Gay life in Singapore has changed dramatically over the last couple of years, but with set backs too, such as the banning of the "Nation" events in this fairly tightly controlled nation. The HDC talk to Clarence Tay of Singapore to find out more.
Iceland is rocking the world with more ways than just a volcano. The country with a population of about 320,000 and a total area of 103,000 km2 has an average temperature of 13 degrees in summery July but boasts some of the most beautiful scenery and apparently beautiful men too. The HDC talk to Heimir Már Pétursson, Executive Director of Reykjavik Gay Pride about the first country to ever have an openly gay Head of State and it's other progressive ways.
Wellington is gearing up to host the 2011 Asia Pacific Outgames. With 16 sports announced to date, some of the parties, and a number of arts and cultural activities it's going to be an exciting event.
Is it the sunny weather, the gorgeous people, the healthy lifestyle, the fierce clubs and parties, Carnival, the scenery, the beach, the baths? Or all of the above? Rio is a great place to visit with an estimated 25% of the tourists that head to Rio from abroad are supposedly gay.
Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon with a population of over 2 million inhabitants. It's a cultural melting pot mixing traditions of European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern groups and is tipped as an up and coming Gay Tourism Hot Spot.
Taiwan is doesn't always come to mind as a travel destination, especially for the gay traveller. However it seems that Taiwan is a lot more accepting than the mainland China. Gay events fill the annual calender and many gay travellers from other Asian countries will head there to bask in the freedom and good times.
It ain't gay...but it so is! Rio's Carnival is on this weekend. The HDC cross to Rio to find out how preparations are coming along. Click here to listen as we cross to Rio
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons in Thailand may face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female same-sex sexual activity are legal in Thailand with sodomy being decriminalised in 1956, but same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples.
With all sights set on Cologne for the 2010 Gay Games, one US city is already gearing up for 2014. Cleveland, Ohio has just won the bid to host the games in five years time. It's been a success for their community and organisers are hoping to amaze the world with the best ever Gay Games but to also use the games to increase the awareness of the rights GLBTI people still live without.
Latin America is an area of the world not commonly ventured to by Australian travellers but that is sure to change. The region offers beautiful scenery, architecture, history, cuisine, parties and friendly people.
Sri Lanka was considered one of the "world's most politically unstable countries" by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank in 2004. Homosexuality is illegal in Sri Lanka. Punishment ranges from a fine to 10 years in prison. In certain situations, cross-dressing is tolerated. Since the 1990s their have been public efforts made to advance the rights of LGBT Sri Lankans, given heart from neighbours India, who have had some break throughs in current times.
The Swedish Church has voted yes to gender-neutral marriage-ceremonies. The national church-council voted with the numbers 178 yes and 68 against. Before this historic vote it was possible to get partnerships blessed but a formal wedding as not accepted. About 80% of the Swedish population is a member of the Swedish church (even if the vast majority only attend
Homosexuality remains a crime in Lebanon, but the country is unusual and unique among Arab-majority nations in that it has a small internal gay rights movement. This is leading to a gay life in places like Beirut which are quietly flourishing.
Germany has been one of the most progressive European nations on the issue of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights. There is legal recognition of same-sex couples. Registered life partnerships (effectively, a form of civil union) have been instituted since 2001, giving same-sex couples rights and obligations in areas such as inheritance, alimony, health insurance, immigration and name change. In 2004, this act was amended to also give registered same-sex couples adoption rights (stepchild adoption only), as well as reform previously cumbersome dissolution procedures with regard to division of property and alimony.
Islam, as one of the Abrahamic religions, rejects homosexuality from the religion's beginning. According to mainstream Islamic beliefs, God sent the prophet Lot to the people of Sodom to preach against their wicked practices and urge them to worship God. Among these practices (as mentioned in the Quran) engaged in by the people of Sodom were homosexual acts performed out in the open. Hence being gay in the Muslim world does not grant the freedom we enjoy elsewhere in the world.
Sweden is considered to be one of the most gay-friendly countries in Europe and possibly the world when it comes to laws surrounding homosexuality. Due to the strong sense of secularism dominating in most of the country and government, Sweden today is seen as a campaigner of gay rights. Swedish parliament voted to make same-sex marriages fully legal from May 1, 2009, with the votes 261 to 22.
South Africa is the only country in Africa allowing gay marriage and is neighboured by countries that still have strict laws forbidding homosexuality. The country itself is also a blend on contradictions. One may assume that they have a tolerant, accepting government but this is not always the case. Regardless, Johannesburg Pride Festival is a key event in the South African gay calender.
Welcome to Buenos Aires! In this city you will find a mix between the elegance of the Europe capitals and the spirit of South America . The city was founded by immigrants that came mostly in the XIX century from Italy, Spain, France, Germany, UK, etc. Visiting Buenos Aires, you will experience a sort of "deja vù" of Europe while you explore the grand boulevards, expansive parks, magnificent architecture, and ever-changing fashion of Argentina's beautiful capital.
South Africa has a diverse history when it comes to the legal and social status of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people as a result of traditional South African mores, western imperialism, Apartheid and the human rights movement that contributed to the down fall of apartheid. South Africa's post-apartheid constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation, and on 1 December 2006 South Africa made history by becoming the fifth country in the world and first in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage. One year later an equal age of consent was achieved; after long and lengthy debate and a complete overhaul of sexual offences legislation, consent was gender-neutralized at 16.
It's an exciting time in India as a top Indian court has issued a landmark ruling decriminalising gay sex between consenting adults, overturning colonial-era legislation that outlawed homosexuality. It is a time for Gay India to celebrate but there is still much to evolve. Although legislation can be changed in a day...it takes longer for attitudes to change.
