Sponsored Content Football v Homophobia event, hosted by England’s first openly gay professional referee, brings together leading voices shaping LGBTQ+ inclusion in football and beyond On Monday, February 10, LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall teamed up with the Amateur FA, London FA, London Assembly and Football v Homophobia to host a City Hall event marking Football v Homophobia Month of Action. The evening, hosted by England’s first openly gay professional referee Ryan Atkin, brou By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Community News Olly Alexander visits Brighton-based HIV charity the Sussex Beacon Award-winning singer, songwriter and BAFTA-nominated actor Olly Alexander interrupted a busy schedule on Saturday, February 8 to visit Brighton-based HIV charity the Sussex Beacon. Having launched his debut solo album Polari the day before, Olly met with a number of staff and service users at the Be By Graham Robson • 2 min read
LGBTQ+ News Donations flood in to instal pro-LGBTQ+ billboard in Republican state, Montana Donations have flooded in to instal a pro-LGBTQ+ billboard in Billings, Montana to reach LGBTQ+ people with a message of acceptance. Emily and Matt Hankins posted a GoFundMe to install a billboard in the Republican state; they have now collected enough donations to match the amount and keep the bill By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Sponsored Content Stonewall, the LGBTQ+ rights charity, has criticised a new YouGov survey, which asked the general public their opinion on trans rights Stonewall, the LGBTQ+ rights charity, has criticised a new YouGov survey, which asked the general public their opinion on trans rights. The survey of 2,078 adults asked questions such as: ‘People should / should not be able to identify as being of a different gender to the one they had recorded at b By Graham Robson • 3 min read
Sponsored Content Two Canadian businesses targeted by anti-trans vandals Two businesses in Halifax, Canada have reported anti-trans messages targeting the trans community were written on their buildings, raising concerns about a possible rise in hate crimes linked to President Donald Trump’s attack on trans communities south of the border. Early in February, a vandal wro By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Film BAFTA picks Ayse Toprak, director of ‘Mr Gay Syria’, for its two-year career development programme, Elevate BAFTA has unveiled the documentary and factual filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds participating in its two-year career development programme Elevate. The cohort includes Mr Gay Syria director Ayse Toprak whose 2017 documentary picked up awards at Sarajevo, Krakow and Seville festivals. Mr By Graham Robson • 1 min read
LGBTQ+ News Saudi Arabia “must provide assurances on LGBTQ+ rights for 2034 FIFA World Cup” Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has written to the Saudi Football Federation, urging them to meet with him and to guarantee the safety, dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ players, officials and fans attending the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Tatchell’s letter to Hammad Albalawi of the FIFA By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Politics Ashley Dalton MP, a vocal supporter of trans rights, appointed as new health minister Sir Keir Starmer has appointed Ashley Dalton MP, a vocal supporter of trans rights, as new health minister following the sacking of Andrew Gwynne from the key role over alleged offensive posts in a WhatsApp group. During a discussion on Twitter in 2016 Ms Dalton – who was elected as MP for West Lanc By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Health Recovering from disordered eating – Jake’s story of hope Jake Ferguson – a non-binary adult from Northern Ireland – has shared their story of recovery from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa through a powerful and emotional video in a bid to inspire others to seek help. In the UK, at least 1.25 million people are living with an eating disorder – at leas By Graham Robson • 3 min read
LGBTQ+ News The Vivienne to be honoured at inaugural Metro Pride Awards The Vivienne, who tragically passed away in January, is set to be honoured at the inaugural Metro Pride Awards, which will bring together the most influential and inspiring LGBTQ+ individuals and organisations to honour and celebrate the extraordinary talent, resilience and passion that defines LGBT By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Here You Come Again Goodspeed Musicals – The Terris Theatre Chester, CT 06412 (860)873-8664 LGBTQ+ News Dolly Parton musical plagued by homophobic abuse in the UK Stevie Webb, a lead actor performing in the Dolly Parton musical Here You Come Again, has revealed the show has been plagued by homophobic abuse. Packed with Parton’s songs, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Islands in the Stream and I Will Always Love You, Here You Come Again tells the story of a diehard f By Graham Robson • 2 min read
HIV Sir Keir Starmer takes part in National HIV Testing Week, becoming the first serving Prime Minister and G7 leader to take a public HIV test In support of National HIV Testing Week, Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has undertaken a public rapid HIV home test, becoming the first serving British Prime Minister and G7 leader to take a public test on camera. Joined by Terrence Higgins Trust patron Beverley Knight, the Prime Minister took a By Graham Robson • 2 min read
