5 THINGS TO KNOW
Month: August 2017
5 THINGS TO KNOW
When looking for a smile, it’s helpful to look for the big gay rainbow.
Same-sex marriage was legalised in New Zealand in April 2013, when the country’s politicians voted overwhelmingly – 77 votes to 44 – in favour. And one of those who rose to speak in favour was National Party MP Maurice Williamson, who was a minister under PM John Key at the time. His four-minute speech became a viral hit at the time and the 60-something politician was labelled a “gay icon” and even invited on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
DESTINATIONS
Florida’s gay capital raises the Transgender Flag!
Wilton Manors city officials raised the transgender flag recently in a show of solidarity with the minority community after President Donald Trump tweeted his intention to prohibit transgender people from serving in the military. The Commander in Chief’s announcement offended many residents and leaders. “Transgender persons are U.S. citizens who pay taxes, support their communities and currently serve with distinction in the military,” Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick said.
ENTERTAINMENT
Is the LDS’s support for the LoveLoud Festival just good PR?
A first-time music festival aimed at supporting LGBTQ youth charities will bring several big names to Orem later this month and now has a statement of support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The LoveLoud Festival will be held Aug. 26 at Utah Valley University’s Brent Brown Ballpark and will be a homecoming of sorts for Imagine Dragons and Neon Trees, two bands whose paths to stardom began in Utah.
BUSINESS
Young, black, and gay in corporate South Africa.
As the first constitution in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and thus elevating South Africa to being the fifth country in the world, and to date, the first and only one in Africa to legally recognise same-sex marriage the Constitution of South Africa is a very critical resource in raising gender and sexuality dialogue in Africa. Yet, the conversation seems not hopeful enough and elevated enough as many LGBTQAI+ South Africans endure challenges including homophobic violence, social stigma, HIV/AIDS infections and most recently, a rising trend in corporate homophobia.
DESTINATIONS
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics will welcome the LGBT community
A Japanese nonprofit group said Wednesday it is preparing to set up a hospitality venue welcoming LGBT athletes and fans during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in an effort to boost diversity at the events. Similar spaces for LGBT athletes and fans called “Pride House” have been created at cities hosting international sporting events since the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games, but it would be the first such venue to be set up in Japan.
5 THINGS TO KNOW
You’re free to pee in the Lone Star State.
Amid opposition from hundreds of businesses and moderate Republican lawmakers, a Texas measure that would restrict access to bathrooms in schools and public buildings according to the gender on a person’s government-issued ID appears to be dead, according to lawmakers. The state Senate passed SB3 in July by a 20-10 vote, but it was never referred to the House. The House version, HB46, never made it to committee, making passage unlikely before the legislature completes its 30-day special session on Wednesday.