Zat Astha’s Post

Issue 8 is live! This is a really important one to me, especially in the face of so many corporations capitalizing off of Pride without doing anything meaningful to support queer causes (and in many cases actively undermining them). Click to learn what graphic design and protest have to do with each other and so much more! https://lnkd.in/eAHghKnN

Performative Activism: A Tale of Selective Solidarity In recent weeks, the global community has been confronted with a stark reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQI+ communities in Africa. Two Nigerian organizations advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals found themselves under attack from both homophobic factions within Nigeria and state actors. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a deafening silence emanated from civil society organizations (CSOs) within the country. The irony, however, lies in the contrast presented by these same organizations when it comes to similar issues in neighboring nations. While they remained conspicuously silent on the persecution faced by their counterparts at home, they were quick to assume the role of frontline defenders in the face of anti-LGBTIQ laws in Ghana. This dissonance highlights a troubling phenomenon - performative activism. Performative activism is characterized by actions or statements that are more about appearing to be an ally rather than genuinely supporting a cause. In the case of Nigeria, it seems that certain CSOs have fallen into this trap, where their advocacy for LGBTQI+ rights is contingent upon factors such as political convenience or international visibility. The silence of Nigerian CSOs in the face of attacks on LGBTQI+ organizations within their own borders speaks volumes about the depth of their commitment to the cause. It raises questions about whether their support for LGBTQI+ rights is rooted in genuine solidarity or merely a means to garner praise or funding from international donors. Moreover, the stark contrast in their response to similar issues in Ghana exposes the inconsistency and hypocrisy inherent in their approach. While they champion the cause of LGBTQI+ rights abroad, they turn a blind eye to the very same injustices unfolding within their own communities. In light of these troubling developments, it is imperative for us to reaffirm our solidarity with our queer siblings in Nigeria who continue to face persecution and discrimination. We must amplify their voices and demand accountability from both the government and civil society organizations. True allyship requires unwavering support, especially in the face of adversity. Furthermore, we extend our solidarity to LGBTQI+ individuals in Ghana who are courageously resisting oppressive laws and societal norms. Their struggle is not isolated but interconnected with the broader fight for equality and justice across the African continent. As we navigate the complexities of activism and allyship, let us remember that solidarity is not selective. It transcends borders and requires a commitment to standing with marginalized communities wherever they may be. Only through genuine solidarity and collective action can we hope to create a world where all individuals are free to live authentically and without fear of persecution. Yours-In-Solidarity

It’s Pride Month! At Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism, we join the celebration and take immense pride in our 25+ year history supporting grassroots LGBTQIA+ activists protecting communities while building lasting, thriving movements for justice, equity, and liberation. As we raise our voices for LGBTQIA+ equity, it is critical to also acknowledge that despite immense progress, our struggle is far from over. Through our work and partnerships in the Middle East, Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Turkey, Central Asia, Russia, Canada, and the United States, we see that the challenges that LGBTQIA+ activists face are numerous and dependent on context. LGBTQIA+ activists are confronting challenges that directly threaten the safety, rights, and well-being of communities like: ⚫️ Shifting political landscapes rolling back legal protections for LGBTQIA+ people ⚫️ Gender-based violence and discrimination targeting LGBTQIA+ individuals ⚫️ LGBTQIA+ refugees being forcibly displaced due to persecution and discrimination ⚫️ Wars and conflicts putting LGBTQIA+ civilians in heightened danger ⚫️ Rising tides of anti-LGBTQIA+ hate fueling violence, employment discrimination, and public harassment Stay tuned throughout Pride month as we discuss the resilient and creative work of LGBTQIA+ activists fighting for liberation and how we are providing essential rapid response grants to resource their activism. Photo Credit: Mercedes Mehling

As we celebrate Pride this year, it’s important to appreciate the history of Pride, how it started & how the community has stood up against discrimination & inequality through the years. So, what really sparked the idea of Pride Month? To answer this question, let's revisit the Stonewall Riots of 1969. In the 1960s, homosexuality was illegal in all major American cities, but the community used to gather & socialise in underground gay bars & clubs across the country. Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York was one such bar. Police interference & raids were common across these bars. In the early hours of 28th June 1969, 9 policemen raided Stonewall Inn, arresting employees for selling liquor without a license while also arresting anyone not wearing at least “three articles of gender-appropriate clothing”. It's fascinating to note what the people did. This was the 3rd time Greenwich Village was raided in a short span of time. Usually the people used to disperse for safety, but this time the angry mob stayed on & started resisting the police. The uprising involved activists like Martha P. Johnson who played an important role. Neighbouring residents also joined the resistance & over 400 people continued to riot near Stonewall Inn. The riot went on for 5 days. Protests against such discrimination had occurred before too, but the Stonewall Riots saw people forming a united front against the police. The Stonewall Riots marked an important shift - from trying to somehow assimilate in society, to now asserting their identity on the streets & challenging the control & domination they’ve been subjected to for so long. Ever since the riots happened, the uprisings for the cause of LGBTQ+ activism increased & people in many places took to the streets. A year later, in 1970, New York’s first Pride March was held to commemorate the Stonewall uprising. Since then, pride marches have been organised each June. So, what is Pride today? While it’s important to celebrate the progress made in terms of legislation & societal attitudes, it’s also vital to remember that Pride is more than just a party. Pride parades are organised to honour the Stonewall riots, & there’s still a long way to go for us, both legally & socially. Only 18% of the countries have legalised same sex marriage. Same-sex married couples in many countries also don't share all of the same rights & benefits as different-sex married couples, such as the right to adoption. So, the fight for equality shouldn’t stop! (Image source: Human Rights Campaign) #lgbtq #pride #DEI #iimk #iimkozhikode #iim

Please show the trans people in your life some love and support! Sunak's latest statement is objectively wrong and far from 'common sense'. Trans women are WOMEN, trans men are MEN. It's as simple as that. The Conservative's obsession with trans people is just a fear mongering tactic to steer attention away from their failures as a Government. The trans community is just the latest minority group to be targeted, and it is fueling a dangerous level of violence against an already vulnerable group. As a trans person, I'm scared for mine and my community's future. I'm scared of how this hate will further impact our safety in healthcare environments; how policy changes and general transphobia will impact our ability to access essential services and support. I'm scared about how employment now depends on if a hiring manager agrees with the Prime Minister. And that trans people will not be protected in the work place. I'm scared that my friends and my community will be forced to hide who we are. Or that cisgendered allies will be persecuted for just 'looking trans'. I'm scared about how trans youth are being taught to hate themselves before they even realise who they are. Or, that they're not allowed to feel safe enough to share that part of them. This fear and hate is nothing new. But the ongoing attacks by the Government are intensifying violence and discrimination. So, reach out to the trans people in your life. Show them love and support, in private and in public. Stand with us.

Pinkwashing is when companies show superficial support for LGBTI rights to gain favor or distract from unethical practices. This is a betrayal to the queer community. Here’s why: 1. Tokenism: Companies often use rainbow logos without real action, reducing queer identities to mere symbols. 2. Exploitation: Businesses profit from the LGBTI community without investing in real support or advocacy. 3. Distraction: Pinkwashing masks unethical practices, presenting a false image of progressiveness. The negative impact includes: - Eroded trust: Superficial gestures make it hard to identify genuine allies. - Stifled progress: Pinkwashing creates complacency, hindering real changes. - Perpetuated inequality: Focus on marketing over grassroots efforts leaves marginalized groups behind. To combat pinkwashing, companies should: - Enforce anti-discrimination policies and support LGBTI employees. - Support LGBTI organizations and causes. - Push for LGBTI rights at all levels and hold companies accountable. - Share progress and areas for improvement honestly. Reject pinkwashing. Advocate for true inclusivity and meaningful change.

'A year of hate' series: France 🇫🇷 In our final report, we examine the actors, tactics and narratives driving anti-drag activism in France and find they’ve been following a concerning international trend towards in-person mobilisation. As drag became more mainstream in 2022-2023 following the success of Ru Paul France, French anti-drag mobilisation also began escalating from online discourse to in-person protests, as seen in other countries such as the US and the UK. In one incident, a Drag Queen Story Hour at a local library in Toulouse, France, was cancelled after a social media campaign led to a petition/street protests. The city's mayor ended up requesting the event be limited to adults, prompting its cancellation. Similar to other countries ISD analysed, COVID-19 conspiracists in France have largely pivoted to focus on anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. Unfounded claims that drag artists are ‘grooming’ children were also found in French discourse. In addition to physical protests, anti-drag actors have engaged in potentially coordinated petitioning, mirroring previous action by Eric Zemmour’s Reconquête party during the 2022 elections. Anti-drag activity should be understood in light of increased hate and violence against the LGBTQ+ community in France, and as a useful lens through which to understand the broader dynamics driving general anti-LGBTQ+ hate. Our 4-part series on international anti-drag mobilisation is now live on our website. In addition to France, we also studied the targeting of performers in LGBTQ+ communities in the US, UK and Australia. More below. https://lnkd.in/dkHTYw7k