Friday, November 23, 2007

Thanksgiving Cheer

Hi all,

Hope your having a nice Thanksgiving Holiday. I just completed my course on musculoskeletal physical therapy and can finally relax and have a nice holiday with the family. Sorry for neglecting this blog. I'm headed back for more desert and snuggling up for a movie with the honey. But not to leave you empty-handed I found this gem of a story on line....worthy of sharing.

David L. Wylie shares his story titled "My First Gay Thanksgiving: Trading Indians & Pilgrims for Drag Queens & Lesbians". Check it out, it really is touching. http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/view_press_release.php?rID=36501


Happy Thanksgiving,

Island Dyke

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

UN panel talks international GLBT discrimination issues


Last month the United Nations hosted a panel discussion to explore GLBT issues of discrimination. The event was co-sponsored by Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. The event was scheduled to discuss the Yogyakarta Principles. (Grew, 2007)

I have been busy the past month, surviving personal and family illnesses and amongst a pile of doctoral studies that I have not kept up on the latest GLBT news. I have to admit I had not heard of the Yogyakarta Principles. Please take some time to follow the link in the references and read them. These individuals from 29 different countries are real heroes for human rights in my book.


"Q. What are the Yogyakarta Principles? The Yogyakarta Principles are a set of principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Principles affirm binding international legal standards with which all States must comply. They promise a different future where all people born free and equal in dignity and rights can fulfil that precious birthright." (PRINCIPLES, 2007)

Island Dyke

Reference:

Grew, T. (2007) United Nations hosts LGBT rights panel. pinknews.co.uk. Retrieved on November 7, 2007 from http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-5987.html.

PRINCIPLES (2007) WWW The Yogyakarta Principles: The Application of International Human Rights Law in relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Retrieved on November 7, 2007 from http://www.yogyakartaprinciples.org/principles_en.htm.