by Elise
The Hungarian Supreme Court ruled that President Orban’s law banning public displays of homosexuality on the basis of protecting children is unlawful. That victory, for Hungary’s LGBTQ+ community, may affect other European Union (EU) countries, especially in Eastern Europe, who have anti-LGBTQ+ laws on their books. In the EU, LGBTQ+ people’s rights are protected by law in all EU countries; yet Hungary bans inclusive sex education and LGBTQ+ people from adopting and restricts media content. While the ban was still in place, 70 members of the European Parliament vowed to attend Budapest Pride, which the LGBTQ+ community was going to hold even it was illegal. But, with the recent court victory, Budapest Pride can and will go forward legally on June 28.
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June is Pride month in the U.S. and in Colorado the second week in June is known as Black Pride Colorado. Dr. Tara Jae of Youth Seen, a provider of counselling, trainings, education, support groups and safe space for Queer youth and their families, says that acknowledging the history, struggles and accomplishments of Black LGBTQ+ people is especially important in today’s world and specifically during Trump’s administration. For the five years of Black Pride’s existence, Black Pride Colorado ensured it continued to be a safe, social, welcoming space for everyone. Despite the absence of government grants this year, local LGBTQ+ businesses, ally establishments and organizations contributed so Black Pride could go forward and include Gospel brunches, galas and drag performances.
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“Diana,” a 25-year-old Trans woman, had acid thrown on her by three teenagers as she was on her way to the Philadelphia Pride celebrations on June 1. Security footage caught the three throwing acid and running away. Diana has second and third degree burns and post-traumatic stress disorder. A couple who witnessed the crime took her into their home and helped her. While the police have not determined the attack was a hate crime, over $70,000 of a $81,000 goal, has already been raised to help Diana with her medical expenses.
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Kashish Pride Film Festival in Mumbai, India, is South Asia’s largest. This year Kashish deliberately welcomed and featured Trans and non-binary filmmakers and films. Founded in 2010 by a small group of people, including filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan, Kashish shows films on the big screen to help people become aware that the hopes, fears, challenges and accomplishments of LGBTQ+ people are in many ways like everyone else’s. Intersectionality of LGBTQ+ people with race, class, faith and special abilities are explored in the films as well.