Cyprus receives LGBT human rights score of 34 per cent
Cyprus was given a score of 34 per cent for the human rights situation and living standards of its LGBT population.
lgbt
Diplomats urge LGBT rights progress in Cyprus
– Diplomatic missions in Cyprus issued a joint statement in support of human rights for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.
– The statement praised Cyprus for progress in recognizing and protecting LGBTQI+ rights, including legislation criminalizing conversion therapies.
– Encouraged Cyprus to consider removing legislative exclusion of same-sex couples in civil union from adoption and to make progress on legal gender identity recognition and recognition of same-sex marriages conducted abroad.
– Highlighted the need for continued work towards a reality where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of sexual orientation.
Femme Fest returns for third year
The 3rd Festival for the Promotion of Gender Equality, Femme Fest Cyprus, will take place on 18 and 19 May at the Nicosia Municipal Garden. The festival aims to raise awareness on gender equality, promote discussion of gender issues, and give a platform to women from different sectors to share their stories. The event will include discussions on various topics such as women’s reproductive rights, gender-based violence, and workshops on gender stereotypes. Over 50 organizations will participate, and there will be cultural performances, workshops for children, and food and drinks available. Admission and participation in all activities are free of charge.
Nemo’s Eurovision win fires up Swiss advocates for non-binary rights
Swiss advocates for non-binary rights celebrated Nemo’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest, urging authorities to recognize those who identify as neither male nor female. Nemo, a Swiss musician using they/them pronouns, won the contest in a politically charged night in Malmo, beating out Croatia’s Baby Lasagna. The victory comes after the Swiss government rejected proposals for a third gender option in official records. Sibel Arslan, a Green Party lawmaker, praised Nemo’s win and highlighted the relevance of enabling non-binary designations. An Ipsos poll revealed that 6% of Swiss respondents identified as transgender or non-binary, the highest proportion among surveyed countries. Nemo’s winning song, “The Code,” describes their journey as a non-binary person. Despite public opposition, the youth wing of the Green Liberal Party called for Switzerland to break with binary gender designations.
Russian publisher redacts book on gay Italian director amid LGBT crackdown
Roberto Carnero, an Italian literature professor, was shocked when his critical essay on Pier Paolo Pasolini was heavily censored by a Russian publisher. The publisher, AST, removed about 70 pages out of 400 from the book, citing anti-gay propaganda laws. Despite concerns, the publisher defended the redactions as an “artistic statement” and the book sold out its initial print run. The censorship highlights the crackdown on LGBT rights in Russia under Putin’s rule, with activists facing serious consequences for their advocacy. Carnero, reflecting on the irony of the situation, noted that Pasolini, known for his outspoken activism, would have likely opposed such censorship.
A festival all about women
Gender equality will take 300 years to achieve worldwide according to the UN’s women’s organization. The 3rd Femme Fest Cyprus will be held on May 18 and 19 in Nicosia, aiming to address gender issues and provide a platform for women from all walks of life. The festival will include discussions, workshops, events, and kiosks on women’s issues, with a focus on women’s reproductive rights, gender violence, gender stereotypes, and femicide. The event will also feature activities such as Women Who Inspire Us and thematic centers highlighting the history of women’s rights.
Racist violence surges in Greece, report finds
Attacks against migrants, refugees, and LGBT people in Greece surged to their highest level in nearly a decade last year, with 158 attacks recorded in 2023.
Judge temporarily blocks Ohio gender-affirming care ban
An Ohio judge has temporarily blocked a Republican-backed state law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, including puberty blockers and hormones. The law would also prevent transgender girls from competing on girls’ sports teams. The judge’s order will remain in place for two weeks, or until a hearing on the families’ motion for a longer-term block of the law. Ohio is one of at least 22 Republican-controlled states that have passed laws restricting gender-affirming care. Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, had vetoed the law after hearing from parents of transgender youth that gender-affirming care had been lifesaving for their children. The judge ruled that the families challenging the law were likely to succeed in their argument that it improperly addressed healthcare and sports as separate subjects, rather than a single subject as required by the Ohio constitution.
Russian poetry prize bans entries from transgender people
A Russian poetry competition, the Andrei Dementyev All-Russian Poetry Prize, has banned transgender individuals from submitting entries this year in order to protect traditional values. Russia has implemented a crackdown on LGBTQ rights, including designating the international LGBT social movement as extremist and banning gender change surgery and hormone therapy for transgender people.
India’s LGBTQ+ election vows ring hollow for rights activists
India’s two main political parties are making promises to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the upcoming general election. However, activists feel that both parties are avoiding the key issue of same-sex marriage. The ruling BJP opposes same-sex marriage and has pledged more support for transgender rights, while the opposition Congress party plans to recognize same-sex civil unions. LGBTQ+ activists are disappointed with these promises, calling them “lip service.” Discrimination and abuse against LGBTQ+ individuals, especially trans people, are still prevalent in India. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has the most LGBTQ-friendly manifesto, but all parties fall short of proposing marriage equality. LGBTQ+ activists emphasize the need for greater inclusion and protection for marginalized communities in India.