Lesbians in the news

16/03/2015 – 21/03/2015

Corrective Rape: “I became their playground” – a short film exploration

“Corrective rape, the attempt to cure lesbians of their homosexuality, is escalating in severity in South Africa. This film explores the phenomenon through the story of a gay single mother from near Johannesburg. Busisiwe’s five children are all the offspring of corrective rape. As a lesbian, she was raped in order to be ‘cured’ of her homosexuality. Despite that they’re a product of the hate crime, her relationship with her children is not destroyed: “I only want them to succeed in life, to have the things I didn’t.” In Gauteng near Johannesburg, crime and violence are on the increase and life is tough. With the courage found in her children, Busisiwe helps to educate the young about being safe on the streets.”

Anti-lesbian violence elsewhere in Africa:

Odorkor Lesbians in Hiding after vicious attacks, as violence against lesbians continues in Accra, Ghana with ongoing police inaction. The violence includes torture by local youth.

Attacks in Swaziland are on the rise with a young lesbian killed in Nhlangano, Swaziland in a horrific hate crime.

Representation Matters – Julie Enszer, Poet, scholar and curator of the Lesbian Poetry Archive Speaks on the stories we tell and why they matter

Anniversary of a lesbian murder – Kitty Genovese died 51 years ago in a vicious hate crime against women.

Longtime political activist Jean Hardisty dies

“Jean was a force in the lives of all who knew her. A visionary, she anticipated many of the political and economic shifts the country has endured over the past several decades. Undaunted by the implications of her insights, she dedicated herself tirelessly—and with uncommon skill, humor, and compassion—to the cause of social justice. She was a friend, mentor, colleague, and inspiration to us, and to countless people and organizations.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Highlander Center, highlandercenter.org or to the Boston Women’s Fund, bostonwomensfund.org .

Lesbian Couple Denied services – Community rallies after Wedding Video denied The big question is – would the community rally if what was demanded was not quite so conforming with standard community values??

Lesbian Movies – the struggle to stay relevant – perhaps more support from the broader community would also help, as indicated by the fact that Perth film maker Tessa Rooney runs an independent lesbian film festival Dyke Drama after the Pride Film Festival failed to show a single lesbian movie…

Meanwhile Last call chronicles New Orleans Lesbian bars.

Tasmania, Australia: Schools to be given option to reject students – will sexuality be targeted?

US Reform Rabbis first Openly Lesbian Leader

Toronto Canada: hate crimes rise by 11%

California’s LGBT Caucus files complaint against OC lawyer who wants to “kill the gays”. Unfortunately, it seems that the petition is hard to stop…

Interesting information on why lesbians and gays often don’t live in the same suburbs – the gendered wage gap contributes to the phenomenon…

LGB groups march in Boston St Patrick’s Day parade after years of opposition

NSFW: footage of homophobia at previous marches in the 90s.

Baptist College stands firm on married lesbian bishop speaker: “true Christians” advocate social justice

Changing Irish views on Same sex marriage Mark decrease in homophobia?

Specialist Toolkit Aimed at helping prevent Lesbian and Gay youth suicides as suicide and self harm rates rise

Puerto Rico may drop opposition to same-sex marriage