Fear and Loathing

US: Armed police ‘violently raid’ queer bar helping wounded Black Lives Matter protesters on the first day of Pride Month

An LGBT+ bar in Des Moines, Iowa, was “violently raided” by police after club organisers gave medical assistance to Black Lives Matter protesters. The protesters limply wandered into the bar, their bodies bruised, their voices hoarse, strained from chanting.

UN experts condemn modern-day racial terror lynchings in US and call for systemic reform and justice

A group of independent UN rights experts today called on the United States Government to take decisive action to address systemic racism and racial bias in the country’s criminal justice system by launching independent investigations and ensuring accountability in all cases of excessive use of force by police. They also issued a statement regarding the nationwide protests against racial injustice.

Pride in a time of COVID-19 should embrace a wider solidarity

The coronavirus outbreak has been a time of regression for LGBTQI rights. June's Pride celebrations are a chance to reassert solidarity in the face of oppression and harassment. The #ShapePRIDE2020 hashtag is an opportunity to amplify Pride's reach.

Russia: 'Completely Crazy': Activists Slam Antigay Ad As Russia's Constitutional Vote Looms

A Russian media group linked to a close associate of President Vladimir Putin has produced an antigay political ad ahead of a vote on constitutional amendments that would open the door for the former KGB lieutenant colonel to remain in power until 2036.

Costa Rica: Fabricio Alvarado Proposes Conscientious Objection Law Against Equal Marriage

After the approval of equal marriage in Costa Rica, the former presidential candidate for National Restoration and now secretary general of the New Republic Party, Fabricio Alvarado, announced that he will promote a bill to validate the right of "conscientious objection" against unions of persons of the same sex.

US: Wake deputies defend force used against owner of Raleigh LGBTQ bar during protest

Council member Saige Martin was sent the video by multiple people, and said he knows the establishment well as a queer person. He was one of two openly LGBTQ people elected to the council in 2019 — a first for the city: “It is a safe space for so many people,” he said. “It is a home to queer folks.”

Caribbean community organizations call for decisive action to end homophobic abuse and cyberbullying

“Alongside legislative reform and key population programmes, we must continue the social dialogue and law enforcement to create more peaceful and inclusive Caribbean societies for all,” said James Guwani, UNAIDS Director for the Caribbean.  

US: Photos From the George Floyd Protests, City by City

Thousands have taken to the streets to express their anger over racism and police violence. Some of the demonstrations have turned violent, prompting the activation of the National Guard in at least 21 states.

Indonesia: Recent cases of persecution set back LGBT rights advocacy in Indonesia

The public's selective attention to LGBT rights issues, including politicians who have sought to use such issues to gain public support, has only compounded the struggles the community faces in Indonesia, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has said.