Marking a major win for the LGBTQIA+ community, Canada on Tuesday passed a bill criminalising the so-called 'conversion therapy'.

In 2019, Canada’s ruling Liberal party had vowed to ban the practice when its election manifesto was unveiled.

On Tuesday, the bill received 263 to 63 votes in Canada’s House of Commons, effectively banning the barbaric practice.

What is conversion therapy?

Conversion therapy has been historically used to “treat” people who don’t identify as heterosexual. The methods employed vary from institution to institution but a protocol of sorts had been established to compound on the lack of awareness about sexuality.

The therapies are aimed at altering a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity. It includes an array of techniques, some benign ones like hypnosis and talk therapy.&nbsp; Many institutions also use electric shocks and fasting on “patients”.

The therapy has no roots in science and has been largely perceived as a tool to subvert sexuality and open dialogues around identities. According to the American Medical Association, the practice is “harmful and ineffective”.

While most countries have stopped practising the therapy, many institutions continue to employ similar methods in the hopes of “curing” gay people, a belief stemming largely from the stigmatisation of sexual orientations.

Related video:&nbsp;Britain's MI6 spy master apologizes for historic discrimination against LGBT+ people

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The history of conversion therapy

Conversion therapy has been historically used in environments where LGBTQIA+ populations aren’t given basic freedoms and democratic rights. The tool has been employed as a harassment tactic against sexual minorities and is still widely practiced in many parts of the world.

Such attitudes originated from the treatment given to homosexuality. For a long time, homosexuality was classified as an illness by the American Psychiatric Association - the world’s largest psychiatric organisation, which has left a long-lasting impact on how legislations are shaped in different countries.

It was only in 1977 that the association removed homosexuality from its list of illnesses.

In its resolution, the APA had said - “We will no longer insist on a label of sickness for individuals who insist that they are well and demonstrate no generalized impairment in social effectiveness.”&nbsp;

This move could bring relief to thousands of Canadians who may be forced to undergo such therapies. Canada’s summer break begins on Wednesday before which the vote took place on Tuesday. The House cleared its legislative agenda with possible elections set to take place this year. Now, the bill will go to Canada’s Senate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/britain-slams-hungarys-anti-lgbt-law-as-an-affront-to-human-rights-392475" hreflang="en">Britain slams Hungary's anti-LGBT+ law as an 'affront to human rights'</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/japan-at-turning-point-for-lgbtq-rights-campaigners-390341" hreflang="en">Japan at 'turning point' for LGBTQ rights: Campaigners</a>

Marking a major win for the LGBTQIA+ community, Canada on Tuesday passed a bill criminalising the so-called 'conversion therapy'. In 2019, Canada’s ruling Liberal party had vowed to ban the practice when its election manifesto was unveiled.

Marking a major win for the LGBTQIA+ community, Canada on Tuesday passed a bill criminalising the so-called 'conversion therapy'. In 2019, Canada’s ruling Liberal party had vowed to ban the practice when its election manifesto was unveiled. On Tuesday, the bill received 263 to 63 votes in Canada’s House of Commons, effectively banning the barbaric practice. What is conversion therapy? Conversion therapy has been historically used to “treat” people who don’t identify as heterosexual. The methods employed vary from institution to institution but a protocol of sorts had been established to compound on the lack of awareness about sexuality. The therapies are aimed at altering a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity. It includes an array of techniques, some benign ones like hypnosis and talk therapy. Many institutions also use electric shocks and fasting on “patients”. The therapy has no roots in science and has been largely perceived as a tool to subvert sexuality and open dialogues around identities. According to the American Medical Association, the practice is “harmful and ineffective”. While most countries have stopped practising the therapy, many institutions continue to employ similar methods in the hopes of “curing” gay people, a belief stemming largely from the stigmatisation of sexual orientations. Related video: Britain's MI6 spy master apologizes for historic discrimination against LGBT+ people The history of conversion therapy Conversion therapy has been historically used in environments where LGBTQIA+ populations aren’t given basic freedoms and democratic rights. The tool has been employed as a harassment tactic against sexual minorities and is still widely practiced in many parts of the world. Such attitudes originated from the treatment given to homosexuality. For a long time, homosexuality was classified as an illness by the American Psychiatric Association - the world’s largest psychiatric organisation, which has left a long-lasting impact on how legislations are shaped in different countries. It was only in 1977 that the association removed homosexuality from its list of illnesses. In its resolution, the APA had said - “We will no longer insist on a label of sickness for individuals who insist that they are well and demonstrate no generalized impairment in social effectiveness.” This move could bring relief to thousands of Canadians who may be forced to undergo such therapies. Canada’s summer break begins on Wednesday before which the vote took place on Tuesday. The House cleared its legislative agenda with possible elections set to take place this year. Now, the bill will go to Canada’s Senate. Also read: Britain slams Hungary's anti-LGBT+ law as an 'affront to human rights' Also read: Japan at 'turning point' for LGBTQ rights: Campaigners

In major win for LGBTQIA+ community, Canada passes bill criminalising 'conversion therapy'

In a significant outcome for the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual and/or Ally) community, the Madras High Court on Monday issued directions to protect them from harassment by authorities and other major stakeholders in society.

According to the court, society was even now grappling to come to terms with same-sex orientation.

The case pertained to a Madurai-based lesbian couple whose relationship was being opposed by their parents, following which the couple fled to Chennai, to seek NGO support and sustain themselves.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/key-takeaways-of-pm-modis-speech-free-vaccine-for-people-above-18-years-80-crore-poor-to-be-provided-free-ration-till-diwali-389975" hreflang="en">Key takeaways of PM Modi's speech: Free vaccine for people above 18 years</a>

As their respective daughters fled their homes, the parents filed missing complaints with the local police, which led to filing of FIRs. The couple approached the court after having faced police interrogation at the residential premises in Chennai. They also feared for their safety and security from police harassment and that of their parents.&nbsp;

In a detailed order, Justice N Anand Venkatesh has outlined the sensitisation programmes that need to be undertaken by police, legal authorities, judiciary, education institutions, workplaces and parents in issues pertaining to the LGBTQIA community.

Some of the significant interim guidelines issued by the Madras High Court include measures to create awareness about the community by conducting sensitisation programmes by respective governments, to eliminate prejudices against the community and channelise them into the mainstream.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vaccine-supply-will-be-increasing-in-the-coming-days-says-pm-modi-389960">Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days, says PM Modi</a>

According to Manuraj Sundaram, who represented the Petitioners (Lesbian couple), this order by the Madras High Court stands out for its unprecedented width and scope. "Such a detailed order for the LGBTQIA+ community is unheard of from any court, including the Supreme Court of India. No high court has issued such extensive guidelines, but of course, this development builds upon the SC judgement to annul Section 377 of the IPC," Manuraj told WION.

The court has said that in missing complaints pertaining to the LGBTQIA+ community (in case of consenting adults) —&nbsp;based on statements of the involved persons —&nbsp;the complaint must be closed without harassing the couple. Persons belonging to the community can approach the enlisted NGOs for protecting their rights. Such a list of NGOs and their contact details must be furnished by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) on their official website and will be updated regularly. Such NGOs are required to maintain data of the individuals approaching them in a confidential manner and share the records to the Ministry twice a year.

In terms of addressing the issues, the court said that it should be via&nbsp;counselling, monetary support, legal assistance with the support of the District Legal Services Authority, or by co-ordinating with the law enforcement agencies about offenses committed against any person belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community.&nbsp;

The court said, regarding the issue of accommodation, suitable changes are to be made in existing short stay homes, Anganwadi shelters, and "garima greh" (a shelter home for transgender persons, that offers basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and recreational facilities and skill development for dignified life).

Parents have been advised that they must be understanding and accept children of diverse gender expressions, sexual orientation, gender identities and gender presentation while providing peer support for parents of such children.

Most importantly, the court has called for a change in curricula of schools and universities to educate students on understanding the LGBTQIA+ community. This includes conducting outreach programs involving the community and NGOs and sensitising parents via PTA meetings to be supportive of gender nonconforming students. Some additional steps include adding third gender in application forms, change of gender and name for transgender persons, ensure availability of gender-neutral restrooms.&nbsp;

For workplaces, the court has said that suitable changes must be made in hiring policies for inclusivity, provide support in case of grievances, extend benefits such as insurance, ensure policies to prevent discrimination etc.&nbsp;

In a significant outcome for the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual and/or Ally) community, the Madras High Court on Monday issued directions to protect them from harassment by authorities and other major stakeholders in society.

In a significant outcome for the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual and/or Ally) community, the Madras High Court on Monday issued directions to protect them from harassment by authorities and other major stakeholders in society. According to the court, society was even now grappling to come to terms with same-sex orientation. The case pertained to a Madurai-based lesbian couple whose relationship was being opposed by their parents, following which the couple fled to Chennai, to seek NGO support and sustain themselves. Also read | Key takeaways of PM Modi's speech: Free vaccine for people above 18 years As their respective daughters fled their homes, the parents filed missing complaints with the local police, which led to filing of FIRs. The couple approached the court after having faced police interrogation at the residential premises in Chennai. They also feared for their safety and security from police harassment and that of their parents. In a detailed order, Justice N Anand Venkatesh has outlined the sensitisation programmes that need to be undertaken by police, legal authorities, judiciary, education institutions, workplaces and parents in issues pertaining to the LGBTQIA community. Some of the significant interim guidelines issued by the Madras High Court include measures to create awareness about the community by conducting sensitisation programmes by respective governments, to eliminate prejudices against the community and channelise them into the mainstream. Also read | Vaccine supply will be increasing in the coming days, says PM Modi According to Manuraj Sundaram, who represented the Petitioners (Lesbian couple), this order by the Madras High Court stands out for its unprecedented width and scope. "Such a detailed order for the LGBTQIA+ community is unheard of from any court, including the Supreme Court of India. No high court has issued such extensive guidelines, but of course, this development builds upon the SC judgement to annul Section 377 of the IPC," Manuraj told WION. The court has said that in missing complaints pertaining to the LGBTQIA+ community (in case of consenting adults) — based on statements of the involved persons — the complaint must be closed without harassing the couple. Persons belonging to the community can approach the enlisted NGOs for protecting their rights. Such a list of NGOs and their contact details must be furnished by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) on their official website and will be updated regularly. Such NGOs are required to maintain data of the individuals approaching them in a confidential manner and share the records to the Ministry twice a year. In terms of addressing the issues, the court said that it should be via counselling, monetary support, legal assistance with the support of the District Legal Services Authority, or by co-ordinating with the law enforcement agencies about offenses committed against any person belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community. The court said, regarding the issue of accommodation, suitable changes are to be made in existing short stay homes, Anganwadi shelters, and "garima greh" (a shelter home for transgender persons, that offers basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and recreational facilities and skill development for dignified life). Parents have been advised that they must be understanding and accept children of diverse gender expressions, sexual orientation, gender identities and gender presentation while providing peer support for parents of such children. Most importantly, the court has called for a change in curricula of schools and universities to educate students on understanding the LGBTQIA+ community. This includes conducting outreach programs involving the community and NGOs and sensitising parents via PTA meetings to be supportive of gender nonconforming students. Some additional steps include adding third gender in application forms, change of gender and name for transgender persons, ensure availability of gender-neutral restrooms. For workplaces, the court has said that suitable changes must be made in hiring policies for inclusivity, provide support in case of grievances, extend benefits such as insurance, ensure policies to prevent discrimination etc.

Madras High Court issues detailed guidelines for more inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ community

A panel of&nbsp;US&nbsp;senators&nbsp;questioned officials from&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;Inc and Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google&nbsp;on Wednesday about the&nbsp;dominance&nbsp;of their mobile&nbsp;app&nbsp;stores and whether the companies abuse their power at the expense of smaller competitors.

Amy Klobuchar, the top Senate Democrat on antitrust issues, said&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google&nbsp;can use their power to "exclude or suppress&nbsp;apps that compete with their own products" and "charge excessive fees that affect competition."

App&nbsp;makers like music streaming service Spotify Technology SA and dating services giant Match Group, which owns the Tinder&nbsp;app, have long complained that mandatory revenue sharing for sales of digital goods and strict inclusion rules set by&nbsp;Apple's&nbsp;App&nbsp;Store&nbsp;for iPhones and iPads, along with&nbsp;Google's Play&nbsp;store&nbsp;for Android devices, amount to anticompetitive behavior.

Representatives for&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;and&nbsp;Google&nbsp;told&nbsp;senators&nbsp;the companies' tight control over their&nbsp;stores and the associated revenue-sharing requirements are needed to enforce and pay for security measures to protect consumers from harmful&nbsp;apps and practices.

But when asked by Senator Josh Hawley,&nbsp;Apple's Chief Compliance Officer Kyle Andeer would not commit to spending all of the mandatory fees on security.

Explanations from Andeer and&nbsp;Google's Wilson White, senior director for government affairs, about why the companies' fees do not&nbsp;apply to Uber Technologies Inc and&nbsp;apps that sell physical goods also failed to satisfy&nbsp;senators.

"I feel like unfrozen caveman lawyer," Senator Mike Lee said. "I'm not grasping it."

Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed concern about a call Match said it received late on Tuesday from its business counterpart at&nbsp;Google.

Match's Chief Legal Officer Jared Sine said&nbsp;Google&nbsp;wanted to know why Sine's planned testimony, which had just been released, deviated from previous comments the dating company had made.

"It looks like a threat, it talks like a threat, it's a threat," Blumenthal said of the call, vowing to investigate&nbsp;Google's action further.

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Google's White said the call reflected an effort to ask an honest question and the company would never threaten partners.

In his testimony, Match's Sine argued that&nbsp;Google&nbsp;and&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;both exact an onerous 30 per cent&nbsp;of any digital transaction, raising prices for consumers.

Match pays nearly $500 million in fees to the&nbsp;app&nbsp;stores annually, the company's single largest expense, Sine said.

Spotify and Match said&nbsp;Apple's&nbsp;app&nbsp;review process was opaque. Sine said&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;blocked a safety update to the Tinder&nbsp;app&nbsp;meant to warn LGBTQ+ users if they were traveling to a country where it might be dangerous to expose their identity because&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;said the update violated the "spirit" of a new rule.

But&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;would not explain how to fix the issue, Sine said. He said that&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;approved the update two months later only after senior leaders at Match's parent company at the time, IAC/Interactivecorp, raised the issue with&nbsp;Apple's senior leaders.

The hearing came a day after&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;said it would begin selling AirTags - which can be attached to items like car keys to help users find them when they are lost - in direct competition with Tile, which has sold a similar tracking device for more than a decade.

Apple&nbsp;said its AirTags were an outgrowth of its "FindMy"&nbsp;app, which is used for locating lost&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;devices and to share user locations and was introduced in 2010, before Tile's founding.&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;last month opened its operating system up to alternative item trackers and said that Chipolo, a startup competing with Tile and AirTags, is using the system.

Tile General Counsel Kirsten Daru testified&nbsp;Apple's FindMy program is installed by default on&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;phones and cannot be deleted.

"Apple&nbsp;has once again exploited its market power and&nbsp;dominance&nbsp;to condition our customers’ access to data on effectively breaking our user experience and directing our users to FindMy," she said.

A panel of US senators questioned officials from Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google on Wednesday about the dominance of their mobile app stores and whether the companies abuse their power at the expense of smaller competitors.

A panel of US senators questioned officials from Apple Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google on Wednesday about the dominance of their mobile app stores and whether the companies abuse their power at the expense of smaller competitors. Amy Klobuchar, the top Senate Democrat on antitrust issues, said Apple and Google can use their power to "exclude or suppress apps that compete with their own products" and "charge excessive fees that affect competition." App makers like music streaming service Spotify Technology SA and dating services giant Match Group, which owns the Tinder app, have long complained that mandatory revenue sharing for sales of digital goods and strict inclusion rules set by Apple's App Store for iPhones and iPads, along with Google's Play store for Android devices, amount to anticompetitive behavior. Representatives for Apple and Google told senators the companies' tight control over their stores and the associated revenue-sharing requirements are needed to enforce and pay for security measures to protect consumers from harmful apps and practices. But when asked by Senator Josh Hawley, Apple's Chief Compliance Officer Kyle Andeer would not commit to spending all of the mandatory fees on security. Explanations from Andeer and Google's Wilson White, senior director for government affairs, about why the companies' fees do not apply to Uber Technologies Inc and apps that sell physical goods also failed to satisfy senators. "I feel like unfrozen caveman lawyer," Senator Mike Lee said. "I'm not grasping it." Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed concern about a call Match said it received late on Tuesday from its business counterpart at Google. Match's Chief Legal Officer Jared Sine said Google wanted to know why Sine's planned testimony, which had just been released, deviated from previous comments the dating company had made. "It looks like a threat, it talks like a threat, it's a threat," Blumenthal said of the call, vowing to investigate Google's action further. Google's White said the call reflected an effort to ask an honest question and the company would never threaten partners. In his testimony, Match's Sine argued that Google and Apple both exact an onerous 30 per cent of any digital transaction, raising prices for consumers. Match pays nearly $500 million in fees to the app stores annually, the company's single largest expense, Sine said. Spotify and Match said Apple's app review process was opaque. Sine said Apple blocked a safety update to the Tinder app meant to warn LGBTQ+ users if they were traveling to a country where it might be dangerous to expose their identity because Apple said the update violated the "spirit" of a new rule. But Apple would not explain how to fix the issue, Sine said. He said that Apple approved the update two months later only after senior leaders at Match's parent company at the time, IAC/Interactivecorp, raised the issue with Apple's senior leaders. The hearing came a day after Apple said it would begin selling AirTags - which can be attached to items like car keys to help users find them when they are lost - in direct competition with Tile, which has sold a similar tracking device for more than a decade. Apple said its AirTags were an outgrowth of its "FindMy" app, which is used for locating lost Apple devices and to share user locations and was introduced in 2010, before Tile's founding. Apple last month opened its operating system up to alternative item trackers and said that Chipolo, a startup competing with Tile and AirTags, is using the system. Tile General Counsel Kirsten Daru testified Apple's FindMy program is installed by default on Apple phones and cannot be deleted. "Apple has once again exploited its market power and dominance to condition our customers’ access to data on effectively breaking our user experience and directing our users to FindMy," she said.

US senators question Apple and Google on app store dominance

Singer Demi Lovato has come out as pansexual. Lovato appeared recently on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast and revealed that she's pansexual- which meant she's attracted to all genders.&nbsp; 
 
Lovato said she's proud to be a part of the "alphabet mafia," referring to the LGBTQIA+ community. 
 
When Lovato was asked if she would like to have children, she said, "I used to. I think if anything I want to adopt. I was engaged to a man last year." The 28-year-old singer was engaged to Max Ehrich for a brief period in 2020.&nbsp; 
 
"I totally thought I'd be married, maybe pregnant by now. And that's not the case," she added. 
 
"I also don't know if I'm going to end up with a guy, so I can't really see myself maybe getting pregnant. I'm so fluid now — and a part of the reason why I am so fluid is because I was super closeted off."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-demi-lovato-chronicles-relapse-overdose-in-new-song-dancing-with-the-devil-373639">Demi Lovato chronicles relapse, overdose in new song 'Dancing With The Devil'</a> 
 
Host Rogan clarified that by calling herself "sexually fluid" she was indicating that she was interested in both men and women. "Yeah- anything really," said Lovato in response.&nbsp; 
 
Rogan asked if the term is "pansexual" and Lovato replied, "Yeah, pansexual." 
 
Lovato said sha had heard someone call the LGBTQIA+ community the “alphabet mafia” — and loved the term. 
 
“That's it! That's what I'm going with. I’m part of the alphabet mafia and proud,” she said. 
 
During the podcast, Lovato was also asked about the time she realised she was interested in both men and women. To which she said, it was while watching 1999's 'Cruel Intentions' and seeing Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-demi-lovato-feels-shes-too-queer-to-be-romantic-with-a-cisgender-man-370351">Demi Lovato feels she's 'too queer' to be romantic with a cisgender man</a> 
 
"I was like, 'Oh, I like that,'" she recalled. "But I felt a lot of shame because growing up in Texas as a Christian that's very frowned upon. Any attraction I had to a female at a young age, I shut it down before I even let myself process what I was feeling." 
 
Earlier while appearing on the cover of Glamour magazine, Lovato had opened up about her breakup with Ehrich and how it made her realise 'how queer' she was. The singer had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/demi-lovato-is-waiting-until-a-specific-timeline-to-come-out-to-the-world-369899">though shied away from coming out </a>during the interview which came out earlier this month.&nbsp; 
 
“I know who I am and what I am, but I’m just waiting until a specific timeline to come out to the world as what I am. I’m following my healers’ timeline, and I’m using this time to really study and educate myself on my journey and what I’m preparing to do," Lovato had said.&nbsp; 
 
Lovato has, though, been out as sexually fluid since 2017. In her YouTube documentary, 'Simply Complicated', Lovato had said she was open to dating men and women, explaining, "I am open to human connection. So whether that's through a male or a female, it doesn't matter to me." 
 
The singer is, at present, promoting her new YouTube doc 'Dancing With the Devil', which details her 2018 drug overdose. The singer has revealed she was minutes away from dying and how she was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/demi-lovato-claims-she-was-sexually-assaulted-by-her-drug-dealer-on-the-night-of-her-overdose-episode-371057">sexually assaulted the night of her overdose by her drug dealer.</a> Lovato had also revealed that she lost her virginity in "a rape" when she was 15-years-old.&nbsp;

Singer Demi Lovato has come out as pansexual. Lovato appeared recently on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast and revealed that she's pansexual- which meant she's attracted to all genders.

Singer Demi Lovato has come out as pansexual. Lovato appeared recently on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast and revealed that she's pansexual- which meant she's attracted to all genders. Lovato said she's proud to be a part of the "alphabet mafia," referring to the LGBTQIA+ community. When Lovato was asked if she would like to have children, she said, "I used to. I think if anything I want to adopt. I was engaged to a man last year." The 28-year-old singer was engaged to Max Ehrich for a brief period in 2020. "I totally thought I'd be married, maybe pregnant by now. And that's not the case," she added. "I also don't know if I'm going to end up with a guy, so I can't really see myself maybe getting pregnant. I'm so fluid now — and a part of the reason why I am so fluid is because I was super closeted off." Demi Lovato chronicles relapse, overdose in new song 'Dancing With The Devil' Host Rogan clarified that by calling herself "sexually fluid" she was indicating that she was interested in both men and women. "Yeah- anything really," said Lovato in response. Rogan asked if the term is "pansexual" and Lovato replied, "Yeah, pansexual." Lovato said sha had heard someone call the LGBTQIA+ community the “alphabet mafia” — and loved the term. “That's it! That's what I'm going with. I’m part of the alphabet mafia and proud,” she said. During the podcast, Lovato was also asked about the time she realised she was interested in both men and women. To which she said, it was while watching 1999's 'Cruel Intentions' and seeing Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair. Demi Lovato feels she's 'too queer' to be romantic with a cisgender man "I was like, 'Oh, I like that,'" she recalled. "But I felt a lot of shame because growing up in Texas as a Christian that's very frowned upon. Any attraction I had to a female at a young age, I shut it down before I even let myself process what I was feeling." Earlier while appearing on the cover of Glamour magazine, Lovato had opened up about her breakup with Ehrich and how it made her realise 'how queer' she was. The singer had though shied away from coming out during the interview which came out earlier this month. “I know who I am and what I am, but I’m just waiting until a specific timeline to come out to the world as what I am. I’m following my healers’ timeline, and I’m using this time to really study and educate myself on my journey and what I’m preparing to do," Lovato had said. Lovato has, though, been out as sexually fluid since 2017. In her YouTube documentary, 'Simply Complicated', Lovato had said she was open to dating men and women, explaining, "I am open to human connection. So whether that's through a male or a female, it doesn't matter to me." The singer is, at present, promoting her new YouTube doc 'Dancing With the Devil', which details her 2018 drug overdose. The singer has revealed she was minutes away from dying and how she was sexually assaulted the night of her overdose by her drug dealer. Lovato had also revealed that she lost her virginity in "a rape" when she was 15-years-old.

Demi Lovato comes out as pansexual, says she is 'sexually fluid'

A district court in Japan on Wednesday ruled that same-sex couples not being able to marry is “unconstitutional”. The court, despite the ruling, threw out the plaintiffs’ demands to seek damages from the Japanese government, Reuters reported.

This marks the first ruling of its kind in Japan, and is being seen as a symbolic victory for the LGBTQIA+ community in the country.

Japan is the only G7 country to not fully recognise same-sex relationships. The country’s constitution defines marriage as “based on the mutual consent of both sexes”.

Constitutionally, "marriage shall be only with the mutual consent of both sexes". According to&nbsp;the government, this means that same-sex marriage is "not foreseen" in the constitution or civil law.

The verdict was not immediately confirmed by Sapporo court after several local media outlets reported the landmark ruling.

Currently, same-sex couples cannot inherit the assets of their partner, including the house that may have shared. In addition, they also have no parental rights to any of their partners' children.

Even though individual municipalities give out partnership certificates to ease renting places for LGBTQIA+ folks and to get hospital visitation rights, the couples are still not given the full legal rights on the same plane as heterosexual couples.

The court threw out demands for damages by six plaintiffs, including two couples of men and one of women - who sought 1 million yen each in damages that they suffered for not being able to marry.

Many other courts in Japan are currently hearing similar cases, and this ruling may influence the outcome in those cases.

Japanese laws are considered relatively liberal for Asian standards, and homosexual sex has been legal since 1880. Even then, the social outlook of the community has kept sexuality stigmatised.

A district court in Japan on Wednesday ruled that same-sex couples not being able to marry is “unconstitutional”. The court, despite the ruling, threw out the plaintiffs’ demands to seek damages from the Japanese government, Reuters reported.

A district court in Japan on Wednesday ruled that same-sex couples not being able to marry is “unconstitutional”. The court, despite the ruling, threw out the plaintiffs’ demands to seek damages from the Japanese government, Reuters reported. This marks the first ruling of its kind in Japan, and is being seen as a symbolic victory for the LGBTQIA+ community in the country. Japan is the only G7 country to not fully recognise same-sex relationships. The country’s constitution defines marriage as “based on the mutual consent of both sexes”. Constitutionally, "marriage shall be only with the mutual consent of both sexes". According to the government, this means that same-sex marriage is "not foreseen" in the constitution or civil law. The verdict was not immediately confirmed by Sapporo court after several local media outlets reported the landmark ruling. Currently, same-sex couples cannot inherit the assets of their partner, including the house that may have shared. In addition, they also have no parental rights to any of their partners' children. Even though individual municipalities give out partnership certificates to ease renting places for LGBTQIA+ folks and to get hospital visitation rights, the couples are still not given the full legal rights on the same plane as heterosexual couples. The court threw out demands for damages by six plaintiffs, including two couples of men and one of women - who sought 1 million yen each in damages that they suffered for not being able to marry. Many other courts in Japan are currently hearing similar cases, and this ruling may influence the outcome in those cases. Japanese laws are considered relatively liberal for Asian standards, and homosexual sex has been legal since 1880. Even then, the social outlook of the community has kept sexuality stigmatised.

Japanese court rules same-sex couples not being able to marry is 'unconstitutional'

With its first transgender news anchor, Bangladesh recently achieved a feat worth celebrating! Tashnuva Anan is a rights activist who was previously engaged with NGOs in support of transgender people and is now the country's first trans news anchor. Her first appearance as a news anchor coincided with International Women's Day.

"This could be revolutionary and create a new dimension in people's thinking," Reuters quoted Anan, 29, as saying. Before starting the job, Anan underwent intensive training at a private news network, after which she was offered the job. "The biggest problem is that people are not sensitized ... I hope this can do that, and urge them to look after the many 'Tashnuvas' around them," she said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tashnuva-anan-shishir-becomes-bangladeshs-first-transgender-news-anchor-369105/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to government estimates, there are about 11,500 transgender people in Bangladesh, but LGBTQIA+ campaigners claim that the figure is expected to be at least 100,000, given Banglades's population of 160 million.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/south-koreas-first-transgender-soldier-found-dead-367855" hreflang="en">South Korea's first transgender soldier found dead</a>

Anan claimed that she faced sexual abuse, and was "bullied and tortured'' while growing, and left her home at the age of 16. She recently received a scholarship for pursuing a Masters in public health. Anan said that it is unusual for transgender people to take up jobs in the country. 
 
A religious charity in Bangladesh opened the country's first school for transgenders in November. Even though Anan remains busy with her new job and education, she intends to continue fighting for people's lives.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/joe-biden-reverses-donald-trumps-ban-on-transgender-people-in-military-359317" hreflang="en">Joe Biden reverses Donald Trump's ban on transgender people in military</a>

"I'll always try to work for the transgender community ... so they don't drop out (of school) and don't leave their families," she said. 
&nbsp;

With its first transgender news anchor, Bangladesh recently achieved a feat worth celebrating! Tashnuva Anan is a rights activist who was previously engaged with NGOs in support of transgender people and is now the country's first trans news anchor.

With its first transgender news anchor, Bangladesh recently achieved a feat worth celebrating! Tashnuva Anan is a rights activist who was previously engaged with NGOs in support of transgender people and is now the country's first trans news anchor. Her first appearance as a news anchor coincided with International Women's Day. "This could be revolutionary and create a new dimension in people's thinking," Reuters quoted Anan, 29, as saying. Before starting the job, Anan underwent intensive training at a private news network, after which she was offered the job. "The biggest problem is that people are not sensitized ... I hope this can do that, and urge them to look after the many 'Tashnuvas' around them," she said. According to government estimates, there are about 11,500 transgender people in Bangladesh, but LGBTQIA+ campaigners claim that the figure is expected to be at least 100,000, given Banglades's population of 160 million. Also read: South Korea's first transgender soldier found dead Anan claimed that she faced sexual abuse, and was "bullied and tortured'' while growing, and left her home at the age of 16. She recently received a scholarship for pursuing a Masters in public health. Anan said that it is unusual for transgender people to take up jobs in the country. A religious charity in Bangladesh opened the country's first school for transgenders in November. Even though Anan remains busy with her new job and education, she intends to continue fighting for people's lives. Also read: Joe Biden reverses Donald Trump's ban on transgender people in military "I'll always try to work for the transgender community ... so they don't drop out (of school) and don't leave their families," she said.

Meet Tashnuva Anan, Bangladesh's first transgender news anchor

US President Joe Biden has signed an order that lifts the Pentagon's ban on transgender people serving in the military. It had been put in place by the Trump administration.

This move by Biden administration fulfils a campaign promise and will be cheered by LGBTQ advocates.

In 2016, then-President Barack Obama allowed transgender people to join the military and to receive medical treatment to transition to the gender with which they identity. 
 
Trump banned recruitment of transgender people but allowed those already in the military to continue serving.

“Today, I repealed the discriminatory ban on transgender people serving in the military. It’s simple: America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride,” Biden tweeted.

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Today, I repealed the discriminatory ban on transgender people serving in the military. It’s simple: America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride.
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1353757273114472449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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When Trump announced the ban in 2017 on Twitter, he said the military needed to focus on "decisive and overwhelming victory" without being burdened by the "tremendous medical costs and disruption" of having transgender personnel.

A November 2020 report by the LGBT-rights think tank the Palm Center co-written by former military Surgeons General said the transgender ban had hurt military readiness.

During his confirmation hearing, Biden's pick to lead the Pentagon, Retired Army General Lloyd Austin, said he supported overturning the ban.

The US Supreme Court ruled that the Trump transgender policy of 2019 could stand while it faces separate lawsuits in lower courts.

About 1.3 million active personnel serve in the US military, Department of Defense data shows. There are no official figures on the number of trans members but the Rand Corp, a US policy research institute, estimated in 2016 about 2,450 active service members were transgender.

'Counting down to this day'

While advocates applaud Biden's move, the fact that any president can decide whether transgender people can serve in the military is problematic, they say. Any American who is fit and able should have the right to serve, they argue.

"We must make sure that future presidents do not backslide on our values of equality and inclusion, and I intend to add a provision to this year's defense policy bill to secure a permanent policy of nondiscrimination for our armed forces," said Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Chair of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee.

Nic Talbott, a transgender man, was forced to drop out of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) due to Trump's ban. On Monday, he said Biden's move had given him and other transgender people an opportunity to once again join the military.

"This is such a huge relief, such a huge weight off my shoulders," Talbott said.

"I know there are thousands of other people out there just like me who have been counting down to this day, waiting to be able to start our careers and start our lives."

Once the order is implemented, Talbott said he plans to enter another ROTC.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden has signed an order that lifts the Pentagon's ban on transgender people serving in the military. It had been put in place by the Trump administration.

US President Joe Biden has signed an order that lifts the Pentagon's ban on transgender people serving in the military. It had been put in place by the Trump administration. This move by Biden administration fulfils a campaign promise and will be cheered by LGBTQ advocates. In 2016, then-President Barack Obama allowed transgender people to join the military and to receive medical treatment to transition to the gender with which they identity. Trump banned recruitment of transgender people but allowed those already in the military to continue serving. “Today, I repealed the discriminatory ban on transgender people serving in the military. It’s simple: America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride,” Biden tweeted. Today, I repealed the discriminatory ban on transgender people serving in the military. It’s simple: America is safer when everyone qualified to serve can do so openly and with pride. — President Biden (@POTUS) January 25, 2021 × When Trump announced the ban in 2017 on Twitter, he said the military needed to focus on "decisive and overwhelming victory" without being burdened by the "tremendous medical costs and disruption" of having transgender personnel. A November 2020 report by the LGBT-rights think tank the Palm Center co-written by former military Surgeons General said the transgender ban had hurt military readiness. During his confirmation hearing, Biden's pick to lead the Pentagon, Retired Army General Lloyd Austin, said he supported overturning the ban. The US Supreme Court ruled that the Trump transgender policy of 2019 could stand while it faces separate lawsuits in lower courts. About 1.3 million active personnel serve in the US military, Department of Defense data shows. There are no official figures on the number of trans members but the Rand Corp, a US policy research institute, estimated in 2016 about 2,450 active service members were transgender. 'Counting down to this day' While advocates applaud Biden's move, the fact that any president can decide whether transgender people can serve in the military is problematic, they say. Any American who is fit and able should have the right to serve, they argue. "We must make sure that future presidents do not backslide on our values of equality and inclusion, and I intend to add a provision to this year's defense policy bill to secure a permanent policy of nondiscrimination for our armed forces," said Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Chair of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee. Nic Talbott, a transgender man, was forced to drop out of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) due to Trump's ban. On Monday, he said Biden's move had given him and other transgender people an opportunity to once again join the military. "This is such a huge relief, such a huge weight off my shoulders," Talbott said. "I know there are thousands of other people out there just like me who have been counting down to this day, waiting to be able to start our careers and start our lives." Once the order is implemented, Talbott said he plans to enter another ROTC. (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden reverses Donald Trump's ban on transgender people in military

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