Although the prime minister is firm in his conviction that a “total ban is the right choice”, his certainty is skewed from the very beginning by his black-and-white thinking. Having spoken in parliament about the rise of misogyny, so poignantly depicted in Netflix’s Adolescence and Inside the Manosphere, Starmer has only been taking notice of the dangers of social media; his is a one-track mind. 

Having watched as X’s Grok has been utilised in increasingly obscene ways, it’s more than understandable to be fearful about the influence being exerted over the younger generations. With the state of social media right now, run by billionaires – sorry, trillionaires – who totally disregard the need for moderators in the face of the age-old defence of “freedom of speech”, young people are unbelievably vulnerable. 

But here’s the thing, they’re also vulnerable without social media. 

“I feel like I’m not being dramatic in saying that this will kill kids. I turned to social media when I was 15 because I had no friends, and it saved my life. I can’t imagine what it’s like for today’s kids, especially those who are LGBTQ+ and live in dangerous home environments,” posted X user @organalovebot about the ban. 

As scary a place as it is, social media is often a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ children, with them able to connect with others and explore their identity without fear of judgment or intolerance. Queer educators, influencers, celebrities, etc are actively sharing vital information or experiences that resonate with children left behind as the nation marches towards a new era of Section 28. 

It’s painful to admit, but shows like Tip Toe, with its “harrowing” finale, aren’t far removed from reality at all. In fact, if we’re being totally honest, reality is just as frightening for the LGBTQIA+ community right now. That isn’t to say there isn’t queer joy to be found, but rather that it’s becoming increasingly hard to find, let alone enjoy it without fear creeping in. As much as we want to be out and proud, far too many want to see us hidden in the closets we’ve fought so tirelessly to escape from. 

You only have to take a look at the way Reform has strangled Pride Month within an inch of its life, removing Pride displays from libraries under the guise that no singular community should be championed, that libraries are “accessible to everyone.” Because nothing screams accessibility like actively removing visible traces of marginalised people. 

Youth groups have all but been removed, and if you’re fortunate to have any available near you, you’re arguably one of the lucky few. After school activities do still exist, but they’re not exactly designed with queerness in mind, nor are the majority of public spaces right now, and certainly not for minors. When this is the offline world, we can’t blame young people for flocking online to look for representation and support. 

There are queer adults alive today because they had the lifeline of social media. And yes, while there are plenty of people who have harmed themselves because of online content and users, there are just as many who have been saved.

Let’s also not ignore the blatant hypocrisy that’s at work here, as demonstrated by Dr Hiliary Cass. Dr Cass continues to call for better research before lifting the puberty blockers ban, despite trans teenagers like 17-year-old Leia Sampson-Grimbly ending their lives because of a lack of access and support. Why is more investigation needed in the instance of reversing the puberty blockers ban, but not when it comes to banning social media? 

Another glaringly obvious factor of this under-16s social media ban that the government has failed to properly consider is how it encourages minors to find ways to bypass it. It’s ridiculously naive to think that children and young teens aren’t capable of using VPNs or fake IDs – assuming that the ID checks are even that thorough. 

Take the recent iOS age verification that came into effect; I was able to confirm my age by using my partner’s credit card (I don’t own a driver’s license or a credit card, so Apple treated me like a minor. I’m 35 years old). That’s how thorough these checks are. Britain’s youth are far more inventive than I. Sadly, they’re also less likely to be aware of what dangerous avenues they may venture down when they feel forced to access social media through other means. 

It would be remiss to claim that social media isn’t without its problems, or to claim that it’s one of the safest spaces for queer people; a GLAAD report from earlier this year highlighted just how unsafe Meta is for LGBTQIA+ users. But if you think it’s precarious online, try walking down the street, or try using a public restroom as a trans person; you’ll soon find that while online is scary, offline is just as bad. Sometimes, it’s even worse.

As much as I dislike the word nuance due to its overuse, social media is a nuanced part of our lives that has complexities that make a blanket ban for minors fundamentally flawed. Similar to how society still views abuse towards women, the blame isn’t placed where it should be. We need to protect children, which undoubtedly means ensuring they have multiple ways to connect with their peers. A social media ban will prevent some deaths, but it’ll also cause them too; you can’t cut a lifeline and expect no casualties. 

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Social media under-16s ban cuts a vital lifeline for queer kids appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

The 52-year-old formed budget brand e.l.f – which stands for eyes, lips, face – in 2004 with Joseph Shamah. Borba left the company in 2021, and went on to become ordained as a priest in 2026.

He claims he decided to give up his lavish life while hosting a party at his Hollywood Hills home. Despite a life of luxury, he said he was “so void of love and happiness”. Speaking on Today, Borba says he then felt God calling to him to “help me to be the man you created me to be”.

Borba claims in that moment he felt an “enlightenment” and came to the realisation that “his soul was in hell”, because of the decisions he’d made in his life.

He said: “Even though I thought I was a good person, that wasn’t enough. God showed me his love and mercy is bigger than your past. He can take a broken person and change it.”

Borba, who was briefly linked to actress Demi Moore following her split from Ashton Kutcher, said: “I was vapid. I had a perverse life. I went to LA, I got sucked into the Hollywood lifestyle – it was almost to a point where I was trying to sell my soul, right, for all of the riches of the world, which is not what we’re supposed to be … I was living for myself … I was a poster boy for luxury.”

Despite only recently becoming a priest, Borba claims he felt the calling “ever since I can remember”.

He said: “I asked our Lord to help me be the man that he created me to be. And upon that instance, I had this massive flood of love and mercy that came into my life. It was a very mystical experience.”

Scott-Vincent Borba’s (previous) net worth

Borba’s cosmetics brand, which has previously supported Pride Month, was and is hugely successful, thanks to its budget-friendly prices and wide range of products.

As of 2024, it was reported to be making upwards of $1billion a year in revenue. Last year, it acquired Hailey Bieber’s brand Rhode for $1billion, with plans to expand into Europe.

Scott-Vincent Borba has also published books, launched a water brand and worked with the likes of Mila Kunis, giving her a highly-publicised $7,000 HD Diamond and Ruby facial before the 2011 Golden Globes.

It’s widely reported that Borba’s own net worth was around $3billion. However he reportedly gave it all up to become a priest.

It’s even reported he sold his car, and then gave away what he got from that, too.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post e.l.f Beauty founder Scott-Vincent Borba says ‘soul was in hell’ before becoming priest appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

What makes their lack of response such a deafening cacophony is how contrasted it is compared to their reaction when Netflix’s Adolescence aired. Multiple authorities, including the police and the Labour government, remarked on Adolescence’s unvarnished, “bold” storytelling as it explored the actions of Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), a 13-year-old accused of murdering his peer, Katie Leonard (Emilia Holliday).

Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke of the “abhorrent” violence against girls and women, stating that the “growing problem” needed to be tackled. He wasn’t alone in his demand for change, with Starmer’s Labour colleague, Anneliese Midgley, suggesting that Adolescence should be shown in schools as well as parliament, such was the impression it left upon her. That came into effect in April 2025, with the series now accessible to all secondary schools via Into Film+. 

Adolescence spawned an entire conversation virtually overnight, with reports on misogynistic content polluting social media shared by Amnesty International in the wake of the show’s release. Forced to look at the ugly truth of our society, one which adults are often far too ignorant of, we momentarily took accountability for taking our hands off the wheel and leaving the younger generation exposed to “misogynistic influencers”.

From the very opening scene of Tip Toe, similar rallying cries to action should have started to circulate. Davies’ creation starts with Leo Struthers’ (Alan Cumming) murder; it begins at the end, screaming at its viewers to pay attention because the events leading up to this painful conclusion could have been avoided, if only those in power – those with reach – cared enough to face intolerance head on. 

Yes, Leo is murdered by his neighbour, Clive Goss (David Morrissey), but it’s the radicalisation Clive’s been vulnerable to that brings him to that tipping point, radicalisation that’s seeped into every aspect of daily life as the government, both at home and overseas, has done nothing to protect what little rights the LGBTQIA+ community still has. Nobody is in doubt that the manosphere is dangerous, but so too are the rampant homophobic and transphobic policies that are actively fuelling hatred, whether the government wants to admit it or not. 

Unlike Adolescence, however, Tip Toe didn’t release all of its episodes at once, and so I tried to convince myself that the deluge of support would come once we saw the last piece of its distressing puzzle fall into place. Much like the government, I was ignorant of the truth: that kind of advocacy wasn’t coming.

Tip Toe’s “harrowing” finale reaches a crushing crescendo that sees Leo lynched by Clive and his friends; you know it’s been coming from the beginning, yet the savagery of watching every second of it play out hits differently. 

Many viewers, myself included, sobbed at how close to home the mob mentality of Britain (and beyond) is right now, for while the show is a work of fiction, it’s one that’s firmly grounded in reality. Yet this breathtakingly haunting finale, which is arguably on par with Adolescence’s “daunting” one-shot scene, has fallen on deaf ears. Or should I say, it’s fallen on ears that are deliberately choosing to ignore what they’re hearing. 

It’s easier that way, for the MPs who feared for the nation’s youths are the ones complicit in maintaining this toxic status quo that has queer people scared. With Adolescence, MPs made their apologies because, as far as many were concerned, they’re not totally to blame. Yes, they took their eye off the ball somewhat, but the wickedness of outside influence is difficult to contain. That’s their defence, and they’re sticking to it – the villain is social media, not them. 

It’s not so easy to explain away the animosity towards the queer community that they’ve steadily nurtured. They’ve made it impossible for trans people to use public bathrooms, queer displays have been removed from local libraries, Pride celebrations have been cancelled, and trans girls are excluded from Girlguiding. The government has tied the metaphorical noose and handed it to bigots eager to tighten it.

Tip Toe is just as potent as Adolescence in both its message and in its sublime acting, yet it’s not being taken seriously. We, as queer people, are once again forced to endure being disregarded, only this time, we’re being disregarded because we’ve been falsely painted as a threat rather than being seen for what we actually are: vulnerable in the face of unrelenting intolerance. 

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post All the MPs who praised Adolescence are shockingly silent about Tip Toe appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

Speaking on the You Might Know Her From podcast, Makkena explained that she made the decision to incorporate queerness into her character without telling Goldberg or the rest of the team working on the film.

Explaining her thought process, she said: “I thought to myself, ‘How am I gonna then justify how obsessed I sort of am with Deloris?’ And then I thought, ‘Well, maybe there’s an attraction.’”

RELATED: Enemy lesbian nuns quit convent and marry each other

In Sister Act, Sister Mary Robert is a shy novice nun. When Goldberg’s character, Deloris, is placed in the convent under witness protection as Sister Mary Clarence, Mary Robert is instantly drawn to her. At the start of the film, she is seen being nervous around Deloris while also trying to help her settle in. Ultimately, Deloris helps her to find her voice and become more outspoken.

“It occurred to me that possibly, Sister Mary Robert was drawn to Deloris unconsciously, subconsciously… that there was some kind of attraction that not even Sister Mary Robert would have been, given how very innocent she was, aware of. And nobody certainly noticed it on set. It was just an internal little secret that I used as an actor,” Makkena told the podcast.

Makkena went on to highlight that the attraction to Deloris was picked up by Out Magazine, but wasn’t something that mainstream media reported on or that the public commented about.

“It wasn’t until the movie came out and the reviews were so lovely, and somebody called me, and they said, ‘Oh my gosh, Out Magazine says that how come nobody has noticed the sexual tension between Deloris and Sister Mary Robert?’” she said. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, they picked up on it.'”

Now that Makkena has highlighted her process, it’s pretty difficult to miss the vibes between Mary Robert and Deloris.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Sister Act star says she played character as gay and attracted to Whoopi Goldberg appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

The Pride event is run by Daniel Burcham, who has organised the event for the last six years. However, he is now facing backlash after being elected to Norfolk County Council in May as a Reform councillor. Performers have accused Reform of “working against” the LGBTQ+ community.

Burcham has said that the event planned for August will go ahead without the performers but has hit back at those who have quit for attempting to “politicise” it.

“Sexuality does not automatically determine political beliefs, and no political movement has the right to claim ownership of an entire community,” he said. “It is deeply disappointing that what should be a positive, inclusive community event has become so heavily politicised.”

Backlash was prompted by Burcham posting an AI-generated poster advertising the event to Facebook. The poster featured drag queens who had previously performed at the event, which led to complaints about approval not being given for their images to be used.

‘How can you support a party that is actively damaging the community?’

Several also said that they had already made the decision not to participate this year due to Burcham’s ties to Reform, while others commented on the post saying that Burcham shouldn’t run the event any more due to his political affiliation.

One performer commented on the now-removed post, saying: “I am not associated with Attleborough Pride and will not be performing. How can you support a party that is actively damaging the community you’re a part of and still try and promote a Pride?”

Another performer who goes by the stage name Stealia Jobs told the Eastern Daily Press that her decision was “a question of morals”. The drag queen, who was born in Poland, went on to say: “It just seems wrong to work with somebody who works with a party that actively campaigns against people like us. Especially someone like me who wasn’t born in this country – I’m their number one enemy.”

Performers were also angry at the party’s decision to no longer fly the Pride flag from County Hall – a decision that Burcham defended. Writing on social media, he said: “As a proud gay Reform councillor, I reject the suggestion that opposition to flying the Pride flag from county hall is somehow anti-gay. It is nothing of the sort.”

“The Pride flag does not represent me, nor does it represent many other gay people, including some of my Reform colleagues and countless members of the wider public.”

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Drag queens quit Attleborough Pride due to Reform councillor organiser appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

It follows Josh Hokit claiming “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” after winning his fight at Donald Trump’s White House UFC Freedom 250 event on 14 June.

Late comedian Rivers, who died in September 2014 after complications from what should have been a minor operation, claimed earlier that year then-president Barack Obama was “gay”, adding: “You know Michelle is a t***** … A transgender. We all know it.”

She did not apologise for the remark, instead saying in a statement: “I think it’s a compliment. She’s so attractive, tall, with a beautiful body, great face, does great makeup. Take a look and go back to La Cage AU Follies. The most gorgeous women are transgender.”

Now, conspiracy theorists on X have revisited her death, claiming her comment about the Obamas got her “killed”.

The theory is nothing new. In 2016, radio host Alex Jones pushed the theory, claiming Rivers was “deader than a doornail in a routine operation where basically she had fire poured down her throat and was a fire-breathing goblin”.

He added: “Dead on arrival. Shoot your mouth off, honey, you will die.”

How did Joan Rivers die?

Joan Rivers died on 4 September, 2014, after complications from a minor throat operation at a Manhattan, New York City hospital.

The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office said the comedian died due to brain damage from a lack of oxygen.

After an almost two-month investigation, federal officials said the hospital made a series of mistakes before and during the procedure. They said there was a failure to respond to the star’s deteriorating vitals, such as a severe drop in blood pressure. Officials also said the clinic may have given her the wrong dosage of anaesthetic, and performed an operation without her consent.

Her daughter Melissa Rivers filed a lawsuit against the clinic and doctors who did the surgery in January 2015. It was settled for an undisclosed amount in May 2016, and those involved accepted responsibility for her mother’s death.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Michelle Obama transvestigators reignite false Joan Rivers conspiracy theory appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

Ian McKellen said he channelled anger at Donald Trump while filming a destruction scene as Magneto in Marvel’s upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, shouting “Mar-a-Lago!” after directors told him to look more furious.

The 87-year-old shared the anecdote during an on-stage appearance at Cinema in Piazza in Rome (as per The Guardian), showed preview footage of the film to an 2,000-strong audience.

Recalling direction from Anthony and Joe Russo, McKellen said: “[They told me to] make it look as if you hate what you’re destroying,” before adding: “So I stood there and I shouted: ‘Mar-a-Lago!’”

Mar-a-Lago is a resort in Palm Beach, Florida, that Trump has owned since 1985.

McKellen also described the scale of the sequence, saying: “They got me at one point to destroy New Jersey,” as he re-enacted the moment for the crowd.

Avengers: Doomsday release date

Avengers: Doomsday is expected to unite characters from across the Avengers, X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises, and lead into Avengers: Secret Wars. The project was announced in July 2024, alongside news of Robert Downey Jr’s return to the MCU. The film is slated for release on 18 December, 2026.

After, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is set to reboot the X-Men, though details are still largely under wraps.

Ian McKellen’s long-running activism

McKellen has criticised Trump previously. In 2017, he condemned rollbacks affecting LGBTQ+ protections as “appalling and quite unnecessary and very un-American”.

The star is one of Britain’s most acclaimed actors, known for Shakespearean theatre as well as major screen roles including Magneto in the X-Men films and Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit franchises.

He came out publicly in 1988 and has long been associated with LGBTQ+ equality campaigning in the UK and internationally, as well as being a frequent public critic of right-wing politics and anti-LGBTQ+ policies, including calling out ICE in a moving Shakespeare monologue and praising the queer short film Meat Raffle.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Ian McKellen channelled Trump anger for Magneto destruction scene in Avengers: Doomsday appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

Investigators believe the killer murdered six gay men between January 1974 and June 1975.

Police say the victims were all targeted because they were gay, and that each met the suspect shortly before being killed in isolated coastal locations.

Four bodies were found around Ocean Beach, with another in Golden Gate Park.

The victims were 49-year-old Gerald Cavanaugh, 27-year-old drag and comedy performer Joseph “Jae” Stevens, 31-year-old Klaus Achim Christmann, 52-year-old lawyer Warren Andrews, 32-year-old nurse Frederick Elmer Capin and 66-year-old Harald Gullberg.

The killer was dubbed “The Doodler” because a surviving victim said he had described himself as a cartoonist and was sketching during their conversation at a late-night diner.

Police say he typically met men at after-hours bars and restaurants, sketched them, and lured them to secluded spots before attacking.

He was described as a clean-shaven African-American man, around 5’11” and in his early 20s at the time, meaning he would now be in his mid-70s.

Police have identified a person of interest who is still alive and living in the Bay Area, and are reportedly working with the FBI to compare the killings with others nationwide.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Police on the hunt for ‘The Doodler’ suspect who killed six gay men in 1970s appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

The display, which appeared at the chain’s Chelmsford store ahead of Essex Pride on 21 June, features a tiger alongside the slogan “Proud of My Stripes”. The tiger’s stripes are painted in the colours of the transgender flag.

The ad was initially included in a Facebook post from Chelmsford City Council, celebrating Pride displays in the area, by artist Bucky Ringsell. However, the post has since been edited to remove it.

Ringsell said in an Instagram post: “I designed and painted this tiger to support and represent trans folks who have undergone top surgery – myself included. Being proud of your scare (aka stripes) is something everyone can take inspiration from, regardless of your journey. Trans bodies are beautiful.:

The markings on the tiger resemble chest scars some trans men have after top surgery, which critics have said encourages “teenage girls to cut off their healthy breasts”.

Freelance journalist Janet Murray wrote an open letter to Lush and Chelmsford City Council requesting the display be removed.

“Mastectomies are not a fashion statement, an identity marker or something to be celebrated,” she wrote.

“They are something women undergo because they are ill, because they are frightened, because they are trying to stay alive.”

Broadcaster Julia Hartley-Brewer went further. “Ugh. This is DISGUSTING,” she wrote on X, claiming the chain was “encouraging” teenage girls to “cut off their healthy breasts in the name of trans pride”.

She called the display “dangerous and sick”, adding: “No parent should allow their child near your stores,” alongside a boycott hashtag.

Lush has a long history of backing LGBTQ+ and other progressive causes. At the time of writing, the company has not publicly responded to the criticism.

Dr Helen Webberley, founder of the online gender service GenderGP., responded to the backlash on X: “Calm yourself my love. No teenage girls are having their healthy breasts removed, just teenage boys are having their gynaecomastia resolved so they can live in freedom in their bodies.”

She added that puberty blockers “prevent the need for top surgery”, and praised Lush for recognising all teens.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Lush under fire for Pride display showing tiger with top surgery scars appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

The authority said instead that libraries will focus on reading, learning and council services.

Following complaints that Pride-related displays and activities had been removed during June, the council explained that it is implementing a “consistent approach” across its libraries. Deputy council leader, Hayley Coles said: “Displays will focus on the core library offer, local services, reading and learning. Our priority is to keep libraries welcoming, useful and accessible to everyone.”

LGBTQ+ books and other materials are still available, according to the authority, although there were claims that they had been removed.

The council’s response comes after nine Staffordshire MPs had called for the decision to remove the displays to be reversed by signing an open letter. In this letter, MPs asked if the same approach would be used for other events, such as Black History Month, reports BBC News.

‘Vile decision’

In the letter, which was addressed to council leader Martin Murray, the MPs wrote: “Taking down displays would send a clear and harmful message to LGBTQ+ library users and staff: that their stories and community do not deserve to be celebrated – or even acknowledged – in public spaces.”

Staffordshire Pride also commented on the move, calling it a “vile decision”. It also highlighted that the removal of Pride displays could send the message that LGBTQ+ stories and experiences are not suitable for public spaces.

In a letter addressed to the leader of the council Jack Taylor-Walker, the chairman of Stafford Pride, said: “The LGBTQ+ community has fought for years for the rights of the community and we will not stop. It is therefore without further delay you must overturn this vile decision and apologise to not only our community but your library staff and volunteers.”

This decision follows several other Reform-led councils, including Warwickshire and Kent, announcing similar decisions within their libraries over the last year.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Reform-led Staffordshire council won’t feature Pride displays in libraries appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

In April, Péter Magyar beat the anti-LGBTQ+ Viktor Orbán in the election, and the European court ruled the country’s so-called “child protection” laws, which targeted LGBTQ+ people, breached core EU values.

Following that ruling, charges against Budapest mayor Gergely Karácsony were dropped, after he was charged in relation to Budapest Pride in 2025.

Sziget Festival, taking place 11 to 15 August this year, has long been a haven for LGBTQ+ people, but according to the festival’s CEO Tamás Kádár, there’s a renewed feeling of hope in Hungary.

‘Moments like these can give people hope and confidence’

Kádár tells PinkNews: “I believe moments like these can give people hope and confidence. Progress is rarely linear, but any development that reinforces freedom of expression and the right for communities to come together is encouraging.

“Hungary has a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and many allies, and I think there is a growing sense that diversity and acceptance are strengths. Hope comes from people, and I see plenty of that in Budapest and beyond.”

Kádár adds: “What I sense most is a desire among many people to look forward and to reconnect with a more open, European and inclusive spirit. There is a feeling of renewed energy and curiosity about what kind of country we want to build together.

“For us at Sziget, our values have remained consistent throughout: openness, freedom and respect for everyone.”

Sziget describes itself as “The Island of Freedom”, which is something that “doesn’t depend on political cycles”, Kádár says, however with the recent changes in the country, “cultural events naturally benefit”.

He says: “Creativity flourishes when people feel free to express themselves, and festivals become even more powerful spaces for connection. We want Sziget to continue being a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of nationality, identity or background.”

‘Inclusion is not a marketing campaign for us: it’s part of our DNA’

Sziget, which has the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, Sombr and Zara Larsson on this year’s line-up, has always had a hub for the LGBTQ+ community, thanks to its Magic Mirror area.

LGBTQ+ fans from more than 100 countries have flocked to the festival. Kádár says: “Inclusion is not a marketing campaign for us: it’s part of our DNA.”

He adds: “They know they can be themselves on our island. Sziget is about self-expression, freedom and community. Whether you’re coming with friends, with a partner or alone, you can find your people. We work hard to create an environment where everyone feels safe, respected and celebrated.”

This year will see the return of Magic Mirror, too.

Kádár tells us: “For decades, it has been much more than a venue, it has been a home for creativity, diversity and self-expression. It showcases incredible performances, drag, cabaret, dance and conversations that bring people together across cultures and identities.

“For many guests, it is a place of joy, discovery and belonging. The spirit of Magic Mirror reflects what Sziget stands for: freedom, openness and the belief that everyone deserves a place where they can shine.”

With the changes going on in the country, LGBTQ+ tourists who may have been put off previously may feel more inclined to visit Hungary.

Kádár says: “Budapest is one of Europe’s most exciting cultural capitals. It offers incredible architecture, contemporary art, world-class music, theatre, nightlife and a thriving independent creative scene. There are beautiful cafés, thermal baths, galleries and a rich history, but also a youthful energy that surprises many first-time visitors.

“Hungary’s artists, musicians and creators have always been outward-looking, and visitors often discover a warm, curious and creative atmosphere that goes far beyond headlines.”

Click here for more information and tickets.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Sziget CEO on why festival is must-visit for LGBTQ+ fans: ‘Inclusion is not a marketing strategy for us’ appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

Inspired by the life of O’Grady and his beloved drag persona Lily Savage, the play follows his journey from working-class roots to becoming a drag icon.

Savage will premiere on 13 February, 2027 at Curve Leicester, before going on tour and transferring to London’s West End.

Written by the multi-award-winning Jonathan Harvey, the project draws on O’Grady’s autobiographies for inspiration.

Harvey said he was “thrilled” to have the chance to turn O’Grady’s life story into a stage show.

“I first saw Lily in a scuzzy gay bar in West London in the late ’80s and laughed ’til I hurt, so it’s an honour indeed to bring his story and the colourful escapades of the blonde bombsite herself to life,” he said.

“This is one of those few shows that I’m involved in where I can go ‘You need to come. It’s really good’… because the zinging one-liners are all his. It’s so sad he’s not here to see it, but hopefully this will be a fitting testament to everything he achieved, and a cracking night out full of humour and heart.”

The play is produced by ROYO, Curve, Hope Mill Theatre and Eilene Davidson, and will be directed by Nikolai Foster.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Danny Beard to star as Paul O’Grady in new play Savage appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

The court’s decision means the free-speech claim was not decided on its merits.

Joslin, who is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, was a probationary employee when they were terminated in August 2025.

US District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston dismissed the complaint without prejudice, writing: “The motion to dismiss Joslin’s employment-related claims and requests for relief is granted without leave to amend, but also without prejudice to any future litigation in an appropriate venue.”

According to reports, Joslin has already filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), and a final determination is expected in August.

Court filings say the OSC denied Joslin’s initial request to pause their termination while it investigated.

El Capitan flag protest and firing

Joslin has said they helped hang a 66ft-wide transgender Pride flag on El Capitan on 20 May 2025 for about two hours before removing it voluntarily, and that it was done on their day off. They told the Associated Press it was to give the message: “We’re all safe in national parks.”

Joslin’s termination letter accused them of “failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct” and cited the flag incident, stating: “You participated in a small group demonstration in an area outside the designated protest and demonstration area without a permit… and thus circumvented rules applicable to all park visitors.”

Yosemite has designated “First Amendment areas” where groups of 25 or fewer people can protest without permits.

The day after the flag display, Yosemite instituted a rule banning banners, flags or signs bigger than 15 sq ft in areas that have been designated as wilderness or potential wilderness, covering 94% of the park.

What happens next for Joslin

After their firing, Joslin posted an Instagram statement saying: “I hung the flag in my free time, off-duty, as a private citizen. It flew for a total of two hours in the morning and then I took it down. El Capitan has had flags hung on it for decades and no one has EVER been punished for it.” They added: “I want my rights and I want my career back.”

In their lawsuit, Joslin argued the government’s actions were motivated by disagreement with their off-duty speech supporting the trans community.

The flag’s cultural afterlife has also travelled beyond the park, including when Pattie Gonia turned the Yosemite trans Pride flag into a red carpet look.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Non-binary Yosemite ranger fired for hanging transgender pride flag has lawsuit dismissed appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

Bonnie Tyler has been brought out of an induced coma but remains “very unwell” in intensive care in hospital in Portugal, according to a statement on her website. Her team said her remaining summer shows are being cancelled or postponed until next year where possible.

In the update, a spokesperson said: “Bonnie is no longer in a coma but remains very unwell and in intensive care in hospital in Portugal. Although her condition is improving it is a slow process.” Tyler is 75.

The spokesperson added: “Her doctors remain confident that she will make a good recovery but it is going to take time.”

Tour dates cancelled

Tyler’s team said the disruption will affect “every current show until the end of August”. The spokesperson said: “As such we are sorry to tell everyone that we will be cancelling, or postponing until next year where possible, all of our remaining shows this summer.” They added they are still hopeful some autumn dates can go ahead.

Tyler was rushed to hospital in Faro, Portugal, in May for emergency intestinal surgery and was placed in an induced coma to help with her recovery.

A statement shared on 12 May said Tyler was “seriously ill but stable” in hospital in Faro, and criticised “lurid and untrue rumours”.

Some outlets have reported she suffered cardiac arrest and was resuscitated after doctors attempted to bring her out of the induced coma.

Bonnie Tyler’s message to fans

Bonnie Tyler (born Gaynor Hopkins) is a Welsh singer whose raspy voice made her one of the defining pop-rock vocalists of the late 1970s and 1980s. Her signature hit “Total Eclipse of the Heart” is a global pop classic and a staple of karaoke culture and queer nightlife playlists, with its enduring pull highlighted when it reached number one on iTunes during the solar eclipse. She also scored major hits with “It’s a Heartache” and “Holding Out for a Hero”, and represented the UK at Eurovision in 2013 with “Believe in Me”, finishing 19th.

The new statement thanked supporters, saying: “We would like to thank everyone for the huge outpouring of love and support from all over the world that we have received for Bonnie and want to tell you that she is aware of, and very grateful for, your good wishes.”

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Bonnie Tyler wakes up from induced coma but still ‘very unwell’ after emergency surgery appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

The brand is the brainchild of history-making designer Scott Henshall, and his creative partner Mirko Albertin.

Henshall became the youngest designer to have a solo show at London Fashion Week in 1998, aged just 22. He’s also the man behind the “world’s most expensive dress” – a £5million diamond-encrusted cobweb frock singer Samantha Mumba wore at the Spider-Man 2 premiere in 2004.

He became luxury brand Mulberry’s youngest-ever creative director too, and he was also the creative force behind Jemini’s wardrobe at the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest. Jemini, in their own right, made history that year as the first UK act to score nil points.

Now, Henshall and Albertin’s brand S&M has partnered with Stonewall for a new range, just in time for London Pride.

The line features Henshall’s chimera creation, of a unicorn polar bear on T-shirts, bags and other accessories.

Henshall says: “I wanted to give something back to the community that has given me so much over the years and specifically to Stonewall, a charity that has led the way in changing laws, hearts and minds.

“I love designing, and I love coming up with new ideas and new ways to bring fabulosity and a smile to people’s faces. I think my unicorn polarbear range is going to do all of that and much more.”

Henshall took the idea for a collaboration to Stonewall earlier this year, and it’s now set to launch in Soho, London today (16 June).

“I’ll be unveiling everything at Pride London’s pop-up shop in Walker’s Court,” he says. “It’s an exclusive event for Stonewall’s ambassadors, but the range will be available to anyone who wants to drop by from Wednesday 17 June to Sunday 5 July. We’re also selling everything via Stonewall’s website so you can get the look in time for London Pride.”

The pop-up will be open from midday to 6pm during those dates.

Belinda Carlisle is one of the first famous faces who were excited to support Henshall’s collab with Stonewall, though his contact list features plenty other eager names.

He says: “They understand how important it is to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, especially when everything feels so divided, and there is much anxiety, pain and hurt. Wearing my designs is a great way for my friends to show up as allies – and look incredible too.”

Carlisle, known for legendary tracks like “Heaven is a Place on Earth”, jumped at the chance to support the new line.

Modelling one of the tees ahead of her support act performance on Take That’s UK tour, she says: “I am absolutely thrilled to be pictured in this iconic new Scott Henshall-designed T-shirt in support of Stonewall.

“It’s an organisation that has done amazing work for many years now and whose values and goals are very close to my heart.”

Henshall says: “Belinda is a dear friend and is beautiful inside and out – a true ally for our community – and I can think of no one more perfect to slay our collaboration. And how hot does she look!”

Stonewall’s Director of Communications, Strategy and External Affairs Catherine Riley is excited to see the range go live too.

“We’re so grateful to Scott for his energy and tireless creativity in bringing this collab to life, and in doing so supporting Stonewall’s work to create a world where all LGBTQ+ people feel safe, valued and able to thrive,” she says.

She adds: “Pride is a time of celebration, and it is also a time for standing up and standing together in solidarity with one another – this year more than ever, as the global roll of back rights continues and the trans+ community in particular remain under such attack.

“There is more, new and important work to be done to sustain and advance what progress we’ve made.”

To shop the S&M X Stonewall range go to https://shop.stonewall.org.uk.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Belinda Carlisle ‘thrilled’ to model Stonewall’s new range with history-making designer appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

The X-Men brand has existed in multiple forms since the 1960s, but this forthcoming project is set to be unlike the rest.

Marvel Studios is reportedly releasing a new X-Men movie helmed by Thunderbolts* director Jake Schreier, with The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes screenwriter Michael Lesslie penning the script.

Furthermore, Schrierer confirmed to Collider that Beef creator Lee Sung Jin and The Bear writer/co-showrunner Joanna Calo, both also worked on Thunderbolts*, are at work on X-Men.

Here’s everything we know so far about the X-Men reboot:

What will the X-Men reboot be about?

The X-Men are perhaps best known as characters from the 13 live-action films released from 2000 to 2020.

The rumours outlined that Lesslie pitched a full X-Men ’97-inspired roster for the team. It’s now seeming that this reboot will be totally separate from the previous movies, according to a report from Comic Basics.

A whole new mutant team are set to descend on the MCU, replacing Fox’s previous X-Men franchise.

Marvel Studios figurehead Kevin Feige said Schrierer’s X-Men will be “very youth-oriented”. This seems to imply the original cast may not be around after Avengers: Doomsday (out on December 18).

If true, Doomsday could be the finale for the original cast, like Hugh Jackman and James Marsden.

Then, Avengers: Secret Wars (out December 17, 2027) is set as the finale for Phase 6 and the Multiverse Saga. Directed by the Russo brothers, the film will likely mark the star of something new for the MCU franchise. 

Who is in the X-Men reboot cast?

There has not yet been an official cast announcement for the X-Men reboot.

However, with the nod to this X-Men reboot being a new era, it makes sense that there would be a whole new cast set to be assembled. 

Rumoured actors tied to the project include Stranger Things’ Sadie Sink, who could be set to play powerful mutant Jean Grey.

The Iron Claw’s Harris Dickinson has been linked to Cyclops (previously played by James Marsden) and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood star Julia Butters with Kitty Pryde, a mutant with phasing powers, who was previously played by trans icon Elliot Page. 

Elsewhere, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms star Peter Claffey has been rumoured as Dr Hank McCoy. Also, Marty Supreme’s Odessa A’zion is reportedly being eyed to play Anna Marie LeBeau, a mutant known as Rogue.

However, none of this has been officially confirmed.

When will the X-Men reboot be released?

There is no official release date yet for the X-Men reboot.

The InSneider reported rumours that the film is expected to start filming next year, with a planned release in 2027.

With Secret Wars scheduled to be released on December 17, 2027, next year may be a very busy time for MCU fans.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Everything we know so far about the MCU X-Men reboot appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

Barry Manilow’s Liverpool concert was interrupted when a stage invader rushed up to his piano for an autograph, but the singer kept playing and even signed the card as security removed the man.

The incident happened during Manilow’s gig at the M&S Bank Arena on 13 June in front of an 11,000-strong crowd. The man ran up to Manilow’s piano and placed a pen and note on it, seemingly hoping the star, who is gay, would sign.

Security quickly intervened, yanking the man away as the pair tussled at the edge of the stage area. Manilow, 82, continued playing throughout and signed the card without it disrupting his performance, before handing it back as the fan was ushered away.

Manilow also addressed the crowd during the disruption, saying: “Throw him out… I’m just kidding.” He later joked the moment happened because he is “irresistible”.

As the clip circulated, reaction online was split. Some praised Manilow for staying calm, while others criticised the security response and voiced concern about the performer’s safety.

One TikTok commenter wrote: “Should be arrested. It’s not ok.” Another added: “Security needs to be fired. And the fact that they only had one for that long leaving Barry exposed is crazy.” A third wrote: “This is very rude for the man to impose like that during a performance.”

The Liverpool show also featured Manilow performing hits including “Copacabana”, “Mandy” and “Could It Be Magic”.

What Barry Manilow has been up to

Manilow is best known for a run of 1970s pop classics including “Mandy”, “Copacabana (At the Copa)” and “Could It Be Magic”, alongside decades of touring and live shows. He has also written and produced for other artists and composed for stage and screen.

The singer has faced health issues in recent months. He was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and had surgery in December to remove a cancerous spot from his lung.

He also released a new song, “Sun Shine”, earlier in the year, co-written with Gary Barlow. His album What a Time was released on June 5, his first original record in 15 years.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Barry Manilow has incredible reaction as stage invader rushes to him at Liverpool gig appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

The BBC staple returns to iPlayer and BBC One in September with presenter Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe as the new hosts. 

The judging panel remains the same – Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas – to offer their expert opinions and scores of the dancing celebs and their professional partners.

There has also been a shake-up with the pro dancer line-up. Fan favourites Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas and Gorka Márquez have departed. Meanwhile, Neil Jones and Nancy Xu will be without a partner for this series.

Here are the confirmed celebs for this year’s Strictly:

Lacey Turner

EastEnders star Lacey Turner, who has played Stacey Slater on the soap since 2004, was the first contestant announced. Her performance has won her numerous accolades, including several British Soap Awards and National Television Awards. 

Now, the 38-year-old actor is swapping the film set for the dance floor.

In a statement about her appearance, Turner shared: “I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing!

“I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!

Dani Dyer

Former Love Island contestant Dani Dyer was part of the Strictly 2025 cast. However, her time on the show was just one week long before she was forced to withdraw due to an ankle fracture.

Dyer, the 29-year-old daughter of actor Danny Dyer, was originally partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, but it’s unclear whether they’ll be paired up this year. 

“I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September!” Dyer said of her second chance on Strictly.

“I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!”

Delta Goodrem

Australian singer and actor Delta Goodrem will be bringing her Australian charm to the Strictly dance floor.

Goodreem represented Australia at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, finishing fourth, and previously starred on the beloved soap opera Neighbours.

The 41-year-old has also been a judge on The Voice Australia; time will tell if adding dancing will make her a triple threat.

“I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from TV, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!” she shared.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can’t wait to get started!”

These are all the names confirmed so far. But, as is always the case, there are plenty of rumours about who else will be joining the cast.

X Factor contestant Jake Quickenden is said to be joining the confirmed 2026 celeb line-up.

Also, Paralympian cyclist Dame Sarah Storey is tipped to join this year’s pool of Strictly stars.

Further news about Strictly will be revealed throughout the summer.

The brand-new series of Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be getting underway on BBC One and iPlayer this September.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post All the confirmed Strictly Come Dancing celebrities for the 2026 line-up appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

The June 12 directive, seen by The Advocate and signed by Veterans Health Administration Under Secretary for Health John J. Bartrum, is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to remove references to LGBTQ+ and transgender identities from federal programs. The move has raised concerns among VA staff about the future of services designed for LGBTQ+ veterans.

According to medical professionals who reviewed the memo, employees are worried that the changes could jeopardise programs such as PRIDE in All Who Served and CBT-PRISM. PRIDE in All Who Served is a 10-week VA support and education program that has been linked to improvements in mental health, reduced suicide risk, and increased engagement in care among LGBTQ+ veterans.

The directive requires VA facilities to comply with executive orders that target diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and federal recognition of transgender individuals. Under the new guidance, LGBTQ+ veteran care coordinators will now be called ‘care coordinators’.

Facilities have been instructed to review websites, policies, training materials, communications, and events for compliance. The directive also states that federal resources can’t be used for activities that promote what the administration calls “gender ideology”.

The VA says all veterans will continue to receive care and that programs mandated by Congress will remain unchanged.

The latest directive follows other policy changes affecting LGBTQ+ veterans, including the 2025 cancellation of guidance for the care of trans and intersex veterans and restrictions on referrals for gender-affirming care.

It isn’t yet clear whether the administration is going to retain the functions of LGBTQ+ veteran care coordinators under a new title or whether the change is part of a broader effort to get rid of the program.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Trump admin removes LGBTQ+ veterans’ health care programs appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup tournament began on June 11 and is scheduled to conclude on July 19. 

This year, the World Cup is being hosted by three nations for the first time. The tournament is being jointly hosted by 16 cities: 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

For LGBTQ+ fans, it’s a complex situation. This year’s tournament will see Pride House (a safe and welcoming environment for queer fans and allies) have locations in all 16 host cities. It’s an improvement over the previous World Cups in Russia and Qatar.

However, a precedent has already been set by England’s football team’s LGBTQ+ fan group, Three Lions Pride, which stated it will not attend. The group’s reasoning was that it cannot advise members that they will be safe as openly LGBTQ+ fans. 

This adds to ongoing disputes over tournament policies on fan expression, including context about FIFA and calls to ban Pride flags at World Cup fixtures, as well as a travel warning for the 2026 World Cup over safety concerns for LGBTQ+ fans.

Canada

Canada will be the host of 13 games across two cities. Of the three host countries, Canada, on paper, has the most inclusive LGBTQ+ rights and cultural acceptance. 

In the country, there is federal legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

Furthermore, robust legal protections include coverage of hate crimes. Canada recognises crimes motivated by bias, prejudice, or hate based on sexual orientation or gender identity as aggravated factors in sentencing.

Canada was the fourth country in the world, the first in the Americas, to legalise same-sex marriage. Also, it was the third country in the world, the first in North America, to ban conversion therapy nationwide for minors and adults.

In 2023, Canada was referred to as the most gay-friendly country in Asher & Lyric’s LGBTQ+ Danger Index. In 2024, it ranked first on the Gay Travel Index and ninth on the Equaldex Equality Index. 

Mexico

Mexico will host 13 games across three cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

In Mexico, LGBTQ+ rights are among the most progressive in Latin America. In the country, there are constitutional protections against discrimination. Mexico ranks 25th on the Equaldex Equality Index.

Though there are protections, the country does face high rates of LGBTQ+ hate crimes. Mexico reportedly has the second-highest rate of LGBT hate crimes in Latin America.

According to Statista, last year the number of LGBTQ+ hate crime aggressions in Mexico was the highest it’s been since 2014. At least 148 LGBTQ+ hate crimes were reported, with certainly more going unreported. 

“In Mexico, LGBTQ+ people have suffered horrific violence over the past few years. The Mexican government has done very little to protect them,” a report published on the London School of Economics site reads.

Furthermore, in recent friendly matches ahead of the World Cup tournament, a homophonic chant was reportedly used by fans. The chant, a one-word slur that means male prostitute in Spanish, usually occurs when the opposing goalkeeper is taking a goal kick.

Mexico currently has appeals against a FIFA punishment over a 2024 match pending before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The ongoing dispute over fans chanting anti-gay slurs certainly raises questions over LGBTQ+ fans’ safety at the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA has partnered with the Fare Network to send observers to all World Cup games to listen for discrimination.

USA

Though there are games in Canada and Mexico, the majority of games will be played in the USA. 

Ahead of the tournament kick-off, Human Rights Watch released a reporter’s guide outlining the “climate of fear” in the US.

The 79-page report highlights the risks that the US government’s policies pose to LGBTQ+ journalists, fans and players.

Amongst warnings over the current political administration’s actions, the report details the restriction and withdrawal of support for LGBTQ+ rights in the USA. 

Since returning to the White House for his second term, Trump has signed several executive orders, stripping the rights of LGBTQ+ people, specifically trans folks.

Orders include stating in the US that there are “only two sexes”, banning transgender people from serving in the military, restricting gender-affirming healthcare for trans youngsters under the age of 19 and barring trans women and girls from female sports.

According to the Spartacus Gay Travel Index, the US dropped from 41st place in 2024 to 47th place in 2026.

The US often has different legislation state by state. The World Cup host states, Florida and Texas, are two of the country’s most restrictive.

The situation of LGBTQ+ rights in Florida is complex, with a divide between local ordinances and state laws. The most publicised law in the state was the 2022 ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill, which restricted education on sexual and gender identity. This year, the ‘Don’t Say Trans’ bill sought to censor the existence of transgender individuals in public schools nationwide.

In Texas, there are federal protections, like marriage equality. However, the state lacks comprehensive state-level protections. For instance, Texas University introduced a ban on the teaching and research of LGBTQ+ topics across its academic programmes.

On the other hand, California, which is hosting eight matches, is among the country’s most inclusive states for LGBTQ+ people. Similarly, New York and New Jersey, which will host the World Cup final, also have strong protection for LGBTQ rights and anti-discrimination laws.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post How safe are 2026 World Cup host countries USA, Canada and Mexico for LGBTQ+ fans? appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

Miller, who plays gay character Aaron Dingle in the ITV soap and is one half of the beloved “Robron” pairing, posted a side-by-side image on Instagram showing his progress. While smiling in both shots, Miller appeared much happier in the after photo.

He wrote in the caption: “It’s not until you see old pictures that you realise how much you’ve changed.

“Looking at the photo on the left, I remember feeling run down, tired and constantly putting myself at the bottom of the priority list.”

He went on: “Like a lot of parents, I was so busy trying to be everything for everyone else that I forgot to look after myself. To be the best husband I can be. To be the best dad I can be. I first needed to be the best Danny I could be.”

The star, who won I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2021, said the progress shot wasn’t “about being perfect”, instead: “It’s about feeling healthier, happier and having more energy for the people who matter most.”

He finished: “Still a work in progress, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”

Friends and fans shared their thoughts, with TikTok star Luke Hamnett, who shared a kiss with Miller on his podcast, writing: “I’d neck on with both tbf.”

Emmerdale and Strictly star Lewis Cope said: “This is class! Well done!!”

Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale, wrote: “Crazy proud.”

Fellow I’m a Celebrity winner Jill Scott said: “Looking great Danny!”

Meanwhile, one fan said: “Amazing! You’ve done so well Danny, you should be so proud of yourself.” Another added: “You honestly look incredible Danny! You should be so proud of yourself.”

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Emmerdale ‘Robron’ favourite Danny Miller wows fans with dramatic weight loss appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

In an interview with People, McMechan said that she “had no idea” she was queer when she started the Netflix project in 2020. However, when the pandemic hit that same year, she came to the realisation that she was bisexual. “We went into the pandemic, and everyone was soul-searching and realising things about themselves,” she said.

Following this realisation, the 30-year-old co-writer of the 2025 film spent the next two years coming out to friends. She ultimately told her parents in 2023, which she was worried about, as she had grown up in a religious household.

“I was so afraid of telling anyone in my life, which ironically is very accurate to the movie,” she said. “I was having this journey with my sexuality and not wanting to tell anyone and feeling ashamed of it.”

She went on to say that it was “really difficult” to come out to her parents and that they are having ongoing discussions about her sexuality as they try to accept it. She recalled her coming out experience as being “from the 1980s” and “honestly not fun”.

“They’re still trying to accept it and still asking if I’m still queer, because they think it’s a phase. I’m trying to stay strong.”

McMechan said the film, which follows a singer called Rumi who is instructed to hide her half-demon identity, started to take on new meaning for her following her sexual realisation. “Every time we rewatched it or finished another draft, I was at such a different place in my life, where it took on a new meaning every single time,” she said.

While she said that she didn’t purposefully put aspects of her queer awakening into the film, she was sure that it “bled into the writing”. One scene in particular was incredibly relatable for her, which is between Rumi and her adoptive mother toward the end of the film.

In the scene, Rumi asks her mother to accept her identity, but her mother refuses, prompting Rumi to ask why she can’t love and accept her as she is. McMahen said the scene “literally feels how I feel with my mom because she’s so religious.”

It isn’t just McMehan who saw elements of her own journey in the film, with LGBTQ+ audiences embracing and strongly resonating with Rumi’s journey. This is something that has been really special to the writer.

“It’s so cool,” she said. “There’s no group of people happier than a bunch of queer people dressed up as these girls.”

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post KPop Demon Hunters writer came out as bisexual while making Netflix film appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

Rex previously appeared in Scary Movie 3, 4 and 5, but doesn’t star in the new film.

Before breaking into the mainstream, Rex briefly worked in the adult entertainment industry in the ’90s and ’00s.

Rex performed in several solo videos under the name “Sebastian” for the Club 182 video collections. This included Young, Hard & Solo and The Hot Sessions.

The work was marketed within gay adult video collections, though Rex has previously clarified in interviews that he did not perform in scenes with other men and that he identifies as straight.

Rex eventually moved away from adult work and built a career across film and television, going on to appear in a range of comedies and supporting roles. He also modelled professionally for Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Versace.

He has previously spoken about that period of his life, saying he had hoped it would remain in the past as his Hollywood career developed, but has also addressed it more openly in recent years as interest in his early work has re-emerged.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Scary Movie actor Simon Rex’s gay adult movies resurface appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

Authorities say the suspects used the dating app to arrange meetings with at least nine victims between January and May this year, before allegedly carrying out coordinated assaults and thefts, according to reports.

According to police, one suspect would pose as a date and meet victims in public before another accomplice, pretending to be a security guard, would confront them and accuse them of engaging in “indecent acts.”

Victims were then allegedly assaulted and forced to hand over cash, jewellery, and debit cards, with suspects reportedly extracting PIN numbers to withdraw money.

Police say the group, aged between 21 and 28, were arrested in Johor and were found in possession of items believed to belong to the victims.

Three have been charged with robbery causing hurt, while two others have agreed to act as prosecution witnesses.

It’s reported that the five suspects had previous records for robbery and drug-related offences, though tests conducted after the arrests came back negative.

Police are seeking another local man who they believe can assist in the investigation.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Five men arrested accused of targeting gay men through Grindr appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

The move comes after a judge ruled the venue’s board, selected by the president, didn’t have the authority to rename the performing arts centre.

To comply with the court order, all references to Donald Trump, both inside and outside the building and online, have been removed, Sky News reported.

The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, known as the Kennedy Center, is the national cultural centre of the US. In December of last year, the Kennedy Center board “voted unanimously” to rename the institution the Trump-Kennedy Center.

The judge ruled the president’s name must be removed by 12 June. “Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name, and only Congress can change it,” US District Judge Christopher Cooper wrote on 29 May.

Judge Cooper also issued a temporary block on Trump’s demand the Kennedy Center’s closure for two years of renovations. Furthermore, the judge called those plans an “ill-informed and seemingly preordained decision.”

‘Only Congress can change it’

The venue attempted to block the ruling. Their argument centred on the idea that the removal of Trump’s name would result in having to return millions of dollars raised for renovations.

The filing said the “reason for this clause is that people and companies, who have given, or will be giving, millions of dollars to the Center were only willing to do so with the name Trump on the Building.”

However, the judge denied the request hours before the deadline to remove Trump’s name.

On Saturday (13 June), construction workers began removing the President’s name from the Kennedy Center’s facade. Over the weekend, the metal letters spelling Trump’s name were covered, preventing visitors from seeing it.

In December, many protested the renaming to include Trump. This included President Kennedy’s grandnephew, former congressman Joe Kennedy III.

He stated the center “is a living memorial to a fallen president and named for President Kennedy by federal law”. He added: “It can no sooner be renamed than can someone rename the Lincoln Memorial, no matter what anyone says.”

At the time, Democrat Representative Joyce Beatty also spoke out against the decision. She also claimed that on the voting call, she was muted and unable to vote against the renaming.

“I was not allowed to vote because I was muted,” the Democratic congresswoman told ABC News. “I would not have supported this.”

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Kennedy Center exterior remains covered after Trump’s name is removed appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

In April, Innanen confirmed he’d had conversations about joining the gay hockey drama. It followed months of hope from fans that he would be cast as Troy Barrett or Wyatt Hayes in Heated Rivalry season two.

Now, it’s been revealed the 27-year-old was in fact offered a role – but he had to turn it down. According to Entertainment Weekly, the Canadian star was forced to say no due to scheduling conflicts. Heated Rivalry is set to pick up cameras for its second season in July.

There are no details about the role he was offered, however fans had been hoping he would play either Troy Barrett or Wyatt Hayes.

Who could Jack Innanen have played in Heated Rivalry?

Barrett is one of the focal characters in Role Model, the fifth book in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novel series on which the show is based. He is traded to the Ottawa Centaurs, Ilya Rozanov’s team, after an explosive fallout with friend Dallas Kent, who has been accused of multiple sexual assaults.

In the book, Barrett falls in love with the team’s social media manager, Harris Drover.

Meanwhile, Wyatt Hayes is a side character throughout the series, who also plays for Ottawa Centaurs. He is an ally to his LGBTQ+ team mates and very supportive to Ryan Price, who takes a lead in book three, Tough Guy.

A leaked casting call confirmed both characters would be present in season two, as well as a handful of other prominent roles from the books.

Sadly, it appears he will be playing neither. Instead, Innanen is returning to screens as Paul Baker in Adults season two, and as Max in the recently announced second season of Netflix series Big Mistakes.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Jack Innanen offered Heated Rivalry role – but there’s bad news for fans appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

The Brighter Days Ahead Foundation will distribute funding through four programmes focused on LGBTQ+ rights, mental health support, visibility, and emergency aid.

The Protect and Defend Fund will support grassroots organisations fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, and reproductive justice.

The Heal and Dream Fund will expand access to mental health care and community support services, while the Seen and Celebrated Fund will help amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories through organisations including Gender Liberation Movement, Glisten Rainbow Library, SAGE USA, TransLash, and Transanta.

A fourth programme, the Emergency Support Fund, will provide rapid assistance during crises and urgent situations affecting vulnerable communities.

Speaking about the foundation, Grande said: “Our mission is to support, protect, and provide resources for our vulnerable friends in need.”

“It has been my privilege to be able to support these causes on my own over the years,” she added. “I’m grateful to now be able to expand that reach and amplify the life-saving work that these organisations do.”

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Ariana Grande launches Brighter Days Ahead Foundation to support LGBTQ+ community appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

Melanie Martinez has shared an emotional Instagram Story tribute after the death of her ex Oliver Tree, remembering the musician as a “true artist” with a “soft heart” and reflecting on the “formative” time they once shared.

In her message on her Instagram story, Martinez wrote: “Been an absolute wreck today,” before adding: “It’s really hard to understand how someone who you once shared such a specific and formative time of your life with can all of a sudden be gone.”

She continued: “He had such a soft heart and was a true artist in every way.”

Martinez, who is bisexual and uses she/they pronouns, ended her tribute by writing: “Rest in peace Oliver. I know you’re making the angels giggle. I’ll be here wondering what stunt and creative project you’re scheming up in heaven. All my love.”

Tree, 32, died in a helicopter crash on Sunday (14 June). It was reported that he was one of six people who died when two helicopters crashed over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Who is Melanie Martinez?

Martinez, a US pop artist who broke through after appearing on The Voice, has built a cult following through concept albums and stylised visuals.

She is known for theatrical, character-led eras including ‘Cry Baby’ and ‘K-12’, and her fan community often intersects with alternative fashion and internet subcultures. She has also toured extensively, including UK and European tour dates.

Tributes from Kid Cudi, Bebe Rexha and more

Kid Cudi was among the artists paying tribute, writing in a Kid Cudi X post: “F*** man. Spoke to Oliver a few weeks ago. This is heartbreaking. A really amazing and beautiful human. This s*** sucks bad. Sending all my prayers and love to the families dealing with losses. Oliver we love you, forever.”

Bebe Rexha also posted about learning the news while at a CD signing in New York City, writing in an X post: “I’m in shock. I was in the middle of my CD signing in NYC when I found the news of Oliver Tree. I can’t believe it. We recorded a record together to be on Dirty Blonde. He was so smart. Passionate. Talented. Kind. I’m so sad. May he rest in peace.”

T-Pain shared a video and wrote in an X post: “Never will forget this lesson from Oliver or the time we had on @NBRadioPodcast. Thanks for sharing your art and for always being different in the best way possible. See you on the brighter side,”

Comedian Whitney Cummings wrote in an X post: “Oliver Tree is one of the most talented people on earth and usually that comes with an ego and all kinds of d******* nonsense, but Oliver is pure love and the best version of what an artist and person can and should be. There’s no silver lining. We lost a giant.”

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Melanie Martinez mourns ex Oliver Tree after tragic helicopter crash death appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

On Sunday (14 June), Josh Hokit won his fight against heavyweight Derrick Lewis on the White House South Lawn.

After the match, he spoke to controversial podcaster Joe Rogan. Towards the end of the conversation, Hokit said: “Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?” 

Obama has repeatedly been the target of right-wing hate and this is far from the first time that trans conspiracy theories have circulated.

As far back as 2014, she was falsely labelled a trans woman. This is seemingly an attempt by transphobic bigots to imply that being trans is something to be ashamed of.

Joan Rivers refused to apologise to her after she said “Michelle is a t*****” and that the first lady is “a transgender, we all know.”

She also claimed: “I think it’s a compliment. She’s so attractive, tall, with a beautiful body, great face, does great makeup. Take a look and go back to La Cage Au Follies [sic]. The most gorgeous women are transgender.”

In 2020, these fake allegations were once again reignited when far-right conspiracy theorist and Infowars host Alex Jones claimed he had “evidence” of her being trans. Also, he pointed to her “very wide shoulders” and her “very masculine” face as significant “proof” of his theory.

The same year, failed Republican congressional hopeful DeAnna Lorraine claimed that Michelle Obama was going to come out as trans.

‘Michelle Obama is a man. Am I right, America?’

Donald Trump Jr, the eldest son of Trump, has spread rumours about her online. On 2024’s Transgender Day of Visibility (31 March), Trump Jr shared a now-deleted Instagram post that claimed Obama is trans.

Hokit’s statement adds to this targeting of Obama. The crowd had a mixed reaction; some cheered and laughed while others appeared shocked.

Rogan did not address the comments, saying only: “Ladies and gentlemen, Josh Hokit.”

Furthermore, the UFC event disrupted the usual White House proceedings as the South Lawn has been a space for state dinners and diplomatic ceremonies. On Sunday, it hosted cage fights. 

The event was set up for 5,000 expected guests. A huge octagonal stage dubbed ‘the Claw’ was built for the night.

Timed with Trump’s 80th birthday and the forthcoming 250th anniversary of US independence, the UFC event was the first professional sporting event in White House history.

Adam Sandler, Jared Leto and Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson are said to be among the Hollywood names turning down invites to the show. Sandler, Leto and Johnson were reportedly invited alongside Tom Brady, Guy Ritchie and Mario Lopez.

A last-minute lawsuit by the Public Integrity Project sought to stop the event, alleging that it violates National Park Service regulations and lacks congressional consent and environmental review.

Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.

The post Trump’s White House UFC fight resulted in transvestigating Michelle Obama  appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.

Norfolk County Council staff have begun wearing Progress Pride badges and displaying rainbow backgrounds on computer screens after Reform UK stopped flying the LGBTQ+ and Ukraine flags at County Hall in Norwich.

The show of solidarity has been visible inside the building, with staff also using rainbow screen backgrounds during online meetings following the change to which flags can be flown above the council’s headquarters.

Reform UK took over at Norfolk County Council last month and said it was “entirely appropriate” for only British national and local flags to be flown above the County Hall building. Reform councillor Scott Hussey said feedback from officials had been “largely positive” and that staff “welcomed the new energy and professionalism” of the new administration.

“The decisions we make are designed to do what residents elected us to do: deliver change and achieve results,” Hussey added.

“Rather than engaging in virtue signalling or political grandstanding – none of which improves the lives of residents – we’re focused on common sense, pragmatism and getting the job done.”

Unison representative Kris Holt said there was “a strong sense of disappointment” among employees. “The change to the local authority’s policy on flags – which has led to the removal of the Progress Pride flag – feels like a calculated snub to both staff and Norfolk residents in the LGBTQ+ community,” Holt said.

What Norfolk’s flags policy allows

Under the council’s flags policy, the Norfolk County Council flag, the Union flag, the St George flag and the Norfolk flag are permitted to be flown above County Hall on Martineau Lane. Royal flags and those of the Merchant Navy, the Armed Forces and the emergency services can still be flown on certain days.

The Progress Pride flag was previously flown from County Hall to coincide with Norwich Pride in July.

Hussey defended the decision, saying: “While the Pride flag is often presented as a symbol of inclusivity and diversity, many people view it as a political advocacy flag.”

“As such, it’s seen by some as divisive rather than unifying and the flag does not necessarily represent all the groups it claims to encompass.”

Union criticism and wider Reform rows

The row follows other disputes over Pride visibility in councils run by the party, including the uproar after London’s only Reform council cancelled a Pride flag ceremony and when a Reform-run council banned Essex libraries from promoting LGBTQ+ events.

Holt added: “We would encourage the new members at [County Hall] to focus on learning their briefs and to really engage with the vitally important role of being a county councillor.”

The post Norfolk council staff wear Pride badges and add rainbow screens after Reform UK removes flags appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.