French Black Gay Activist Behind United Nations Declaration

There is a brilliant footnote to the United Nations declaration that calls for the universal decriminalization of homosexuality. The resolution is the brainchild of French black gay activist Louis-Georges Tin.

The founder of the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) tells UK Gay News, "We are proud of the historical Declaration that was read. This is an historical event. For the first time ever, such a text has been read in the General Assembly of the United Nations."

Tin was profiled on this blog in November 2006 and in The Advocate by journalist Doug Ireland. The French activist said then he would launch a global campaign for a United Nations referendum to decriminalize homosexuality worldwide. It took two years to materialize but how sweet it is ....

The activist secured the help of Nobel prize-winners such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and, worked closely with the French government and French Secretary of State for Human Rights Rama Yade, seen above. "We have worked a lot on this issue, for us it is a great achievement," Tin adds. "I also want to remind that it is a long-term battle."

Bravo to Louis Georges-Tin.

Tin's Pride [UK Gay News]

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Louis-Georges Tin and IDAHO [R20]
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Comments

[Pieter Vanderhoeven]

this really is a wonderful catch, thanks

[Anderson]

And who says black gay men aren't doing anything? We are making moves, baby, from the US to FRANCE to AFRICA. Ain't no stopping ...

[Henry TW]

Rod...THANK YOU!!

I am one of those readers "across the pond"...London by way of Ghana...and appreciate any stories and positivity of black gay men!...It is difficult finding our images overseas. I appreciate it enormously...

Another reason we love you so much. Or at least I do.

[Rod]

What is French for "YOU Go boy?" lol

[Rowan]

Ha Rod!

In france they say, 'On a gangner'.

Whict translates to 'we have won' BUT said by the french translates to 'you go boy' etc. It's also the most well known!

(I used to speak French, coming very young from a french speaking country but growing up in the uk!)

[Rowan]

Ha Rod!

In france they say, 'On a gangner'.

Whict translates to 'we have won' BUT said by the french translates to 'you go boy' etc. It's also the most well known!

(I used to speak French, coming very young from a french speaking country but growing up in the uk!)

[Travis D]

i love this story thank you

[Ralph Davis]

Remarkable. A black man and woman, gay and straight, working together to find homophobia. I love it!

[John]

Great article...and blacks historically, have been on the forefront of movements like this, including Bayard Rustin. But interestingly enough, USA didn't sign it.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-ridley/the-us-goes-global-with-i_b_152489.html

[Andy]

Thank you Rod for including this on your blog. For a couple of years, I have been backing the idea of Louis-Georges Tin to get a statement against homophobia and transphobia read at the United Nations.

While it is fantastic that Louis-Georges' "dream" became reality a couple of days ago, it is a very sad fact that he was "cut out" of the publicity distributed by the Non-Governmental Organisations.

At a United Nations "forum", immediately following the reading of the Statement, Louis-Georges made a short speech, and ended by bursting into song - a chorus of "We Shall Overcome". Not that is definately "style" ... A class act!

Fortunately, the United Nations videoed this. Go to http://webcast.un.org/ramgen/ondemand/specialevents/2008/se081218pm1.rm to relive Louis-Georges' address and song, which comes 1 hour and 5 minutes into the video.

Again, thanks Rod for "telling it like it is" and giving totally justifiable credit to an extrordinary Frenchmam who works tirelessly for LGBT human rights around the world.

[Shabaka]

I love this!! Thanks Rod! Rowan and Rod(the other one), On a gagné, indeed! Still have a long way to go though!!

[Brian]

An English translation of Louis-Georges's French-language book, The Dictionary of Homophobia, was recently published.

[Mario]

How strange!!! I never heard this piece of news on french TV networks! Did they forget it?! Tin is from Martinique and they never mentioned his UN speech. Very strange, indeed!

[Curtis]

Hello,

Both homosexuals and straight persons might appreciate what I shared in my lastest post 12/20 in Curtis' Expectations. It takes note of the circumstances of children adopted by gay couples and about 12/10/08.
http://cxpectation.blogspot.com

But why would gay people be turning to the United Nations for help? When this organization was unable to stop serious conflicts and wars-it is odd, can you explain?
If you visit my other blog site, Curtis On The News. I had began a monthly series about the United Nations beginning in December, 2008. There are related videos to watch. I hope the blog posting may be enlighting and a benefit to you.
Regards,
Curtz
http://curtisonthenews.blogspot.com