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Good morning <<First Name>>,

Last week's brief is coming at you today! Difficult news the second time this month that fervent religious protesters blocked Pride in Korea. Earlier this month in Incheon, Korea 1,000 anti-LGBT protesters blocked the city's first pride parade (above) then last week, this video shows the crazy and dangerous moves made by religious protesters to stop Pride from continuing in Jeju.

Last Thursday evening as part of my China exchange - I held a discussion with LGBT activists and supporters at the US Consulate in Guangzhou in concert with the local LGBT Center. Fielding questions about OutRight's work - as well as the LGBT movement in the US - it was clear that the room was filled with people eager to learn and take action to advance equality in China. Although it's sensitive, this is one way the US can help - and I'm so glad to be the impetus to help convene the community.

Besides distributing condoms at a gay cruising area -- ironically in the shadow of the often rainbow-clad (as well as propaganda message-adorned) Canton Tower -- the work highlight of my China trip was the China AIDS Walk on the Great Wall (above). The best tourist moment was watching terracotta warriors be pieced back together in front of my eyes. I'm writing this morning post-Folsom in SF - but I'll be back in NYC on Tuesday. This weekend is the incredible OutFest in Philly all day on Sunday. Hope to see you then!

Last Tuesday, the new UN Sec-Gen made his first public statement in support of global LGBTI rights - and focused his comments on opposing violence against LGBTI people. Organized by OutRight and governments within the LGBTI Core Group at the UN - he made the statement at this year's high level discussion during the opening of the General Assembly. Newly installed High Commissioner for the Human Rights Council also spoke out at the event along with Ugandan activist Kasha Nabagesera.

World News

Romania's constitutional court ruled that LGBT couples deserve equal protections, including marriage rights - despite the referendum next weekend, which would attempt to restrict marriage to one man, one woman.

In an exciting win in US Congress, the Alderholt amendment, which attempted to provide "religious freedom" to welfare agencies placing children, was removed from an appropriations bill for Labor, Health & Human Services, Education and Defense -- ensuring that LGBT couples won't be discriminated against in adoptions (at least at the federal level).

The Texas Speaker of the House, who led the charge to stop this year's attempt at an anti-trans "Bathroom Bill" received an award for his efforts, but noted that the anti-trans Bathroom bill is not yet dead - with many people still supporting its passage.

Travel

Traveling to Columbus soon? Check out the Windy City's adventures there - plus a look at the Clintonville neighborhood.

Looking to see a measurement of your risk in neighborhoods around the world? GeoSure rates destinations on a number of areas, now including LGBT safety. Test your 'hood!

Booking a hotel in Greece? The Gay September in Greece campaign lists 12 hotels around the country that are LGBT friendly.

Events

NYC. The Lesbian & Gay Democratic Club of Queens invites you to hear from Nigerian activist Edafe Okporo at an event titled Near Death to Detention at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Jackson Heights this evening!

Miami. Join Washington Blade journalist Michael Lavers at the Gathering for a discussion about the Latin America LGBT community tonight!

NYC. Tuesday, support Palestinian sexual and gender diversity at Starr Bar - and event to support alQaws, a non-profit headquartered in Jerusalem.

DC. Tuesday, GLIFAA will hold a reception to honor Ambassador-Designate Randy Berry to Nepal - he was formerly the LGBTI Special Envoy under President Obama.