Turkish Trans Murder-Human Rights Watch is urging the Turkish government to pass legislation protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity after transgender human rights activist, Ebru Soykan, was killed in her home early last month. Soykan was a member of Lambda Istanbul, which campaigns for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and transsexual (LGBTT) people. She was the second member of the group to be killed in the last year.
PM Celebrates LGBT History-The British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, held a reception at number 10 Downing Street last month in celebration of LGBT History Month. Invited guests included prominent LGBT politicians, activists, teachers, entertainers and clergy. In his speech Mr Brown spoke of the enormous courage shown by campaigners for LGBT rights and said he was proud of the achievements they had made over the years. He also criticised Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California, saying it was ‘unacceptable’.
DC Epidemic-A report released by the Health Department of Washington DC shows that the US capital is experiencing a HIV/AIDS epidemic, with 3 percent of the population aged over 12 years living with the condition. The report shows an increase in infection of 22 percent since 2006 and puts Washington DC on par with countries such as Uganda. While sex between gay men is the leading mode of transmission, accounting for 37 percent of active cases, the incidence of transmission through heterosexual sex and drug use remains high across all ethnic and age groups.
Indian Trans Toilets-The Indian city of Chennai is set to introduce a series of transgender public toilets with both male and female style urinals. According to municipal commissioner, Rajesh Lakhoni the project is aimed at ‘extending recognition to the community and mainstreaming them’ although there has been a mixed reaction from the city’s trans* community. Many argue that the toilets will cause further segregation and unwanted attention.
HK Immigration Scam-A gay couple in Hong Kong have been jailed after attempting a marriage of convenience to bypass immigration laws. Malaysian, Derek Chong and his Hong Kong resident partner, Andrew Lam paid a Hong Kong woman to marry Chong so he could stay in the country. The couple have been charged with conspiracy and sentenced to eight months in prison. A friend of the couple who introduced them to the woman in question was also jailed for five months, while the woman is yet to be sentenced.
US Military Changes-Barack Obama is allegedly consulting his advisors on the possibility of overturning the controversial ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, which prevents gays and lesbians serving in the US armed forces. According to the Associated Press, the White House has confirmed that talks have begun but will not comment on how long the process will take or whether there will be an in-depth investigation into the issue. Since ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was introduced in 1994, approximately 12,000 servicemen and women have been discharged under the policy.
Killer Teen-ABC radio newsman, George Weber has been brutally murdered in New York by a 16 year-old he met on internet site Craigslist. Weber had placed a personal ad looking for rough sex and offering to pay $60 for the service. John Katehis responded to the ad and the two men exchanged emails before agreeing to meet at Mr Weber’s Brooklyn apartment. Katehis stabbed Weber 50 times in the neck and body and has since been charged with second degree murder. Craigslist has posted a reminder on their website to be ‘cautious when meeting online strangers’.
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