'Lower the temperature': Stonewall chair calls for end to 'megaphone diplomacy' around trans rights debate

6 Great Ways to Celebrate Pride Month

6 Great Ways , to Celebrate Pride Month. 1. , Get out to a parade or event in your area. Pride is happening this month in cities all over the world. Check out local events guides to see when and where you can join others to celebrate. 2. , Get educated. Celebrating Pride in June goes back to the 1969 Stonewall Riots in NYC, which spawned the gay rights movement. Celebrating Pride in June goes back to the 1969 Stonewall Riots in NYC, which spawned the gay rights movement. 3. , Support LGBTQ+ artists and culture. Cities of all sizes have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities. Your purchase power goes a long way to supporting local artists that are a part of these communities. 4. , Take stock of your own company's LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Beginning a dialogue with LGBTQ+ co-workers is great way to understand how to maintain an inclusive work culture. 5. , Donate or volunteer to local LGBTQ+ organizations. Local LGBTQ+ organizations often do important work with homeless and trans youth, as well as moving the equality needle in your community. 6. , Become an advocate or ally. Sometimes the best support is simply a welcoming heart and an open mind.

Pope Francis Uses Offensive Slur for Gay Men

Pope Francis Uses Offensive Slur , for Gay Men. Last week, the pope used a derogatory term to refer to gay men in a closed-door meeting with bishops, two sources tell NBC News. They were reportedly debating the issue of allowing gay men to train in seminaries to become priests. That's when Francis used the offensive Italian term to express his opposition to the idea. His comments left many shocked, considering his previous statements depicting a more welcoming nature toward the LGBTQ+ community. . On May 28, the Vatican apologized "to those who were offended.". The church said Francis was "aware of articles that recently came out about a conversation, behind closed doors, with the bishops.". As he has had the opportunity to state on several occasions, 'In the Church there is room for everyone, for everyone! No one is useless, no one is superfluous, there is room for everyone. Just as we are, everyone.', Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, via statement. The pope never intended to offend or express himself in homophobic terms, and he extends his apologies to those who were offended by the use of a term, reported by others, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni, via statement. 'Corriere della Sera,' an Italian newspaper, quoted several sources who suggest that the pope may not have understood just how offensive the term is. Since he's a nonnative Italian speaker, the comment was likely "a gaffe on the part of the pope, rather than a slur," according to reporter Gerry O'Connell

EU denounces Iraqi law threatening LGBTQ+ community with prison

The law imposes 10 to 15-year prison sentences for same-sex relationships and lesser penalties for gender-transition procedures or advocacy for certain organisations.