International News Briefs

Religious gay play sparks protest

GLASGOW, Scotland: Three hundred protesters demonstrated outside the production of Jesus, Queen of Heaven, which portrays Jesus as a transexual woman. The play was performed during the city’s Glasgay! arts festival. According to BBC News, Christian protesters held placards reading “God: My Son Is Not a Pervert” and “Jesus, King of Kings, Not Queen of Heaven.” Organizers described the protesters as “provocative” and possibly homophobic. The play was written and performed by transsexual playwright Jo Clifford. It’s a fictional piece that examines Clifford’s relationship with faith as a transgendered person. Glasgay! is a week-long festival that celebrates queer culture and the freedom of expression.

Kitty caught the flu

DES MOINES, Iowa: Veterinarians recently confirmed the first case of H1N1 in a domestic cat. The 13-year-old cat was diagnosed with the virus at Iowa State University College and later at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Associated Press reported two of three residents in the cat’s home displayed flu-like symptoms before the feline became ill. Doctors at the Centre for Disease Control have seen influenza passed on to other species from humans but said it was the first example of transmission to a cat. “Swine” flu has also been diagnosed in two ferrets. They died. The cat has recovered from its infection.

Binge drinking and moonshine mars Mayan horse race

TODOS SANTOS CUCHUMATAN, Guatemala: A Mayan horse race turned chaotic after patrons and riders were too drunk to behave. In May 2008, village mayor Modesto Mendez imposed a drinking ban, prohibiting the sale of hard alcohol to curb alcohol-related accidents in his town. The ban did not prevent locals and tourists from becoming intoxicated and causing disorder at the annual Mayan horse race to celebrate Day of the Dead. Reuters reported several riders fell off their horses. One was carried away after being trampled in the dirt. In celebration of the festivities, residents will consume copious amounts of homemade spirits. The mayor acknowledged the ban had not reduced heavy drinking before the festival and that fights and accidents still occurred.

The Queen has a royal wrestler

LONDON, Great Britain: Wrestler David Hintz, footman to Queen Elizabeth II, won the British wrestling title after beating his opponent in a cage match last week. The palace has been very supportive of Hintz’s wrestling pursuits. The Queen is a big British wrestling fan and watches it on TV. Hintz, whose ring name is David Deville, worked at Buckingham Palace for three years, reported BBC. He attended to the Queen during meal hours and during ceremonies, where he rode on the carriages as a bodyguard. Hintz took the title from two-time champion Jon “The Don” Ritchie in a 35-minute match. Hintz landed the winning blow by climbing over the top of the cage and falling on his rival.

Published in Volume 64, Number 11 of The Uniter (November 12, 2009)

Related Reads