Andrew Wilkie, Author at Star Observer

Iceland considers ending ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood

Andrew Wilkie — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 06:16:14 +0000

Iceland is the latest country to review its regulations on men who have sex with men blood donation, as Australia awaits latest recommendation from the Red Cross Blood Service.

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Couple to ‘wed’ in Australia and 25 other countries in campaign for marriage equality in Japan

Andrew Wilkie — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 06:10:13 +0000

Over the course of six months two women plan to stage wedding photos of themselves in 26 countries which have marriage equality to raise awareness of issues facing the LGBTI community in Japan.

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Second trans woman killed in the same Malaysian town in less than a month

Andrew Wilkie — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 02:02:13 +0000

Police have again denied the killing was a hate crime, citing the alleged theft of a mobile phone as evidence.

The post Second trans woman killed in the same Malaysian town in less than a month appeared first on Star Observer.

Australian pageant celebrating trans women and drag queens turns ten

Andrew Wilkie — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 04:17:49 +0000

Miss Gay & Miss Transsexual Australia International will celebrate its tenth year during the 2019 Midsumma Festival.

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Researcher challenges Wikipedia’s lack of diversity with articles on women and LGBTI scientists

Andrew Wilkie — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 02:40:14 +0000

A British physicist has written 450 articles over the course of a year after pledging to create a Wikipedia page every day about notable women, people of colour, and LGBTI scientists.

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New Brazilian President attacks LGBTI rights on first day in office

Andrew Wilkie — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 00:47:35 +0000

President Jair Bolsonaro signed an executive order which removed LGBTI concerns from the responsibilities of the Human Rights Ministry.

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Germany introduces third gender on birth certificates for intersex people

Andrew Wilkie — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 06:00:59 +0000

A law allowing intersex people to identify themselves as a third gender on official documents has gone into effect.

The post Germany introduces third gender on birth certificates for intersex people appeared first on Star Observer.

Women become first same-sex couple to marry in Austria after legalisation of marriage equality

Andrew Wilkie — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 03:05:07 +0000

A 2017 court ruling that overturned a ban on same-sex marriage has finally taken effect at the beginning of the new year, allowing the women to become the first couple to marry under the new law.

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Lismore rainbow crossing vandalised with biblical message during LGBTI festival

Andrew Wilkie — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 01:28:28 +0000

The walkway has had the phrase "GEN 9:13" spray painted across it, referring to the bible verse, "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."

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Anonymous donors pay tax bill for gay asylum seeker unable to work in UK

Andrew Wilkie — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 05:40:54 +0000

Kenneth Macharia, an asylum seeker from Kenya, was denied council tax support on his Glastonbury flat despite being unable to work while his asylum application is being processed.

The post Anonymous donors pay tax bill for gay asylum seeker unable to work in UK appeared first on Star Observer.

Brazilian LGBTI couples rush to marry before new far-right president is sworn in

Andrew Wilkie — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 05:34:03 +0000

Hundreds of LGBTI couples have prioritised getting married by the end of the year before self-described "proud homophobe" Jair Bolsonaro is sworn is as president.

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Indian politicians promise to amend trans rights bill in response to LGBTI protests

Andrew Wilkie — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 01:59:04 +0000

The trans rights bill claims to provide protections to trans people in India but it has been widely criticised for being written without consultation with the trans community.

The post Indian politicians promise to amend trans rights bill in response to LGBTI protests appeared first on Star Observer.

Rollerblades and kangaroos: what LGBTI people include in their dating profile photos

Andrew Wilkie — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 06:17:36 +0000

A survey of 22 million dating profiles in 13 countries found that 11.4% of men and 17.9% of women are looking for same-sex partners, and their photos include things like Pomeranians, superheroes, goth subculture, toplessness, and absolutely no leopards.

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Malaysian LGBTI activists condemn violent homophobic attack captured in viral video

Andrew Wilkie — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 04:34:56 +0000

“We categorically condemn this anti-gay violence and call on the Malaysian authority to investigate on this hate crime,” local LGBTI rights group PELANGI Campaign tweeted.

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School art exhibition cleared of breaching Russia’s ‘harmful’ gay propaganda laws

Andrew Wilkie — Fri, 28 Dec 2018 02:47:35 +0000

Children’s drawings were confiscated from a school by police in response to complaints from parents they promoted homosexuality. The art competition was held in recognition of International Day of Tolerance.

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LGBTI refugees in Kenya relocated following violent attack

Andrew Wilkie — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 04:02:21 +0000

“While UNHCR has undertaken great effort, together with the Kenyan government and partners, the Kakuma context does not provide a safe environment for LGBTI refugees and asylum-seekers,” a United Nations’ Refugee Agency spokeswoman said.

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Five charged with violent murder of Malaysian trans woman

Andrew Wilkie — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 03:00:13 +0000

The 16-21 year olds face the death penalty over accusations they beat a transgender woman to death, cracking her skull and causing internal haemorrhaging in the brain.

The post Five charged with violent murder of Malaysian trans woman appeared first on Star Observer.

Thailand moves forward with same-sex civil union legislation

Andrew Wilkie — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 01:34:53 +0000

If the bill becomes law Thailand would become the first country in Asia to allow same-sex civil partnerships. While the move has been praised as a step in the right direction, some LGBTI activists believe the legislation doesn’t go far enough.

The post Thailand moves forward with same-sex civil union legislation appeared first on Star Observer.

Neighbourhood becomes a sea of rainbows after a lesbian couple’s pride flag was stolen

Andrew Wilkie — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 04:48:00 +0000

Dozens of neighbours are now proudly displaying the flags outside their homes, planting them in their lawns, tucking them into mailboxes, and even incorporating them into their Christmas decorations.

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UK grants asylum to gay football referee from Zimbabwe

Andrew Wilkie — Mon, 24 Dec 2018 04:07:13 +0000

“I now want to continue with my studies and also with my refereeing. I also want to continue to fight for LGBT rights for people in Zimbabwe.”

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