Belgian trans man helped to die after failed gender reassignment operations

in:  http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/10/03/belgian-trans-man-helped-to-die-after-failed-gender-reassignment-operations/

 

Mr Verhelst underwent hormone replacement therapy in 2009 (Photo: Facebook)

A transgender man has been helped to die by doctors in Belgium after a series of failed gender reassignment operations.
Nathan Verhelst died in Brussels on Monday after being allowed to have his life ended on the grounds of “unbearable psychological suffering”.
The 44-year-old asked to die after undergoing a series of failed gender reassignment surgeries to transition from female to male. He had undergone hormone replacement therapy in 2009, and underwent the surgeries last year.
Prior to his death, Mr Verhelst had told Belgian newspaper Het Laatse Nieuws: “I was ready to celebrate my new birth. But when I looked in the mirror, I was disgusted with myself.
“My new breasts did not match my expectations and my new penis had symptoms of rejection. I do not want to be… a monster.”
Two doctors concluded that the 44-year-old did not simply have temporary depression, and his request to be helped to die via medical euthanasia was granted.
Dr Distelmans, the doctor who administered Mr Verhelst’s lethal injection, told The Telegraph: “The choice of Nathan Verhelst has nothing to do with fatigue of life. There are other factors that meant he was in a situation with incurable, unbearable suffering. Unbearable suffering for euthanasia can be both physical and psychological. This was a case that clearly met the conditions demanded by the law. Nathan underwent counseling for six months.”
Dr Jean-Michel Thomas added: “When we have a case which is… complicated, we ask ourselves more questions in order to be certain about the diagnosis.”
In 2002, Belgium became only the second country after The Netherlands to legalise medical euthanasia, which has since been legalised in Luxembourg also.
Euthanasia carried out by doctors differs from assisted suicide, whereby the patient is helped to take their own life.
Guidelines set out by the country’s parliament specify that patients wishing to end their own lives must be conscious when they ask to die. They must also be under a “constant and unbearable physical or psychological pain” resulting from an “accident or incurable illness”.
Patients must also give a “voluntary, considered and repeated” request to die.
There were 1,432 recorded cases of euthanasia in Belgium in 2012; a 25% increase on the previous year’s figure. They made up 2% of all deaths, the AFP news agency reports.



 http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/10/03/belgian-trans-man-helped-to-die-after-failed-gender-reassignment-operations/

Mississippi town sued after refusing to license gay bar

 http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2013/10/01/21164326.html

Pat "P.J." Newton stands in front of the building she is leasing in Shannon, Mississippi September 30, 2012. REUTERS/Lauren Wood

TUPELO, Miss. - A rural northeast Mississippi community discriminated against a lesbian woman by denying her a license to reopen a bar catering to gays and lesbians, a federal lawsuit filed on Tuesday claims.
The lawsuit was filed by the Alabama-based Southern Poverty Law Center and said the town of Shannon discriminated against Pat “PJ” Newton and violated her civil rights to free speech and equal protection.
It accused the town, the mayor and the aldermen of denying the license because Newton’s bar would cater to gays and lesbians, and not because she failed to meet any criteria for opening and operating a business in Shannon.
During the town meeting in June when Shannon aldermen denied the license request, about 40 residents attended to oppose the bar, and delivered a petition with more than 100 signatures from people who objected.
Shannon attorney Gary Carnathan said he had not yet seen the lawsuit and could not comment. However, he said there was no mention of sexual orientation at the June meeting.
“There wasn’t ever any mention about gay or straight or anything when it was brought up,” Carnathan said. “It was only brought up after it was initially declined.”
Town officials say they voted against having any other bar in the community of about 1,700 residents. The town has a liquor store and two existing bars.
Newton, 55, operated the bar, called O’Haras, in the community from 1994 to 1998. Now living in Memphis, Newton said she decided to reopen it after numerous gays and lesbians in northeast Mississippi said they wanted a place where they could feel comfortable and unwind without feeling threatened.
Shannon is about 11 miles from Tupelo, home of the conservative American Family Association.
Tension felt by gays in the region was highlighted in the 2006 documentary, “Small Town Gay Bar,” which featured the Shannon bar. It later operated under a different name after Newton sold it, and it closed a few years ago.
Newton said she didn’t know there was any opposition until she appeared at the town meeting to ask for the license.
“If I’d been a straight redneck from Shannon, nobody would have cared,” Newton said recently.
She said she had already signed a lease on the property and had begun making improvements, and pays rent and utility bills even though she is unable to open.
The lawsuit asks the court to award damages for lost revenue and expenses, issue an injunction allowing the bar to open and award legal fees.
David Dinielli, the Southern Poverty Law Center’s deputy legal director, said Newton met all requirements to open the business.
“The facts and circumstances make it clear that something else was at play here,” he said.
The California law firm Hogan Lovells is also working on the case, which is: Pat “PJ” Newton and O’Hara’s v. Town of Shannon, Mississippi, et al, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, 1:13-cv-00187-JMV


 http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2013/10/01/21164326.html

Barilla would never use a gay family in ads: Pasta boss

in: http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2013/09/26/21153561.html

Guido Barilla, chairman of the world's leading pasta manufacturer, prompted calls for a consumer boycott on Thursday after telling Italian radio his company would never use a gay family in its advertising.

"I would never do (a commercial) with a homosexual family, not for lack of respect but because we don't agree with them. Ours is a classic family where the woman plays a fundamental role," Barilla, 55, said in an interview with Radio 24 on Wednesday.

Barilla - one of the best known pasta brands around the world - is one of Italy's biggest advertisers, and for many years has used the image of a happy family living in an idealized version of the Italian countryside, with the slogan: "Where there's Barilla, there's home".

In the interview, Barilla said he opposed adoption by gay parents, but was in favour of allowing gay marriage, which is not legal in Italy. His comment about advertising was in response to a direct question about whether he would ever feature a gay family in his company's commercials.

If gays "like our pasta and our advertising, they'll eat our pasta, if they don't like it then they will not eat it and they will eat another brand," he said.

Aurelio Mancuso, head of gay rights group Equality Italia, said Barilla's comments were an "offensive provocation" and called for a boycott of the company's pasta, sauces and snacks.

"We accept the invitation from the Barilla owner to not eat his pasta," Mancuso said. Many Italians used social media to voice support for a boycott.

Alessandro Zan, a gay member of parliament, said on Twitter: "You can't mess around with consumers, including gay ones."

Barilla issued a statement on Thursday apologising, explaining that he was trying to say "simply that the woman plays a central role in a family."

"Barilla features families in its commercials because it embraces anyone, and they have always been identified with our brand," he said.

Spanish film star Antonio Banderas features in the latest publicity campaign for Barilla's Mulino Bianco cookies and breakfast cakes. They feature him baking biscuits with children and talking to a chicken called Rosita.

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2013/09/26/21153561.html

23 September - “Celebrate Bisexuality Day”

http://ilga-europe.org/home/news/for_media/media_releases/23_september_celebrate_bisexuality_day2


ILGA-Europe statement on the occassion of the “Celebrate Bisexuality Day”. 

Since 1999, 23 September is a “Celebrate Bisexuality Day”. This occasion is an opportunity to address the particular issues bisexual people face and also to raise the awareness about bisexuality and to celebrate the diversity of and differences within the LGBTI communities. 

 

Prejudice, discrimination and violence against bisexual people continues to be a significant concerns. In May 2013, the European Union’s Agency for Fundamental Rights revealed the finding of the largest ever Survey of experiences by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, which provided an insight to bisexual people’s experiences and shows that bisexual people experience significant degree of prejudice, discrimination and violence due to their sexual orientation.

The results make it clear that more specific and targeted legal, policy and social changes need to be initiated by European and national decision makers to protect people from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. 

In addition to discrimination and violence, the bisexual community often experiences lack of understanding and acceptance by society in general and also lesbian and gay communities. 

ILGA-Europe reiterates its full commitment to full equality and respect of the human rights of bisexual people. Bisexual people are entitled to the same dignity and deserve the same opportunity to live their lives without prejudice and discrimination, develop and fully enjoy their identities and form relationships. 

On this occasion, ILGA-Europe calls on the LGBTI communities to take a leading role in tackling prejudice against bisexual people and challenge normative approach to identity and sexuality.

ILGA-Europe
Brussels, 20 September 2013

 http://ilga-europe.org/home/news/for_media/media_releases/23_september_celebrate_bisexuality_day2

Church sign goes viral: ‘Jesus had two dads and he turned out just fine’

 in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/30/church-sign-goes-viral-jesus-had-two-dads-and-he-turned-out-just-fine/

An inclusive church in Canada has joined others using its sign to advertise a message of inclusion, and has found viral internet fame as a result.

The St John’s Anglican Church, erected the sign saying: “Jesus had two dads, and he turned out just fine!”.
Since a photograph of the sign was posted by a Reddit user, the image has been viewed over a million times.
Reports suggest the church is in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and a member of the St John’s clergy confirmed to the Independent that the message had been put up in front of the church.

This is not the first time in recent months that church signs have been used to carry positive messages of inclusion for the LGBT commmunity.

Earlier in August, in a similar fashion, Australia’s Gosford Anglican Church posted similar messages, critical of those opposed to LGBT rights, and carrying messages of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Church leader Rod Bower, a long time supporter of equal marriage, said: ”This has gone international now — there are people liking it all over the world and it is just a little sign in Gosford,

“The conservative view is not the only view. … Marriage equality is a hot issue at the moment and it seems the church is struggling to get over this issue. I am reflecting on what the spirit of God might be saying in a modern world.”

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/30/church-sign-goes-viral-jesus-had-two-dads-and-he-turned-out-just-fine/

Activists paint rainbow crosswalk at Russian embassy in Sweden

in: http://www.cbc.ca/newsblogs/yourcommunity/2013/08/activists-paint-rainbow-crosswalk-at-russian-embassy-in-sweden.html

Övergångsstället vid ryska ambassaden är nymålat. #gilla

LGBT activists in Sweden are letting the Russian government know exactly how they feel about Vladmir Putin's controversial new anti "gay propaganda" legislation in a way that is simple and peaceful but vibrantly proud.

Swedish newspaper The Local reports that protesters gathered outside of the Russian embassy in Stockholm this weekend to paint over a traditional black and white "zebra" crosswalk with a rainbow of colours.

Utanför ryska ambassaden.
 pic.twitter.com/x3PmchzywX

On Saturday, a group of naked men are reported to have marched back and forth across the rainbow crossing outside the embassy while supporters called on others to boycott the World Athletics Championships which began this weekend in Moscow.

 

“We have no case file on it but it will probably be classified as vandalism or a violation of traffic regulations,” said Ulf Lindgren of the Stockholm Police to Swedish language paper Dagens Nyheter.

 "There's a risk it can create danger for those using the crossing as they should look a certain way. It's confusing if they are different," added Lundgren.

He noted that it is not the police department's responsibility to restore the sidewalk to its regular pattern, but as of Tuesday morning it appears as though someone had arranged for this to be done.

  

Nu tvättas regnbågen bort från övergångsstället vid ryska ambassaden. pic.twitter.com/IN5CH85s3Y

 Nu tvättar de bort regnbågsövergångsstället utanför ryska ambassaden :( foto @UlrikaBy instagram.com/p/c8seB2mjtb/



The colourful crosswalk may have been short lived, but it served as a powerful symbol for Stockholm's LGBT community, which celebrated its annual Pride festival earlier this month.

 Spreading some #gay propaganda outside of the #Russian embassy in Stockholm. http://pic.twitter.com/lQPbv0f4WL



Russia's announcement of a new law cracking down on gay rights activism during the 2014 Olympics in Sochi has sparked international debate over participation in the forthcoming games.

In the wake of this intended crackdown, the Russian embassy in Stockholm has been the target of a series of pro-LGBT rights demonstrations.




Outside Russian embassy, #stockholm demonstration in support of #LGBT rights #sthlmpride2013 #russia http://pic.twitter.com/umkMArWFlO

Standing up against the Putins so called morals. Outside the russian Embassy in Stockholm! #russia #gay #LGBT http://pic.twitter.com/QsyeHVgS1G

Gay pride rally outside of Russian Embassy in Stockholm this morning http://pic.twitter.com/wELTFzCUaV via @claesnyberg #sthlmpride

Before it could be washed away, passersby took photos of the rainbow crosswalk to voice their support on Instagram and Twitter.

Rainbow crosswalk outside the #Russian Embassy in #Stockholm. #Equalrights for all

Snyggt övergångställe utanför #Ryska #Ambassaden

 "Neat crosswalk outside the Russian Embassy," reads the caption above, and below "Hey Russian Ambassador, what has anybody done to you?"




Hej ryska ambassaden vad fint någon gjort hos er ❤️




Civil olydnad får tumme upp. Övergångsstället utanför ryska ambassaden.

 "Thumbs up for Civil disobedience. Crosswalk outside Russian Embassy." reads the caption above. Below, "Outside the Russian embassy right now. Apparently they made this last night."


 
Utanför ryska ambassaden just nu. Applåderar de som gjorde detta inatt #hbtq #lgbt #pride #antigayolympics



 And while the rainbow crosswalk in Stockholm wasn't the first of its kind, it won't be the last either.

Australian LGBT protesters also took to sidewalks outside of the Russian embassy in Sydney this weekend with colourful chalk in a similar fashion.


A beautiful day for chalking! The @DIYrainbows crew outside the Russian Embassy in Woollahra today: http://pic.twitter.com/7Y9M3xh5cc


The #DIYRainbow movement spread beyond Sydney through much of Australia.


And a similar work was spotted in Utrecht, Holland, where this photo was taken, and later posted in response to a photo of the Swedish crosswalk on Street Art Utopia's Facebook page.
 
Cobuz Okhuijsen's Photos | Facebook



 Others are protesting Russia's law in more traditional ways at embassies in Chile...
 
Chile: Volunteers from LGBT-rights org. @IgualesChile decry Russian homophobia outside Russian embassy http://pic.twitter.com/1q7HZtn3Nj via @ahsoffia


Turkey...


Pride march attacked in Russia, sign in Istanbul at the Russian embassy: "Don't worry, homophobia can be cured." http://pic.twitter.com/EPu5u0eLqn



 Scotland...
 
Wee @LGBTScotland afternoon protest for LGBT equality at the Russian Embassy @alchemister @FireCrow69 http://pic.twitter.com/VM2F2Tmi7i

Israel...

"Berlin36 Moscow13" #TelAviv activists protest homophobia in front of Embassy of #Russia #LGBT 972mag.com/tel-aviv-activ… http://pic.twitter.com/QDUCm8OvaJ

And of course, in Canada, where permanent rainbow-coloured crosswalks were installed in downtown Vancouver's west end during the city's Pride Week celebrations earlier this summer.

Rainbow crosswalks show off Vancouver's pride

http://www.cbc.ca/newsblogs/yourcommunity/2013/08/activists-paint-rainbow-crosswalk-at-russian-embassy-in-sweden.html

The Queen: Monarch of 12 countries where being gay can land you in prison

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/16/the-queen-monarch-of-12-countries-where-being-gay-can-land-you-in-prison/


While the anti-gay laws in Russia have garnered a lot of International attention in recent weeks, it is still legal to be gay in the country. However, in other parts of the world, where The Queen is Head of State, gay people can be jailed for same-sex activity.

Queen Elizabeth II is Queen of three nation states where same-sex marriage is legal, England and Wales, Canada and New Zealand. However in the majority of the countries where The Queen is the constitutional Monarch, there are no legal protections in place to protect LGBT people at all.

Although The Queen has no role in the development of laws, the Commonwealth Realms are the closet power relationships that she has in the world.

These 12 countries are listed below:-


Antigua and Barbuda

In Antigua and Barbuda same sex activity is illegal for both gay men and lesbian women. Two consenting adults found guilty of the offence can face up to 15 years in prison and no legal protections exist to protect those who are LGBT.


Barbados

Although the law is rarely enforced, people in Barbados found guilty of same-sex activity can face up to life imprisonment. Homophobia is rife in the country and in recent days a newspaper columnist from the country claimed that “AIDS a punishment” for those that are homosexual. 


Belize

Same-sex activity has been illegal in Belize since 2003 and those found guilty can face up to 10 years in prison. Despite the fact Belize has faced pressure from the United States to change the law the Prime Minister has remained adamant that gay sex should remain a criminal offence. Earlier this year a case that was brought in 2010 made it to the Supreme Court with British former attorney general, Lord Goldsmith among a team who argued for an overturn of the law.


Grenada

In Grenada male homosexuality is a crime and those found guilty can face up to 10 years in prison. While female homosexuality isn’t illegal in the country, no legal rights exist for lesbians.


Jamaica

Same sex activity is illegal in Jamaica for both men and women and those found guilty can face up to 10 years in prison. Jamaica has been described as one of the most homophobic places on earth. PinkNews.co.uk has reported numerous stories out of Jamaica that show endemic homophobia in all areas of society. Recently, a transgender teenager was murdered and it was later revealed the victim suffered abuse at school and from their parents.


Papua New Guinea

Male homosexuality is illegal in Papua New Guinea with those found guilty of partaking in sodomy facing up to 14 years in prison. Although the law is rarely enforced, LGBT people face widespread social stigma and isolation from the rest of society. The AIDS epidemic which has exploded in Papua New Guinea in the past few years has been in part blamed on the homophobic laws and the homophobia in society.


Saint Kitts and Nevis

It is illegal for gay men to have sex in Saint Kitts and Nevis where those found guilty can face up 10 years in prison. No one has ever been jailed under the law but there are no plans for the law to be overturned. A gay cruise ship was banned from docking on the islands in 2005.


Saint Lucia

Males homosexuality is illegal on the island of Saint Lucia with those founds guilty facing up to 10 years in prison. It was the only country in the Americas to formally oppose the United Nations declaration on sexual orientation and gender identity.


Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Same-sex activity in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is illegal with those found guilty facing up to 5 years in prison. Those found guilty of anal sex can face up to 10 years in prison. The law is said to be rarely enforced the country.


The Solomon Islands

Those found guilty of partaking in same-sex activity on The Solomon Islands can face up to 14 years in prison. People who attempt to engage in anal sex can face up to 7 years in prison. Attempts to reform the law were made in 2008 but the plans were met with strong opposition and in 2011 the country informed the United Nations that they would not seek to decriminalise same-sex behaviour.


Tuvalu

Male homosexuality is illegal in Tuvalu with those found guilty facing up to 14 years in prison. Female homosexuality is legal but no legal protections or recognition exist for lesbians in the country. The law states that no person shall “commit buggery with another person or with an animal.” The country also makes it illegal for a man to have sexual intercourse with a “female idiot or imbecile woman”.


http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/08/16/the-queen-monarch-of-12-countries-where-being-gay-can-land-you-in-prison/