Myanmar bans LGBTQ-themed books, a ban on puberty blockers sparks discrimination claims in Australia, and Argentina’s president faces backlash for making anti-LGBTQ comments.
Myanmar Bans LGBTQ Books; Citing 'Shameless' Content
Myanmar’s military junta has banned seven LGBTQ-themed books, accusing them of misleading young people. The Information Ministry declared the books “shameless” and vowed action against their publishers.
“These books are not accepted by Myanmar society,” the ministry stated in state-run media.
According to The Washington Blade, the banned books, all by Myanmar authors, include “A Butterfly Rests on My Heart” by Aung Khant and “Love Planted by Hate” by Mahura.
Myanmar remains deeply conservative, with same-sex relationships still criminalized under colonial-era laws. Authorities also use anti-obscenity laws to target LGBTQ individuals.
The military, which seized power in 2021, has cracked down on freedom of expression, further silencing marginalized communities.
Puberty Blocker Ban Sparks Discrimination Claims
Anna Cody via humanrights.gov.au.
Queensland’s ban on puberty blockers for new patients is “discriminatory,” according to LGBTQ advocates.
Anna Cody, Australia’s sex discrimination commissioner, warned the move could harm children’s well-being, according to The Guardian.
“Our concern is that restricting access will create trauma,” Cody said. The ban affects nearly 500 patients on the state’s gender clinic waiting list. Children already in treatment may continue, but new cases are halted until an independent review concludes.
Rachel Hines, CEO of Open Doors Youth Service, criticized the decision. “The fact that it’s only trans young people that can’t access this life-saving medication … is highly discriminatory,” she said.
LGBTIQ+ Health Australia called the ban unjust, arguing no other essential healthcare would be paused during a review.
Argentina’s President Faces Backlash for Anti-LGBTQ Comments
Photo via Argentina.gob.ar, Wikimedia Commons.
President Javier Milei of Argentina is under fire after making homophobic and transphobic remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos. LGBTQ activists and human rights groups condemned his statements, which linked the community to pedophilia and falsely claimed that 5-year-olds undergo gender-affirming surgeries.
According to the Washington Blade, Congressman Esteban Paulón, a longtime LGBTQ advocate, filed a criminal complaint, arguing Milei’s rhetoric promotes dangerous stereotypes and incites violence.
“Milei radicalizes hate speech based on lies and fabricated truths,” Paulón told the Washington Blade. He warned that LGBTQ families now fear losing their rights.
In response, Milei denied the accusations, claiming elites are fabricating a campaign against him. However, activists have planned a Feb. 1 march in Buenos Aires, calling for “a country without hate.”
Since taking office in December 2023, Milei has dismantled LGBTQ protections, shutting down equality institutions and firing transgender employees. Paulón hopes the legal complaint will spark national reflection, stating, “These attacks damage social cohesion and mutual respect.”
