The Saturday Scene: hate crime law, the Black Cap, and a word on Trump
Pop the kettle on and get comfortable in your reading nook. We've got a lot to get through!
It's now been three months since 2026 arrived, and it's barely given us a break.
'ICE Barbie' Kristi Noem fired by the President Trump
In terms of global news, this week was particularly turbulent. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was fired following another humiliating grilling in Congress. Her departure comes after 13 months of chaos at the Department of Homeland Security, the deaths of two American citizens, and the emergence of questions about substantial ad spending and a romantic relationship with Corey Lewandowski, Noem's top aide and, according to reports, de facto chief of staff.
Trump has nominated Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as her successor. Mullin, 48, is one of Trump's most loyal supporters in the Senate and is now set to join the president's administration.
A new war in the middle east
This news broke alongside the fallout from the airstrikes launched by the Israeli and US governments on Iran, which has plunged the middle east into a potentially years-long war initiated by the 'America First' president.
A recent CNN poll found that 59% of Americans disapprove of the strikes on Iran. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Republicans are more supportive of Trump's military action against Iran than Independents and Democrats. 77% of Republicans approve, compared to 32% of Independents and 18% of Democrats.
The reaction of European allies to the military action was mixed, with Spain and France harshly condemning this war.
Prime Minister Starmer urged caution and decided against the UK joining the US in taking offensive action against the Iranian regime. During this week's PMQs, the Prime Minister reiterated that Britain is supporting defensive action to protect allies in the region, as well as British bases in Cyprus, which have been targeted by the Iranian military.
This week's military strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with some of his family members and high-ranking officials. Casulties were also suffered on the American side.
The Pentagon has identified the five victims as members of the Army Reserve, which, according to its website, provides logistical support for broader US military operations.
The names of the deceased are:
- Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa
- Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Florida
- Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota
- Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska
- Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa
From left to right: Capt Cody Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, Sgt. Declan Coady, Maj. Jeffrey O’Brien 📸 US Army Reserve Command
It has been a genuinely significant week for LGBTQ+ news, too — from a historic vote in the House of Lords to the Black Cap's long-awaited comeback, and some important cultural moments in between. Below I've pulled together the headlines we published between Monday 2 March and Friday 6 March, with my own thoughts on what it all means. As ever, there is a lot to get through.
POLITICS & LAW
House of Lords backs amendment to classify anti‑LGBTQ+ hate crime as aggravated offence
Legislation that would put anti‑LGBTQ+ hate crime on the same legal footing as race and religion‑based hate crime moved a major step forward this week after the House of Lords approved a key amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. Championed by Stonewall and backed by cross‑party peers, the change would mean crimes motivated by hostility towards someone's sexual orientation or gender identity carry tougher sentencing powers and give victims more time to seek justice — closing what campaigners have long called a 'hierarchy of hate' in UK law. The bill now returns to the Commons.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/house-of-lords-backs-amendment-to-classify-anti-lgbtq-hate-crime-as-aggravated-offence
This is the single most important piece of legislation for LGBTQ+ people in the UK right now. It should have happened years ago. The fact that until now a violent attack on someone for being gay or trans has been treated less seriously in law than a racially motivated attack is, frankly, a stain on our legal system. I'm glad to see it moving — though we should note it still needs to clear the Commons.
Hopefully, this also signals a change of direction for the Labour government with regard to LGBTQ+ equality issues.
Home Secretary overhauls asylum system — LGBTQ+ charity warns changes are 'cruel'
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that from 2 March 2026, the UK's asylum system has been overhauled, replacing the long‑standing five-year protection period with a temporary status reviewed every 30 months. LGBTQ+ charities have warned the changes are 'cruel' and risk returning vulnerable people — including those fleeing anti-LGBTQ+ persecution — to danger.
The asylum system changes deserve far more scrutiny than they are getting in the mainstream press. For LGBTQ+ people fleeing criminalisation, violence, or persecution abroad, this is not an abstract policy debate — it is a matter of life and death. The situation for LGBTQ+ people is deteriorating globally, and with no signs of this trend slowing down, countries that are LGBTQ+ friendly will most likely see an increase in queer asylum seekers. It is crucial that lawmakers do not fall for the narrative that people are declaring themselves as LGBTQ+ in order to receive asylum. We will continue to cover this closely.
TRANS RIGHTS
Rising anti-trans hostility creating 'dangerous and degrading' environment, new report warns
A major report from TransActual, Trans Lives 2025: Continuing To Endure The Hostile Environment, drew on one of the largest ever surveys of trans people in the UK to deliver a stark warning: anti-trans hatred is escalating, and the environment for trans people is becoming increasingly dangerous. The report called on government and institutions to act urgently.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/rising-anti-trans-hostility-is-creating-a-dangerous-and-degrading-environment-for-trans-people-in-the-uk-new-report-warns
Doctor who praised JK Rowling removed from puberty-blocker review amid anti-trans bias fears
A doctor who had publicly praised JK Rowling's stance on trans issues was removed from the government's puberty-blocker review panel following concerns about bias. The story raised fresh questions about the independence of clinical processes that directly affect trans young people's access to healthcare.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/doctor-who-praised-jk-rowling-removed-from-puberty-blocker-review-amid-fears-over-anti-trans-bias
Two stories this week that, taken together, paint a difficult picture. The TransActual report confirms what many in our community already know from lived experience — the climate right now is genuinely frightening for trans people. The puberty-blocker story is a reminder that the institutions making decisions about trans healthcare are not always as independent as they should be.
UK NEWS
Peter Tatchell leads protest at Chick-fil-A's first London restaurant
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell led a picket outside the first London branch of US fast food chain Chick-fil-A, which opened in Kingston upon Thames on 5 March, challenging the company over its history of funding anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns and organisations in the United States.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/peter-tatchell-leads-protest-at-chick-fil-as-first-london-restaurant-it-has-funded-anti-lgbtq-campaigns
Manchester United academy player hit with six-match ban after using homophobic slur
Jack Fletcher, a player in Manchester United's academy, was handed a six-match ban by the Football Association after being found to have used a homophobic slur during a match. The case highlighted ongoing issues around homophobia in football, particularly at youth level.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/manchester-united-academys-jack-fletcher-hit-with-six-match-ban-after-using-homophobic-slur-during-match
Misconduct panel hears Gwent Police officers shared homophobic and transphobic messages
A misconduct panel heard that officers at Gwent Police exchanged a series of messages containing homophobic, transphobic, racist and misogynistic content. The case raised serious concerns about culture within the force and the safety of LGBTQ+ people who may need to interact with those officers.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/misconduct-panel-hears-gwent-police-officers-exchanged-series-of-vile-racist-homophobic-and-misogynistic-messages
'Ex-gay' activist Matthew Grech cleared of promoting conversion therapy in Malta
A Maltese court cleared Matthew Grech, an activist who claims to have 'left' homosexuality, of charges of promoting conversion therapy — a ruling that has dismayed LGBTQ+ advocates in Malta and beyond, who warn it sets a troubling precedent.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/ex-gay-activist-matthew-grech-cleared-of-promoting-gay-conversion-therapy-in-malta
Now's the time for LGBTQ+ people to start adoption and fostering
A positive story this week: a new push encouraging LGBTQ+ people to consider adoption and fostering, highlighting the thousands of children in care who need loving, stable homes and the unique strengths that LGBTQ+ families can bring.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/nows-the-time-for-lgbtq-people-to-start-adoption-and-fostering
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Drag Race queen Veronica Green opens up about MS diagnosis
In an exclusive feature, Drag Race UK star Veronica Green — real name Kevin Grogan — spoke openly for the first time about his diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS), announced in October 2024. Kevin talked candidly about coming to terms with the condition and what it means for his return to the stage.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/drag-race-queen-veronica-green-on-coming-to-terms-with-ms-diagnosis-and-getting-back-on-the-stage
New cross-sector report urges government action on HIV care in prisons
A new report from a coalition of health and justice organisations called on the government to urgently address the inadequate provision of HIV care for people in prison — a population that faces significantly higher rates of HIV but often lacks access to effective treatment and support.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/new-cross-sector-report-urges-the-government-to-meet-the-challenges-of-hiv-care-in-prisons
Report exposes challenges facing young people living with HIV
A newly published report shone a light on the particular difficulties faced by young people who are living with HIV — including stigma, mental health impacts, navigating relationships and disclosure, and gaps in age-appropriate support services.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/report-exposes-challenges-facing-young-people-living-with-hiv
CULTURE
The Black Cap in Camden to reopen on 22 March
One of London's most beloved LGBTQ+ venues, the Black Cap in Camden, is set to reopen on 22 March after years of closure. The news was met with celebration across the community — the Black Cap has been an iconic part of London's queer nightlife for decades and its potential permanent loss had been a source of real grief.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/one-of-londons-most-beloved-lgbtq-venues-the-black-cap-in-camden-to-reopen-22-march
This is the best piece of news I've read all week. The Black Cap is irreplaceable — there are people for whom that venue was formative, a safe haven, a place where they first felt truly at home. Its return matters beyond nightlife. This also signals that, following the closure of many LGBTQ+ venues over the years, a different future is possible.
Rosalía jokes the best quality in a man is 'that he's gay' after historic BRITs win
Spanish pop star Rosalía made history at the BRIT Awards this week and won further hearts by joking that the best quality a man can have is 'that he's gay' — a throwaway line that nonetheless delighted queer audiences and sent social media into a spin.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/rosalia-jokes-the-best-quality-in-a-man-is-that-hes-gay-after-historic-brits-win
REVIEW: Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild
Our reviewer John Kennedy took a look at the re-released cult sequel, concluding that while it won't win awards for depth, it delivers exactly what it promises: more camp, more chaos, more fun. A unapologetically trashy good time.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/review-another-gay-sequel-gays-gone-wild
Full programme announced for Leipzig's 2026 Queer Music Festival
The complete lineup for the Queer Music Festival 2026, running in Leipzig from 23–26 April, has been revealed, featuring concerts, film, talks, workshops and club nights celebrating a rich spectrum of queer musical talent.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/full-programme-announced-for-leipzigs-2026-queer-music-festival
London trans club night Temptation celebrates four years
Temptation, London's dedicated trans club night, marked its fourth anniversary this week — a milestone that reflects both the resilience of trans nightlife communities and the ongoing need for dedicated, safer spaces.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/london-trans-club-night-temptation-celebrates-four-years
PRIDE
Southampton Pride awarded UK Pride 2027
Southampton Pride has been selected to host UK Pride 2027 — a significant honour for the southern city's LGBTQ+ community and a testament to the hard work of the local organisers who have built one of the country's most welcoming regional Prides.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/southampton-pride-awarded-uk-pride-2027
Trans Pride Brighton shortlisted for Pride Organisation of the Year at Gaydio Awards
Trans Pride Brighton has been shortlisted for Pride Organisation of the Year at the 2026 Gaydio Awards, recognising the vital grassroots work the organisation does in celebrating and supporting trans communities in Brighton and beyond.
Read on Scene → scenemag.co.uk/trans-pride-brighton-shortlisted-for-pride-organisation-of-the-year-at-2026-gaydio-awards
Until next week
That's the week. It was, as always, a mix — real legislative progress on hate crime, serious concerns about trans rights and asylum, and moments of joy like the Black Cap news. If you have thoughts on any of these stories, or if there are things you'd like to see us cover, I'd love to hear from you.
Leslie Clarke
Publisher, Scene Magazine
CEO, Pride Community Foundation
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