Queer thunder at the DNC
On the stage of the US Democratic National Convention, Human Rights Campaign’s president Chad Griffin laid into Republican Donald Trump for LGBT hypocrisy, and Sara McBride made history as the first trans person to speak at a convention. Some activists were disappointed, however, at failing to get a Q onto the end of the party’s LGBT platform. On the way to the convention, a trans delegate had her genitals examined by TSA agents who said they found a “groin anomaly” in her scans.
Tanzania bans lube in gay crackdown
The East African country of Tanzania has banned the import and sale of lube in an attempt to crack down on homosexuality. The country’s health minister said lube encouraged homosexuality, which is illegal in Tanzania, and that the policy will cut down on HIV infection.
US Navy to name ship after Harvey Milk
The US Secretary of the Navy says that a new fleet oiler will be called the USNS Harvey Milk, after the legendary gay rights activist. Milk himself served as a diver in the US Navy during the Korean War.
Bisexual conference opens in Amsterdam
The third annual European Bisexual Conference, or EruoBiCon, kicked off Friday in Amsterdam. The first day is dedicated to scientific research into bisexuality.
Read more at EuroBiCon’s website.
US FDA opens door on blood donation
The American Food and Drug Administration has signalled it may be open to considering new blood donation rules, asking for public comment on how to keep donations safe. At the moment, men who have sex with men are banned from donating unless they have been abstinent for a year.