[México]
India's health minister calls for decriminalisation of homosexuality

A leading Cabinet minister in India has said that laws that criminalise gay sex should be overturned.

Anbumani Ramadoss made his remarks at the 17th International Conference on AIDS in Mexico City.

[Thailand]
Charges laid for castration

The Health Services Department has filed a lawsuit against Pratunam Polyclinic for castrating underage sex change candidates after the Council of State ruled that commercial testicle-removal surgery was unlawful. The legal action was aimed at discouraging other clinics from providing the service, department chief Supachai Kunaratanapreuk said.

[CO, USA]
‘Trans panic’ defense used in Colorado slaying

Allen Ray Andrade, the alleged killer of Colorado transgender woman Angie Zapata, is using a "trans panic" defense to justify his actions. Andrade is accused of fatally battering Zapata after discovering that his sex partner was a transgender woman.

[NY, USA]
Senate Gets Bill Banning Bullying Acts in the Schools

Legislation aimed at banning bullying in public schools, including harassment based on sexual orientation, has been quietly introduced in the State Senate. The legislation, which includes language protecting transgender students and teachers, has been a priority of advocates for gay and lesbian rights but was ignored for nearly a decade in the Senate.

[USA] [News/Commentary]
Hip Hop Becoming Less Homophobic?

Excerpt: Transgendered rapper Foxxjazell had a small feature story in the 360 section of the August issue of XXL. The male-to-female transgendered artist was featured in an article about the difficulties she faces while trying to make a career for herself Hip Hop--including being approached by a major label, only for them to cease communications with her after finding out she is transgendered.