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Trump Makes Crude Remarks: From Penis Jokes to Racist Slurs That Sparked Outrage

June 19, 2025, 4:43 pm

Trump continues to dominate headlines with shocking remarks that fuel global outrage. From crude jokes and racist slurs to controversial LGBTQ statements, Trump’s words have deepened political divides and triggered fierce backlash worldwide. As both the 45th and 47th U.S. president, he has repeatedly made statements that spark intense debate and criticism.

Crude Joke Amid Israel-Iran Tensions

During a tense briefing on the Israel-Iran conflict, Trump abruptly made a vulgar joke. Discussing new 100-foot flagpoles at the White House, he said, “they’re tapered and have a nice top… the rope goes inside them.”

The crude remark came moments after he addressed potential U.S. military support for Israel, leaving many stunned by his tone during serious foreign policy talks.

Trump Makes Controversial Outbursts

Trump’s controversies extend far beyond crude humour. In his 2025 State of the Union address, he falsely claimed the Biden administration spent $8 million “for making mice transgender.” The funding actually supported research on transgenic mice, genetically modified to study hormone therapies linked to transgender care. Scientists and activists ridiculed Trump for confusing basic scientific terms.

In 2018, during immigration discussions, Trump reportedly referred to El Salvador, Haiti, and African nations as “s***hole countries.” While he denied using that exact word, global leaders condemned the remarks as blatantly racist and offensive.

A year later, Trump tweeted that four Congresswomen of colour, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib, should “go back” to the countries they came from. All four are U.S. citizens, with Omar being a naturalised immigrant. Critics accused Trump of stoking racism and questioning the women’s right to belong in America.

In 2025, while hosting Juventus players at the White House, Trump awkwardly asked if a trans woman could join the team. He reaffirmed his stance against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, stating, “women should only compete with other women.” His remarks reignited debates over LGBTQ rights and inclusion.

Trump Administration Shuts Down LGBTQ Youth Hotline During Pride Month

June 19, 2025, 1:24 pm

Trump administration ends LGBTQ youth suicide hotline, triggering outrage among advocates who warn the move strips vulnerable young people of crucial support. The decision has ignited intense debate over politics, mental health, and LGBTQ rights.

The Trump Administration’s constant attacks on the LGBTQ+ community have been nothing short of cruel.

This action to remove specialized counseling for LGBTQ+ youth who are struggling with mental health is just wrong. These Pennsylvania children need to be supported, not bullied… https://t.co/QAvSTmXFhg

— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) June 18, 2025

Trump Removes LGBTQ Hotline Option

The 988 suicide hotline’s LGBTQ youth option, known as “Press 3,” will soon end under Trump’s decision. The program launched in 2022 through a government contract with The Trevor Project. It allowed callers aged 25 and under to speak directly with trained counsellors who specialise in LGBTQ crises.

The administration claims it will “no longer silo LGB+ youth services” and instead “focus on serving all help seekers.” Significantly, the “T” for transgender individuals was removed from the announcement.

Despite the change, SAMHSA assured that callers will still receive assistance via the general 988 Lifeline. “Everyone who contacts the 988 Lifeline will continue to receive access to skilled, caring, culturally competent crisis counsellors who can help with suicidal, substance misuse, or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress,” the agency stated.

Advocates Call Decision Devastating

The Trevor Project, a leading suicide prevention group for LGBTQ youth, sharply condemned the move. CEO Jaymes Black called the decision “devastating,” stressing, “Suicide prevention is about people, not politics.” According to Black, the program has offered lifesaving support to over 1.3 million LGBTQ young people.

“The administration’s decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible. The fact that this news comes to us halfway through Pride Month is callous, as is the administration’s choice to remove the ‘T’ from the acronym ‘LGBTQ+’ in their announcement. Transgender people can never, and will never, be erased,” Black said.

Meanwhile, Rachel Cauley from the White House Office of Management and Budget defended the budget cut. She argued that taxpayer money should not fund “a chat service where children are encouraged to embrace radical gender ideology by ‘counsellors’ without consent or knowledge of their parents.”

Despite the setback, Black urged Congress to reverse the decision. He reassured young people, stating, “You are worthy, you are loved, and you belong.”

Seoul’s LGBTQ+ Community Holds Annual Festival After Liberal Leader Elected

June 14, 2025, 5:38 pm

The 26th Seoul Queer Culture Festival unfolded in the South Korean capital on Saturday with vibrant participation, boosted by the recent election of liberal President Lee Jae-myung. However, the event also faced stiff protests from conservative religious groups opposing LGBTQ+ rights.

Festival chief organiser Hwang Chae-yoo said the event’s slogan, “We never stop,” reflects the community’s enduring fight for recognition.

“During the last … administration, hate against homosexuality and LGBTQ+ became very strong, leading to government policies that often ignored LGBTQ+ people,” said Hwang. “That’s why we expressed our will to never give up until the end, and make efforts to improve human rights.”

Last year, city authorities denied multiple venue clearance requests before eventually allowing the event. This year, with a new liberal administration in place following the impeachment of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, organisers faced fewer hurdles.

Although President Lee Jae-myung has not explicitly addressed LGBTQ+ rights in his campaign, members of the community are cautiously optimistic. Many believe his leadership could create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in South Korea, where legal protections remain limited and same-sex partnerships are still not recognised.

Large Turnout and Peaceful March of LGBTQ+

Under sunny skies and temperatures soaring to 31°C (87.8°F), a large crowd gathered in Seoul. Organisers claimed a turnout of 30,000, while police estimated around 7,000. Attendees, many waving rainbow flags, visited booths hosted by LGBTQ+ groups, foreign embassies, and university clubs.

A peaceful march began at 4:30 p.m. local time, with participants calling for better legal rights, social acceptance, and recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals in South Korea.

Among the crowd was 44-year-old participant Hong Il-pyo, dressed in drag. “It’s changed a lot compared to the old days, but most people are still like, ‘we know you exist, but don’t come out, ’” Hong said. “I hope we can make a little progress and change to ‘you exist, so let’s live well together.’”

Conservative Protest Nearby

Just blocks away, anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrators held their rally. Participants displayed blue and pink placards reading “Homosexuality Stop” and “Destroys Families.” Despite the proximity of the two events, no clashes were reported.

Pakistani Sex Offender Avoids Deportation by Claiming to Be Gay: Report

March 15, 2025, 6:30 pm

A Pakistani sex offender who was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman has been allowed to remain in the UK after telling authorities that he is gay, a report by The Telegraph says. The 53-year-old man, known only as MR, had lived illegally in the UK for 11 years when he was arrested in 2017. Even though he was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman by touching, he was able to obtain refugee status, claiming that he would be persecuted in his native country because of his sexual orientation.

Illegal Stay and Criminal Conviction

MR came to the UK in 2006 on a student visa, which ran out in December of the same year. He remained illegally, however. In 2012, he made an application for leave to remain on grounds of humanity, but it was refused by the Home Office. In 2017, he was arrested and convicted of sexual assault. Despite pleading guilty, he maintained his innocence in his asylum application and claimed he had been in a same-sex relationship with a Mr. K since 2019.

MR’s appeal for asylum was originally denied as there was insufficient credible evidence that he was gay. Nevertheless, because of an error in law, his statement was not disputed, and ultimately, he successfully applied for asylum as a refugee. The Home Office has subsequently appealed the ruling, and he is now scheduled to have the case reheard by a higher immigration tribunal.

Legal Loopholes Allow Convicted Criminals to Remain

MR’s case is not the first where convicted foreign criminals have evaded deportation by invoking human rights legislation. In February, Shawn Rickford McLeod, a convicted drug dealer, successfully evaded deportation after arguing that deportation would breach his right to a family life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). McLeod, who has a wife and three children in the UK, even confessed that he planned to keep using cannabis even after being convicted.

Likewise, an Albanian offender evaded deportation after he argued that his son was not used to foreign chicken nuggets. Another Pakistani paedophile managed to evade deportation after a court declared that deporting him would be “unduly harsh” on his kids.

Home Office Faces Criticism

The Home Office has been criticized for allowing convicted offenders to use legal loopholes in order to stay in the UK. Although MR’s case will be considered, critics say that the system is being exploited to cover up the criminals instead of serving justice. The tribunal’s decision will be anxiously watched, as it will create a precedent for future instances of convicted offenders invoking human rights to stay within the country.

Elon Musk Reacts After ‘Trans’ Search Suggests ‘Trains’ on State Department Website

February 3, 2025, 2:45 pm

Tesla CEO Elon Musk had a witty response to a viral post on X that pointed out an unexpected search result on the US State Department’s website. The post indicated that the site suggested “trains” when users searched for the term “trans.” Musk’s comment, “That train has left,” accompanied by a train emoji, quickly went viral.

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— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 1, 2025

This humorous interaction evoked diverse reactions. Users would mock it and observe that the government has shifted its priorities. A user would say in a humorous manner, “Finally, the government prioritizes infrastructure over identity politics—progress!” Others would also joke, making the ambiguous result of the search more funny when they asked, “Did you mean transformers?”

Context of the Government’s Policy Shift

Although the internet squabbling is amusing, this exchange happens within a much larger context of policies by the United States administration under President Donald Trump. Among them, there has been a move by the Office of Personnel Management to have all references related to gender on government websites erased. This action aligns with the larger move by Trump regarding less content from LGBTQ+ perspectives, such as his executive order prohibiting transgender persons from joining the military.

Trump inked the order on January 27th while reiterating his will to expel “transgender ideology” from the military. “To ensure we have the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military. It’s going to be gone,” he declared.

Impact on Government Websites and LGBTQ+ Issues

These directives led to a massive overhaul, with removal of all gender references on government websites. For example, the State Department dropped the “X” gender marker from the passport application forms. Other alterations included the changing of the page formerly known as “Inmate Gender” at the Bureau of Prisons to “Inmate Sex” and removing LGBTQ+ history content on National Park Service sites.

Thailand Legalise Same Sex Marriage Under New Marriage Equality Act: LGBTQ Couple Celebrates

January 23, 2025, 7:54 am

Thailand has officially legalized same-sex marriage, with hundreds of LGBTQ couples expected to formalize their unions on Thursday, marking a historic moment for the country and Southeast Asia. This landmark legislation, which takes effect today, grants LGBTQ couples the same legal, financial, and medical rights as heterosexual couples. Thailand becomes the first Southeast Asian nation and the third Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, joining Taiwan and Nepal.

Celebration in Bangkok and Across the Country

To commemorate the law’s enactment, around 300 couples are expected to register their marriages at a special, daylong celebration at a shopping mall’s exhibition hall in central Bangkok. Throughout the country, many others will register their unions in district offices and various other settings. The Marriage Equality Act has been warmly received by many, providing the LGBTQ community with long-awaited legal recognition.

The bill passed through Thailand’s parliament without major opposition and amended the Civil and Commercial Code, replacing gendered terms like “men and women” and “husband and wife” with “individuals” and “marriage partners.” This change will ensure equal rights for same-sex couples, including joint assets, inheritance, survivor benefits, tax obligations, and more.

A Step Toward Inclusivity in a Conservative Society

Despite Thailand’s reputation for being relatively accepting of LGBTQ people, advocates for marriage equality have faced decades of challenges in a largely conservative society. Although attitudes have improved in recent years, discrimination remains, with many members of the LGBTQ community still experiencing prejudice in their daily lives. However, the passing of the Marriage Equality Act represents a significant achievement in a society where, for the first time, same-sex couples can now legally claim the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts.

Personal Stories of Joy and Relief

Couples interviewed about the new law expressed their gratitude and excitement, with some sharing their long-term relationship journeys. Kullayahnut Akkharasretthabudh, a 38-year-old real estate owner, shared how the law acknowledges everyone’s basic human rights. “This law is proof that regardless of our gender, we all share the same basic human rights,” she said, referring to herself and her partner Juthatip Suttiwong, 24, a chef. “It also paves the way for other countries in Asia to recognize human values and let everyone live freely.”

Similarly, Patherine Khunnares, 37, a web designer, and her partner, Vivian Chullamon, 36, a researcher, explained that while their social circle supports their relationship, legal recognition of their marriage would eliminate future anxieties. “We aren’t asking for anything special,” said Khunnares. “We just want a simple, happy family life.”

In preparation for the law’s enforcement, Bangkok’s city government has conducted workshops to ensure district office staff handle marriage registrations with sensitivity toward gender diversity. These sessions aim to teach officials how to communicate effectively with LGBTQ individuals and to foster an inclusive atmosphere. The Interior Ministry has also implemented similar initiatives.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon described this step as the “missing piece of the jigsaw,” emphasizing the importance of societal understanding and the law’s readiness to integrate LGBTQ couples into Thai society. “Society is ready. The law is getting ready. But the last piece of the jigsaw is the understanding from officials,” he said.

This legal shift in Thailand stands as a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ community and advocates for equality across the region. It demonstrates the country’s evolving attitudes toward marriage and human rights, paving the way for broader acceptance and legal protection for same-sex couples.

Understanding Androgynosexuality: A Growing Awareness of Sexual Diversity

January 11, 2025, 4:42 pm

As society becomes more inclusive of diverse sexual identities, new terms like “androgynosexual” are emerging to reflect these changes. This term, though not widely known, is gaining popularity. Individuals use it to describe their attraction to people who display both masculine and feminine traits. Androgynosexuality refers to a sexual, romantic, or emotional attraction to individuals who exhibit both traditionally feminine and masculine characteristics.

Defining Androgynosexuality

Androgynosexuality, unlike bisexuality, which describes attraction to more than one gender, or pansexuality, which defines attraction without regard to gender, specifically focuses on individuals who embody androgyny.

Androgyny blends qualities typically associated with both genders, which can manifest in physical appearance, gender expression, or behavior. Androgynosexual individuals are primarily attracted to the fusion of traits, regardless of the person’s assigned gender at birth.

Expanding Language for Diverse Identities

The growing recognition of androgynosexuality reflects a broader shift towards accepting diverse sexual orientations. It provides a new way for people to describe their unique attractions and allows for greater self-expression and self-acceptance, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community.

While terms like “queer,” “bisexual,” or “pansexual” are often used as umbrella terms, many individuals prefer to use more specific labels to communicate their sexual preferences. This personal choice allows for greater precision in identifying attraction to specific characteristics, like androgyny.

Shaping Sexual Preferences Through Representation

Dr. Luke Brunning, a lecturer in Applied Ethics at the University of Leeds, explains that greater representation of non-binary, transgender, and gender-nonconforming individuals could influence sexual preferences. This increased visibility may make androgynous traits more desirable.

As the concept of androgyny continues to gain recognition, androgynosexuality offers another avenue for individuals to articulate their sexual orientation and experience greater inclusivity.

Transgender Candidates in Nepal’s Local Body By-Elections

November 30, 2024, 9:36 am

Two transgender candidates, Honey Maharjan and Mouni Maharjan, are running in Nepal’s local body by-elections. The voting will take place on Sunday across 32 districts.

Election Overview

There are 44 vacant positions, but by-elections are being held for 41 local-level roles. These include two rural municipality chairs, four vice-chairpersons, one municipal chief, one deputy chief, and 32 ward chairpersons. Additionally, some positions were filled unopposed, including the chiefs of district coordination committees and one ward chairperson. A total of 376 candidates, including independents, are competing.

Honey and Mouni Maharjan: Who They Are

Honey, 44, is running for mayor of Kirtipur, a municipality near Kathmandu. She works as a tour guide. She grew up in a poor family and has faced many struggles. In the past, she washed dishes in a restaurant and worked in a garment factory.

Mouni, 29, is running for the position of ward chairperson in the same municipality. Both Honey and Mouni are members of the People’s Socialist Party.

LGBTQ Rights and Representation

Nepal has progressive LGBTQ laws. However, no LGBTQ person has held public office since 2008. Honey hopes her candidacy will “inspire others in the queer community to participate openly in future elections.”

Despite the progressive laws, LGBTQ individuals still face discrimination in employment, healthcare, and education. Honey shared, “Until now, not one of our community members exercised the right to run for mayoral elections in Nepal.” She described her past as a “nightmare,” full of abuse and discrimination. She hopes to bring change.

Mouni’s Vision for Change

Mouni’s priorities include improving infrastructure and sanitation. However, she also aims to fight the stigma against LGBTQ people. She plans to add LGBTQ topics to school curriculums. “This will allow the new generation to ‘easily accept our presence’ and treat us better,” she said.

Honey and Mouni are both pushing for greater visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ community in Nepal’s political sphere.

Young Dumb & Broke Star Khalid Reveals He’s Gay: ‘In Reality…’

November 23, 2024, 10:55 am

Renowned singer Khalid, celebrated for hits like Young Dumb & Broke and Location, confessed his sexuality in an unadorned and straightforward conversation on X (formerly Twitter). This on Friday evening, Khalid took speculations head-on with a post that featured a pride flag emoji, stating, “There y’all go. Next topic, please, lol.” When a user pointed it out and said, “Wait, hope Mr Khalid isn’t GEHHH!” Khalid self-assuredly replied, “I am! And that’s okay.”

In the next post, Khalid shared some opinion on, “I got outed but the world keeps spinning. Let’s get one thing straight (lmao), I am never ashamed of my sexuality! In all reality, it’s nobody’s business! But I’m cool with me. Y’all come through.”

HAVE A LOOK AT THE POST:

I got outted and the world still continues to turn. Let’s get this straight (lmao) I am not ashamed of my sexuality! In reality it ain’t nobodies business! But I am okay with me ? love yall

— Khalid (@thegreatkhalid) November 23, 2024

Engaging With His Fans

Khalid also took time to address the remarks from his supporters, including that which said, “The closet was glass, baby. But we accept you. It’s not about who you love; it’s about your artistry!” Khalid further clarified, “I wasn’t hiding! It ain’t nobody’s business.”

Another supporter shared Khalid’s 2022 music video Satellite, referring to it as an LGBTQ anthem and commented that the singer’s sexuality wasn’t new or publicized. Khalid responded, “Thank you!!!! I was never hiding.”

A Glimpse Into Khalid’s Career

Khalid gained widespread prominence back in 2016 with the release of his debut single Location and rose to stardom with the release of Young Dumb & Broke in 2017. His debut album, American Teen, was met with critical praise. Throughout the years, Khalid has worked with several leading artists, including Alessia Cara on Logic’s 1-800-273-8255 and Normani on Love Lies.

Khalid’s disclosure is further, garnering support from fans and LGBTQ+ allies around the globe, spotlighting his strong commitment to living authentically and unapologetically in the public eye.

LGBTQ+ Reacts to Trump’s Victory: A Nation’s Cry for Equality

November 15, 2024, 3:50 pm

Following Donald Trump’s reelection as U.S. President on November 5, the LGBTQIA+ community has voiced growing concerns about potential changes in policies under his administration. Across the country, protests and creative acts of resistance, such as organized “screaming events,” have surfaced to provide emotional relief and strengthen community bonds.

One of the most notable gatherings took place at the Oasis nightclub in San Francisco, where attendees participated in a “cathartic communal scream.” Organized by D’Arcy Drollinger, the iconic drag queen and owner of Oasis, the event was described as a response to fears and anxieties about the future. “It’s about releasing some of that fear and anger,” said Drollinger. “But more importantly, it’s about finding strength in community.”

Drag show host Lisa Frankenstein energized the crowd by leading them in a collective scream. “I’ve found it really hard to process everything lately,” she told attendees, “so let’s scream it out together!” The event struck a chord with participants, many of whom described the experience as liberating. Cindy Sigler, one of the attendees, remarked, “It was incredible—so much better than yelling into a pillow.”

This trend began with a New York club organizing a similar scream session and has since inspired cities across the U.S. As concerns grow about the implications of Trump’s policies, such events are becoming powerful symbols of unity and resilience for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Georgia’s President Rejects Controversial Bill Limiting LGBTQ Rights

October 2, 2024, 4:03 pm

Georgia’s President Salome Zurabishvili has declined to sign a contentious bill criticized by human rights organizations and European officials for its potential to limit LGBTQ rights, according to reports on Wednesday.

The ruling party, Georgian Dream, passed the so-called “family values” bill last month with a vote that the opposition boycotted, raising tensions as the country approaches important parliamentary elections on October 26.

“President Zurabishvili refused to sign the bill and returned it to parliament without exercising her veto,” stated Marika Bochoidze, a spokesperson for the presidency.

It is anticipated that the parliament’s speaker and co-sponsor of the bill, Shalva Papuashvili, will ultimately sign it into law.

The legislation resembles laws in Russia that restrict LGBTQ rights, targeting what it describes as “propaganda of same-sex relationships and incest” in educational settings and television broadcasts. Additionally, it would prohibit gender transition, block adoption by gay and transgender individuals, and invalidate same-sex marriages performed outside Georgia.

Critics have also condemned the bill’s language that equates homosexual relationships with incest. Papuashvili defended the bill by stating it aims to “strengthen mechanisms for the protection of minors and family values based on the union of a woman and a man.”

Zurabishvili, a pro-European leader with limited political power, has increasingly clashed with the Georgian Dream party in recent years. The introduction of this bill follows Tbilisi’s recent enactment of an anti-NGO “foreign influence” law, which sparked weeks of large-scale anti-government protests and condemnation from Western nations.

Brussels has repeatedly cautioned that Georgia is straying from its goal of joining the European Union due to legislation that contradicts European values. Last month, the EU remarked that the proposed bill “undermines the fundamental rights of Georgians and risks further stigmatization and discrimination against part of the population.”

The adoption of such measures would have “significant repercussions” on Tbilisi’s European integration aspirations and could further strain relations with the EU, according to statements from the bloc.

Iraq criminalises same-sex relationship,15 years in prison

April 28, 2024, 1:28 pm

Iraq’s parliament has passed a new law criminalizing same-sex relationship, imposing a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. The legislation, known as the Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality, also targets individuals who promote homosexuality or prostitution with a minimum prison term of seven years. Furthermore, the law includes penalties of one to three years for those who change their “biological gender” or dress in an effeminate manner.

The law, aimed at upholding religious values, was supported primarily by conservative Shi’ite Muslim parties, the largest coalition in Iraq’s predominantly Muslim parliament. According to a copy of the law reviewed by Reuters, its purpose is to “protect Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world.”

The initial draft of the bill included provisions for the death penalty for same-sex acts but was revised following objections from the United States and European nations. Nevertheless, rights advocates and international observers have condemned the law as a severe blow to the LGBT community in Iraq and a violation of fundamental human rights.

Rasha Younes, deputy director of the LGBT rights program at Human Rights Watch, expressed grave concern, stating that the law “rubber-stamps Iraq’s appalling record of rights violations against LGBT people.” She further emphasized that this legislation represents a significant setback for human rights in the country.

Until the passing of this law, Iraq did not explicitly criminalize gay sex, although loosely defined morality clauses in its penal code had previously been used to target LGBT individuals. Additionally, members of the LGBT community in Iraq have faced violence and discrimination from armed groups and individuals.

Iraqi officials responsible for human rights were not immediately available for comment on the new law. Over the past year, major Iraqi political parties have intensified their criticism of LGBT rights, with rainbow flags often being burned during protests by conservative Shi’ite Muslim factions, both in power and in opposition.

Globally, more than 60 countries still criminalize gay sex, while over 130 countries have legalized same-sex relationship, according to data from Our World in Data. Iraq’s recent legislative action reflects a broader trend of challenges faced by the LGBT community in various parts of the world, highlighting ongoing struggles for equality and human rights.

Maharashtra Police Constable Who Underwent Sex Change Surgery Welcomes Baby Boy

January 20, 2024, 5:14 pm

Lalit Kumar Salve, a police constable from Maharashtra’s Beed district, who underwent sex reassignment surgery to transition from a woman to a man in 2020, recently welcomed a baby boy on January 15th. The constable, born Lalita Salve in June 1988, defied societal norms by transitioning, marrying, and now embracing fatherhood.

@AP @AFP @tass_agency @ReutersIndia @ReutersTV @FRANCE24 @CNN @euronews #India -Lalita Salve done Sex Change Surgery now He is Lalit Salve & married with women in Maharashtra, India
He is Policeman and had battled against government system for his Surgery#Buddhism pic.twitter.com/SdP95wZFNu

— Mandar D (@MadDeshpande) February 18, 2020

In 2013, Salve observed bodily changes and underwent medical tests that revealed the presence of a Y chromosome typically associated with males. Diagnosed with gender dysphoria, he received approval from the state government in 2018 to undergo sex reassignment surgery, which took place between 2018 and 2020. The surgery aimed to align his physical characteristics with his identified gender.

After completing the transformative journey, Salve got married in 2020 to a woman from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The birth of their baby boy marks a significant milestone in Salve’s life, demonstrating resilience in navigating the challenges of gender transition and embracing new family dynamics.

Speaking about his journey, Salve expressed gratitude for the support he received, saying, “My journey from being a woman to a man was full of struggles. During this time, I was blessed to have many people who supported me. My wife Seema wished to have a child. I am happy that I have become a father now. My family is thrilled.”

LGBTQ activists hope for favourable verdict from SC in same sex marriage case

October 17, 2023, 10:35 am

Indian activist Anjali Gopalan said they are hoping for a favorable ruling, whether it be a civil right or a marriage equality right, as the Supreme Court bench is expected to rule on marriage equality rights for the LGBTQIA+ community on Tuesday.

“We hope for a positive verdict, I think the court will give us something, it can be a civil right or marriage equality right. Everyone should get equal rights, we’re all the citizens of one nation. If the court will give us the right, the government will have to follow it,” Anjali Gopalan told.

“There is no reason to restrict the LGBTQIA+ community from rights, including the right to adopt, and the right to marriage,” the Indian Activist added.

The Supreme Court’s Constitution bench will rule on several petitions concerning the LGBTQIA+ community’s right to marriage equality on Tuesday. DY Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, S Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli, and PS Narasimha make up the five-judge Constitution bench. They are currently hearing a number of petitions concerning the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community to marriage equality. Arundhati Katju, an attorney, added that they are eagerly awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“It is a very big day and we are waiting in anticipation of the judgement of the Supreme Court. We’ve been waiting for this day for many years,” Advocate Katju said.
Chaitanya Sharma, who tied the knot with Abhishek Ray, last year said that they are very hopeful in connection to the Supreme Court pronouncement judgment in the same-sex marriage case adding that although they are socially married, he wants to get legally married too.

People from LGBT community and supporters participate in ‘Barnali Walk’, in Kolkata on Sunday.

May 21, 2023, 11:59 pm

Will form committee to look into issues faced by LGBTQIA+ community : Centre to SC

May 3, 2023, 1:28 pm

The Centre informed the Supreme Court on Wednesday that a committee led by the Union Cabinet Secretary would be established to investigate the problems the LGBTQIA+ community is facing.

Tushar Mehta, the Centre’s solicitor general, explained this to a five-judge Constitution Bench. A group of petitions concerning “marriage equality rights for LGBTQIA+ community” are being heard by the five-judge Constitution Bench, which is made up of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Justice S Ravindra Bhat, Justice Hima Kohli, and Justice PS Narasimha.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta apprised the Supreme Court that a committee headed by the cabinet secretary will be formed to look into the issues faced by the same-sex couple.SG Mehta further submitted that petitioners can submit suggestions so that the committee can apply their minds to it.The bench observed that it appears that the Centre is accepting that people do have a right to co-habit and basis of that there may be certain incidents of that cohabitation like bank accounts and insurance policies.

SG Mehta submitted before the Supreme Court that the government is positive about the concerns raised by the top court for giving some social benefits to same-sex couples. He further said that this would need coordination between more than one ministry.

In the last hearing on April 27, the Supreme Court asked the government to give a response on social benefits that can be given to same-sex couples even without legal recognition of their marital status.CJI DY Chandrachud has suggested that there are ministries dedicated to this purpose like social justice and empowerment such as Ministry for Women and Child Development. The court has asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to see if there can be separate legislation taken which would protect the rights of same-sex couples.

LGBTQ members shouldn’t be stigmatised but be assimilated with society, petitioner argues before SC

April 18, 2023, 7:56 pm

On Tuesday, a petitioner argued before the Supreme Court that the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) community should not be stigmatized, but rather integrated into society through marriage equality.

The court stated during the hearing that the current matter would be limited to the Special Marriage Act and would not interfere with personal laws. Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for one of the petitioners, stated that members of the LGBTQ+ community should not be stigmatized and should be integrated into society. According to the lawyer, assimilation of LGBTQ+ members will occur only after the state accepts same-sex marriage.

A five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and comprised of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli, and P.S. Narasimha, was hearing a batch of petitions pertaining to’marriage equality rights for LGBTQAI+ community’.
Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General (SG), stated that Hindus and Muslims will be affected, and that states should be heard when deciding the issue.

According to SG Mehta, the legislative intent has always been that marriage is between a biological man and a biological woman.

As mass shooting at LGBTQ nightclub in US, 5 killed, 18 injured

November 20, 2022, 6:14 pm

In yet another mass shooting in the US, at least five people were murdered and up to 18 were injured, according to police. On Saturday night, the event took place at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, which is a city at the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains.

At a press briefing, Colorado Springs lieutenant Pamela Castro said that a suspect was taken into custody and was being treated for injuries after the attack at Club Q.

Sharing more details about the incident, Castro said that they received the initial call about the incident just before midnight.

The nightclub took to Twitter on Sunday and said that it is “devastated by the senseless attack” on their community. “Our prays and thoughts are with all the victims and their families and friends. We thank the quick reactions of heroic customers that subdued the gunman and ended this hate attack,” the statement added.

In a Google listing, Club Q promotes itself as a “adult-oriented gay and lesbian nightclub” that hosts events like drag performances, DJs, and karaoke.