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Telegraph
4 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Thousands defy Orban to march in Budapest Pride
Tens of thousands of people attended Budapest's Pride march on Saturday, defying a government ban that marked an unprecedented regression of LGBTQ+ rights in the European Union. Earlier this year, Viktor Orban's ruling coalition amended laws and the constitution to prohibit the annual celebration, justifying his years-long clampdown on LGBTQ+ rights on 'child protection' grounds. Hungarian police formally announced the Pride march ban last week but supporters from Hungary and dozens of other countries resisted and turned up in their thousands. Akos Horvath, an 18-year-old student from a city in southern Hungary, told AFP it was 'of symbolic importance to come', saying: 'It's not just about representing gay people, but about standing up for the rights of the Hungarian people.' Pictures from Budapest showed police officers looking on as rainbow-clad marchers passed by. Mr Orban said Friday that while police would not 'break up' the Pride march, those who took part should be aware of 'legal consequences'. His government warned that anyone attending the march faced fines of about £426 and a criminal record, while organisers were threatened with up to a year in prison. In the run-up to the event, cameras were installed on lamp posts along the planned route. The law permits the use of facial recognition cameras to identify people who attend. Gergely Karacsony, Budapest's liberal mayor, insisted that no attendee could face any reprisals because the march, co-organised by the city hall, was a municipal event and did not require police approval. In an interview, Mr Karacsony said the capital city would stand united, adding: 'The strength and greatness of Budapest lie in its diversity. As Pope Francis once said about the city, unity in Budapest does not mean uniformity, but uniqueness. 'This is the essence of being a Budapester, this is the city's DNA – unity in diversity.' Ministers from several EU countries, and dozens of European lawmakers, also said they would attend in defiance of the ban, reminiscent of those imposed in Moscow in 2006 and Istanbul in 2015. Thirty-three countries also spoke up in support. 'We're not just standing up for ourselves... If this law isn't overturned, eastern Europe could face a wave of similar measures,' Viktoria Radvanyi, a Pride organiser, said. Right-wing groups also said they would be present, organising multiple counter-protests along the planned route of the procession. A woman who gave only her first name, Katalin, told AFP she agreed with the ban though she hoped there would be no clashes. 'Disgusting... it's become a fad to show off ourselves,' she said. The Hungarian prime minister's crackdown on rights has also seen LGBTQ+ people banned from featuring in school educational materials or TV shows for the under-18s. Legal changes have also effectively barred same-sex couples from adopting children and prevented transgender people from changing their name or gender in official documents. Opponents see the restrictions as part of a wider crackdown on democratic freedoms ahead of a general election next year when Mr Orban will face a strong opposition challenger.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
A father's hug goes a long way: Organization Free Mom Hugs offers comfort, support during Pride Month
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For many celebrating Pride Month, a simple hug can hold profound meaning, especially when it comes from someone filling the gap left by family rejection. That's the mission behind Free Mom Hugs. This national nonprofit offers unconditional love and support to LGBTQ+ individuals by acting as surrogates for members of the community rejected by their parents. Organizers push Little Rock's SoMa Pride parade back due to weather While the organization's name spotlights mothers, it's also drawing in dads like Peter Gess, a Little Rock volunteer who's become a steady presence alongside his wife at local Pride events. 'It has the name Free Mom Hugs, and that's super important,' Gess said. 'But especially for young members of the LGBTQ community, they may be more likely estranged from their father, and sometimes looking to see support from male figures.' Gess recalled one moment that's stayed with him: at an early event, a young man looked into the tent and said, 'These mom hugs are great, but I really want a hug from a father.' 'I don't know what we did to incur this wrath,' Transgender Arkansans react to President Trump's gender policies It's moments like that fueling Gess's commitment to showing up, not to replace family, he said, but to stand in when someone needs love most. 'Everyone deserves love,' he said. 'We're not there to replace family; we're just there to help someone out when they might really need it.' Free Mom Hugs chapters around the country frequently appear at Pride parades and community events, offering hugs, holding signs, and providing a safe space for those who may not feel accepted at home. For volunteers like Gess, the experience is as meaningful for them as it is for those they support. 'I think it's helped me appreciate my relationship with my father and my children even more,' he said. 'It's helped me see just how important fathers are in the world.' This June, Community Bakery in Little Rock is hosting a fundraiser for the organization, with proceeds supporting local events and outreach. Pope Francis reached out to migrants and the LGBTQ+ community, but also drew unusual opposition The group is also seeking new volunteers, especially parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, who want to be a loving presence for someone who may not have one. 'The family connection is super important for all kinds of people,' Gess said. 'When that goes missing, even for a short period, it can be really hard. If I can help even for a brief moment, that's a wonderful connection.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
More than half of workers say their company lacks an LGBTQ+ resource group
This story was originally published on HR Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily HR Dive newsletter. About 57% of workers say their company doesn't have an LGBTQ+ employee resource group or equivalent support group, according to a new poll by Monster. 'Organizations can help foster an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ employees through resources, visibility, and open dialogue,' Monster said. In a May 2025 survey of 1,300 U.S. workers, 17% said they feel more comfortable discussing gender identity or sexual orientation, as compared to last year, while 42% feel less comfortable. Half of workers said their company's policies regarding protections for gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation have remained the same since the beginning of the current administration. Among workers who identify as LGBTQ+, 14% said they're open about their sexual orientation and gender identity with colleagues, compared to 45% of straight or cisgender employees. A quarter of workers said it's very important for workplaces to foster open discussion about LGBTQ+ identities and expression. Nearly half of workers, however, said they believe fostering open discussions about LGBTQ+ identities or expression is 'completely irrelevant' in the workplace. To increase LGBTQ+ comfort and belonging at work, Monster said companies can expand and communicate policy protections; only 2% of workers saying their company's policies regarding LGBTQ+ protections have expanded since the beginning of the current administration. During Pride month, HR professionals should consider several steps to promote belonging while mitigating legal risks, management-side law firms wrote in recent weeks. Although cultural observances may not be a target for federal enforcement actions, this year may feel 'thornier' to navigate, Ogletree Deakins attorneys said in an analysis, noting that planning ahead and leading with inclusion can help. Despite federal efforts to end private-sector diversity, equity and inclusion programs, most employers intend to maintain their initiatives with few or no changes, according to an employer survey by law firm Littler Mendelson. At the same time, a growing number of employers reported concerns about the potential for DEI-related litigation. On the employee side, LGBTQ+ workers are reporting more discrimination and less happiness at work, according to a WorkL report. Similarly, they've experienced declining levels of empowerment, job satisfaction and pride in their work. Recommended Reading A court blocked an 'anti-woke' law in Florida. What does that mean for HR?
CBC
29-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Manitoba has your back, premier tells 2SLGBTQ+ community
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Thursday at an event in the legislature celebrating the launch of Pride Month that the government will support anyone facing anti-2SLGBTQ+ sentiment. The event included a drag show.
National Post
09-05-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Charles Barkley gives heated response in 'stupid' debate about transgender athletes
Charles Barkley is a man who never shies away from controversial topics, no matter which side he lands on. Article content Article content On Thursday, he weighed in on the hot-button topic of transgender athletes in sports, an issue that has caused heated debate over the past few years. Article content The basketball legend, who currently serves an NBA analyst, was very blunt with his take during an appearance on Meet Pat Spencer, the NBA's most unlikely player who went from lacrosse legend to the Leagueance on Outkick's Don't @ Me with Dan Dakich. Barkley called those who support transgender athletes being able to compete in women's sports 'stupid.' Article content 'I'm gonna make this very simple for you, Dan: Men should not play sports against women,' Barkley said. 'I'm not gonna get into all the bulls*** that's going on out here in the world today. Article content CHARLES BARKLEY: 'I do not under any circumstances, zero, think that men should play sports against women.' 'I'm done. I don't wanna hear you try to explain it to me.' COMMON SENSE IS MAKING A COMEBACK🔥👇🏼 — TONY™ (@TONYxTWO) May 9, 2025 Article content Barkley reiterated his support for the LGBTQ community, but said he won't back down in his stance regarding trans athletes' inclusion in competitive sports. Article content 'I support the gay community 100%. I support the transgender community 100%. But I do not, under any circumstances — zero — think that men should play sports against women,' he said. Article content Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning biological males from women's sports, threatening schools to either comply or face the loss of federal funds. Article content A day later, the NCAA changed its eligibility policies for transgender competitors. Article content Barkley, an NBA hall of famer, said that no amount of public pressure would get him to change his stance on the subject. Article content 'If anybody has a problem with that, they're gonna have to get over it because I'm not gonna change my (mind). I just think it's wrong, period,' he said. Article content 'If people disagree with me, I'm good with that. Hey, we disagree, I'm not mad at you, I don't hate you, I'm not going to call you names because that's just silly and stupid. Article content 'I'm never going to think it's alright for men to play sports against women.' Article content While the outspoken star has shared controversial opinions in the past, he didn't feel like this was one of them. Article content Article content 'I don't even think that's controversial,' he added. 'When you see these debates on TV … I'm done, I don't wanna hear you try to explain it to me. No, no, no, I don't wanna hear it. I'm not gonna argue with you. Men shouldn't play sports against women. I'm done.' Article content Dakich had broached the subject with Barkley by asking the 11-time all-star about unfounded reports that Nike had funded a study on transgender children in sports that looked at the effects of hormone therapy and puberty blockers on 'trans adolescents.' Article content Barkley said he was unaware of the reports but then said that he felt children should not be exposed to the life-altering drugs. Article content 'I don't even think anybody knows who they are as a young kid. So, I think we have to be very careful because you don't want to put kids in a disadvantageous situation, because, hey, when you get older, you can make your own decision,' he said. 'I think we have to be very careful screwing around with kids because they're not fully developed as a person.' Article content
