Nepal Census Recognizes `Third Gender`
CNN, 5/31/2011
When census gatherers went door-to-door visiting 5.6 million households across Nepal this month, they collected information not only on the country`s men and women, but also on a so-called third gender. In what is believed to be a world first, Nepal`s Central Bureau of Statistics is giving official recognition to gay and transgender people -- a move seen as major victory for equality in a country that only decriminalized homosexual relationships three years ago.
Sex Education: Taking the Right Approach
Bangkok Post, Thailand, 5/31/2011
Generations of parents have come to know the awkward experience of having their young child ask: Where do babies come from? After all, talking to one`s offspring about anything related to sex is still somewhat taboo, especially in many Asian cultures. But youngsters are going to learn about sex eventually, so it`s important for their parents to seize the opportunity to give them the right kind of sex education. Much of a parent`s discomfort comes from equating the ‘sex’ in ‘sex education’ with sexual intercourse, which in reality is a very minor part of what kids need to be taught. Sex education - or sexuality education to be more precise - should cover a range of gender-related issues, from why children are born male or female to understanding the so-called third gender.
‘Baby Gender Tool’ Ad Causes Anger in UP
The Times of India - Lucknow, India, 5/30/2011
Publication of advertisements offering child sex selection tools to prospective parents continues in UP despite a ban under Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex selection) Act. The said advertisement issued by a Haryana based private company promises to deliver a `baby gender tool` and an `e-book` at your doorstep for Rs 3200 and claims that by using it, the couple can decide the gender of the baby as per their wishes. Doctors, however, rubbished such claims and said that there is no scientifically proven method, other than in-vitro fertilisation, which could determine the sex of the baby before conception.
Gay Sex Became Legal in India Two Years Ago, But Attitudes Change Slowly
The Guardian - Hyderabad, India, 5/30/2011
For most gay men in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, the law change has made little obvious difference, but they do seem to be louder and prouder. ‘There is no change,’ says Satish, an outreach worker at a drop-in centre for men who have sex with men in Secunderabad, Hyderabad`s twin city. ‘Same harassment by police, same harassment by society, same harassment by goondas [thugs].’ ‘It`s like this,’ another chips in. ‘Section 377’ – ‘only high level people who are going on websites and reading the paper know about that. Not the medium-class people, not the lower class.’
Former Thai Minister of Health Airs Support for RH Measure
Manila Bulletin - Manila, Philippines, 5/30/2011
Mechai Viravaidya, the renowned fighter for family planning and safe sex, rallied behind the pro-RH groups and highlighted the importance of family planning in the fight against HIV/AIDS and poverty in any country. The former Thai health minister, who spearheaded an aggressive campaign to promote the use of condoms that reduced the spread of HIV in Thailand, emphasized that a condom is a ‘lifesaver’ and a ‘weapon of mass protection.’
Now, Sperm Quality Test in Two Ticks
Daily Bhaskar - Mumbai, India, 5/30/2011
Soon, Indian doctors will be able to assess sperm quality within an hour at nominal charges. NIRRH has developed a test called Resazurin Reduction Test (RRT). ‘The RRT results are determined visually using a colour chart, ranging from blue to pink depending on the motility, quality and quantity of sperm in the semen sample,’ said Dr KVR Reddy, deputy director, NIRRH. Dr Amit Patki of Regenesis, infertility clinic in Worli, said, ‘If such a test is available, then it is good because results are available in an hour. Also in the future, people who are shy to go to hospitals for a fertility test can do it at home. It is a great development by NIRRH.’
Workshop Calls for More Fertility Aid
The Korea Herald, Korea, 5/29/2011
International experts on official development aid gathered in Seoul to discuss the importance of focusing aid on reproductive health in developing countries. Investment in reproductive health, which includes family planning, is one of the most effective ways to address a broad range of development needs, said Suzanna Dennis, research associate of Population Action International, in a workshop hosted by the Planned Population Federation of Korea, The workshop was held in preparation for the Fourth High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness which will open in Busan later this year. The event is expected to draw about 2,000 participants from all over the world as part of efforts to provide effective aid to recipient countries.
Call to Secure Women’s Reproductive Health
Daily Times - Karachi, Pakistan, 5/29/2011
Women health experts at a seminar stressed the need to safeguard the reproductive health of women along with unique nutritious needs of growing girls and urged the government to take concrete actions in this regard. The seminar was organised in connection with the International Day of Action for Women’s Health by Aga Khan University (AKU). The experts were of the view that through education and by raising awareness, the menace of lack of women empowerment could be brought to an end.
Indonesia`s Transgender Community Facing Test of Faith
Jakarta Globe - Jakarta, Indonesia, 5/28/2011
For Indonesian transgenders, practicing religion in public is not an easy thing, but that doesn’t stop some from trying. Mariyani, a 50-year-old transgender hairdresser, said during a discussion on homosexuality and religion that transgender people, just like other people, wish to be able to practice their religion openly. Mohamad Guntur Romli, a prominent liberal Muslim intellectual and a graduate of Egypt’s Al Azhar University, said on Thursday that the root cause of suspicion of homosexuals in Indonesia is ignorance. ‘The lack of knowledge about rights and health issues related to homosexuality has created hatred within society,’ Guntur said.
LGBT Film Festival Kick Starts Second Edition in Mumbai
Daily News and Analysis - Mumbai, India, 5/26/2011
India’s first mainstream LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) film festival just kick-started its second edition in the city yesterday. Kashish - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2011- is screening 125 films, from across 22 countries, from May 25-29, at Alliance Francaise and a city multiplex. While Bollywood has stood up in support of the fest, filmmakers across the world are also descending here to show solidarity. Festival director Sridhar Rangayan pointed out that Kashish has come to be associated with India’s Pride movement after the Delhi High Court’s landmark verdict on Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.
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