Antarctica Was Just Declared 'The World's First LGBT-Friendly Continent'

"Planting Peace will not stop fighting for LGBT rights until all sexual and gender minorities experience full, fundamental rights in every corner of the world."
Planting Peace in Antartica
Planting Peace in Antartica
Courtesy of Planting Pease

Antarctica is known for frigid temperatures, parading penguins and now... being "the world's first LGBT-friendly continent"?

That's right -- at least if Planting Peace has anything to say about it.

The non-profit advocacy organization, which created the pro-queer rainbow Equality House adjacent to the Westboro Baptist Church compound in Topeka, Kansas, recently traveled across Antarctica carrying a Pride flag in a symbolic effort to declare full human rights for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people living in or visiting Antartica. The gesture is also meant to raise awareness about securing equality for queer people on a global level.

A penguin lends a helping beak.
A penguin lends a helping beak.
Courtesy of Planting Peace

"I traveled to Antarctica to play a role in spreading visibility for the need for basic human rights for the LGBT community,"Aaron Jackson, president of Planting Peace, told The Huffington Post. "It was an honor to carry the Pride flag throughout Antarctica, and Planting Peace will not stop fighting for LGBT rights until all sexual and gender minorities experience full, fundamental rights in every corner of the world."

A Planting Peace member plants a flag in Antarctica.
A Planting Peace member plants a flag in Antarctica.
Courtesy of Planting Peace

Previously, Planting Peace has engaged in other direct action events including installing a giant billboard in Kim Davis' hometown that called out the clerk's bigoted stance on same-sex marriage. The Equality House, which is owned and operated by Planting Peace, has created and executed its own performative protests, most often against the Westboro Baptist Church, including a child’s lemonade stand for peace, a gay wedding, a drag show and a fictional wedding between Dumbledore and Gandalf.

Want to help Planting Peace in their ongoing efforts to achieve global equality for all queer people? Head here for more information.

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