October 2021 - Page 2

Dudgeon v. United Kingdom – 40 Years Since the Historic Decision

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Dudgeon v. United Kingdom – A well-known case in the European Court of Human Rights in 1981, which ruled that an amendment to Section 11 of the Criminal Code in 1885 criminalizing homosexual relationships in England, Wales and Northern Ireland violated the European Convention on Human Rights.

This case was precedent due to the following circumstances:

This was the first successful case in the European Court of Human Rights dealing with the criminalization of homosexuality;

Legislation in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales has been brought into line with this decision;

Finally, the Council of Europe demanded that homosexual behavior of a man or a woman should no longer be criminalized in any Member State;

Jeff Dudgeon in his youth. He campaigned for homosexual law reform in the 1970s, when no elected politician supported gay rights in Northern Ireland.

Jeff Dudgeon was a shipping clerk and gay activist in Belfast, Northern Ireland, when he was interrogated by the Royal Ulster Constabulary about his sexual activities. He filed a complaint with the European Commission of Human Rights in 1975, which after a hearing in 1979 declared his complaint admissible to the European Court of Human Rights. The Court hearing was in April 1981 before a full panel of 19 judges.

On 22 October 1981, the Court agreed with the Commission that Northern Ireland’s criminalisation of homosexual acts between consenting adults was a violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights which says: “Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence. There shall be no interference by a public authority with the exercise of this right except such as is in accordance with the law and is necessary in a democratic society … for the protection of health or morals”.

Judgment was given in Dudgeon’s favour on that aspect by 15 votes to 4.

This was the first case before the European Court of Human Rights to rule in favor of LGBT rights.

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The Untitled Gallery is Hosting the Exhibition “Queer Chronicles”

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The Untitled Gallery is Hosting the Exhibition “Queer Chronicles”

Queer Chronicles consists of 4 installations by 4 artists. The installations have been created at the intersection of real and conventional times and physical and digital spaces, and they respond to the issues of the processes of creation, transformation and disappearing of queer identities.

4 artists are participating in the exhibition: Davit Apakidze, Mari Mghebrishvili, Paolannder and Aghababa Bagirov.

One of the exhibitors, Davit Apakidze, told Queer.ge that he was particularly interested in creating an installation for the exhibition and participating in the workshop, as it all started when people lost space due to the pandemic and Covid regulations. His work reflects how spaces for queer people collapse and disappear.

Art historian and founder of Project Fungus is optimistic about Georgian queer culture, saying that Georgian queer artists, unlike heterosexual artists, do not lose touch with Georgian culture and traditions. Their work better reflects the past and the novelty, compared to the heterosexual artists that are less repressed and whose work is nurtured by the influence of European culture. To illustrate this, he recalls the famous Horoom Night, which turned out to be a turning point for queer artists and the LGBTQ+ community in general.

Queer Chronicles was created in collaboration with the Women’s Initiative Support Group, The Untitled Gallery, Salam Cinema [Baku] and the Goethe-Institute in Georgia, as a result of a 4-day practical workshop on the production of queer spaces in LGBTQIA + communities organized by the Berlin-based Polygon.

The exhibition opened on October 16 and will be open to the public for 8 days, until October 24.

 

Author: Zura Abashidze

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Davit Kutaladze’s Trial Continues in the City Court

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The trial is currently underway in the City Court, where the case of Davit Kutaladze, accused of assault on July 5. Defendant’s lawyer, Sergi Khurtsidze, plans to file a motion to replace the detention with bail.

Dato Kutaladze, accused of assaulting Lekso Lashkarava and Miranda Baghaturia of the First TV crew, was sentenced to imprisonment on July 13 as a measure of restraint.

We would like to remind you that on July 5-6, violent groups raided the Tbilisi Pride office, attacked members of the community, injured dozens of journalists, and Lekso Lashkarava died on July 11. There is a lot of footage that shows this physical violence, but according to Davit Kutaladze’s lawyers: “The prosecutor’s office could not present any evidence that would prove Davit Kutaladze’s guilt in the physical violence.”

The process has not yet been completed in the City Court, where a review of the restraining order will be considered if evidence is sought.

Photo: Formula TV

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The Attitudes of the Christian Churches in Georgia Towards LGBTQ People

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The Georgian Orthodox Church is the dominant religious organization, of which 83% of the country’s population declares itself a member. Homosexuality here is considered to be a sin. Groups within the church, such as the MMK, the Union of Orthodox Parents, have publicly, demonstratively and homophobically called on the public to condemn both these individuals and their human rights organizations. They are linked to various rallies that took place during May 17, The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. On May 17, 2013, organized and called by the bishop of this church, Iakob (Iakobishvili), more than a few thousands of homophobic people not allow several human rights activists and members of the LGBTQ community to hold a peaceful rally. Following this horrific act, in 2019, Bishop Iakob was promoted to the rank of Archbishop. In recent years, the church leader himself, a number of members of the Holy Synod and the clergy have been accused of “Synody” (as they refer to it) and no positive trends of progression can be observed.

Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church in Georgia – The diocese is part of the Armenian Apostolic Church, which believes that all sexual intercourse, except for sexual intercourse between a man and a woman, is a sin – especially the homosexual intercourse. Among the opponents of the Diversity March in Yerevan were the clergy of the Armenian Church, who told reporters that “the Armenian Church is against homosexuality.” The involvement of the Armenian Church has never been observed in the anti-LGBTQ/homophobic demonstrations in Georgia.

Apostolic Administration of the Latin Catholics of Caucasus – Representation of the Roman Catholic Church for Latin Catholics living in Georgia and Armenia. According to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church – marriage is sacred to God. According to the catechism of the Catholic Church, homosexuals should live a sexually abstinent life. This means that the Church is calling on the believing homosexuals to live in celibacy. For the past 20 years, church leaders have often stressed that LGBTQ people are the children of their flock in need of Church care. In some dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church (especially: Germany, Austria, Switzerland) there are public blessings for same-sex couples, although this action has a revolutionary content within the church itself. The progression of liberal tendencies is obvious. The Apostolic Administration of the Latin Catholics of the Caucasus condemned the homophobic march organized by the hierarchs of the Orthodox Church in 2013.

Georgian Gospel Faith Church – The church from the 50ies in Georgia that is the most numerous amongst the Protestant churches in Georgia. It considers homosexuality to be a sin and such people, as they say, need to repent. They do not take part in demonstrations of a homophobic nature and condemn acts of violence against LGBTQ people.

Georgian Evangelical Baptist Church – it was one of the first churches to openly oppose homophobic manifestations. Bishop Malkhaz Songhulashvili and Bishop Rusudan Gotsiridze often make statements in support of the LGBTQ community. Bishop Malkhaz Songhulashvili was the first religious leader to publish an open letter in 2013 opposing hate speech and supporting oppressed people. He also called on other religious leaders to oppose homophobia.

The church does not carry out marriage ceremonials between the same-sex couples because part of the worshipers and believers hold homophobic attitudes. But despite this, the church cathedral joins in the anti-homophobic spirit of May 17.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Georgia – the church, founded on the basis of the descendants of German colonists, is represented by 7 parishes, centered in Tbilisi. The church condemned the homophobic march in Tbilisi in 2013. Has no official or explicit position on LGBTQ people. More tolerant approaches can be observed.

Episcopal Church in Georgia – The Anglican Church, which is part of the Episcopal Church of America. It is presented as a mission of St. Nino in Tbilisi, as well as prayer groups in Kutaisi, Rustavi and Khobi districts. It is the only Christian church in the country that has full acceptance of LGBTQ people.

Church’s religious leader, Thoma Lipartian, openly supports the equality of LGBTQ people. The church supported the 2021 Tbilisi Dignity March.

Author: Thoma Lipartian

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How the Parliamentary Council for Gender Equality Works on Queer Issues

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October 30 is approaching – the day when the second round of elections will be held in several cities of the country, including Tbilisi. Politicians work very hard at this time and often, during this period, avoid commenting on a topic that is undesirable or unprofitable for them.

Nino Tsilosani, who represents the government, turned out to be an exception and answered the interesting questions for “Queer”.

Tsilosani is the chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Agricultural Affairs and the head of the Standing Parliamentary Council for Gender Equality.

Raising public awareness about hate crimes against the LGBT community by government agencies (school curriculum, educational campaigns, etc.)

The 2021 Action Plan of the Permanent Parliamentary Council for Gender Equality envisages deepening dialogue with underrepresented groups, including representatives of the LGBT + community. In particular, co-operation with advisory boards will be enhanced, with advisory boards including organizations and activists working on LGBTQI, disability, ethnic minority and other minority groups.

In May 2021, the Ambassadors Advisory Council (EDI) was established under the Office of the Speaker of Parliament to work on issues of equality, diversity and inclusion, including the challenges and needs of the LGBT + community. The council includes embassies that actively support gender equality processes in the country. This group proactively receives information from the Parliament on the ongoing activities on the issue of equality, which the Parliament of this convocation is carrying out and will carry out in the coming years. The first quarterly newsletter was sent at the end of July this year. Annual meetings are scheduled twice a year. The supporting donor in these processes is the organization NDI.

On May 17, 2021, the Permanent Parliamentary Council for Gender Equality posted a post on social media on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia to raise public awareness. In the post, the Council explicitly condemned discrimination, homo/transphobic attacks on LGBT + members, and highlighted the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the LGBT + community. The council has been in contact with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the NDI to begin systematic work on LGBT + issues. ”

Controlling hate speech from the side of Parliament and taking disciplinary action from the Parliamentary Ethics Commission

According to the Code of Ethics of a Member of Parliament of Georgia, a member of the Parliament of Georgia is guided by a number of basic principles in the exercise of parliamentary powers. Among them, the principle of equality, which strengthens that a member of the Parliament of Georgia treats other members of parliament and citizens with respect; He/she does not use hate speech against minorities defined by race, skin color, sex, religion or other mark. A member of the Parliament of Georgia is not allowed to speak, address, act or use hate speech in a degrading, obscene, sexist, discriminatory manner. The Ethics Council of the Parliament examines and monitors the cases of violation of the rules of conduct provided by the Code of Ethics of the Member of Parliament of Georgia. In general, the work of the Ethics Council is very important in this regard, although there were some delays in the work of the Council, such as, it did not have a chairman. It is necessary to eliminate the circumstances hindering the normal functioning of the Council as soon as possible, in order to have an appropriate response to all possible cases of violation of the Code of Ethics by the members of Parliament. ”

Training in state bodies on non-discrimination issues

“The Permanent Parliamentary Council for Gender Equality is working to develop a Parliamentary Gender Sensitivity Indicator, which will address the need to plan further action in Parliament, including the need for in-service training on non-discrimination.”

Elimination of discrimination in labor relations

The Law of Georgia on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination – Article 1 of this law prohibits discrimination on the following grounds: race, skin color, language, sex, age, citizenship, origin, place of birth, place of residence, property or rank, religion or belief “According to national, ethnic or social affiliation, profession, marital status, health status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political or other views or other mark.”

Combating Hate Crimes – Effective Investigation and Appropriate Punishment, gather Statistics on Hate Crimes Based on SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) – How Many Cases Have Been Investigated, How Many Persons Have Been Punished,

“The Gender Equality Council regularly hears reports on the activities of various executive agencies, including the 2021 Council: the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, the Government Administration and other relevant agencies. In addition, the Council regularly requests statistical information from the Human Rights Protection and Investigation Quality Monitoring Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as from the National Statistics Office of Georgia. It is noteworthy that by 2022, the Council plans to conduct a thematic study on hate crimes, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

Survey of services available to the LGBTQI community – how many needed services are provided and what is the quality of services that are provided (HIV testing, social, medical, legal, psychological services, etc.)

“Currently, the Council is working on updating the state concept of gender equality, which includes social, health, economic and educational aspects. Among them (excerpt from the draft concept): “The state is taking effective measures to ensure the full provision of sexual and reproductive health as a fundamental human right, including the development and adequate funding of services, raising awareness of services, training of healthcare providers and accountability of relevant actors. By facilitating the formation. The state is taking special measures to protect the sexual and reproductive rights of people from various vulnerable groups and to increase their access to these services, including women with disabilities, LGBTQI + people, women involved in prostitution, women drug users and children with disabilities, women from ethnic minorities. ”

Improving medical services for transgender people; Making it easier for transgender people to change their gender in the passport; Intersex Individual Needs Survey – Needs Identification; Organizing shelters for members of the LGBTQ community for homeless and victims of domestic violence; Adoption of the Law on Civil Partnership

“These issues will be reflected in various studies and reports, however, as the 2022-2024 Action Plan is now to be developed, the Council plans to address the needs of the LGBTQI community in more detail. Therefore, we are ready to work with stakeholders to identify the priority issues that the Council needs to work on in particular.

Author: Tamar Kutateladze

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These Queer Icons Will Be the First LGBTQ+ People Featured on U.S. Currency

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The American Women Quarters Program is a four-year program that celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women to the development and history of America. Beginning in 2022, and continuing through 2025 the U.S. Mint will issue up to five new reverse designs each year.

The first LGBTQ+ person and the first woman to go to space, Ride was a crew member on Space Shuttle Challenger for NASA’s seventh space shuttle mission in 1983. A year later, she went to space with Challenger a second time but was not on board the spacecraft during the 1986 explosion, which killed all seven passengers during takeoff.

After her astronaut career ended in 1987, Ride devoted her life to encouraging children to study science. In 2001, she founded Sally Ride Science, a youth-focused nonprofit operated by the University of California, San Diego, where she taught physics until her death from pancreatic cancer in 2012. She also authored six children’s books, including Mission: Planet Earth and The Mystery of Mars, with her business partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy.

Although she was famously private, it was revealed after Ride’s death that she had been in a relationship with O’Shaughnessy, a woman, for 27 years.

According to a press release from the U.S. Mint, Ride’s quarter will depict her staring through a space shuttle window as Earth looms in the distance. The design is inspired by her famous quotation: “But when I wasn’t working, I was usually at a window looking down at Earth.”

The other queer woman who will be honored on the upcoming quarters series is Nina Otero-Warren, who was a leader in New Mexico’s suffrage movement and the first female superintendent of Santa Fe Public Schools. She was the leader of the New Mexico chapter of the Congressional Union, which fought to ratify an amendment that would allow women to vote, and was also the first Hispanic woman to run for Congress.

Although there remain some questions regarding whether Otero-Warren was LGBTQ+, she established a homestead just outside of Santa Fe in the 1930s with Mamie Meadors, the woman many believe to have been her partner. Otero-Warren and Meadors called the ranch “Las Dos,” which means “the two women.” The National Parks Service added that the two pair lived and worked together for over two decades but confirmed that details of their relationship are “unknown.”

Otero-Warren’s coin will include a portrait of herself with three yucca plants, the state flower of New Mexico. In addition to the commonplace quarter inscriptions, one dedication will read, “Voto Para la Mujer,” the Spanish version of suffragette slogan “Votes For Women.”

source: them.us

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This U.K. Airline Will No Longer Address Passengers As “Ladies and Gentlemen”

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British Airways is dropping gendered greetings on its flights as airlines increasingly recognize the diversity of genders among passengers.

The company plans to drop the phrase “ladies and gentlemen” in favor of the more inclusive “everyone,” as The Sunday Telegraph was the first to report. A spokesperson for British Airways told the U.K. newspaper that the change is intended to ensure guests who identify as nonbinary or genderfluid don’t feel alienated by the use of language that reinforces the gender binary.

“We celebrate diversity and inclusion and we’re committed to ensuring that all our customers feel welcome when traveling with us,” the representative claimed.

Others to adopt gender-neutral language include Japan Airlines, Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, and Air Malta. Air Malta now addresses fliers with the message, “Attention, all passengers.”

In 2019, Airlines for America in the USA and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged companies to allow prospective fliers to choose gender options like “unspecified” or “undisclosed.”

Calls to make the flying experience safer and more affirming for nonbinary travelers are likely to intensify when the Biden administration officially unveils its “X” passport marker. In June, the State Department promised that a nonbinary passport option would be available by the end of the year.

Several countries already allow a third gender marker on passports, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

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Belgium Just Appointed the World’s Most Powerful Trans Politician

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Belgium ended months of political gridlock by quietly celebrating a major milestone. The European country tapped Petra De Sutter, a gynecologist and LGBTQ+ activist, as the first transgender woman to ever serve as Deputy Prime Minister.

De Sutter, who has represented the Flemish Green party in European Parliament. The 57-year-old will serve in her new post longside six other deputies. She has previously served as a member of the Belgian parliament, which made her the first transgender woman to hold a seat in the country’s national legislature. When she takes office, De Sutter will make history again as the highest-ranking trans politician in Europe, as well as the most powerful trans leader in history.

Prior to her swearing-in ceremony, De Sutter said she was “incredibly grateful for the confidence I have received from my party. ”Now I can do whatever it takes to relaunch our country and work on a new future for all Belgians together with that government,” she said in a tweet.

ILGA’s Rainbow Europe report ranks Belgium as the second-most LGBTQ+ friendly country in Europe, behind only Malta. LGBTQ+ people are fully protected under Belgium’s nondiscrimination laws, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2003. It was the second nation to extend full legal recognition to same-sex couples following the Netherlands.

But De Sutter, who came out as transgender in her 40s, has recognized that having a transgender woman command her level of influence still matters to the LGBTQ+ community. In an interview published on her personal website, she noted that she ran for office because so many trans people around the world lack the privilege to be accepted and embraced for who they are.

“This is why I need to do something, for those who lacked this luck,” she said. “I have a very strong [feeling] of justice and find it so unjust that people in the world suffer simply because of who they want to be.”

De Sutter is not the first openly transgender elected official to hold office in Europe.

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The Most LGBT Friendly Cities

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Towards the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century, many countries around the world changed their policies towards minorities and cities emerged that supported the LGBT community.

Such politics, on the one hand, helps to strengthen the LGBT community, and on the other hand, helps different cities to attract tourists and strengthen their economy.

While traveling in the Covid Pandemic is not as easy as it used to be, here is a list of cities that, taking into account various factors (number of LGBT cultural and entertainment events, scale of Pride, hospitality, LGBT community), we can say that the most friendly cities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are:

Tel Aviv – Israel

Located in the Middle East, this city is known around the world for its most tolerant LGBT policies and large LGBT population. In addition, Tel Aviv annually hosts large-scale LGBT events, LGBT exhibitions, the LGBT Theater and Film Festival, and the most colorful and fun March of Honor in the world.

Berlin – Germany

In the 1920s, Berlin was one of the first cities in the world where LGBT people could live in peace and express themselves. Although the revival of fascist forces and World War II changed the situation, today Berlin is still a haven for LGBT people from all over the world.

New York – United States

New York is another city where LGBT life is in full swing and people of different sexual identities or orientations live happily ever after. This is not at all surprising if we recall the wild 60s of the last century, the Stonewall Uprising that sparked the LGBT rights and March of Honor.

San Francisco – United States

The city of San Francisco, which stretches from Northern California, can be boldly called the queer Disneyland. The second most densely populated city in America has the first gay neighborhood, and if we believe the research, 15% of the population of the city famous for its nightlife belongs to the LGBT family.

Barcelona – Spain

In 2014, Barcelona passed an anti-homophobia law under which the physical or moral harassment of LGBT individuals carries a fine of up to € 140,000. Every LGBT person in Barcelona will find their own refuge, the city hosts annual gay film festivals, LGBT literary events and, most importantly, the Circuit Festival – the largest gay music festival in all of Europe.

Amsterdam – The Netherlands

“Live and let live” is the most famous expression in Amsterdam, which has been in the consciousness of the city’s residents for centuries. No matter what year it is, what the political weather’s like in the world, Amsterdamers are always open to different lifestyles or sexual orientations, as evidenced by one of the largest and largest annual honor marches in the world.

London – UK

London is one of the most sophisticated, multicultural and open cities in the world that respects any person regardless of gender, orientation and sexual preferences. In addition, it features an unforgettable nightlife and cultural events that attract millions of LGBT people from around the world.

São Paulo  – Brazil

The Brazilian city of São Paulo is the most important economic power for the country as a whole, and it greatly depends on whether the city is open to anyone. Indeed, the first Pride Festival in the city was held in 1997 and was attended by up to 2,000 people, and today, São Paulo Pride is known for its scale – the Pride in São Paulo is attended by more than four million people.

Toronto – Canada

​​Considering various important factors, Canada is known to be the safest country in the world for LGBT people, and its largest city, Toronto, with its many gay neighborhoods, LGB-friendly bars, restaurants, clubs, recreational areas and cultural events, offers unforgettable adventures to both the local LGBT community and Tourists from different parts of the world.

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Russia Will Not Repeal Its Discriminatory Ban on “Gay” Propaganda

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On Wednesday, Russian Ambassador Ivan Soltanovsky rejected calls from the Council of Europe to repeal the 2013 law, which forbids the spread of information on “nontraditional sexual relations” to minors. He said the council’s European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) “exceeded its authority” in urging the “protection of sexual minorities,” which he claimed “is not part of its mandate.”

“In this regard, the calls to prioritize the repeal of the legal ban on the provision of information about homosexuality to minors are legally null and void, and are nothing else but interference in Russia’s internal affairs.”

Soltanovsky added that Russia’s government leaders do not “consider ourselves in any way bound by the conclusions and recommendations” from the Council of Europe. Founded in the wake of World War II to advance human rights and international cooperation, the organization counts 47 member states, including France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Its resolutions are generally nonbinding.

“We will continue cooperation with the ECRI under the condition that the commission will refrain from crossing the well-known ‘red lines’ in the future,” he said, suggesting instead that the council divert its attention to topics like “the fight against Nazism,” “Christianophobia,” and “restrictions on the freedom of expression and the media.”

Russia’s intransigence regarding its “propaganda” ban is not a surprise considering that lawmakers have proposed intensifying the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ codes in recent months. In March, President Vladimir Putin’s ruling United Russia party unveiled plans to outlaw depictions of bisexuality and polyamory, which are not expressly forbidden under the current laws.

Last month, Kremlin leader Andrey Tsyganov floated the idea of labeling pro-LGBTQ+ and feminist groups as “extremist” in order to prevent them from operating in Russia.

Russia’s clash with the Council of Europe over its homophobic policies is just the skirmish on the subject of LGBTQ+ equality, as several European nations embrace policies similar to those Russia is defending.

Earlier this year, the European Commission threatened to file legal action against Hungary and Poland for cracking down on LGBTQ+ rights.

But even as Russia refuses to budge, the pending lawsuit from the European Union’s executive branch is making a significant impact. At least four Polish provinces have repealed their “LGBT-free” resolutions in recent weeks under the threat of losing critical EU funding.

For its part, Russia has faced several lawsuits from international human rights authorities over its anti-LGBTQ+ laws, which have led to a twofold increase in hate crimes since they were enacted eight years ago. The European Court of Human Rights fined Putin’s government 42,500 Euros in 2019 for refusing to allow three LGBTQ+ groups to register as recognized organizations.

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