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
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
Brighton Pride 2025: Weaponising Joy, One Sequin at a Time By Liran Notik, Scene Magazine If Brighton had a national currency, it would be sequins. And at Pride on the Park 2025, they were in full glittery circulation. The day was a shimmering catwalk of camp, colour, and questionable practicality—because nothing says summer like strutting through Preston Park in By Liran Notik • 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
