Asia
Almost 4,000 same-sex couples have registered in Taiwan
Almost 4,000 same-sex couples have registered in Taiwan, according to the Ministry of Interior. This figure comes after Taiwan voted against the constitutional legalization of same-sex marriage in a referendum on 24 November. A total of 3,951 same-sex couples registered over a period of three-and-a-half years. While LGBTI rights activists said that the increasing number… Read more »
The first Bangalore pride since decriminalization of homosexuality was epic
The photos of a mum and her gay son dressed in rainbow saris are beautiful One of India’s major Pride marches has wrapped up in Bangalore as revellers celebrated this year’s historic decision to decriminalize homosexuality. Thousands of people joined the 11th Namma Pride parade and danced in the streets in colorful outfits to celebrate… Read more »
Doctor to face High Court for giving electric shocks to gay people in India
Dr PK Gupta thought homosexuality was a ‘genetic mental disorder’ The Delhi High Court in India has ordered a doctor who allegedly gave gay and lesbian people electric shocks to convert them to face it. The court summoned Dr PK Gupta to face charges of violating norms and contravening the Indian Medical Council Act. Gupta… Read more »
India held its first androgynous fashion show and it looked amazing
Organizers wanted the event in Jaipur to bring gender diversity into mainstream society The inaugural Feronia Fashion Night celebrated gender diversity with androgynous collections by established and up-and-coming designers. Organizer Shruti Drolia told Gay Star News the night ‘aimed to avoid gender stereotypes ingrained in our society’. After contemplating the everyday fear gender-diverse people face,… Read more »
Trans candidate in India polls says she was held at knifepoint, drugged
Chandramukhi Muvvala went missing for 36 hours last week but has vowed to continue her election bid The only transgender candidate in the Telangana Assembly election in India said she was abducted at knifepoint and possibly drugged last week. Chandramukhi Muvvala has, however, vowed to continue campaigning, according to scroll.in. ‘Though this may affect my… Read more »
Thailand Considers Same-Sex Partnership Bill
Bangkok — Thailand’s government is considering a proposed Life Partnership Bill, which would guarantee same-sex couples rights similar to couples in traditional marriages, including the use of one’s spouse’s surname, property rights and the right to end the partnership. The move is seen as a milestone in efforts to improve legal rights for those in… Read more »
Trans Indian makes history at Delhi bodybuilding competition
Lawyer Aryan Pasha said it was his ‘dream’ to participate in the male category Indian trans hunk Aryan Pasha made history this weekend by taking second place at the Musclemania bodybuilding competition in Delhi. Aryan Pasha, an accomplished lawyer, competed in the Men’s Physique (Short) category. ‘It was my dream to participate in Men’s category’… Read more »
2018 Asia Pacific HERO Awards celebrate LGBTI advocacy
LGBTI rights activists and HIV campaigners from the Asia-Pacific gather in Bangkok to recognition for decades of advocacy work LGBTI rights workers, campaigners for HIV prevention and community health workers were honored at the 2018 Asia Pacific HERO Awards ceremony on Friday (30 November). The awards gala, which was scheduled to coincide with World AIDS… Read more »
Pakistan opens first ward offering separate treatment for transgender patients
The specialist ward comes amid an ‘endemic’ of violence against Pakistan’s transgender community A specialist hospital ward to offer treatment for transgender patients has opened in Pakistan. The ward in capital city Islamabad will offer members of the transgender community free treatment with specialist doctors focussing on the treatment of transgender patients. The ward’s inauguration… Read more »
First drivers license given to trans woman in Islamabad, Pakistan
‘The winds of change… will be entering into other parts of Pakistan now’ After complaining to the police chief that trans people faced too many hurdles in trying to get drivers licenses, a trans woman has become the first to get one in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. Laila Ali had approached Inspector General of Islamabad Police… Read more »
Gay Chinese teacher loses case for unfair dismissal
A labor arbitration committee in Qingdao rejected the teacher’s claims he was fired for being gay A labor arbitration committee in Qingdao, China, last week ruled against a gay teacher who sued a kindergarten. He claims he was fired for being gay. Taking the pseudonym Ming Yue, he said parents of students at his previous… Read more »
Same-sex marriage vote is tearing families apart in Taiwan
Generational differences have divided the country as Taiwan heads to the polls to vote on LGBTI rights LGBTI rights supporters in Taiwan have spent the last week clashing with older relatives as the country heads towards a referendum on equal marriage. Taiwan residents will vote on whether the country’s Civil Code should recognize equal marriage… Read more »
Dozens of men attack two transgender Indonesians in West Java
More than 50 men stripped, hit in the chest, and cut the hair of two waria in the latest attack on the LGBTI community in Indonesia A gang of dozens of men attacked two transgender women in Bekasi, West Java on Monday (19 November). It comes amid increasing hostility against LGBTI people in Indonesia. The… Read more »
Hong Kong’s politicians vote against law for same-sex civil unions
Hong Kong needs same-sex civil unions to help protect the rights of LGBTI couples Hong Kong’s lawmakers have voted against a motion which would have set into motion a debate on legalizing same-sex unions. The city’s only openly gay legislator, Ray Chan, introduced the motion into the Legislative Council on Thursday afternoon (22 November). But… Read more »
LGBTI migrant workers step out for their rights in Hong Kong
Migrant workers face a lot of discrimination in Hong Kong and it can be worse if they’re LGBTI A coalition of LGBT migrant workers made themselves heard in central Hong Kong. Migrants’ Pride was held where the headquarters of many global firms and international banks are located. More than a protest, than a pride parade,… Read more »
Ten of the best photos from Miss First Nation Taiwan beauty pageant
Taiwan celebrated its aboriginal drag queens this weekend in the capital, Taipei Drag artiste Rose Mary was crowned Miss First Nation Taiwan in the inaugural drag beauty pageant in Taipei on Saturday (10 November). The event saw four drag queens from Taiwan’s aboriginal community battle it out for the crown. ‘I did something I considered… Read more »
LGBTI Vietnamese pedal for rights at Hanoi Pride
People in Vietnam’s capital took to their bikes to push for trans rights and same-sex marriage in the country More than 1,000 people joined the Hanoi Pride parade on Sunday (11 November). The parade is unique in Asia, with LGBTI supporters getting on their bikes to peddle for rights. Bicycles, scooters, and rickshaws bedecked in… Read more »
Thousands protest LGBTI community in Bogor, Indonesia
‘LGBT is very contagious and dangerous for the nation’s generations’ one of the organizers said Thousands of anti-LGBTI protesters marched on the Mayor’s Office in Bogor, Indonesia on Friday (9 November). The rally, organized by Muslim groups, pressured Bogor’s mayor to ban LGBTI people from the city on Java island. Chairman of the Anti-LGBT Bogor… Read more »
Police arrest 10 ‘suspected lesbians’ after two women hug in Facebook photo
The LGBTI crackdown in Indonesia is intensifying again Indonesia’s ongoing crackdown on the LGBTI community has intensified with the arrest of 10 ‘suspected lesbian’ women. Police in Padang, West Sumatra arrested the 10 women after someone reported them for being LGBTI. The person saw a photo of of one of the women kissing and hugging… Read more »
Runners inspire LGBT Community to be visible in Hong Kong after fourth place finish at The Great Relay
Hong Kong has seen a number of positive developments in relation to sporting activities even if political developments and LGBT rights have lagged behind. With OutRunners offering members of the LGBT community an active outlet if they want more than just clubs and bars, in combination with the establishment of “Out in Hong Kong”, which… Read more »
Myanmar is arresting people for being gay under colonial-era sodomy law
Two people have recently been charged under Section 377, a law advocates say was rarely enforced At least two recent arrests of LGBTI Myanmar citizens using the country’s anti-gay law has shaken the community. Police have reportedly charged a local restaurant owner and a make-up artist, who both reportedly identify as gay, in the last… Read more »
Hong Kong Pride will push for LGBTI equality at the largest march to date
Organizers are calling for a law addressing discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status Organizers expect record attendance at this year’s Hong Kong Pride parade. The annual march in the autonomous territory in southeastern China takes place on Saturday 17 November. The theme is Call for the Law, Equality for… Read more »
LGBTI Christian group forced to cancel event in Armenia after death threats
Armenia is the second worst country in Europe for LGBTI rights An LGBTI Christian group canceled an upcoming event in Armenia after receiving violence and death threats. The European Forum of LGBT Christian Groups and the ‘New Generation’ Humanitarian NGO scheduled a four-day conference in Armenia’s capital Yerevan, starting 15 November. However, in the last… Read more »
Thailand’s lesbian tennis player wins big
Luksika Kumkhum, who just won the Mumbai Open, is one of only four out LGBTI professional tennis players Thailand’s only openly gay professional tennis player, Luksika Kumkhum, is making an impact at home and abroad after a big win on Sunday (4 November). She beat Russia’s Irina Khromacheva, 1-6, 6-2, 6-3, in a nearly four-hour… Read more »
Thailand marching towards recognizing same-sex unions by the end of 2018
Thailand’s cabinet will consider the Life Partnership bill later this month, possibly making Thailand the first place in Asia to recognize same-sex unions Thailand’s military government is holding public consultations on same-sex unions and may pass legislation before the end of the year. The Life Partnership bill could be considered by cabinet by the end… Read more »
Gay man with HIV charged under Myanmar sodomy law
Yangon, Myanmar — The LGBTI community in Myanmar has demand fair media coverage of a gay man with HIV who is charged under the controversial Penal Code 377 for allegedly committing sexual abuse against one of his employees. The accused, Aung Myo Htut, aka Addy Chen, is an outspoken LGBTI rights advocates and commonly known… Read more »
‘No limits’ Beijing queer film festival returns this weekend
The 13th edition of mainland China’s longest-running LGBTI film festival opens with Birds in Mire by Zhang Wanlin Fans of queer Asia cinema are in for a treat this weekend as the week-long Beijing queer film festival opens in China’s capital. The festival, now known as Love Queer Cinema Week, returns for its 11th edition… Read more »
Is this China’s chance for marriage equality?
Gay Star News spoke to Sun Wenlin, the man pushing China’s leaders to recognize same-sex marriage Sun Wenlin wants the government of China to change its civil code and recognize same-sex marriage. Sun, from China’s Hunan Province, launched an online campaign this month to encourage the National People’s Congress (NPC) to discuss equal marriage. His… Read more »
Malaysian official plays down claim there are 310,000 ‘homosexuals’ in the country
A senior officer from the Islamic Development Department said this week the country had ‘rehabilitated’ 1,450 LGBTI Malaysians A senior officer from the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) on Tuesday (31 October) said his earlier remark that there were 310,000 homosexuals in Malaysia was only ‘preliminary’. On Monday, Jakim’s Mohd Izwan Md Yusof said the… Read more »
Taiwan’s Gay Pride Parade Draws Thousands, as Votes on Same-Sex Marriage Near
Taipei, Taiwan — A year ago, participants in Taipei’s annual gay pride parade — the biggest event of its kind in East Asia — had a lot to celebrate. Taiwan’s constitutional court had given the government until May 2019 to legalize same-sex marriage, ruling that the civil code’s definition of marriage as being between a… Read more »
The modern gay history of Taipei, Asia’s most LGBTI-friendly city
Cruising grounds, police raids, and the biggest Pride in East Asia It’s undeniable: Taipei is one of the greatest LGBTI cities in the entire world. The Taiwanese capital is the epicenter of gay rights in the country. The city hosts the second largest gay pride in Asia (behind Tel Aviv, Israel), the country is becoming… Read more »
In fear for their lives: The hidden LGBTI community of Brunei
Brunei’s LGBTI community face severe social stigma and the threat of brutal anti-LGBTI laws in the majority Muslim nation ‘I’m extremely scared,’ says Khairul, a young gay man from Brunei. ‘Khairul’ (not his real name) would only speak to GSN under the condition of anonymity out of fear of persecution in his home country. ‘Being… Read more »
Stop using LGBTI Malaysians as ‘punching bag’ warns lawyer group
Lawyers for Liberty was responding to calls from political leader, Anwar Ibrahim, to reject LGBTI ‘lifestyle’ Malaysia’s leaders must stop using the LGBTI community for political gain, said local civil society group Lawyers for Liberty. It comes as LGBTI Malaysians feel increasingly persecuted under Malaysia’s nascent new government. ‘The LGBT have to live in hiding… Read more »
It took thousands of police to keep this South Korea pride parade violence-free
Recent pride events in South Korea’s cities have been violently disrupted by conservative Christian protestors A pride festival and parade in South Korea’s Busan went ahead without major disruption from conservative protestors on Saturday (13 October). Some 2,000 police kept the event’s 15,000 attendees safe, according to organizer Minsoo Kim. It comes after similar events… Read more »
Tokyo bars LGBTI discrimination ahead of 2020 Olympic Games
New legislation protects against gender and sexuality based discrimination and promises LGBTI education programs in Japan’s capital, Tokyo The Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Friday (5 October) passed a bill to tackle discrimination against the LGBTI community ahead of the Olympics in 2020. ‘This act upholds the goal of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to make Tokyo… Read more »
LGBTI community in Nepal brings issues to lawmakers
Nepal is often considered one of the best places in Asia in recognizing LGBTI rights Despite government guarantees to protect rights in Nepal, the LGBTI community has not seen significant change, an NGO told lawmakers this week. Nepal is known as one of the most progressive countries for LGBTI rights in Asia. The mountainous South… Read more »
LGBTI South Koreans back on streets to protest violence at Incheon pride
Police and protesters appeared to outnumber attendees of LGBTI rally to speak out against hate More than 100 LGBTI rights advocates rallied in South Korea’s port city Incheon on Wednesday (3 October). They were demonstrating against violence from conservative protesters and police inaction at the first Incheon Queer Culture Festival on 8 September. The Open… Read more »
My court case could see Jamaica follow India and make gay sex legal
Lawyer and LGBTI activist Maurice Tomlinson is waiting for his day in court to strike down Jamaica’s anti-sodomy law The Indian Supreme Court’s historic judgement decriminalising homosexuality has given me new hope I may soon have my day in court to challenge Jamaica’s law. Few people know this – but the anti-gay law in Jamaica… Read more »
Indonesian police stop an LGBTI pageant from happening in Bali
Indonesian authorities have stopped an LGBTI pageant from happening in Bali. Muslim leaders said all LGBTI events should be banned across Indonesia. Police said they cancelled the event because of ‘rejection from the Balinese community’. They cancelled the Mr and Miss Gaya Dewata event claiming they received letters of complaint from locals in Bali. The… Read more »
High Court in India grants lesbian couple police protection from families
The couple fled to the capital, Delhi, after facing mental and physical abuse from their parents in Rajasthan A lesbian couple in India rushed to the capital, Delhi, to seek protection from their families who disapprove of the relationship. Luckily, the Delhi High Court granted them police protection, according to local media. It is another… Read more »
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