEnders star June Brown performing on stage with the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus. The veteran soap star has played the role of Dot Cotton for 25 years and is “really looking forward” to the event, which takes place on 11 December at the Brighton Dome. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6610/June_Brown_to_perform_with_the_Brighton_Gay_Mens_ChorusThu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000US transgendered staff will now have improved health care benefits at Google, the Internet giant announced. The revived benefits will jump from $35,000 to $75,000 and covers gender transitioning procedures and treatments outlined by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s (WPATH) Standards of Care http://www.pinke.biz/news/6611/More_benefits_for_transgender_staff_at_GoogleThu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000A Youtube video on marriage equality released by an Australian advocacy group has garnered over two million views. The group is called GetUp and the video generated a high number of views in just six days. The short video – just under two minutes - is entitled “It’s Time” and follows a relationship from start to engagement. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6612/Video_on_marriage_equality_draws_over_two_million_viewsThu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000Homophobia in the UK prison system is often ignored according to a new report. The investigation by the Howard League for Penal Reform calls the homophobia perpetuated by staff and inmates as “endemic.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6613/Homophobia_routinely_ignored_in_the_UK_prison_according_to_reportThu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000The body of gay fitness instructor Angie Dowds was found off a cliff on the south coast of England. “Just after 4.30pm on Sunday, members of the public reported that a woman was seen to jump or fall from the top of cliffs at Beachy Head,” said a police spokesperson. “Coastguards found the body of woman at the foot of the cliffs about an hour later. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6606/Gay_fitness_instructor_found_deadMon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000A Christian baker refused to make a wedding cake for a lesbian couple, and now the pair is at odds over what to do about it. In an interview with TV station KCCI, Victoria Childress, the baker said: “They came in, and she introduced herself, I shook her hand and I said, ‘Is this your sister?’” The couple, Trina Vodraska and Janelle Sievers, introduced themselves as gay partners. “I didn’t do the cake because of my convictions for their lifestyle,” said Childress. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6607/Christian_baker_wont_make_cake_for_lesbian_coupleMon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000In the early hours at a London pub, actor Mickey Rourke got the idea to play rugby player Gareth Thomas in a movie, much to the latter’s approval. Thomas became the world’s first professional rugby player to come out when he did so in nearly two years ago. After a drinking session, Rourke says he was “arm wrestling some rugby players at four in the morning.” Rourke was given an article on Thomas from one of the players from the gay amateur rugby club in London that night. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6608/Mickey_Rourke_made_decision_to_play_Gareth_Thomas_in_film_after_arm_wrestle_matchMon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Tesco’s decision to sponsor next year’s London Pride isn’t sitting well with Christian leaders, another one of whom described the support as a “perversion.” Rev Andrew Allan of the Free Church of Scotland claimed that Tesco’s support came at the expense of the Cancer Research’s annual Race for Life competition, according to the North Star newspaper, a stance which has been deemed incorrect. Allan made the allegations on the 11 November edition of the Daily Mail. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6609/Christian_leaders_continue_to_condemn_Tescos_support_for_Pride_LondonMon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000The archipelago nation of Malta has gay couples on its mind. The National Party, which has a majority in the country, has raised the issue of offering gay couples some form of legal recognition. The conservative country has only legalized divorce through a referendum this summer. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6602/Malta_could_recognize_gay_couplesThu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000A man was sentenced to 27 years in prison for raping a female transitioning to become male. Demetrius Jermaine Miller, 33, was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and first-degree aggravated robbery earlier this month http://www.pinke.biz/news/6603/Man_sentenced_to_27_years_for_raping_transgender_victimThu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000The British government said it will punish nations that fail to observe human rights, but it won’t redirect the aid away from those who need it most. In October, Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State for International Development, angered some African nations when he said that “[T]aking money away from Governments does not mean you do not support that country. You find other mechanisms for trying to help the poorest with food, education and health care as well as building up business structures.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6604/British_government_wont_cut_off_aid_to_gay_rights_abusersThu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000High mineral levels in water could cause homosexuality, according to one Peruvian mayor. The mayor of the coastal city of Huarmey, José Benítez, said the high levels of strontium in tap water causes homosexuality. The mayor made the claim while at a local project working to increase access to water. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6605/High_levels_of_strontium_in_water_causes_homosexuality_Peruvian_mayorThu, 24 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000LGBT History Month 2012 got underway in London with a pre-launch event this week at the Kia Oval cricket ground. The event included exhibitions and talks on this year’s theme: tackling homophobia and transphobia in sport. Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone spoke at the event and outlined the government’s plan to tackle homophobia. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6600/LGBT_History_Month_kicks_off_in_LondonWed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Gay couples face difficulties moving within Europe, a conference in Strasbourg has learned. The Conference on Mutual Recognition of Same-sex Partnerships in Europe found that because of Europe’s varying laws regarding gay rights, gay couples face challenges from one jurisdiction to the next. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6601/Migrating_gay_couples_in_Europe_face_difficultiesWed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000To prove she underwent a sex change to become a female, a woman took off her shirt and exposed her breast in public in the conservative US state of Tennessee and is now telling her story after being imprisoned for close to a month. Andrea Jones took off her shirt at in front of a driver’s license office in Tennessee to protest the state’s refusal to accept her sex change. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6596/Trans_woman_who_went_topic_in_public_tells_her_storyMon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000A player on the Welsh rugby team Ospreys wrote a homophobic message on the popular social media site Twitter. The following tweet appeared on the night of 7 November, from 21-year-old Kristian Phillips regarding Big Brother 2011 winner Aaron Allard-Morgan: “Aaron is the biggest loser I have ever seen, trying to turn it around and make Jay and Louise look bad! #BBUK #Faggot #Gimp #Getalife.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6597/Ospreys_player_tweets_homophobic_messageMon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000On the heels of announcing her Born This Way Foundation, Lady Gaga has topped a poll by charity Stonewall of celebrities doing the most to tackle bullying. Gaga’s foundation works to support bullied youth. She was ahead of Ben Cohen, Nicola Roberts and Cher Lloyd in the poll, garnering 46 per cent of the votes. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6598/Lady_Gaga_voted_the_celebrity_doing_the_most_to_tackle_bullyingMon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000An image of the pope kissing an Imam didn’t sit well with the Vatican, which protested the picture from Benetton’s campaign for peace called Unhate. The image of Pope Benedict XVI locked in a kiss with Sheik Ahmed Muhammaed el-Tayeb, an Imam of Egypt’s 1000-year-old Al-Azhar Mosque. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6599/Benetton_drops_popeImam_kiss_after_Vatican_complainsMon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Not wanting to provide services to potential same-sex couples in a civil union, Catholic Charities has said it will end its legal battle in Illinois. The group was challenging the state’s civil union law, which would require that same-sex couples under such unions are to be treated the same as married heterosexual couples. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6593/Catholic_Charities_wont_find_civil_unions_in_IllinoisSun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000A homophobic and racial attack left one man injured in Hampshire. A 28-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were followed on the night of 5 November along Gordon Road in Gosport at approximately 1:30 am. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6594/Man_injured_in_homophobic_Hampshire_attackSun, 20 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000A wedding between two men was held once again in France, a country – despite its supposedly liberal tendencies – where same-sex marriages aren’t permitted. In a southwestern town in Pyrénées-Orientales, Patrick, 48, and Guillaume, 37, their last names withheld, were wed by the mayor of Cabestany, Jean Vila. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6589/Gay_wedding_ceremony_held_in_FranceWed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Over 2,000 people marched in Hong Kong’s LGBT Pride on Saturday calling for an end to discrimination. The event’s dress code was labelled “sexy and act out.” Marchers with penis-shaped toys and banners reading “Queer is my power.” Lada Gaga’s “Born This Way” was one of the songs played. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6590/Pride_parade_garners_2000_participants_in_Hong_KongWed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000National laws already punish homosexuality with caning and 20 years’ imprisonment, but religious authorities in the states of Malacca and Pahang want governments there to have additional sentencing powers, including consecutive sentencing – one national, the other at the state level. Chief minister of Malacca, Mohd Ali Rustam, said the state is reviewing its Islamic laws, which punish gay Muslims with imprisonment or fines at the federal level http://www.pinke.biz/news/6591/Malaysian_states_look_to_strengthen_antigay_lawsWed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Gay “propaganda” could soon be prohibited in St Petersburg, Russia. Fines could be issued for what the government deems the “propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism, bisexualism and transgenderism, to minors” and “propaganda of paedophilia.” Individuals could be fined 1,000 roubles (£20) and businesses 50,000 (£1,000). “By combining homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality into one law with sexual crimes against minors, members of the Legislative Assembly indulge in gross manipulations of public opinion,” said Polina Savchenko, general manager of LGBT organization Coming Out, Russia, speaking to LGBT Asylum News. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6592/St_Petersburg_could_fine_individuals_for_gay_propagandaWed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Owners who refused to allow a gay male couple to share a room in their private hotel are entitled to their “outdated beliefs,” their lawyer argued. Civil partners Martin Hall and Steven Preddy were denied entry in the private hotel of Peter and Hazelmary Bull, owners of the Chymorvah Private Hotel near Penzance, Devonshire. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6585/Private_hotel_owners_are_allowed_to_deny_gay_couple_entry_lawyer_arguesMon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000A petition has been launched calling for the end of “torture clinics” in Ecuador, where lesbians are tortured in an attempt to turn them heterosexual. In the South American nation, there are over 200 such clinics still remaining after the health minister closed 27. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6586/Petition_launched_to_end_antigay_torture_clinics_in_EcuadorMon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000 A married man and father who died at the cruising ground Clapham Common suffered from a heart attack after taking amyl nitrate, according to an inquest into his death.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6587/Married_man_died_from_poppers_according_to_inquestMon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Another player has come out as gay in professional football, becoming only the second ever to do so. David Testo, 30, originally from the US state of North Carolina, came out as gay to Radio Canada. Testo was playing for the Montreal Impact team until October. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6588/Second_professional_footballer_comes_outMon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000He was a straight rugby player, but after suffering a stroke, he claims he woke up gay. Chris Birch, in an interview with the Daily Mail said he underwent a transformation from a “skinhead to a “preened man.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6581/Man_claims_stroke_caused_him_to_be_gayThu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Gays are as bad as the Nazi Gestapo, says a leader of a Christian political party. In a column in a religious newspaper titled “Confronting the Gaystapo,” Alan Craig told readers that it’s about time to stand up against gay leaders and to end “appeasement, fear and cowering.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6582/Gays_are_the_new_Nazi_GestapoThu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Will Young said that he wants to be a “stylish gay dad” when he likely has kids in his 40s. The 32-year-old musician told You magazine: “I’m fully embracing my 30s. I’ve just moved house, I want to get a dog. I love watching ‘Antiques Road Show’, this morning I fed my fish. “And kids? Probably when I’m in my 40s. I like the idea of being less selfish – though I also like the idea of rocking up on the school run as the stylish gay dad as opposed to the yummy mummy.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6583/Will_Young_doesnt_want_to_be_a_yummy_mummyThu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000More than half of Christians in the UK would be less likely to vote for prime minister David Cameron’s Conservatives should the party move to legalize gay marriage. According to a poll by the Premier Christian Media Trust, 83% of respondents said they are opposed to changing the law to allow same-sex marriage. Ninety per cent of respondents over 65 were against the plans. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6584/Conservatives_could_lose_Christian_vote_over_gay_marriageThu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000The Scottish Conservative Party has made history with the election of its new leader, lesbian Ruth Davidson, who becomes the first openly gay person to head a major British political party. Davidson, who succeeds Annabel Goldie, was elected to the Scottish Parliament for the first time only this year. Davidson, in her victory speech, said the Tories in Scotland were “still alive and kicking.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6576/Ruth_Davidson_becomes_first_openly_gay_person_to_head_a_major_British_partyTue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Melanie Phillips, columnist for the Daily Mail, won Stonewall Awards’ Bigot of the Year. The charity chose Phillips because she was the figure who most notably has “gone out of [her] way to harm, hurt or snub lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the last year.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6577/Melanie_Phillips_is_Bigot_of_the_YearTue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000In an interview with ThinkProgress, Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire praised the Occupy movements and warned of the dangers of wealth and material possessions. “One-sixth of all the words Jesus spoke, and one-third of all the parables, are about the dangers of wealth and possessions,” said Robinson. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6578/Gene_Robinson_praises_the_Occupy_movementsTue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000The Hong Kong government continues to pay for reparative therapy to cure homosexuality at a time when the discredited treatment is spreading around the world. The Hong Kong Government Social Welfare Department has been using the therapy to train the department’s social workers in an attempt to convert their young clients to heterosexuality. The type of therapy is from the Christian Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy organization New Creation. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6579/Hong_Kong_continues_to_fund_reparative_therapyTue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Mixed reaction was the result of the government’s decision last week to allow churches to hold civil partnerships on their grounds, with some activists urging the gay community not to lose sight of full marriage equality. “Since the first civil partnerships took place in 2005, religious groups and lesbian and gay people of faith have expressed the importance of being able to celebrate their commitment to one another in their place of worship,” said Ben Summerskill, Stonewall’s Chief Executive. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6580/Activists_react_to_decision_to_allow_civil_partnerships_on_church_groundsTue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000After carrying on a relationship with a 14-year-old boy, a gay man has been spared a jail sentence and instead will attend a sex offenders’ programme. Davrian Smythe, 20, thought he was having a relationship with a 16-year-old. At least that’s what the boy told him, according to the Western Morning News reports. But learning later on that the boy was in fact not 16, Smythe continued the relationship. Facebook messages – totaling 178 pages – were sent between the two, and the messages were discovered by the boy’s parents after their son ran away from home. Smythe admitted guilt to five offences of sexual activity with a child. He is barred from contact with the boy for five years. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6570/Gay_man_spared_prison_after_relationship_with_underage_boyFri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Because of Brighton’s association with the gay community, the football team is ripe for verbal assault by rival fans. “We get it everywhere we go,” said John Hewitt, chairman of the Brighton and Hove Albion supporters. “There’s a certain amount of banter between fans, but when it crosses that line and becomes offensive it’s not acceptable.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6571/FA_urged_to_do_more_to_tackle_homophobiaFri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000When should you pay more for your insurance? Yes, you read that first line correctly, that in some circumstances it is better to pay more for your insurance. I’ve witnessed on many occasions people taking low cost, diluted insurance policies with insurers that try and avoid paying out on a claim. Our job as Independent Insurance advisers is make sure that people find the best quality cover for a reasonable premium. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6572/Loaded_InsuranceFri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000A report on bullying for Essex County Council found that one teacher advised students to act “less gay” in order to remain safe. The report comes on the heels of a conference for teachers and pupils at the Young Essex Assembly to discuss bullying in schools. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6573/Act_less_gay_teacher_tells_studentsFri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Kim Kardashian’s marriage lasted a mere 72 days, and gay marriage proponents are demanding the right of LGBT to marry as a result. Twitter was a venue of choice to express outrage. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6574/Advocates_demand_gay_marriage_following_Kardashian_quick_divorceFri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000A university in the conservative US state of Georgia has asked its staff to sign a statement affirming their heterosexuality. Two-hundred staff members at Shorter University were asked to sign the statement, which also rejects premarital sex and adultery. Signing the statement is obligatory for renewal of contracts. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6575/US_University_tells_staff_to_sign_lifestyle_document_stating_their_heterosexualityFri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Homophobia remains a “massive problem” in football - and sports in general - says retired basketball star John Amaechi. “I think people approach bigotry like there’s a hierarchy. Homophobia has always been to the bottom of that ladder,” he said. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6565/Retired_basketball_star_says_homophobia_remains_pervasive_in_sportTue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Investment in HIV prevention could lead to more short and long term savings, says Health secretary Andrew Lansley, who also said the government needs to do more to tackle HIV. A House of Lords report released in August said the government isn’t doing enough to tackle HIV. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6566/Health_secretary_says_national_HIV_prevention_strategy_is_beneficialTue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000At first she found it difficult to accept. Now Cher appears to have accepted her son Chaz Bono’s transition from female to male. “As a mum, you have a child, and then all of a sudden you have a different child. But you have the same child,” Cher told People magazine. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6567/Cher_fully_accepts_her_trans_son_ChazTue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000An estimated 30,000 – and according to others, 50,000 – took part in Taipei’s 9th annual gay pride parade, Asia’s largest. “We are standing here together — whether you belong to the LGBT community or not — to fight back against discrimination against the LGBT community in this country,” said A-Cheng, one of the parade’s organizers, addressing the crowd. “[N]owadays, people would tell you: ‘I don’t have any problems with gays, but ...’ What comes after the ‘but’ could be: ‘I don’t think gays should be able to legally get married,’ ‘students should not be taught about homosexuality at school,’ or something else that’s still discriminatory in nature.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6568/Taipeis_9th_annual_Pride_parade_draws_record_numbersTue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000The play also explores issues around faith, culture and sexuality in a sensitive yet challenging way. Match is performed as part of SHOUT Festival - Birmingham’s Festival of Queer Culture. The production of Match is timely, coming as it does at the end of National Adoption Week. On the opening night (Thursday 10th November) there will be a post show discussion with the writer, director and cast of Match. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6569/The_Hearth_Centre_Presents__Match_By_Polly_WrightTue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000Theatre, dance, film, cabaret and talks – that’s what Liverpool’s Homotopia has in store for visitors when it kicks off its ‘Cruising For Art’ themed gay festival. Visitors can expect an “array of the queer, the extravagant, the bold, the unexpected and the daring.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6562/Homotopia_kicks_off_in_LiverpoolMon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Once an easily treatable disease, gonorrhoea has become dangerously stubborn, with some strains immune to treatment. Gonorrhoea is spread through unprotected anal and oral sex and turn up in the throat, penis or rectum and can help facilitate the spread of HIV if the carrier isn’t properly treated. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6563/Untreatable_strains_of_gonorrhoea_major_concern_for_gay_menMon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000As part of government consultations on the issue of gay marriage, Catholic leaders have said that such marriages would be detrimental to Scottish society. Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon met with Bishop of Paisley Phillip Tartaglia on Tuesday. “Bishop Tartaglia was forthright in his assertion that proposals to legislate for same sex marriage would be harmful to society and to the government,” said John Deighan, the Catholic Church parliamentary officer, speaking to the Scotsman. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6564/Scottish_Catholic_leaders_oppose_consultations_on_gay_marriageMon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Nearly two years after coming out – and becoming the first active rugby player to do so – Gareth Thomas has announced his immediate retirement, saying that he could no longer give the sport his “100 per cent.”http://www.pinke.biz/news/6559/Gareth_Thomas_announces_his_retirementThu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Evan Rachel Wood, star of True Blood, said that because no one talked about bisexuality growing up, she was terrified of her sexuality.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6560/Evan_Rachel_Wood_bisexuality_rare_mentioned_growing_upThu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Manchester’s gay village at weekends could be care-free by April.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6561/Carfree_zone_at_weekends_for_Manchesters_gay_villageThu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000London Pride has another major sponsor: supermarket giant Tesco.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6557/Tesco_joins_Smirnoff_as_major_London_Pride_sponsorsWed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Denmark became the first nation in the world to legalize civil unions back in 1989. Now the Scandinavian country is going one step further with lawmakers there considering legalising same-sex marriage.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6558/Denmark_considering_gay_marriageWed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000LGBT who are looking for gay friendly employers will have another site to check out job vacancies.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6554/Stonewall_launches_website_for_LGBT_job_seekersTue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000After initially refusing to budge, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard will now allow a conscience vote on gay marriage for her Labor MPs. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6555/Australian_prime_minister_will_allow_MP_to_vote_freely_on_gay_marriage_issueTue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Nigeria already punishes homosexuality with a maximum 14 year prison, but things could get worse for the country’s LGBT.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6556/Nigerian_bill_to_strengthen_antigay_lawsTue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000For sharing a “quick peck on the lips,” a gay couple was thrown out of a club in Swansea.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6551/Gay_couple_allegedly_thrown_out_for_peck_on_the_lipsMon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000New Jersey’s governor has voiced his concern regarding a teacher who was suspended earlier for homophobic remarks on her Facebook account.http://www.pinke.biz/news/6552/New_Jerseys_governor_calls_teachers_homophobic_remarks_disturbingMon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000A couple on the Hampstead Heath to Stratford service on October 1st were subject to anti-gay abuse from one passenger. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6553/Transport_police_looking_for_antigay_passengerMon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000One of Britain’s best-known Christians has come out in support of gay marriage. Cliff Richards, the 71-year-old singer, told BBC Radio 4 that no reason exists why gays and lesbians shouldn’t marry. “I don’t see why gay people shouldn’t be married. I have got friends, same-sex couples, who have been together for decades. So for them it’s marriage even though they can’t call it marriage. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6548/Cliff_Richards_supports_gay_marriageFri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Some evangelical Christian churches are telling their HIV/AIDS worshippers not to take their anti-retroviral medication because god will “heal” them, resulting in the deaths of three patients in London, the BBC is reporting. Two women from east London were encouraged to pray their HIV away, according to their friends. Both of them died. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6549/Evangelical_churches_preach_healing_HIVAIDS_through_prayFri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000His kiss with another boy was caught on surveillance cameras and now a 17-year-old cheerleader has been kicked off the team. The teen – who wishes to remain anonymous – is a student at Alice High School in southern Texas. Speaking to local radio station KPLC, he said he was kicked off the team because of his sexual orientation and was also suspended from lessons for two days. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6550/Gay_kiss_costs_teen_his_spot_on_cheerleading_teamFri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000The star of Heroes and 2009’s Star Trek was impacted by the suicide of Jamey Rodemeyer, a gay student. This is the first time the 34-year-old discussed his sexuality. He joined a number of celebrities in making an “It Gets Better” video. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6547/Zachary_Quinto_comes_outThu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Mary Portas, who advises prime minister David Cameron on the retail industry, has apologized to four female Cabinet ministers for calling them “ugly.” Admitting that she didn’t even know who the female Cabinet ministers are, she apologized for being “abusive” and “destructive” by writing a letter to each of the members. “I’m sure they’re used to it,” Portas told the Daily Telegraph. “But I don’t want to hurt people. It would really pain me. I care about people and I certainly care about women… Abusive is not me, and I don’t want to be one of those women – who put [women] into those boxes. It’s just destructive, and I don’t do destructive.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6545/Mary_Portas_apologizes_to_female_cabinet_for_ugly_remarkTue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000A politician in South Australia has apologized for finance minister Penny Wong for saying that she should not be allowed to marry her pregnant partner. “I don’t want to be rude to Penny [Wong] but it’s not her baby, do you know what I mean?” said Tom Kenyon, South Australia’s sports minister, speaking to ABC radio last week. “It’s not, biologically, it’s not, it’s not the biological product of two people.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6546/Australian_politician_apologizes_to_Penny_Wong_for_antigay_marriage_remarkTue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000When it comes to life expectancy and treating HIV, the earlier the better. Bristol’s School of Social and Community Medicine found that the earlier those living with HIV receive anti-retroviral medication, the longer they live. Overall, the life expectancy has risen by 15 years over the past 10 years. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6543/Life_expectancy_increases_with_early_HIV_treatmentMon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000A Gaydar.co.uk survey found that the majority of gay men are out of the closet in most aspects of their lives. The survey showed that over 56 per cent of gay men are out at work. A whopping 82 per cent are out to their friends. Five thousand participants took part. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6544/Survey_finds_most_gay_men_are_out_of_the_closetMon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Vehemently anti-gay countries like Uganda and Ghana could have their international aid funding cut because of their homophobic stance on LGBT. International development secretary Andrew Mitchell said ‘fines’ could be imposed countries that have hardline anti-gay laws, according to the Mail on Sunday. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6539/Countries_with_antigay_laws_could_have_UK_funding_cutThu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000A woman could become Poland’s first transgender woman to be elected as an MP. Anna Grodzka, 57, of Krakow, if elected for the Palikot Movement party, could be the world’s only sitting transgender MP. Georgina Beyer had been a trans MP in New Zealand until 2007. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6540/Transgender_woman_could_become_a_Polish_MPThu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000HIV home testing kits are illegal in the UK, but a new survey from the Terrence Higgins Trust has found that a majority of respondents said they would benefit from their accessibility. Sixty-three percent of the 657 people surveyed said they would consider using an HIV home testing kit. Sixty per cent of gay men, a group most at risk for acquiring HIV, said they would test for HIV more often if the kits were legal, compared to 51 per cent off all respondents. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6541/Survey_results_call_for_HIV_home_testing_kitsThu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Six gay men have been killed in a similar manner in Johannesburg, South Africa over the past 18 months, but police say no evidence exists of a serial killer. This week it has been reported that a 47-year-old landlord was found strangled and bound in his Northcliff home, the latest in a series of murders. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6542/South_African_police_no_serial_killer_on_the_loose_targeting_gay_men_Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000A gay man has taken the post of prime minister David Cameron’s chief speechwriter. Guardian leader writer Julian Glover will replace Ameet Gill, who becomes the government’s new head of strategic comms. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6537/Gay_journalist_appointed_PMs_chief_speechwriterWed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000A US student has described the torture he endured for one month at the hands of his father who threatened to kill him if he didn’t become straight. Kansas State University student Samuel Brinton said his father – a Southern Baptist missionary – shocked him with electric currents in an effort to turn him straight. This in addition to beating and burning him. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6538/US_student_tells_of_horror_at_the_hands_of_homophobic_fatherWed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000A fifth gay murder in the South African city of Johannesburg has added fuel to the belief that a serial killer is on the loose – and his targets are homosexual men. Manolis Veloudos was bound and killed after being bludgeoned with his laptop in his home in Greenside in April. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6535/A_fifth_gay_man_murdered_in_Johannesburg_heightens_fears_of_serial_killerMon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Although its developers say the app was meant to be light-hearted, Google’s online store dropped it anyway. The app – for Google’s Android – was to aid mothers in figuring out whether their sons are gay. The bilingual French and English app asks 20 questions, including ‘Does he like musicals?’ and ‘Does your son like to dress well?’ http://www.pinke.biz/news/6536/Android_app_removed_because_of_homophobiaMon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Do it because of Conservatism, not in spite of it, said prime minister David Cameron addressing reluctant Tory MPs to support same-sex marriage. Cameron gave his keynote speech at the party’s conference in Manchester. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6531/David_Cameron_calls_on_MPs_to_support_gay_marriageFri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Openly gay men are less likely to get a call back for job interviews according to an American study. The study, published Tuesday in the American Journal of Sociology, found that callbacks were less frequent in the country’s conservative South and Midwest, strongholds Evangelical Christianity, a brand of Christianity that has proven itself hostile to homosexuality. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6532/Gay_male_jobseekers_more_likely_to_receive_fewer_callbacksFri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Walking through Carlisle’s city centre one day wasn’t a pleasant experience to say the least for one transgender woman who was verbally harassed. According to the Cumberland News, on June 3rd, Kim Oakland, the trans woman, was threatened and abused by Gary Davidson, 44, Roberto Diblasio, 27 and Gemma Louise Murphy, 27. “They were saying ‘that’s a man; that’s a fella,’ said Oakland. “All four of them were giving me abuse. They were ridiculing me and laughing at me. I told them I was a transsexual, not a man.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6533/Trans_woman_verbally_assaulted_in_CarlisleFri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000If you told them once, you’ve told them twice, three times, four ... but some folks, it seems, don’t get it. Two professors from American religious universities say that sexual orientation can be changed. According to the research by Mark Yarhouse of Regent University and Stanton Jones at Wheaton College, six out of seven people they studied were able to become “straight.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6534/Study_by_religious_academics_claims_sexual_orientation_can_be_alteredFri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Listing yourself as ‘mother’ and ‘father’ on a child’s passport can be awkward and blatantly false for gay parents. But starting from December, same-sex parents applying passports for their children can mark themselves off as ‘parent1’ and ‘parent 2.’ http://www.pinke.biz/news/6529/Gender_neutral_passports_for_gay_parents_comingWed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Fear abound that gay men in Johannesburg are the targets of a serial killer. In the last ten months, four gay men were found tied up and strangled in their homes in the South African city. The Independent reports that in each case very little was stolen and there was no-sign of break-in, suggesting the victims may have had some acquaintance with the killer. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6530/Fear_of_serial_gay_killer_in_South_AfricaWed, 05 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Nearly two weeks after the US removed its hostile ban against LGB openly serving in the military, the Pentagon has ruled that chaplains are free to perform gay marriage ceremonies on or off bases in permitting states. “A military chaplain may participate in or officiate any private ceremony, whether on or off a military installation, provided that the ceremony is not prohibited by applicable state and local law,” according to a memo released last week. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6527/Pentagon_has_ruled_that_chaplains_are_free_to_perform_gay_marriage_ceremonies_on_or_off_bases_in_permitting_statesTue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000God spoke to her and told her not to accept gay marriage. At least according to Rose Marie Belforti, a town clerk for Ledyard, New York, who says she won’t issue marriage licenses – for gay or straight couples – since the state legalized same-sex marriage in the summer. The 57-year-old has appointed a deputy clerk to issue the licenses and is taking legal action to protect what she claims is a violation of her Christian beliefs. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6528/New_York_clerk_wont_issue_gay_marriage_licensesTue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Imagine HIV – a disease that causes AIDS and once drastically cut short the lives of millions of people – were reduced to the status of a “minor chronic infection.” What once seemed like a remote possibility could become reality if a study by Spanish researchers holds up. Researchers at the National Biotech Centre in Madrid said they have created a vaccine – known as MVA-B – that produced in the 22 of 24 people an immune response to HIV. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6525/Vaccine_could_reduce_HIV_to_a_minor_infectionMon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000He claims he was “shocked” when a 67-year-old man offered him money for sex. His shock lead to murder, and now Aiden Jackson, of Sleaford, Lincolnshire, faces a life sentence for killing a gay pensioner. David Cowley’s body was found on November 17th 2010 at Ballast Pits off Mareham Lane. He was beaten and suffocated, his body found lying face-down in water. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6526/Teenager_found_guilty_of_killing_67yearold_gay_manMon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000Sean Maher, star of Party of Five, has come out as gay, despite pressure from his agent to live a straight life. Maher, 36, who is appearing on the US show The Playboy Club, said he had a partner of nine years and two children – a four-year-old named Sophia Rose and 14-month-old Liam. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6521/Party_of_Five_star_comes_outFri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000A dating expert drew condemnation on a US TV show for saying that gay men cannot be faithful. Patti Stanger, 50, was on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live on Sunday and runs a dating agency for millionaires. Speaking to a caller who sought advice for long-term relationships, Stanger said: “In the gay world, there’s always going to be open [relationships]. There’s no curbing the gay man. You’re going to be OK.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6522/Dating_expert_says_gay_men_cant_commitFri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000Ireland’s next president could be gay. Openly gay senator David Norris has secured enough nominations from Dublin city council to run against six other candidates next month for the presidency. Norris said he was “absolutely thrilled” at the news. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6523/David_Norris_in_the_run_for_Irelands_presidencyFri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000United States vice-president Joe Biden called the booing of a gay solider at a Republican presidential debate “reprehensible.” The incident occurred during a Fox News/Google debate in Orlando, Florida. Through a video link, Stephen Hill, a soldier currently stationed in Iraq, asked the six candidates if they would reinstate the ban on openly gay soldiers, which was recently dropped. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6524/US_VP_blasts_heckling_of_gay_soldierFri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000A transgender woman has accused the NHS of failing to complete her sex-change operation and leaving her “half man, half woman.” Cathy Ann Daniels, 57, was born physically male and had her genitals changed last year at a London hospital. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6517/Transgender_woman_in_transition_limbo_because_of_NHSWed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000Despite the ban against openly gay troops having been lifted in the US last week, the Obama administration is fighting against full severance for those troops that were already discharged. A former Air Force staff and 142 former troops are demanding full severance for having been discharged because of their sexuality rather than only the half they received. The American Civil Liberties Union is representing the troops. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6518/Discharged_US_gay_soldiers_fight_for_full_severanceWed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000For the second time, a London man has been found guilty of killing a transgender woman. Last September, Leon Fyle of Catford was convicted of murdering Destiny Lauren and was sentenced to 21 years in prison. Fyle appealed the verdict and a retrial was held over the last four weeks at Southwark Crown Court where he was found guilty again. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6519/London_man_found_guilty_again_for_killing_trans_womanWed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000For verbally abusing a gay couple, a Christian street preacher is in court. Michael Overd, 47, from Creech St Michael in Somerset is facing two charges of intentionally causing “alarm and distress” under the public order act. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6520/Christian_preacher_charged_for_gay_verbal_abuseWed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly last week in New York, US president Barack Obama called on countries to support gay rights. “No country should deny people their rights because of who they love, which is why we must stand up for the rights of gays and lesbians everywhere,” said Obama, who was also discussing Palestine’s bid for full UN recognition. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6515/Obama_calls_on_world_to_fight_for_gay_rightsMon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000Benigno Aquino was in New York last week for the United Nations General Assembly meeting. Speaking to the Asia Society, he said: "Adults should be able to do whatever you want as long as you don't harm anybody else." http://www.pinke.biz/news/6516/Philippines_president_draws_the_line_at_gay_adoptionMon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000After suffering homophobic bullying and detailing his suffering on the Internet, a 14-year-old boy from Buffalo, New York, committed suicide. Jamey Rodemeyer made an ‘It Gets Better’ Youtube video to combat gay bullying. He said Lady Gaga was the reason he’s still alive. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6512/14yearold_US_boy_commits_suicide_because_of_bullyingFri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000The Foo Fighters did their part to combat homophobia by hitting back at the homophobic Westboro Baptist Church, which picketed their Kansas City gig over the weekend. The Foo Fighters performed Lady Gaga’s ‘gay love song’ for the picketers. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6513/Foo_Fighters_take_on_Westboro_Baptist_ChurchFri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000Now that the ban against gays and lesbians openly serving in the US military has been dropped, recruiters are hitting the gay community to increase numbers. Marine recruiters paid a visit to an Oklahoma gay community centre – the Dennis R Neill Equality Center in Tulsa – to search for recruits. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6514/Marines_recruit_at_LGB_centerFri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000A lesbian couple from Yorkshire allege they were victims of discrimination by one of Britain’s largest and gay friendly travel companies while on their honeymoon in the Dominican Republic. The couple claim that they were treated differently than the heterosexual couples at the resort who were treated like “VIPs.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6509/Lesbian_couple_say_they_were_discriminated_against_on_honeymoonThu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000A gay party in an affluent district of Mumbai was raided by police on Sunday because the guests were behaving in an “indecent manner.” According to Indian media reports, 133 people were detained, including the actor Bobby Darling. More than 350 people were at the party. Those who were detained were charged Rs 1,200 (£16). http://www.pinke.biz/news/6510/Gay_party_in_Mumbai_raided_by_policeThu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000Most young people in the US feel the words ‘fag’ or ‘slut’ are simply jokes when used by friends and aren’t offended by sexist, racist or homophobic slurs. According to the survey by the Associated Press-MTV, 57 per cent of 18-24 year olds feel their friends are only trying to be funny when slurs are used on Facebook and MySpace. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6511/Most_US_young_people_not_bothered_by_antigay_slursThu, 22 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000The UK government plans to introduce legislation to allow gay marriage before the end of the current parliamentary session. Speaking to the Liberal Democrat party conference, equalities minister Lynne Featherstone said that denying gay people the right to marriage is “not only discrimination, but is not fair.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6506/British_government_to_introduce_gay_marriage_legislationWed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000Brian Souter – the Scottish entrepreneur and SNP donor – says society risks “imploding” because of gay marriage. Souter – a staunch supporter of Section 28 – was speaking to the Sunday Times about his views on same-sex marriage and said that Scotland could become a “Babylonian-Greek society” where sex is “primarily a recreational activity.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6507/Brian_Souter_society_risks_imploding_if_traditional_marriage_isnt_upheldWed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000While giving a speech at a hotel during the Republican convention in California, presidential candidate Michele Bachmann was greeted by gay rights campaigners who staged a Madonna-themed flash mob, singing her hit Like a Prayer in opposition to her family’s Christian counselling service which offers gay ‘reparative therapy.’ “Pray the gay away! That’s right, we‘re here and we’re not going anywhere!” shouted some of the protestors. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6508/Bachmann_criticized_in_California_for_antigay_stanceWed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000The infamous Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell discriminatory ban against openly gay service members in the US is set to end today, but Republicans are desperately gunning for a last minute delay. Two Republicans wrote to defence secretary Leon Panetta and asked him to “take immediate action to delay the implementation of repeal.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6503/DADT_ban_endsTue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000A Belgian former footballer has entered the gay porn business. Jonathan de Falco of the Racing Mechelen and Oud-Heverlee Leuven, has never come forward with his sexuality until now and says he has always felt attracted to men. De Falco has already appeared in a number of productions and goes by the name Stany Falcone. He left professional football following an injury. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6504/Gay_former_football_player_turns_to_porn_industryTue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000Trans and intersex folks in Australia are set to have an easier time traveling because of new passport regulations that allow for gender to be recorded as 'X' rather than 'M' or 'F'. Furthermore, a sex reassignment surgery isn't necessary in order for someone to choose their preferred gender - a simple statement from a doctor is plenty, according to foreign minister Kevin Rudd. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6505/X_gender_for_Australian_passportsTue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000A 10-year-old biological male has made the brave decision to return to school for the first time as a girl, in line with his gender identity. The pupil is in year six at primary school in Worcester. Although born a boy, she didn’t decide until this past summer that she wanted to become a girl. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6501/10yearold_confronts_gender_identityMon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000Sir Elton John is suing for £700,000 after a man failed to pay up after winning a charity date with the singer and his partner David Furnish. The money was set to go to the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) after Spencer Lodge of Dubai won the date for the singer’s annual White Tie and Tiara Ball. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6502/Elton_John_suing_man_for_unpaid_charity_feeMon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000After photos of a six-year-old foster boy dressed in girl’s clothing appeared on Facebook, the foster parents – a lesbian couple – have lost care of the boy and his sister. The Australian Daily Telegraph first reported on the story and refereed to the photo as “humiliating.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6499/Boy_dressed_in_girls_clothes_draws_condemnation_in_AustraliaFri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000On the heels of the lifting of the lifetime ban on gay men donating blooding in the UK, gay rights campaigners are urging Northern Ireland to do the same. Last week, the lifetime ban on gay men donating blood was struck done in England, Scotland and Wales. Gay and bisexual men can now donate blood if they had not engaged in sexual relations over the previous 12 months. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6500/Northern_Ireland_urged_to_end_lifetime_blood_banFri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000After accusing X Factor judge Louis Walsh of sexual assault, a man has been charged with making false claims. Leonard Watters, 24, a ballroom dance teacher, claimed that Walsh groped him at the Krystle nightclub in Dublin after a concert in June. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6494/Accuser_to_face_charges_of_lying_in_court_about_Louis_Walsh_sexual_assault_claimsTue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000For using anti-Semitic and racist slurs, former Dior designer John Galliano has been given a suspended fine of 6,000 euros. Two incidents occurred at a Parisian café last February and October involving prejudicial slurs. Galliano was convicted on Thursday of “casting public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity,” although he wasn’t present in court. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6495/Former_Dior_designer_fined_for_racist_and_antiSemitic_slursTue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000While calling the new policy an “improvement,” international gay rights activist Peter Tatchell said the new 12-month blood ban for gay and bisexual men is still “excessive and unjustified.” Last week, the lifetime blood ban on gay and bisexual men was removed, and in its place is a new policy permitting gay men to donate blood if they don’t have sex with another man over the past 12 months. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6496/Tatchell_says_new_bloodbad_policy_doesnt_go_far_enoughTue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000A Republican member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives has once against stated that homosexuality is more of a threat to America than terrorism. In her new book, The Stoning of Sally Kern, the politician of the same name says that HIV and AIDS have result in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans while terrorism has killed far fewer. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6497/US_politician_says_homosexuality_is_worse_than_terrorismTue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000Three Iranian men have been executed for having gay sex, according to a human rights organization which monitors the news in the Middle Eastern country. Iran Human Rights said the state-run Iranian news agency ISNA reported the hangings. The men were executed under two articles in the penal code which punish sodomy. After a conviction, a judge decides how the punishment is meted out. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6489/Three_men_hanged_in_Iran_for_gay_sexMon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000Scotland has convicted someone for the first time of a transphobic crime or an offence motivated by transphobia. Soldier Terry Porter, 19, admitted to assaulting transgender woman Chloe Dow after forcing his way into her home while she was asleep, elbowing her, threatening to punch her and calling her a “freak” and a “mutant.” http://www.pinke.biz/news/6490/Scotland_punishes_first_ever_for_transgender_violenceMon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000Scotland’s government has been accused of having a rigid definition of domestic violence which leaves LGBT victims ‘invisible.’ LGBT victims may not be able to receive official help if the standard definition of male abusers and female victims continues to dominate our consciousness of what abuse means, said Brian Dempsey, who teaches at the University of Dundee in Scotland. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6491/Calls_for_genderneutral_definition_of_abuse_in_ScotlandMon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000A study of US med schools found that an inadequate number of them are doing little to address LGBT health issues. The research – published in the Journal of the American Medical Association - states that most med schools allocate a mere five hours to LGBT health issues; a third fails to address the issues at all. http://www.pinke.biz/news/6492/US_med_schools_not_doing_enough_to_tackle_LGBT_healthMon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000