KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Islamic law forbids cross-dressing, and Malaysia’s government has a zero-tolerance policy toward transgender issues.
African clergy to protest Obama’s gay-rights ‘agenda’ on trip
NAIROBI, Kenya — Protesters have called for tactics ranging from throwing rotten eggs at the president to encouraging sex workers to march naked in the streets during his visit.
Black clergy walk a fine line between religious liberty, discrimination
Though several black denominations oppose same-sex marriage, many also object to religious exemptions in nondiscrimination laws.
India’s third-gender ‘hijra’ community balances acceptance with religious identity
AHMEDABAD, India — Some members of India’s ancient “hijra” community fear that the new, official third-gender classification will prevent them from practicing their traditions.
By the numbers: India’s LGBT community in legal limbo
NEW DELHI — Despite growing momentum for equal rights across India, openly LGBT people face fear of prosecution.
India’s debate: Can Hinduism and homosexuality coexist?
AHMEDABAD, India — As India grapples with gay rights, theologians and historians often disagree on whether homosexuality is compatible with Hinduism.
Gay civil rights activist, MLK mentor Bayard Rustin to be honored
Years before the gay rights movement gained momentum, the openly gay black activist, a Quaker, advised Martin Luther King Jr. on nonviolent protest tactics and organized the 1963 March on Washington.
The journey of one transgender Latina in the church
Nicole Garcia says she was “a good Catholic boy” when she was in her teens. Today, she is a candidate for ordination in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. She is on track to be the denomination’s first transgender clergyperson of color.
‘African Pride’ film shows violence against lesbians in townships
CAPE TOWN — A new documentary looks at the effects of continuing homophobic violence against lesbians in South Africa’s impoverished townships, and the activists who continue the struggle.
Despite Pakistan’s ‘third gender’ recognition, discrimination is widespread
LAHORE — Pakistan added a “third gender” option to national identity cards in 2009, but official recognition has not stopped discrimination against “khawaja saras,” those who choose not to be identified as either male or female.
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