Hillary Clinton Releases Statement Marking 'International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia' (IDAHO)

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has released a statement to mark the day:

In every part of the world, men and women are persecuted and attacked because of who they are or whom they love. Homophobia, transphobia and the brutal hostility associated with them are often rooted in a lack of understanding of what it actually means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). So to combat this terrible scourge and break the cycle of fear and violence, we must work together to improve education and support those who stand up against laws that criminalize love and promote hate. As we mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia this May 17, let us resolve to redouble our efforts.

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am proud to reaffirm our support for LGBT communities at home and abroad, and to call for an end to discrimination and mistreatment of LGBT persons wherever it occurs. Whether by supporting LGBT advocates marching in Belgrade, leading the effort at the United Nations to affirm the human rights of LGBT persons, or condemning a vile law under consideration in Uganda, we are committed to our friends and allies in every region of the world who are fighting for equality and justice. These are not Western concepts; these are universal human rights.

Despite these gains and hard work, there is more to do to turn the tide of inequality and discrimination against the LGBT community. If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, know that the United States stands with you and we are unwavering in our commitment to ending this cycle of hate.

Also, UK Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne recorded a video about the British government's support for the day's message.

Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

Do You Want to Be Lady Gaga's Assistant for a Day?

Lady Gaga is going to be the guest editor of the free daily paper Metro for a day, on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO), and she's looking for an assistant.

I'm not sure what being the editorial assistant to Mother Monster entails. Polishing the egg?

In any case, you can watch her video, AFTER THE JUMP...

And apply here.

Man Who Directed Play About Homophobia Beaten In Anti-Gay Assault

A gay man in Windsor, Ontario, was beaten, robbed and called anti-gay slurs during an attack yesterday. This comes days after a play about homophobia directed by the victim, Chris Rabideau, debuted in that city on International Day Against Homophobia. 

The Windsor Star reports:

They took his wallet, then brought him to his feet. Rabideau said the two men were talking to him and using homophobic slurs. “Of course, ‘faggot’ and everything in between.”

He tried to flee to his apartment building, but they caught him in the lobby and assaulted him with greater intensity, kicking him in the head when he was on the floor.

After the attack, the two men “just calmly walked out of the building,” McMillan said.

Rabideau has come forward about the crime, saying it is an example to the public that violent homophobia exists in Windsor. “This is what it looks like,” he said.

Police have released a screenshot from footage of a security camera that captured the attack on videotape.

 

Windsor police are encouraging anyone with leads to call 519-255-TIPS.

Watch an interview with Rabideau that took place earlier this month in which he talks about "Waking Up Blue," the first LGBT play in Windsor, Ontario, AFTER THE JUMP.

Manchester Police Dept Raises Rainbow Flag Against Homophobia

 

The police force in Manchester, England stands strong with the LGBT community, and raised the rainbow flag yesterday on the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO):

"Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney raised the rainbow flag at Chester House, the Greater Manchester Police HQ, saying there was 'still a great deal of prejudice to be tackled'. The Union Jack remained in place on the second flagpole outside the building in Old Trafford. It is the second year GMP hoisted the flags. Mr Sweeney said: 'This shows Greater Manchester Police's commitment to ensuring everyone can feel safe in Greater Manchester.  We know from the number incidents there is still a great deal of prejudice to be tackled, but we are determined to show our support for anyone who feels they have been targeted by hate crime.'"

Wouldn't it be nice if all cities were as supportive.

Watch: This Weekend's 'Great Global Kiss-In'

The "Great Global Kiss-In" is in full swing with kiss-ins having taken place in cities all over the world this weekend. Another round is scheduled to take place tomorrow, May 17, the actual International Day Against Homophobia.

For a list of kiss-ins that took place in cities in the US and elsewhere this weekend as well as those that will happen tomorrow, click here.

Need inspiration? There's video of participants in Austin, Texas and Plymouth, England smooching one another for a good cause, AFTER THE JUMP.

News: Latvia, Ryan Reynolds, Cannes, Life Ball, Cambodia, GPS

New Hampshire Senate holding hearing on new language in marriage equality bill. To vote tomorrow.

Anti-gay activist allowed to lead first Baltic Pride March in Latvian capital of Riga. Activist: "It is only right that those against us should be allowed to express their views."

Robert Pattinson's hair arrives in Cannes.

Arkansas GOP Chair slammed over stump speech warning voters of the dangers of having an open lesbian in the state legislature.

Drama in Portland over new LGBT weekly magazine.

Ryan Reynolds to Betty White: "Why don't you go suck a hot c*ck."

Brazilian government releases plan to defend civil rights and adoption by gay couples.

POLL: Half of Nevadans oppose civil unions. "The poll, which did not gather opinions about gay marriage itself, found 38 percent of Nevadans favor domestic partner legislation, while 50 percent oppose it and the remainder are undecided. Democrats back the plan, incorporated in Senate Bill 283, by a 46 percent to 36 percent margin, while independents support it 47 percent to 42 percent. But Republicans oppose the proposal by a 71 percent to 23 percent margin, more than offsetting the Democrat and independent support."

Hilary Duff, Carson Kressley, Michael Urie come out for AIDS Walk New York, which raised $5.6 million.

Cambodia crowns first 'Mr. Gay'.

Vallejo, California student wins $25K settlement in ACLU harassment lawsuit against high school: "Comments were said like they don't know if I was a boy or a girl, I need to pull up my pants, I'm a lady. I couldn't be put into a girls locker room."

UK police stations lower Union Jack, raise rainbow flag in show of force on International Day Against Homophobia: "One police chief said the rainbow flag demonstrated his force's support for homosexuals who felt they were victims of prejudice. But critics warned that it was dangerous for forces to show support for particular campaigns."

While gay rights demonstrations in Moscow were marred by arrests, demonstrations in other Russian cities, like St. Petersburg, were notably peaceful. More photos.

Hearing for accused killer of Lawrence King postponed again: "A Ventura County Superior Court judge on Monday reset the first hearing for Brandon McInerney to July 8. McInerney's lawyer, Scott Wippert, says he needs more time to prepare documents before the preliminary hearing. McInerney, who is being prosecuted as an adult, has pleaded not guilty."

Inside Vienna's Life Ball. More here.

Kenyan archbishop Zacchaeus Okoth slams homosexuality: "For the African, gender is either male or female; other issues such as homosexuality should not arise. In this context, the belief of the African is consonant [with] the teaching of the Bible, namely God created only two sexes: male and female. God created Adam and Eve. God did not create Adam and Steve!"

Ultradome: Milo Ventimiglia set to produce and star in weird web series about intellectual film discussion.

South Carolina activists to protest omission of gays and lesbians from teen dating violence bill.

GPS satellite system on verge of collapse? "The satellites are overseen by the US Air Force, which has maintained the GPS network since the early 1990s. According to a study by the US government accountability office (GAO), mismanagement and a lack of investment means that some of the crucial GPS satellites could begin to fail as early as next year."