5 THINGS TO KNOW

Azerbaijan is the worst place to be gay in Europe.

During the last two weeks of September, Azerbaijani police launched a violent campaign of “arresting and torturing men presumed to be gay or bisexual, as well as transgender women,” according to Human Rights Watch and local advocacy organizations.

GayARP

Long-term care insurance important to the LGBT community.

An alarming 36% of LGBTQ people say they’d rather spend for today than prepare for tomorrow. But what happens at the end of life and medical or nursing-assistance, either in-home or in a nursing facility is needed? The answer for queer people may be long-term care insurance (LTCI).

5 THINGS TO KNOW

Sexual orientation to be a part of the patient information for the NHS.

Gay rights campaigners have backed an NHS policy demanding that doctors and nurses start asking all patients from the age of 16 about their sexual orientation. NHS England has issued a new standard requiring staff to “record sexual orientation at every face to face contact with the patient, where no record of this data already exists”.

HEALTH

Switching sides, sexual fluidity in the lesbian community.

In recent years, celebrities like Cynthia Nixon and Maria Bello have made headlines for dating or marrying women after spending years in heterosexual relationships. These Hollywood stars may have helped make it more socially acceptable—or perhaps even fashionable—to “switch sides” well into adulthood. Turns out the phenomenon has been going on for quite some time.

DESTINATIONS

Where the LGBT people go to have fun in Taipei.

With its bustling gay nightlife and iconic annual pride parade, Taipei is one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in Asia. Attitudes towards queer spaces are unique, encouraging some of the most diverse and open spaces to celebrate LGBT culture. Here are some of the most prominent LGBT spots in Taipei.