The Saturday Scene: $200 billion for war, and a trans woman makes parliament
The world this week
Iran: three weeks in, and no end in sight
Three weeks in, and the war in Iran shows no sign of ending soon. If anything, it is escalating. The Pentagon confirmed this week that it is seeking an additional $200 billion in funding to continue the campaign, a figure that underlines just how far this conflict has stretched from its original stated objectives.
This funding request conflicts with Donald Trump’s “America First” strategy and his promise to end wars rather than start new ones.
The US launched a new offensive aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with jets and helicopter gunships patrolling the waterway for Iranian ships and attack drones. Iran responded with a warning of zero restraint if its energy infrastructure is targeted again.
The human cost continues to mount. Tehran residents describe largely deserted streets roamed by paramilitary officials and vigilantes, with security forces banning gatherings for Nowruz, the Persian new year. In Lebanon, the death toll from Israeli strikes has passed 1,000 since early March, with at least 40 medical workers among the dead. Israel has pushed ahead with a ground invasion of southern Lebanon, while continuing to bomb cities across the country.
Two details this week deserve to be read slowly. The first: Iran's attacks have halted helium exports from Qatar, which before the war supplied more than a third of global production. Helium is critical for semiconductor manufacturing, MRI machines, and fibre optics. This war is now reaching into hospitals and operating theatres.
Ukraine: peace talks on pause
While the world's attention has been consumed by the Middle East, the war in Ukraine continues. Peace talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine are currently on pause, with the Iran war cited as the reason for the suspension. Zelenskyy says Ukraine is ready to meet, but that Washington and Moscow need to agree on a location, with Russia refusing to travel to the US for talks. Russia continues to launch near-daily attacks. In the past week alone, Zelenskyy reported that Russia struck Ukraine with more than 1,770 attack drones, 1,530 guided aerial bombs, and 86 missiles.
The danger here is not just the war itself. It is the risk that as the world watches Iran, Ukraine gets forgotten. That cannot be allowed to happen.
Politics
Nepal makes history as Bhumika Shrestha becomes country's first trans lawmaker
A piece of genuinely good news to lead with this week. Nepal is celebrating after prominent activist Bhumika Shrestha joined the national parliament, becoming the country's first trans lawmaker. Shrestha, 37, has been appointed to the 275-member House of Representatives through the proportional representation system. She has long been one of Nepal's most prominent LGBTQ+ advocates and her appointment is a historic milestone.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/nepal-hails-historic-milestone-as-bhumika-shrestha-becomes-countrys-first-trans-lawmaker
Despite the setbacks to LGBTQ+ progress in some parts of the world, this is a real beacon of hope. Nepal is considered a regional leader in LGBTQ+ rights. Having representation in places where legislation is passed is extremely important, so having such a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights elected to Nepal's parliament is a huge win for queer people in the country. I hope that many more queer people will follow Bhumika through the door she has thrown open.
Police Scotland scraps self-ID guidance and will now record biological sex
Police Scotland reversed its longstanding policy this week that allowed suspects and victims to self-identify their gender, announcing it will now record biological sex for all crimes and offences. The self-identification approach dated to at least 2019. The reversal follows sustained pressure from anti-trans campaigners and will be deeply concerning to trans people who interact with the police in sensitive circumstances.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/police-scotland-scraps-self-id-guidance-and-will-now-record-biological-sex
This is the latest in a series of unwelcome developments since the Supreme Court ruling. The police admit that the transition won't be plain sailing, and it's clear that this policy change will cause a great deal of anxiety and harm. The flimsiness of the foundations on which LGBTQ+ progress in the UK has been built is becoming clearer and clearer. How can changes like this be implemented on a whim? Many people campaigned for years to bring about these changes. LGBTQ+ equality deserves firm and stable legal protection to guarantee the rights of our queer people.
Federal judge blocks RFK Jr.'s attempt to restrict gender-affirming care for minors
A US federal judge halted an effort led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to limit access to gender-affirming care for minors this week, delivering a significant setback to the administration. The ruling is a meaningful win, though the legal battle is far from over.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/federal-judge-blocks-rfk-jr-s-attempt-to-restrict-gender-affirming-care-for-minors
Trump laughed when briefed that Iran's new supreme leader may be gay, reports claim
Unverified US intelligence reports circulating this week claim that Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may be gay, in what would be a deeply ironic development for a theocratic regime that criminalises homosexuality and can impose the death penalty for it. Trump reportedly laughed when briefed on the reports. Whatever the truth of the claims, the story raises uncomfortable questions about how intelligence is weaponised and how the sexuality of a political enemy becomes a punchline.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/trump-laughed-when-briefed-that-irans-new-supreme-leader-may-be-gay-reports-claim
Don't we all suffer from Trump fatigue?
Amnesty calls on Turkey to drop charges against 11 LGBTQ+ activists
Amnesty International urged Turkish authorities this week to dismiss charges brought against 11 LGBTQ+ activists from the Izmir-based Young LGBTI+ Association, warning the case represents an unlawful attack on freedom of expression and association. The activists face prosecution simply for organising and speaking out.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/amnesty-calls-on-turkey-to-drop-charges-against-11-lgbtq-activists
Trans Rights
Fresh inquest ordered into death of trans man Aiden Longmuir
A fresh inquest will be held into the death of 20-year-old trans man Aiden Longmuir, after the original inquest was quashed following a legal challenge brought by his family. Aiden died by suicide in May 2025. His family's determination to seek answers is an act of courage, and this story deserves our full attention.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/fresh-inquest-ordered-into-death-of-trans-man-aiden-longmuir-following-legal-challenge
LGBTQ+ charities launch new framework for trans-inclusive housing services
Stonewall Housing, akt and Gendered Intelligence jointly launched a new resource this week designed to help housing and homelessness organisations navigate their responsibilities towards trans and non-binary people, following the UK Supreme Court's April 2025 ruling on the definition of sex. Practical guidance of this kind is exactly what frontline services need right now.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/lgbtq-charities-launch-new-framework-for-trans-inclusive-housing-services
Trans feminist scholar Dr Ruth Pearce honoured with Emma Goldman Award
Dr Ruth Pearce, Senior Lecturer in Community Development at the University of Glasgow and a leading trans feminist researcher, has been named a recipient of this year's Emma Goldman Award for her work on feminism and inequality. A well-deserved recognition.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/trans-feminist-scholar-dr-ruth-pearce-honoured-with-prestigious-emma-goldman-award
Patricia Arquette voices solidarity with trans community at Oscars event
Oscar-winner Patricia Arquette used Elton John's annual Oscars party this week to speak out about what she described as escalating hostility towards trans people, reiterating her support for the community. Visibility from major cultural figures at mainstream events continues to matter.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/patricia-arquette-voices-solidarity-with-trans-community-at-oscars-event
Culture
Russian ballet banned for 'gay propaganda' finds new stage in Berlin
A ballet once prohibited in Russia under the country's expanded anti-LGBTQ legislation is set to make its long-awaited international revival in Berlin this week. Nureyev, directed by exiled Russian filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov, will be performed at the Berlin State Ballet. That a work of art suppressed by the state is finding its audience in exile is a powerful thing.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/russian-ballet-banned-for-gay-propaganda-finds-new-stage-in-berlin
Gawdland crowned winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World
Thailand's Gawdland made history this week by winning RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World, becoming the first Asian contestant to claim the title in the international spin-off series. A milestone worth celebrating.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/thailands-gawdland-crowned-winner-of-rupauls-drag-race-uk-vs-the-world
Lost BBC documentary on homosexuality brought back to life nearly 70 years on
A new short film from Loughborough University tells the story of a remarkable BBC radio documentary about homosexuality, The Homosexual Condition, which aired on the BBC Home Service in July 1957 when the subject was almost entirely absent from public life. That this piece of history has been recovered and shared is genuinely important.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/lost-bbc-documentary-on-homosexuality-brought-back-to-life-nearly-70-years-on
Still Here: how a lost 1960s queer novel found its way back
On the latest episode of Still Here, I spoke with Dr D-M Withers of Lurid Editions and Dr Christopher A. Adams about the republication of Mariana Villa-Gilbert's A Jingle Jangle Song, a rediscovered queer novel from 1968 and a friendship formed through snail mail. Well worth an hour of your time.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/weve-always-been-here-how-a-lost-1960s-queer-novel-found-its-way-back
Comedian Dian Cathal brings Trans*Atlantic tour to the UK
Award-winning trans comedian Dian Cathal is hitting the road this spring with his new show Trans*Atlantic, a sharp and funny exploration of what it means to be both trans and American in Britain right now. Known for his previous show Deadnamed, Cathal is one of the most distinctive voices in queer comedy.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/comedian-dian-cathal-brings-bold-new-tour-to-the-uk-this-spring
Cardiff to host free global LGBTQIA+ film showcase
Cardiff is to host a free global LGBTQIA+ film showcase celebrating queer storytelling, expanding access to queer stories and visibility at a time when many communities still face censorship and hostility. A welcome initiative.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/cardiff-to-host-free-global-lgbtqia-film-showcase-celebrating-queer-storytelling
Pride
Pride in London announces bid to host WorldPride 2032
Pride in London has formally declared its intention to bid for WorldPride 2032, which would align with the 60th anniversary of London's first Pride march. Hosting WorldPride would be a significant moment for the city and for the global LGBTQ+ community.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/pride-in-london-announces-bid-to-host-worldpride-2032
Scunthorpe Pride 2026 at risk following unsuccessful National Lottery application
Scunthorpe Pride 2026 is at risk of cancellation after organisers revealed a £20,000 funding gap following an unsuccessful National Lottery application. The annual celebration has grown rapidly since launching in 2023. This is a reminder of how precarious community Pride events remain, and how much they depend on funding that is far from guaranteed.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/scunthorpe-pride-2026-at-risk-following-unsuccessful-national-lottery-application
LGBTQ+ coalition stages first anti-corporate Pride march in Florida
An LGBTQ+ coalition opposed to corporate influence in Pride events, as well as the involvement of police and ICE, held its first standalone march in Florida this week. The People's Pride Coalition, founded in 2024, mobilised around 50 members. The question of what Pride is for, and who controls it, is one that communities around the world are actively debating.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/lgbtq-coalition-stages-first-anti-corporate-pride-march-in-florida
Mayor of York backs York Pride to be biggest yet
The Mayor of York has backed York Pride to be the biggest celebration in the city's history this year, offering a welcome signal of civic support for local LGBTQ+ events at a time when such backing cannot always be taken for granted.
Read on Scene -> scenemag.co.uk/mayor-of-york-backs-york-pride-to-be-biggest-pride-celebration-in-the-city-yet
Until next Saturday
That is your week. A lot to take in, as always. The news from Nepal is one to hold onto amid a week that brought difficult reading in other areas. If something here has struck you, or if there is a story you think we should be covering, please write back.
Leslie Clarke
Publisher, Scene Magazine
CEO, Pride Community Foundation
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