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May 24, 2013

This week 25-year old Abigail Tarttelin publishes her second novel, Golden Boy, about intersex teenager Max

Actress-writer-waitress Abigail Tarttelin received a £100,000 ($150,600, €117,000) advance for her novel Golden Boy, published this week. So she gave-up the waitressing.

'I’m hoping it’s because it’s a really good book,' said Tarttelin in an interview with London's Evening Standard. 'The subject matter is fairly original.'

May 24, 2013

Fan Popo discusses the obstacles to LGBT filmmaking and activism in China at Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival in India

Chinese filmmaker Fan Popo said his government is 'homophobic' during an appearance at Kashish, Mumbai International Queer Film Festival in India this week.

'The Chinese government is homophobic, and they do not let queer films be screened in theaters,' said Fan, Hindustan Times reports.

'We have to screen films in small cafes, and even then police often stop screenings. LGBT groups are all underground.'

May 24, 2013

Film seen as landmark in exploring and depicting lesbian love and female sexuality

‘Blue is the Warmest Colour’, a powerful lesbian love story with intimate lesbian sex scenes, has become a frontrunner for the Palme d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

The film is seen as a landmark in terms of exploring and depicting lesbian love and female sexuality.

It premiered at Cannes yesterday and quickly became the critics’ favourite for the festival.

It contains the lengthiest, most intimate and most graphic lesbian sex scenes ever shown in a mainstream film.

May 24, 2013

Before homosexuality was even legal, black LGBT people burst through discrimination to celebrate their relationships

Black LGBT people suffer from multiple discrimination, on the grounds of their race and their sexuality.

But throughout history, many black LGBT men and women have spoken up about their sexuality and been out and proud.

They have challenged racism and homophobia down the ages. And in doing so, they have made a significant contribution to making societies more inclusive and creating a climate where diversity can be celebrated.

Check out a few of our favorite images of black gay couples here:

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May 24, 2013

Nikolai Alekseev, co-founder of Moscow Pride, received a warning from Russian authorities not to go ahead with the event tomorrow, or else face legal consequences

Nikolai Alekseev, co-founder of Moscow Pride and GayRussia, has received a warning from the Russian General Prosecution not to go ahead with a planned Moscow Pride tomorrow.

Earlier today (24 May) security officers twice served a warning to Alekseev at his Moscow home.

Last year, Moscow's highest court ruled to ban gay pride parades in the Russian capital for the next century.

May 24, 2013

As people mark Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Bisi Alimi explains his own problems and why it has taken so long to own up to them

When Angelina Jolie talked openly about her mastectomy, many people commended her on her bravery. I have always admired her courage. From the screen to real life she has had a positive impact on so many women’s lives.

The mere fact she was comfortable enough to talk about her cancer fears will give other women the confidence they need to fight their cancer risks head-on.

May 23, 2013

The European Parliament have advised countries joining the EU to adopt legislation against discrimination of LGBT citizens

Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have been told they should improve LGBT rights ahed of joining the European Union.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have voted in favour of reports encouraging Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina to enforce legislation defending the rights of LGBT citizens.

May 23, 2013

Transgender Studies Quarterly, published by Duke University Press, pledges to 'change the way the world thinks about transgender issues' when it launches in 2014

The first non-medical journal examining academic research into transgender issues is hoping to launch in April 2014, if it can secure funding.

Transgender Studies Quarterly pledges to 'change the way the world thinks about transgender issues'.

The interdisciplinary journal, edited by University of Arizona professor Susan Stryker and City University of New York's Paisley Currah, has already secured publishing with Duke University Press, a prestigious academic publishers.

May 23, 2013

Despite a Moscow suburban court ban, organizers intend to go ahead with Moscow gay Pride as plannedDespite a Moscow suburban court ban, organizers intend to go ahead with Moscow gay Pride as planned

A Moscow suburb court upheld the decision of the city authorities not to permit a gay pride parade this Saturday (25 May). Despite the ban, activists say Moscow Pride will go ahead as planned.

Nikolai Alekseev, co-founder of Moscow Pride and GayRussia, stated: ‘Khimki City Court upheld the ban on the planned Gay Pride rally and march.’

He added he would appeal on Monday to the Moscow Regional Court.

May 23, 2013

Trans campaigners highlight problems with England and Wales’ equal marriage bill saying they were betrayed by gay allies

Trans activists were left ‘despairing and angry’ at England and Wales’ equal marriage bill saying they have been betrayed by the British government and LGBT allies.

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill passed its third reading in Britain’s House of Commons last night with Members of Parliament voting 366 to 161 in favor of the legislation on Tuesday (21 May).

The bill now has to pass through the House of Lords where it will face opposition but the government appears determined to ensure it passes.

May 22, 2013

Homophobic attacks have more than doubled in 2013 compared to the same point in 2012

A man is facing jail for being connected to one of several anti-gay attacks in New York City.

Gornell Roman is accused of yelling homophobic remarks and attacking a gay man he had been drinking with on Monday (20 May).

He was charged with assault and aggravated harassment, both as hate crimes, by police today (22 May), according to the Associated Press.

May 22, 2013

The Council of Europe demanded that Russia must act to guarantee the right of LGBT people to freedom of expression and demonstration

The council of Europe demanded that Russia’s LGBT community would be guaranteed the right of expression and demonstrations, as the country continues to clamp down on gay events and rights.

In a press conference held in Moscow today (22 May) Thorbjorn Jagland, secretary-general of the Council of Europe (CoE) delivered a stern message to Russia regarding gay rights.

May 22, 2013

‘If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door'

On 22 May, we celebrate the first openly gay man to be elected to US office.

That man is Harvey Milk. Assassinated at the age of 48, he inspired hundreds of thousands to live their lives openly and to fight for what they believe in.

If he was alive, he would have been 83 today.

Here are eight quotes from the man that made history:

‘My name is Harvey Milk and I’m here to recruit you.’

May 22, 2013

New report finds 49% transgender people in Delhi, India, 37% in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and 34% in Jakarta, Indonesia have HIV

A new report highlights the 'serious threat' that HIV remains to transgender people in Asia and the Pacific.

Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) and the Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health (APCOM) released the report on Friday for IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia).

May 22, 2013

Community Business conference tomorrow aims to encourage companies to engage straight allies to make workplaces more comfortable for LGBT employees

Hong-Kong-based corporate social responsibility (CSR) advisors Community Business are running a conference tomorrow to help corporations with offices in Asia to engage straight allies to make better working environments for LGBT employees.

May 22, 2013

They say system 'dehumanizes, scapegoats and vilifies all immigrants, including LGBT immigrants'

LGBT groups are livid that gay couples will not be included in a new bill that would offer US citizenship to immigrants living in the country before 31 December 2011.

Senator Patrick Leahy (pictured) had tried to have same-sex couples included in the legislation but could not garner support from even his fellow Democrats who said they did not want the inclusion to jeopardize overall immigration reform.

May 22, 2013

The death of veteran Indian gay rights activist Shivananda Kahn prompts outpouring of appreciation for his achievements

Gay rights advocates in India and around the world are mourning the death of 'committed, passionate, inspiring, nurturing, visionary' activist Shivananda Khan, who passed away on Monday (20 May).

'[Khan] forged a pioneering path across the decades in helping achieve rights and equality for LGBT individuals and communities in diverse geographies and sociocultural environments from Europe to Asia and the Pacific,' said a statement from the organization he helped found, Asia Pacific Coalition on Male Sexual Health (APCOM).

May 22, 2013

Latest attacks occur in the hours after rally decrying murder of gay man in Greenwich Village

Two more anti-gay attacks were reported in New York City in the hours after about 1,500 people attended a rally Monday night (20 May) in the streets of Greenwich Village where a gay man was gunned down over the weekend.

This brings the number of anti-gay attacks in New York City during the past 30 days to seven including the murder of 32-year-old Mark Carson who was shot in the head Saturday.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a news conference Tuesday (21 May) called the murder of Carson 'despicable.'

May 21, 2013

Gay Vietnamese-Canadian fashion design lecturer who lives in Ho Chi Minh City argues Vietnam is not ready for gay marriage

In response to Vietnam marching ahead of other Asian nations towards legalizing same-sex marriage, a gay Vietnamese-Canadian fashion design lecturer who lives in Ho Chi Minh City said that the country is not ready for marriage equality.

Legalizing gay marriage would not make Vietnam '"cool" when it has failed to acknowledge other gay rights issues', Valentine Vu writes in an editorial for Tuoitre News.

May 21, 2013

Authorities in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, have forced US artist Rhea Litré US to perrform out of drag

Rhea Litré, one of the US’s most famous drag artists was forced to perform out of drag, by Dubai authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Litré was booked to perform her hit song ‘Let’s Have a KaiKai’ at Carnage, one of the few gay friendly events in Dubai, reported Queerty.

When she was due to perform, local security officers approached her and fellow artists telling them they could not go on stage in drag.

May 21, 2013

Spokesman Wilson Cruz tells GSN: 'GLAAD has been here for 28 years and we're not going anywhere'

There was surprise and some raised eyebrows when Herndon Graddick resigned last week as president of the media monitoring organization GLAAD after just over a year.

But GLAAD's national spokesman, Wilson Cruz, tells Gay Star News that there is no scandal connected to Graddick's departure.

May 21, 2013

We chat with Scout Leader Matt Mills and find out just how progressive and inclusive Scouting UK is.

We chat with Scout Leader Matt Mills and find out just how progressive and inclusive Scouting UK is.

Plus Amy talks about her one woman show Unhappy Birthday. We cover all the latest GayStarNews including another horrific homophobic attack in London, the gay marriage debate rages on and trouble with teen lesbians in Florida.

May 21, 2013

A study by LGBT association Gay Center shows 40% of straight students refuse to have gay friends

Italian schools are the the most anti-gay environment for the young LGBT community of the Mediterranean country, a survey has revealed.

The study, commissioned and conducted by LGBT association Gay Center among 3,900 students from 16 schools, showed that, according to the 49% of the interviewees, Italian high schools are the worst context for growing LGBT people.

Gay Center’s president Fabrizio Marrazzo told Gay Star News: ‘When considering different minorities, the LGBT one is the most troubled, because LGBT students don’t get their parents’ support.

May 21, 2013

A Puerto Rico gay activist was told on Twitter to be careful at a gay rally as it could end like the Boston Marathon

A man is facing prison after threatening to bomb a Puerto Rico gay pride march on Twitter.

Joseph Morales Serrano was taken into custody at his home in San Juan on charge of cyber-bullying a gay activist on the social networking site.

As reported by the Associated Press, a spokesman for the FBI said Morales allegedly posted the threatening message on 6 May and was expected to appear before a federal judge yesterday (20 May).