LGBTQ+ News Man from Chechnya thrown in a pit for being gay A Chechen gay man, Dimitri*, contacted Peter Tatchell Foundation after being arrested by police in Chechnya, tortured by his family, thrown in a pit and fed scraps of stale bread before being forced to marry a woman to ‘make him straight’. The Peter Tatchell Foundation, along with partner organisati By Graham Robson • 4 min read
LGBTQ+ News Comedy legend and LGBTQ+ trailblazer Julian Clary to host tonight’s 2024 British LGBT Awards Comedy legend and LGBTQ+ trailblazer Julian Clary will be hosting the 2024 British LGBT Awards on Friday, June 21 in London, following in the footsteps of Alan Carr, Graham Norton and Rylan. The announcement comes one year after Clary presented a posthumous award to the late Paul O’Grady’s husband A By Graham Robson • 2 min read
International News French President Emmanuel Macron accused of “stigmatising trans people” French President Emmanuel Macron is under fire after accusing the New Popular Front, a left-wing alliance built for the upcoming legislative elections, of promoting “completely crazy things, like going to the town hall to change your sex.” The New Popular Front’s manifesto includes a proposal to “au By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Books ‘Dear Cisgender People’: debut novel by trans activist Kenny Ethan Jones – the first trans man to front a period campaign With over 80,000 followers on Instagram, Kenny Ethan Jones is on a mission to further educate, inspire and normalise trans people existing. Having already made history by being the first trans man to front a period campaign, Kenny is just about to release his debut novel, Dear Cisgender People: A Gu By Graham Robson • 2 min read
International News Kyiv stages first Pride rally since Russia launched full-scale invasion more than two years ago Several hundred LGBTQ+ activists and allies, including Ukrainian soldiers, marched in central Kyiv on June 16 to demand the government grant them more rights as they took part in the first Pride march in the Ukrainian capital since Russia launched its full-scale invasion more than two years ago. Pro By Graham Robson • 2 min read
News Marriage Equality Bill in Thailand an “historic step” for LGBTQ+ rights The passing of the Marriage Equality Bill in Thailand has been called an “historic step” for LGBTQ+ rights. The Bill grants LGBTQ+ couples equal rights with heterosexual couples in relation to marriage, child adoption, healthcare consent and inheritance, among other things. The Bill will now be subm By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Pride England’s smallest town celebrates Pride with live music, drag and inclusive sport taking over the town Manningtree Pride took place in England’s smallest town with live music, drag comedy, burlesque and inclusive sport taking over the town on Saturday, June 15. Approximately 1,000 people turned up on the event, which was held across 12 locations in the town, including the beach and the fire station. By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Features & Longread IN BRIEFS: Jordan, South East contestant of this year’s Mr Gay Great Britain, speaks to Scene Magazine “As a mixed-race gay man, I’m sure you can imagine how I didn’t have the easiest of childhoods in that regard. I want to spread awareness and be the role model that I wish I had when I was growing up!” By Graham Robson • 4 min read
Brighton Bear Weekend Get ready for Brighton Bear Weekend 2024! The boys at Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW) have announced the full programme of events taking place over four-days, which will raise funds for the Sussex Beacon and the Brighton Rainbow Fund. Celebrating its 14th year, this beloved community event promises a weekend brimming with excitement, camaraderi By Graham Robson • 3 min read
Sir Ian McKellen is campaigning against Tony Abbott being appointed a position on the UK Board of Trade. LGBTQ+ News Sir Ian McKellen rushed to hospital after falling during West End performance Actor Sir Ian McKellen has been rushed to hospital after falling off stage during a performance at a London theatre tonight. The 85-year-old was in a fight scene during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatre when he lost his balance and fell. The audience has been evacuated from th By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Fundraising News Over £2,000 raised by friends and supporters at HIV charity Lunch Positive’s 15th birthday celebrations Friends and supporters of local HIV charity Lunch Positive raised over £2,000 for the charity at its 15th birthday fundraising party at Arcobaleno Brighton on Saturday, June 15. Over 70 people attended the event, which was hosted by Ophelia Payne with music from Hoedown Hunnies and Morgan Harris. Lu By Graham Robson • 1 min read
LGBTQ+ News Pope Francis mocked as Rome LGBTQ+ Pride Parade celebrates 30th anniversary The Rome LGBTQ+ Pride Parade celebrated its 30th anniversary in June as tens of thousands of people in brightly coloured outfits marched through the Italian capital waving banners, dancing and singing as they marked gay rights and poked fun at Pope Francis, who had to issue an apology last month aft By Graham Robson • 1 min read
