Chief of UK's professional body for librarians defends Drag Queen Story Hour as ‘inclusive and creative’ The head of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) has spoken out in defence of Drag Queen Story Hour, describing it as a “creative, centuries-old storytelling tradition” that fosters inclusivity and literacy, following criticism from a government minister. Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CEO of CILIP, issued a robust response By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Europe Marcus Urban, Germany’s first openly gay player, claims 'gay players' are resorting to “fake girlfriends and fake marriages” to conceal their sexuality Marcus Urban, Germany’s first male footballer to publicly come out as gay, has made striking claims about the hidden lives of LGBTQ+ players in Europe’s top football leagues. In a forthcoming book titled Mensch Fußballstar (Human Football Star), Urban reveals that many 'gay players' are resorting By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Politics Nicola Sturgeon says “There are forces on the far right who have weaponised" trans rights Nicola Sturgeon has spoken out in defence of trans rights, warning that far-right groups are deliberately weaponising the debate to roll back hard-won progress on equality. In interviews promoting her memoir Frankly, the former First Minister of Scotland expressed deep concern about the way trans people are being targeted and By Graham Robson • 2 min read
News Nepal Pride returns in defiant celebration after Trump cuts foreign aid funding Nepal’s LGBTQ+ community triumphantly returned to the streets of Kathmandu for the first Nepal Pride parade since the Trump administration’s funding cuts disrupted years of progress. The event, held during the traditional Gai Jatra festival, was both a celebration and a protest - marking resilience in the face By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Community Corner "I’ve lived the change from AIDS to HIV." Terrence Higgins Trust announces Niall Bolger as new Chair Terrence Higgins Trust has announced the appointment of Niall Bolger as its next Chair. He will take up the role later this year, following the charity’s AGM in December, and begins his term as a trustee this month. Bolger was London’s longest-serving council chief executive until January 2025, By Graham Robson • 2 min read
News Human rights and LGBTQ+ activist Ibtissam ‘Betty’ Lachgar arrested in Morocco for wearing T-shirt saying 'Allah is a lesbian' Campaigners are calling for the release of a woman arrested in Morocco for ‘offending Islam’ after she wore a T-shirt saying 'Allah is a lesbian'. The Moroccan Public Prosecutor's Office announced yesterday - Sunday, 10 August - it had taken human rights activist Ibtissam ‘Betty’ Lachgar By Graham Robson • 2 min read
UK Heartstopper star Bradley Riches speaks out against wave of homophobic and ableist abuse he's received since joining Emmerdale Bradley Riches, the Heartstopper actor who recently joined Emmerdale, has spoken out against the wave of homophobic and ableist abuse he’s received since his casting was announced. Riches, who plays Lewis Barton - the soap’s first openly gay and autistic character - has used his platform to challenge By Graham Robson • 1 min read
UK Scarborough Pride faces uncertain future Scarborough Pride, one of North Yorkshire’s most vibrant celebrations of LGBTQ+ identity and inclusion, is facing an uncertain future as organisers grapple with mounting financial pressures and dwindling support. The annual event, which has grown in popularity since its inception, is now at risk of cancellation unless urgent funding By Graham Robson • 1 min read
North America "We’re letting hate win": Drag Bingo Fundraiser for kids cancelled, sparking LGBTQ+ community outcry A planned Drag Bingo event aimed at celebrating inclusivity and raising funds for child advocacy has been cancelled following a wave of online backlash, prompting widespread disappointment and concern from LGBTQ+ advocates and allies. The event, scheduled for 11 August and hosted by beloved drag performer Mrs Kasha Davis - By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Politics Reform UK councillor Amanda Clare denies assault allegation at Winsford Pride Amanda Clare, a councillor for Reform UK, has pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting a security guard and damaging property during Winsford’s Pride celebration on 28 June. Ms Clare, who represents Winsford Dene on Cheshire West and Chester Council, appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court where she denied assaulting By Graham Robson • 1 min read
UK Russell T Davies blames Reform UK and Trump for decline in British LGBTQ+ rights Russell T Davies, writer of It's a Sin and Queer as Folk, has issued a stark warning about the state of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK, blaming the rise of Reform UK and the influence of Donald Trump for what he describes as a “rapid and urgent” deterioration By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Culture New documentary to celebrate life of trailblazing drag icon The Vivienne The BBC is set to premiere a deeply moving documentary celebrating the life and legacy of British drag icon The Vivienne, titled Dear Viv, on 28 August. The film will air on BBC Three and iPlayer, and stream globally via WOW Presents Plus, offering fans an intimate portrait of the By Graham Robson • 2 min read
