Pope Leo XIV to receive pro-LGBTQ+ and women priest advocacy group in landmark Vatican meeting In a historic move, Pope Leo XIV is set to meet with representatives from We Are Church International (WAC), a global Catholic reform group advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion, the ordination of women, and married clergy. The meeting will take place during the Jubilee of Synodal Teams, scheduled for 24–26 By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Trans handball player Hannah Mouncey fears new ban amid rising global restrictions Australian trans athlete Hannah Mouncey has voiced concerns that she may soon be banned from international competition, despite years of representing her country in women’s handball. Mouncey, who was previously blocked from entering the AFL Women’s draft in 2017, now fears that tightening global policies on trans athletes By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Politics Durham County Council, now led by Reform UK, cuts Pride funding Durham County Council, now led by Reform UK, has announced it will withdraw all funding for the city’s annual Pride event, prompting strong reactions from LGBTQ+ advocates, trade unions, and community leaders. Deputy Council Leader Darren Grimes, a gay man himself, confirmed the decision, stating that Durham Pride “won’ By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Culture Netflix unveils first look and release date for LGBTQ+ coming-of-age series ‘Boots’ Netflix has officially lifted the curtain on its highly anticipated LGBTQ+ coming-of-age drama Boots, set to premiere globally on 9 October. Inspired by Greg Cope White’s memoir The Pink Marine, the series offers a poignant and humorous exploration of identity, resilience, and friendship within the rigid confines of 1990s By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Culture Flo Gallop drops surprise release MISS U NOW UR GONE London based pop star Flo Gallop is back with her second single off her upcoming debut EP and she’s not holding anything back! By Dale Melita • 2 min read
Culture "TERF author" John Boyne says Polari Prize backlash brought him ‘close to the edge’ Irish "TERF author" John Boyne has spoken out following a wave of backlash over his inclusion in the longlist for the 2025 Polari Prize, a UK award celebrating LGBTQ+ literature. Boyne, best known for The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, was nominated for his novella Earth, but his By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Community Corner Leslie Clarke appointed permanent CEO of Pride Community Foundation Pride Community Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing equity, dignity, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ people, has announced that Leslie Clarke (formerly Leslie Pumm) has been officially appointed as the organisation’s permanent Chief Executive Officer, following a successful interim period. Leslie, who has led the Foundation through an important By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Culture "This show is so sexy." Willam’s Dark Room Duel on OUTflix next month Willam’s Dark Room Duel - a high-stakes, no-holds-barred competition where multi-talented male strippers battle it out through themed challenges and jaw-dropping performances - will be broadcast on OUTflix from 16 September. Hosted by drag icon Willam, alongside a panel of judges, this is a show where charisma, creativity, and By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Brighton Theatre Royal A Revolution of Hearts: Brighton Theatre Group's Magnificent Les Misérables ★★★★★ This is community theatre at its most vital and necessary—proving when hearts are this committed and talent runs this deep, magic happens. By Eric Page • 4 min read
Politics Sharron Davies to be made Tory peer amid controversy over anti-trans views British Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies is set to be appointed to the House of Lords by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, sparking widespread debate over her long-standing opposition to trans inclusion in women's sport. Davies, 62, has been a vocal figure in the gender-critical movement, campaigning for female-only sports By Graham Robson • 1 min read
UK Nicola Sturgeon accuses JK Rowling of fuelling ‘toxic’ trans rights debate Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has accused author JK Rowling of contributing to a “toxic” and “vile” climate surrounding Scotland’s gender reform debate, claiming the Harry Potter writer’s actions intensified abuse and undermined rational discourse. In a BBC interview promoting her forthcoming memoir Frankly, Sturgeon reflected By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Europe Swedish 'Christian' bakers found guilty of discrimination after refusing to bake wedding cake for same-sex couple A 'Christian'-owned bakery in Stockholm has been found guilty of discrimination after refusing to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. The ruling was handed down by Sweden’s Anti-Discrimination Ombudsman (DO), following a two-year investigation into the incident which occurred in 2023. The bakery, run By Graham Robson • 1 min read
