Tag » international star
Lebanese activists in unique situation

In February this year 50 Lebanese activists, some carrying rainbow flags, protested against the beating of two gay men by police in a central square in Beirut. What made this ... Read more
Tue September 8th, 2009 - 3 Comments
Making gay life in Iceland richer

In January this year the president of Iceland, Ólafur Ragnar GrÃmsson, asked the Social Democrat Alliance to form Government with the Left-Green Movement, thereby ending 18 years of dominance by ... Read more
Tue June 23rd, 2009 - 1 Comment
Polish gay movement gains momentum

After losing his job because of discrimination, Warsaw-born Szymon Niemiec, 31, was inspired to become a gay activist. He became an organiser of Poland's first Pride parade after watching Sydney's ... Read more
Tue April 7th, 2009 - 4 Comments
Reforms sweeping Mexico

Monterrey-educated Juan, 28, is concerned that the broader Mexican society may not be ready for the current wave of equality reform sweeping his country. Passing legislation without societal acceptance may ... Read more
Wed February 4th, 2009 - 1 Comment
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Czechs go their own way

Prague-raised Zdenek, 26, believes the driving impetus behind the Czech Republic passing civil-union legislation was a desire that his country follows its own destiny and demonstrates to Europe that Czechs ... Read more
Wed January 14th, 2009 - No Comments
Cambodia’s blossoming scene

Phnom Penh-raised Long, 27, believes the blossoming gay scene in Cambodia's capital is directly linked to the Government pursuing international investment in his country. The international community has started to ... Read more
Wed December 17th, 2008 - 1 Comment
Where family comes first

Apia-born Pejay Clark, 30, describes a Samoan culture that not only accepts individuality but also embraces diversity. I am respected in Samoa, because I can do my job better than any ... Read more
Wed November 26th, 2008 - 2 Comments
Change of another kind coming?

Yale law graduate Scott Lopez, 38, said that the same-sex marriage referendum result in California has massive ramifications for gay rights in America. People take note of what happens in California. ... Read more
Thu November 13th, 2008 - 5 Comments
Out in the Mediterranean cold

Ankara-born, Ali (name substituted), 33, believes the core reason Turkish culture doesn't understand or accept homosexuality is because there is no word for it in the language. How can they recognise ... Read more
Wed October 29th, 2008 - No Comments
Stuck in a political wilderness

When millions of people cannot make ends meet, who considers discussing such things [as gay rights] in Parliament? said former Ukrainian president Leonid Kravchuk in 1999. L'viv-raised Val, 30, believes the ... Read more
Wed October 22nd, 2008 - No Comments
When image prevails over equality

Singapore-raised Saiful, 36 (surname withheld) believes his government is more concerned with upholding a conservative, strict image of Singapore than allowing the population to enjoy equal legislation. The Government makes ... Read more
Wed October 15th, 2008 - No Comments
Hoping for change in Russia

As Russia prepares to host Eurovision 2009, Russian gay activists are preparing their own event. On May 16 2009 the Moscow Pride Parade is scheduled, the same day as the ... Read more
Wed October 8th, 2008 - No Comments
Spain: a land of extremes

Since the end of suppressive regime of Franco, Spain has found itself at the very forefront of gay equality laws. Barcelona-raised Alfredo (name substituted), 31, believes Spain owes its same-sex marriage ... Read more
Wed October 1st, 2008 - 1 Comment
Embracing the diversity of Thailand

Thailand is a popular holiday destination for Australians. This week SSO spotlights gay Thailand, the tourist trade and political instability. Bangkok-raised Kris Phadungkiatipong, 28, believes the current Thai government has greater ... Read more
Wed September 24th, 2008 - No Comments
Tolerance disappearing from Amsterdam

In recent years Dutch attitudes have undergone a significant transformation. This week SSO examines how the gay population in The Netherlands is now faring. Amsterdam-raised Jan Oldenziel believes the generally open ... Read more
Wed September 17th, 2008 - No Comments
Overcoming society’s perceptions

Beyond the common associations of drugs and civil war, Colombia's gay and lesbian population enjoys nationwide legal protection and lawmakers generally committed to upholding human rights. Medellin-raised Pablo (name substituted), 27, ... Read more
Wed September 10th, 2008 - No Comments
Awash with the colours of diversity

From reports of violent gangs wreaking havoc in São Paulo to celebratory pictures of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a country of contrasts. Despite the country being officially ... Read more
Wed September 3rd, 2008 - No Comments
With arms wide open

Beyond leprechauns, four-leaf clovers and the blarney stone, Ireland is known for its welcoming hospitality with locals always up for a bit of craic. Dublin-raised Conor (not his real name) believes ... Read more
Wed August 27th, 2008 - 2 Comments
Where business has encouraged pleasure

As Anwar Ibrahim prepares to fight for his political future all over again, SSO explores Malaysia's acceptance of their gay and lesbian population. Kuala Lumpur-raised, Kevin (surname withheld), 33, attributes an ... Read more
Wed August 20th, 2008 - 1 Comment
Setting Europe’s same-sex agenda

As the birthplace of Mozart, the Strauss dynasty and the Von Trapp family, Austria is synonymous with high culture, elegance and grace. Lyndon Barnett discovers how Austria's gay and lesbian ... Read more
Wed August 13th, 2008 - No Comments
How much red is in China’s rainbow?

As the world embraces unity and acceptance under the Olympic rings, SSO investigates whether China is embracing its gay and lesbian population. Despite being officially denied a cinema release throughout mainland ... Read more
Wed August 6th, 2008 - No Comments
Current Issue
Velvet in the garden

A new burlesque and cabaret show, The Velvet Garden, showcasing the debut work of up-and-coming performers will feature at the Red Rattle Theatre on Friday, March 19. With playwright Wayne Tunks as host, the ... Read more
PFLAG outrage: Shame on you, Tony Abbott
Parents, friends and relatives of gay and lesbian people are being encouraged to register ... Read more
We were wrong
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young says a deal was struck to to force a vote ... Read more
Change to BGF service structure
Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (BGF) clients will be asked to take more responsibility for their ... Read more
We’re here, we’re queer, we’re shovel-ready!
The shriek of whistles pierces the air, dykes tease the crowd with their purring ... Read more
HIV+ migrant inquiry
Some of the nation’s peak AIDS bodies have used an inquiry into migration by ... Read more




