Blue Banyan Consulting’s Post

Even though Pride Month is over, conversations about the African LGBTQ+ community must continue. A year after Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act brought severe penalties, this issue needs global attention. The Royal African Society and GAY TIMES have come together to address this urgent matter. Our latest video delves into: -The colonial origins of these draconian laws. -External funding driving anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Africa. -The UK's potential role in remedying this, given its historical context. Featuring expert insights from Jason Jones Professor Awino Okech Amanda Kamanda & Lord Jonny Oates, this discussion aims to offer actionable recommendations for the APPG for Africa to influence UK policy and support global LGBTQ+ rights. 🔗 Watch the video to understand more and be part of the solution. #LGBTQRights #HumanRights #Uganda #Equality #GlobalChange

🌈 Exciting News for Queer Rights in India! 🌈 We’re at a pivotal moment as the Indian government takes significant steps towards inclusivity for the queer community. From joint bank accounts to healthcare access, new interim measures are fostering a more inclusive society. However, the journey doesn’t stop here. 🔍 Dive into our latest blog where we analyze these developments and discuss the ongoing challenges and necessary actions to achieve true equality. We also explore the vital need for queer representation in decision-making processes to ensure that the voices and experiences of queer individuals are not just heard, but are integral to shaping the future. 👉 Read the full story and join the conversation about a more inclusive India. [https://lnkd.in/ga57zRev] #QueerRights #Inclusivity #SocialChange #DiversityAndInclusion #LGBTQIndia

On Dec. 9, Professor Carole Petersen and her co-author, Kelley Loper, presented a paper entitled "A Bright Spot in the Security Era? LGBTQ+ Rights in Hong Kong" at the 10th Asian Constitutional Law Forum, in Hong Kong. Professor Petersen also chaired a panel on the interpretation and application of national security law in Hong Kong. #ConstitutionalLaw #RichardsonLaw #UniversityofHawaii #LegalEducation

In my recent article, I delved into the evolving landscape of transgender rights in India, a journey marked by both triumphs and challenges. Let's stand in solidarity and advocate for transgender rights. Make sure to explore further: https://lnkd.in/em4N_eDj

"Freedom to be yourself does not affect my freedom of religion!" We encourage all of our followers to use Equality Network's great resources to fill out the Scottish government's current consultation on ending conversion practices. Below is a link to their guide for people of faith who oppose conversion practices and want to complete the consultation. We support an ending to conversion practice from a secular position. Many of our members are atheist or agnostic. But we also believe that the overwhelming majority of people of faith in Scotland want to see an end to this abuse of our LGBT+ citizens. We also know that a large number of the LGBT+ people who have been subjected to conversion practices are people of faith themselves. This is not an issue that should divide belief groups. #EndConversionPractices. https://buff.ly/3Thm3Tv

African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC): "We share in the jubilation of the LGBTI community and celebration of Namibia as the High Court of Windhoek, in an historic ruling, strikes down the colonial era anti-sodomy law, ruling it unconstitutional. (Full article HERE.) We congratulate and commend the Plaintiff and all Namibia's LGBTQI+ community, with a special emphasis on all the courageous activists, who for decades have stood up against these draconian laws, and the untold harms the law underpinned. LGBTQI+ Namibians faced, not only untold discrimination in all aspects of their lives, but also persecution, and violence, and yet never lost sight of the goal achieved on this historic day. We Also commend the Windhoek Court which stood independently of government forces to rule justly and in absolute full recognition of Namibia's Constitution. Today is also a victory for Democracy, separation of Government branches and global human rights. At the same time AHRC cautions that it is likely that a backlash against this ruling could impact the LGBTQI+ community in Namibia, as a vast majority of Namibians are still subject to the stranglehold of religious zealots and taboos based on anti-LGBT propaganda, misunderstanding and educational failures. Namibian Courts have ruled against same-sex couples in the past, and It is our hope that this ruling will set a trajectory for change in all aspects of LGBT people lives. The country has an opportunity to rally against homophobia, which does not simply disappear when laws change, and to grow in strength as a community striving for full equality for all. To this end Government participation is critical. It is time for Namibia to join the nations of true equals. We urge Namibia's LGBTI community to remain vigilante in its jubilation for safety purposes. This victory must also be commended in the context of a trend on the continent of Africa where anti-homosexuality laws and penalties are being enhanced rather than being abolished, causing a surge in the violence and forced displacement of LGBTQI+ people on the continent. This unfortunate situation seems hopeless to the North of Namibia, yet courageous activists continue to push for change. We urge the Global community to unify in this endeavor and religious leaders to do much more to combat the harms caused in the name of your respective religions." (Melanie Nathan, ED AHRC). #dignitytrust #namibia # LGBTI #humanrights

Today, we highlight one of the key topics from our Change that Lasts report: lesbian, bisexual, and queer rights. Over the years, we’ve supported nearly 840 grants across 82 countries, significantly advancing LBQ rights.  Our efforts have paved the way for marriage equality, decriminalization of same-sex behaviour, and the right to adopt for same-sex couples in numerous countries.  Learn more about these impactful changes and the courageous activists behind them on our special 40 Years of Impact website. Discover how we have supported and accompanied LBQ communities to fight for their rights and achieve monumental victories!  https://lnkd.in/d-dJmXXF #MamaCash40Years #LBQRights #ChangeThatLasts #40YearsOfImpact 

Written from the perspective of a trans citizen, this writing piece addresses the epidemic of bigotry and hate from the religious far right against LGBTQ citizens. We must fight against these radicalized, dangerous people: https://lnkd.in/g-j3wY8z

Does having LGBT representation in a product influence its performance, and if so – how? A team of researchers led by Assoc. Prof. Yimin Cheng compared the box office performance of non-LGBT movies, LGBT inclusive movies, and with LGBT themed movies. To learn about their findings, published in the Journal of Business Ethics, watch the short video below which is part of our “Research That Matters” series.