Gay Today: World

Berlin Sidewalk to be Named
for Hirschfeld

Thais Picket U.S. Embassy
Over Drug Pricing

Public Sex OK at
Vancouver's Wreck Beach

Swiss Church Celebrates Gay Wedding

By Rex Wockner
International News Report

Berlin Sidewalk to be Named for Hirschfeld

Magnus Hirschfeld: World's First Gay Activist A planned sidewalk at the future chancellor's office in Berlin will be named after sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld, believed by many to be the world's first gay activist.

In 1897, Hirschfeld founded Berlin's Scientific-Humanitarian Committee. According to historian David Bianco, the group lobbied legislators, published journals and magazines, and counseled gays and lesbians dealing with issues of discrimination and coming out. The committee was smashed by the Nazis when they came to power and Hirschfeld's 35 years of work was burned.

Thais Picket U.S. Embassy Over Drug Pricing

Thai AIDS activists picketed the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok Sept. 4 protesting against U.S. government pressure on companies that produce generic anti-HIV drugs.

U.S. officials claim the cheaper Thai antivirals illegally violate the patents of rich First World drug companies.

The protesters said that if local AIDS patients are forced to buy name-brand drugs, many will have to go without because they can't afford them. Thailand's Pharmaceutical Organization sells generic AZT for about 35 cents a pill compared to Glaxo Welcome's price of approximately $1.00.

Public Sex OK at Vancouver's Wreck Beach

It's OK with the police in Vancouver, Canada, if gay men have sex in public along the trails at Wreck Beach, a popular nude beach near the University of British Columbia. Wreck Beach

"We're looking to catch the predatory-type guys who target women [in the beach's straight areas]," said Constable Steve James, head of a new patrol team at the beach. "We're not concerned about gay sex acts at or near Trail 7. We know there is some sex activity there, but right now we're concentrating on Trail 3."

Swiss Church Celebrates Gay Wedding

swissflag.gif" A gay relationship was blessed in a wedding-like ceremony at a Swiss Methodist church in Stein am Rhein last week.

Thomas Steiner, 29, and Stefan Zollinger, 21, exchanged rings and declared their partnership.

Celebrant Rev. Anders Stokholm told the assembled guests, "Humans should not separate what is united by god."

News reports called the blessing a Swiss first but this column's Swiss correspondent, David Haerry, said a similar service took place in Bern's Nydegg church two years ago.