gay rights activists

Anita Bryant, a celebrated singer and former Miss Oklahoma, has passed away at the age of 84. Her family confirmed her death, which occurred on December 16, 2024. Known for her hits and political activism, notably against LGBTQ+ rights, Bryant's career saw both significant achievements and controversies. She is survived by her children, stepdaughters, and grandchildren.

Anish Gawande, a 27-year-old LGBTQ+ activist, has been appointed as the national spokesperson of NCP (SP). Gawande, who once stayed closeted for his career aspirations, founded Pink List India to document LGBTQ+ supportive politicians. His appointment is seen as a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in Indian politics. He advocates for horizontal reservations and comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.

In the early 2000s, transgender activist Kalki Subramaniam faced harassment in Kottayam. By 2025, she had become a recognized trans rights advocate, hosting an empathetic exhibition in Kochi. Despite notable progress, the fight for transgender equality in India persists, with ongoing challenges in legal rights and acceptance.

Protesters gathered at Stonewall National Monument to express their outrage over the removal of transgender and queer references from the National Park Service website. This followed President Trump's executive order recognising only two sexes. Demonstrators voiced concerns about the erasure of trans, nonbinary, and queer identities, and activists like Bernie Wagenblast vowed to resist the changes and fight for recognition and rights.

JK Rowling has criticized gender ideology, arguing that it undermines free speech, scientific truth, and the safety of women and children. She claims it has caused harm to vulnerable kids and has been pushed by powerful figures.

Uganda's Constitutional Court upholds anti-gay law allowing death penalty for 'aggravated homosexuality,' signed by President Yoweri Museveni. The law is locally supported but globally condemned. Court rejects nullification, emphasizing acceptance for gay community seeking medical treatment.

US President-elect announced that Fox News host Tammy Bruce will serve as spokesperson for the State Department, working alongside secretary of state nominee Marco Rubio. A former Democrat now respected conservative, Bruce's media and political career display her commitment to free speech and conservative values.

During Donald Trump's return to Butler, Scott Presler, a significant figure in the MAGA movement, addressed the crowd. Known for his involvement in far-right movements and voter registration efforts, Presler has also supported conservative policies despite being openly gay.

Cartoonist Judd Winick penned a poignant tribute to Pedro Zamora, his late "Real World: San Francisco" co-star, on the 30th anniversary of Zamora's death. Zamora, a prominent AIDS activist, tragically passed away at 22 due to AIDS complications. Winick's heartfelt message lauded Zamora's courage and activism, urging readers to remember his legacy amidst contemporary challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal has partially approved an appeal by LGBTQ activist Jimmy Sham for recognition of same-sex marriages. While the court ruled that the Basic Law confined marriage freedoms to opposite-sex couples, it called for new regulations to protect the basic social needs of gay couples.

The annual Delhi Pride Parade held over the weekend was no less than a carnival as participants danced on the beats of dhol and raised their voices to chant slogans of equality.

Ghana's president has said he will not decide whether to sign a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill into law until the Supreme Court rules on a legal challenge. He said a citizen had mounted a challenge in the Supreme Court and declared he would "await the decision of the Court before any action is taken".

Supreme Court hears arguments on legalizing same-sex marriage in India. Advocates argue for rights, government raises procedural questions.

Los Angeles officially recognized October 11 as National Coming Out Day, commemorating the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. This initiative aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community. The city council made this move amid rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the United States, emphasizing the need for acceptance and safety.

Russia's top court banned the "global LGBTQ+ movement" and conducted raids at gay clubs and bars in Moscow. The raids were carried out under the guise of a drug raid, with security services checking identification documents of clubgoers. The decision to label the LGBTQ+ movement as an extremist organization is part of a ten-year campaign against LGBTQ+ rights under President Vladimir Putin. The recent ruling has led to the closure of several LGBTQ+ establishments.

ITALY-SURROGACY/Italy makes it illegal to seek surrogacy abroad