[Brasil]
Travestis contratadas pela torcida do Flamengo vão ao Maracanã para esperar Ronaldo
A drag Dimmy Kieer não aceitou de jeito nenhum o convite da torcida do Flamengo para recepcionar o jogador Ronaldo, ontem no Maracanã no clássico contra o Corinthians. Mesmo assim, a torcida organizada do Fla contratou travestis para esperar o craque. (Foto)

[Brasil]
Ministério da Saúde lança campanha pró-travestis
Foi lançada, nesta quarta-feira 28, a campanha “Sou travesti. Tenho direito de ser quem sou”. Idealizada pelo Ministério da Saúde e pela Secretaria de Direitos Humanos, a campanha pretende sensiblizar as pessoas contra o preconceito e a discriminação e também levar mais informações sobre práticas seguras às travestis.
Ministro brasileño lanza campaña contra la discriminación de transexuales y travestís en la Salud Publica

[França]
Actrizes de Morrer Como Um Homem agredidas em Paris
Cindy Scrash e Jenny Larue foram agredidas em pleno dia em Paris a meio da tarde de ontem.
O produtor Daniel Chabannes e as duas atrizes transexuais do filme "Morrer Como Um Homem" foram agredidas na cidade de Paris. Enquanto caminhavam na rua começaram a ser seguidos por três indivíduos que começaram com insultos homofóbicos e transfóbicos.
Les comédiennes trans de «Mourir comme un homme» agressées à Paris

[Turquía]
Nuevo intento de ilegalizar una asociación LGTB en Turquía
Nuevamente una asociación de derechos LGTB ha sido llevada a juicio en Turquía. En esta ocasión es la asociación Black Pink Triangle, con sede en Ýzmir. El proceso ha sido iniciado por el fiscal, según se nos informa desde Amnistía Internacional, después de que el Gobernador de Ýzmir se quejase de que los objetivos de dicha asociación violaban “la estructura familiar y los valores morales turcos”.

[India]
Thousands of transgenders attend Koovagam Festival in Tamil Nadu
Scores of transgenders from across the country throng a temple in Villupuram in Tamil Nadu for the three-day Koovagam Festival.
The Festival which ends today and is exclusively meant for transgenders.

[Singapore]
28-year-old Malaysian convicted of culpable homicide
A Malaysian man has been convicted of culpable homicide not amounting to murder for killing a 61-year-old transvestite in 2008.

[Canada]
Anti-homophobia consultant played 'big part' in trans boy's coming out
When Julia O'Dwyer's transgendered child began transitioning in Grade 8, she wanted to make sure he would be safe to be who he is - and "hopefully be accepted."
The Vancouver School Board's $18 million budget shortfall means anti-homophobia consultant Steve Mulligan's workweek will be reduced from four days to two.(Sarah Race photo)The Vancouver School Board's anti-homophobia consultant, Steve Mulligan, "played a big part in making that happen," a more than happy and relieved O'Dwyer reports two years later.

[USA] [Blog/Commentary]
GLAAD Urges Increased Support for ENDA after Defamatory Washington Times Editorial
Last Friday, The Washington Times published an editorial entitled “Discrimination is Necessary” that advocated for discrimination against LGBT people.
The editorial, which referred to LGBT people as “weirdos”, targeted the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)–a policy that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The paper also said that transgender people are unfit to teach children and resorted to using offensive slurs and unfounded arguments to defame the group.. It also misrepresented the bill that would create more fair workplaces and a more equal society.
[Letters to the Editor] ENDA would only add 'thought police'
[Commentary] The "bathroom bill" bigots
[Blog/Commentary] Traditional Values Coalition: We Are Winning The Battle Against ENDA

[USA]
GLAAD prez refuses to disclose salary
Jarrett T. Barrios began work as president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation September 7, 2009. Nearly eight months into the job, what Barrios is earning at the helm of the LGBT media watchdog agency with a budget of $8 million remains a mystery to the public.

[USA]
Testosterone directly amplifies but does not program male behaviors
New research uncovers some surprising information about how sex hormones control masculinization of the brain during development and drive gender related behaviors in adult males. The study, published by Cell Press in the April 29 issue of the journal Neuron, demonstrates that direct action of testosterone, the prototypical male hormone, is unnecessary for masculinizing the brain and behavior.

[CA, USA]
Transgender student attacked at Cal State Long Beach defends school
A transgender student who was slashed at Cal State Long Beach said Wednesday that he supported the school's handling of the incident after it was criticized by some community groups for not quickly releasing information about the case.
Supporters of Transgender Slashing Victim Rally in Long Beach
Man attacks transgender college student, carves "IT" into his chest

[CA, USA]
LGBT activists gather for S.F. conference
Activists gathered for the Building Bridges: Struggle, Solidarity, Equality conference in here April 17-18. The conference was planned in response to a call for action by Equality Across America (EAA) to build a grassroots network of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists and organizations in Northern California, as part of the broader struggle to win full federal equality.

[CA, USA]
Commission rejects cuts to TG program
A San Francisco commission voted recently to reject proposed cuts for a jobs program that helps transgender people, who often face discrimination in finding work.

[MA, USA]
Parents offer support for Transgender Rights Bill
Parents of transgender people came together at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday, April 27 to show their support for the Transgender Civil Rights Bill along with state representatives and members of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC).

[MA, USA]
Salem State Student Claims Housing Discrimination by College
A transgendered undergraduate student at Salem State claims that school officials treated her unfairly and unequally when she applied for on-campus housing.
Karen Cady, associate vice president of market and communications for Salem State, responded that the school is sensitive to the needs of transgendered students and is equipped to help them through gender-neutral housing, which the student has been granted for the 2010-11 academic year.

[MA, USA] [News/Commentary]
Transgenders still wait for their rights
The following honest-to-God exchange went something like this last week, in a local workplace that shall remain nameless. (O.K., it was here at the newspaper):

[NY, USA]
Transgender Controversy at Tribeca Film Fest
The Tribeca Film Festival lists the film Ticked Off Trannies With Knives as a "revenge fantasy flick that brews up a concoction of camp, slasher horror, and power-chick flick to create a radical new genre: Transploitation!"

[NY, USA] [Blog/Commentary]
Remembering Amanda Gonzalez-Andujar : “She Wasn’t a Loner, She Wasn’t a Throwaway”
I did not know Amanda Gonzalez-Andujar in her life here, but after meeting and sharing space at a memorial and at a vigil this past Saturday with those who did know her, I felt the love, respect, and pride that her life was reflected back.

[TN, USA]
Trial and Error
Former Memphis police officer Bridges McRae left the federal courtroom a free man last week, after the jury in a high-profile case failed to reach a unanimous verdict as to whether or not McRae violated victim Duanna Johnson's civil rights.

[Ecuador]
Grupo de personas transexuales de Ecuador gana premio internacional por propuesta de trabajo
ColectivoSilueta X obtuvo logro por propuesta de trabajo social en certamen organizado por OEA, BM y BID.
Según el Ministerio de Salud, los y las transexuales masculinos y femeninas son considerados uno de los grupos más vulnerables y propensos para el contagio de VIH-sida e infecciones de transmisión sexual.

[Bolivia]
Morales Apologizes for Linking Gays, Genetically Modified Chickens
Bolivian president Evo Morales has apologized for comments he made last week that linked homosexuality to eating chickens pumped with female hormones in industrial agriculture.

[Brasil]
Ministério da Saúde lança campanha de prevenção à Aids criada por travestis
"Sou travesti. Tenho direito de ser quem sou" é um dos slogans da nova campanha do Ministério da Saúde e da Secretaria de Direitos Humanos para combater o preconceito contra travestis.

[Brasil]
Travestis torcerão por Ronaldo no Maracanã
A torcida do Flamengo encontrou uma forma bem humorada para pegar no pé do atacante Ronaldo durante a partida desta quarta-feira, contra o Corinthians. Os rubro-negros contrataram 20 travestis para torcerem pelo jogador durante os 90 minutos do jogo.

[UK]
New UK Equality Act
The Equality Act 2010 (the "Act") received Royal Assent on 8 April 2010. The majority of the provisions under the Act are due to come into force in October 2010. The Act, which replaces existing separate legislation for each strand of discrimination law (for example, sex, race, sexual orientation etc.), purports to unify and harmonise the law surrounding discrimination and equality. However, the Act also makes significant changes to existing legislation.

[Turkey]
Consecutive murders in Izmir raise fears of serial killer
Three murders in three days have led locals to believe a serial killer is on the loose in Balçova, İzmir province.
Officers on patrol found the latest murder victim, 30-year-old transvestite Mustafa As, dead in his car on Tuesday. They first thought he was asleep but realized he was dead after they opened the car door. As had been shot in the head.
Turkish police detain suspect in Izmir killings

[Malawi]
Jailed gay Malawi couple thank supporters
The gay Malawian couple who were arrested in December for holding a marriage ceremony have thanked their supporters from jail.
Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga have been in custody in a Blantyre prison for four months, having been denied bail.

[Uganda] [Opinion]
Planned Rally Could Inflame Intolerance Against Ugandan LGBTI Community
On May 2, The Call, a U.S. evangelical ministry led by Lou Engle, together with its Ugandan affiliate, will host a religious gathering at a stadium in Uganda's capital Kampala. Among other things, the event aims to rally participants around anti-gay sentiments by urging them to "fight vices eating away at our society", and specifically mentions homosexuality as a societal evil.

[India]
Transgenders request for identity option legitimate: CEC
The Chief Election Commissioner Navin B Chawla has said instructions had been given to authorities concerned to revise the format of electoral rolls to indicate the sex of Transgenders as 'Others'.

[Canada]
Alberta to pay for some gender-reassignment surgeries as it phases out funding
More than a year after the Alberta government announced it would no longer provide funding for gender-reassignment surgery (GRS), Alberta Health and Wellness has quietly agreed to pay for up to 20 surgeries per year until 2015. The new guidelines, which have yet to be publicly announced, are part of the government's plan to phase out funding for GRS.
(Photo: Lois Gorzalka - Trans activists gathered in Edmonton in April 2009 to file human rights complaints against the provincial government.)
Alberta to phase-out transgender surgery funding gradually
Phase-out of sex-change funding a 'reactionary move': researcher

[USA]
Senate Advances on International LGBT Rights
Foreign Relations Committee approves pro-LGBT equality language, offered by Senators Feingold and Gillibrand, to State Department funding bill

[USA] [Blog/Commentary]
We Know the Way to End Prison Rape. Is It Too Expensive?
Excerpt: While spending time in juvenile detention centers and adult prisons, Troy Erik Isaac was repeatedly raped by fellow prisoners: [...] "My name is Troy Erik Isaac. I’m a 36 year old male. I am writing to encourage you to adopt swiftly the standards developed by the National Prison Rape Elimination Commission. I identify as transgender. I think and feel like a woman. I’ve spent most of my adolescent year’s in juvenile hall, youth authority, from 12 to 18. I was raped numerous times by fellow inmates, and even was assaulted by a fellow prisoner incarcerated for rape. Frankly I was never supposed to be around a prisoner convicted of rape in this case."

[USA] [News/Film/Television]
Take a Trip to 'Trinidad'
One of the more surprising and enlightening documentaries to make its way through the festival circuit lately is Jay Hodges' and PJ Raval's Trinidad. It unfolds in the small Colorado town of Trinidad, which happens to be the sex change capitol of the world, and follows the journey of its transgender residents as they work to find their true selves against this unlikely rural, red-state backdrop. Queersighted caught up with openly gay co-director Raval (below) as the film premieres on Logo (and LogoTV.com) and makes its simultaneous DVD debut.

[CA, USA]
S.F. charges man in killing where DNA languished
San Francisco prosecutors filed murder charges Tuesday in a 2007 sexual assault slaying of a transgender prostitute, a case that became notorious when DNA evidence languished untested for two years at the police crime lab.
S.F. man charged in 2007 murder of transgender woman
[Blog/News] Transgender Attack Cases Backlogged in Crime Lab Finally Getting Their Due
Man charged in transgender prostitute murder

[CA,USA]
Cross-Dressing: Illegal in Oakland Since 1879
Attention divas, daggers, dykes, sissies and studs: sashay shante, y’all. According to Oakland's Code of Ordinances, your style is illegal.
Immoral Dress Code 9.08.080 has been in place since 1879: “It is unlawful for any person in the city to appear in any public place nude or in the attire of a person of the opposite sex, or in any indecent or lewd attire.”

[DC, USA]
Gay Weekly 'Washington Blade' To Resume Publication
Gay weekly Washington Blade will resume publication Friday.
Publisher Window Media shuttered its most recognizable newspaper – along with six other LGBT publications – last November after filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Also affected were the Atlanta-based gay weekly Southern Voice, as well as the Houston Voice, David Atlanta, South Florida Blade and 411 Magazine. The company had already closed down three additional properties: HX Magazine, the New York Blade and monthly glossy Genre.

[FL, USA]
Transgender Candidate Running On Conservative Platform
The Log Cabin Republicans, who have provided a community for conservative gays and lesbians for more than 30 years, may need to make some room for their transgender cohorts.

[IL, USA]
Illinois approves anti-bullying bill that includes sexual orientation and gender identity
Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to sign into law an anti-bullying bill that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Illinois House voted unanimously on Friday, April 23, to approve the bill. The Senate passed its version on March 24.

[MA, USA]
Transgender student accuses Salem State of discrimination
A transgender student has accused Salem State College of housing discrimination after being refused a request to live in a dorm with female students.

[MA, USA]
Commission calls for support for LGBT youth
The Massachusetts Commission on GLBT Youth has called on House Representatives to pass budget amendments and transgender rights bills on behalf of LGBT youth.
Transgender activists push back on rights bill

[PA, USA]
More than 50,000 exepcted at 'Global GLBT summit'
The 18th annual Equality Forum, Philadelphia's GLBT super event, whichkicked off yesterday, is expected to draw more than 50,000 participants over the next five days in support of the international gay-rights movement.

[México]
Transexuales de Toluca, México, denuncian nuevos ataques de policías municipales
Este sábado, al filo de las 4:30 horas, uniformados realizaron un nuevo operativo en la calle de Alexander Von Humbolt, “zona en la que ya se había acordado con las autoridades municipales que podíamos desempeñar nuestro trabajo”, dijo Lucero González, una mujer transexual.

[México]
Instituto Electoral mexicano prepara protocolo que asegura derechos y prestaciones a transexuales
El Instituto Federal Electoral (IFE) prepara un protocolo para trabajadores transexuales y transgénero, y ya aprobó una licencia sin goce de sueldo por dos meses para un colaborador que decidió reasignarse de sexo.

[Colombia]
Santa Marta to host transgender beauty pageant
Preparations are underway for Colombia's annual National Transgender Beauty Pageant, which will take place in the Caribbean coastal town of Santa Marta from May 14 to 16, reports El Informador.
Inician preparativos para el 'Concurso Nacional de la Belleza Trans 2010'

[Bolivia] [Opinion]
¿Homofobia o mala educación?
No hace mucho vi en un recinto público a dos chicas besarse con breve pasión antes de despedirse. Pensé que es agradable vivir en una sociedad en que la afectividad puede manifestarse con idéntica normalidad y naturalidad ya se trate de parejas hetero u homo. Supongo que pensarán lo mismo cuantos crean que la homosexualidad no es una aberración o el resultado de comer pollo a lo Evo Morales, sino algo tan normal y natural como la heterosexualidad.
[Opinion] Diario de campaña/ Evo, los pollos y la gran pregunta
'We respect gays': Bolivian government responds to outrage over President Evo Morales homophobic comments
Morales Apologizes for Linking Gays, Genetically Modified Chickens
Bolivian president apologizes to Spanish gay and lesbian organizations
Evo Morales quiere que Bolivia sea territorio libre de transgénicos

[España]
Colectivo LGTB Gehitu del País Vasco pide abrir el mercado laboral a personas transexuales
La asociación de lesbianas, gays, transexuales y bisexuales del País Vasco, Gehitu, pidió hoy "abrir el mercado laboral a las personas transexuales" ya que, según denunció, la realidad laboral de estas personas "se caracteriza por el desempleo, la precariedad, el subempleo, la exclusión y el acoso", y reclamó al Gobierno una Ley contra la discriminación.

[Spain]
VIDEO: Gays, lesbianas y transexuales solicitan asilo en Europa

[Malawi]
El Presidente de Malawi afirma que Satanás está tomando el control de su país y pone como ejemplo la homosexualidad
Palabras inquietantes las del Presidente de Malawi, Bingu wa Mutharika, que en estos momentos ejerce también como Presidente de la Unión Africana, pronunciadas durante la ceremonia de ordenación de Montfort Stima como nuevo obispo auxiliar de la archidiócesis católica de Blantyre.

[India]
'Stop treating eunuchs as second-class citizens'
Besides being the 'unofficial spokesperson' of the eunuch community and gay activism, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi is one of the prominent eunuch celebrities of India. Recently she was in the news for being chucked out of the Bombay Gymkhana.
Intelligent, well educated and bold, a trait common among the transgender community, Laxmi she is busy working for the welfare of the sexual minorities through her non governmental organisation Astitva. Laxmi speaks to N Ganesh on the discrimination faced by her and the members of her community. (Photo)

[Singapore]
From son to daughter: A Singaporean family’s transformation
Jamie Yee, 36, is a post-op transgender person. With the love and support of her family, Jamie, at the age of 24, underwent an operation to become what she had always felt she was: a girl. (Photo)

[Australia]
Anger over inaction on Human Rights Charter
Excerpt: Sally Goldner of TransGender Victoria said the government’s refusal to draw up a charter of human rights meant equal opportunity legislation at the federal level was now vital. “The glaring absence regarding Federal Equal Opportunity Law covering sexual orientation and sex and gender diversity during the human rights address means we continue to be non-existent at the federal level,” Goldner told MCV.

[USA] [News/Film]
Gay Entertainment Report: 'Trinidad' Arrives On DVD
Directors PJ Raval's and Jay Hodges' story about what makes “sex-change capital of the world” Trinidad, Colorado tick is now available on DVD.
Trinidad premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival in 2008.

[USA] [Commentary]
Mottet: Why We Need the Employment Non-Discrimination Act
Americans all over the country are out of work, with many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people — transgender Americans in particular — facing tough times because of workplace bias. Thankfully, our nation is on the cusp of seriously addressing this injustice: The House is forecasted to soon consider the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

[USA] [Blog/Commentary]
Vet to Obama: I’m not an “it”
On April 20, six members of GetEQUAL were arrested outside the White House when they handcuffed themselves to the fence to protest “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” One of them was Autumn Sandeen, a retired Gulf War veteran. She served in the Navy for 20 years and has a service-related disability.
Sandeen, who is transgender, released a letter today that detailed her treatment after her arrest. She was called “impersonator,” “it” and “shim” by federal law enforcement officers.
[Blog/Commentary] Veteran is Not “It,” “Shim” or “Impersonator”
[Blog/Commentary] Transgender DADT Protester Autumn Sandeen Called 'It', 'Shim', 'Impersonator' by Federal Law Enforcement
[Blog/Commentary] U.S. Marshals' New Motto: 'Look At The Shim'
[Blog/Commentary] President Obama: A Transgender Veteran Is Not An ''Impersonator,'' ''It,'' Or ''Shim''

[USA] [Blog/Commentary]
Wash. Times calls for discrimination against transgender people
The April 23 Washington Times editorial is titled, "Discrimination is necessary," and states in a subtitle that, "Subjecting kids to weirdos undermines standards of decency":

[CA, USA]
Man charged in transgender prostitute murder
A convict with a record of violent crimes against women was charged Tuesday with the 2007 slaying of a transgender prostitute, the first in what authorities described as a yearlong series of attacks targeting San Francisco's transgender sex workers.

[FL, USA]
Local Church Leaders Rally for Human Rights Ordinance
They represented ten different religions of different faiths. But Monday afternoon, clergy members stood together at the Leon County Courthouse with one united message: pass the human rights ordinance.
Ministers rally to support Leon gay-rights ordinance

[IL, USA]
Illinois House approves bill against homophobic and transphobic bullying
The House in the US state of Illinois has unanimously approved a bill to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying.
Illinois House Approves Gay, Trans-Inclusive Anti-Bullying Bill

[MD, USA]
Death sheds light on transgendered community
April Green. Or "Miss Dee." Or Darren Neal Green Jr.
Regardless of the name, or the sexual orientation, Green died a violent death on the streets of Baltimore, the type of death that unfortunately too too often goes unnoticed, drowned out in other violence.

[NY, USA]
Ticked-Off Trannies With Knives
A La Luna Entertainment presentation, in association with Toucan Prods. Produced by Whitney Blake, Toni Miller. Executive producer, Anne L. Gibson. Directed, written, edited by Israel Luna.

[TN, USA]
Another Crime Committed Against Memphis Gay and Lesbian Center
They speak up when others cannot, or will not. They represent members of society who are criticized, ridiculed and condemned for their sexual orientation. And now, the protector has become the victim.
Another crime has been committed against the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center.

[Puerto Rico]
Piden evaluación siquiátrica para acusado por la muerte del homosexual Jorge Steven
La defensa de Juan "Casper" Martínez Matos solicitó que el psiquiatra del Estado esté presente el día que se discutan las mociones previo al juicio para ver si está mentalmente apto para comenzar el procedimiento en su contra.

[Bolívia]
Evo Morales esclarece em carta ligação entre frangos e homossexualidade
Depois de afirmar que ao ingerir frangos geneticamente modificados homens podem se transformar em gays, o presidente boliviano Evo Morales enviou uma nota à comunidade gay da Espanha afirmando que em nenhum momento quis ofender os direitos homossexuais.
[Opinion] ¡Listo el pollo! parafriegas racistas

[Chile]
Presidente del Senado inicia gestiones para acelerar tramitación de ley contra discriminación
El senador Jorge Pizarro se reunió con el Movilh y brindó su respaldo a la norma, al igual como ya lo han hecho este año la parlamentaria Ximena Rincón, el Servicio Nacional de la Mujer y el Ministerio Secretaría General de Gobierno en otros citas con activistas del mencionado movimiento de minorías sexuales.

[Argentina]
“Vuelven los edictos policiales”
Así lo afirmó la titular de la Federación de Lesbianas, Gays, Bisexuales y Trans, María Rachid, en referencia a la modificación del Código Contravencional sobre oferta y demanda de sexo en la vía pública. “Es de una gravedad en materia de Derechos Humanos impactante. La intervención directa de la policía es tan alarmante como el delito de vestimenta que propone este proyecto", dijo.

[Espanha]
Primeiro Congresso Mundial de Transexualidade e Direitos Humanos
A Conferência Internacional terá lugar de 4 a 6 de Junho de 2010 na Faculdade de Direito da Universidade de Barcelona, no seguimento da pré-conferência que se realizará entre 1 e 3 de Junho no mesmo local.

[UK]
Trans Pilot 'No Big Deal' For British RAF
This week, news emerged that a helicopter pilot in the British Royal Air Force (RAF) will be undergoing the process of gender reassignment and transitioning from male to female.

[France]
Concentración en París contra las declaraciones del cardenal Bertone
Un centenar de personas se reunieron este sábado en París para denunciar las declaraciones del cardenal Bertone, número dos del Vaticano, quien vinculó la homosexualidad con la pedofilia, constató la AFP.

[Yemen]
Pro-Gay Article Sparks Smear Campaign in Yemen
A Yemeni filmmaker is receiving death threats after publishing an article upholding gay rights.

[Uganda]
Another American Anti Gay Preacher Heads to Uganda for ‘Crusade’ Against Homosexuals
Visit by Lou Engle is condemned by Sexual Minorities Uganda
Cabinet committee split over homosexuals Bill

[Malawi]
Malawi President slams homosexuality
President Bingu wa Mutharika has come out in the open to express disapproval of homosexuality in Malawi.
The President commenting for the first time since the arrest and trial of gay couple, 26-year-old Steven Monjeza and 20-year-old Tiwonge Chimbalanga, said homosexuality was bizarre.

[India]
Indian film festival promotes gay rights
Excerpt: The festival also highlighted the issues of transgender Indians, known
as Hijaras, who are often seen by society as the lowest of the low.
India's gay film festival highlights gay rights

[Australia]
Resistance, Norrie undress social rights issues
Androgynous activist Norrie May-Welby put on a theatrical performance during the national conference of social youth organisation Resistance.
Norrie, the first person in the world to be legally recognised as genderless, addressed the crowd at Thirroul Community Centre on Saturday to speak about the rights of people not to have their gender specified.

[AZ, USA]
Groups Call on Congress to End LGBT Job Discrimination
More than 200 Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups, along with allies in the faith, labor and civil rights communities, are demanding Congress immediately outlaw job discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Equality Arizona spokesman Dan Mallar says the need for protection has increased with the recession.

[CA, USA]
Police Release Sketch and Ask Public for Help
California State University Long Beach police asked the public's help to identify the suspect who attacked a transgendered student earlier this month.
Suspect sought who slashed transgendered student

[FL, USA]
Transgender Candidate Runs in Florida
Donna Milo, a transgender Republican businesswoman from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is in the race for the 20th congressional district seat, running on a platform of conservative values in government.

[LA, USA]
Transgender Community in New Orleans Claims Police Harassment
New Orleans' black and transgender community members and advocates complain of rampant and systemic harassment and discrimination from the city's police force, including sexual violence and arrest without cause. Activists hope that public outrage at recent revelations of widespread police violence and corruption offer an opportunity to make changes in police behavior and practice.
[Blog/Commentary] What Else Is New?- Black Transpeople Getting Harassed By New Orleans Po-Po's

[MA, USA]
Mass. Dems to Vote on Bisexual and Transgender Representation
Massachusetts democratic state committee members are encouraging a party convention vote to create seats on the committee for two bisexual and two transgender members.

[MA, USA]
Key to Successful Treatment of Transgender Patients May Involve Delay of Puberty
Complications from transgender procedures may be significantly minimized when treatment of a patient with severe gender identity disorder begins prior to puberty, according to expert opinion today at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 19th Annual Meeting & Clinical Congress.

[MD, USA]
Oct. death sheds light on misunderstood community
She liked cropped jackets and skinny jeans. Her favorite hair color was fire-engine red.
On the streets of lower Charles Village, the 24-year-old who dropped out of school at the age of 14 went by the name April Green, or "Miss Dee," or simply "Dee."
But on her death certificate, she is Darren Neal Green Jr. a man who had convincingly dressed as a woman since her early teens. And like some of city's transgendered, Green was drawn to an insular, alienated and misunderstood community where she joined others walking the streets exchanging sex for money.


[NY, USA]
Tribeca Review: Ticked-Off Trannies With Knives
Back in 2007, Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez paired up to create the double-feature Grindhouse. The film was a loving recreation of low-budget 70’s exploitation films that would run in seedy drive-in theaters and use shock to draw in audiences. The film worked hard to both praise the genre while also acknowledging its campiness. In 2010, director Israel Luna has created and premiered Ticked-Off Trannies With Knives, which not only rips off everything that made the Tarantino-Rodriguez film entertaining, but manages to suck all of the fun out of it in the process.

[Puerto Rico]
Second Puerto Rican LGBT killing in six months
Puerto Rican police are investigating after a trans woman was found murdered in her home last week.
PR Police Search for Transgender Woman's Killer
Transgender Woman Brutally Murdered In Puerto Rico
PR police search for transgender woman's killer

[Cuba]
In the final stages a Cuban documentary about a transsexual
The documentary "En el cuerpo equivocado" (In the wrong body), which is the story of Mabi Susel, a transsexual who undertook in Cuba in 1988 a sex change operation, is in the final stages of post production, announced sources of the Cuban cinema institute, informs PL.

[Bolívia]
Evo Morales esclarece em carta ligação entre frangos e homossexualidade
Depois de afirmar que ao ingerir frangos geneticamente modificados homens podem se transformar em gays, o presidente boliviano Evo Morales enviou uma nota à comunidade gay da Espanha afirmando que em nenhum momento quis ofender os direitos homossexuais.
El portavoz de Evo Morales “ratifica” el respeto del Presidente de Bolivia a la diversidad sexual y sostiene que fue malinterpretado
Gobierno de Evo Morales: Nosotros respetamos a los gays
ILGA LAC rechaza las declaraciones del Presidente Evo Morales sobre homosexualidad
[Opinion] Progresía y coherencia: de pañuelos y pollos

[Peru]
Condenan a 2 policías por no auxiliar a travesti
Yefri Edgar Peña Tuanama (32) ahora siente que todos esos años de lucha sí han valido la pena. Siente que la justicia por fin ha llegado a su vida. Mira a su madre, Nelly Tuanama, y con un beso le agradece ese impulso que le daba para continuar cuando la luz parecía alejarse de su camino. Observa a su abogado, Dante Valenzuela, y con una sonrisa le agradece el haberla apoyado cuando su valentía parecía quebrarse. “Pensé que la justicia no me favorecería. Ahora que lo he logrado sé que mi caso será un ejemplo para las personas con diferentes opciones sexuales”, dice emocionada. (Foto)

[Peru]
Contundente rechazo al abuso de menores y a la relacion entre homosexualidad y pedofilia en Lima
Contundente fue el rechazo al abuso sexual de menores y a la relacion entre pedofilia y homosexualidad manifestado por un centenar de personas que se reunieron frente a la Nunciatura Apostólica en Lima. (Foto)
Gays y católicos chocan en Perú por pedofilia y declaraciones de Bertone
Gays protestan en Lima contra Iglesia Católica por casos de pedofilia
Grupos de activistas chocan por pedófilos
Católicos y gays se enfrentan en Lima

[Chile]
Ministra del Sernam se reune con lesbianas y transexuales y anuncia gestiones para dar urgencia a ley contra la discriminación
La Ministra del Servicio Nacional de la Mujer expresó también su apoyo para combatir el bullying que afecta a lesbianas y transexuales, así como su preocupación por los problemas de salud que dañan a quienes tienen una identidad de género diversa. Schmid valoró además el trabajo desarrollado por el Movilh en Chile.

[Argentina]
Homosexuales repudian abusos y pedofilia ante Catedral de Buenos Aires
Una pancarta con la inscripción "El abuso es un crimen, la homosexualidad no lo es" fue instalada, este sábado, por un grupo de activistas gays en las puertas de la Catedral de la capital argentina, en protesta por el escándalo de pedofilia que involucra a la Iglesia Católica.
Marcha gay en Buenos Aires en contra de los abusos sexuales de sacerdotes
La Comunidad Homosexual Argentina (CHA) protestó frente a la Catedral Metropolitana

[Brasil]
Tocantins passa a aceitar nome social de trans em suas escolas
Conselho de Educação do Tocantins aprova uso de nome social de trans em suas escolas

[Brasil]
Polícia investiga se morte de travesti em João Pessoa foi por homofobia
Travesti morta esfaqueada em João Pessoa pode ter sido assassinada por homofobia

[España]
“Mi sexo y yo”: la transexualidad en Informe Semanal
El programa “Informe Semanal” de Televisión Española dedicó este fin de semana un reportaje a la transexualidad, titulado “Mi sexo y yo”. El reportaje aporta testimonios personales tanto de mujeres como de hombres transexuales, así como opiniones de diversos especialistas médicos.
Si bien el reportaje adopta una perspectiva excesivamente biologicista, no deja de ser un material de interés, que puedes visualizar pinchando aquí.

[UK]
Trans pilot 'no big deal' for RAF
A pilot at Prince William's RAF base is transitioning to become a woman.
Flight Lieutenant Ayla Holdom, 29, who was born male, told friends this week that she expects to complete her transition within a year.
Pilot at Will's RAF base plans to lose his chopper
Pilot at William's base changes sex
Pilot at Prince William's RAF base to change sex
Pilot at William's base changes sex
William's RAF mate to change sex
Wills base pilot in sex swap

[UK]
Sex change ops triple since 2000
The number of sex change operations being performed annually by the NHS has almost tripled since 2000, according to figures revealed by The Daily Telegraph.

[Australia] [Books/People]
Novel approach to sex change
Two authors hope their novel will help teenagers understand why a woman would become a man.
Cheryl Critchley talks to Ryan Kennedy about his young-adult book f2m: the boy within, co-written with Hazel Edwards.

[USA]
Human Rights Campaign Submits Official Comment on APA's DSM Review
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, submitted comment yesterday on the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) proposed changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, pressing the APA to do more to eliminate the stigma transgender Americans face. The public comment phase of the review process ended April 20.
[Blog/Commentary] My comment on the DSM-V proposals

[USA]
Barney Frank Chides Gay Protesters On ENDA Action
Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank has criticized a group of gay activists for disrupting a House committee hearing demanding action on a federal gay protections bill.
One Story, Two Sides

[USA]
White House: No Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal This Year
Press Secretary Gibbs told reporters Wednesday that the President does not intend to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell this year.

[USA] [News/Film/Television]
Trinidad
Directors Jay Hodges and PJ Raval heard about a small Colorado town that was, as they told IndieWire in an interview two years ago, "filled with cowboys and transsexuals," "a place where people arrived men and left women"... and decided to make a movie about the place.

[CA, USA]
Transgender student slashed in campus restroom
Police are asking for the public's help in finding whoever attacked a transgender student on the California State University, Long Beach campus last week.
University spokesman Rick Gloady said Friday the victim was approached by a man inside a restroom in a campus building the evening of April 15. The suspect said a first name and asked the student if he was that person.
When the student replied that he was, Gloady says the suspect pulled the student's T-shirt over his head, pushed him into the stall and used a sharp object to slash the student's chest. The suspect then fled the area.
Transgender student assaulted with weapon at CSULB
Police seek CSULB stabbing suspect
[Blog/Commentary] Is Attack on Transgendered Student at Long Beach State Related to La Voz de Aztlan's Homophobia?
Transgendered student attacked on LB campus

[FL, USA]
Transgender Candidate Touts Conservative Values
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz faces seven largely unknown opponents in the race vying for the 20th Congressional district seat.
One of those opponents is Donna Milo, formerly Ed Milo, who had a sex change operation 10 years ago.

[MO, USA]
Transgender Senate candidate begins nuclear disarmament walk
Hard to believe, but while the media has covered every move of U. S. Senate candidates Roy Blunt and Robin Carnahan, even Chuck Purgason, there has been almost no mention of transgender candidte Midge Potts. So here is the lowdown on the candidate's nuclear disarmament walk:

[NY, USA]
The Underside of a Film Festival, Where Some Dark Treasures Dwell
“Ticked-Off Trannies With Knives” and “Spork” belong to a peculiarly American genre, the politically correct comedy of inclusion. Israel Luna’s “Trannies” earned some prefestival publicity when the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said the film was misleading and exploitative and called for it to be withdrawn. It’s hard to argue with “exploitative,” given that the film is quite consciously a Quentin Tarantino-style, mock-exploitation exercise complete with scratchy reel changes. The banter among the transgender heroines is funny; the lurid revenge-fantasy violence, not so much.
A message from Israel Luna
Ticked-Off Tra**ies With Knives?
[Commentary] An Image I'd Rather Forget: A Critique of Ticked Off Tra**ies With Knives
[Blog/Commentary] Kate Bornstein Is Ticked Off With Ticked-off Trannies With Knives
[Commentary] Kate Bornstein: When Bad Movies Happen To Good People
[Blog/Commentary] Time to get ‘Ticked Off’
[Blog/Film] At the Tribeca Film Festival
More on ‘Ticked Off Tra**ies With Knives’
Trannies With Knives Gets Asterisked
“The Ticked-Off Trannies With Knives” Premiere

[TN, USA]
New Trial Date Set in Transgender Beating Case
A new trial date has been set for the former Memphis police officer accused of beating a transgendered woman.
Bridges McRae will face a new jury on July 12, 2010 after jurors in his first trial could not reach a verdict. Eleven jurors thought he was guilty. One juror believed he was innocent.
July retrial set for former officer charged with beating transgender prisoner
Bridges McRae Will Be Tried Again

[TX, USA]
Transgendered community takes a stand at board meeting
The gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community made its presence known at the regular board meeting Tuesday.
More than a dozen speakers addressed trustees during the citizens-to-be-heard portion of the meeting with one issue in mind: update the district’s equal employment opportunity statement to protect the GLBT students and employees in the district.

[VA,USA]
Bob McDonnell’s Former Brother-in-Law Publicly Speaks Out As Transgendered
Dozens gathered for today’s “Don’t Hate, Legislate” rally at Capitol Square despite the rain. Delegate Adam Ebbin and Senator Donald McEachin spoke out against Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and Governor Bob McDonnell’s actions since taking office.
At the rally, Robyn Deane shared her story about coming out as transgendered in the McDonnell family.

[Puerto Rico]
Decenas acuden al velorio de Ashley
Decenas de personas comenzaron a desfilar esta tarde frente al ataúd que guarda los restos de la transexual Ashley Santiago Ocasio, una conocida estilista de este pueblo que fue brutalmente asesinada el pasado fin de semana.
Tía de Jorge Steven López solidaria con la mamá de Ashley
Hoy el sepelio de Ashley Santiago

[Bolivia] [Opinion]
Evo Morales y el ejercicio permanente del derecho a insultar
Hurgar y rebuscar un fundamento científico para las afirmaciones de Evo Morales en cuanto al pollo, los transgénicos, la masculinidad y los calvos, es perdernos del verdadero sentido, impacto y torpeza de esas afirmaciones.
Bolivia's Morales: Eating Chicken Makes You Gay?
Evo Morales: 'Chicken causes baldness and homosexuality'
[Opinion] ¿Evo + hormona en el pollo = Eva?
[Opinion] Chistes de paletos (Quien Mucho Abarca)
[Opinion] La culpa es de los pollos, no de los curas
Reacciones a las sorprendentes declaraciones del presidente de Bolivia
[Opinion] Evo Morales ¿homofóbico?
Otra vez Evo: Homosexualidad y calvicie se originan por comer pollos
Diputados postulan nuevamente a Evo para premio Nobel
Brazilian Farmers Blast Morales on His Broiler–Homosexuality Link Statement
[Opinion] De gays, calvos e inodoros
[Opinion] Los inocentes pollos
Evo, Cristina y la dieta del pollo y del chancho
[Opinion] Evo y las “desviaciones” del hombre
[Opinion] A mis amigos los calvos
Pollos y gays desencantan a Evo Morales

[UK]
Number of NHS sex change operations triples
The number of sex change operations carried out on the NHS has almost tripled in the last eight years.
Sex-Swap Ops Treble In 9 Years

[Uganda]
Govt softens anti-homosexuality Bill
A Cabinet committee has recommended changes to Ndorwa West MP David Bahati’s anti-gay legislation that preclude the possibility of discarding it, Daily Monitor has learnt.
But the report, which is yet to be discussed by Cabinet, indicts Mr Bahati for not applying the kind of sophistication that would have anticipated the international condemnation that came after the draft legislation was tabled in Parliament last year.

[South Africa/Spain]
Semenya sets date to run again
World athletics champion Caster Semenya said she planned to resume her international career on June 24 at an international athletics meeting in Spain

[India]
One is custody for Saidapet murder
The Saidapet police have taken one local resident into custody in connection with the murder of an unidentified man inside the veterinary hospital. The arrested person, one Vel alias Rajaraman (39), has reportedly confessed to the police that he had committed the murder under the influence of alcohol.

[Australia]
Sex change killer Maddison Hall walks free
These are the first pictures of one of Australia's most notorious killers since he had a sex change behind bars.
Maddison Hall, 46, walked free from jail this morning on parole after serving more than 20 years for murder. (Photo)
NSW transgender killer released

[USA]
Answers About Transgender Issues
Following is the first set of responses from Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, who is working on “Trans Bodies, Trans Selves,” a resource guide for transgender and other gender-variant people, covering health, legal issues, cultural and social questions, history and theory.

[USA]
Obama's Hospital Memo Also Protects Transgender Folks
President Obama's memo that bans hospitals from discriminating against gay men and lesbians also protects transgender folks, but activists say obstacles remain.

[USA]
ENDA Could Open ‘Every Classroom in America’ to Cross-Dressing Teachers, Conservative Group Says
Homosexual activists are pressuring the House to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). They want a vote on the bill as early as this week.

[USA]
Bullying of LGBT youth not a priority
From the beginning of the Obama administration, the general attitude of the LGBT community was that things would be better for them than they were under the administration of President George W. Bush.
But even in the early days of the new administration, there were signs that protections for LGBT youth might not be better and that safe schools might not be a priority for the Department of Education.

[CA, USA]
Cuts threaten SF transgender employment initiative
A program in San Francisco that helps transgender people with employment needs is being threatened by budget cuts from the city.
The Human Services Agency has proposed eliminating funding for the Transgender Economic Empowerment Initiative, effective July 1.
The Human Services Commission will vote on the proposal today [Thursday, April 22] at its meeting at 170 Otis Street in Ronald H. Born Auditorium. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m.

[DC, USA]
Gay Activist Robin McGehee Disrupts Committee With ENDA Demand
Gay activist Robin McGehee and six other members of the gay rights group GetEQUAL were detained Wednesday after they interrupted a House committee hearing demanding movement on a federal gay protections bill.
The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) would ban workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (transgender protections).

[FL, USA]
Church Leaders React to Proposed Human Rights Ordinance
Leon County Commissioners will be deciding on Tuesday whether to go forward with a revised Human Rights Ordinance that would extend protections for the gay and lesbian community.
However, the issue is already stirring up members of local churches.

[FL, USA]
Transgender Running Against Wasserman Shultz for Congress
Donna Milo is a Congressional candidate unlike any South Florida politics has seen.
Sure, she has a background similar to some of the most successful pols in the area. Her family fled from Cuba in the 1960s and arrived on Miami's shores with nothing.
Milo used hard work to start a successful construction company and has raised a family.
And by the way, she was once a he.
Transgendered Woman Kicks Off Congressional Campaign Against Wasserman Shultz

[MA, USA]
Transgender debate hot topic for govenor candidates
The question of whether transgender people deserve legal protections in Massachusetts is turning out to be an early issue in the race for governor.
Transgender Bill Divides Mass. Gov. Candidates
[Commentary] Lacking definition: Transgender legislation poses dangers
Transgender bill becomes hot button issue
[Blog/Commentary] Hate Group MassResistance Wigging Out Over Massachusetts Governor’s Race

[ME, USA]
Family values advocates claim victory
Delays in 'gay' march, hearing on 'transgender' rules cited

[NY, USA]
Tribeca Film Festival Preview: What To Catch At This Year's Fest
This weekend marks the beginning of this year's Tribeca Film Festival, which brings film lovers from all over to the cavernous streets of downtown Manhattan, and sends your trusty Cinema Blend correspondents running all over creation to cover it. Eric Eisenberg, Perri Nemiroff and myself will be covering Tribeca over the next ten days, seeing all kinds of indie films, doing all kinds of interviews, and trying to sleep once in a while in the meantime.

[TN, USA]
Crowd Pays Respects to Transgender Victim
About 30 people, most holding candles in plastic cups, gathered yesterday evening outside the federal building to remember transgender violence victim Duanna Johnson. Johnson was beaten inside the Shelby County Jail lobby in early 2008 by former Memphis Police officer Bridges McRae after Johnson said she refused to answer to his taunts of "he/she" and "faggot." (Photo)

[VA, USA]
Video: McDonnell’s Former Brother-in-Law Publicly Speaks Out As Transgendered
Dozens gathered for today’s “Don’t Hate, Legislate” rally at Capitol Square despite the rain. Delegate Adam Ebbin and Senator Donald McEachin spoke out against Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and Governor Bob McDonnell’s actions since taking office.
Former McDonnell brother-in-law addresses gay-rights rally

[Puerto Rico]
Reina el silencio tras muerte de Ashley
El activista de derechos humanos Pedro Julio Serrano criticó nuevamente el “silencio ensordecedor” de los líderes y religios del País.
Sigue por la libre el asesino de Ashley
Pedro Julio Serrano reitera sus críticas a políticos y religiosos que no condenaron asesinato de Ashley
Ciudadanos cooperan con la Policía para encontrar al asesino de Ashley
Las autoridades no dan con el asesino de Ashley
Dolor e incomprensión en Corozal
Exhortan a identificar a Ashley como una mujer transexual
Transgender woman stabbed to death in Puerto Rico home
Sin rastros del asesino de Ashley
Alcalde de Corozal pide investigación del asesinato de transexual
Ciudadanos Puerto Rico colaboran con la policía para encontrar al asesino de la mujer transexual estilista

[El Salvador]
Presentan documental de transexuales en El Salvador para impulsar derechos humanos de esta comunidad
El documental fue producido en Perú pero contiene imágenes de nueve países de América latina, entre ellos El Salvador.
El documental “Translatina” que narra la realidad de los Transexuales, fue presentado esta mañana en el auditorio del Ministerio de Gobernación. El evento fue organizado por la Asociación Solidaria para Impulsar el Derecho Humano de los Trans (ASPIDH/ARCOIRIS TRANS) y auspiciado por la Organización Panamericana de la Saludo (OPS), el Ministerio de Salud y el PNUD.

[Dominican Republic/Bolivia]
RD debatió relacíón pollos y gays
La alarma provocada en Bolivia por las declaraciones del presidente de esa nación, Evo Morales, en torno a que el consumo de pollos de granja podría inducir a la homosexualidad y la calvicie, fue tema de debates en República Dominicana hace 34 años, cuando el diputado reformista por Santiago, Andrés Mendoza Pepín, hizo una advertencia similar.

[Bolivia]
Bolivia president under fire for linking chicken to deviance
Bolivian President Evo Morales was under fire on Wednesday for suggesting that eating hormone-injected chicken could provoke male deviance at a global climate change summit.
[Documento] Carta a Evo Morales del Colectivo TLGB Bolivia
Aseguran los gays: El pollo no es el culpable de la homosexualidad
Comunidad Gay boliviana está indignada con Mandatario Evo Morales
Morales, pollos y Coca-Cola
[Editorial] Pobre vocero
Opinion: …de granja
Las comunidades homosexuales y avicultores critican dichos de Evo
“Un jefe de Estado no puede ser tan ignorante ni homofóbico” como Evo
[Editorial] El discurso del Presidente
Colectivos gays exigen una "rectificación" y Greenpeace salva parte de su discurso
Palabras de Evo Morales cosechan burlas y críticas en España
[Opinion] Algunos activistas padecen paranoia
Chicken Makes You Gay and Other Food Wisdom From Bolivian President Evo Morales
Las declaraciones de Morales son trasnochadas y absurdas, dicen homosexuales peruanos
[Blog/Commentary] Does Hormone-Hopped Chicken Make You Gay?

[España]
Condenado a dos años y medio cárcel por obligar a prostiturise a mujeres transexuales brasileñas en Sevilla
La Audiencia de Sevilla ha condenado a dos años y medio de cárcel a una persona brasileña acusada de prostituir a mujeres transexuales de su misma nacionalidad en España, a las que organizaba el traslado y luego mantenía en un piso dedicado a la prostitución hasta que saldaban la deuda contraída para pagar el viaje.

[UK]
NHS gender reassignment surgery rates triple
The number of gender reassignment surgeries carried yearly on the NHS has tripled since 2000, figures show.
In 2000, 54 surgeries were carried out, compared with 143 in 2009, the Daily Telegraph reports.

[Kenya]
Bisexual male sex workers run big risks
At a nightclub in Mombasa, on the Kenyan coast, Tito Bakari* a local man, and Leonard Smithberger, a tourist, make out in a dark corner before the bouncer asks them to leave. Hand in hand they walk to another bar nearby, where they party through the night.

[Uganda]
Cacería de gays
“Salimos de la iglesia completamente asqueados”, dice Lulu Owori, una estudiante de trabajo social de la Universidad de Makerere, en Kampala, la capital de Uganda. “Yo estaba disgustada porque me parece que el pastor abusó de la congregación. Pero la mayoría de la gente estaba de acuerdo con él y muchos decían que había que buscar homosexuales para matarlos. ¡Yo no volveré a misa con él!”

[Philippines]
Group backs Bebe Gandanghari’s reported sex change plan
Ang Ladlad party-list group is backing the reported plan of Bebe Gandanghari to undergo sex change.
The party-list group for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) has given Gandanghari its “moral support.”

[USA]
LGBT and Allied Groups Call on Congress to Pass ENDA Now
Today, the nation’s leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations, along with allies in the faith, labor and civil rights communities, issued the following statement to members of the United States Congress:
“Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act NOW.”
"Pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act NOW."
[Blog/News] Proposed Transgender Discrimination Protections Spark Debate
[Blog/News] ENDA House Vote 'Coming Soon' Says Barney Frank - What About Senate Support?
[Blog/Commentary] Yet Another Reason That There Can Be NO Compromise on ENDA
[Blog/Commentary] Top Capitol Newspaper Publishes Outrageous Lies of Hate Group About ENDA

[USA]
Debate Over Transgender Teachers
Nancy Cordes spoke with the Human Rights Campaign's Allyson Robinson and the Traditional Values Coalition's Andrea Lafferty about the upcoming congressional vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

[USA] [Blog/Commentary]
Why I Do Not Use “Gender Variant”
If one views “gender” as a social construct that has varied a great deal across time and in various cultures rather than as some form of unvarying absolute truth, a binary of one or zero, black or white then the very idea of “gender variant” is patently absurd.

[USA] [Blog/Commentary]
NCTE Responds to the Proposed DSM Revisions
This year, the American Psychiatric Association unveiled proposed changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (commonly known as the DSM), which provides information to clinicians diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. The DSM is revised periodically and reflects changes in attitudes and treatments among practitioners; this will be the fifth edition. NCTE applauds the inclusion of transgender people and the clinicians who serve our community in the current revision process; their input has clearly impacted the emphasis on reducing stigma and providing appropriate and supportive care.

[CA, USA]
Mother of murdered teen speaks
Last Wednesday in the Event Center, students and faculty listened to guest speaker Sylvia Guerrero, the mother of Gwen Araujo, a transgendered woman who was killed in Newark, California in October 2002.

[CT,USA]
Report: Crossdressed body found in Danielson
The body of a man has been discovered in a parking lot in Danielson, but state police say it does not appear any crime was committed.
WFSB-TV is reporting the body was male, but dressed in women's clothing.
Police say the remains were found in a grassy area at the back of a restaurant, near the city's courthouse at about 7 a.m. on Tuesday.
What appeared to be a trail of blood could be seen on a nearby sidewalk, and police had cordoned off a block of Main Street while they investigated.
State police issued a release late Tuesday morning saying the death did not appear to be the result of any crime.

[DC, USA]
Don't Ask Don't Tell protests at White House met with secrecy and arrests
Yesterday, activists protesting the fact that Don't Ask Don't Tell has yet to be repealed, chained themselves to the fence in front of the White House. This particular protest (a similar one occurred just a few months ago) was in response to news from the White House that they would not be repealing DADT this year, despite President Obama's State of the Union address which promised to do so.
BREAKING: 6 activists chained to White House fence in protest of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell'
Dan Choi, Other Gay Rights Protesters Arrested After Chaining Selves to White House Fence
Lt. Dan Choi, 5 Other Gay Activists Arrested At White House Protest
Lt. Dan Choi, 5 Other Gay Activists Arrested At White House Protest
Prepping for Civil Disobedience: Dan Choi and GetEQUAL Return to the White House Gates
DADT Protesters Arrested at White House

[MA, USA]
Gay, transgender rights an election-year wedge issue again
Gay rights are emerging once again as a wedge issue in a Massachusetts governor’s race.
Since Saturday’s GOP convention, two gubernatorial candidates – Republican Charlie Baker and independent Timothy Cahill – have announced that if elected, they would veto a transgender equal rights bill pending in the state legislature.
Mass. gov. candidates split on transgender bill
Mass. GOP Ticket At Odds Over Trans Rights
[Blog/News] Patrick reiterates support for transgender bill

[NC, USA]
Info sought in Charlotte transgender murder
Police and family members of a transgender Charlottean identified by police as a “crossdresser” are searching for information regarding the crime and hope community members can aid in their quest to solve the murder.
Just after midnight on April 3, Toni Alston (birth name, Tony), 44, was found shot in the front door of her home on Minnesota Rd. in West Charlotte. On April 13, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, along with Alston’s family, held a press conference reaching out for information in the case. qnotes was not made aware of the press conference.

[NY,USA]
Gay Rights Activist Forced From St. Vincent's Hospital Into Nursing Home
After spending the past month in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Stormé DeLarverie, a founding member of the gay rights movement, has been forced into a Brooklyn nursing home as the bankrupt hospital prepares to close its doors.
Stormé (pronounced Storm-ee) DeLarverie, 89, became a legend in the LGBT community after famously punching a police officer during the historic standoff against NYPD in their attempted raid on the Stonewall Inn in the West Village. She was also the famed "Drag King" of the traveling Jewel Box Revue performance troupe.
(Photo: Arthur Nash - Storme DeLarverie, 89, hoists a batch of flowers in her bed at St. Vincent's Hospital, shortly before she was moved to the failing hospital's psychiatric ward.)

[TN, USA]
Vigil For Duanna Johnson
FAST FACTS:
Rallyers attend a peaceful vigil outside the federal courthouse
Vigil participants hope a judge will rule in favor of a new trial for former officer Bridges McRae
McRae was accused of violating the civil rights of a transgendered woman
Duanna Johnson’s Murder Still Unsolved
Gay, lesbian group to hold vigil tonight for transgender murder victim
[Blog/News] Bridges Mcrae Transgender Beating Case: Mistrial, Verdict Not Decided

[VA, USA]
Anti-discriminatory bill passes
Student Council unanimously passed a resolution yesterday night to affirm its support for a fully inclusive non-discrimination policy and to urge the Board of Visitors, the Virginia General Assembly and U.S. Congress to pass legislation supporting protections “against discrimination in local, state, and federal employment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.”

[Nicaragua]
Marcha contra el abuso sexual (Iniciativa desde La Diversidad Sexual Por Los Derechos Humanos)
La Iniciativa desde La Diversidad Sexual Por Los Derechos Humanos (IDSDH), el Grupo de Lesbianas SAFO, la Asociación Nicaragüense de Transgéneras (ANIT) y personas a título individual comprometidas con la defensa de los derechos humanos de la diversidad sexual en el mundo, marcharon en una de las avenidas principales de Managua rumbo a la Catedral Metropolitana de la ciudad donde se culmino con un plantón. (Foto)

[Bolivia]
Morales ve que los transgénicos son responsables de homosexualidad y calvicie
En la inauguración de la cumbre social que celebra en su país para discutir sobre el cambio climático, Morales cargó contra los transgénicos con esas afirmaciones y otras sobre los perjuicios a la salud causados por la Coca Cola y la patata holandesa.
Bolivia's president links homosexuality to eating chicken
Morales asocia el pollo de granja con la homosexualidad
Homosexuales españoles muestran su malestar por declaraciones de Evo Morales
Califican a Evo Morales de ignorante y homofóbico
Homosexuales piden en la embajada boliviana una rectificación de Morales
President Evo Morales says eating chicken might turn men gay
Evo Morales, sin plumas y cacareando "Pollo con hormonas tiene la culpa de la homosexualidad del hombre"

[Chile]
Ministra de Gobierno de Piñera se reúne con lesbianas y trans y apoya avance de ley contra la discriminación
La Ministra del Servicio Nacional de la Mujer expresó también su apoyo para combatir el bullying que afecta a lesbianas y transexuales, así como su preocupación por los problemas de salud que dañan a quienes tienen una identidad de género diversa. Schmidt valoró además el trabajo desarrollado por el Movilh en Chile.
Ministra de Chile se reúne con transexuales y lesbianas y anuncia apoyo Ley Contra la Discriminación

[Argentina]
Juez argentino se declara incompetente para cambio DNI, la maraña legal para transexuales del país
La Justicia Civil se declaró incompetente para entender en el planteo formulado por una transexual en Gualeguaychú que pidió el cambio de género, con lo cual se abren ahora dos vías, que todavía el abogado patrocinante, Luciano Bernigaud, está analizando: llevar el planteo ante el juez de Familia Héctor Vasallo, o apelar ante la Cámara de Apelaciones en lo Civil y Laboral.