North America "She will never be forgotten”: Trans bus driver Ava Michal Hudson jumped in front of train after bullying at work Ava Michal Hudson, a 27-year-old trans bus driver for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), died by suicide on 7 August 2024 after reportedly enduring persistent misgendering and isolation in her workplace. Her death, which occurred at the Austin Blue Line station while she was in uniform and en route to By Graham Robson • 2 min read
North America US Air Force to deny retirement pay to trans service members In a move that has sparked widespread criticism and concern, the United States Air Force has announced it will deny early retirement benefits to trans service members who have served between 15 and 18 years. The decision, revealed on Thursday, 7 August means affected personnel will be discharged without the By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Community Corner LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity Galop announces move to co-leadership model Galop, the UK-based LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity, has announced a move to a co-leadership model with the appointment of Ben Kernighan and Jasmine O'Connor as new Co-Chief Executives. Galop, which has been supporting victims and survivors of abuse and violence for over 40 years, works with LGBTQ+ individuals who By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Sport The Premier League ditches Rainbow Laces campaign ahead of 2025-26 season The Premier League has officially ended its eight-year partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, bringing the widely recognised Rainbow Laces campaign to a close ahead of the 2025–26 season. The Rainbow Laces initiative, launched in 2013 and adopted by the Premier League in 2017, became a symbol of inclusion and By Graham Robson • 1 min read
North America First city-funded shelter for homeless trans and gender non-conforming adults opens in New York A pioneering transitional housing programme for trans and gender non-conforming adults has officially opened in Long Island City in the New York City borough of Queens. Named Ace’s Place, the facility is the first city-funded shelter of its kind, offering 150 beds to trans individuals aged 25 and older By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Community Corner Olly Alexander joins TEAM BEACON to run Brighton Half Marathon Olly Alexander has announced he is joining Team Beacon, the Sussex Beacon’s challenge event group, adding he will be running on behalf of the Beacon in next year’s Brighton Half Marathon. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Sussex Beacon (@sussexbeacon) Making the announcement via By Graham Robson • 3 min read
UK Equality & Human Rights Commission to recommend sweeping ban on trans people accessing toilets, gyms and changing rooms that match their gender The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is preparing to issue new guidance that would advise public bodies to ban trans people from accessing spaces such as toilets, changing rooms, and sports facilities that match their gender, according to reports in The Times. The guidance, which follows a Supreme Court By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Politics Labour MP labels Ann Widdecombe ‘woke’ over trans prisoner debate A Labour MP has branded Reform UK politician Ann Widdecombe as “woke” following her remarks on the treatment of trans prisoners. Jonathan Hinder, Labour MP for Northbridge, used the term “woke right” to describe Widdecombe after she criticised the government’s stance on housing trans women in male prisons. Writing By Graham Robson • 1 min read
UK Non-binary American Ryan Castellucci to take UK to court over gender recognition Ryan Castellucci, a non-binary person originally from California and now residing in London, has launched a landmark legal battle against the UK government over its refusal to legally recognise non-binary gender identities. The case, which has progressed through multiple levels of the British judiciary, is now poised to be heard By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Culture Michelle Gomez statement following Harry Potter audiobook casting "a massive nothing burger" Scottish actress Michelle Gomez's statement in response to criticism surrounding her involvement in the upcoming Harry Potter: The Full-Cast Audio Editions has been called a "massive nothing burger" on social media. Gomez, best known for her role as Missy in Doctor Who, is set to voice By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Culture Polari Prize faces backlash for including "TERF" author John Boyne on 2025 longlist The Polari Prize, the UK’s literary award celebrating LGBTQ+ writing, has come under fire following the release of its 2025 longlist, with critics accusing the organisers of platforming a writer labelled by some as a “TERF”. The controversy centres around the inclusion of John Boyne, author of Earth, on By Graham Robson • 3 min read
News "World’s first" Pride parade on a train takes place in Derby LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies from across the UK rail industry marched together in the “world’s first Pride parade on a train” at Alstom’s The Greatest Gathering festival in Derby at the weekend. Those marching across Derby Litchurch Lane Works represented various railway-related companies including Alstom, Angel Trains, AtkinsRéalis, By Graham Robson • 2 min read
