Lgbtq

Being gay is not a disease, Vietnam has told its doctors, as it called on medical workers to end discrimination against the LGBT community. A couple pose for a photo ahead of a bike rally in Hanoi, Vietnam, in a September 24, 2017 file photo, to promote LGBTQ rights during the annual pride festival. Campaigners told AFP on Tuesday the statement was a major step forward for LGBT rights in the Southeast Asian nation, where gay, bisexual and transgender people have long felt marginalised. In an official document released last week, the health ministry said that "homosexuality cannot be 'cured', does not need 'to be cured' and cannot be changed". It urged medical professionals to be "respectful" of gender and sexual orientation after receiving reports of doctors claiming they could treat gender minorities. "Do not consider homosexuality, bisexuality or being transgender a disease," it said. Although Vietnam is seen as relatively progressive on LGBT issues … [Read more...] about Being gay is not a disease, Vietnam tells medical workers

The World Cup's start will be brought forward by a day to allow hosts Qatar to play the opening game, sources told AFP on Wednesday, just over three months before the competition gets underway. The 2022 World Cup will open at the Al Bayt stadium in the Qatari city of Al Khor on November 20. Picture: Khaled Desouki AFP Qatar will now play Ecuador on November 20, 24 hours earlier than planned, in a move that FIFA's ruling council was expected to confirm soon, according to sources with knowledge of the matter. The change will see the tournament, which was switched to November-December to avoid the Gulf country's searing summer heat, keep to its tradition of the hosts playing the opening match. Senegal and the Netherlands had been scheduled to play the first game on November 21, followed by England against Iran and then the official inauguration match, Qatar's World Cup debut, that evening. "There were discussions and agreement between the two respective … [Read more...] about Qatar World Cup start brought forward to November 20: sources