10 LGBT stories to read this month

The most interesting developments in the LGBT world, rounded up by Berit Gleixner, Community Specialist, and Silvia Magnoni, the Forum's Head of Civil Society Communities.

1. Promoting equality: one crosswalk at a time

A #Path2Equality rainbow crossing was installed outside United Nations headquarters in New York, on the occasion of the General Assembly. This is an initiative led by the US, as host country, and forms part of the UN’s Free & Equal Campaign for the promotion of LGBT rights.

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2. Mexico marches

Following President Peña Nieto’s proposal to legalize same-sex marriage nation-wide, tens of thousands took the streets in protest and defence of family values and the institution of marriage. In the predominantly Roman-Catholic nation, where same-sex marriages are already legal in some states, public opinion is split over extending marriage equality to the entire country.

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3. No pride in Uganda

Ugandan police recently prevented a gay pride march from taking place, escorting away participants and organizers, in direct violation of the right to peaceful assembly. This intervention was preceded by a public condemnation by the government as to the illegality of the pride and threats to arrest participants.

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4. ‘Diversity’ traffic lights

"Pride" traffic lights around London’s Trafalgar Square are here to stay, replacing the traditional "go" sign. However, this new street signage has left pedestrians confused, particularly tourists who are unfamiliar with the new diversity images.

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5. LGBT leadership

Stanford University offered an LGBT Executive Leadership Programme this summer, the first of its kind. The aim is to equip LGBT executives with the tools to perfect their leadership skills. In this interview with the Guardian, a participant shares her experience, explaining how the course empowered her to help other LGBT employees find their way in the workplace.

6. Clinton v Trump

An overwhelming number of LGBT voters support Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump, according to an NBC News’ weekly poll.

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7. Philippines moving forward?

Geraldine Roman, the first transgender woman to be elected to the Filipino House of Representatives, delivered an emotional privilege speech before the session hall, urging the Congress to ratify the SOGI Anti-Discrimination Bill based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Hopes are high that the bill will be adopted, putting in place a legal framework prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Read more here. Or click on this map to see what LGBT laws look like around the world.

8. Intersex law in Kenya

The Parliament of Kenya has been asked to pass a law that recognizes a third gender. A largely conservative country, Kenya is now facing the pressure of internal actors who are pushing for reforms, including seeking government funding for realignment surgeries, as well as raising awareness of discrimination against intersex individuals.

Read more here

9. Continuing setbacks for Indonesia

Amid Indonesia’s growing intolerance of the LGBT community, the government has announced new plans to ban gay networking apps and websites. It's aimed in particular at platforms the government views as promoting "sexual deviancy".

Read more here

10. Salesforce hires Chief Equality Officer

The customer relations company has this month announced its first Chief Equality Officer. The job description includes focusing on initiatives relating to LGBT, gender and racial equality.

Read more here