Scene Magazine

First openly gay NBA player, Jason Collins, dies aged 47

Jason Collins, the former National Basketball Association (NBA) centre who became the first openly gay player in a major North American professional sports league, has died at the age of 47 following …

The Secret Society Brighton Fringe @ The Walrus (Tusk Club)

The Secret Society is funny, warm, inclusive and deeply, committedly daft which feels something close to a public service.

Russian woman sentenced over Stray Kids fanfiction featuring gay relationship

A woman in Russia has been sentenced to 18 months of compulsory labour after writing fanfiction about K‑pop group Stray Kids that depicted a same‑sex relationship. Alexandra Kuzyk, a 36‑year‑old phot…

Trans student stabbed to death at University of Washington

A 19-year-old trans student at the University of Washington has been stabbed to death, prompting a manhunt and raising concerns within the university’s LGBTQ+ community. The student, believed to be a…

Spain tops Europe’s LGBTQ+ rights ranking, with UK 22nd

Spain has been ranked the best country in Europe for LGBTQ+ rights, ending Malta’s 10-year run at the top of ILGA-Europe’s annual Rainbow Map - with the UK placed 22nd in the latest league table. The…

'Britain at the heart of Europe': Be bold, Prime Minister, and rejoin the EU for the sake of human rights

Brexit failed. We know it. Keir Starmer is starting to admit it. But incremental steps won't fix the economy, or reverse the decline of LGBTQ+ rights that followed. There is only one answer: rejoin th…

RABBIE BURNS' BOTTOM DRAWERS @ The Walrus (Tusk Club) Brighton Fringe

Bonkers, bawdy, and thoroughly Scottish, classic Brighton Fringe at its most gloriously unhinged.

Sir Ian McKellen says fellow actor urged him to stay quiet on gay rights

Sir Ian McKellen has revealed that Star Wars actor Sir Alec Guinness once advised him to stay out of politics and avoid campaigning for gay rights, telling him it was “unseemly” for actors to get invo…

TalkTV pays ‘substantial damages’ to drag artist after children’s storytime row

TalkTV has apologised and agreed to pay “substantial damages” to a Northern Ireland drag performer following a defamation claim linked to a row over a children’s storytime event. The case centres on …

‘Steel Magnolias’ made Sally Field's son gay

Hollywood star Sally Field has revealed her son jokingly credits her 1989 film Steel Magnolias with influencing his sexuality. The Oscar-winning actress said her youngest child, writer and producer S…

Queer Britain, the UK’s national LGBTQ+ museum, unveils summer programme ahead of London Pride

Queer Britain, the UK’s national LGBTQ+ museum, has announced a packed summer programme of exhibitions and events as London prepares to host Pride on Saturday, 4 July. Based in King’s Cross, the muse…

Equity presents Durham Pride with £7,000+ donation after Reform UK cuts funding

Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, has presented Durham Pride with a £7,200 donation after the annual event had its budget cut by Durham County Council, which is led by Reform …

The Saturday Scene: Two-party politics in the UK is dead and gone [Election Special]

It is the morning after votes from England's local elections and Scotland and Wales's devolved elections were counted. I will focus solely on this today, because the ripple effects of what happened ye…

‘I lived in the shadows’: Former Corrie star Amanda Barrie on coming out later in life

A former Coronation Street star has revealed she believed she would have been sacked if her sexuality became public, as she reflects on decades spent hiding her identity and says she is still “learnin…

Finnish "Christian Democrat" convicted of hate speech over pamphlet about homosexuality to appeal decision

A Finnish MP convicted of hate speech over a pamphlet about homosexuality has said she will appeal to Europe’s top human rights court. Päivi Räsänen, a parliamentarian for the Christian Democrats and…

X ranked worst platform for LGBTQ+ safety in new social media report

Social media platform X has been ranked the least safe major network for LGBTQ users in a new global report, with researchers warning that protections across the industry have reached “historic lows”.…

REVIEW: The Watermelon Woman (1996)

Director Cheryl Dunye made The Watermelon Woman on a very tight budget. She wrote it, directed it and starred in it. Duyne was the first black dyke director to produce a feature film. That's incredib…

Drag acts at Durham Pride to benefit from Equity agreement - setting minimum standards on pay

Organisers of Durham Pride have signed a new agreement with Equity, the trade union representing around 50,000 performers and creative practitioners, marking a first for the event. The deal sets mini…

Labour urged to protect Parkrun from ‘American interference’ over trans inclusion

Labour has been urged to act to protect Parkrun from what campaigners describe as “American interference”, after a US-based religious organisation issued a legal threat over trans inclusion in the UK.…

Vatican report acknowledges LGBTQ+ Catholics experience “solitude, anguish and stigma”

A Vatican report has acknowledged that many LGBTQ+ Catholics experience isolation, stigma and emotional distress within the Church. The document, released on 5 May by a group of theologians as part o…

Cambridge Pride to return next month

Cambridge Pride will return to Jesus Green on Saturday, 13 June, promising a full day of celebration, entertainment and community spirit in the heart of the city. The free festival, which begins at 1…

Two arrested following BBC probe into ‘fake gay’ asylum advice

Two people have been arrested following an investigation into allegations that immigration advisers encouraged asylum seekers to falsely claim they were gay in order to remain in the UK. The arrests,…

Zodiac Bar, one of north London’s only trans‑founded LGBTQ+ venues, relaunches with bid for protected status

One of north London’s only trans‑founded and LGBTQ+ community‑run venues is relaunching this weekend as it seeks formal protection through community ownership powers. Zodiac Bar, Club and Karaoke on …

The Most "Heterosexual" Couple in Showbiz: Pearl & Dean at Brighton Fringe

There are interviews that feel structured, predictable, neatly tied up. And then there are interviews like the one I had with Dan Lockwood and Alasdair Carson-Sheard - better known (and very seriously…

Dr Ranj Singh announced as producer of 'The P Word', which charts the parallel lives of two gay Pakistani men

Dr Ranj Singh has been announced as a producer of The P Word, Waleed Akhtar’s Olivier Award‑winning play, as the production prepares to return to Bush Theatre later this month. The acclaimed drama, w…

Brighton to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia on 17 May

Brighton is set to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) with a community‑led vigil on Sunday, 17 May, as LGBTQ+ organisations and supporters gather in the…

Florida man charged after allegedly targeting five-year-old child “for being gay”

A Florida man has been charged with aggravated child abuse after police alleged he attacked a five-year-old boy because he believed the child was gay. Andre Brown Jr., 33, was arrested on Sunday in t…

Divina De Campo lifts lid on Gemma Collins feud - “Where was she? On Instagram selling cheap clothes made in China.”

Drag Race UK runner-up Divina De Campo has spoken publicly about past tensions with Gemma Collins. Divina shared the experience while appearing at Hayley Palmer: An Audience With, a talk show event h…

Trans+ History Week 2026 returns with national events and calls for ‘narrative shift’

Trans+ History Week has returned for 2026 with a programme of national events, exhibitions and commissioned storytelling highlighting the long and often overlooked history of trans and gender‑diverse …

Alex Consani makes history as first trans woman on Met Gala host committee

American supermodel Alex Consani marked a historic moment at the Met Gala, becoming the first trans woman to serve on the event’s host committee. Speaking on the red carpet at the annual fundraising …

Trump administration launches inquiries into LGBTQ+ lessons in Illinois schools

The Trump administration has launched federal investigations into 36 school districts in Illinois over lessons that include LGBTQ+ topics, marking the latest move in President Donald Trump’s renewed c…

Brighton Bear Weekend and Pride Community Foundation announce grant-giving partnership

Brighton Bear Weekend CIC (BBW) has named Pride Community Foundation CIC (PCF) as its official grant-giving partner, marking a new chapter in how the legendary community event puts money raised by its…

The file marked ‘Sexual Offences’: inside the BBC’s long-buried first documentary on homosexuality

In 1953 the BBC made a secret programme about homosexuality and locked it away. Historian Professor Marcus Collins found the transcript buried in a Reading archive. He tells Scene what it reveals abou…

The Saturday Scene: King Charles steals the show in Washington, and what he didn't say out loud

It's a bank holiday weekend! Grab a drink and get comfy in your reading corner. This Saturday, we're recapping the news cycle of the past week, starting with King Charles's speech to the United States…

Get Real: The Return! Brighton Fringe

What carries the show is ensemble chemistry and a collective willingness to commit. The audience laughed often and loudly, with specific moments drawing the kind of reactions that tell you something h…

Hate crime probe launched after man left critically injured in suspected homophobic attack in Bristol

Police have launched a hate crime investigation after a man was left critically injured in a suspected homophobic attack in Bristol city centre. Emergency services were called to St Nicholas Street i…

Pink Punters LGBTQ+ nightclub fire was accidental, investigators say, as owner vows it will return

A fire that tore through one of England’s best‑known LGBTQ+ nightclubs in Milton Keynes has been confirmed as accidental, police have said, ruling out arson or any hate‑motivated attack. Thames Valle…

Rugby player banned after homophobic social media post mocking opponent for wearing pink top and leggings

An amateur rugby player has been banned after posting a homophobic message on social media in which he described an opposing player as “gay” for wearing pink clothing and leggings during a match. Kyl…

European Parliament backs EU‑wide conversion therapy ban as UK continues to delay legislation

The European Parliament has voted to support an European Union‑wide ban on so‑called conversion therapy, increasing pressure on national governments - including the UK’s - to bring forward long‑promis…

Large and Loud: Falmouth brims with Pride for Falmouth Pride 2026

Falmouth Pride is one of the earliest Pride events in the UK and Cornwall Pride is one of three Pride’s to be honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (2025). This imbued 2026’s Falmouth P…

LGBTQ+ organisations, including Mermaids and TransActual, urge Wes Streeting to reverse restrictions on trans healthcare

Ten organisations supporting LGBTQ+ children and young people have written to the health secretary, Wes Streeting, and NHS England calling for an urgent reversal of recent restrictions on gender-affir…

The Black Cap to unveil Regina Fong Terrace in tribute to drag trailblazer

The Black Cap is set to open a new chapter in its long and glittering history this Saturday, 2 May, with the launch of Regina Fong Terrace - a new space dedicated to one of Britain’s most pioneering d…

Carlos Acosta’s Carmen @ Theatre Royal Brighton

Power. Possession. The radical act of belonging to no one. Acosta's Carmen is the show your body has been waiting for. Fearless, ferocious and almost indecently beautiful. Go. You'll feel it for days.

Man released on bail following blaze at Pink Punters LGBTQ+ nightclub in Milton Keynes

A man arrested after a major fire destroyed the Pink Punters LGBTQ+ nightclub in Milton Keynes has been released on conditional bail while police enquiries continue. Thames Valley Police confirmed th…

“I didn’t know who I was before 40.” Susan Calman speaks about growing up gay in Radio 2 interview with Vernon Kay

This week, Scottish comedian Susan Calman spoke openly about her experiences of growing up gay in Scotland with Vernon Kay on BBC Radio 2. The comedian and broadcaster appeared on Kay’s Tracks Of My Y…

University of Sussex overturns record free speech fine in damning high court ruling

Sussex Uni wins major legal victory against England's higher education regulator, with a High Court judge ruling that a £585,000 fine, was unlawful.

Boy George ‘left in tears’ after being caught up in Golders Green antisemitic knife attack

Boy George has revealed he was caught up in the knife attack in London’s Golders Green that left two Jewish men injured and prompted a major counter‑terrorism investigation. The Culture Club singer s…

Law change equalises punishment for anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime

Yesterday (29 April), the Crime and Policing Bill received Royal Assent, changing the law to make anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime an aggravated offence. This change in law, which comes following a campaign by …

Two Women’s Institute branches close after 72 years following resignations over trans membership policy

Two long‑established branches of the Women’s Institute (WI) in Bristol have closed after senior committee members resigned in protest at a national policy change restricting membership to women born f…

FILM REVIEW: Brute 1976

Trans powerlifter JayCee Cooper settles legal dispute with USA Powerlifting

JayCee Cooper, a trans powerlifter from Minnesota, has reached a settlement with USA Powerlifting, ending a long‑running legal dispute over her exclusion from women’s competitions. The agreement follo…

HIV The Naked Truth: Nude photography exhibition on HIV stigma to debut in Brighton during Pride Week

A new photography exhibition challenging stigma around HIV is set to open in Brighton during Pride Week this summer. HIV The Naked Truth will be presented at Phoenix Art Space from 29 July - 2 August…

Shonda Rhimes shares excitement over Bridgerton’s first queer romance

Shonda Rhimes has spoken about Bridgerton’s first central queer love story, describing her excitement as the Netflix series prepares to break new ground in its upcoming fifth season. The hit Regency-…

Man jailed after breaking into Belfast LGBTQ+ venue and spending hours trying on drag queen outfits

A man who broke into a Belfast LGBTQ+ bar and repeatedly returned to a drag performers’ dressing room, where he damaged costumes worth more than £1,000, has been sentenced to seven months in prison. …

Russian LGBT Network labelled ‘extremist’, effectively banning its activities nationwide

Russian authorities have escalated their crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights after a court in St Petersburg designated the Russian LGBT Network an “extremist organisation”, effectively banning its activities n…

Elliot Page reflects on the ‘shame’ he felt growing up queer

Elliot Page recently spoke about the deep sense of shame and loneliness he felt as a queer child, recalling a formative period marked by isolation and the belief that “something was wrong” with him. …

Josh Cavallo on love, lust and living authentically: “I just wanted to be me”

Josh Cavallo made sporting history in 2021 when he became the first active top-flight male professional footballer to come out as gay. Five years on, the Adelaide United player, who currently plays fo…

Next to donate 100% of profits from Hamish the Highland Cow doorstop to Terrence Higgins Trust

British retailer Next has announced a Pride partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust, pledging to donate 100% of profits from a limited‑edition Hamish the Highland Cow doorstop to the HIV charity. As …

Trans people are dying of suicide more than the general UK population, new investigation reveals

Content warning: suicide, self-harm and death Fifty suicides of trans people in the UK over the past 10 years have been uncovered in a new investigation. Six further preventable or premature deaths w…

"Truly devastating." Man arrested after fire destroys popular Milton Keynes LGBTQ+ club, Pink Punters

A 51‑year‑old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a packed LGBTQ+ nightclub in Milton Keynes was set on fire in the early hours of Sunday morning, in what ha…

South west pilot support service launches to improve how trans people experience NHS waiting lists

A new national support service has been launched to help trans and non-binary people cope while waiting for NHS gender identity healthcare, as thousands face years-long delays for first appointments. …

"It'd be funny if it wasn't real": Dian Cathal on being trans, American, and absolutely unbothered

Dian Cathal did not move to Britain because he loves it here. He moved because he cannot eat corn. This is not a metaphor. Diagnosed in childhood with an autoimmune condition triggered by corn syrup …

They said we were finished. They were wrong

A landmark global report confirms what LGBTQ+ people already knew: the backlash is real, coordinated, and funded. But so is the fightback and it's winning more than anyone is being told.

"Kevin will be deeply missed by so many". Kevin Coyle, founder of Drag Bus, has passed away

Kevin Coyle, the founder of Drag Bus, passed away unexpectedly yesterday. Kevin launched Drag Bus in 2023, transforming a classic red Routemaster into a celebration of drag, cabaret and community. Wh…

Jeezus the Musical @ New Diorama Theatre, Euston

It sashays, brazenly and without apology, between the full gothic weight of centuries of religious oppression and a really excellent bum joke, sometimes within the same breath, occasionally within the…

The Saturday Scene: Has the UK become ungovernable, and what does that mean for us?

As every Saturday, we're going to look at this week's news cycle through an LGBTQ+ lens. Before we recap the most important headlines on Scene from the past five days, I want to zoom out and reflect o…

Ruel releases new single from forthcoming part two of double album Kicking My Feet & Screaming and announces UK/EU tour

Including a stop in Brighton!

Discover the LGBTQ+ history of South East England at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery

A new exhibition opening tomorrow will invite audiences to discover the LGBTQ+ history of South East England at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery from 25 April - 30 August 2026. Presented across the summ…

Kim Leadbeater MP compares assisted dying debate to gay marriage reform

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has said legalising assisted dying should be treated as a matter of personal choice, comparing it to Parliament’s decision to allow same‑sex marriage, as she renews her campai…

INTERVIEW: Conleth Kane on grief, joy, becoming his truest self and his Andy Bell approved EP, Erasure-esque

"I'll never forget my nerves as I peaked through the curtains and saw my childhood idol in the front row."

Decade-old clip shows Trump once backed trans bathroom access

A resurfaced television clip from 2016 is drawing renewed attention to the dramatic shift in US President Donald Trump’s approach to trans rights, contrasting markedly with the policies and rhetoric h…

Pro‑LGBTQ+ broadcaster Rainbow TV set for launch in Hungary

A new LGBTQ‑focused television channel, Rainbow TV, is being planned for launch in Hungary, with its founders promising inclusive programming, independent journalism and a platform for voices often ma…

HAVE YOUR SAY: Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard invites LGBTQ+ communities to take part in community survey

Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard is inviting LGBTQ+ communities to take part in a new community survey as the charity reflects on its 50th year and looks ahead to what comes next. For 50 years, Switc…

Rapist sentenced to life for deliberately infecting other men with HIV

A sexual predator has been sentenced to life imprisonment for multiple counts of rape and grievous bodily harm through the intentional transmission of HIV. Adam Hall, previously of the Washington are…

Kezia Dugdale addresses JK Rowling remarks following appointment as Stonewall Chair

Kezia Dugdale has sought to address criticism over remarks she made about author JK Rowling after being appointed as the incoming Chair of Stonewall. The former Scottish Labour leader came under scru…

Doncaster drag queen elected as Reform UK councillor in Salford by‑election

A Doncaster-born drag performer has been elected as a Reform UK councillor following a closely fought by‑election in Greater Manchester. Michael Felse won the Barton and Winton seat on Salford City C…

'Would we have fashion without gay people?' Meryl Streep salutes gay culture ahead of Devil Wears Prada 2

Meryl Streep has spoken warmly about the enduring love The Devil Wears Prada enjoys within the LGBTQ+ community, as anticipation builds for the long‑awaited sequel to the cult fashion comedy. The Osc…

Man makes false statement to licensing committee in attempt to shut down Heaven, one of London's best‑known LGBTQ+ venues

Aldo d’Aponte, 47, pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to making a false statement to a licensing committee in an attempt to shut down one of London's best‑known LGBTQ+ venues, Heaven. T…

Community raises almost $100,000 for gay dad after altercation with anti-LGBTQ right‑wing activist

An online fundraiser has raised almost $100,000 to support a gay father facing criminal charges following a confrontation with a right‑wing influencer. The donations were raised to help cover legal c…

REVIEW: The Choir of Man @ Theatre Royal

Entirely wholesome, exuberantly fun, and deeply generous in spirit. It’s making a case; for friendship, for shared spaces, for the simple act of gathering.

"I would rather you were dead”: Nathan Lane reveals mother’s reaction when he came out

Nathan Lane has spoken candidly about his mother’s reaction when he first told her he was gay, recalling a moment he described as one of the most difficult of his life. The Only Murders in the Buildi…

Russian publisher raided over alleged ‘gay propaganda’

Russian police have raided the offices of the country’s largest publishing house as part of a criminal investigation into the alleged distribution of what authorities describe as “gay propaganda”, in …

Laverne Cox warns trans people are being ‘dehumanised’

Laverne Cox has warned that trans people are increasingly being “dehumanised”, saying hostile rhetoric and political attacks risk stripping an already marginalised community of dignity and safety. Sp…

Brothers go on trial over 1984 killing of "kind, gentle" civil servant in homophobic attack

Two brothers have gone on trial accused of murdering a civil servant more than 40 years ago during a violent spree targeting lone gay men in north London. Michael Stewart, now 57, and Anthony Stewart…

Cardiff City fined £15,000 over homophobic chanting

Cardiff City has been fined £15,000 by the Football Association (FA) after supporters were found to have directed homophobic chants during a Carabao Cup match against Chelsea. An independent FA Regul…

EU ruling puts pressure on Péter Magyar to scrap anti‑LGBTQ+ law

Europe’s highest court has delivered a landmark ruling against Hungary’s 2021 “anti‑LGBTI propaganda” law, intensifying pressure on opposition leader Péter Magyar to show that his pro‑EU stance includ…

Boy George defends Eurovision participation amid boycott calls

Boy George has defended his decision to take part in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, insisting that music should unite people even as the competition faces renewed controversy over Israel’s parti…

Azealia Banks makes anti‑gay tirade and claims ‘liberalism is dead’ on X

US rapper Azealia Banks has been criticised after posting a string of incendiary messages online in which she attacked gay people, rejected liberal politics and declared that the US Democratic Party w…

Israel to host "largest-ever" Middle East LGBTQ+ festival at the Dead Sea

Israel is set to host what organisers describe as the "largest LGBTQ+ event" ever staged in the Middle East, with a four‑day festival planned at the Dead Sea later this year. The event, known as Prid…

Colchester Kings ready to host UK’s International Gay Rugby Finals

Colchester will take centre stage in UK LGBTQ+ sport this weekend as it hosts the International Gay Rugby (IGR) UK Finals Day, an event expected to attract hundreds of players, supporters and visitors…

Miss Universe Puerto Rico announces second trans contestant, Gabriel Rodríguez Velázquez

Miss Universe Puerto Rico has confirmed that Gabriel Rodríguez Velázquez will compete in its 2026 national pageant, becoming the second openly trans woman to enter the competition. Rodríguez Velázque…

Tim Cook, first openly gay Fortune 500 CEO, to step down as Apple chief

Tim Cook, the first chief executive of a Fortune 500 company to publicly come out as gay, will step aside as head of Apple in September 2026, concluding a near‑15‑year period in which he reshaped both…

Margate Pride to celebrate 10th anniversary with expanded programme

Margate Pride is marking its 10th anniversary this summer with a full day of celebrations and a month‑long arts and culture festival, organisers have announced. Pride Day will take place on Saturday,…

Trans Solidarity Rally held in Swindon to mark anniversary of Supreme Court ruling

Trans people and allies gathered in Swindon yesterday for a Trans Solidarity Rally organised by Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, marking one year since a UK Supreme Court ruling that campaigners say has h…

FILM REVIEW: Cherri - "a low-key, offbeat Cuban drama"

Cherri is a low-key, offbeat Cuban drama. An honest film about the joys and pitfalls of romantic obsession, featuring an effective performance by a lead actor with great range.

More than 8,500 sign up for Gay Games Valencia 2026

Registrations for the Gay Games Valencia 2026 have passed 8,500, organisers have confirmed, just weeks before the international LGBTQ+ sporting and cultural festival opens in Spain. The event, which …

Squirt launches first‑ever gay dating app on iOS and Android

Squirt, the long‑running gay cruising website, has launched its first mobile dating app, expanding the platform’s reach with availability on both iOS and Android. The app, SQ Dating - Gay Chat & Meet…

Trans woman, Steph Richards, steps down from endometriosis charity after sustained criticism from Reform UK MP Suella Braverman

A trans woman who worked with a women’s health charity has stepped away from her role following sustained political criticism, highlighting ongoing tensions around trans inclusion in public life and h…

Former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale “thrilled and honoured” to be joining Stonewall as new Chair

Stonewall has appointed the former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale as its new Chair, with Dugdale set to formally take up the role in September. The organisation said its board of trustees had s…

Rule change allows thousands more LGBTQ+ Australians to donate blood

Thousands of LGBTQ+ Australians can now donate blood for the first time after changes to national eligibility rules came into effect on Monday, removing longstanding restrictions based on gender and s…

REVIEW: 100 Nights of Hero is an offbeat queer love story with the quality of a children’s storybook

Words by Helny Hobbs 100 Nights of Hero (2025) is a visually exquisite fairytale with the dry humour of a Yorgos Lanthimos film, and the dollhouse-esque aesthetic of a Wes Anderson. The film is Julia…

Over 100 groups, including Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, urge BBC and government to end "harmful narratives"

Groups including Rainbow Migration, Micro Rainbow, Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard and LGBT Foundation said they were "concerned" about a recent BBC investigation into immigration and asylum advice, …

The Saturday Scene: Orbán is gone, Budapest Pride may be back, and what comes next for Hungary

Thank you for coming back for another week of news that we're going to cover together. Compared to last week's doom and gloom, this week feels more positive, particularly given the recent developments…

#DALEYPOP x April 2026

Starring: The Pussycat Dolls, Alok, Khalid, Anne Hathaway, BTS, Juanpa Gordoa, Milky, Paris Jackson, LeAnn Rimes and Loreen!

Former First Lady Jill Biden bids $35,000 for Heated Rivalry role at LGBTQ+ benefit auction

Jill Biden placed a $35,000 (£28,000) bid for a walk‑on role in the hit queer hockey drama Heated Rivalry during a high‑profile LGBTQ charity auction in New York, drawing attention at one of the commu…

Philadelphia opens LGBTQ+-dedicated Philly Pride Visitor Centre

Philly Pride Visitor Centre, a dedicated LGBTQ+ visitor centre has opened in Philadelphia, at the corner of 12th & Locust Streets in the heart of the city’s Gaybourhood. The centre - open five days a…

Danny Beard to host National AIDS Trust's flagship fundraising event, 'Drag Raise'

National AIDS Trust will be bringing its flagship Drag Raise fundraising evening back to central London, hosted by Danny Beard, one of the UK’s best-known drag talents.  At Diageo’s glamorous Luminis…

Shannon Minter, Alan Cumming and Hilary Knight among LGBTQ+ change makers to make TIME magazine's list of 100 Most Influential People of 2026

TIME magazine has unveiled its 100 Most Influential People of 2026, with the newly released list reflecting a growing recognition of LGBTQ+ and trans leaders shaping law, culture, fashion and public l…

Kent’s first-ever LGBTQ+ cricket club, Invicta Icons, has officially launched

Kent’s first-ever LGBTQ+ cricket club, Invicta Icons, has officially launched, offering a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for players of all abilities to discover – or rediscover – the sport. The…

Charity defends LGBTQ+ asylum seekers after BBC report into alleged ‘fabricated’ claims

A leading LGBTQ+ asylum charity has said the actions of a “small number of bad-faith actors” should not be used to misrepresent people fleeing persecution, following a BBC investigation into alleged a…

Tennessee declares June as 'Nuclear Family Month', a move widely seen as sidelining Pride Month celebrations

LGBTQ+ groups have reacted with anger after the US state of Tennessee officially declared June as 'Nuclear Family Month', a move widely seen as sidelining Pride Month celebrations. Republican governo…

"A year of chaos and harm": Alex Parmar‑Yee, director of the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance, marks one year anniversary of anti-trans Supreme Court ruling

A leading trans equality campaigner has warned that the past year has been marked by “chaos and harm” for trans people, as campaigners marked the first anniversary of a controversial Supreme Court jud…

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus to celebrate LGBTQ+ heroes and musical icons this Brighton Fringe

Brighton Fringe season is approaching which can mean only one thing; the return of the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus to St George's Church for their first show of the year! Heroes, will celebrate local LG…

Tennis analyst says it's "crazy" anti-trans tennis star Martina Navratilova gets Netflix doc after years of "insane tweets"

A tennis commentator has publicly criticised Martina Navratilova over her views on transgender athletes, following news that the former world number one will be the subject of a forthcoming Netflix do…

Peter Tatchell condemns 'fake gay' asylum claims after BBC investigation

The Peter Tatchell Foundation has condemned fraudulent asylum claims based on fabricated LGBTQ+ identities, warning that such scams risk undermining protection for those fleeing genuine persecution. …

Mark Hamill: “If you think Luke is gay, of course he is."

Mark Hamill has said that Luke Skywalker can be gay if viewers choose to see him that way, confirming that the Star Wars hero’s sexuality is open to interpretation rather than fixed by canon. The act…

'Lesbian rights' group granted appeal in court case over excluding trans women

A court has allowed an Australian 'lesbian rights' group to appeal a previous ruling that prevented it from excluding trans women from its public events, in a decision that has reignited debate around…

“Silence is costing lives,” says Gareth Thomas as he highlights queer community crisis

Former Wales rugby captain Gareth Thomas is leading a national call to confront what campaigners describe as a hidden crisis affecting the LGBTQ+ community, as new research highlights the scale of dru…

Official LGBTQ+ wing of Scottish National Party criticises Scottish Labour manifesto ahead of Holyrood election

Out for Independence, the official LGBTQ+ wing of the Scottish National Party, has said it will highlight what it describes as “serious risks” to queer communities under Scottish Labour’s plans, follo…

Stonewall wins change to Crime & Policing Bill on LGBTQ+ hate crime

LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall has secured a significant victory after Parliament agreed to amend the Crime & Policing Bill to ensure anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime is treated as an aggravated offence. The …

HIV charities criticise Nigel Farage after Reform UK leader called for asylum seekers to be banned from receiving HIV treatment on NHS

HIV charities Terrence Higgins Trust and National AIDS Trust have criticised comments made by Nigel Farage yesterday (13 April). The Reform UK leader said he would ban asylum seekers with HIV from rec…

Government reviews EHRC code of practice on services following backlash over trans inclusion

The government has moved to review proposed guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) on services, public functions and associations, following widespread criticism that earlier pr…

Green mayoral candidate, Hirra Khan Adeogun, pledges to "challenge" homophobia and transphobia ahead of Tower Hamlets election

Hirra Khan Adeogun, the Green Party’s mayoral and council candidate in Tower Hamlets, has pledged her full solidarity with LGBTQ+ people facing discrimination and oppression, warning of what she descr…

Trans reality star and activist Ella Morgan to become 'first ever trans contestant' of SAS: Who Dares Wins

Ella Morgan is set to make television history as the first transgender celebrity to take part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, it has been reported. The 32‑year‑old reality TV star, who rose to prom…

Birmingham Pride boss unveils plans to make festival free by 2027

The director of Birmingham Pride has announced ambitions to make the festival completely free to attend by 2027, marking the event’s 30th anniversary. Speaking to BirminghamLive, festival director La…

Staffordshire Police issues formal apology for historic “ill‑treatment” of LGBTQ+ people

Staffordshire Police has issued a formal apology for the historic “ill‑treatment” of LGBTQ+ people, acknowledging that previous policing practices caused harm and undermined trust within the community…

US agrees to restore Pride flag at New York’s Stonewall Monument

The United States government has agreed to restore the Pride flag at New York’s Stonewall National Monument, following criticism over its removal from the site regarded as the birthplace of the modern…

Scotland’s only dedicated public archive celebrating LGBTQ+ literary heritage launches urgent appeal to secure its future

The Lavender Menace Queer Books Archive, Scotland’s only dedicated public archive celebrating LGBTQ+ literary heritage, has launched an urgent funding appeal as it faces a growing financial crisis tha…

Crawley LGBT announces plans to better serve LGBTQ+ people across Crawley, Horsham and wider Sussex

Crawley LGBT CIC has announced two major milestones in its growth: a new name, Sussex LGBT CIC, and structure designed to better serve LGBTQ+ people across Crawley, Horsham and the wider Sussex region…

Departures (2025) Review

Today's offering is an odd kind of film that asks you to watch a man while he makes every wrong decision he can. Peccadillo Pictures' latest feature, Departures, is also, however, very, very good and …

Much‑loved local pub faces closure after alleged “homophobic vendetta”

A cherished community pub in Fareham is fighting for its future after its landlords said they are being targeted by what they describe as a “homophobic vendetta”, placing the venue at risk of closure.…

Drag Race icon Kitty Scott‑Claus to run London Marathon in memory of grandma

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK favourite Kitty Scott‑Claus is set to take on the London Marathon on Sunday, 26 April, running in memory of her beloved grandmother, Beryl, and raising money for Alzheimer’s Rese…

Bridget Phillipson accused of delaying government guidance on single‑sex spaces to protect political prospects

Bridget Phillipson, Women and Equalities Minister, is facing accusations from Baroness Kishwer Falkner and other critics who claim she is delaying government guidance on single‑sex spaces - allegedly …

Ohio teacher sues high school after being ordered to remove LGBTQ+ poster

An Ohio high school teacher has filed a federal lawsuit against the Little Miami School District after being instructed to take down an LGBTQ‑themed poster that had hung in his classroom for several y…

The Saturday Scene: Artemis II's historic space mission and the double standards surrounding war crimes on Earth.

What a week it has been! The simultaneous progress and regression of humanity is striking, yet typical of the times we're living in. On the one hand, the Artemis II crew travelled further into space …

Malcolm in the Middle revival introduces non‑binary sibling

The long‑awaited revival of Malcolm in the Middle, titled Life’s Still Unfair, has added a new layer to the Wilkerson family dynamic with the introduction of Malcolm’s non‑binary sibling, Kelly. The c…

Isle of Wight Pride to make vibrant return this summer!

Isle of Wight Pride is set to make its vibrant return to Ryde this summer, bringing one of the Island’s most celebrated community events back to the streets for 2026. Organisers have confirmed that th…

Trans darts star Noa‑Lynn van Leuven "retired" after trans women banned from women's PDC darts

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has imposed an immediate ban preventing transgender women from competing in women’s events regulated by Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) rules, following a maj…

Canada has NOT officially expanded LGBTQ+ acronym to MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+

Canada has rejected claims circulating online that it has officially expanded the LGBTQ+ acronym to the far longer MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+, following a surge of public debate triggered by a viral press confe…

Gay Hebridean baker Coinneach MacLeod lands major TV award nomination

A hit Gaelic-language cookery series fronted by gay author and social media star Coinneach MacLeod has been nominated for a top prize at the Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards 2026. Hebridean Bake…

Married at First Sight Australia’s Tyson responds to backlash over homophobic comments

Married at First Sight Australia groom Tyson Gordon has addressed mounting backlash after footage from his audition tape revealed a series of widely criticised comments about gay men. The controversy…

Equity and Manchester Village Pride sign landmark union agreement

Performers’ union Equity and Manchester Village Pride have signed a landmark union agreement which guarantees pay, health and safety standards and protection against bullying and harassment for drag a…

Georgia educator says she was forced out after telling pupil she is gay

A special education paraprofessional in Georgia says she was pressured to resign after acknowledging she is gay during an exchange with a primary school pupil. Cameryn Lovett, who worked at Mulberry C…

Peter Tatchell Foundation urges Pride in London to explain £631,950 expenditure

The Peter Tatchell Foundation has written to all board members of Pride in London seeking "urgent answers" over its finances and the "continued delay" in publishing the internal investigation into all…

Amnesty urges Turkish authorities to drop "unfounded charges" against people linked to an LGBTQ+ rights group

Amnesty International Turkey has urged Turkish authorities to drop what it described as unfounded charges against 11 people linked to an LGBTQ+ rights group, as their trial began in İzmir today (Wedne…

Waitress @ Theatre Royal Brighton

This is a show that knows exactly what it is: a beautifully baked, perfectly portioned piece of theatre that leaves you full, warm, and grateful. Go. Take your whole chosen family. And possibly a hand…

Queer joy, trans icons and 50 tears of lesbian counterculture: Brighton Festival 60th edition is absolutely ours

We’ve combed through the full programme so you don’t have to, here’s every LGBTQ+ gem, every diversity-centred show, and every community-rooted event lighting up the

Stonewall pays tribute to one of its founders, Debo (Deborah) Ballard

LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall has paid tribute to its co-founder Debo (Deborah) Ballard, who died at her home in Ireland last month. In a statement, the charity said staff, volunteers and fellow fo…

Sabrina Carpenter hails ‘vital’ role of queer fans ahead of Coachella headline slot

Sabrina Carpenter has praised the power and influence of queer audiences, describing them as central to the success of modern pop music as she prepares for a major appearance at Coachella. Speaking i…

Filming halts on Drag Race Philippines after contestant, Misua, dies aged 27

A drag performer due to appear in an upcoming series of Drag Race Philippines has died aged 27, prompting production to be suspended. Misua, whose real name was Jayson Elvie Ty, died in her sleep on …

Gay ban veterans announce plans to take Ministry of Defence to court

Two veterans who say they were forced to resign from the armed forces because of their sexuality have launched legal action against the Ministry of Defence (MoD), challenging the fairness of a compens…

Menaka Guruswamy becomes India's first openly LGBTQ+ Member of Parliament

Menaka Guruswamy has made history by becoming India's first openly LGBTQ+ Member of Parliament, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the world’s largest demo…

Rights groups warn of “alarming escalation” in crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists in Turkey

A coalition of European and national human rights organisations has raised the alarm over what it describes as a sharp escalation in the repression of LGBTQ+ activists and organisations in Turkey, poi…

ABC pulls sponsorship of several LGBTQ+ organisations

US broadcaster ABC has withdrawn its sponsorship of several LGBTQ+ organisations, prompting criticism from advocacy groups and raising questions about corporate support for diversity initiatives. In …

Trump administration scraps trans student protections in schools

The Trump administration has moved to dismantle a series of federal protections for transgender students in US schools, marking a significant shift in education and civil rights policy. The Departmen…

REVIEW: 'Night Stage' (2025)

This Brazilian thriller from writers and directors Marcio Reolon and Filipe Matzembacher is confident, stylish, and very sexy. But it also has some issues that are hard to ignore.

The hidden cost of executive dysfunction when you're queer and trying to stay afloat

Executive dysfunction can affect many cognitive processes, such as planning, task completion and decision-making. While many understand that it can impact your routines and efficiency in day-to-day li…

Tamzin Outhwaite celebrates trans son’s journey: ‘watching him thrive is pure joy’

EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite has spoken candidly about the emotional, years‑long process of accepting her eldest child’s transition, describing it as a “very long journey” marked by distress, soul…

Graham Munday to step down from Brighton Bear Weekend

Brighton Bear Weekend has announced that Graham Munday has stepped down with immediate effect from his ambassadorial role and from any further association with the organisation. For more than a decad…

Brighton’s Rainbow Chorus announces summer concert

For those who have yet to experience Rainbow Chorus live, this summer concert is the perfect opportunity, expect an evening filled with joy, connection, and the unmistakable energy of a community unit…

The Voice finalists Billy & Louie "honoured' to become patrons of Swindon & Wiltshire Pride

Swindon & Wiltshire Pride has announced that Swindon stars Billy & Louie, the acclaimed twin vocal duo and finalists on The Voice, have been appointed as the charity’s newest patrons. They become the …

Section 28 Justice Coalition calls for public inquiry into Section 28

The Section 28 Justice Coalition has launched as a campaign group to call for a public inquiry into the impact of Section 28 on LGBTQ+ people. Section 28 refers to a part of the Local Government Act …

INTERVIEW: West End Queen Portia De Fosse on stage life, Charlie Hides' wisdom and her wish to “go back and give Nigel Farage’s dad a condom.”

Ladies and gentleman, theys and thems, welcome to the Brighton & Hove residents' community corner series celebrating our city’s bold drag artists, boundary breaking performers and a new category unloc…

The Saturday Scene: Trump fires his Attorney General, doctors strike next week, and the case for Europe grows

The long Easter weekend has arrived. Just because it's been a short week doesn't mean less has happened in the world. There has been a lot of news, both good and bad, this week. There are some issues…

Louise Sandher-Jones MP: ‘We’ve awarded £35m to dismissed LGBT+ veterans in one year – please keep coming forward’

One year ago, the Ministry of Defence opened the Financial Recognition Scheme. This was a vital component of our response to the Etherton Review and our commitment to right historical wrongs against L…

Scotland ‘could be first country in world to end HIV transmission’ by 2030, say charities

Scotland is on track to become the first country in the world to eliminate new HIV transmissions, leading charities have said — but warned that urgent action from the next Scottish Government is essen…

BOOK REVIEW: 'To the Moon and Back' by Eliana Ramage

Ramage is a writer of genuine power; one with an ear for voice, an eye for the small devastating detail, and a deep commitment to the full complexity of her characters' inner lives.

Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp goes public with new boyfriend three years after coming out

Noah Schnapp, best known for his role as Will Byers in Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things, has officially gone public with his new boyfriend - marking a joyful milestone three years after he came ou…

Caster Semenya condemns Olympic sex testing as “disrespect for women”

Two‑time Olympic 800m champion Caster Semenya has condemned the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) reinstatement of sex‑verification testing for female athletes, calling the policy “a disrespect …

Equity report reveals drag artists affected by rising hate in London with drinks and stones thrown during performances

A new survey by the performers’ union Equity has uncovered a surge in discriminatory hostility within London’s nightlife sector, with 28% of respondents explicitly reporting an increase in transphobia…

Pride in London's Chief Executive sacked for allegedly using volunteer vouchers to obtain luxury goods

The chief executive of Pride in London, one of the world’s largest Pride celebrations, has been dismissed following allegations that he used thousands of pounds’ worth of vouchers intended for volunte…

REVIEW: Kinky Boots the Musical at London Coliseum

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

REVIEW: 'Death on the Nile' at Theatre Royal Brighton

Death on the Nile is imperfect but richly staged & enjoyable. It offers spectacle and intimacy in equal measure and remains a rewarding voyage into Christie’s world, even when the river runs a little …

Bridlington Pride 2026 cancelled amid rising costs

Bridlington Pride organisers have announced the cancellation of the 2026 event, citing sharply rising costs and an inability to secure the funding required to proceed. In a statement, the team said i…

Majority of Americans back trans equality, new survey finds

A clear majority of Americans support equal rights and protections for trans people, according to new survey data released to mark Transgender Day of Visibility, despite ongoing political debates and …

Drag Race star Stacy Layne Matthews living in her car after being told to leave family home

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Stacy Layne Matthews has revealed she is currently living in her car after her mother told her she was “not welcome” at home, prompting an outpouring of concern and support fro…

Trans advocate Steph Richards blames 'transphobia' for backlash after endometriosis charity appointment

Steph Richards, a respected trans activist and charity lobbyist, has responded to a wave of gender‑critical backlash following her appointment as Parliamentary Engagement Officer at Endometriosis Sout…

New period drama to explore whether Queen Elizabeth I was trans

ITV is developing a provocative new period drama that will explore fringe theories surrounding the gender identity of Queen Elizabeth I. The six‑part series, currently titled Majesty, is described as …

Tennessee librarian sacked after refusing to move LGBTQ books

A county librarian in Tennessee has been dismissed after refusing an order to relocate more than 100 LGBTQ‑themed books from the children’s section to the adult shelves. Luanne James, director of the …

Supreme Court ruling on Colorado’s conversion‑therapy ban sparks concern for LGBTQ+ youth

The US Supreme Court has dealt a significant blow to LGBTQ+ protections after ruling 8–1 against Colorado’s ban on so‑called “conversion therapy” for minors - a discredited practice widely condemned b…

Amsterdam celebrates 25 years of same-sex marriage!

Amsterdam has celebrated a landmark moment in LGBTQ+ history, marking 25 years since the world’s first legally recognised same‑sex marriages were conducted in the Dutch capital. Since the Dutch law c…

Rare Rainbow Dolphins spotted off Brighton – experts utterly unphased

Brighton’s seaside strollers got a colourful surprise this week as a pod of Rainbow Dolphins sashayed past the West Pier, shimmering like a Pride flag left out in the sun.

Camberwell Space to celebrate seven years of Queer Youth Art Collective with new exhibition

Camberwell Space, the public gallery at Camberwell College of Arts, is set to open What Was, What Is, What Could Be, a new exhibition marking seven years of the Queer Youth Art Collective (QYAC). The …

Sara Cox reported to replace Scott Mills as BBC Eurovision commentator

Reports have surfaced that BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox will take over from Scott Mills as part of it the channel's broadcasting team for 2026. The change comes after Mills’ contract with the corpor…

EU urged to ban “harmful and dangerous” conversion therapy by Irish MEP

An Irish Member of the European Parliament (MEP) has called on the European Union to introduce a comprehensive ban on conversion therapy, warning that the practice continues to harm LGBTQ+ people acro…

Reform UK's Scottish leader claims ‘fake outrage’ after making 'homophobic' George Michael joke

Reform UK’s Scottish leader, Malcolm Offord, is facing mounting criticism after defending what he described as “fake outrage” over a resurfaced joke about late pop star George Michael - a joke he has …

LGBT Foundation launches national campaign celebrating everyday LGBTQ+ joy

LGBT Foundation has issued a nationwide call for LGBTQ+ people and their allies to share the moments of everyday joy, hope and unity that define their lives. The charity is inviting stories from acros…

Billy Porter warns that Black, queer artists are being “squeezed out” in Trump’s America

Actor, singer, and LGBTQ trailblazer Billy Porter has issued a stark warning that creative opportunities for Black and queer artists are “slowly drying up” under President Donald Trump’s cultural agen…

Rainbow Migration joins tens of thousands in London march against far right

Rainbow Migration, which provides practical and emotional support for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum, joined thousands of demonstrators in Central London on Saturday (28 March) as part of the Together …

Pride in Coalville returns to Coalville Park this August

Pride in Coalville is back for 2026, with the free community event returning to Coalville Park in Leicestershire on Saturday 1 August. This year's headliner is Donna Marie, a multi-award-winning Lady…

John Lithgow claims many of J.K. Rowling’s trans views have been “twisted and misrepresented”

Veteran actor John Lithgow has spoken at length about the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling’s stance on trans issues, claiming that many of her views have been “twisted and misrepresented” in publi…

Brighton & Hove City Council to fly trans flags to mark Trans Day of Visibility

Brighton & Hove City Council will fly the trans flag above Brighton and Hove town halls today (31 March) to mark Trans Day of Visibility. The annual event celebrates the courage, resilience and achie…

Trump claims he won ‘gay vote’ in 2024 despite polls showing just 12% support

US president Donald Trump has insisted he “won the gay vote” in the 2024 presidential election, despite comprehensive exit polling showing he secured only a small fraction of support from LGBTQ+ voter…

Chicago Bulls tear up Jaden Ivey's contract following anti‑gay social media remarks

The Chicago Bulls have cut guard Jaden Ivey after the 24‑year‑old posted a series of online video rants containing anti‑gay sentiments, with the organisation citing “conduct detrimental to the team”. …

INTERVIEW: From I Kissed a Boy to Universal Music. Meet Joakim Kleven, Norway's fierce new pop star

"I’m from Oslo and I’m a real city boy. I’m proud to be queer"

Jodie Harsh to headline Bristol Pride 2026 after-party

International DJ and producer Jodie Harsh has been announced as the headliner for the official Bristol Pride 2026 after‑party, set to take place on Saturday, 11 July at the O2 Academy Bristol. Organis…

BBC presenter and Eurovision figure Scott Mills sacked over 'personal conduct'

BBC Radio 2 presenter and Eurovision figure Scott Mills has been sacked from the corporation following allegations relating to his personal conduct, bringing an abrupt end to nearly three decades with…

‘Cruel and Nonsensical’: Shirley Manson condemns Girlguiding decision to ban trans girls from joining youth groups

Scottish musician Shirley Manson has publicly criticised Girlguiding’s recent decision to ban trans girls from joining its youth groups, describing the move as “cruel” and “nonsensical”. The Garbage f…

Billboards declaring “God Made Trans People” appear across Kansas following trans ID ban

A new series of billboards declaring “God Made Trans People” has appeared along key highways across Kansas, coinciding with the state’s recent decision to invalidate updated identification documents h…

The Silence Ends with Us: National LGBTQ+ campaign and tour launches in response to suicide and drug related deaths

A major new national campaign and tour is being launched to tackle what campaigners say is a deepening crisis of suicide, loneliness and drug-related harm in LGBTQ+ communities across the UK. Led by …

Christian group criticises Plymouth City Council after it announces plans to fly Progress Pride flag

A Labour‑run council has come under fire from a Christian group after announcing plans to fly the Progress Pride flag from a prominent civic building during key LGBTQ+ awareness dates. Plymouth City …

Olly Alexander becomes patron of the Sussex Beacon

Award-winning singer, songwriter and BAFTA-nominated actor Olly Alexander has become a patron of Brighton-based HIV charity the Sussex Beacon.  In August last year, Olly announced he would be joining…

Stonewall warns of deepening division after IOC bans trans women from Olympic Games

LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall has warned that the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to ban trans women from competing in female categories at the Olympic Games risks fuelling further …

'THE PALLADIUM OF DRAG': The Black Cap reopens after a decade

After more than ten years of anticipation, The Black Cap, has officially reopened, and Camden High Street has welcomed back one of its most iconic LGBTQ+ cabaret venues with overwhelming emotion, exci…

Breakfast on Pluto (2005) review

Breakfast on Pluto is not just a film about being transgender. It is a film about trying to find your place in a world that doesn't appreciate you

The Saturday Scene: The IOC bans trans women, Munich gets its first gay mayor, and the war enters its fifth week

The World This Week Iran: week four, and the first hint of an exit As the war entered its fourth week, Trump said the administration is considering "winding down" military efforts, writing on Trut…

On the Sea (2025) review

On the Sea follows Jack (Barry Ward), a handsome middle-aged mussel farmer he lives in a world shaped by limited choices. The story of how he confronts his true identity late in life is shown beautifu…

IOC bans transgender women from Olympic women's events in policy aligned with Trump

The International Olympic Committee has announced that transgender women will be banned from competing in women's events at the Olympics, with the policy taking effect from the 2028 Los Angeles Games.…

Political by Design: Siân Berry MP on Brighton, the Green Surge whether the party can hold it together

The latest episode of Political by Design, Scene Magazine's political podcast, is out now — and it is a revealing conversation about the state of British progressive politics. On a sunny early-spring…

Munich elects its first openly gay mayor in historic Green Party victory

Dominik Krause has been elected mayor of Munich, becoming the city's first openly gay mayor and the first Green Party politician to lead one of Germany's most prominent cities. View this post on …

Government bans crypto donations to political parties in blow to Reform UK

The government has announced an immediate moratorium on cryptocurrency donations to political parties, in a move that could significantly affect Reform UK and that carries real implications for the LG…

Paris Hilton announced for Brighton Pride as Sunday icon

Paris Hilton has been confirmed as the Sunday icon for Brighton & Hove Pride 2026, joining what is shaping up to be one of the festival's strongest line-ups in years. Hilton will take to the main sta…

Hilary Duff reflects on her anti‑gay‑bullying public service announcement, calling its message “as vital as ever”

Hilary Duff has spoken about the enduring relevance of her iconic 2008 “That’s So Gay” anti‑bullying PSA, saying the message remains just as important in 2026.

Kenyan court jails two attackers in rare victory for queer rights -- draft ready to go

Ruling offers a rare sign of accountability in a country where queer people face criminalisation, discrimination and escalating violence

Protesters in Hyderabad demand scrapping trans identity bill

Crowds chanted "Our Body – Our Rights," with multiple speakers describing the bill as both inhumane and a violation of fundamental rights.

OnlyFans owner Leonid Radvinsky dies of cancer aged 43

Leonid Radvinsky, the billionaire owner of adult content platform OnlyFans, has died following a long battle with cancer. He was 43. OnlyFans released a statement saying: "We are deeply saddened to a…

Russian LGBTQ+ activist fined as authorities escalate ‘extremism’ crackdown

A court in Russia’s Samara region has imposed a 450,000‑ruble fine on Artyom Fokin, the leader of grassroots LGBTQ+ group Irida.

The Green Moment

What does it feel like to inherit the most famous Green seat in Britain? Siân Berry, MP for Brighton Pavilion and successor to Caroline Lucas, sits down with Leslie Clarke to talk about the rise of th…

Gaydio Awards return to Manchester for fourth year celebrating LGBTQ+ community heroes

Gaydio, the UK's LGBTQ+ radio station which launched in Manchester in 2006, hosts the awards annually. Network Content Director Kriss Herbert said the event exists to shine a light on work that might …

East Lothian becomes one of Scotland's first councils to issue schools with dedicated transgender guidance

At a time when transgender young people face growing uncertainty about their rights and safety, East Lothian's approach offers a practical, legally grounded model that other Scottish — and UK — counci…

Polish court orders recognition of same-sex marriages from other EU countries in landmark ruling

For same-sex couples in Poland , a country that still offers no legal recognition whatsoever for their relationships, this ruling represents the first crack in a long-standing legal wall

Florida moves to let DeSantis remove local officials who back DEI initiatives

Restrictions on DEI efforts in Florida risk weakening local protections and programmes that often support marginalised LGBTQ+ communities.

Brighton star Lizzie Bea joins the West End cast of Les Misérables

There are some shows that feel bigger than theatre. They become landmarks. Cultural moments. Stories that live far beyond the stage. Les Misérables is one of them. So when Brighton-based West End per…

INTERVIEW: The Manchester student behind Hot Politics aims to make politics more accessible

Grace Jackson built a Green Party campaign following during the Gorton and Denton by-election. Now, she is turning a side project into a movement.

Chaz Bono marries longtime friend in Hollywood celebration

Chaz Bono marries his partner of nine years, Shara Blue Mathes, in a glamorous ceremony at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Hunky Jesus (2025) Review

Sister Roma of the Sisterhood of Perpetual Indulgence looks into the camera and says, "You don't own Jesus. You don't own Easter". That's a pretty cool soundbite from an LGBT+ activist/icon

U.S. hate group MassResistance linked to anti‑lgbtq+ crackdowns in Senegal and Ghana

A U.S.-based Christian nationalist organisation, MassResistance, has acknowledged working directly with anti‑LGBTQ+ activists in Senegal and Ghana to support sweeping new laws aimed at criminalising q…

Senegal parliament votes to impose harsher penalties on same-sex relations

The bill significantly escalates legal risks for queer Senegalese people, worsening an already hostile climate of persecution, public outing and arrests.

Australian LGBTQIA+ travellers warned of heightened risks under new us gender‑based visa rules

The updated guidance highlights growing barriers and safety risks for trans and gender‑diverse people travelling internationally, underscoring the need for vigilance and legal support.

How a single poll became a Reform propaganda win — and why you shouldn't fall for it

But look closely at the numbers, and a very different story emerges; one about statistical illiteracy, convenient framing, and the way data can be weaponised without a single figure being wrong.

The Saturday Scene: $200 billion for war, and a trans woman makes parliament

The world this week Iran: three weeks in, and no end in sight Three weeks in, and the war in Iran shows no sign of ending soon. If anything, it is escalating. The Pentagon confirmed this week that…

Still Here Uncovers the Lost Queer Novel of the 1960s

The latest episode of Scene’s podcast features the remarkable story of Mariana Villa-Gilbert, a forgotten queer author, and the people bringing her work back to life.

Why so many queer women are finally getting diagnosed in their thirties and what actually helps

A common misconception that’s been circulating for years is that most neurodivergent conditions affect male individuals more than female individuals. The reality is that so many women are getting diag…

Federal judge blocks RFK jr.’s attempt to restrict gender‑affirming care for minors

A U.S. federal judge has halted an effort led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to limit access to gender‑affirming care for minors, delivering a significant setback to the administration.

Cardiff to host free global lgbtqia+ film showcase celebrating queer storytelling

Event expands access to queer stories and visibility, supporting global LGBTQIA+ representation at a time when many communities still face censorship and hostility.

Lost BBC documentary on homosexuality brought back to life nearly 70 years on

A new short film from Loughborough University tells the story of a remarkable BBC radio documentary about homosexuality, broadcast nearly seven decades ago at a time when the subject was almost entire…

Trump laughed when briefed that Iran's new supreme leader may be gay, reports claim

Unverified US intelligence reports are circulating this week claiming that Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may be gay, in what would be a deeply ironic development for a theoc…

Comedian Dian Cathal brings bold new tour to the UK this spring

Award-winning trans comedian Dian Cathal is hitting the road this spring with his brand-new show, Trans*Atlantic, a sharp and funny exploration of what it means to be both trans and American in Britai…

Police Scotland scraps self-ID guidance and will now record biological sex

Police Scotland has reversed a longstanding policy that allowed suspects and victims to self-identify their gender, and will now record biological sex for all crimes and offences. The self-identifica…

Amnesty calls on Turkey to drop charges against 11 LGBTQ+ activists

Amnesty International has urged Turkish authorities to dismiss charges brought against 11 LGBTQ+ activists from the İzmir-based Young LGBTI+ Association, warning that the case represents an unlawful a…

Rising K-Pop breakouts 82MAJOR are headed to London🏆

....and they have a new EP coming in April too!

London Dyke March set to return to the capital this June

London’s Dyke March is officially returning in 2026, with organisers announcing the comeback on 17 March via Instagram. In a post, the official @dyke_march account declared: “Summer is on the horizon …

Man who pretended to be gay on dating apps jailed for £28,000 romance fraud

A man who posed as a gay man on dating apps has been jailed after defrauding multiple victims of more than £28,000 in a calculated romance‑fraud scheme, according to police and prosecuting authorities…

Thailand’s Gawdland crowned winner of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World’

Thai drag performer Gawdland has made history by winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World, becoming the first Asian contestant to claim the title in the international spin‑off series. The finale of …

NASCAR suspends Daniel Dye after mocking fellow IndyCar driver with ‘gay voice’

NASCAR has suspended American racing driver Daniel Dye indefinitely after he mocked IndyCar competitor David Malukas using what he described as a “gay voice” during a livestream. The incident occurre…

Pride in London announces bid to host WorldPride 2032

Pride in London has formally declared its intention to bid for WorldPride 2032, positioning the capital to welcome one of the world’s most significant LGBTQ+ events at a pivotal moment in its own hist…

English footballer Tony Powell speaks publicly about hiding his sexuality for decades

Former Bournemouth and Norwich City defender Tony Powell has spoken openly about spending most of his life concealing the fact that he is gay, revealing the profound personal cost of keeping his ident…

INTERVIEW: Dan Fulham on queer legacy, inclusivity, and why the future of Musical Theatre must welcome everyone

Lights, learning, action! 🎬✨

LGBTQ+ charities launch new framework for trans‑inclusive housing services

Three leading LGBTQ+ charities - Stonewall Housing, akt and Gendered Intelligence - have jointly launched a new resource designed to help housing and homelessness organisations navigate their responsi…

Russian ballet banned for ‘gay propaganda’ finds new stage in Berlin

A ballet once prohibited in Russia under the country’s expanded anti‑LGBTQ legislation is set to make its long‑awaited international revival in Berlin this week. Nureyev, directed by exiled Russian fi…

Fresh inquest ordered into death of trans man, Aiden Longmuir, following legal challenge

💡This story contains info which may be upsetting to some readers A fresh inquest will be held into the death of 20-year-old trans man Aiden Longmuir, after the first inquest was quashed following a …

Borja Iglesias: “I’d be happier being gay than like them” as striker condemns homophobic abuse

Celta Vigo forward Borja Iglesias has spoken out against the homophobic abuse he continues to face, insisting he “would be happier being gay than being like” those who target him. The Spain internatio…

Trans feminist scholar Dr Ruth Pearce honoured with prestigious Emma Goldman Award

Dr Ruth Pearce, a leading trans feminist researcher and Senior Lecturer in Community Development at the University of Glasgow’s School of Education, has been named a recipient of this year’s Emma Gold…

Drag Race finalist Marina Summers comes out as trans woman

Filipina drag performer and RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World finalist Marina Summers has publicly come out as a trans woman in a statement shared on social media where she reflected on years of sel…

“We’ve always been here”: How a lost 1960s queer novel found its way back

On the latest episode of Still Here, Leslie Clarke speaks with Dr D-M Withers of Lurid Editions and Dr Christopher A. Adams about the republication of Mariana Villa-Gilbert’s A Jingle Jangle Song: a r…

Nepal hails “historic milestone” as Bhumika Shrestha becomes country’s first trans lawmaker

Nepal is celebrating a “historic milestone” after prominent activist Bhumika Shrestha joined the national parliament, becoming the country’s first trans lawmaker. Shrestha, 37, has been appointed to …

‘Drag Race’ icon Victoria “PorkChop” Parker hospitalised after medical emergency triggered by burger

Victoria “PorkChop” Parker, the first-ever queen eliminated from RuPaul’s Drag Race, has been hospitalised after a severe medical emergency reportedly triggered by eating a burger purchased from a maj…

Mayor of York backs York Pride to be biggest Pride celebration in the city yet

"I look forward to seeing our streets filled with the love, energy, Pride, and inclusivity that runs throughout our region.”

REVIEW: Handsome Devil (2016)

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, so what better time is there to review a bit of queer cinema from the Emerald Isle? There is something specific about being gay in Ireland

Patricia Arquette voices solidarity with trans community at Oscars event

Oscar‑winner Patricia Arquette has reiterated her unwavering support for the trans community, using Elton John’s annual Oscars party as a platform to highlight what she described as escalating hostili…

LGBTQ+ coalition stages first anti‑corporate Pride march in Florida

An LGBTQ+ coalition opposed to corporate influence in Pride events - as well as the involvement of police and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - has held its first standalone march in Flor…

Scunthorpe Pride 2026 at risk following unsuccessful National Lottery application

Scunthorpe Pride 2026 is at risk of cancellation after organisers revealed they are facing a £20,000 funding gap following an unsuccessful National Lottery application. The annual celebration, launch…

Harry Styles addresses ‘queerbaiting' in SNL monologue before kissing cast member Ben Marshall

Harry Styles returned to Saturday Night Live on yesterday, using his opening monologue to briefly address long‑running accusations of “queerbaiting” before ending the segment with a light‑hearted on‑s…

Sister Roma: The Habit of Radical Joy

Sister Roma - what’s the sermon? "Just love yourselves. Once you realise you’re doing your best, give yourself a break and live your damn life, because it is such a gift. Don’t let anyone tell you tha…

Zohran Mamdani announces creation of New York City's first Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced the creation of the city’s first-ever Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs, a landmark development that places LGBTQ+ rights and protections at the centr…

Murder of gay porn star Billy London solved 35 years later with help from documentary director

A 35-year-old cold case involving the gruesome murder of gay porn actor Billy London has finally been solved, thanks to the meticulous work of filmmaker Rachel Mason, whose new documentary unearthed c…

Gay Venezuelan asylum seeker ‘disappeared’ to El Salvador launches legal action against White House

A gay Venezuelan asylum seeker who was “forcibly disappeared” by the U.S. government to El Salvador has filed a damages claim against the White House, alleging unlawful detention, abuse and violations…

Midgitte Bardot takes aim at centuries of exploitation in new Southbank Centre show, 'Shooting From Below'

“Not all people without dwarfism are under the presumption that people with dwarfism are there for entertainment as pets, toys, fetishes, dream sequences, musical numbers… just most.” With this razor…

The Saturday Scene: Trans healthcare, Senegal's crackdown, and the BBC pulls the plug

THE WORLD THIS WEEK This week is just another week in 2026 dominated by the occupant of the Oval Office. The news cycle is in overdrive, and global politics feels like a rollercoaster with no brakes.…

REVIEW: Negatives (1968)

Long before Glenda Jackson became a queer icon, she made her film debut in this strange, overlooked gem from 1968. Her screen debut was in one of the more daring films British cinema produced during t…

Sugar, grief and a lot of laughs: Sam Morrison brings Sugar Daddy to Soho

There are comedy shows that make you laugh. There are theatre pieces that make you reflect. And then there are rare performances that somehow manage to do both at the same time, leaving audiences laug…

Kyran Thrax and Ginger Johnson to star in all‑drag Macbeth set in Soho’s queer underground

TuckShop, a production company dedicated entirely to drag, is stepping boldly into new territory with an all‑drag staging of Shakespeare’s Macbeth - CATEGORY IS: MACBETH - which run at London’s Emeral…

Reform UK accuses West Norfolk Council of “pushing Pride down people’s throats”

Reform UK councillors have attacked West Norfolk Council’s plans to fly the Progress Pride flag at its King’s Lynn headquarters. The dispute erupted when the party accused the borough council of “push…

X Factor winner Matt Terry claims his look was ‘too gay’ for live shows

X Factor winner Matt Terry has spoken out about a distressing incident during his time on the ITV talent show, revealing he was once told he looked “too gay” while preparing for a live broadcast. Terr…

INTERVIEW: Natasha Hamilton unveils new single Fantasy, opens up about creative freedom, the music industry and her vision for Morpho Records

"Being an independent artist now means I get to explore things on a deeper level creatively, which I absolutely love."

Landmark EU court ruling forces Member States to guarantee legal gender recognition for mobile citizens

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has issued a landmark ruling requiring all EU member states to provide legal gender recognition (LGR) procedures for citizens who have exercised their…

Cynthia Erivo, Kate Nash and Andrew Scott make Rainbow Honours shortlist

Cynthia Erivo, Sade, David Tennant, Kate Nash and Andrew Scott are among the names on the newly announced shortlist for the Rainbow Honours 2026, celebrating individuals, organisations and cultural mo…

Record breakers! Brighton Half Marathon runners raise more than £300,000 for Sussex Beacon

Setting new records at the Brighton Half Marathon is par for the course, but Brighton-based HIV charity Sussex Beacon has done it once again, announcing a truly remarkable fundraising total and number…

Portrait of drag legend David Raven aka Maisie Trollette to feature in National Portrait Gallery exhibition

A portrait of the late David Raven, also known as his glittering stage persona Maisie Trollette, will go on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London this October as part of a major new exhib…

"Too many letters!" - Kathie Lee Gifford slammed for LGBTQ+ dig

American television personality Kathie Lee Gifford is facing backlash following comments made during a recent appearance on political commentator Tomi Lahren’s podcast, Tomi Lahren Is Fearless. During…

Liza Minnelli at 80: Hollywood legend and gay icon marks milestone with memoir and major tributes

Liza Minnelli, one of the most celebrated performers of stage and screen - and a longstanding gay icon - is marking her 80th birthday with a flurry of public appearances, a new memoir and a star‑studd…

“Homosexuals will no longer breathe in this country.": Senegal MPs back law doubling prison terms for gay relations

Senegal’s National Assembly has voted to dramatically toughen the country’s already harsh anti‑LGBTQ+ laws, passing legislation that doubles the maximum prison sentence for same‑sex relations from fiv…

Moroccan LGBTQ+ activist faces arm amputation after being jailed over ‘Allah is a lesbian’ T‑shirt

Ibtissame “Betty” Lachgar, a prominent Moroccan feminist and LGBTQ+ rights activist, is facing the possible amputation of her left arm after sustaining untreated injuries while serving a prison senten…

More in Common poll suggests Reform UK leading amongst gay and bisexual men

A new set of polling figures attributed to More in Common suggests that Reform UK is now leading amongst gay and bisexual men. The chart, shared widely on social media by Reform UK figures such as Da…

“Palladium of Drag”, The Black Cap, returns to Camden after decade-long community campaign

One of London’s most iconic LGBTQ+ cabaret venues will reopen its doors on 21 March 2026 for an all-ticket event, marking the return of the historic Camden pub after more than a decade. Closed since …

BBC pulls plug on LGBTQ+ dating shows 'I Kissed A Boy' and 'I Kissed A Girl' amid funding squeeze

The BBC has confirmed that its groundbreaking LGBTQ+ dating shows I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl will not be returning after the upcoming second series of I Kissed A Girl, citing ongoing “funding …

REVIEW: Double Indemnity @ Theatre Royal Brighton

The raw animal magnetism that should make Walter's catastrophic decision feel inevitable remains frustratingly elusive. When the central seduction doesn't convince, the whole scheme feels less like ir…

The Saturdays' Una Healy to headline Out Out!, Revenge Brighton's flagship over‑25s queer club night

Una Healy from The Saturdays is set to take centre stage at Brighton’s LGBTQ+ hotspot Revenge later this month, as the venue brings back its flagship over‑25s queer club night, Out Out!, for a second …

"CAMP. CHAOS. CARNAGE." Drag Race UK legends Cheryl and Kitty Scott-Claus bring high-camp double act to Brighton

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK favourites Cheryl and Kitty Scott-Claus are gearing up to unleash a whirlwind of campery, chaos and pure drag joy as they take their first full‑length double act on tour across t…

Finger‑length study suggests possible link to sexuality, researchers say

A new study examining the relationship between finger length and sexuality has suggested that the relative proportions of the index and ring fingers may offer clues about a person’s sexual orientation…

Trump administration pulls $120k in grants for LGBTQ+ cartoonist and multiethnic literature research

The Trump administration has withdrawn two National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grants totalling $120,000, stripping funding from research projects centred on LGBTQ+ cartoonists and multiethnic…

Queer indie pop artist Aman Dhesi celebrates sobriety and self‑liberation on debut album

Toronto-based queer indie pop musician Aman Dhesi has released his debut album The Restless Night via Zedd Records, introducing the project with its pulsating opening track and lead single, Dancefloor…

‘Nothing to be afraid of’: Athletics icon Colin Jackson encourages gay athletes to come out

Former Olympian Colin Jackson has encouraged fellow LGBTQ+ athletes to embrace their identities openly, insisting they should not be “fearful” of coming out. Speaking in a newly published interview wi…

University of Brighton to exhibit UK AIDS Memorial Quilt in powerful tribute to lives lost

The University of Brighton is set to host a major exhibition of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt, bringing a deeply personal and poignant reminder of lives lost during the HIV/AIDS crisis back into public v…

Olly Alexander hits out at UK government's anti‑trans rhetoric ahead of huge fundraiser for trans community

Pop star and LGBTQ+ activist Olly Alexander has sharply criticised the UK government’s escalating anti‑trans rhetoric, hours before he is due to lead a star‑studded benefit concert in London tonight. …

Gender-inclusive pronouns have been around for centuries, says Surrey academic

The argument that gender-neutral and gender-nonconforming pronouns are a recent – and therefore suspect – invention is contradicted by centuries of literary history, according to a new book written by…

‘Don’t Be Afraid’: Don Lemon rallies queers to push back against rising hostility

CNN anchor Don Lemon has issued a call for queer people and journalists to confront intimidation head‑on, delivering an impassioned speech at the 37th GLAAD Media Awards on 9 March 2026. Speaking to a…

‘Heated Rivalry’ stars, Hudson Williams and François Arnaud, hit back at ‘racist, homophobic’ abuse from toxic fans

The stars of Heated Rivalry have issued a blistering joint rebuke of what they describe as “racist” and “homophobic” abuse circulating within the show’s increasingly fervent online fandom. Hudson Wil…

Colchester drag venue celebrates first full year of bringing colour, creativity and queer joy to the city

Colchester’s pioneering drag venue, The Dragonfly Lounge, has celebrated its first full year of bringing colour, creativity and queer joy to the city, marking the milestone with what organisers descri…

Cheshire Women’s Institute branch to close in solidarity with trans women

A Cheshire Women’s Institute branch has announced it will close at the end of March after members voted overwhelmingly to suspend the group in protest at the national organisation’s exclusion of trans…

South Australian LGBTQ+ community demands action after violent assault and comments from politician linking gay marriage to bestiality

South Australia’s LGBTQ+ community is calling for urgent legal protections after a series of homophobic and transphobic incidents, including the violent assault of a gay couple in Adelaide city centre…

King Charles III heckled over "Britain’s homophobic past"

Around 50 activists from the Peter Tatchell Foundation and partner groups protested outside Westminster Abbey during the Commonwealth service, shouting for King Charles III to apologise for his "prede…

Yoko Ono ‘believed John Lennon might have been gay’, Paul McCartney reveals

Yoko Ono once told Sir Paul McCartney that she believed her late husband John Lennon “might have been gay”, the former Beatle has confirmed in a newly resurfaced interview. The comments resurfaced th…

NHS England halts new prescriptions of cross‑sex hormones for under-18s

NHS England has halted new prescriptions of cross‑sex hormones for under-18s, prompting significant concern among trans‑led organisations and healthcare equality campaigners who say the move risks fur…

Swindon & Wiltshire Pride secures £69,500 from National Lottery to explore county's LGBTQ+ history

A major new heritage project exploring two centuries of Wiltshire’s LGBTQ+ history is set to begin after Swindon & Wiltshire Pride secured a £69,500 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The …

King Charles III urged to apologise for "Britain’s export of anti-LGBTQ+ laws" to colonies

On Commonwealth Day, Monday, 9 March, the Peter Tatchell Foundation will stage a protest outside Westminster Abbey as the Commonwealth service takes place, from 3pm calling for "urgent action" by King…

Plaque linked to Brighton’s gay bikers club discovered at Sussex Beacon

A long‑forgotten plaque connected to Brighton’s historic gay bikers club, the Sussex Lancers, has unexpectedly resurfaced during garden repair works at the Sussex Beacon - and is believed to be the ci…

Green MP Hannah Spencer targeted by anti‑trans activists in Manchester

Green Party MP Hannah Spencer was escorted to safety by police on Sunday, 8 March after being aggressively confronted by anti‑trans activists during a rally in Manchester city centre. The incident, wh…

Our Monstrous Bodies: Emma Cleary

Our Monstrous Bodies is a haunting literary debut that blooms with the dark desires we suppress or to which we surrender.

The Saturday Scene: hate crime law, the Black Cap, and a word on Trump

Pop the kettle on and get comfortable in your reading nook. We've got a lot to get through! ⌛Today’s read: 12 minutes. It's now been three months since 2026 arrived, and it's barely given us a break…

Pride in Luton to close, bringing an end to annual Pride festival and wider community work

Pride in Luton, the town’s leading LGBTQ+ charity, is to close after its trustees voted to dissolve the organisation and begin an orderly wind‑down, bringing an end to its flagship annual festival and…

‘Not Sustainable’: Cardiff’s Queer Emporium forced to shut down

Cardiff’s much‑loved Queer Emporium - a flagship LGBTQ+ community hub, retail space and events venue - has announced it will close its city‑centre site this summer after struggling with escalating ope…

Emily Thornberry says Keir Starmer ‘in the wrong place’ on trans rights

Senior Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry has warned that Sir Keir Starmer has “ended up in the wrong place” on trans rights, arguing that the party has drifted away from its values and failed to stand u…

Celebs, including Alan Cumming, Bowen Yang and Lena Waithe, unite to launch foundation supporting LGBTQ filmmakers

A coalition of high-profile LGBTQ figures has announced the launch of The Necessary Foundation, a new non-profit dedicated to funding, mentoring and elevating emerging queer filmmakers at a time when …

Gays Against Guns clinches coveted Audience Award at Dublin International Film Festival

Paul Rowley’s powerful documentary Gays Against Guns has clinched the coveted Audience Award at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF), earning additional recognition with a special men…

Sexual predator convicted of raping men and intentionally transmitting HIV

A sexual predator from Tyne and Wear has been convicted of raping multiple men and intentionally transmitting HIV in what police have described as a “callous and calculating” campaign of abuse spannin…

Look Mum No Computer drops ‘Eins, Zwei, Drei’ as UK’s Eurovision 2026 entry

The UK’s Eurovision 2026 hopeful, Look Mum No Computer, has officially unleashed his entry Eins, Zwei, Drei, a high‑octane, synth‑driven track set to soundtrack Britain’s campaign at this year’s conte…

REVIEW: 'Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild'

This re-released follow-up takes everything from the first film and turns up the volume, more camp, more flesh, more chaos. If you're looking for something deep and meaningful, you've got the wrong mo…

Drag Race queen Veronica Green on coming to terms with MS diagnosis and getting back on the stage

Drag Race UK star Veronica Green, real name Kevin Grogan, is opening up for the first time about his diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS). Kevin announced to fans via Instagram in October 2024 that …

Peter Tatchell leads protest at Chick-fil-A's first London restaurant - "it has funded anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns."

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell led a protest at the opening of the first London branch of the US fast food giant Chick-fil-A, in Kingston upon Thames, today, 5 March. The picket took place ou…

One of London’s most beloved LGBTQ+ venues, the Black Cap in Camden, to reopen 22 March

One of London’s most beloved LGBTQ+ venues, the Black Cap in Camden Town, will finally reopen its doors to the public on 22 March 2026, marking the long‑awaited return of a cultural landmark that has …

House of Lords backs amendment to classify anti‑LGBTQ+ hate crime as aggravated offence

Legislation that would bring anti‑LGBTQ+ hate crime in line with offences motivated by race or religion has moved a step closer after the House of Lords approved a key amendment to the Crime and Polic…

Community fundraiser launched to install cameras to protect Stonewall National Monument Pride flag

A new grassroots fundraising drive has been launched to install private security cameras overlooking the flagpole at the Stonewall National Monument, following public anger over the recent removal of …

Rosalía jokes the best quality in a man is “that he’s gay” after historic BRITs win

Spanish superstar Rosalía has sparked a wave of amusement online after joking that the quality she values most in a man is “that he’s gay”, a quip delivered during a newly released Spotify conversatio…

"They’re trying to use the law to take away our visibility.” Queer Scout hits back as Scouting America launches lawsuit

Scouting America - the organisation formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America - has launched legal action against an Arizona-based LGBTQ-owned travel company called Queer Scout, claiming trademark d…

Peter Tatchell to lead protest as Chick-fil-A opens first London restaurant

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell will lead a protest this Thursday, 5 March at the opening of the first London branch of the US fast food giant Chick-fil-A, in Kingston upon Thames.  The picket…

‘Ex‑gay’ activist Matthew Grech cleared of promoting gay conversion therapy in Malta

Matthew Grech - a self‑described “ex‑gay” activist with longstanding links to organisations promoting the discredited notion of sexual‑orientation change - has been found not guilty by a Maltese court…

1BTN marks International Women’s Day with 50‑hour takeover supporting RISE

Brighton & Hove community station 1BTN is set to return with its annual International Women’s Day Takeover, promising 50 hours of non-stop broadcasting led by women, trans women, and non-binary talent…

Manchester United academy's Jack Fletcher hit with six‑match ban after using homophobic slur during match

Manchester United academy midfielder Jack Fletcher, son of former United stalwart Darren Fletcher, has been handed a six‑match suspension after admitting to using a homophobic slur during an EFL Troph…

Openly gay darts referee Huw Ware reveals he came close to stepping away from the sport before going on to make history

Openly gay darts referee Huw Ware has spoken about how close he came to quitting the sport before making history as the first openly gay official to take charge of a World Darts Championship final. W…

New cross-sector report urges the government to meet the challenges of HIV care in prisons

A new report from the HIV Health Equity and Justice Partnership urges the government to meet the challenges of HIV care in prisons and ensure that people living with HIV in prisons are not left behind…

Oregon man jailed for more than 12 years over violent anti‑gay hate crime

A Springfield, Oregon man has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for a brutal anti‑gay hate crime assault, following a federal investigation that revealed he had meticulously planned the a…

Brighton gears up for a city-wide celebration of International Women’s Day 2026

Brighton & Hove is set for a vibrant weekend of events as the city marks International Women’s Day 2026, with celebrations beginning on Wednesday 4th March and a big festival on Saturday, 7 March. Th…

Misconduct panel hears Gwent Police officers exchanged series of messages mocking gay and trans people

A misconduct panel has heard that two former Gwent Police officers exchanged a series of homophobic, transphobic, racist and misogynistic messages over several years, including content depicting the d…

Rising anti‑trans hostility is creating a “dangerous and degrading” environment for trans people in the UK, new report warns

A new report from TransActual has delivered a stark warning that anti‑trans hatred is continuing to escalate in the UK, creating what researchers describe as an increasingly hostile and unsafe environ…

London trans club night Temptation celebrates four years

One of London’s biggest and most beloved trans nightlife events, Temptation, has celebrated its fourth anniversary after first launching in 2022. Founded by Los Angeles–born performer Brandy X, who m…

Home Secretary unveils major overhaul of asylum system as LGBTQ+ charity warns changes are “cruel” and risk returning people to danger

The government has announced sweeping reforms to the UK’s asylum system, replacing the long‑standing five‑year period of refugee protection with a new temporary status that will be reviewed every 30 m…

Report exposes challenges facing young people living with HIV

A new report from the National AIDS Trust has urged UK governments to step up action for young people living with HIV, warning that many are facing poorer life satisfaction, heightened mental health n…

Trans Pride Brighton shortlisted for Pride Organisation of the Year at 2026 Gaydio Awards

Trans Pride Brighton has been shortlisted for Pride Organisation of the Year at the Gaydio Awards 2026, as Gaydio revealed the full list of nominees celebrating grassroots LGBTQ+ heroes across the UK.…

Full programme announced for Leipzig’s 2026 Queer Music Festival

The full programme for the Queer Music Festival 2026, set to take place in Leipzig, Germany from 23–26 April, has been released. Organisers say this year’s edition will highlight a rich mix of queer m…

Doctor who praised JK Rowling removed from puberty‑blocker review amid fears over anti‑trans bias

A senior health official who played a key role in pausing the NHS’s puberty‑blocker trial has been removed from further involvement after his publicly expressed gender‑critical views raised serious co…

Now's the time for LGBTQ+ people to start adoption and fostering

From Brighton to Bradford, and Cardiff to Clydebank, LGBTQ+ people in Britain urged to start their adoption or fostering journey

Shia LaBeouf defends Mardi Gras arrest with odd claim that ‘gay people are scary to me’

Shia LaBeouf has sparked widespread criticism after claiming that “gay people are scary to me” while attempting to explain the behaviour that led to his recent arrests during Mardi Gras celebrations i…

End HIV Stigma and Get to Zero – community stakeholders event on Tuesday, 17 March

A community stakeholders morning and lunch is happening on Tuesday, 17 March, inviting Brighton & Hove charities, community groups and businesses to come together to hear about and join in the city’s …

Southampton Pride awarded UK Pride 2027

Southampton Pride has announced that it has been officially selected to host UK Pride in 2027, marking the city’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration to date. The news was revealed on Sunday, with organisers …

Record numbers take part in the Brighton Half Marathon

Thousands of runners turned out for the 36th Brighton Half Marathon yesterday, in windy and wet conditions, running 13.1 miles around the city. The event kicked off at 9.28am with the Yeomans Toyota W…

Make Sure You Die Screaming: Zee Carlstrom

A queer novel about estrangement and grief that refuses sentimentality without abandoning love. It's mean and strange and necessary about the cost of surviving and still finding community on the othe…

#DALEYPOP X March 2026

Starring: JORDY, Chloe Qisha, Calvin Harris, Kasabian, Bebe Rexha, Dorian Electra, Sarah Whatmore, Sholz-Y, Akylas, Delta Goodrem and Hilary Duff!

REVIEW: Beautiful Thing - 30 Years On

In 1996, a film about two teenage boys falling in love on a South London council estate felt radical, now, what strikes you most is how little it talks down to its audience and how much it still holds…

Pride in Protest activist float barred from Sydney Mardi Gras hours before parade

The 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was marred by controversy after an activist group was banned from participating in the parade hours before it took place in Sydney, Australia. Organisers ex…

Mpact Global marks 20 years as a leading global organisation in the continued fight against HIV

Mpact Global, a leading global organisation advancing queer health and human rights, today unveiled a new logo in honour of its 20th anniversary year. The refreshed brand identity honours two decades …

UN experts call on UK to uphold equal protection for women, girls and trans people

A group of independent United Nations human rights experts has urged the UK Government to ensure that its ongoing review of statutory guidance under the Equality Act aligns with international human ri…

Toby and Mikey Perryman‑Payne describe ‘terrifying’ night after claiming they were drugged and sexually assaulted in LA

London‑based content creators Toby and Mikey Perryman‑Payne have spoken publicly about what they describe as a harrowing experience during a trip to Los Angeles, alleging they were drugged and sexuall…

Friends of Muhsin Hendricks - widely recognised as the world’s first openly gay imam - "still waiting for justice" one year after his murder

One year after the killing of Muhsin Hendricks - widely recognised as the world’s first openly gay imam - friends, colleagues and LGBTQ+ Muslim advocates are renewing calls for justice, amid growing f…

This Must Be Heaven: John Tothill @ Komedia

Tothill offers wit as survival strategy, pleasure as resistance. Joy in his audience, in ideas, in history's odder footnotes, in the absurdity and abundance of being alive in a world that keeps offeri…

Priscilla Queen of the Desert tour includes five nights at Theatre Royal Brighton!

Priscilla Queen of the Desert will be coming to Brighton this June with five nights at Theatre Royal Brighton. The production, based on the 1994 Oscar-winning film,  stars Kevin Clifton as Tick/Mitzi…

Kansas strips trans residents of state driving licences and birth certificates

A newly enacted Kansas law has effectively stripped more than a thousand trans residents of their state driving licences and birth certificates when those documents showed a gender marker different fr…

Prime Minister of Senegal proposes 10-year prison sentence for same-sex relations

The Prime Minister of Senegal Ousmane Sonko has proposed introducing a mandatory 10-year prison sentence for same-sex relations, a move that has sparked fierce debate within Senegal and drawn criticis…

Leicester-based LGBTQ+ friendly hair salon has Pride flag ripped down for fifth time

A Leicester-based LGBTQ+ friendly hair salon has accused perpetrators of stealing its Pride flag for the fifth time, in what the owners have described as a targeted anti-LGBTQ+ hate incident.  The Se…

Terf Watch Brighton challenges group after trans women excluded from trauma‑healing classes

A dispute has erupted in Brighton after several venues reportedly withdrew from hosting trauma‑healing classes that excluded trans women. Rosie Hayes, co‑founder of the group Sisters Heal, told the B…

Drag‑nun documentary Hunky Jesus to open 40th BFI Flare Festival

 A new feature documentary celebrating San Francisco’s most irreverent Easter tradition is set to make its world premiere at the 40th BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival on 18 March. Tigerlily P…

Stonewall hosts packed event and panel session – Proud Foundations - at House of Commons

Last night (Wednesday, 25 February), Stonewall hosted a packed event and panel session – Proud Foundations - at the House of Commons to mark the end of LGBTQ+ History Month.  The event marked a miles…

Ugandan police detain two women after reports of public kiss

Ugandan police have detained two women in their twenties after neighbours reported seeing them kissing in public in the north‑western city of Arua, in one of the latest arrests under the country’s hea…