The European Union is set to take legal action against Poland for setting up “LGBT-free” zones in many places.

These zones have been set up by some local authorities.

The EU reportedly said that LGBT+ rights must be respected by all its member states, even though Poland’s ruling party has initiated a series of homophobic policies to lead the country.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-celebrates-lgbt-pride-month-marches-held-in-several-cities-394247/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In March, Poland banned same-sex couples from adopting children. Following this, over 100 towns declared themselves “LGBT-free” zones.

Reuters news agency quoted a EU official as saying that they were checking the possibility of any violations of “EU treaties” in the process of creating those zones.

The assessment is currently underway. Another official confirmed to Reuters that they’re studying the issue.

Officially known as an “infringement procedure”, the legal action would challenge Poland to eliminate the zones. In case the country fails to comply, they could face hefty fines.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/this-law-is-wrong-angela-merkel-joins-other-eu-leaders-in-criticising-hungarys-anti-lgbt-law-393534" hreflang="en">'This law is wrong': Angela Merkel joins other EU leaders in criticising Hungary's anti-LGBT law</a>

A Polish government spokesperson told Reuters that the country has no laws that would “discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation”. Currently, Poland is under EU’s eye for allegedly undercutting the bloc’s laws.

Poland’s governing Law and Justice (PiS) party has been at odds with the EU over many democratic values. It has brought courts and media under more state control, tried to cut women’s rights and rejected migrants from the Middle East and Africa.

Even amidst the pressure, Poland receives heavy financial aid from the European Union.&nbsp;But that hasn’t changed the attitude of its leaders. The party has refused to change its track, claiming that it ought to defend its country’s traditional and Catholic customs.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-will-pride-month-do-more-than-just-rainbow-colouring-of-displays-394323" hreflang="en">Opinion: Will&nbsp;Pride&nbsp;Month do more than just rainbow colouring of displays?&nbsp;</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/in-major-win-for-lgbtqia-community-canada-passes-bill-criminalising-conversion-therapy-393258" hreflang="en">In major win for LGBTQIA+ community, Canada passes bill criminalising 'conversion therapy'</a>

The European Union is set to take legal action against Poland for setting up “LGBT-free” zones in many places. These zones have been set up by some local authorities.

The European Union is set to take legal action against Poland for setting up “LGBT-free” zones in many places. These zones have been set up by some local authorities. The EU reportedly said that LGBT+ rights must be respected by all its member states, even though Poland’s ruling party has initiated a series of homophobic policies to lead the country. In March, Poland banned same-sex couples from adopting children. Following this, over 100 towns declared themselves “LGBT-free” zones. Reuters news agency quoted a EU official as saying that they were checking the possibility of any violations of “EU treaties” in the process of creating those zones. The assessment is currently underway. Another official confirmed to Reuters that they’re studying the issue. Officially known as an “infringement procedure”, the legal action would challenge Poland to eliminate the zones. In case the country fails to comply, they could face hefty fines. Also read: 'This law is wrong': Angela Merkel joins other EU leaders in criticising Hungary's anti-LGBT law A Polish government spokesperson told Reuters that the country has no laws that would “discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation”. Currently, Poland is under EU’s eye for allegedly undercutting the bloc’s laws. Poland’s governing Law and Justice (PiS) party has been at odds with the EU over many democratic values. It has brought courts and media under more state control, tried to cut women’s rights and rejected migrants from the Middle East and Africa. Even amidst the pressure, Poland receives heavy financial aid from the European Union. But that hasn’t changed the attitude of its leaders. The party has refused to change its track, claiming that it ought to defend its country’s traditional and Catholic customs. Also read: Opinion: Will Pride Month do more than just rainbow colouring of displays? Also read: In major win for LGBTQIA+ community, Canada passes bill criminalising 'conversion therapy'

EU considering legal action against Poland for setting up 'LGBT-free' zones

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

South Korea held its first ever drag parade this weekend, a small but significant step for rights activists in a country that remains deeply conservative when it comes to gender and sexuality.

Dozens of drag queens and kings marched through Itaewon on Saturday, a suburb of Seoul best known for its nightlife and a nascent but vibrant gay scene.

Carrying rainbow flags, they cheered and strutted their best outfits, receiving shouts of support and the odd baffled look from those they passed.

While homosexuality is not illegal in South Korea, same-sex marriage is not recognised and people cannot legally change their birth gender.&nbsp

The country is home to a large evangelical Christian community and LGBT people feel pervasive pressure to to stay closeted.&nbsp

"When it comes to South Korea, human rights guarantees for sexual minorities are insufficient," Yang Heezy, a drag queen and the organiser of Seoul Drag Parade, told AFP.

"Today's drag parade and more queer culture festivals should take place to bring attention to sexual minorities and help those who are not from those minorities learn more," he added, sporting a flame red wig and floral dress.

Both South Koreans and foreigners participated in Saturday's parade.

One participant, who gave her drag queen name Lola Bank, said there was a feeling of exhilaration among marchers.

"The fact that we are able to be in public in drag is a huge milestone to queer acceptance in Korea," Lola enthused, dragging on a cigarette.

"I’ve always struggled with my masculinity and my femininity. And when I get in drag I’m saying kind of like a 'fuck you' to society’s expectations of how I should behave as a male."

Gay pride parades have been a fixture in South Korea for years but have often been protested by religious groups, who have held rival anti-homosexuality rallies while trying to physically block marchers.

Even left-leaning South Korean President Moon Jae-in -– a former human rights lawyer –- said he "opposed homosexuality" during a campaign debate last year.

Gay rights activists claim that some progress has been made in recent years, with surveys showing increasing tolerance -- particularly among young people -- and growing participation at gay pride events.&nbsp

Saturday's small parade saw no counter-demonstration.&nbsp

Lee Hyang-soon, an elderly street vendor, smiled and waved to participants as they passed.

"It's really cool. Seeing all the foreigners join in, it feels like Korea is becoming world famous," she said. "I'm happy. It's fabulous."

Dozens of drag queens and kings marched through Itaewon on Saturday, a suburb of Seoul best known for its nightlife and a nascent but vibrant gay scene

South Korea held its first ever drag parade this weekend, a small but significant step for rights activists in a country that remains deeply conservative when it comes to gender and sexuality. Dozens of drag queens and kings marched through Itaewon on Saturday, a suburb of Seoul best known for its nightlife and a nascent but vibrant gay scene. Carrying rainbow flags, they cheered and strutted their best outfits, receiving shouts of support and the odd baffled look from those they passed. While homosexuality is not illegal in South Korea, same-sex marriage is not recognised and people cannot legally change their birth gender. The country is home to a large evangelical Christian community and LGBT people feel pervasive pressure to to stay closeted. "When it comes to South Korea, human rights guarantees for sexual minorities are insufficient," Yang Heezy, a drag queen and the organiser of Seoul Drag Parade, told AFP. "Today's drag parade and more queer culture festivals should take place to bring attention to sexual minorities and help those who are not from those minorities learn more," he added, sporting a flame red wig and floral dress. Both South Koreans and foreigners participated in Saturday's parade. One participant, who gave her drag queen name Lola Bank, said there was a feeling of exhilaration among marchers. "The fact that we are able to be in public in drag is a huge milestone to queer acceptance in Korea," Lola enthused, dragging on a cigarette. "I’ve always struggled with my masculinity and my femininity. And when I get in drag I’m saying kind of like a 'fuck you' to society’s expectations of how I should behave as a male." Gay pride parades have been a fixture in South Korea for years but have often been protested by religious groups, who have held rival anti-homosexuality rallies while trying to physically block marchers. Even left-leaning South Korean President Moon Jae-in -– a former human rights lawyer –- said he "opposed homosexuality" during a campaign debate last year. Gay rights activists claim that some progress has been made in recent years, with surveys showing increasing tolerance -- particularly among young people -- and growing participation at gay pride events. Saturday's small parade saw no counter-demonstration. Lee Hyang-soon, an elderly street vendor, smiled and waved to participants as they passed. "It's really cool. Seeing all the foreigners join in, it feels like Korea is becoming world famous," she said. "I'm happy. It's fabulous."

In a first, South Korea holds drag parade with Rainbow flags and high heels

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