ComingOut LGBTQ+ group’s Post

Great news! In IUSTITIA, a Czech non-profit organisation focused on providing legal assistance to victims of bias-motivated violence, is becoming a Pride Business Forum member! 💬 „While we are all supposed to be equal, Czech law seems to show that it does not see the rights of some people - it doesn't protect LGBTQ+ people from hate crime. And it is this unequal status of LGBTQ+ people before the law that contributes to the fact that LGBTQ+ people are not treated like everyone else in society, which is a problem that often complicates their (not only) working lives. In IUSTITIA trains the police, prosecutors and judges. However, large companies that have influence must also say "no" to hate crime, both publicly and by creating a safe environment in their workplaces. We hope that working with PBF will allow us to spread this vision, point to examples of good practice and contribute to increasing them,“ says Klara Kalibova, In IUSTITIA Director. #pridebusinessforum #iniustitia #newmember #nonprofit #lgbtq 

Lately, there are some noteworthy and unconventional occurrences that don't often receive widespread attention: #Russia advises #Israel on the importance of #safeguarding innocent civilians during times of conflict, the world think it's OK #Iran assumes a leadership role in the #UN #HumanRights forum, the world thinks it's OK. The #RedCross underscores Israel's responsibilities concerning prisoners of war?! the world thinks it's OK. #LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide participate in protests expressing support for #HamasisIsis. They know what #HamasisIsis thinks about LGBTQ?! and the world thinks it's OK. #ArabNations display concern for the Palestinian cause while maintaining a certain distance from it. The world thinks it's OK. Interestingly, those who take action to defend themselves often face criticism from the global community. The world thinks it's OK. It's a #curious #paradox?!

I have a rule when it comes to talking about politics as part of my work in LGBTQ+ inclusion and activism: ✅ I use facts, statements or information which is provable from reputable sources, I try to allow the information to speak for itself. ✅ If I wish to add my thoughts I will do so as lived experience, in that it may not align with everyone's experiences but it is something which I personally have encountered. So, here I present to you the words and actions of the British Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, who last week ended associations between the UK police force and LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall. Quoted as stating "we do not pay them to dance with drag queens", Braverman has ordered an enquiry into "political activism in police". I am also sharing several headlines from the last 6 months covering the alarming surge in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes. Data from the UK home office shows that reported hate crimes have doubled from 2018 to 2022, with 2023 on track to increase again. As I leave you to interpret this information, I offer my lived experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, as a Transgender man and activist who works with and speaks to many of our community every day: I am afraid. My friends in our community are afraid. We are watching in real-time as our safety, rights, and ability to live openly in our country are declining. When I speak to people outside of the community, they often question that fear. They trust in the perception of 10+ years ago when the UK held one of the highest safety and protection levels for LGBTQ+ people in the world. Data tells us that this is no longer the case. Please, look at the data, look at the facts. #DEI #UKPolitics #LGBTQ #DiversityInTheWorkplace

❗Today's court decision is another step in the discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in Russia, this time under the guise of fighting extremism. It is an exclusively political decision to declare a non-existent organization as extremist, which has no legal basis. This is why it creates legal uncertainty about whether the activities of any LGBTQ+ organization are now extremist. To an even greater extent, it is designed to create an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for LGBTQ+ people and thereby send a signal to society that the cis-heterosexual community is still doing okay, but it could get worse. Today's decision will lead to LGBTQ+ people facing even more discrimination and violence, and obtaining help in such situations will be even more difficult due to the difficulties in the work of LGBTQ+ NGOs and the creation of a direct danger of criminal prosecution of LGBTQ+ activists or people who do not support discriminatory practices. Regardless of how the extremism law will be applied in practice after today's court decision, ComingOut will continue to work in Russia to support LGBTQ+ people, especially since with each day it is becoming more and more necessary for all of us. We call on everyone to support LGBTQ+ people in Russia and donate to organizations that are working to protect their rights. Your support is essential in these difficult times. Support ComingOut, an organization that provides legal, psychological, and social support to LGBTQ+ people in Russia, at https://lnkd.in/dT4gXsTh #LGBTQRussia #QueerRussia #RussianLGBTQ #LGBTQ+ #Queer #Russia #HumanRights #LGBTQEquality #EndLGBTQDiscrimination #LGBTQVisibility #ComingOut #LGBTQFundraiser #SupportLGBTQRussia

LGBTQ+ activists in Russia are navigating a treacherous landscape. From "gay propaganda" policies restricting freedom of expression to rampant hate speech, queer people face relentless discrimination. Decades of oppression culminated in a chilling new law being passed this year labeling activists as “extremists.” This erosion of LGBTQ+ rights echoes across the region, prompting surrounding countries to adopt similar discriminatory legislation, further shrinking space for LGBTQIA+ advocacy. Despite the risks, LGBTQI+ movements persevere - denouncing injustice, supporting survivors, and raising awareness through bold campaigns. As LGBTQ+ activists and movements in Russia work to overcome these obstacles, Urgent Action Fund has played a crucial role in supporting them by funding: ✊ Relocation from unsafe and dangerous situations 💜 Psychological services to survivors of gender-based violence and local LGBTQ+ community members 📢 Awareness-raising digital campaigns about harmful queer-phobic laws ⚖️ Resources for activists seeking asylum Want to dive deeper into what activists in Russia are facing and how we are supporting them? Check out our blog post for more. 📸: grooveisintheheart https://lnkd.in/eRsB5Hb7

LGBTQ+ activists in Russia face a recent ruling designating support for LGBTQ+ rights as an "extremist act," with potential consequences of arrest and imprisonment for those advocating for this fundamental human right. Notably, leaders within the LGBTQ+ movement have become targets for arrest following the announcement of this ruling, which is set to take effect on January 10, 2024. Individuals at risk urgently require assistance to depart the country and establish residence in Europe, enabling them to persist in advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ community in Russia. Free Russia Foundation, in collaboration with EQUAL, an advocacy organization backing LGBTQ+ individuals, has organized secure passage for those most vulnerable to arrest. They are actively seeking financial support for immediate flights and temporary accommodations. If you can contribute, please visit the provided link to make a donation and aid crucial activists in continuing their advocacy against the repressive Russian regime, free from the fear of incarceration. As always, Free Russia Foundation remains committed to aiding those who choose to stay in Russia and champion LGBTQ+ rights. Regarding Russia's assault on LGBTQ+ rights: This month, Russia's Supreme Court ruled that the "international LGBTQ+ movement" constitutes an "extremist organization," placing all forms of LGBT rights activism in jeopardy. The ruling alleges that the "LGBTQ+ movement" incites social and religious discord and instructs Russian authorities to apply "anti-extremism" laws, leading to severe prison sentences for activists. Under Russian criminal law, involvement with or funding of an "extremist organization" carries a punishment of up to 12 years in prison. Those found guilty of displaying symbols associated with such groups face up to 15 days of detention for the first offense and up to four years in prison for subsequent offenses. Authorities may include individuals suspected of affiliating with an "extremist organization" in the nationwide "list of extremists" and freeze their bank accounts. Given that the "International LGBTQ+ Movement" does not exist, human rights defenders express concerns that the ruling may empower authorities to arbitrarily prosecute anyone engaged in activities related to LGBTQ+ rights. This is a dire time for LGBTQ+ activists in Russia, and, without immediate assistance, the voices of this movement may be stifled through intimidation or the imprisonment of those advocating for these fundamental human rights. Help right now! Don't leave people alone in the face of disaster! Donate here: https://lnkd.in/eEcj7kP4 

LGBTQ+ activists in Russia are navigating a treacherous landscape. From "gay propaganda" policies restricting freedom of expression to rampant hate speech, queer people face relentless discrimination. Decades of oppression culminated in a chilling new law being passed this year labeling activists as “extremists.” This erosion of LGBTQ+ rights echoes across the region, prompting surrounding countries to adopt similar discriminatory legislation, further shrinking space for LGBTQIA+ advocacy. Despite the risks, LGBTQI+ movements persevere - denouncing injustice, supporting survivors, and raising awareness through bold campaigns. As LGBTQ+ activists and movements in Russia work to overcome these obstacles, Urgent Action Fund has played a crucial role in supporting them by funding: ✊ Relocation from unsafe and dangerous situations 💜 Psychological services to survivors of gender-based violence and local LGBTQ+ community members 📢 Awareness-raising digital campaigns about harmful queer-phobic laws ⚖️ Resources for activists seeking asylum Want to dive deeper into what activists in Russia are facing and how we are supporting them? Check out our blog post for more. 📸: grooveisintheheart https://lnkd.in/eRsB5Hb7

Supporting and sustaining LGBT Voice Tanzania is crucial in the ongoing fight for equal rights in Tanzania. By joining together and pooling our resources, we can make a significant impact and pave the way for a more inclusive society. Our main goal is to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ individuals and ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. It is important to continuously raise awareness, promote rights, and challenge discriminatory laws and practices. Together, we can create a future where equality truly matters and where LGBTQ individuals can freely live their lives. Let us stand united for #equalitymatters and #lgbtqrights , making a lasting difference in Tanzanian society. Follow the link bellow to #donatenow https://lnkd.in/gWvrxJA #lgbtqrights #lgbtintanzania GlobalGiving Gender Justice Fund Sonke Gender Justice #socialissues #societyandculture #humanandcivilrights #politicsandlaw

The Irony of Misplaced Support: A Reflection for Europe's #LGBTQ+ Advocates 🏳️🌈 In the spirit of #solidarity and justice, Europe's LGBTQ+ community often stands with oppressed groups worldwide, but this support sometimes carries with it an ironic contradiction. While advocating for equality and #humanrights, there is a tendency to overlook the policies of those we support—particularly poignant in the case of #HamasisISIS in #Gaza. This organization, sadly, enforces laws and norms that directly oppose the freedoms we cherish and fight for in #Europe. The irony is stark: the same rights that allow LGBTQ+ individuals to live openly and safely in Europe are denied under Hamas's rule. In contrast, #Israel, frequently scrutinized in the international arena, offers a haven where LGBTQ+ rights are legally protected. It's a complex world, and our good intentions must be informed by the full spectrum of facts. As advocates for #justice, let's ensure our support aligns with the #values of #freedom and #dignity for all. Take a look at this satirical video by Israel's most popular comedy show 👇

📢 “Extremists”: How did the lives of Russian LGBTQ+ people change in 2023? A new report by ComingOut and the Sphere Foundation paints a clear picture of the impact of recent repressions. Here’s what we found: ➖ Increased Violence and Discrimination Reports of violence and pressure against LGBTQ+ people rose significantly (43.5% in 2023 vs 30% in 2022). ➖ Hate Crimes on the Rise Homophobic and transphobic incidents have surged, with 87% reporting a rise since February 2022. ➖ Fear and Social Isolation Repressive laws are driving LGBTQ+ people back into the closet, with a decrease in those open to their friends (49% in 2022 vs 43% in 2023). ➖ Economic Strain A concerning 22% of respondents struggle to afford basic necessities, with transgender people disproportionately affected (33%). ➖ Limited Access to Care Transgender people face alarming bias and denial of medical services (1 in 3 faces bias, 1 in 5 is refused care). But here’s the good news: 🌿 International support is a crucial lifeline for the LGBTQ+ community in Russia. 🌿 There’s a growing space for grassroots collaboration and local initiatives to support one another. Yes, the findings are disturbing, but we can’t give in to despair. It’s time to stand together to support our LGBTQ+ friends in Russia. Here’s how YOU can make a difference: 🤝 Read the report and/or its summary. Get the full picture from our website: https://lnkd.in/ek_BaWTR  🤝 Share this post with your network. 🤝 Host a local gathering or fundraiser to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community in Russia. P.S. We’re always open to collaboration! Let’s build a more inclusive world together. 🤍 . . . . . #LGBTQRussia #QueerRussia #Russia #LGBTQ #Queer #LGBTQCommunity #SupportLGBTQ #LGBTQRights #HumanRights #Equality #LGBTQEquality #LGBTQCommunity #StandWithLGBTQ #ProtectLGBTQRights #SupportLGBTQOrganizations