Articles by Natalie Relph

13 July 2007
Transvestite sculpture of Pope removed 5 A controversial sculpture of Pope Benedict XVI, depicting him in nothing but a blond bob wig, a stole, panties and thigh-high stockings has been pulled from a gay exhibition in Milan.Curator Eugenio Viola told Associated Press: "It was made clear to us that it would be better to remove the piece."
13 July 2007
Suicide shocks Derry gay community 1 Eamon Johnston, the winner of Mr Gay Derry 2003, has committed suicide. He was 22.His body was discovered on Wednesday and he was pronounced dead at Altnagelvin hospital. Mr Johnston was a hairdresser and support counsellor for gay group Rainbow Project.His mother told Derry Journal that her son was a "lovely wee boy" and appealed to other suicidal people to seek help instead of taking their lives.
13 July 2007
Surgeon General nominee denies he is homophobic 3 President Bush's nominee for Surgeon General told the US Senate yesterday he is not anti-gay.Dr. James Holsinger has been critcised by gay rights groups, physicians and politicians for writing in 1991 that gay sex is unnatural and unhealthy.In his paper for the United Methodist Church, Holsinger said that gay sex was dangerous because, "when the complementarity of the sexes is breached, injuries and diseases may occur."
13 July 2007
Interview: Sex, surveillance and gay royals + Surveillance is a fast paced sexual and political thriller set in London.It stars Tom Harper as Adam, a gay teacher who lives in Surrey and comes to London on the weekends to go clubbing and pick up men.A casual encounter with a handsome stranger, Jake (Sean Brenden Brosnan) brings Adam to the attention of powerful, unseen forces.
12 July 2007
Lesbians take Gibraltar to court 24 A lesbian couple are taking legal action against Gibraltar's government for denying them joint control of their rented apartment.Nadine Rodriguez has applied to the High Court for a judicial review to reconsider the non-inclusion of her partner in the tenancy agreement.As things stand, should Ms Rodriguez die, her partner has no legal right to the apartment and could be forced onto the street.
12 July 2007
Police’s bad attitude towards Pride in Estonia + A year after violent homophobic attacks against Tallinn Pride, organisers prepare for its return amid problems with uncooperative police officials.Last year LGBT marchers were attacked with sticks and stones by a group of young Estonian nationalists while celebrating the country's gay third pride event.Event organisers will be on alert to ensure that paraders will not disturb public order in the old town.
12 July 2007
White House censorship of ‘doctor of the nation’ 3 Dr Richard Carmona, who served as US Surgeon General between 2002 - 2006 said yesterday that Bush's administration had censored his speeches and articles to agree with government policy.He was testifying at a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in Washington.Dr Carmona testified that he clashed with the Bush administration over issues of sexuality and contraception.
12 July 2007
Iran may execute more gays 10 The Iranian government has confirmed that in the coming weeks more than 20 men will be executed on moral violations of rape, sodomy and assault and battery.Police arrested over 1000 men in May in poor neighbourhoods of Tehran and other cities as part of a moral 'crackdown' on indecent behaviour.Those arrested will face trial and possible death at a later date.
11 July 2007
Senator opposed to gay marriage favours paid-for sex 3 A major political scandal involving prostitution in Washington DC has claimed its first Congressional scalp.Republican Senator David Vitter has been forced to admit he used the escort services of Deborah Jane Palfrey, the "DC madam" who is accused of making nearly $2m (£1m) over thirteen years providing call girls to Washington's elite.Senator Vitter strongly opposes gay rights and is a 'family values' stalwart.
11 July 2007
Homophobic bus driver brought to book by gay motorist 3 Former Grenadier Guardsmen Lee Wardle caused traffic mayhem in south London last month after being subject to a bus driver's homophobic abuse."Is it because you are a dirty, f***ing batty boy," the irate driver of the No 200 bus screamed at him during a road rage incident.Mr Wardle called the police after blocking in the bus driver with his car when the driver refused to repeat his homophobic comments on June 26th.
11 July 2007
Lesbian writer honoured by Canada + Jane Rule, 76, a writer of lesbian-themed novels, is to be appointed to the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian honour, in recognition of her lifetime contribution to literature.Ms Rule has won many awards over the years as a writer, educator, gay rights activist, including the Order of British Colombia 2004.Born in New Jersey in 1931, Ms Rule moved to Galiano Island, Canada with partner Helen Sonthoff, after a peripatetic childhood in America.
11 July 2007
Presidential hopefuls to participate in gay TV debate 3 Human rights activist Joe Solomnese and gay performer Melissa Etheridge will question Democratic candidates for President of the United States in the first televised debate for the gay community.The hour-long event will take place on August 9th and broadcast live on gay network LOGO and through live streaming at LOGOonline.comFront runners Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have confirmed they will participate.
10 July 2007
Catholic hierarchy tussle with gay group over Mass rights 2 Quest, the lesbian and gay group for Catholics, has accused the Catholic Church of un-Christian behaviour after the Archdiocese of Liverpool prevented them from using the University Catholic Chaplaincy for a Mass.The service was intended to help gay Catholics discuss their experiences and pray for understanding of issues of faith.Following the ban the meeting was held in a location not controlled by the church.
10 July 2007
Urban gay Indians inching out of the closet + The expanding economy of India and an increasingly liberal attitude has created the climate for a growing and visible community of homosexuals and transgender people.The Gay Delhi Sunday School formed last year provides a meeting place for gay men to talk politics and family issues.The gay scene in larger cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai is increasingly vibrant.
10 July 2007
Trans singer opens up about transition 2 Lucas Silveira, the lead singer of Canadian rock and roll band The Cliks,has spoken to the press about his experiences as a trans person.Earlier this year they released their major label debut album Snakehouse with US Tommy Boy Records Silver Label and appeared in gay-orientated True Colours Tour with artists Cyndi Lauper and Erasure.Mr Silveira is the first transgender artist to be signed to a high-profile label.
9 July 2007
Boybands, boats and BBQ at Bournemouth Pride + The Bourne Free Pride Festival, held on 14th July, will see a welcome return of the popular beach front parade, as well as live shows and a brand new dance arena street party.The Bournemouth event is now in its fourth year.The day begins at 1pm with a nautical-themed parade travelling from the suburb of Alum Chine along the beach to the promenade.
9 July 2007
Gay divorce becomes a reality in South Africa + A South African gay couple divorced last week in the Praetoria High Court following just five months of marriage.IT support consultant Ignatius Kloppers van Zyl, 47, set in motion divorce proceedings against Jacques Liebenberg, 36.They were one of many homosexual couples who took advantage of legislation passed by the South African National Council in December 2006 permitting same-sex marriage.

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