Seattle hosts World Cup Pride Match despite objections

 

Seattle's LGBTQ community members say they hope that World Cup "Pride Match" between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, can be an opportunity to change minds.

Seattle revels in its reputation as a welcoming place and Pride flags are ‌visible all over the city, all year round. Its June Pride weekend is one of the biggest in the United States.

So, ahead of December's World ‌Cup draw, it was only natural that local organisers designated the June 26 match to be held in the city as a "Pride Match."

Then the draw happened — and the two teams scheduled to play the game were ​Egypt and Iran.

Egypt urged global soccer governing body FIFA to prevent any Pride-related activities. And Iran, where same-sex relations can carry the death penalty, filed an objection with FIFA.

But in Seattle, there is no question that the Pride Match will go ahead as planned. 

Supreme Court of Nepal rules in favour of marriage equality

 

Nepal’s Supreme Court has ruled in favour of equal marriage in a huge win for LGBTQ+ rights. The court ordered the country’s government to ensure equal marriage rights for queer and trans people. 

This landmark ruling marks a historic milestone for equality, dignity, and human rights in Nepal, while providing crucial legal clarity and protection for the rights of same-sex couples.

The verdict confirms that gender and sexual minority couples are entitled to equal protection of the law and reinforces Nepal’s commitment to inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination

The ruling makes Nepal the 40th country worldwide to legally recognise equal marriage.

Worldwide laws regarding same-sex intercourse, unions and expression

Iranian singer sentenced to 74 lashes for performing without a hijab

Iranian authorities have sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi to a punishment of 74 lashes for performing in a YouTube video that has racked up 2.9 million views over the last two years. 

Ahmadi sang the well-known patriotic song From The Blood Of The Youth to an empty theater space in 2024 with the help of eight musicians and crew. 

They have also been sentenced to flogging, a travel ban, and a prohibition on any "artistic activities" for the next two years. 

Ahmadi was accused of "offending public decency" after she performed without a hijab, the head covering mandated by Iranian morality police.

What a shame mr. Trump!

 

Homosexuality now criminalized in Niger

 

Niger adopted a new Penal Code which criminalizes for the first time same-sex relations, but also certain "intersex" and "asexual" practices.

Until now, homosexuality was not enshrined in Nigerien law. It remained largely taboo in a predominantly Muslim and conservative society, without, however, being the subject of a specific criminal offense.

The new law stipulates prison sentences of 5 to 10 years for anyone found guilty of "indecent or unnatural acts" or same-sex relations. Penalties are increased in several cases. Same-sex marriage is now punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison. 

The same sentence applies to anyone who "manages, directs, finances, or participates" in organizations, associations, or structures related to LGBTQ+ people.

The text also targets, in its own words, "LGBTQ+ practices" , explicitly including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual people.

This reform is part of the institutional overhaul process initiated after the military coup of July 26, 2023, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Now, Niger’s military government has joined several African nations that criminalize same-sex relations.

Trump’s ban of US trans troops found to be illegal

 

Transgender troops are permitted to stay in the U.S. military, an appeals court ruled on 1 June, however the military may continue to block enlistment.

The ruling was a split decision, and it’s reportedly expected to be challenged by Donald Trump’s government and will likely end up in the supreme court.

The decision goes against Trump’s January 2025 ban order which said trans military members must be removed from service.

Trump consulted with “generals and military experts” on the sweeping policy, he said: “Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail”, he tweeted.

Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of defence, has already indicated the decision will be appealed. He wrote on X: “See you at SCOTUS.”

See you then!

65 countries still criminalize same-sex relationships

 

According to the most recent data from the ILGA World Database, 65 UN member states still criminalize consensual same-sex sexual acts.

Furthermore, in 2025 the total number increased for the first time in almost a decade, a particularly alarming sign in an international context marked by the rise of reactionary rhetoric and anti-LGBTQ policies.

The organization also warns that the death penalty remains a legally prescribed punishment for consensual same-sex sexual acts in 7 UN member states, while in another 5 countries there is no full legal certainty.

The global comparison leads to a clear conclusion: rights do not advance linearly. In some territories, laws promoting equality, legal recognition of gender identity, or marriage equality are being passed, while in others, criminalization, censorship, or institutional persecution are being reinforced.

ILGA World's new maps allow you to see the situation in each country and compare it with the rest of the world, offering a key tool for understanding how laws affect the daily lives of LGBTQ people.

Check ILGA World's maps here.

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!!