Happening in the World: Thirteen same-sex couples in Japan have filed a lawsuit in Japan, alleging that the country’s rejection of same-sex marriages violates their constitutional rights. Although Japan’s Constitution does not explicitly ban same-sex marriages-the government has interpreted the Constitution’s wording to only permit marriages to heterosexual couples. Some municipalities have begun to issue “partnership certificates” to same-sex couples. However, these certificates do not grant all the rights marriages does such as inheritance rights, visitation rights during health emergencies, and spousal visas. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has argued that the issue must be thought over carefully as it may “[affect] the foundation of how families should be in Japan.” Though, one of the plaintiffs noted that while politicians (who are primarily older) are more hesitant to change the law, same-sex marriages are overwhelmingly supported by the younger generation.

Happening in the US: Residents of Bluffton, South Carolina were given a shock by the sighting of 2 orange alligators. Pictures of the orange reptiles were taken from a pond in the Cypress Ridge community in Bluffton. Not to worry though, there’s a natural and not scary explanation as to the alligators’ orange hue. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources explained that the orange color is due to the alligators’ hibernation in water that contains rust. Thankfully, officials say that these alligators will not be permanently discolored-as overtime they will turn back to their original color.

Happening in NYC: After almost cancellation, reduced service on weekends, and noxious gas, the L Train still continues to get worse. A Williamsburg resident was waiting for the L at the Bedford Ave when the “sky” came crashing down. In this case, the sky was a plank of wood that fell from the ceiling of the stop. Thankfully, the resident was not hit, but it only narrowly missed her. The MTA has yet to respond for comment on this recent incident involving the L Train and its stations.

Happening on Campus: This Tuesday, from 12 pm to 1:30 pm, SIPA will be hosting a talk with Serbian born photographer and architect, Slobodan Randjelović about his photobook, Living In Transition: LGBTQ Serbia. This photobook shows a community which has battled homophobia and transphobia in Serbia, where they often times are driven to isolation and poverty. The event is being held in the International Affairs Building in the Marshall D. Shulman Seminar Room.

Documentary of the Week: This is not a documentary, but The Dragon Prince on Netflix is amazing and I love it so much! It’s by the producers of Avatar: The Last Airbender (tv show) and Legend of Korra. It has magic, elves with Scottish (?) accents, dragons, mayhem, and fantasy. What’s not to love? It’s really cute and has a pretty good storyline and season two came out yesterday! I can’t wait to see where it will go!

bedford ave via Wikimedia Commons