Community News OBITUARY: David Raven aka Maisie Trollette (1933 – 2025) “An institution, a legend, and yes, drag royalty.” By Contributor • 5 min read
Film The 39th BFI Flare queer film festival to open at London’s Southbank on March 19 Lead Pic: Onda Nora The 39th BFI Flare queer film festival opens March 19 on London’s Southbank. There is a whopping total of 34 world premieres and films will represent 41 countries in the 12 days of screenings. Unfortunately you have to be present in London as only a handful of short films will be By Brian Butler • 2 min read
Business News This Is It!, the oldest gay bar in Wisconsin, which was co-owned by RuPaul’s Drag Race star Trixie Mattel, closed its doors for good on March 9 This Is It!, the oldest gay bar in Wisconsin, which was co-owned by RuPaul’s Drag Race star Trixie Mattel closed its doors for good on March 9. Founded by June Brehm, who died in 2010, and her son, Joseph Brehm, This Is It! opened in 1968 before being taken over by drag superstar and Wisconsin […] By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Pride Eastbourne Pride to return this year on Saturday, July 19 Eastbourne Pride, which is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community and allies in Eastbourne, is to return this year on Saturday, July 19. Organisers say: “Our mission is to celebrate diversity, embrace individuality, and create an engaging space where By Graham Robson • 1 min read
International News A trans woman’s prison sentence for ‘insulting’ Jesus must be quashed, Amnesty International has said A trans woman’s prison sentence for ‘insulting’ Jesus must be quashed, Amnesty International has said. On 10 March, a district court in Indonesia found Ratu Thalisa, known online as Ratu Entok, guilty of spreading hate speech against Christianity. The court also ordered her to pay a fine of 100,00 By Graham Robson • 1 min read
LGBTQ+ News ITV News investigation reveals the “devastating impact” of chemsex-related drugs on parts of the LGBTQ+ community An ITV News investigation has revealed the “devastating impact” of chemsex-related drugs on parts of the LGBTQ+ community, and an “alarming lack” of action in addressing what experts have described as a “silent” crisis. In a new ITVX documentary by ITV News, After the high: Chemsex, beyond the myths By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Sponsored Content Texas bill, filed by Republicans, could charge trans people with ‘gender identity fraud’ A Texas state bill, filed by Republican Tom Oliverson, could charge trans people with “gender identity fraud”, making it illegal to identify as trans on official documents and potentially leading up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. The bill would make it a state jail felony if a per By Graham Robson • 1 min read
LGBTQ+ News Stafford Pride criticises “homophobic” church after it is granted permission to move into former Stafford cinema A church has been criticised for its “disturbingly homophobic” beliefs by organisers of Stafford Pride after it was given permission to move into a former cinema in the town. Led by pastor Enoch Adeboye, who has previously called homosexuality evil and said gay marriage could bring about the end of By Graham Robson • 1 min read
LGBTQ+ News Sir Ian McKellen believes gay actors are still being advised to keep their sexualities hidden to avoid damaging career prospects Sir Ian McKellen, who publicly came out at the age of 48 back in 1988, believes gay actors are still being advised to keep their sexualities hidden to avoid damaging their career prospects. The British actor, 85, advised young gay actors in Hollywood to come out, stating that it is “silly” to remain By Graham Robson • 1 min read
LGBTQ+ News Dog walkers, calling for an end to cruising on Hampstead Heath, clash with gay activists who claim the site is part of their cultural heritage Campaigners lobbying for an end to cruising on Hampstead Heath have clashed with gay activists who claim the site is part of their cultural heritage. The West Heath area of the park has been a well-known cruising spot, where gay men meet for anonymous sex, since the 19th century when homosexuality w By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Community News The UK’s only LGBTQ+ inclusive rowing club has two crews participating in the world’s largest women’s rowing race in the world The UK’s only LGBTQ+ inclusive rowing club hit an exciting milestone on International Women’s Day on March 8 as for the first time two crews participated in the world’s largest women’s rowing race in the world. London Otters RC was founded in 2014 with just a handful of people as a way to help LGBTQ By Graham Robson • 3 min read
Community News Legends Brighton to celebrate 50 years of Dave Lynn! The incomparable Dame Dave Lynn has spent over half a century as one of the UK’s leading drag acts, starring on both stage and screen. On Sunday, March 23, Legends Brighton will celebrate Dave’s very own Golden Jubilee with music and laughter from all five decades of his career so far, bringing toge By Graham Robson • 1 min read
