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It's Pride month, which is a perfect moment to ask ourselves: what exactly are we proud of?

As countries, and cities across Europe and the world prepare to celebrate Pride this weekend, and with U.S. Pride weekend behind us, it's time we all take a long and perhaps slightly difficult look at what we should be proud of, and what we should be, a little less proud of.

We are proud of brave people marching on the streets to celebrate their right to exist. Their right to love whoever they wish to love, and their right to be equal on every level, and under no exception, less. We are proud of politicians publically speaking about their other than heteronormative sexuality, and policymakers fighting to uphold any progress in LGBTQ+ rights that are being challenged. We are proud of those who continue to stand up to what's right, even under the most oppressive of regimes and governments.

We are not proud of corporate adaptation of the queer flag for capitalist purposes, and even less proud of 'queer washing' their agenda while not upholding any real change behind the consumer-facing scenes.

This Pride month, we must celebrate the progress while also taking a critical look at the current state of LGBTQ+ rights across the world, and reminding ourselves that everyone should be able to love whoever they love, and be whoever they want to be. Until this is done, we have a long way to go.

Welcome to FairPlanet's weekly roundup. It's Pride month and that's exactly what we'll be discussing. Read. Debate: Engage.

The good

Same-Sex marriage is now recognised and legal in 30 countries

According to the Pew Research Centre, 30 countries out of the 195 countries worldwide, have made same-sex marriage constitutionally legal. While this is indeed a fraction of the total number of countries around the world, thus meaning that millions of people are still living in a country that does not recognise their right to marriage, it is a monumental positive developed if looked at closer.

The Netherlands was the first ever country to pass a bill that acknowledges same-sex marriage under the law. This was in 2000, merely 19 years ago. Since then, 29 countries followed, with the majority of them in South America, North America, Europe and Australia.

The way to 195 countries is a long one, but this Pride, let's celebrate some of the progress. Progress that has touched the lives of millions.

map-of-countries-where-same-sex-marriage-is-legal
Countries Where Same-Sex Marriage is Legal
The bad

Pride has been co-opted by pretT. And disingenuous politicians. And fast fashion too.

As NYC celebrated 50 years since the iconic and historic Stonewall riots, which set in motion foundational ground for the queer rights movement, a new and perhaps more radical celebration took place alongside. Run by the NGO the Reclaim Pride Coalition, the Queer Liberation march took to the streets of the city on June 28th in celebration of Pride but in opposition of the corporate adaptation of what pride and LGBTQ+ rights mean.

The idea behind the march is simple. If you do not uphold the tightest and most vigilant LGBTQ+ rights within your company, party or policies, then you should not have a place in the march. No JP Morgan, no Prett. Unless you are truly contributing to the progress of LGBTQ+ rights that is.

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Join the Queer Liberation march and rally in New York City!

by Yair Oded

Join the NYC Queer Liberation March in solidarity with the LGBTQ community. No corporate donations or police presence allowed!
In the meantime
India_LGBTQ

India's first HIV treatment centre and clinic for the LGBTQ

by Shuriah Niazi

Every year, a large number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in India experience harassment, threats of violence, unemployment, intolerance, prejudice, penury and lack of healthcare facilities due to their sexual orientation.
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Do not look away. Reflect: The Queer Genocide in Chechnya

by Lyosha Gorshkov

Exiled Russian professor and Co-President of RUSA LGBT Lyosha Gorshkov reveals the harsh truth about the queer purge in Chechnya and offers ways to help.
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Lori Lightfoot

Who is Chicago’s first queer black female mayor?

by Yair Oded

Chicago made history by electing its first queer black female mayor. Yet her track record on police brutality is alarming to many young activists.
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Brunei passes new laws that violate human rights

by Yair Oded

Despite growing international pressure, the Southeast Asian sultanate of Brunei invoked a new set of laws authorising the government to stone to death any person convicted of engaging in homosexual sex or adultery.
Country focus
Brunei
BRUNEI

Officially titled Nation of Brunei, The Abode of Peace, or simply Brunei, is a small country situated on the Northern coast of the Island Borneo in Southeast Asia. With a population of just over 400,000 citizens and a geographical span of 2,226 square miles, Brunei is one of the world's smallest countries.

Brunei is known for the high standard of living within its nation, with a rich economy that thrives on its oil and natural gas. However, despite this seeming economical abundance, the country is ruled by its royal family, the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who dominate the media and recently made global headlines for passing a bill that sees homosexuality treated with stoning to death. This came after the Muslim-minority country adopted Sharia law in 2014.

Brunei was a British protectorate since 1888 and gained independence in 1984, after choosing to be autonomous from Malaysia.