News Emma Watson addresses J.K. Rowling rift amid transphobic views: “I can still love her” Emma Watson has broken her silence on the long-standing rift with Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, sparked by the author's controversial views on trans rights. In a reflective interview on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, Watson addressed the emotional complexity of their relationship and reaffirmed By Graham Robson • 1 min read
News Viola, star of RuPaul's Drag Race s7, to host Kendal Pride 2026 Kendal Pride 2026 is set to shine brighter than ever as Viola, the multi-talented star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season seven, returns to host the festivities. Known for her electrifying blend of live vocals and classical violin, Viola will lead the celebration with glamour, charisma, and a touch By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Culture First look at sizzling gay ice hockey drama Heated Rivalry The highly anticipated gay ice hockey series Heated Rivalry, starring Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, has unveiled its first official look - and fans are already fired up. Based on Rachel Reid’s bestselling novel of the same name, the six-part drama is set to premiere this November on Crave, By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Community Corner Elton John AIDS Foundation joins the Rainbow Lottery The Rainbow Lottery - the UK’s only national lottery dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community - has announced that the Elton John AIDS Foundation has officially joined its growing network of over 200 LGBTQ+ causes across the country. Founded by Elton John in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Community Corner Queer Heritage South awarded £1.25million from the National Lottery for "pioneering" LGBTQ+ heritage project across Brighton & Hove Queer Heritage South is "delighted" after receiving £1.25million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their “pioneering” Queer Heritage South: Live Archive project. This follows a successful pilot year, supported by the Heritage Fund, that builds on a ten-year track record of Queer Heritage South’s " By Graham Robson • 3 min read
Shopping So, that was my first single summer for a while! I am not sure about you, but at www.esmale.com we do not want the summer to end. We have had such a blast. I have been chilling with friends, enjoyed a holiday, various pride events and enjoyed plenty of action. I hardly left the house without my favourite By Contributor • 4 min read
North America Texas becomes 20th US state to enact trans bathroom ban Texas has officially become the 20th US state to implement a law banning transgender individuals from using public bathrooms that align with their gender identity. Governor Greg Abbott signed the controversial legislation on 22 September, declaring it a “common sense public safety issue”. The new law, which takes effect on By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Culture Mae Martin blends psychological suspense with queer identity in chilling new Netflix drama 'Wayward' Netflix’s latest mystery series Wayward is set to make waves this autumn, with Canadian comedian and writer Mae Martin at the helm as both star and co-creator. Known for their sharp wit and emotionally resonant storytelling in Feel Good, Martin now turns their attention to darker territory - blending By Graham Robson • 1 min read
North America Gay Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford: “America is still incredibly homophobic” Rob Halford, legendary frontman of British heavy metal band Judas Priest, has spoken out candidly about the persistence of homophobia in the United States, describing the country as “still incredibly homophobic” in a new interview. Speaking on the Queer The Music podcast hosted by Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters, Halford, By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Community Corner The Sussex Beacon receives £2,400 from Brighton Bear Weekend On Saturday evening, Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW) held a Thank You & Grant Giving Party at Nautilus Lounge in Kemptown, to thank volunteers, to introduce a new Chair, and award grants to a range of LGBTQ+ organisations. The Sussex Beacon was "delighted to attend” and the local HIV charity’ By Graham Robson • 1 min read
UK Katie Neeves, founder of Cool2BTrans, named Positive Role Model for LGBT at National Diversity Awards Katie Neeves, the trailblazing trans advocate and founder of Cool2BTrans, has been named the Positive Role Model for LGBT at the prestigious National Diversity Awards 2025. The ceremony, held in Liverpool, celebrated individuals and organisations making outstanding contributions to diversity and inclusion across the UK. View this post on Instagram By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Culture John Partridge reveals BBC's secret rule for gay couples on EastEnders Former EastEnders actor John Partridge has revealed a surprising behind-the-scenes rule that applied to gay couples during his time on the BBC soap. Appearing on Good Morning Britain, Partridge shared that during bedroom scenes with co-star Marc Elliott - who played Syed Masood - only one of them was permitted By Graham Robson • 1 min read
