Found at AP

Swedish health officials say they will remove transvestism, fetishism and sadomasochism from the country's official list of diseases and mental disorders.

The National Board of Welfare says labeling those aspects of sexual behavior and gender identity as disorders can add to prejudices in society. Gay and transgender rights activists welcomed this week's decision.

The board's director Lars-Erik Holm says he will raise the issue internationally when the World Health Organization starts the process of renewing its classifications.

Found at AP

Technorati: sweden transvestite transgender transsexual rights classification

Found at Jakarta Post

Dozens of transgender people in Yogyakarta on Wednesday commemorated Transgender Day of Remembrance, which falls every Nov. 20, by distributing stickers and flowers to people passing by the Yogyakarta post office on Jl. Malioboro.

Coordinator of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual (LGBT) group, Shinta Ratri, said the group's aim was to reduce the negative public perception of the LGBT community.

"We call on all institutions and people to stop discrimination against LBGTs," Shinta said.

During the commemorations, members of the group also presented roadside art performances.

Shinta said members of the group were protected under the human rights law, which states that all people are regarded as individuals and protected by the state.

Ironically, the group claims, the government has yet to take real action to protect the LGBT community.

Found at Jakarta Post

Technorati: indonesia transvestite transgender transsexual rights justice Shinta Ratri