Europe Former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar declares EU at forefront of LGBTQ+ rights Former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has declared that the European Union is now at the forefront of the global movement for LGBTQ+ and intersex rights, citing recent developments and growing solidarity across member states. Speaking at a conference on LGBTQ+ rights at Central European University in Budapest, Varadkar emphasised By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Politics Rob Jetten poised to make history as Netherlands' youngest and first openly gay Prime Minister Rob Jetten, the 38-year-old leader of the centrist Democrats 66 (D66) party, is on the brink of making history as the Netherlands’ youngest and first openly gay prime minister, following a strong performance in Wednesday’s national elections. Exit polls suggest D66 has edged ahead of Geert Wilders’ far-right Party By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Europe Drag queens Lucina Schynning and Krystal Queer attacked in Cork City, Ireland during Jazz Festival Weekend Two drag performers were violently assaulted in Cork City, Ireland over the weekend in what has been described as a homophobic attack. Lucina Schynning and Krystal Queer, well-known figures in Ireland’s drag scene, were filming a promotional video for their upcoming club night Saints on Oliver Plunkett Street in By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Europe LGBTQ+ ally Catherine Connolly elected President of Ireland Catherine Connolly, a left-wing independent and outspoken LGBTQ+ ally, has been elected President of Ireland in a landslide victory, marking a seismic shift in the country’s political landscape. Connolly, 68, secured over 63% of first-preference votes, defeating her centre-right rival Heather Humphreys of Fine Gael, and becoming Ireland’s By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Europe Germany’s largest gay club, SchwuZ, to close its doors SchwuZ, Germany’s largest and oldest gay club, has announced it will shut its doors for good on 1 November. The closure marks the latest casualty in what many are calling a “club death” crisis gripping the German capital. Founded in 1977, SchwuZ has long been a cornerstone of Berlin’ By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Europe Turkey proposes sweeping anti-LGBTQ+ reforms in controversial judicial overhaul The Turkish government has unveiled a sweeping set of proposed legal changes that critics say represent a severe escalation in its crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights, sparking international condemnation and fears of further marginalisation of LGBTQ+ communities. Part of the country’s 11th Judicial Reform Package, the draft legislation includes a By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Europe Church of Norway apologises for causing LGBTQ+ people "shame, great harm and pain" The Church of Norway has formally apologised to the LGBTQ+ community for decades of "shame, great harm and pain". The apology was delivered on Thursday by Presiding Bishop Olav Fykse Tveit at the London Pub in Oslo - a symbolic venue that was targeted in a deadly shooting By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Europe Ireland beats Manchester in its bid to host EuroPride 2028 For the first time, EuroPride will be held in Ireland in 2028. The event will showcase Ireland’s "rich culture, heritage, and welcoming spirit"; bringing a "uniquely rural and inclusive Pride experience" to the Wild Atlantic Way. West of Ireland was granted the title by Pride By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Europe "Watershed Moment" as Council of Europe sets first standard protecting intersex rights The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe have today unanimously adopted the Recommendation on Equal Rights for Intersex Persons - a "watershed moment" for intersex human rights in Europe. The Recommendation was officially adopted by the ministerial representatives of all Council of Europe Member States. Organisation By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Culture #DALEYPOP X October 2025 Starring: Lady Gaga, Allie X, bbno$, Damiano David, Tyla, Nile Rodgers, Blue, Slayyyter, and JADE! By Dale Melita • 9 min read
Europe Russian woman fined for "LGBT propaganda" over rainbow flag social media posts A court in the Russian republic of Karachay-Cherkessia has fined a local woman for allegedly disseminating “LGBT propaganda” through social media posts made over five years ago. The posts, which included images of rainbow flags and one depicting two girls kissing, were shared on the Russian platform VK in May By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Europe Slovak Parliament votes to erase trans and non-binary identities The Slovak Parliament has voted to enshrine a strict binary definition of gender -male and female - into the country’s Constitution. The amendment, passed with 90 votes in favour and seven against in the 150-seat chamber, marks a significant regression in LGBTQ+ rights in the Central European nation. The By Graham Robson • 1 min read
