Sexual politics from January to June 2024 (Part 2)
>> Read in PDF << Part 2 – Continuing anti-gender offensives Gender politics: good news Inevitably, the political situation described in part 1 of this

Article “The double-helix entanglements of transnational advocacy: Moral conservative resistance to LGBTI rights”
Published at Review of International Studies (RIS). Download it here.
Sexual Politics from July to November 2023
>> Download and read in PDF << First Words This edition of the SPW newsletter covers the main events in sexual politics since July, roughly
Sexual Politics from February to July 2023
>>> Read/download in PDF <<< Opening Words This newsletter describes and seeks to contextualize the developments in sexual politics since February 2023. In times of
Sexual Politics in 2022: Retrospective
>> Read in PDF << First words In 2022, we adjusted our perspective for monitoring and analyzing sexual politics. In the previous two years, our
Sexual Politics from August to November 2022
>> Download as PDF << Preface Due to its relevance in Brazil and the rest of the world, we rescheduled the publication of our newsletter
Pride parades: the current target of anti-LGBT forces
If the LGBT+ population is already under attack in the legal and policy realms, this year we have observed a new and worrying trend: the

Attacks against 2022 pride events: a compilation on a worrying trend (English and Portuguese)
English Pride Month in Turkey Showcased Homophobia, Resistance – Human Rights Watch This could be one of the most dangerous Pride months ever – openDemocracy
Sexual Politics from March to May 2022
>>> Read in PDF First Words Since April 2020, SPW newsletters have been tracking and analyzing sexual politics in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sexual Politics in Times of Pandemic – 2021 Retrospective
>>> Download the PDF version here. First Thoughts The last 2020 SPW special hypothesized that during 2021, because of vaccines, Covid-19 would no longer be
Sexual Politics in Times of Pandemic: August-October 2021
Since July, when we published our last Special Edition, as you will see in this issue, a lot has happened in the pandemic and in the field of sexual politics. Once again, the pages that follow are quite dense, but we remind you that the sections are relatively autonomous.
Celebrational video for the publication of the Brazilian version of “Our bodies, ourselves”
Video prepared as a tribute to the launching of the Brazilian version of the book “Our bodies, ourselves”, presented at the book launch event, a

ASTRA Network’s brochure: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the face of the world as we knew it. The lives of whole societies were put on hold, almost all
Sexual Politics in Times of Pandemic: January-July 2021
First Words In the last 2020 edition of Sexual Politics in Times of Pandemic Special of 2020, we hypothesized that throughout 2021, with the arrival

Tokio Olympic Games and diversity: compilation
The Tokyo Olympics’ Indelible Moments of Loss and Solidarity – New Yorker Olympic magic cut through the pandemic gloom, but the Tokyo Games’ legacy is

GLQ – A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies: new issue
Read the new issue of GLQ on “Cuir/Queer Américas: Translation, Decoloniality, and the Incommensurable”
One Year of COVID-19: Sexual Politics in Times of Pandemic Round-Up
Preliminary comment In 2020, in order to adjust our lenses to COVID-19 world conditions, we suspended our regular monthly announcements and started a series of
CfP | A World in Revolution: Feminist Politics in Times of Social Uprisings
Go to the conference website
Sexual Politics in Times of Pandemic: July to December 2020
Editors’ Note We apologize to our readers and partners for the delay in making our last Special Issue on Sexual Politics in the Pandemic available.
Protect Trans Kids: Bar Dr Sybrand de Vaal from psychiatric practice
Investigate Dr. Sybrand de Vaal with regards to promoting harmful psychiatric practices with respect to Trans (including non-binary) children. This includes: * Examine his competency

Violence against LGBT during the pandemic
PROTECTING THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF LGBTI PEOPLE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC – Amnesty International LGBTQ Inequality and Vulnerability in the Pandemic – HRW COVID-19 pandemic

SPW Archive: Sexual Politics in Pandemic Times
Since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out in early 2020, SPW has been reporting on the events, trends and dynamics triggred by Sars-Cov-2. In order to
COVID -19 and Politics in March-April 2020
Since January, when the Chinese government adopted extreme confinement measures in Wuhan, the pandemic sparked the worldwide spread of questionable war semantics. It also provided
Sexual Politics in Times of Pandemic: May and June 2020
The global scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed since April, but the crisis is still far from over. Only eight countries are listed as
Sexual politics in times of pandemic: contribution of guest authors
The SPW Announcement for May and early June 2020 will have the same format adopted in March-April 2020, it will organize the newly compiled information
Coronavirus in Korea: LGBTQI people as vectors
Covid-19 Backlash Targets LGBT People in South Korea – HRW Authorities warn against homophobia hindering virus containment efforts – The Korea Herald ‘No one wants
Southeast Asia and coronavirus: news and analysis
Indonesia Indonesia’s Intelligence Service is Coming Out to Counter COVID-19 – The Diplomat Myanmar In Myanmar, the Coronavirus Gives Nationalists an Opening – Foreign Policy
Sexual politics in times of pandemic
March and early April 2020 It has been very challenging to prepare the SPW announcement for March/April 2020 due to the abnormality, risks, and losses
COVID-19 and AIDS: parallels and lessons
By Richard Parker* In the COVID-19 pandemic, the history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic emergence and responses offers lessons for reflecting on the current challenges and
Back to where we always have been: sex/gender segregation to contain Covid-19
By Sonia Corrêa[1] But, people die, don’t they? Yes, indeed. However, the current naturalization of death erases thinking – Santiago López Petit In the first week of
ABIA statement: democracy in Brazil and COVID-19 health policy
The Brazilian Interdisciplinary AIDS Association (ABIA) expresses deep concern regarding President Jair Bolsonaro’s latest changes in the Ministry of Health and regarding his active support
130 groups from different religions sign declaration on COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America and the Caribbean
Preamble 1. We, the undersigning individuals and organizations, have gathered from all over Latin America in joint work to accompany people and communities of faith

Hungary and coronavirus: authoritarianism (April and May update)
Hungary Hungary rolls back legal protections, puts trans and intersex people at risk – Ilga Europe Hungary votes to end legal recognition of trans people

COVID-19 and LGBTQI rights: compilation (March – June)
MAY / JUNE LGBTQ Inequality and Vulnerability in the Pandemic – HRW LGBT: Covid-19 forced me back home where I’m ‘unwanted’ – BBC LGBT Nonprofits

COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS: compilation (April and May update)
HIV/Aids What Lessons Does the AIDS Crisis Offer for the Coronavirus Pandemic? – Masha Gessen – The New Yorker Larry Kramer had the courage to
Sexual politics in January and February 2020
Anti- gender politics in Latin America – SPW is pleased to announce the collection Anti-gender Politics in Latin America, which encompasses nine case studies from

Call for papers: Intersex special issue
Special Issue Intersex & Sexuality Education Intersex variations comprise atypical sex characteristics: be these chromosomal, hormonal or anatomical. They represent a challenge to traditional binary
Sexual politics round up in 2019
The year of 2019 has finished and, as traditionally, SPW offers our readers and followers a compilation of the main facts, trends, setbacks and victories
Sexual politics in October, November and early December 2019
HIGHLIGHTS Latin America: Politics in Trance In the period covered by this newsletter, Latin America has been the scene of three simultaneous elections – in
Sexual politics in September 2019
September 28 – “Abortion is a Health Issue” was the theme of this year’s International Safe Abortion Day, widely celebrated around the world (see compilation).
Antigender politics from May to August 2019
We start this announcement recalling that, before May 2019, two major antigender events have taken place that are worth revisiting because of their potential subsequent
Sexual politics in May and June 2019
#StopTheBans – Thousands of demonstrators marched in more than 500 cities across the US on May, 21th to protect abortion rights after Alabama state house passed,

Pride 2019: compilation of accounts
‘People of faith against LGBTphobia’ in São Paulo Pride The group of Freaks in the São Paulo pride Millions celebrate LGBTQ pride in New York
Sexual politics in April 2019
Highlights Algeria and Sudan: A revived Arab Spring? – Almost six years after the Arab Spring waned under the shadows of the Sissi regime, political
SexPolitics: Trends & Tensions in the 21st Century
Access all e-books and working papers of this project at: https://sxpolitics.org/trendsandtensions/ Sexuality Policy Watch (SPW) would like to re-launch the fourth publication of its most

Gender Identity and Reproductive Autonomy: Deconstructing sex, gender and roles
About the publication The right to found a family is a fundamental right recognized by many international treaties and conventions. This is an evolving right, indicating
Sexual politics in March 2019
The Christchurch attack In Christchurch, New Zealand, a solitary white male Australian sniper killed fifty people who were praying in two mosques. Prime Minister Jacinda
Sexual Politics in January and February 2019
#Hail International Women’s Day 2019: struggle, endurance, resistance! #Eyes on Brazil From an insider´s point of view, observing Brazilian politics after January 1st is like being caught
Call for Papers | Heteroactivism, Homonationalism and National Projects
Call for Papers for a session at the Annual International Conference of the Royal Geographical Society with Institute of British Geographers (RGS-IBG), London 28-30 August
Sexual politics round-up in 2018
As 2018 reaches its end, SPW publishes a recollection of main events, trends, discoveries and challenges as we start 2019 and prepare for all the
Global Public Health Special Issue on Pleasure & Danger Call for Papers
SPW has the pleasure of promoting the Global Public Health Journal call for papers for the Special Issue — The Contested Global Politics of Pleasure

Religious Conservatism on the Global Stage: Threats and Challenges for LGBTI Rights
Researchers: María Angélica Peñas Defago, José Manuel Morán Faúndes, Juan Marco Vaggione Guest Experts: Gordan Bosanac, Kapya Kaoma Research Assistance: Violeta Cánaves Download the report
Sexual politics in September 2018
September is the key moment of the year in the global struggle for abortion rights, as the 28th marks the International Safe Abortion Day. In
Sexual politics in August 2018
#MourningMuseuNacional: As this announcement was being finalized, the Brazilian National Museum burned in flames. A singular and irrecoverable collection of the country’s historical and cultural
Philanthropic and Government Support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Communities
Global Philanthropy Project and Funders for LGBTQ Issues are pleased to present the 2015-2016 Global Resources Report: Philanthropic & Government Support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Marginal accounts on LGBTQI+ Pride 2018 around the world
Several hundred people danced, marched and raised slogans on the Chennai 10th Rainbow Pride March with banners and flags celebrating the date on June 24.
Report of the Durban Seminar
On July 13-15th, 2016 Sexuality Policy Watch organized the seminar/workshop SexPolitics: Mapping Key Trends and Tensions in the Early 21st Century in Durban, South Africa.
Report on Human Rights of Intersex People in South Africa
On 11 December 2017, Intersex South Africa, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Foundation for Human Rights and Iranti joined activists and members of
Article 19 releases new study about dating apps and LGBTQ persecution
Repression and marginalisation of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Queer (LGBTQ) people across the world have limited safe opportunities for LGBTQ people to meet up but
‘Changing Faces Changing Spaces’ 2017 Conference Report
Changing Faces Changing Spaces (CFCS) is a biennial pan African activist-led and planned conference facilitated by UHAI. It is a platform for African LGBTIQ and sex
Sexual Politics 2017 Round-Up
As 2018 begins, SPW highlights the main events and trends as well as tensions and challenges traversing sexual politics worldwide. Trends and Facts January In

LGBT Rights November 2017
Crackdowns have been reported in Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan and, once again, in Egypt. In India, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government presented the
Report ‘Defending the UN Independent Expert on SOGI’
The IE SOGI mandate was created through UN Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/RES/32/2 in June of last year and was confirmed through six separate votes

Report of the IE on protection against violence and discrimination based on SOGI
Below you will find the summary for the report of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity,
Overdiagnosed but Underserved: Trans Health Survey
The Trans Health Survey is the result of the work of Transgender Europe (TGEU) and its partner organisations Women’s Initiative Supportive Group (WISG), Trans-Fuzja, Daniela

Kyrgyzstan Manual for Health professionals
MANUAL ON PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND SOCIAL CARE FOR TRANSGENDER, TRANSSEXUAL AND GENDER NONCONFORMING PEOPLE FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS OF ALL LEVELS OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

Tanzanian Joint Press Statement: The Right to Freedom of Association Under Threat
Originally published at Pan Africa ILGA – International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. The right to freedom of association under threat: 20 arrested

Information Sheet: Children born with intersex variations
This information sheet has been prepared for parents and families of children born with intersex variations. The tendency to categorize all people as either ‘female’

APS Tools for communicating about marriage equality and related issues
This information sheet provides some helpful tips for people wanting to communicate in constructive ways about marriage equality and related issues like gender diversity, sexual

Advancing the Human Rights and Inclusion of LGBT People: A Handbook for Parliamentarians
The Chinese version of the Advancing the Human Rights and Inclusion of LGBT People: A Handbook for Parliamentarians has been jointly produced by the United Nations Development
Sexual Politics in August 2017
Two outstandingly positive news are to be reported in sexual politics worldwide in August 2017. In India, the Supreme Court issued a groundbreaking decision on

Ghostly Desires: Queer Sexuality and Vernacular Buddhism in Contemporary Thai Cinema
By Arnika Fuhrmann Through an examination of post-1997 Thai cinema and video art Arnika Fuhrmann shows how vernacular Buddhist tenets, stories, and images combine with sexual politics

Malawi: Letter to Human Rights Commission about LGBTI rights
Originally posted at Human Rights Watch, on August 21, 2017. Available here. August 17, 2017 Malawi Human Rights Commission Off Paul Kagame Road Private Bag

Sexual Politics in July 2017
In July, once again, contradictory trends were registered in the abortion frontline. In Chile, the processing of a bill aimed at legalizing abortion in three cases

Sexual politics in June 2017
June is LGBTIQ Pride month worldwide. This SPW brief highlights events around the world, prioritizing parades and other demonstrations that are not captured by mainstream radars. In that regard, we also recommend the readers who read Spanish to peruse the new blog Orgullos Críticos which examines trends and traps implied in the growing normalization and pinkwashing of pride parades

The mountain delivered a pope
By João Manuel de Oliveira. The legend says that Portugal is a conservative country with a supposedly glorious past, whenever colonization and its engagement with the slave traffic eliminated from the equation. It is also described as a profoundly religious country, deeply marked by the influence of endemic Catholicism. Sociologists, using an equation

Sexual Politics in April and May 2017
In April and May, Brazilian crisis has deepened further more, prompting colossal political chaos which reverberated in sexual politics. Sonia Corrêa, SPW co-chair, assess the deep connections within the crisis regarding threats to abortion rights. Celebrations and good news came from around the world. In Bangkok, researchers and activists gathered

Advanced Edited version of the IESOGI report available now
An advance edited version of the 1st report (A/HRC/35/36) by the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity

Sexual Politics in March and early April 2017
In March and early April, the abortion frontline in Latin America has been remarkably eventful, in positive ways. In Bolivia, the proposed revision of abortion

Sexual Politics in February and early March 2017
There are many events to be reported in regard to abortion rights in February and early March 2017. The most important comes from Brazil where

Call for proposal: Astrea’s Intersex Human Rights Fund
Submit by March 15, 2017. We recognize that the entrenched practice of organizing the world into the sex binary and gender binary has alarming and

Sexual Politics in January 2017
In January, the first and foremost events to be reported are avalanche of draconian and regressive policy measures adopted in the chaotic first two weeks

Nepal: SC directs to ensure citizenship to LGBTI on the basis of identity
Supreme Court on Monday issued a verdict requesting to provide citizenship to gender and sexual minority under the Others (O) category. The Ministry of Home Affairs has already begun providing citizenship on the basis of identity but there are still obstacles in the districts.
Sexual Politics Round-up in 2016
As 2017 begins, SPW highlights the main events and trends as well as tensions and challenges traversing sexual politics worldwide. January In January, the Zika

New report takes stock of fundamental rights in the EU, including LGBTI rights
Yesterday, the European Parliament adopted a new comprehensive report on fundamental rights in the EU. The report assesses how fundamental rights are implemented in the

Sexual Politics in late October and November 2016
November began with a resounding shift in global politics: Donald Trump was elected president of the United States. As the reactions flooded through the world
Intersex and Trans days: news, articles and campaigns
To celebrate both International Day of Action for Trans Depathologisation (22 October) and Intersex Awareness Day (26 October), SPW shares articles, news and campaigns aimed at

The situation of the intersex community in Mexico
In Mexico and in Latin America the intersex community faces similar problems to those faced by intersex people elsewhere in the world, with some local quirks. Medical protocols still include genital mutilation, and these practices are justified as necessary to “normalize” genital appearance and so avoid problems in social interactions.

Vitit Muntarbhorn: new UN investigator to protect LGBT
The UN Human Rights Council has nominated its first independent investigator aimed at protecting people in regard to sexual orientation and gender identity across the

UN SOGI Expert: Process, Results and Implications
The defining event of the 32nd Session of the Human Rights Council was the passing of the resolution appointing an Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

Classifying bodies, denying freedoms
From sex to race, classification is a tool of oppression. Particularly examining abuse directed at Caster Semenya, this article looks ahead this week’s AWID International Forum’s theme ‘Bodily Integrity and Freedoms’.
Sexual politics in August 2016
In August, the Rio Olympic Games provided a privileged stage for the critical observing of gender and sexuality performances. Several SPW partners positively and generously
Capturing Semenya
As the women’s 800m approaches, headlines about Caster Semenya proliferate — once again, seven years after she won the World Championship in the 800m and became a news headline, we have been saturated with “debates” about her presence on the track. This year, these stories unfold in striking contrast with those celebrating other athletes who dominate their events.

Body shaming is an intersex issue
Please note that this post contains distressing images. It intersperses quotations about intersex infants and children with quotations about the bodies of public figures. Body
Sri Lanka: Discrimination on Grounds of Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
Originally by Human Rights Watch, posted on 15/08/2016. Available at: https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/08/15/sri-lanka-challenging-gender-norms-brings-abuse (New York) – Transgender people and others who do not conform to social expectations about

Letter: trans candidates for UN Independent Expert on SOGI rights
Trans organisations signing this letter, and the activist networks they represent, celebrate the Resolution [on Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and

Intersex Genital Mutilations: UN Women’s Rights Committee Reprimands France
France is the 1st ever country to be reprimanded for IGM by 3 different UN treaty bodies, having previously been reprimanded by the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in February 2016, and by the Committee against Torture (CAT) in May.

Report: The Growing Movement Advancing the Human Rights of Intersex People
The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice has launched the report We Are Real: The Growing Movement Advancing the Human Rights of Intersex People. Available in English,
Sexual politics in July 2016
Between July 12th and 15th, right before the Durban International AIDS Conference, SPW organized a seminar in Umhlanga, the Northern District of the City.

IACHR Welcomes Creation of LGBTI Core Group at the OAS
Originally posted at the OAS’ website on 25/07/2016. Available at: https://www.oas.org/en/iachr/media_center/PReleases/2016/097.asp Washington, D.C. — The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) welcomes the recent creation
Oral histories of LGBT people in Mongolia
Originally posted by ЛГБТ Аман түүх at lgbtamantuukh on 04/07/2016. Available at: https://lgbtamantuukh.wordpress.com/2016/07/04/welcome-to-the-lgbt-oral-histories-of-mongolia-project/ Sponsored by the LGBT Centre (Mongolia)’s Youth Leadership Program, Batchimeg S. and
The ‘state’ and sexual politics: An interview with Gloria Careaga
On March 2016, we relaunched our Spanish website that (among other things) provides access to the Spanish translation of Queering the Public Sphere in Mexico

The creation of a UN SOGI mandate
On June 30th the Human Rights Council, after a complex and difficult negotiation has voted a resolution that establishes the mandate of and Independent Expert

INDEPENDENT EXPERT ON SOGI: WHAT WOULD REAL SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
In what was described as a dramatic milestone by human rights activists working on the promotion and protection of human rights on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, members of the United Nations at the 32 session of the Human Rights Council voted a resolution that provides a new mandate for an independent expert that will be responsible for reporting violence suffered by people on the grounds of their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity, globally.

GATE Statement on the UN SOGI Mandate
Originally posted at GATE’s website on 04/07/20216. Available at: http://gate.ngo/gate-statement-on-the-un-sogi-mandate/ On June 30, 2016, the United Nations Human Rights Council approved a historic resolution creating

UN Human Rights Council votes for independent expert on LGBT discrimination
Originally posted at https://lgbt-ep.eu/press-releases/un-body-votes-for-independent-expert-on-lgbt-discrimination/ In a 23 against 18 vote (6 abstentions)*, the United Nations Human Rights council voted in favour of a resolution condemning

The UN Has Voted To Create Its First LGBT Rights Watchdog
The person appointed to this new role will be responsible for monitoring “violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.”

East Asia Forum Quarterly (EAFQ)’s new issue – Gender and sexuality in Asia today
This issue of East Asia Forum Quarterly brings together prominent scholars of gender studies from various countries and disciplines to explore the diversity and complexity of issues of gender and sexuality in contemporary Asia. The essays touch on major developments that have caused shifts in gender relations. They illustrate the tensions between structural violence against women and women’s own agency in coping with male-dominant social arrangements.

Global Resources Report: Philanthropic and Government Support for LGBTI Communities
GPP and Funders for LGBTQ Issues have partnered to release a new Global LGBTI Resources Report, the most comprehensive report to date on the state

Call for submissions to AWID Movement Sourcebook
We are delighted to request your help in developing a ‘story’ about your movement – the story of its history, vision, strategies, and achievements for
Statements after the massacre at an Orlando LGBT nightclub
Solidarity with the LGBTQI community – Frida Mourning Orlando’s Loss from Kabul – Open Society India vigils in memory of Orlando shooting victims – Orinam
Sexual politics in May 2016
As the Brazilian crisis continues unfolding it gets increasingly intricate with gender and sexuality politics. Read Sonia Corrêa and Fábio Grotz report on what happened

UN Human Rights mandate on SOGI
At the UN Human Rights Council the LAC Group 5 – formed by Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Uruguay – announced the decision to submit

SRI calls for political and legal framing that recognizes full range of sexual rights
Originally posted at the SRI’s website on 2016. Available at: https://www.sexualrightsinitative.org/2016/hrc/sri-calls-for-political-and-legal-framing-that-recognizes-full-range-of-sexual-rights/ The Sexual Rights Initiative (SRI) is a coalition of organizations from Canada, Poland, India,

A call for critical reflection on queer/LGBTIA+ activism in Africa
This essay looks at the complex relationship between the personal and the political in queer/LGBTIA+ organizing in Africa. It considers how current modes of organizing impact the connection between professional activism and grassroots participation and explores some of the consequences of these two intersecting factors for activist praxis.

The psycho-medical case against a gender incongruence of childhood diagnosis
Jack Drescher and colleagues (March, 2016)1 highlight two controversies surrounding gender incongruent children below puberty. One controversy concerns how one helps these children.

Denmark losing patience with WHO, will depathologise trans identities
Originally from TGEU’s website, posted on 17/05/2016. Available at: https://tgeu.org/idahot2016statement/ On this International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) [1], with a special focus on

European Parliament speaks out against online homo and transphobic hate speech
Originally from: https://lgbt-ep.eu/press-releases/european-parliament-speaks-out-against-online-homo-and-transphobic-hate-speech/ In a report adopted yesterday, the European Parliament expresses its concern over online homo- and transphobic hate speech, and calls for strong

Stories of Intersex people from Nepal
The stories in this book are based upon the writings of intersex participants at the First Intersex National Meeting in Nepal, held on 8-9 February 2016 in Kathmandu. The meeting took place with support from the UNDP as part of the “Being LGBTI in Asia” program.
International Humanitarian Organization Releases First-of-its-Kind Glossary of Terminology for LGBT Individuals
rganization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration (ORAM), a leading international non-profit organization devoted to advocating on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers, has released a first-of-its-kind glossary of terminology to assist humanitarian professionals to communicate with people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Call me Heenam
Moving Walls is an annual documentary photography exhibition produced by the Open Society Foundations Documentary Photography Project. This year exhibitions presents Shahria Sharmin’s portrait series on

OutRight Job Opening: Arabic Media Training Position
Arabic media training position is a 12- month, part-time staff position, with the possibility of renewal of contract for another year and/or increase in work hours. The position is responsible for leading OutRight’s Arabic media sensitivity program, which aims at reaching out to Arabic media outlets and journalists to provide them with a better understanding around sexual orientation, gender identity, and LGBTI rights violations in the Middle East and North Africa.

GATE Statement on the International Trans Day of Visibility 2016
Originally posted on 31/03/2016 at GATE. Available at: http://gate.ngo/2016/03/31/gate-statement-on-the-international-trans-day-of-visibility-2016/ Today, March 31st, Global Action for Trans* Equality (GATE) calls for collective and critical reflection as

Intersex Human Rights Fund: Call for proposals (Deadline: 8 April 2016)
The Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice is proud to announce a new call for proposals for the second cycle of the Intersex Human Rights Fund,

New FRA report highlights crucial role public authorities for LGBT equality
In a new report launched in the European Parliament today, the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) highlights that prevailing negative attitudes towards LGBT people endanger their fundamental rights and hamper efforts to counter discrimination and hate crime.

Gender incongruence of childhood in the ICD-11: controversies, proposal, and rationale
Article available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/296683386_Gender_incongruence_of_childhood_in_the_ICD-11_Controversies_proposal_and_rationale As part of the development of the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), WHO appointed a Working Group

News and analysis on the Indonesian crackdown on LGBTI people
Indonesian Psychiatrists Classify LGBT People As Mentally Ill In Order To ‘Treat’ Them – Think Progress The Next Big LGBT “Propaganda” Ban Is Being Written

New report maps West African LGBTQ organizing
Though funding for LGBTQ activism in West Africa has historically focused on gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), the scan shows that more broad-based LGBTQ organizations are emerging. Several of these nascent groups are led by queer-identified women and gender non-conforming people.

The sexual politics in February 2016
In February, there were good news to report from both Haiti and Europe. In the case of Haiti, the Penal Code reform is underway and

Is the world finally waking up to intersex rights?
Originally published in The Guardian on 10/02/2016. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/feb/10/intersex-human-rights-lgbti-chile-argentina-uganda-costa-rica A landmark directive in Chile last month said doctors should stop ‘normalisation’ surgery, but tackling

Call for Papers RHM 48 opens March 15 – Sexuality, sexual and reproductive health in later life
With a growing number of older people in the world, it is time for Reproductive Health Matters to look more closely at the sexual and reproductive health of people in this different stage of life.

Experts urge action on LGBTI workplace discrimination in Thailand
Employment discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people is a prevalent but silent issue in Thailand, said experts at a national level meeting to discuss issues related to discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression (SOGIE) or intersex status.

Intersex: Stories and Statistics from Australia
Sex is complex. Humans are simultaneously more similar in their sex development, and more diverse, than is commonly appreciated or understood. Females and males are

Sexual Politics in January 2016
The global epidemics fueled by the mosquito-born Zika virus, its potential correlation with microcephaly and the connection with abortion rights is one main headline in

LGBT Backlash in Indonesia
Last week in Jakarta, I met leaders of the Support Group and Resource Center on Gender and Sexuality Studies at the University of Indonesia, who were brimming with confidence about their work with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

Chilean Ministry of Health issues instructions stopping “normalising” interventions on intersex children
The Chilean Ministry of Health has issued instructions to its national health sector to stop “normalising” medical interventions on intersex infants and children. This guidance is a global first: the first time that a health ministry has shown leadership in taking this step without legislation or legal action.
2015 Sexual Politics Round- Up
As the year heads toward its end, SPW recollects main trends and facts in sexual politics worldwide. January Pope Francis drew global attention after urging

IACHR Publishes Report on Violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Persons
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights today is publishing a regional report on the violence perpetrated against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) persons or those perceived as LGBTI.

Sexual Politics in November 2015
As we were finalizing the compilation of sexual politics related events that make the headlines in November the screens were taken over by the armed

Intersex persons’ rights on the spotlight
The rights of intersex persons gained visibility between October 26th (Day of Intersex Awareness) and November 8th (Intersex International Day). During this period a number
The marks on our bodies
Originally published at Intersex Day. Available at: https://intersexday.org/en/mauro-cabral-marks-bodies/ Mauro Cabral draws a line between the marks on his flesh and the words that clinicians use

Intersex rights and freedoms
Originally from: https://morgancarpenter.com/intersex-rights-freedoms/ Published in the UNSW Law Society journal “Court of Conscience” issue 9, 2015, on “rights and freedoms”, this paper considers what it
Intersex awareness and rights
This Orchid image drawn by Brigitte Ritcher was used in the materials of Inter Visibilidad, Visibilidad Intersex Forum, held at the Human Rights Commission of the

The Right Not To Be Mutilated: Intersex People and The Quest For Justice
Originally published on Jurist.org on 14/10/2015. Available at: https://www.jurist.org/commentary/2015/10/arvind-narrain-intersex-justice/ JURIST Guest Columnist Arvind Narrain of ARC International discusses the issues with assigning a gender to

GATE Interview on Trans* Depathologization with Dainius Püras, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health
Global Action for Trans Equality (GATE) met with Dainius Pūras, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the

Astraea Launches the World’s First Intersex Human Rights Fund
Originally published on ASTRAEA’s website. Available at: http://www.astraeafoundation.org/news/352/60/Astraea-Launches-the-World-s-First-Intersex-Human-Rights-Fund/d,home-news New York, New York, Oct 25, 2015 In a world where intersex activism has been resourced on
Undetermined Discriminations: Trans* persons Rights Emerging post 2014 in India
The legal status of trans* individuals in India was discussed quite extensively in the 2014 case of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) judgment by the Supreme Court of India.

Intersex Awareness Day 26.10.2015: Nonviolent Intersex Protest outside Zurich Cantonal Parliament, 07:30-15:00h
Originally posted on Stop IGM on 23/10/2015. Available at: https://stopigm.org/Intersex-Awareness-Day-2015-Intersex-Protest-outside-Zurich-Parliament/ On 26 October, Intersex People, Survivors, Partners, Families, Friends and Allies around the globe celebrate

Joint UN statement on Ending violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people
On 29 September 2015, 12 UN entities (ILO, OHCHR, UNAIDS Secretariat, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNODC, UN Women, WFP and WHO) released an unprecedented

UN OHCHR fact sheet on intersex
UN OHCHR has launched a first fact sheet on intersex, as part of the Free & Equal campaign. It’s a document that details the human

The sexual politics landscape in July 2015
In July the hottest topic to be reported on is, undoubtedly, the global controversy that emerged when Amnesty International made public a draft policy defining

Mauro Cabral’s speech at Bob Hepple Equality Award
Retrieved from www.transactivists.org in 2015. London, July 16th 2015 Dear friends, I am very honored to receive this award, which I accept understanding it as
WHO Launches groundbreaking report: Sexual health, human rights and the law
The WHO Human Reproduction Program has made public this week (June 15-19th, 2015) a new groundbreaking report titled Sexual Health, Human Rights and Law.

Fundamental rights intersex people not respected
Wednesday, 13 May 2015 Yesterday, the EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency launched a focus paper on the fundamental rights situation of intersex* people. The Council of

GATE comment on Malta Gender Identity Legal Reform
In April, 2015 Malta passed the Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics (GIGESC) Act, which encompasses, in a new and radical combination, legal recognition,
Making Depathologization a matter of law
A comment from GATE on the Maltese Act on Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics. Available at GATE’s website. In April, 2015 Malta passed

Marriage and Forced Divorce – A Legal Gender Recognition Issue Brief
SPW recommends Open Society’s report Marriage and Forced Divorce – A Legal Gender Recognition Issue Brief, in which it “explains legal restrictions that affect the recognition of married trans and intersex people and examines case law and addresses key arguments made by those who oppose such recognition”

Norwegian Expert Group Publishes Progressive Gender Recognition Recommendations
The Norwegian Ministry of Health’s Expert Committee on legal gender recognition presented its conclusions and recommendations in Oslo today. The report proposes legislation based on

Why I’m Disturbed by Screening for Intersex Traits in Utero
Originally posted on Rewire on 11/03/2015. Available at: http://rhrealitycheck.org/article/2015/03/11/im-disturbed-screening-intersex-traits-utero/ by Claudia Astorino March 11, 2015 – 1:20 pm As an avid proponent of reproductive rights,

Intersex rights and freedoms
Published in the UNSW Law Society journal “Court of Conscience” issue 9, 2015, on “rights and freedoms”, this paper considers what it means to address

Advancing Trans* Movements Worldwide: A Meeting for Funders and Activists Working on Gender Diversity
SPW recommends the report written by activists and funders aimed at supporting better coordination and collaboration on trans and intersex funding. Download it here.

Proposed declassification of disease categories related to sexual orientation in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11)
SPW recommends the article Proposed declassification of disease categories related to sexual orientation in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11),

Sexual and reproductive rights global landscape in August 2014
In August, the Sexuality Policy Watch (SPW) published the outcomes from the three Regional Dialogues organized in Asia (2009), Latin America (2009) and Africa (2010)

WHO adresses trans movements claim for depathologization
The World Health Organization has published its proposals on trans health in the ICD-11 Beta Draft, in which for the first time in history it

SPW Activities – August 2014
Richard Parker Participation at the 29th ABA Meeting in Natal On August 6th, 2014, SPW Co-cordinator Richard Parker participated in the Round Table on Challenges

Sexual and reproductive rights global landscape in July 2014
In 2013, Sexuality Policy Watch began a new line of work aimed at critically examining how sexuality, gender and human rights can be located in

Newly Approved LASD Policy Supporting Transgender Employees
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has produced a guide to adress the needs of transgender and gender non-conforming employees. It settles some important issues

A Historic Win For Our Grantee Transgender Education and Advocacy (TEA)
Press Release 24th July 2014 For Immediate Release Transgender Group in Kenya wins Historic Court Battle Nairobi, Kenya, 24 July, 2014. – In a historic
SRI hosts Human Rights Council Event on the ‘Criminalization of sexuality and reproduction’
Alongside the ongoing 26th session of the Council, the Sexual Rights Initiative, in partnership with,Ipas, Amnesty International and UNAIDS, hosted a parallel event examining the

Article Newsletter N14 – Rahul Rao
Staying positivist in the fight against homophobia Rahul Rao* In recent weeks, arguments against homophobia have been made in two paradigmatically positivist registers – science
Working Paper No. 2 – Bracting Sexuality: Human Rights and Sexual Orientation, by Ignacio Saiz
The SPW report, “Bracting Sexuality: Human Rights and Sexual Orientation”, written by Ignacio Saiz, analyzes the recognition of rights relating to sexual orientation within the

Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the Commonwealth: Struggles for Decriminalisation and Change
Corinne Lennox and Matthew Waites, from Institute of Commonwealth Studies (University of London), are the editors of the free online book Human Rights, Sexual Orientation

Denmark becomes the first European country to allow legal change of gender without clinical diagnosis
Danish parliamentarians passed a law which makes it the first European country where a requirement for ‘Gender Identity Disorder’ diagnosis or any psychological assessment/opinion is
Butterflies: a video by Vagner Almeida
Buttlerflies is an awarwed video directed by Vagner Almeida documenting the lives of young gay men and travesties in the poor outskirts of Rio de

Helen Clark: Statement on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia
Read Helen Clark (UNDP) statement highlighting LGBT rights as matter of concern to all working on human development. Click here.

Nigerian Senate approves HIV Bill
Nigerian Senate has passed the HIV Bill 2013, which stipulates that every person living HIV and AIDS shall be assured of freedom from unlawful termination

African Transfeminism
S.H.E social, health and empowerment feminist collective of Transgender and Intersex Women of Africa has launched its first newsletter, which brings news about trans activism

Africa Regional Sexuality Resource Centre
Africa Regional Sexuality Resource Centre has published ICPD Beyond 2014 Global Report, which is the culmination of a landmark UN review of progress, gaps, challenges and emerging
The 2006 International AIDS Conference in Toronto – Interview 7
These short vídeos document Sexuality Policy Watch activities at the 2006 International AIDS Conference in Toronto: a workshop to discuss the preliminary findings of the

EROTICs project final publication online
Read the final publication of the EROTICS: sex, rights and the Internet project here.

47th CPD results and assessments
SPW gathered news, results and assessments from the 47th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD). Below, some of them released by now. RESURJ

Indian Supreme Court Recognizes 3rd Gender
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India allowed a transgender people to identify as a third gender and directed the central and state

The Pope’s Tone Softens — But The Vatican Is Still Fighting LGBT Rights Around The World
Read J. Lester Feder’s article published on Buzz Feed in which the author discusses how “Pope Francis’ softening tone on LGBT issues does not appear to

CSW58: Statement of the Lesbian, Bisexual, and Trans* Caucus and Allies
Governments at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) ignored evidence of and regional support for key elements of sustainable development in

Statement in the CSW58 in New York on behalf of the lesbian, bi and trans caucus
Click here to read the statement delivered in the 58th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW58) which defends sexual rights, sexual

The struggles for homosexual rights in Africa
Pambazuka News 667 comes with a special issue on “The struggles for homosexual rights in Africa”, which brings analyzes from a African perspective of the

“Torture in Healthcare Settings”
Mauro Cabral shares the compilation ‘Torture in Healthcare Settings’, which reflects on the report of Juan Mendez, the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, the first

Sexual and Reproductive Rights Global Landscape in January and February 2014
Dear friends, Around the World During January and February 2014, SPW has watched the development of anti-homosexuality bills in Nigeria and Uganda, as well as

Draconian laws approved in Africa threaten the safety of LGBTQI persons
Since December Uganda and Nigeria have approved draconian laws under debate for many years that drastically curtail the freedom and rights of persons whose gender
SPW Activities – February 2014
At the V Queering Paradigm Conference held in Quito, in February 2014, Sonia Corrêa, Nikita Dhawan and Brenny Mendinza were keynote speakers at one main

Nigeria Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act: Global Day of Action
Nigerian LGBT community is organizing a Global Day of Action on the 7th of March 2014 to protest against law that criminalizes same-sex people relationships. Click

UNDP: Discussion Paper on Transgender Health & Human Rights
UNDP’s HIV, Health & Development Group has launched a Discussion Paper on Transgender Health & Human Rights, prepared by Jack Byrne, an expert on trans

“The Implications of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 on Uganda’s Legal System”
Read the article “The Implications of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 on Uganda’s Legal System”, by Adrian Jjuuko and Francis Tumwesige, in which the authors discuss

Trans law in the Netherlands passed. Now what?
Read J. Vreer Verkerke’s critical article about the new dutch law on transgender people. Here.

Nigeria and Uganda adopt harsh anti-LGBT laws
In december, Nigeria’s Senate approved a law that criminalizes displays of affection, people in same-sex marriage (including tourists) and even those who argue in favor

LATIN AMERICAN AND CARIBBEAN CELEBRATES THE CREATION OF IACHR LGBTI RIGHTS RAPPORTEUR TO ENSURE THE RIGHTS OF LGBTI PERSONS IN THE AMERICAS
LGBTTTI Coalition of Organizations working within the framework of the OAS expressed support and appreciation regarding the creation by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

Public statement by the third international intersex forum
Between 29 November and 1 December 2013, the Third International Intersex Forum, supported by ILGA and ILGA-Europe, took place in Valletta, Malta. This event brought

“Evaluated” To Be Yourself: Ukraine’s Flawed Gender Recognition Procedure
With great pleasure SPW brings attention to the Human Rights Watch post article by Anna Kirey, who has participated in our Buenos Aires training on

IDS Sexuality and Development November Newsletter
IDS Sexuality and Development November Newsletter is on the web and brings discussions about heteronormativity and patriarchy as well as other issues. Learn more.

Report on the Human Rights Situation of Afro-Brazilian Trans Women
A report on the Situation of Afro-Brazilian Trans Women was presented during a thematic hearing before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights last week in

Supreme Court reserves decision on the recognition of gender identity of transgender persons in India
In a case that has the potential to break the binary gender norms of male and female in law and administrative practices in India, the

Global and regional issues highlighted by SPW on October
In October 2013 our main themes were the following: On October 10, activist Gabriela Leite, who devoted her life to fight for the rights of

The limits of German law allowing a “new third-gender”
Read New Statesman’s article about a German law that lets a birth certificate to be left blank in cases where the child is neither male

LGBTI persons in detention: addressing prejudices, discrimination and abuses
SPW recommends the document “LGBTI persons deprived of their liberty: a framework for preventive monitoring” because it considers very relevant that the Association for Prevention

The devasting effects of the patologization of trans identities
The Global Action for Trans Equality (GATE) published a statement on the October 19 reaffirming the devasting effects of the patologization of trans identities. Click

HRW asks the Holy See to condemn violence and discrimination against LGBT People
Human Rights Watch send a letter to Pope Francis asking that Catholic Church to “condemn violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)

Barriers to Non-Monosexual Identities
“If a person does not fit in a neatly packaged place within the straight-gay binary, some people won’t believe them, a fact that led me

The Constitutional Court of South Africa decided that two sections of the Criminal Law Amendment Act are unconstitutional
The Constitutional Court of South Africa decided that two sections of the Criminal Law Amendment Act are unconstitutional. The measeures were intended to criminalise consensual

Gulf states to tighten gender tests for expat workers
The Kuwait Ministry of Health has proposed tightening genetic tests for immigrant workers in order to prevent transgender migrants from entering the GCC job market.

Medical tests that will be conducted by Gulf states to stop homosexual to enter their countries
Read The Independen’s news about medical tests that will be conducted by Gulf states to stop homosexual to enter their countries. Click here.

STOP THE GENOCIDE AGAINST TRANS WOMEN! STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST TRANS PEOPLE!
Organizations, associations and activists defending the human and civil law of trans people denounce generalized extreme violence and murders and impunity that trans people suffer

Transgender ID a hostile affair
Read article about the situation of trans people in South Africa and the obstacles that they face regarding the identification country system. Here.

World facts highlighted by SPW in September 2013
During September, Sexuality Policy Watch followed the global landscape of sexual and reproductive rights. In the Latin American scene, we highlighted the Regional Conference on

Over 150 Trans* and Cis Feminists Sign International Statement For Trans*-Inclusive Feminism
In what organisers suggest is a ‘first of its kind’ move, an informal coalition of over 150 trans* and cis feminist activists, academics, writers and

The Queer Art of Whistle Blowing
Read the article “The Queer Art of Whistle Blowing”, about the place that gender is occupying in the context of the “Manning case”. Click here.

“Manning has initiated a rare moment of opportunity that makes mainstream silence a bit more difficult”, by Zillah Eisenstein
Read feminist Zillah Eisenstein’s article about the Manning case. “Manning has initiated a rare moment of opportunity that makes mainstream silence a bit more difficult”.

Sexuality, culture and politics – a south American reader
Although mature and vibrant, Latin American scholarship on sexuality still remains largely invisible to a global readership. In this collection of articles translated from Portuguese

Sexuality Research and Political Change in Buenos Aires
Immediately before the 9th IASSCS Conference, a second round of the Sexuality Research and Political Change Training Program was held in Buenos Aires, from August 23rd to 27th, 2013. Check more information and the album of workshop pictures.
SPW Newsletter N.13 – July, 2013
SPW Newsletter No. 13 landscapes the implications of the new papacy of Francis the First for the sexual and reproductive rights in Latin America. We invited five SPW partners: Daniel Jones, Diana Maffía and Juan Marco Vaggione, from Argentina; Edgar Ruiz, from Mexico; and Maria José Rosado, from Brazil to share their views on how this political shift at the Vatican will affect sexual politics in the region. We choose three authors from Argentina because we wanted critical assessments made by analysts more closely acquainted with Bergoglio’s trajectory and political style. Edgar Ruiz in his article provides a sweeping view of the new papacy from a wider Latin American perspective, and Maria Jose Rosado’s interview speaks more directly of the Brazilian context including concerns about the papal visit and its potential negative impacts.

SPW Newsletter’s 13 – author’s profiles
Maria José Rosado Sociologist. Teacher at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo. She founded the Brazilian NGO Catholics for Free Choice. Her field of

Letter Repudiating the Ministry of Health’s Censorship of the Campaign about Prostitution and HIV/AIDS
Read the “Letter Repudiating the Ministry of Health’s Censorship of the Campaign about Prostitution and HIV/AIDS”, written by the Brazilian Interdisciplinary AIDS Association – ABIA, after the Ministry of Health announced its censorship of the campaign about prostitution and HIV/AIDS launched on International Prostitutes Day (June 2nd).





International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) 2013
May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO). In 2013, some 100 countries have reported activities to be held in remembrance of the Day and of the victims of homophobia and transphobia. We selected some of the amazing initiatives, which you can see here and get inspired to take part in this movement.

SPW organizes a new training program on sexuality and change
From March 18th to 22th, 2013 Sexuality Policy Watch organized the Sexuality and change – a new training program, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, gathering participants from Angola, Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Philippines, Senegal, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, United States and Venezuela. This was the first training program offered by SPW and this initiative prompted participants to examine how theory, research and policy can shape meaningful social change. Read more.

SPW Newsletter N.12 – October, 2012
SPW Newsletter No.12 aims to analyze how sexuality matters are debated in international human rights bodies, specifically within the recently reformed Inter-American Human Rights System and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UN HRC). In the case of UN HRC, this issue of the SPW Newsletter looks closely at the second round of Universal Periodical Review (UPR) of India and Brazil, held in May 2012. Our main goal was to explore how two of the so-called emerging powers have responded to the UPR process, if sexual and reproductive rights issues have or have not been addressed in these reviews, and how the Indian and Brazilian states have or have not reacted to recommendations made in relation to these topics. These brief analytical exercises provide interesting insights on the merits and limits of the UPR processes, as well the challenges implied in engaging with and monitoring these reviews.
Sexual and reproductive rights at the 2012 Universal Periodic Review of Brazil
Read “INTRODUCTION: Sexual and reproductive rights at the 2012 Universal Periodic Review of Brazil”, written for the SPW Newsletter N. 12, based on analysis of Magaly Pazello, from EMERGE-Communication and Emergence Research Centre and Women’s Networking Support Programme of the Association for Progressive Communications (APC).

IDAHO 2012 – first impressions
Global: Read the IDAHO Committee team balance about the global mobilization worldwide celebrating the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, on May 17th. According to IDAHO Commmittee, new countries joining celebrations for the first time.

Gender identity Law in Argentina: an opportunty for all
Argentina: On May 9, 2012 the Senate passed the first ever gender identity law in the country. With 55 votes in favor, 1 abstention and no votes against the law passed is for now the most progressive disposition on transgender people rights in the world. Read the note published by GATE and more.

Gender Identity Law in Argentina
Argentina: On April 24, 2012 the Senate Committees on General Legislation and on Population and Development signed in Buenos Aires an agreement that authorizes the discussion on the Gender Identity Law at the Argentine Senate to proceed. Read more.

ABIA and SPW support the Brazilian UPR Pre-session
Brazil: ABIA and SPW supported the Brazilian UPR Pre-session, which took place on April 2nd, in Geneva, presenting a short video and recommendations aiming to contextualize some recent aspects of human rights in the country.

Aid, resistance and Queer power
Hakima Abbas, the Executive Director of Fahamu Network for Social Justice, wrote for the SPW Newsletter n. 11 the article “Aid, resistance and Queer power”, on the effects of the aid conditionality to the LGBTIQ issues in Africa.

Aid conditionality and respect for LGBT people rights
Read the article Aid conditionality and respect for LGBT people rights, written by Luis Abolafia Anguita, from Fundación Triángulo, a Spanish LGBT organization wich works with development cooperation. The article debates the threats, reactions and effects of the recent initiative to reduce the development aid to countries that criminalize homosexuality.

Interview: Radhika Balakrishman
Read the interview with Radhika Balakrishnan, the Executive Director and a Professor at the Center for Women’s Global Leadership, about aid conditionalities to developing countries and its impacts on national human rights agenda.

NGO roundtable on LGBT issues at the 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
ARC International is co-hosting with the ICJ an NGO roundtable to raise awareness of sexual orientation and gender identity issues on next Monday, 5 March, at the 19th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. Titled “LGBT Issues for the Curious: (Almost) Everything you Wanted to Know about Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity but were too Diplomatic to Ask”, the roundtable affords an opportunity for LGBT human rights defenders from all regions to share their perspectives with diplomats. Read more.

Letter of protest against the murder of Professor Cleides Antônio Amorim (UFT)
Brazil: Cleides Amorim, a professor at the Federal University of Tocantins, was one of over a dozen LGBT Brazilians murdered in just the first two weeks of 2012. AllOut started a national campaign aimed at Federal Government, inspired in a protest letter from a group of professors of Brazilian universities. Read more.

ABEH (Brazilian Association of Homoculture Studies) releases the call for papers and schedule of the VI International Conference of Studies on Sexual and Gender Diversity
The Brazilian Association of Studies on Homoculture (ABEH) released the first version of the schedule, the menu of group themes, and the composition of the scientific commission of the VI International Conference of Studies on Sexual and Gender Diversity that is going to take place at UFBA (Federal University of Bahia) in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, on August 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2012.

Reports to the UN Universal Periodic Review Brazil – 2012
Sexuality Policy Watch (SPW) and the Brazilian Interdisciplinary AIDS Association (ABIA) were involved in the production of reports on the status of human rights in Brazil for the second Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council, which will be held in June 2012. Read the reports.

In favor of a real debate in Cameroon
Read In favor of a real debate in Cameroon, published at CLAM website, presenting an analysis of the African sexuality context, based on an interview with S.N. Nyeck, a Cameroonian-born Ph.D. candidate at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Department of Political Science.

Nigeria’s Senate passed the “Same-Gender Marriage” Bill on November 29th
Nigeria: The Senate passed the Same-Gender Marriage Prohibition Bill. Nigerian Human Rights Defenders have condemned the Bill and the Coalition for the Defense of Sexual Rights in Nigeria circulated a call for action. Read more.

2011 – SPW Inter- Regional Dialogues on Sexuality and Geopolitics
The Sexuality Policy Watch is hosting the Inter-Regional Dialogue on Sexuality and Politics prior to its Advisory Group regular meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 26-29, 2011.

Violations in Uganda
Uganda:A number of violations based on sexual orientation and backlashes are also to be reported in Uganda, starting with the murder of David Kato, in Kampala, in January 2011, and more recently the suspicious ‘burglary’ at FARUG (Freedom and Roam Uganda), which has posed threats to the lives of other Ugandan activists.

Recent news from Turkey
Turkey: read a series of news on recent cases of violance against LGBt people in this country.
APC publishess the final reports of the EroTICs: Sexuality and the Internet – an exploratory research
APC launches the final reports of the EroTICs: Sexuality and the Internet – an exploratory research, with the full research findings from Brazil, India, Lebanon, South Africa and United States, that delve into the complexities of policy and legislative trends on internet content regulation, map key actors and processes, and document how sexuality figures as a central theme in this debate. Read more.

UN resolution on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity
The UN resolution on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity is available in all 6 UN languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.


2011 – SPW at the VIII IASSCS Conference
The Sexuality Policy Watch (SPW) is participating at the VIII International Association for the Study of Sexuality, Culture and Society (IASSCS) Conference, in Madrid, Spain, from 6th to 9th July 2011, organizing the session Regional dynamics in Sexuality and politics: common threads and differences (July 8th) and participating in the panel Electronic Sociability, Gender, Sexuality and Internet Regulation (July 9th), organized by APC-WNSP. Read more.

Around the world
> UN endorses gay, transgender rights, Boston.com > Bahamas backs UN resolution on gay rights, Caribbean News Today > Nigeria oppose UN gay rights resolution, Next.com > U.N. rights

The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia was celebrated with hundreds of events around the world *
Global: The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) was celebrated on May 17th 2011 with hundreds of events taking place all around the world and on every continent. Read more.

State-sponsored Homophobia – A world survey of laws criminalising same-sex sexual acts between consenting adults
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) launched State-sponsored Homophobia – A world survey of laws criminalising same-sex sexual acts between consenting adults, a research by Eddie Bruce-Jones & Lucas Paoli Itaborahy, Birkbeck College School of London, United Kingdom, which was updated in May 2011.

African Sexualities – A Reader
Sylvia Tamale launched the book African Sexualities – A Reader, a groundbreaking volume which provide a critical mapping of African sexualities, informing readers about the plurality and complexities of sexualities on the continent. Click here to read more.

Statement by the Press Secretary on Ending Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
USA: Read the statement by the White House’s Press Secretary on Ending Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
Series of interviews made by Rachel Maddow with David Bahati, the parliamentarian who proposed the so called “kill the gays” bill in Uganda
Watch the series of interviews made by Rachel Maddow with David Bahati, the parliamentarian who proposed the so called “kill the gays” bill in Uganda.

UN – Joint statement on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation & gender identity
UN – Joint statement on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation & gender identity 1. We recall the

Joint declaration on sexual orientation and gender identity
Global: Read and follow up on the joint declaration on sexual orientation and gender identity, read by Colombia on behalf of 85 member countries during the UN Human Rights Council 16th session.

Ugandan lesbian Brenda Namigadde’s request for asylum to be reviewed by UK Border Agency
UK: Ugandan lesbian Brenda Namigadde’s request for asylum to be reviewed on February 7th by UK Border Agency. Read more.

Gay activist was murdered in Uganda
Uganda: After the High Court prohibited Rolling Stone local magazine to campaign against LGBTI community, gay activist David Kapo was murdered in his home. Read more.

The meaning of the Kampala Court Decision
Read the article “The meaning of the Kampala Court Decision”, by Kasha Jacqueline, from the Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG), on the Uganda’s high court decision permanently prohibiting the tabloid Rolling Stone (no relation to the venerable U.S. publication by the same name) from continuing its public vigilante campaign against that country’s LGBT community.

In December 2010, General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of restoring reference to “sexual orientation” in a high-profile resolution condemning extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
Global: On 21 December, 2010 the United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of restoring reference to “sexual orientation” in a high-profile resolution condemning extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. Read more.

Operating logic
Read the article “Operating logic”, written by Mauro Ï Cabral, on medical interventions or mutilation in intersex people.
A new Jamaican Public Service Announcement calls for tolerance
Jamaica: A recently produced public service announcement focuses attention on the need to respect LGBT individuals and features prominent Jamaicans requesting tolerance of the Jamaican LGBT community. Read more and watch the video.

The postulation of a transexual lesbian feminist woman, activist of human rights, to become a Judge for the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice Venezuela causes call to mind in Venezuela
Venezuela: The postulation of a transexual lesbian feminist woman, activist of human rights, to become a Judge for the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice Venezuela causes call to mind in Venezuela. Read more.

An Activist’s Guide to The Yogyakarta Principles
ARC International (www.arc-international.net) is releasing an “Activist’s Guide to The Yogyakarta Principles”, a tool for those who are working to create change and build on the momentum that has already begun around the Yogyakarta Principles.

Sexuality and gender issues in Africa – articles
Since the African Regional Dialogue on Sexuality and Geopolitics will take place next week in Lagos, Nigeria, we have selected a series of articles related to sexuality and gender issues in Africa, published in the last months for the SPW’s newsletter n.9. See below.

The final stage of the EroTICs research project in Brazil
SPW has just concluded the Brazilian stage of the EroTICs: sexuality and the internet – an exploratory research project, sponsored by the Association for Progressive Communications (APC). Soon, a final report presenting the observations, analysis, and findings of the study will be published, in which it was tried to map and analyze recent initiatives and debates concerning internet regulation.


The APC-EroTICs research team is at the Internet Governance Forum (IGF 2010), being held in Vilnius, Lituania
> Visit the IFG 2010 website > Read “Internet Governance Issues on Sexuality and Women’s Rights” at GenderIT.org > Follow @apc_news live streaming on Twitter.com

Habemus equal marriage
Carlos Figari* and Mario Pecheny** In July 15th, 2010, at 4 am, the Argentine Senate voted for the reform of civil marriage. The project had
Islamic Defender Forum again attacked HIV/AIDS seminar in Bandung West Java
Indonesia: Read a note written by Kamilia, from the Institut Pelangi Perempuan, an Indonesian Youth Lesbian Center, on one more meeting attacked as a result of harassment from some fundamentalist and hard-line Islamic groups.

Remembering Rhonda
USA: Rhonda Copelon, a US human rights lawyer and an intellectual leader and pioneer in the field of sexual and reproductive rights, died on 2010 May 6th. Read a note by SPW and more.

Various activities are being planned around the world for the May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO)
IDAHO May 17th is the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO). Various activities are being planned around the world. On www.dayagainsthomophobia.org > This year, IDAHO will

Synthesis and highlights – African Dialogue
Read here the synthesis of presentations and some highlights of the African Dialogue and be informed about the main issues debated during the meeting. >

Final report – African Regional Dialogue
Find here the compilation of the African Regional Dialogue that combines the final report with the Synthesis by Dr. Oka Obono, Sociology Department University of

2010 – African Dialogue – note, participants and pictures
Here you can find a brief note on the African Dialogue, and the list of participants. See also some pictures of the meeting. > Read

African Dialogue
Lagos – Nigeria – October, 2010 Originally planned for early 2010, the African Regional Dialogue on Sexuality and Geopolitics took place from October 4th to




Homophobia, Africa and Evangelical Neocolonialism
Read the article “Homophobia, Africa and Evangelical Neocolonialism” on the Uganda’s anti-homophobia Bill, written by Rosalind P. Petchesky, Member of the SPW’s Steering Committee and Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Hunter College and the Graduate Center at the City University of New York.

Newsletter 8 – para RTF
CONTENTS I. SPW ACTIVITIES / EDITORIAL Since late September 2009, the SPW executive team has been engaged in a wide variety of activities. First and

The photographer Zanele Muholi’s artwork
In this issue of SPW’s newsletter, we unfortunately highlight an event that recently occurred in South Africa, not in favor of, but against initiatives that

Human Rights violations around the world
2.6 Human Rights violations Turkey: Multiple Murders of transgender people highlight inadequate state protection Jamaica: British Honorary Consul John Terry murdered in his bedroom. The

Sexuality and religion
2.5 Sexuality and religion Vatican: Read the article The Great Catholic Cover-up, by Christopher Hitchens, a columnist for Vanity Fair and the Roger S. Mertz

Laws, policies and politics
2.4 Laws, policies and politics Australia: Australia recognises ‘non-specified’ gender. Read more. USA: A restriction on abortion coverage was added to the health care bill

Global and regional relevant events
2.3 Global and regional relevant events > The Panel Discussion on Opposing grave Human Rights Violations on the basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The EroTICS Brazilian case study
The EroTICS Brazilian case study: A short article synthesizing the findings of this first level of investigation was written by SPW and Clam and will soon published by Gender IT.

Calling for the de-pathologization of transexuality
As a result of the Latin American Regional Dialogue on Sexuality and Geopolitics, the participants have written a statement to join efforts with the international campaign Stop TransPathologization 2012.

2010 – SPW organizes the African Dialogue on Sexuality and Geopolitcs
Originally planned for early 2009, the African Regional Dialogue on Sexuality and Geopolitics has been postponed to the last week September, 2010 and will be held in Lagos, Nigeria.

Australia is first to recognise ‘non-specified’ gender
Australia: On March 8th, 2010, Australia may have made gender history, as the New South Wales government lays claim to being the first in the world to recognise an individual’s sex as officially “not specified”.

Trans people
Due to the larger representation of trans people in this edition of ILGA-LAC, there was a greater exchange of experiences, and more effective integration amongst

Pre-conference event themes
Planned preparatory meetings on the 26th and 27th of January 2010, preceded the main event, with themes directly related to the defence of LGBT rights.

International instruments, commitments of the United Nations and international policy
As well as examples of achievements regarding public policy and LGBTI citizenship in Latin America, the conference also promoted the exchange of experiences about different

5th ILGA-LAC Conference brings together more than 400LGBTI activists in Curitiba, Brazil
Brazil: 5th ILGA-LAC Conference brings together more than 400 LGBT activists in Curitiba, Brazil.

MANIFESTE LA TRANSEXUALITÉ N’EST PAS UNE MALADIE! POUR LA SUPPRESSION DE LA TRANSEXUALITÉ DU DSM ET DU CID!
MANIFESTE LA TRANSEXUALITÉ N’EST PAS UNE MALADIE! POUR LA SUPPRESSION DE LA TRANSEXUALITÉ DU DSM ET DU CID! Nous, participants du Dialogue Latino-américain sur Sexualité
SPW Newsletter, N. 8 – March, 2010
In this issue, you find information on what SPW has been involved since October, 2009. First and foremost, we made further progress on preparation for the Dialogue on Sexuality and Geopolitics and the African Regional Dialogue will held in the last week September, 2010. Following the recommendation of the Latin American Regional Dialogue, we have added our voices to a global campaign that has been underway since May 2009 by developing, together with partners, a statement calling for the de-pathologization of transexuality. In the session “Around the world”, we highlight on the one hand the regressive legislation proposed in Uganda, which aims to further criminalize “homosexual” behavior, and on the other hand you find information on the same sex marriage legislation recently approved in the Federal District of Mexico. Read also about other regional highlights, and recent sexuality/sexual rights advocacy, like the 54th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). See what projects and events connect art and sexuality and browse listings of upcoming events, scholarships, job opportunities and publications.

Draconian laws against homosexuality in Africa
In the article “Draconian laws against homosexuality in Africa”, Cesnabmihilo Aken’ova discusses on the state homophobia that has swept over the African continent. She analyses the draconian laws against homosexuality proposed by some leaders and positions that have placed the human rights of same sex loving people and people who are perceived to be gay under attack.

In three steps*
By Mauro ï Cabral (1) 1. Each year, during this week, I write a text that can be short or long, as well as more

Mexico City have become the first in Latin America to legalise gay marriage
Mexico: In 2009, December 21, the Mexican capital became the first in Latin America to allow same-sex marriage with a groundbreaking law which could set a precedent for gay rights across the region.


Brazil prepares for the 1st Brazilian GLBT National Conference
By Marina Maria* The First Brazilian National GLBT Conference will be held in Brasília between June, 6th – 8th, 2008. Roughly 600 participants are expected,

Papers and articles
Considerations about the Principles By Mauro Cabral* The Yogyakarta Principles are the outcome of a long and difficult historical process through which the diversity of


































































