New Yorkers protest homophobia by kissing in the rain

New Yorkers protest homophobia by kissing in the rain
Here, queer and visible — LGBTQ+ campaigners descended on Uzbekistan's consulate in New York City this weekend, to protest the country's state-sponsored homophobia and violence.

Uzbekistan’s consulate in New York is on 2nd Avenue, just a single block away from the world headquarters of the United Nations. It’s a geography that ordinarily makes sense – diplomats and politicians close by to the world’s foremost international organisation. But despite their proximity, there’s an uncomfortable reality being all too often ignored, according to the fifty or so people gathered in the rain on a Sunday afternoon at the consulate door.

Freelance Freelance

Organised by the RUSA LGBT and New York group “Voices 4” – a non-violent advocacy group committed to using direct action to achieve global queer liberation – campaigners held a rally and kiss in here this Sunday, hoping to draw attention to the state-sponsored violence against the LGBTQ+ communities of Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. Each is a member of the United Nations.

In Uzbekistan, same sex relationships between two men can are punishable by up to three years in prison, although reports of abuse and violence are also commonplace. In Azerbaijan homosexuality isn’t criminalised, although when the state is rounding up queer and trans people, before imprisoning and fining them, it may as well be. It was only a few months ago that the authorities in Tajikistan – another country in Central Asia – drew up a register of 367 allegedly gay citizens, suggesting they’d be required to be tested to avoid “the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases”.

Freelance Freelance

Despite the downpour, members of the group made speeches, reading out testimonies from those who had escaped the violence and persecution in these countries. “The actions against LGBTQIA+ people taken by the Governments of these countries are violating all international human rights statutes, laws, and declarations, and the governments must be held accountable for their unjust and inhumane policies,” a spokesperson for Voices4 explains.

Once the speaking was over, it was time to pucker up – an unapologetic act of defiance on the doorstep of homophobia.

Photographer Andrew Lamberson headed along to join them.

Freelance Freelance Freelance Freelance Freelance Freelance Freelance Freelance Freelance Freelance

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Latest on Huck

The party starters fighting to revive Stonehenge’s Solstice Free Festival
Huck Presents

The party starters fighting to revive Stonehenge’s Solstice Free Festival

Free the Stones! delves into the vibrant community that reignites Stonehenge’s Solstice Free Festival, a celebration suppressed for nearly four decades. 

Written by: Laura Witucka

Hypnotic Scenes of 90s London Nightlife
Photography

Hypnotic Scenes of 90s London Nightlife

Legendary photographer Eddie Otchere looks back at this epic chapter of the capital’s story in new photobook ‘Metalheadz, Blue Note London 1994–1996’

Written by: Miss Rosen

The White Pube: “Artists are skint, knackered and sharing the same 20 quid”
Culture

The White Pube: “Artists are skint, knackered and sharing the same 20 quid”

We caught up with the two art rebels to chat about their journey, playing the game that they hate, and why anarchism might be the solution to all of art’s (and the wider world’s) problems.

Written by: Isaac Muk

The Chinese youth movement ditching big cities for the coast
Photography

The Chinese youth movement ditching big cities for the coast

In ’Fissure of a Sweetdream’ photographer Jialin Yan documents the growing number of Chinese young people turning their backs on careerist grind in favour of a slower pace of life on Hainan Island.

Written by: Isaac Muk

The LGBT Travellers fundraising for survival
Activism

The LGBT Travellers fundraising for survival

This Christmas, Traveller Pride are raising money to continue supporting LGBT Travellers (used inclusively) across the country through the festive season and on into next year, here’s how you can support them.

Written by: Percy Henderson

The fight to save Bristol’s radical heart
Activism

The fight to save Bristol’s radical heart

As the city’s Turbo Island comes under threat activists and community members are rallying round to try and stop the tide of gentrification.

Written by: Ruby Conway

Sign up to our newsletter

Issue 81: The more than a game issue

Buy it now