by Rex Wockner - SGN Contributing Writer

LGBTs stage IDAHO flashmob in St. Petersburg
More than 150 people from the LGBT group Coming Out staged a 'Rainbow Flashmob' in St. Petersburg, Russia, on May 16 in conjunction with the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

They distributed pamphlets and released multicolored balloons 'symbolizing their dream of a world free of hate and homophobia,' organizers said.

Far-right groups had threatened to attack the event, but the confrontation did not materialize.

"By coming to the event, people demonstrate that they will not be bullied," said Coming Out spokesman Igor Kochetkov. "Each time, the LGBT community of St. Petersburg becomes more and more self-confident in showing itself."

IDAHO flashmobs took place in dozens of other cities in Russia and elsewhere.

Gays march in Brussels and Havana
More than 30,000 people marched in Brussels May 15 for Gay pride. They demanded equality for LGBT people throughout Europe. Belgium takes over the rotating European Union presidency in July.

In Havana, hundreds of LGBT people marched in the Vedado nightlife district May 15 in advance of the May 17 International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. They were led by President Raúl Castro's daughter Mariela, who heads CENESEX, the National Sex Education Center.

Other Cuban IDAHO events included workshops on LGBT issues and a huge, officially sanctioned outdoor drag show May 17 in the city of Santa Clara, 160 miles (258 km) east of Havana.

Aussies rally for marriage equality
Gays and Lesbians staged large rallies in Australia's cities May 15 demanding federal legalization of same-sex marriage.

The rallies coincided with the May 17 worldwide International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

British Gay actor Sir Ian McKellen addressed more than 1,000 ralliers in Melbourne.

"A non-discrimination law establishing the right for Gay people to be married would cost the Australian government nothing financially and would gain for you worldwide respect [and] would change lives enormously," McKellen said.

Marchers arrested at Minsk pride fined $6 each
Seven people who were arrested when police violently broke up the first Gay pride parade in Minsk, Belarus, on May 15 were released two days later after paying a fine of 17,500 rubles ($5.83) each for taking part in an unsanctioned public action.

The detained activists included St. Petersburg Pride organizers Aleksandr Sheremetyev and Dmitri Milkov.

City authorities had banned the parade, citing a national law that prohibits public events within 200 meters of subway stations and pedestrian tunnels.

When 40 people marched anyway, police attacked them and beat them.

With assistance from Bill Kelley

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