Fridae

An UN report warns that some Asian countries are on the brink of potentially explosive epidemics and the region will probably overtake Africa as the most heavily affected area of the world unless firm action is taken quickly.

Police have been ordered to close down Internet cafes frequented by gays as well as threatening to jail women who behave in an 'un-Islamic' manner, ie show their hair, wear make-up.

Philippine gay rights groups are asking Congress to consider three bills that would provide anti-discrimination protections as well as to protest a fourth bill that would deny marriage rights to transgender people.

A South African court has ordered changes to the law to allow gay and lesbian couples to adopt children while in Nigeria, an Islamic court has sentenced a man to death by stoning.

Gays and lesbians in Finland can now register as couples and obtain some but not all the rights accorded to married heterosexual couples.

Canadian researchers have shown that an experimental heat-activated microbicide gel can act as a physical barrier to HIV and herpes infection.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has released an updated and expanded pocket resource guide to coming out.

According to Soulforce, an advocacy group that protests against anti-gay religious teaching, the controversial anti-gay comments made by Rev Jerry Falwell may just advance the gay cause.

Participants of the Sydney 2002 Gay Games are advised to not to register or pay any fees to individuals claiming to represent the organisers.

Contrary to press reports, the Pentagon has not repealed or suspended 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Pursue, Don't Harass'. Gay and lesbian personnel advised to operate with caution.