HEROES

5 THINGS TO KNOW

When looking for a smile, it’s helpful to look for the big gay rainbow.

August 16, 2017 compassq Comments Off on 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.

HEALTH

Jai Rodriguez’s – HIV within the Latinx community.

August 16, 2017 compassq Comments Off on Jai Rodriguez’s – HIV within the Latinx community.

Jai Rodriguez’s days as the culture guide on Bravo’s 2003 Emmy-winning show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy are long behind him. Now, the actor continues to build his career in an array of projects including Sharknado 5 (USA), Wisdom of the Crowd(CBS) and a Las Vegas residency with reality star Kendra Wilkinson.

5 THINGS TO KNOW

Montreal’s Pride Parade to feature Leo Varadkar and Justin Trudeau.

August 16, 2017 compassq Comments Off on Montreal’s Pride Parade to feature Leo Varadkar and Justin Trudeau.

Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s taoiseach, or prime minister, will join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Montreal’s Pride parade during a three-day visit that gets underway Saturday. The two leaders met in Ireland in July, shortly after Varadkar took office as the country’s first openly gay prime minister. Trudeau says he and Varadkar plan to discuss issues related to diversity and inclusion and how both countries can benefit from the Canada-Europe Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which goes into effect next month.

5 THINGS TO KNOW

Social responsibility being pushed forward by businesses.

August 16, 2017 compassq Comments Off on Social responsibility being pushed forward by businesses.

With 50 Fortune 500 companies and more than 400 small businesses voicing opposition to a proposed Texas bathroom law, the phenomenon of brands taking stands shows no sign of abating. But there was a pause, immediately after U.S. President Donald Trump was inaugurated, when large companies showed signs of retrenchment from publicly advocating for progressive policies on environmental, social and governance issues, according to a poll from the nonprofit CEO-led coalition CECP.

HEROES

Fearless Gay Pride rally in Russia.

August 15, 2017 compassq Comments Off on Fearless Gay Pride rally in Russia.

On a hot, sunny day in St. Petersburg, Russia on Saturday, courage was wrapped in a rainbow flag. It was in the city’s famous Field of Mars where around 100 activists faced the threat of violence and discrimination as they gathered for the eighth annual Gay Pride rally. While 100 protesters may not seem like a lot for those who’ve seen thousands amass at Pride events in the United States, it was a revolutionary act in Russia, where homosexuality is still punished with fines and arrest.

HEROES

LGBT progress in North Dakota.

August 15, 2017 compassq Comments Off on LGBT progress in North Dakota.

The West Fargo Public Library says it won’t change any displays, despite criticism of a stand on LGBT literature. The library features two displays which are changed out every month. This month, one of the displays features books on topics about sexual and gender identities.

5 THINGS TO KNOW

A first person’s account of the early days of the AIDS Epidemic.

August 15, 2017 compassq Comments Off on A first person’s account of the early days of the AIDS Epidemic.

In 1981, I began showing symptoms of what would become known as HIV/AIDS.  It started with painful swollen lymph nodes larger than golf balls in my armpits and groin.  Tests for mononucleosis and a biopsy for Hodgkin’s disease came back negative. Next came night sweats that soaked my sheets, exhaustion despite 12 hours of sleep, skin rashes, fungal and yeast infections in body creases, Harry Leukoplakia on my tongue, and reoccurring shingles.