Tag Archives: LGBT activist

Documentary ‘in particular, barbara findlay’ Details Vancouver LGBT Activist’s Fight for Equality

For the past 30 years, lawyer barbara findlay Q.C has been fighting for the rights and the freedoms of LGBT Canadians.

Not only was barbara findlay one of the first lawyers to practice openly as a lesbian, but she has also broken ground by taking on cases regarding gay adoption, family law, discrimination and in 1995 she represented Kimberley Nixon who was asked to leave the Vancouver Rape Relief organisation because she is trans.

So important has barbara findlay’s work been to Canada’s LGBT community that it has now been presented in a documentary called in particular, barbara findlay.

Directed by Becca Plucer, the documentary also features the likes of Kimberly Nixon, as well as 13-year-old Tru Wilson (who got a Catholic school board to change its policy regarding the gender expression of students) and other activists and writers who are working to fight against oppression.

Moreover, the documentary looks at some of the low points barbara findlay’s life. For example, in the late 1960s, a time when people didn’t necessarily know what a lesbian was, barbara findlay was locked up in a psychiatric ward for admitting her attraction to women.

The lawyer also faced sexism as one of few women who were in law school.

And there are high points as well, including barbara findlay’s meeting of her partner Sheila Gilhooly, who features in the documentary as an interviewee, meeting her thesis advisor Dorothy Smyth and in 1982 when she discovered that LGBT people had been left out of the human rights code.

In particular, barbara findlay aired late last month at The Rio for Queer History Month, and some of those lucky enough to be in attendance called it an ‘important story to tell,’ massively praising the documentary. For those who were unable to attend the showing of the film, however, a post on barbara findlay’s website explains that the documentary will be available online after June 3 via OUTtv.

Margaret Cho Has The Perfect Method For Tackling Online Homophobic Abuse

The bisexual actress, comic, and LGBT activist, Margaret Cho – who has nearly 400,000 followers on Facebook – has released an online statement regarding the amount of online abuse she gets

In a Facebook post, Cho described the disturbing encounters she has been involved in – and why people should take trolling more seriously.

I’ve experienced numerous breaches of security, a couple of very troubling face to face interactions and so much online trolling I can’t help but believe it’s all somehow connected.”

However, rather than shy away from social media, Cho advises those subject to homophobic abuse to use modern technology to their advantage.

I want everyone in the reach of my voice to keep their phones charged, film everything, screenshot and report ALL offensive people and ALL threats on social media.”

Margaret Cho 01

She also warned her followers of the danger trolls pose – and how people should take any threats or abuse they receive seriously.

BUT UNDERSTAND ‘Haters’ are potential killers. We’ve seen this countless times now. They say it on social media, then they go DO IT. We’ve got to be vigilant and protect ourselves. Stay alive. I need you all here with me. I love you.”

Cho said although the abuse sometimes upsets her, she has developed a unique way of getting her own back.

The actress described of she takes a screenshot of offensive messages she receives and forwards them to the troll’s employers, spouses or loved ones.

Ask their employers if they are aware of this person’s activity online and if they condone this type of behaviour. That usually shuts EVERYTHING DOWN. And it’s pretty gratifying. Bully the bullies with class and grace. It’s the BEST.”

Ugandan Lesbian Asylum Seeker is Finally Released

Margret Nazziwa, a lesbian activist and asylum seeker who was due to be deported to Uganda from the UK, was released yesterday.

Nazziwa, who fled Uganda in 2012 after experiencing persecution because of her sexual orientation, had been detained in Yarls Wood Detention Centre in Bedfordshire, and told she would be deported on last Sunday.

Today the Home Office told campaigners that her deportation would be ‘deferred’.

“I feel great and I am so happy. I am grateful and I would like to thank all the people who have been supporting me. I’m so happy that UKBA are releasing me, and that they have agreed to hear my case again.”

Margret Nazziwa

A Home Office spokesperson said it does not routinely discuss individual cases, but said:

“The UK has a proud history of granting asylum to those who need our protection and we consider every claim for asylum on its individual merits. When someone is found not to need our protection, we expect them to leave the country voluntarily. Where they do not we will seek to enforce their departure.”

Home Office spokesperson

The Home Office has come under renewed criticism over its policy on processing LGBT asylum claims. Last week, the High Court ruled that fast track detention, a system used to process the vast majority of LGBT asylum cases, was ‘unlawful’.

A review of UK LGBT asylum policy by Sir John Vine, the Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, will be published this month.

Protest in London for Ugandan Lesbian Asylum Seeker due to be Deported Sunday

A protest will take place outside the Home Office on Friday in support of Margret Nazziwa – a lesbian asylum seeker who is due to be deported to Uganda on Sunday.

Ms Nazziwais, an LGBT activist, is currently being held at the Yarls Wood Detention Centre in Bedfordshire. Her reason for being in the UK is due to being forced to flee Uganda in 2012 after experiencing persecution because of her sexual orientation. It’s claimed she was forced into a heterosexual marriage, was a victim of rape, and tortured by her community and the Ugandan authorities.

She is due to be deported to Uganda on Sunday 13 July at 8pm.

“Margret’s safety is paramount and she is highly needed in the gay rights movement. She has fought hard to defend the voiceless and now she needs us to defend her.”

The African LGBTI Out & Proud Diamond Group

The Home Office has come under renewed criticism over its policy on processing LGBT asylum claims. This week, the High Court ruled that fast track detention, a system used to process the vast majority of LGBT asylum cases, was “unlawful”.

Decisions to deport are often made before a claimant’s legal appeal has been fully exhausted. Mr Justice Ouseley said the system carries an “unacceptably high risk of unfairness.”

The Home Office has again rejected claims of deporting LGBT asylum seekers. Conservative minister Baroness Susan Williams recently admitted that the UK Government did not know how many asylum claims from Uganda were made on the basis of sexual orientation.

A review of UK LGBT asylum policy by Sir John Vine, the Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, will be published this month.