MONTH IN A MINUTE
Our plan is to involve the Kenyan community and activists in our Pride event so that it creates strong solidarity, togetherness and awareness as an LGBTQ community… this year’s Pride shall be exciting and full of life.” – Mbazira Moses, from Refugee Flag Kenya, who is organising an LGBT+ Pride event in a refugee camp, despite death threats from anti-gay thugs in the area.
CATHOLIC GUILT The Pope invites leading LGBT+ representatives to the Vatican to discuss gay and trans rights around the world. It’s thought Pope Francis is considering the Catholic Church’s position on homosexuality and a statement will follow.
KICK AND KILL Scientific research into an HIV “cure” continues at speed, with the announcement that US experts have developed a new treatment that can find “hiding” HIV cells and kill them. Activists welcome the move but maintain that a real cure is still a long way off.
CANADA BAN Toronto Pride (above) organisers provoke controversy by banning police and military participation in the parade. Board members say that they are responding to concerns from the city’s LGBT community that the presence of military and police personnel makes them feel unsafe, pointing out that gay and trans people have been unfairly targeted by authorities in the past.
HEALTH DIVERSITY There are fresh calls for healthcare designed specifically for gender diverse Australians to be included in the national health system. LGBT+ health group ACON says trans and non-binary people face unique health issues and that medical professionals should adopt practices across the board to cater for their needs.
SILENCE OF BRUNEI Australian PM Scott Morrison (above) is called out by human rights activists for not speaking out against the Sultan Of Brunei’s new anti-gay law, which states gay sex is punishable by stoning to death. Peter Tatchell leads the criticism, saying that Morrison has a moral duty to condemn the brutal legislation.
BRITNEY FEARS Reports emerge that Britney Spears is undergoing mental health treatment due to her dad’s ongoing colon problems. It’s said Spears will spend more than a month receiving emotional support, as father Jamie continues medical care. She has cancelled gigs in Las Vegas as a result.
HUNTS Police in the Eastern European country of Azerbaijan (pictured) are accused of unlawfully “hunting” LGBT+ citizens and detaining them. Human rights organisations demand answers, leading to authorities launching an investigation and fining officers involved. It comes as European politicians criticize Russia for not taking action against attacks on gay men in nearby Chechnya.
DOUZE POINTS Social media goes into a frenzy as it’s announced that Madonna (pictured) will perform two songs at the Eurovision Song Contest in May. The icon is reputedly being paid over $1m to sing at the global campfest in Tel Aviv, Israel.
PRINCESSES AND CASTLES Disney announces plans for a first ever “Magical Pride” at its Paris resort (below), including a headline performance by British group Years & Years. Disneyland Paris will host the big gay day in June.