At a time when all kinds of freedoms seem under increasing threat, here are two very positive signs of international change in the LGBT world.

First, Cromatica 2015 is going to be the first ever LGBT choral festival in Italy, on the 30th and 31st May. Featuring what we think will be at least seven Italian choirs (who knew?) and based in Bologna, this is the first one of its kind. Still not as many as in Japan, of course!

Second, and more incredibly still, I saw yesterday this Buzzfeed article about the first gay wedding in India, all the more brave since being gay is illegal.