Gay Equality Day Saturday August 24th! Focusing on the G20!!
Gay Equality Day this month will be Saturday August 24th!!! I will be home all day on 'troll patrol'. Last month's went really well. Due to many requests from a friend of mine who is a gay rights' activist in their country that is very repressive, I AM going to allow non-community members to comment. Now, if you make your post 'members only' then non-members cannot see your post and no worries!! Of course if things get out of hand, then I will change the commenting back to community members ONLY. I WILL be on troll patrol, but if you see something please contact me right away and I know it's difficult, but please try not to respond. You can email me tia@misstia.com, FB message me here--though I know FB is a little wonky and if we're not FB friends will probably stick your message in the 'other' inbox and I'll never find it, of course you can send me a LJ message and hope LJ notifications are working and if you are a regular, you can have my phone number. THERE IS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR INTOLERANCE HERE!!!! And please, in ads you post, no xenophobia against any country!
[ETA: re: commenting by non-members, I went into the settings and non-members now CAN comment in vintage ads but they have to be a registered LJ user and their comment will be screened before posting. According to what I read, the screening notification comes to me no matter who posts the entry. We shall see how that works! I think that adds a layer of protection so we don't get a bunch of H8 that would be difficult to block, regulate, etc.]
This month I want to focus on the G20 because it is being held in St. Petersburg, Russia September 5-6. I have researched LGBT rights in each of the G20 members and provided contact information for them. I am going to send the ones who provide equality to the LGBT community messages to please press the issue with Russia while they are there. For the ones who do NOT provide equality, I am going to press that they please DO provide equality as it has not been detrimental to the countries who provide it. If you contact any of these countries---and I am also listing the contact info for International Organizations involved with the G20 too---PLEASE be courteous and polite!! I actually learned quite a lot with my research here that I did not know about some of these countries. Next month, I will back to focusing on the Sochi Olympics.
G20 Members
USA I know many of us are in the states. Some states now recognize same sex marriage, some do not. There is still much discrimination against the LGBT community but great strides are being made and for once, a President has called for equality while in office. The USA demands that other countries overthrow dictators who oppress their people and will intervene with government to stop oppressions. Well where is the demand to Putin they back off on the Russian LGBT community??
In this article here Charles Schumer claims Putin is acting like a schoolyard bully (duh, water is also wet) and unless the US stands up to them "In my experience, I've learned unless you stand up to that bully, they ask for more and more and more." Now this is in regards to Snowden; but that same analogy holds true for the rights of the LGBT community in Russia!!!! STAND UP TO HIM OVER THAT!!! DO NOT LET HIM GET AWAY WITH THIS!!! Where is the world wide outrage??
Contact Charles Schumer and let him know we need to stand up to Russia over LGBT rights too!!
General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey's Twitter I couldn't really find any other contact for him, that was the best one.
Department of State You have to hit the tab for emailing a question as that link will expire after an hour.
Contact the White House
Australia's Prime Minister supports gay marriage. He has publicly written of how he opposed gay marriage but he has changed his views. Contact Australia's Prime Minister here. He would be a fine example to Putin on how you can change your views!
Argentina, in my research, I discovered, have about the most advanced LGBT rights in Latin America. They have gay marriages and allow gay adoptions.
President of Argentina Cristina E. Fernández De Kirchner's email address: kirchner@senado.gov.ar
Brazil, gay marriage is legal is there. They just ruled in May of this year for that. Link to form to contact Brazil's President. For some reason almost every country is listed except the USA! So if you are in the States, just keep it Brazil I guess?
The United Kingdom Same sex marriages were just legalized this summer. Civil unions were legalized in 2005. The Equality Act of 2010 protects all members of the LGBT community from discrimination. The UK provides one of the highest degrees of liberty in the world for its LGBT communities. Contact The PM page Contact the Deputy PM
Germany currently recognizes civil partnerships, but are working on legalizing gay marriages. Contact the German Chancellor here. Germany knows firsthand what happens when a dictator starts discriminating.
The European Union have become increasingly committed to LGBT rights over the last two decades. Including ensuring there is no work discrimination against individuals for their sexual orientation for all member states and states that join must adopt such practices. Contact them here. If you are in the USA or a non-EU country, select a country IN the EU to send for the message! :) AND Contact the EU President
India Same sex intercourse was illegal until 2009. In February 2012 their Supreme Court during a hearing of a bunch of appeals filed against decriminalization of gay sex, observed that homosexuality should be seen in the context of changing society as many things which were earlier unacceptable have become acceptable with passage of time. Same sex marriages are not allowed. Their military can still criminally punish a member for a homosexual sex act. There's no laws protecting people from discrimination. Though I do not think contacting them about Russia's draconian laws, perhaps a message for them to progress a little quicker?? Indian President's Secretary's Email Addy: secy.president@rb.nic.in and President's Private Secretary's Email: ps1president@rb.nic.in and Private Secretary #2 pstopresident@rb.nic.in and how about letting the Military Secretary knowing that the LGBT community can serve proudly in any military? msp@rb.nic.in
Indonesia, wow, dark times bro. They tried to pass a law outlawing homosexuality in 2003, it failed (that was good). But sharia law is allowed in some places (52 regions) that of course outlaws homosexuality. In Jakarta I learned that the LGBT community members are labeled as "cacat" which is mentally handicapped and they have no protection under the law. Of course, hearing all this, it's not surprising that there is no gay marriage. Nor can they adopt. They have no protections against discrimination and face it by society, family, etc. My virus software BLOCKED me from visiting their government website (they rarely block me from a site, so I'm gonna stay away) but I found their American Embassy site. Send a message to them at their US Embassy. I just, wow, I read all these sites about Indonesia and I just feel horrible.
Italy Homosexuality has been legal since 1890. Same sex households are not granted the same protections as different sex households though. In May of this year a bill was proposed which will prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, it has yet to be voted on. Since they are in the EU, they cannot discriminate in the workplace. Gay marriages are not allowed nor are civil unions recognized and bills that have tried to be passed to allow civil unions have failed. There are openly gay politicians though and there was once a transgendered MP. Studies have shown that the majority of Italians support equality for the LGBT community. Contact the Italian government here and yes the page is in Italian but the form is easy to figure out what goes where!
Canada is truly a beacon lighting the way for other countries to show them that the world will NOT collapse if you grant equality!!! LGBT Canadians have most of the same legal rights as non-LGBT citizens, and are extended more legal rights than many other nations where homosexuality is legal. Since 2005, Canada has offered marriage rights nationwide to same-sex couples. Contact the General Governor of Canada here and perhaps he can tell Russia and Indonesia, India and others, that equality is a GOOD thing!!! Same with the Prime Minister of Canada here
China Here is a CNN article from June 27, 2013 explaining the expanding LGBT community seeking change and acceptance in China. In 2001 homosexuality was removed as being a mental disorder! Acceptance is slow going, but they believe it will be achieved, gradually. You can email the Chinese Embassy in the United States chinaembpress_us@mfa.gov
Republic of Korea AKA South Korea Their Human Rights law states that no one can be discriminated against for their sexual orientation. In contrast, their military law can punish same sex activities for up to a year in jail---that law is under appeal and review. There are TV shows featuring gays though which are received well. Individuals feel that culturally they should hide their sexuality. There is a slow growing acceptance for gays in society---mostly through younger people while older people maintain conservative views. I couldn't find a contact page on their government website, so I got the email for their US Embassy. counsular_usa@mofa.go.kr.
Mexico Since 2003 they have had anti-discrimination laws. There is still violence against members of the LGBT community though. Same sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized though some attempts at getting some legislation have been attempted. Contact the Mexican President here
Russia Well I believe we all know about Russia!!! No need to rehash that! EMAIL PUTIN!! Email the Russian Embassy in the United States dc@rustradeuse.org and russianembassy@mindspring.com Email the The Permanent Mission of Russia to the UN in New York City rusun@un.int Email the Consulate General of Russia in New York City mail@ruscon.org Find your country's Russian Embassy on this link here.
Saudi Arabia Dark times here too! I'm sure it's no surprise that their rights are unrecognized there. Heck women hardly have rights there! So if you're a woman, perhaps mention that too---I know I am!!! The LGBT community faces imprisonment, corporal punishment and DEATH! Here is their US Embassy page.
Turkey Homosexual acts are legal in Turkey and have been since 1858 but no rights are acknowledged by law. Just this past week though, a draft has been made to protect the community against discrimination. Homosexuality is still widely taboo. They have a long ways to go. The email of the Turkish Embassy in the US is mdiamond@honkturkishconsulga.org
France Same sex marriage has just become legal this year. Prior to that they had legal civil unions. France has stringent anti-discriminatory laws that include even speech--which can be construed as hate speech. Campaigns are held in school to help combat homophobia. The current Mayor of Paris is openly a homosexual. Contact France's Prime Minister it's in French, but the form is easy to figure out! :)
Republic of South Africa Post apartheid, their constitution outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation, which was the first in the world to do so. They were also the 5th country in the world to legalize same sex marriage and the 1st in Africa to do so. Same sex couples are also allowed to adopt. The LGBT community can openly serve in the military too. These legal freedoms though do not mean that the society accepts them. The majority of people polled feel that homosexuality is wrong and many are subjected to harassment and lesbians subjected to rapes as are gay men. Archbishop Tutu has spoken out in support of the LGBT community. So whereas it appears the government is open and welcoming, society and the culture is still struggling with acceptance. You can email the South Africa USA Embassy consular.wa@dirco.gov.za.
Japan There are no laws against homosexuality in Japan, but no laws supporting LGBT rights either. There appears to be no hostility though towards the LGBT community from what I read. Gay marriage is not legal, nor are civil partnerships, but they are working on acknowledging gay marriages citizens obtain in countries where they are legal. Contact the Japanese Government
International Organizations Involved with the G20
United Nations Their Human Rights Office has recently unveiled a Gay Rights Campaign. (Yes I know I linked to a story on fox news, eep!) HERE is an August 8, 2013 article in Rolling Stone about the campaign and they wonder if it will hurt or help gay rights abroad. Uh, seriously?! I mean, yes, there could be a backlash against community members, but everyone should remain silent??? Here's a link to the UN Free and Equal Campaign page. You can email the UN Human Rights' Office civilsociety@ohchr.org.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) From what I've read the IMF has turned a blind eye to human rights abuse against the LGBT community, women, societies at large. Of course, it's profit driven. Email them here ngoliaison@imf.org
The World Bank (WB) Very similar to the IMF. Much money that is to go helping people is used to abuse them. Contact them here.
The Financial Stability Board Email them fsb@bis.org This is what they do.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) They have a better life initiative and gee, wouldn't life be better if everyone had equality? Helen Fisher on the OECD Board and also Spencer Wilson on the OECD Board.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Here is what they do. Their email is: enquiries@wto.org
International Labor Organization (ILO) About the ILO. Protecting jobs and protecting people. Well I think equality fits into that!!! Their email is: ilo@ilo.org
Please share the word!!!
[ETA: re: commenting by non-members, I went into the settings and non-members now CAN comment in vintage ads but they have to be a registered LJ user and their comment will be screened before posting. According to what I read, the screening notification comes to me no matter who posts the entry. We shall see how that works! I think that adds a layer of protection so we don't get a bunch of H8 that would be difficult to block, regulate, etc.]
This month I want to focus on the G20 because it is being held in St. Petersburg, Russia September 5-6. I have researched LGBT rights in each of the G20 members and provided contact information for them. I am going to send the ones who provide equality to the LGBT community messages to please press the issue with Russia while they are there. For the ones who do NOT provide equality, I am going to press that they please DO provide equality as it has not been detrimental to the countries who provide it. If you contact any of these countries---and I am also listing the contact info for International Organizations involved with the G20 too---PLEASE be courteous and polite!! I actually learned quite a lot with my research here that I did not know about some of these countries. Next month, I will back to focusing on the Sochi Olympics.
G20 Members
USA I know many of us are in the states. Some states now recognize same sex marriage, some do not. There is still much discrimination against the LGBT community but great strides are being made and for once, a President has called for equality while in office. The USA demands that other countries overthrow dictators who oppress their people and will intervene with government to stop oppressions. Well where is the demand to Putin they back off on the Russian LGBT community??
In this article here Charles Schumer claims Putin is acting like a schoolyard bully (duh, water is also wet) and unless the US stands up to them "In my experience, I've learned unless you stand up to that bully, they ask for more and more and more." Now this is in regards to Snowden; but that same analogy holds true for the rights of the LGBT community in Russia!!!! STAND UP TO HIM OVER THAT!!! DO NOT LET HIM GET AWAY WITH THIS!!! Where is the world wide outrage??
Contact Charles Schumer and let him know we need to stand up to Russia over LGBT rights too!!
General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey's Twitter I couldn't really find any other contact for him, that was the best one.
Department of State You have to hit the tab for emailing a question as that link will expire after an hour.
Contact the White House
Australia's Prime Minister supports gay marriage. He has publicly written of how he opposed gay marriage but he has changed his views. Contact Australia's Prime Minister here. He would be a fine example to Putin on how you can change your views!
Argentina, in my research, I discovered, have about the most advanced LGBT rights in Latin America. They have gay marriages and allow gay adoptions.
President of Argentina Cristina E. Fernández De Kirchner's email address: kirchner@senado.gov.ar
Brazil, gay marriage is legal is there. They just ruled in May of this year for that. Link to form to contact Brazil's President. For some reason almost every country is listed except the USA! So if you are in the States, just keep it Brazil I guess?
The United Kingdom Same sex marriages were just legalized this summer. Civil unions were legalized in 2005. The Equality Act of 2010 protects all members of the LGBT community from discrimination. The UK provides one of the highest degrees of liberty in the world for its LGBT communities. Contact The PM page Contact the Deputy PM
Germany currently recognizes civil partnerships, but are working on legalizing gay marriages. Contact the German Chancellor here. Germany knows firsthand what happens when a dictator starts discriminating.
The European Union have become increasingly committed to LGBT rights over the last two decades. Including ensuring there is no work discrimination against individuals for their sexual orientation for all member states and states that join must adopt such practices. Contact them here. If you are in the USA or a non-EU country, select a country IN the EU to send for the message! :) AND Contact the EU President
India Same sex intercourse was illegal until 2009. In February 2012 their Supreme Court during a hearing of a bunch of appeals filed against decriminalization of gay sex, observed that homosexuality should be seen in the context of changing society as many things which were earlier unacceptable have become acceptable with passage of time. Same sex marriages are not allowed. Their military can still criminally punish a member for a homosexual sex act. There's no laws protecting people from discrimination. Though I do not think contacting them about Russia's draconian laws, perhaps a message for them to progress a little quicker?? Indian President's Secretary's Email Addy: secy.president@rb.nic.in and President's Private Secretary's Email: ps1president@rb.nic.in and Private Secretary #2 pstopresident@rb.nic.in and how about letting the Military Secretary knowing that the LGBT community can serve proudly in any military? msp@rb.nic.in
Indonesia, wow, dark times bro. They tried to pass a law outlawing homosexuality in 2003, it failed (that was good). But sharia law is allowed in some places (52 regions) that of course outlaws homosexuality. In Jakarta I learned that the LGBT community members are labeled as "cacat" which is mentally handicapped and they have no protection under the law. Of course, hearing all this, it's not surprising that there is no gay marriage. Nor can they adopt. They have no protections against discrimination and face it by society, family, etc. My virus software BLOCKED me from visiting their government website (they rarely block me from a site, so I'm gonna stay away) but I found their American Embassy site. Send a message to them at their US Embassy. I just, wow, I read all these sites about Indonesia and I just feel horrible.
Italy Homosexuality has been legal since 1890. Same sex households are not granted the same protections as different sex households though. In May of this year a bill was proposed which will prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, it has yet to be voted on. Since they are in the EU, they cannot discriminate in the workplace. Gay marriages are not allowed nor are civil unions recognized and bills that have tried to be passed to allow civil unions have failed. There are openly gay politicians though and there was once a transgendered MP. Studies have shown that the majority of Italians support equality for the LGBT community. Contact the Italian government here and yes the page is in Italian but the form is easy to figure out what goes where!
Canada is truly a beacon lighting the way for other countries to show them that the world will NOT collapse if you grant equality!!! LGBT Canadians have most of the same legal rights as non-LGBT citizens, and are extended more legal rights than many other nations where homosexuality is legal. Since 2005, Canada has offered marriage rights nationwide to same-sex couples. Contact the General Governor of Canada here and perhaps he can tell Russia and Indonesia, India and others, that equality is a GOOD thing!!! Same with the Prime Minister of Canada here
China Here is a CNN article from June 27, 2013 explaining the expanding LGBT community seeking change and acceptance in China. In 2001 homosexuality was removed as being a mental disorder! Acceptance is slow going, but they believe it will be achieved, gradually. You can email the Chinese Embassy in the United States chinaembpress_us@mfa.gov
Republic of Korea AKA South Korea Their Human Rights law states that no one can be discriminated against for their sexual orientation. In contrast, their military law can punish same sex activities for up to a year in jail---that law is under appeal and review. There are TV shows featuring gays though which are received well. Individuals feel that culturally they should hide their sexuality. There is a slow growing acceptance for gays in society---mostly through younger people while older people maintain conservative views. I couldn't find a contact page on their government website, so I got the email for their US Embassy. counsular_usa@mofa.go.kr.
Mexico Since 2003 they have had anti-discrimination laws. There is still violence against members of the LGBT community though. Same sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized though some attempts at getting some legislation have been attempted. Contact the Mexican President here
Russia Well I believe we all know about Russia!!! No need to rehash that! EMAIL PUTIN!! Email the Russian Embassy in the United States dc@rustradeuse.org and russianembassy@mindspring.com Email the The Permanent Mission of Russia to the UN in New York City rusun@un.int Email the Consulate General of Russia in New York City mail@ruscon.org Find your country's Russian Embassy on this link here.
Saudi Arabia Dark times here too! I'm sure it's no surprise that their rights are unrecognized there. Heck women hardly have rights there! So if you're a woman, perhaps mention that too---I know I am!!! The LGBT community faces imprisonment, corporal punishment and DEATH! Here is their US Embassy page.
Turkey Homosexual acts are legal in Turkey and have been since 1858 but no rights are acknowledged by law. Just this past week though, a draft has been made to protect the community against discrimination. Homosexuality is still widely taboo. They have a long ways to go. The email of the Turkish Embassy in the US is mdiamond@honkturkishconsulga.org
France Same sex marriage has just become legal this year. Prior to that they had legal civil unions. France has stringent anti-discriminatory laws that include even speech--which can be construed as hate speech. Campaigns are held in school to help combat homophobia. The current Mayor of Paris is openly a homosexual. Contact France's Prime Minister it's in French, but the form is easy to figure out! :)
Republic of South Africa Post apartheid, their constitution outlawed discrimination based on sexual orientation, which was the first in the world to do so. They were also the 5th country in the world to legalize same sex marriage and the 1st in Africa to do so. Same sex couples are also allowed to adopt. The LGBT community can openly serve in the military too. These legal freedoms though do not mean that the society accepts them. The majority of people polled feel that homosexuality is wrong and many are subjected to harassment and lesbians subjected to rapes as are gay men. Archbishop Tutu has spoken out in support of the LGBT community. So whereas it appears the government is open and welcoming, society and the culture is still struggling with acceptance. You can email the South Africa USA Embassy consular.wa@dirco.gov.za.
Japan There are no laws against homosexuality in Japan, but no laws supporting LGBT rights either. There appears to be no hostility though towards the LGBT community from what I read. Gay marriage is not legal, nor are civil partnerships, but they are working on acknowledging gay marriages citizens obtain in countries where they are legal. Contact the Japanese Government
International Organizations Involved with the G20
United Nations Their Human Rights Office has recently unveiled a Gay Rights Campaign. (Yes I know I linked to a story on fox news, eep!) HERE is an August 8, 2013 article in Rolling Stone about the campaign and they wonder if it will hurt or help gay rights abroad. Uh, seriously?! I mean, yes, there could be a backlash against community members, but everyone should remain silent??? Here's a link to the UN Free and Equal Campaign page. You can email the UN Human Rights' Office civilsociety@ohchr.org.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) From what I've read the IMF has turned a blind eye to human rights abuse against the LGBT community, women, societies at large. Of course, it's profit driven. Email them here ngoliaison@imf.org
The World Bank (WB) Very similar to the IMF. Much money that is to go helping people is used to abuse them. Contact them here.
The Financial Stability Board Email them fsb@bis.org This is what they do.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) They have a better life initiative and gee, wouldn't life be better if everyone had equality? Helen Fisher on the OECD Board and also Spencer Wilson on the OECD Board.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Here is what they do. Their email is: enquiries@wto.org
International Labor Organization (ILO) About the ILO. Protecting jobs and protecting people. Well I think equality fits into that!!! Their email is: ilo@ilo.org
Please share the word!!!