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

Australian marriage equality advocates send Christmas message

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/australian-marriage-equality-advocates-send-christmas-message211212

Marriage equality advocates in Australia are encouraging people to talk about the importance of marriage equality when they spend time with their family these holidays


 




High profile Australian supporters of marriage equality have joined forces to encourage people to talk about the importance of letting gays and lesbians marry when they spend time with family this holiday season.

A new online video campaign by advocacy group Australian Marriage Equality (AME) features Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings, Labor Senator Louise Pratt, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, former Australian Medical Association head Professor Kerryn Phelps, independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich and NSW Greens Legislative Council member Cate Faehrmann.

It also features Karl Katter, the openly gay brother of one of the Australian parliament’s most outspoken critics of same-sex marriage – the independent MP Bob Katter - and ACT gay man Ivan Hinton and his parents and partner - who were the face of a campaign showing the family values behind marriage equality in August this year.

‘Christmas is a time when family and friends gather together, making it the perfect time to spread the message about the importance of marriage equality,’ AME national convenor Rodney Croome said.

‘We know from experience here and overseas that attitudes to marriage equality are shaped, more than anything else, by personal one-to-one conversations. It doesn't matter if you're [Australian Opposition Leader] Tony Abbott's sister, a church parishioner, a farmer, or a mum or dad - the more people talking about marriage equality the harder it will be for our MPs to oppose reform.’

The campaign will also be supported by a selection of shareable Facebook covers and e-cards with the same theme.

The group has also unveiled a giftshop website that allows supporters to buy Christmas gifts for loved ones that contribute directly to the marriage equality campaign in Australia.

For as little as $9.90 you can have 100 voting guides distributed in a strategic electorate before the next Australian Federal Election on behalf of a loved one.

A gift of $250 will put a marriage equality commercial on TV, while a donation of $490 will send a supportive member of clergy to the Australian Parliament to lobby politicians.

There are other options to suit any price range.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/australian-marriage-equality-advocates-send-christmas-message211212

Gay Aussie Politician Weds Partner in Spain

in: http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2012/12/20/gay-aussie-politician-weds-partner-spain



                           Hunter and Semmens

Ian Hunter has become apparently the first Australian politician to marry a same-sex partner, wedding artist Leith Semmens in Spain Wednesday.

Hunter, the social inclusion minister for the state of South Australia, said he and Semmens were sorry their home country wouldn’t recognize their union, but they couldn’t wait for it to enact a marriage equality law.

“Without a doubt it’s inevitable in Australia, but you’re looking at six or seven years, and me and my partner weren’t willing to wait that long,” Hunter told the Associated Press. Spain has allowed same-sex marriage since 2005.

The two men were married at an art gallery in the town of Jun, in southern Spain, with the city’s mayor officiating. In keeping with a local tradition, they kissed for 17 seconds at the ceremony’s close.

“Hunter, 52, is believed to be the first sitting member of an Australian legislative body to marry a gay partner,” the AP reports. “The former scientist has long been a vocal advocate for gay rights, and a lawmaker in the ruling Labor Party in the South Australian state legislature since 2006. He became a state Cabinet minister last year.” On the national level, the Labor Party has endorsed marriage equality, but Prime Minister Julia Gillard is opposed.

http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2012/12/20/gay-aussie-politician-weds-partner-spain

Trans woman wins custody battle in Australia

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/trans-woman-wins-custody-battle-australia301112


Federal Magistrates Court of Australia awards equal, shared responsibility for three daughters to a transexual woman after a three and a half year legal fight



 A trans woman has won three and a half year custody battle against her ex-wife in the Federal Magistrates Court of Australia.

The 49-year-old, who cannot be named to protect the privacy of the children, was awarded equal, shared responsibility in all areas except education and health for the former couple's three daughters aged seven, 12 and 17.

The children will live with their mother, who has remarried, but will be allowed to visit their father who has transitioned to live as a woman.

The Australian reports that the eldest two daughters are refusing to see their father.

Federal Magistrate Joe Harman praised both parents in his judgement saying they were doing their best for their daughters in the circumstances, but mentioned the mother's concerns which included allowing the children to be photographed at a Mardi Gras family fun day.

'My gender reassignment is different to my being a parent,' said the plaintiff in court.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/trans-woman-wins-custody-battle-australia301112

Thousands march for marriage equality in Australia

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/thousands-march-marriage-equality-australia251112

Thousands took to the streets this weekend in support of marriage equality, while the Australian Green party has pledged to move legislation in every parliament in the land until the issue is settled


 

Nearly a thousand people marched for marriage equality in central Sydney on Sunday, with thousands more marching in other cities over the weekend.

Speakers at the rally included New South Wales (NSW) state Upper House Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, Australian Marriage Equality (AME) national convener Rodney Croome and Vietnam veteran and father to a gay son Jeff Thomas who has previously challenged the Australian Prime Minister and Opposition Leader to explain their opposition on live TV.

Thomas told the crowd about his journey out of the homophobia that had been instilled in him in the military that had begun after his son came out to him seven years ago.

‘I took the telephone and told my son that I loved him and that I support him and that I would look at my attitudes and change my ways,’ Thomas told a crowd to cheers.

‘[Today] the only thing that I don’t like about my son being gay is that he is not treated equally in his own bloody country.

‘Being gay is not a lifestyle choice … all the opposition to the gay community is based in fear, ignorance and prejudice.’

Faehrmann pointed to the success of a NSW Upper House motion directing Australia’s national parliament to legalize same-sex marriage in a state parliament where conservative parties held power as proof that progress could still be made in Australia on the issue.

‘You can rest assured that the Greens will continue to introduce marriage equality legislation in every single [state] parliament across this country until we win. And we will continue to do that at a federal level as well whether it is convenient for [other] political parties or not.

Faehrmann pointed to the formation of an LGBT working group in the NSW Parliament with members from the Greens, Labor, Liberals and Nationals parties to contrast the refusal of federal parliamentarians to pass legislation to solve the problem.

Protestors then took to the streets, marching from Sydney’s Town Hall to Taylor Square, with the crowd swelling as pedestrians joined in.

Half way up Oxford Street the march halted while two same-sex couples had a brief marriage ceremony conducted by a pastor from the Metropolitan Community Church.

After the march reached Taylor Square a forum on the future of the marriage equality movement in Australia was held at a nearby venue.

AME’s Rodney Croome told the room that he was ‘60 percent’ sure that his home state of Tasmania would legalize same-sex marriage in 2013 and 100 percent sure that an Australian state or territory would do so - which would make the issue real for mainstream Australians, while the legalization of it in the UK, France and New Zealand would further bring the issue home.

Croome said there were important lessons that could be learned from the recent legalization of same-sex marriage in more states during the US Presidential Election – particularly the benefits of involving religious supporters and telling personal stories about the families of same-sex couples.

A rally in Brisbane on Sunday saw a turnout of close to five hundred, while marches held the day before in Perth and Melbourne attracted hundreds more.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/thousands-march-marriage-equality-australia251112

Gay former principal sues school

in: http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/2012/11/23/gay-former-principal-sues-school/89966

The openly gay former principal of Bialik College, Joseph Gerassi, is suing the Melbourne Jewish school for millions of dollars after being sacked under enigmatic circumstances. The Age reports that Gerrassi was told to resign in August last year after the school council “had lost confidence” in him or have his employment terminated within the hour.

In a letter, school council president Graham Goldsmith acknowledged “many of the positive changes” that Gerassi had made but said they had come to an unanimous decision that they had lost confidence in his ability. He was given nine months pay and ordered not to speak with media, staff and school for nine months but is now seeking compensation for loss of income, distress, humiliation and damage to his reputation.

Gerassi began as a principal in 2009 and was believed to be the first openly gay principal of a Jewish school in Australia.

http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/2012/11/23/gay-former-principal-sues-school/89966

"No to homohobia" ads to air in Australia

Visit: http://www.notohomophobia.com.au

In an Australian-first, a new public campaign will combine TV ads, social media, online support resources and moving personal stories from people who have experienced harassment to challenge every single member of the community to say no to homophobia, transphobia and biphobia.

Two television ads, to be broadcast nationally over the next year, depict the most common everyday situations where people face harassment -- at school, in sports, at work and in public spaces like cafes and on the street. They show people experiencing harassment and witnesses taking action to put a stop to the offensive behaviour. TV ads focusing on homophobic harassment have never been shown in Australia.

An online resource at http://www.notohomophobia.com.au/ helps people get informed, find support and take action by hosting all the relevant information, resources and contacts in one place.

Spokesperson Anna Brown said "Everyone agrees there is no place for racism or sexism in modern Australia. Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia are no different. Homophobic harassment is never acceptable and often unlawful. We need to stop harassment and the harm it causes to our friends, family members and neighbours."

Today in LGBT History

June 8, 1984 – Homosexuality is declared legal in the Australian state of New South Wales.

Aussie stars say ‘I do’ to support gay marriages

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/

Actress Rachael Taylor fronts the cover of the latest issue of Marie Claire, joining forces with a sea of other Australian big names who have signed on to the magazine’s marriage equality campaign.

‘I think Australians are big-hearted and open-minded people, and embracing same-sex marriage is just a logical extension of who we are,’ said the cover girl.

‘I can’t wait to celebrate the weddings of ALL my friends in the coming year,’ she added. ‘It’s time.’

Marie Claire, together with the Seven Network's Sunrise and Morning Show programs and the GetUp! lobby group, launched the ‘I do’ campaign today (3 Jun).

Celebs that have put their names behind the campaign include former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins, TV personality Charlotte Dawson, fashion designers Jayson Brunsdon and Alex Perry, comedian Magda Szubanski, gay Olympic gold medallist Matt Mitcham and gay Greens ex-senator Bob Brown.

Marie Claire editor Jackie Frank has also penned a letter in the glossy’s current issue to explain the campaign and criticizing political leaders.

‘When I got married more than 15 years ago, I was able to declare my love for my husband in front of my friends and family, and have it recognised under Australian law. It angers me that this basic human right is not open to all Australians. We live in the last developed, English-speaking country in the world whose leader hasn’t expressed support for marriage equality. The last one.’

‘Love is love. If you care about equality for all people – whether you’re gay or straight – we need your voice. Join us in our push for change,’ she concluded.

Gay rights campaigners have welcome the move to make everyone treated equally.

‘We're over the moon that so many Australian celebrities are not only endorsing marriage equality but actively campaigning for it,’ said Alex Greenwich, national convener for Australian Marriage Equality.

Special ‘I Do’ events to be broadcast on 7’s Sunrise breakfast show will take place on Thursday (7 June)at Martin Place in Sydney and at Bourke St Mall in Melbourne.

Same-sex marriages in Australia are currently not recognized under the Federal Marriage Act.

Prime Minister Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott are both opposed to gay marriage.

Lawmakers will be voting on two different bills calling for the right of two peopleto marry regardless of their sexual orientation to be legally enshrined, after the findings from inquiries into the bills are tabled in Parliament on June 18.

There is an online petition calling for the Act to be changed to allow same-sex marriage here.

Watch the celebs say ‘I do’ here:

http://www.gaystarnews.com/

Australian Finance Minister Penny Wong announces birth of child

in: http://queermagazineonline.com/news/pink-paper-news/40758-australian-finance-minister-penny-wong-announces-birth-of-child

Australia's lesbian Finance Minister, Penny Wong, has publicly announced the birth of her and her partner's first child.

Wong and partner Sophie Allouache have welcomed a baby girl called Alexandra.

"This is a life-changing experience," said the 43-year-old Senator. "She’s wonderful, just wonderful."

The child was born at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital just days after Wong rallied for gay marriage at the annual Labor Party conference.

The baby, weighing in at 7.1lbs, was conceived from a donor known to the couple, but he will not be identified.

"The PM’s given me a bit of leave, so I’m going to take time off" she told Sydney’s Daily Telegraph.

"Hopefully we can get the important things in life, like feeding and nappy changing and sleeping under control."

He told the Australian Broadcasting Commission that the refusal came about because of a misunderstanding on the part of the school principal and parish priest as to the church’s position on the issue.

Mr Trevor Rynne, principal of the Sacred Heart school, confirmed the young girl had been rejected because of her parents’ relationship, but he declined to comment further.

NSW politician John Kaye, from the Greens party, said the school’s action had been offensive and indefensible.