Pain, a member of K-pop band Just B, has told fans he is “proud to be part of the LGBT community” – a rare step in an industry known for its strict control over artists’ behaviour, where stars typically keep details of their private lives, especially romantic relationships, private.

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The 23-year-old star, now one of very few K-pop artists to have come out publicly, made the announcement to fans during a solo performance at a concert in LA on Tuesday, April 22. “For anyone who is part of the LGBT community, or who is still figuring themselves out – this is for you,” Bain, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, said in a video posted to his social media accounts after the concert.

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“You are visible, you are loved, and you were born this way,” he added, before launching into a performance of the song Born This Way by pop icon Lady Gaga, whom he called “my queen.” His bandmates welcomed the announcement. Siwoo, another member of Just B, said he cried while watching Bain’s performance. “I know how hard it was for him, and it made me cry even more,” he said. The band’s fans have also expressed their support. “We love you so much and are so proud of you for being yourself,” wrote one of the most liked comments under his Instagram post.

Political parties are expected to be told that trans women cannot be on women-only shortlists but trans men can. 

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It comes after last week's Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. Shortlists of candidates that only include women have been used by some parties since the mid-1990s to increase female representation. Labour introduced all-women shortlists (AWS) to select half of its candidates in winnable seats ahead of the 1997 general election. Both Labour and the SNP have said they would allow trans women to access all-women shortlists in the past, with some controversy.

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The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which enforces equalities law and provides guidance to policy makers, public sector bodies and businesses, is now expected to provide updated guidance on the issue. The EHRC has previously said it was an "anomaly", that a trans woman (who was born male) could access a women-only shortlist but a trans man (who was born female) could not. It is understood that the ruling that sex is biological will make it clear that such shortlists are only open to those who were born female.

Revenge Brighton has sent an open letter to their local MP following the Supreme court ruling last week on Trans Women.  Revenge is the South Coast’s number one  1 LGBTQ+ nightclub and music venue; Revenge is an active supporter of local and national charities and has raised thousands of pounds for worthy causes including Pride in Brighton & Hove, The Rainbow Fund

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In the open letter to Chris Ward MP saying they are deeply concerned regarding the recent ruling by the Supreme Court which they say was made without consulting Trans individuals and organizations which puts Trans people under increased harassment, exclusion and violence. They point to the fact hate crimes against the Trans community has already increased by 186% in recent years. 

They say many places are not able to provide "third spaces" due to funding or space and by doing so anyway would forcibly out Trans people. They say their toilets both at their nightclub and bar are gender - neutral but this is not the cast at hospitals and other public spaces and say these need to remain inclusive, accessible and safe for everyone. In the open letter they go to ask several questions the MP should raise in Parliament including why no Trans organizations were consulted before the ruling and does this ruling undermine the Gender recognition act and are GRC'S effectually useless now. 

In an exclusive interview with ITV News‘ sports editor, Emily Bridges, one of Britain’s best known trans athletes, says last week’s Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex has “painted more of a target” on the back of all trans women

“It increases levels of vulnerability. You go out of the house thinking is this the day that someone is going to shout at me, attack me. Now maybe it’s heightened, but that is always the reality for a trans person and it has been forever.” Bridges also believes the judgement stokes, what she calls, the toxicity and extreme views that frame the discussion on trans’ rights: “The public expression on both sides has increased in intensity and vitriol. People are now feeling more comfortable to express hateful views. Not just trans people but about people of colour, immigrants, religious minorities and there’s been a massive rise in sexism.

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​“The things that are being said now wouldn’t have been dreamt of ten years ago, no one cared about us ten years ago. It’s manufactured, the general public don’t care about us, they care about being able to pay the rent or putting food on the table”

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of lacking "moral courage" on transgender issues during heated exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions.

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Last week, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex under equalities law, meaning, for instance, that transgender women, who are biologically male but identify as women, can be excluded from women-only spaces.

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Sir Keir said the court's ruling provided "clarity" and that it was now "time to lower the temperature" on the debate. Badenoch said the prime minister didn't "have the balls" to say where he stood and likened him to a "weather vane". "This is a choice between a Conservative Party that stood up for common sense and a Labour Party that bent the knee to every passing fad," she said.

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On Tuesday, Sir Keir's spokesman said the prime minister did not believe transgender women were women.  That contrasted with comments he made in 2022, when he told the Times "a woman is a female adult, and in addition to that transwomen are women, and that is not just my view - that is actually the law".  In the first Prime Minister's Questions since the Supreme Court's ruling, Badenoch used all six of her questions to press the prime minister on the issue.

It’s been one hell of a series of Celebrity Big Brother for drama – from Mickey Rourke’s early ejection for homophobic and threatening language to the show’s first ever triple eviction last night (22 April).

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It’s also been a great series for queer representation, with stars like Jojo Siwa and Drag Race UK champ Danny Beard handling tricky conversations about LGBTQ+ life like pros, educating both their fellow housemates and the viewing audience in the process. In particular, Siwa’s candid conversations about her sexuality and gender identity, and how these intersect, have been an amazing depiction of a young person who is still discovering themself. This exploration of self continued for Siwa last night, as viewers of the livestream picked up. Having previously told her ex-housemate Rourke “I like girls,” Siwa was heard discussing her sexuality again with Beard in the bedroom. “I’ve never – I think I’ve always told myself, I’m a lesbian,” Siwa continued. “I think you – I think being here – I’ve realised I am not a lesbian, I’m queer.”

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Siwa is currently in a relationship with the Australian DJ and content creator Kath Ebbs, who identifies as non-binary. The former Nickelodeon star has also been seen discussing her uncertainty around her gender in the house, particularly with Love Island star Chris Hughes with whom she has developed a close friendship. Earlier in the series Siwa explained that she is hesitant to use the label non-binary to discuss herself as she does yet feel sure of her identity.

WorkPride, the global virtual conference hosted by LGBTQ+ business platform myGwork, returns this June for its sixth consecutive year.

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Set to run from 16 to 20 June, WorkPride 2025 will feature over 200 international speakers and 40+ sessions, in both English and Spanish, focused on inclusion, equity and allyship in the workplace.

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Themed Your Allyship Journey Starts Here, this year’s conference comes as new research by myGwork reveals persistent barriers faced by LGBTQ+ professionals. Among the findings: over three-quarters of LGBTQ+ job seekers hesitate to join companies where they cannot be their authentic selves, and 80% would avoid employers who have recently withdrawn support for the LGBTQ+ community. 

Mental health remains a major concern, with myGwork discovering that nearly 44.6% of LGBTQ+ professionals reporting experiences of depression – rising to 53.3% for trans and non-binary individuals, and 59% for bi+/plurisexual people. Generalised anxiety disorder was reported by 31%, particularly among trans and non-binary respondents.

Britain’s Got Talent star Calum Scott has spoken out about the negative experience of coming out as a young teen.

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In a recent episode of the We Need To Talk podcast, Scott tells host Paul C. Brunson that he lost all of his school friends after coming out to another boy aged 14. “I had a lot of internalised homophobia because I was abandoned by my friends when I came out as being gay,” he told Brunson. “We were just talking and it would come up again and I was just so down and fed up of the questioning, when he asked me I was like, ‘I don’t know if I’m interested in girls’ and he was like ‘What? Are you trying to tell me you’re gay?’ Scott recalled. “So I made the decision to say ‘Maybe’ and he was like ‘Alright’ and he skated away and told all the other boys and then we all went home.”

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The artist added that his experience in school affected his relationship with his sexuality for a long time. “Because of the loss I’d had with my friends I resented that part of myself and had done for a long long time,” he said. Later in the episode, Scott talks about the experience of coming out publicly through an interview with Attitude after consulting with his record label. “[The label] said we could go to a gay publication and we could give them an exclusive but we make it very much about the music,” he remembered. “Or we don’t talk about it at all – it’s up to you.”

A series of earthquakes including a 6.2-magnitude tremor have struck near Istanbul, shaking buildings in Turkey's largest city and prompting people to flee apartment blocks. 

At least 151 people were injured jumping from high places, the governor of Turkey's largest city said on X. There had been no reported deaths.

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There have been no immediate reports of casualties or wider damage, but Istanbul officials said they were checking buildings and warned people to stay clear of potentially-damaged sites.

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The largest earthquake on Wednesday struck at 12:49 local time (09:49 GMT) at a depth of 6.92 km (4.3 miles), Turkey's emergency services said. The epicentre of the 6.2-magnitude tremor was located along the coast of the Sea of Marmara, in the Silivri area about 80 km (50 miles) west of Istanbul. Turkish officials reported two other smaller quakes, while aftershocks were also recorded. Istanbul residents reported bigger earthquake was one of the strongest they had felt in years.

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People reported lamps and other furniture crashing to the floor in their homes. Selva Demiralp, an economics professor at Koç University, told the BBC she was with her family in a high-rise when the earthquake struck and it was "quite scary".

Heartstopper, the much-loved Netflix adaptation of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series, is to conclude with a feature film directed by Wash Westmoreland, whose previous credits include Still Alice and Colette. 

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Following three series of the adventures of Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke) and their assorted schoolfriends, a film will wrap up their story, based on Oseman’s as-yet-unpublished sixth book. Connor, who is currently starring on Broadway in Romeo and Juliet, as well as in Alex Garland’s Warfare, will executive produce, as will Locke, most recently seen in Agatha All Along.

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Filming will take place this summer; a release date has yet to be confirmed, likewise the involvement of supporting actors such as Olivia Colman, who plays Nick’s mother in the series. “I am completely overjoyed that we will get to tell the end of the Heartstopper story,” said Oseman in a statement. “I’m so grateful to everyone who has worked hard to make this possible and to the incredible fans of Heartstopper for your patience and passion. I cannot wait to bring this story to a magical conclusion.”

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​The most recent season broadcast in 2024 and ended with the main characters having sex for the first time. A synopsis for the film suggests that the couple are concerned about whether they can sustain a long-distance relationship once Nick goes to university.

Nigel May has spoken with Fizz Sinclair – an actor, comedian, writer, model and content creator with a massive social media following – for the latest episode of A Gay Old Time podcast, which shines a spotlight on a person from the LGBTQ+ rainbow to hear their story; one person, one life, one conversation. Fizz grew up in Cheshire as a gay man but knew that her journey wasn’t quite complete. Now living as a trans woman she is determined to break down doors of prejudice and misunderstanding about her gender and also trailblaze in her own career. Nigel said: “Hearing her voice is more vital than ever.

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“Her story is a raw one which includes rejection from a family member and her own battle with addiction. But through determination, belief and humour, Fizz is now living her best life, gaining rave reviews for her stage work and dreaming of being a future Dr Who companion.” 

A Gay Old Time series is a celebration of a beautiful queer community; people of all ages, people who have had to tread their own path to live their real truth, who have fought with their emotions and emerged victorious, who inspire, who aspire and always entertain.

This year’s Lesbian Visibility Week (#LVW25), which runs till Sunday, April 27, has the theme ‘Celebrating Rainbow Families’, a “global campaign celebrating all the beauty our community brings to family life”.  Throughout #LVW25, there will be a range of events – online and in person – which will aim to uplift rainbow families in all their diversity and spotlight the challenges faced by the community when it comes to family life. From nurturing chosen family, to family formation and raising LGBTQ+ children, Lesbian Visibility Week 2025 will be a “platform where LGBTQ+ women and non- binary people’s families can be seen, understood and truly appreciated”.

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Organisers of Lesbian Visibility Week say: “At a time when progress on LGBTQ+ rights globally feels fragile and rainbow families are under attack, we want to lift our voices up in joy and love: letting the world know that our families have always been here and will always be here. “Be part of the #LVW25 celebration!”

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The celebrations begin today, Tuesday, April 22, with a reception at the House of Commons, to highlight the barriers LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people still face when starting, and continuing, families. Entrance is by invitation only.  The following day, Diva magazine publishes its Power List 2025 , which celebrates achievements of LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people.

Labour equalities minister Bridget Phillipson has said she welcomes last week’s Supreme Court ruling on gender recognition, which will affect the lives of trans communities across the UK. 

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While some MPs have expressed concern with the ruling, Phillipson, said: “Before I was an MP I managed a women’s refuge, so I know more than most how important it is that women, especially those who have experienced male violence, sexual violence and trauma, are able to access safe therapeutic spaces, and alongside that, that we make sure that everyone in our society is treated with dignity and respect,” she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

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Asked about differing opinions within Labour towards the ruling, Phillipson said: “I speak for the government on this matter, and I can be crystal clear with you that we welcome the ruling.” Pushed on the specifics of what toilet a trans woman would be required to use from now on, Phillipson confirmed that if only single-sex facilities were available it would need to be the male toilet – but said it was important that “everyone has the ability to access services that are safe and appropriate and respect their privacy and dignity”. In terms of toilets, Phillipson said, many places provided unisex or self-contained facilities, saying these could be used by trans people.

Chanel Williams, the sister of James Lee Williams, also known as drag icon The Vivienne, says her family only learned of the drag performer’s battle with ketamine addiction, which tragically took their life in January, after watching RuPaul’s Drag Race UK

In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Chanel says The Vivienne, 32, had kept the struggle – including being hospitalised because of the drug – a secret from the family “to protect them”.  Chanel says her brother had “a really long period of sobriety” before relapsing, something she says the family only discovered after their death. “A big thing for me now is, had I asked the questions or just looked for the signs, would the outcome be different?” she says.

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The Vivienne was praised for speaking openly about ketamine abuse and the struggle of becoming sober while appearing on Drag Race UK, which aired in 2019. Chanel, who is now hoping to continue that legacy by campaigning to encourage people to talk openly about substance abuse, believes the stigma around addiction, and her brother’s successful career on stage and TV, meant they didn’t seek professional help.“He’d spoken openly on Drag Race about the battles he’d had with addiction, and he’d come through the other side of that,” she says. “He was at the height of everything he was doing and I think because he’d said it in such a open platform, it’s really difficult to come back and say you’re struggling again.”

Pope Francis was a "real game-changer" when it came to the Catholic Church's treatment of gay people, a London LGBT+ faith group has said.

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Martin Pendergast, the secretary of the LGBT+ Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council, said the pontiff had turned away from "really quite offensive" statements made by his predecessors on issues of sexuality and gender identity.

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While Pope Francis maintained the Vatican's position that homosexual acts were sinful, he said gay people should not be marginalised from the Church, adding: "Who am I to judge?"  The LGBT+ Catholics Westminster group met the Pope at the Vatican in 2019, which Mr Pendergast said caused controversy. "More conservative Catholics were up in arms because they saw this as the Pope affirming an LGBT group such as we were and are," he said.

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He described the meeting as a "very significant step" in improving the Church's relations with the LGBT+ community. "It was a personal affirmation, but it was also an affirmation of the kind of ministry that we offer here in the Diocese of Westminster, which is a welcoming ministry for LGBT Catholics, parents and families," Mr Pendergast said. During Francis's papacy, some priests who were openly gay were removed from their posts but the Vatican changed this policy in 2023, allowing gay men to enter the priesthood as long as they remained celibate.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer does not believe transgender women are women, his official spokesman has said.  

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It comes after the UK Supreme Court ruled last week that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law.  In March 2022, when he was leader of the opposition, Sir Keir told the Times, that "a woman is a female adult, and in addition to that transwomen are women, and that is not just my view - that is actually the law".

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Asked if Sir Keir still believed that a transgender woman was a woman, the PM's official spokesman said: "No, the Supreme Court judgment has made clear that when looking at the Equality Act, a woman is a biological woman." The spokesman added: "That is set out clearly by the court judgment."

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Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the government of having U-turned in reaction to the judgement, accusing Labour ministers of needing the Supreme Court to tell them what to think on the issue. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused the government of having U-turned in reaction to the judgement, accusing Labour ministers of needing the Supreme Court to tell them what to think on the issue. In his first public comments since the ruling last week, the PM told ITV West Country: "We need to move and make sure that we now ensure that all guidance is in the right place according to that judgment."

A couple from Liverpool have told how Pope Francis was the most "progressive" Pope they have seen as they paid tribute to him following his death.

James Przystanski, 33, and Joseph Nze, 33, are both Catholic and are due to be married next year. Joseph, who is from an Nigerian-Irish Catholic background, said: "Pope Francis stood for everything that we thought the Catholic church would never go towards." The Pope's death on Easter Monday came only a day after he appeared in the Vatican's St Peter's Square to greet thousands of worshippers.

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James and Joseph visited Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral, which opened its doors to allow people to pay their respects and sign a book of condolence. "He was one of the best popes I've seen growing up," Joseph said. "He made the church more worldly and open to other people, faiths and the LGBTQ community."

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However, some critics have suggested the Pontiff could have gone further to encourage change in the Church's teachings.  James and Joseph visited the Vatican last year and have a strong faith, regularly attending church. James said: "We admired his work on climate change. There was no judgement from him, just acceptance. "It doesn't matter - skin colour, sexual orientation. That's what I thought about him."

The cast of the highly anticipated celebrity spin-off to The Traitors has leaked and it includes some of our favourite queer celebrities, as well as a few bona fide gay icons. 

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​As per The Sun, former Olympic diver cum knitting enthusiast Tom Daley is set to head to Scotland for filming, as well as Interior Design Masters host Alan Carr, and national treasure Stephen Fry. Other queer stars on board are sports journalist and broadcaster Clare Balding and pop star Cat Burns. ‘Crazy Chick’ singer and staunch LGBTQ+ ally Charlotte Church will also be heading to the Highlands to sniff out a traitor or two, along with veteran chat show host Jonathan Ross, YouTuber Niko Omilana, Line of Duty actor Mark Bonnar, and comedian Joe Wilkinson.

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Also set to compete under the watchful eye of host Claudia Winkleman is pop star and podcaster Paloma Faith, EastEnders actress Tameka Empson, Bridget Jones actress Celia Imrie, Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway, and Irish actress Ruth Codd who has appeared in the Netflix series The Midnight Club. Rounding off the cast is comedian Lucy Beaumont, historian David Olusoga, rugby player Joe Marler and Ted Lasso actor Nick Mohammed.

LGBTQ+ rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has released a statement following news of the death of Pope Francis. 

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Mr Tatchell, who campaigned against Catholic homophobia for 58 years and staged 10 major protests against the discrimination advocated by Popes, Cardinals & Archbishops over the last five-plus decades, made the acclaimed documentary film, The Trouble With The Pope (Channel 4, 2010). In  a statement, Mr Tatchell said: “I extend my condolences to Catholics worldwide on the passing of Pope Francis. While we often disagreed on issues of LGBT+ rights, I acknowledge his more compassionate tone towards sexual minorities. His recent moves to allow blessings for same-sex couples, albeit with limitations, signalled a small but significant shift in Church doctrine.

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“However, for millions of LGBT+ people globally, the Catholic Church remains a force for discrimination and suffering. Under his leadership, the Vatican continued to oppose same-sex marriage and trans rights. Catholic bishops lobbied against the decriminalisation of homosexuality in many parts of the world. The Vatican still upholds the homophobic edicts of the Catechism, which denounces the sexual expression of same-sex love as a “grave depravity” and “intrinsically disordered.” Francis’s legacy is, therefore, a mixed one—offering some progress but leaving deep-rooted inequalities largely intact.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. 

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The Vatican's announcement of his death came just a day after he appeared in a wheelchair at St Peter's Square to wish thousands of worshipers gathered there a "Happy Easter". Pope Francis was discharged from hospital last month after five weeks of treatment for an infection that led to double pneumonia. Catholics around the world have been mourning his death and crowds of well-wishers have begun arriving at the Vatican.

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Francis's papacy heralded many firsts and while he never stopped introducing reforms to the Catholic Church, he remained popular among traditionalists. Francis's predecessor, Benedict XVI, was the first Pope to retire voluntarily in almost 600 years and for almost a decade the Vatican Gardens hosted two popes.

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His early actions as Pope included washing the feet of the elderly and prisoners and advocating for the rights of refugees and migrants. But on many of the Church's teachings, Pope Francis was a traditionalist. There were warm words in favour of some kind of same-sex unions for gay couples, but Francis did not favour calling it marriage. This, he said, would be "an attempt to destroy God's plan".

The UK Aids Memorial Quilt collection is to be displayed in the Tate Modern later this year. 

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A combination of 42 quilts and 23 individual panels, which represents about 385 people who lost their lives to HIV/Aids in the UK, will be displayed in the art gallery's Turbine Hall. The US National Aids Memorial describes the memorial quilt as "the largest community arts project in history", with the UK quilt being "one chapter" of this project, the Tate Modern said.

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It will be on display from 12 June to 16 June, with a live reading of names on the quilt taking place on 14 June. In response to the Aids pandemic, American activist Cleve Jones formed the NAMES Project in 1985.

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It invited people to create textile panels to commemorate friends, family and loved ones who died during the pandemic. The individual panels are sewn together to create larger quilts, which have in the past been shown outdoors to raise awareness about HIV and Aids. The displays often included a reading of all the names on the panels.

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The NAMES project UK was launched by Scottish activist Alistair Hulme who witnessed an early display of the NAMES Project Aids Memorial Quilt in San Francisco.

The organisers of a festival celebrating LGBTQ+ film-making have said they hope it can play a "part in the wonderful legacy" of Bradford City of Culture 2025. 

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Bradford Queer Film Festival has received £10,000 in funding from Bradford 2025 and creative director Alice Parsons said she wanted the support to bring in a record audience. In 2024 more than 1,000 people attended. The festival will return on 20-23 November, showcasing films at numerous venues across the city.

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Ms Parsons said: "Being within the framework of all the other City of Culture celebrations, it's a really key moment in the programme for LGBTQ+ people." She said that making sure LGBTQ+ voices were heard during the City of Culture was "massively important" and added: "Bradford has a huge LGBTQ+ community and a really rich heritage of LGBTQ+ people, activists and organisers. "The festival is really inter-generational and really reflective of Bradford and we're really keen that it responds to our unique community here."

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Organisers will also work with the City of Culture team on LGBTQ+ heritage project Pink in the Park, which explores hidden histories. "Hopefully that sets us up to have a long life beyond the City of Culture year," Ms Parsons said.

In a powerful display of solidarity, Brighton and Hove witnessed a large gathering yesterday at the Clock Tower as transgender, non-binary, and intersex (TNBi) communities, alongside LGBTQ+ people and allies from across the spectrum, assembled for an emergency protest against the recent Supreme Court decision.

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The demonstration drew together an impressive coalition of voices: local charities, choirs, sports groups, NHS representatives, disabled rights advocates, QTIPOC (Queer, Trans, Intersex People of Color) activists, trans rights organizations, trade unions, community groups, and business leaders. All united in a passionate, vocal demonstration expressing deep concern over the ruling and showing unwavering solidarity with TNBi communities in the city. “This turnout reflects how deeply this decision has shaken our communities,” said one organizer. “Brighton has always been at the forefront of TNBI & LGBTQ+ rights, and today shows we won’t stand silent when those rights are threatened.”

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Similar protests erupted across the United Kingdom, with reports indicating more than 25,000 people attending the emergency demonstration in London’s Parliament Square—testimony to the profound anxiety that TNBi and broader LGBTQ+ communities feel regarding the potential impacts of the ruling.

​Murdered teenager Brianna Ghey's head teacher said students "like the break" from mobile phones after she banned them from her school. 

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The 16-year-old was stabbed 28 times by teenagers Scarlett Jenkinson - who also attended Birchwood Community High School - and Eddie Ratcliffe in a park near Warrington, Cheshire in February 2023. Since September, in a move designed to reduce bullying and students' stress levels, the school has required pupils to lock away their devices in pouches during the day.

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Headteacher Emma Mills told The Mirror, that the policy was "allowing kids to be kids again", adding: "Students say they like the break." She said there was now "more chatter in the corridors at breaks and lunch, students are more focused in lessons, and the number attending house competitions and enrichment activities has risen". Ms Mills, who has worked in education for 23 years, added: "They said it has reduced their stress levels, knowing they don't have to think about what is happening.

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Brianna's mother Esther Ghey, who supports a social media ban for under-16s, said: "Brianna often struggled with distraction in school due to her smartphone and social media use, and I truly believe this initiative would have made a meaningful difference for her." Jenkinson and Ratcliffe, both 15 at the time, lured Brianna to Culcheth Linear Park where she was fatally attacked with a hunting knife.

Veteran LGBTQ+ rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has written a powerful letter urging artists with large LGBTQ+ audiences to leave Hungary off their tour schedules after the Hungarian Parliament passed a constitutional amendment to ban all LGBTQ+ community events, including Budapest Pride. 

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Tatchell has written to Chappell Roan, Emeli Sandé and Alanis Morissette ahead of their upcoming shows and urged them to reconsider.

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“We ask you to stand with Hungary’s LGBTQ+ people by cancelling your performance. If this is not possible, when you are in Hungary we ask you to hold a press conference where you condemn the Pride ban and express support for the LGBTQ+ community – and do the same on stage when you perform.” Tatchell wrote. “By performing without criticising the denial of free speech and the right to protest, these artists would be giving comfort to a tyrannical homophobic regime.” Tatchell said.

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“Hungary has outlawed this year’s Pride march on 28 June and plans to use facial recognition technology to identify, arrest and fine anyone who participates. The Pride ban follows a wider rollback of LGBTQ+ rights, 

Bridgerton actress and trans ally Nicola Coughlan has helped raise more than £100,000 for trans rights charity Not a Phase following the Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman. 

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The judgment by the UK’s highest court said that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the 2010 Equality Act “refer to a biological woman and biological sex”.

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Following the news on Wednesday, April 16 the Irish star said she was “completely horrified” and “disgusted” by the ruling and said she would match donations up to £10,000 to transgender charity Not A Phase.

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On Friday, April 18, the actress, 38, who has long supported the LGBTQ+ community, shared the donation page on her Instagram story, saying: “Nearly 100k thanks to you kind and brilliant people so delighted for Not A Phase”. The fundraiser description reads: “Allies of the Trans and Non-Binary Community time to come together.”

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In response to the ruling, thousands of trans rights protesters gathered in central London and Brighton on Saturday, April 19.

Thousands of people have taken part in Trans rights protests around the UK on Easter Saturday.  Tens of thousands gathered in central London By 2pm, Parliament Square in London was overflowing with LGBTQIA+ protestors that spilled into the square’s surrounding traffic lanes, as the protest travelled along Victoria Street, past the Department of Health and Social Care, before reaching the Department of Work and Pensions and ending in St James Park. The atmosphere was defiant, as people from the LGBTQIA+ community chanted for trans rights and called out public figures like JK Rowling and Health secretary Wes Streeting for their trans-exclusive views  Estimates by organisers put the protest attendance at above 20,000 people. 

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Hundreds of people joined a second 'trans rights' demonstration in Manchester in as many days. Several hundred again gathered in St Peter's Square. They converged on the area in front of Manchester Central Library. Many were draped in the transgender flag. Others held up handmade signs. One read 'we aren't the weirdos mister' whilst others said 'more glitter, less bitter.' A number of speakers addressed the crowd at the event, organised by Trans Pride Manchester.

​Large demonstrations took place in Glasgow's George Square and at the foot of the Mound in Edinburgh on Saturday to protest against the judgement. Activists demanded "trans liberation" and "trans rights now", with some waving flags and holding banners which read "No feminism without trans women", Another protest took place in Brighton where hundreds turned out following the Supreme court ruling on Wednesday. Further protest are due to take place around the UK. 

At 12.30pm on Saturday, April 19, Brighton & Hove will unite at Brighton’s Clock Tower against the Supreme Court‘s attack on trans rights, which represents yet another blow to our trans community, already facing severe marginalisation and oppression across Britain. This ruling provides dangerous leverage to intensify attacks on trans people.

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As attacks on TNBI communities escalate, following the devastating Supreme Court ruling, Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community is calling for immediate action.

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In a powerful show of solidarity, FRFI Brighton, The Queery, and UTAW UK are organising an emergency gathering at the Clock Tower to stand firm for trans rights.

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“Being an ally isn’t just an identity—it’s an action,” says local activist Jamie. “Now is precisely when we need every LGBTQ+ person and supporter to physically show up. Words of support on social media aren’t enough—we need people in the streets.”

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For those unable to attend the larger London demonstrations, this local rally offers a crucial opportunity to stand in solidarity with the trans community and all oppressed groups demanding liberation, healthcare access, and basic human dignity. There are dozens of rally happening over the next few days in towns and cities across the UK, see WhatTheTrans! for an updated list.

A protest in support of trans rights is to take place in London’s Parliament Square at 1pm tomorrow (19 April 2025).  The protest follows this week’s news of the UK Supreme Court ruling that the term ‘woman’ in UK law refers only to ‘biological women’.

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Parliament Square is located near Westminster Bridge, near Portcullis House and Westminster Pier, facing Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster across the road. In a statement organisers of the protest said (as per GScene.com): “Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary people exist and deserve rights too.  “UNISON [British trade union] branches are supporting this protest, and we are calling on every member, friend, and ally to join us in solidarity. We need a huge turnout to show that we will not stand by while rights are taken from our family. “Please reach out to everyone you know – colleagues, friends, family, union members – and ask them to come along. Bring signs, bring energy, and most importantly, bring your voice.

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Organisers include TransActual, Trans Kids Deserve Better and the Front for the Liberation of Intersex, Non-binary and Trans People (FLINT).

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Speaking to Attitude ahead of the court’s decision, Jo Maugham of the Good Law Project said: “There is no rule in the law more sacred than the need to hear from someone before you consider removing their rights; For Women Scotland was hostile to and seeking to remove rights from trans people; and the Supreme Court allowed interventions from a whole range of further organisations hostile to trans people but refused to hear from any trans people.” 

Organisers of the inaugural Workington Pride have announced with a “heavy heart” that this year’s event, which was due to take place on April 26, has been postponed.

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In a statement released on Facebook, Workington Pride said: “Our team have been busy working away to resolve some of the background issues, but unfortunately this has been unsuccessful. As a result, we have found ourselves in a position where we are unable to go ahead as planned and will be postponing the event (although we hope to be able to confirm a new date for the event later this year).”

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The first-ever Workington Pride, which was to be a “vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community and allies alike”, was organised to shine a spotlight on queer and local talent across Cumbria, while also raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues in the region.

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​Workington Pride added: “On behalf of the team at Workington Pride we’d like to thank you for your support and hope you will join us once a new date has been confirmed.”

This year sees the festival team up with popular queer night False Idols for a takeover of the its dance tent. They’ve added a number of exciting names to the already bulging line-up including Fatboy Slim, Drag Race alum and fashion icon Bimini, and sapphic pop queen Romy. 

Also involved are ‘Girl On A Mission’ singer Katy B, drag legend Jodie Harsh, and Charli-xcx collaborator Dorian Electra. COBRAH, Eliza Rose and Jaguar are also on board to delight and thrill festival goers in equal measure.

Following on from its 2024 Drumsheds takeover False Idols is also bringing its Closing Ceremony to the festival’s Main Stage, boasting performance from Gossip front woman Beth Ditto, 90s dance legends Sonique and Ultra Naté, Little Gay Brother, and Joshua James for what is promised to be a “kaleidoscopic conclusion” to the weekend.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Little Gay Brother to bring False Idols to this year’s Pride on the Park for a dance tent takeover,” commented Brighton & Hove Pride managing director Paul Kemp. 

Campaigners have warned the UK Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of a woman could have "dire consequences" for the safety of trans people. Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman told BBC Scotland News the trans community is now worried that "people are coming after their right to exist" as a result of the ruling. And Kerrie Meyer, who had gender reassignment at the age of 72, criticised the ruling and said it would set back progress for trans people.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission said the decision would result in an updated code of conduct for services, including the NHS and prisons, potentially affecting spaces such as hospital wards, changing rooms and domestic refuges. The Scottish government had argued that transgender people with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) are entitled to the same sex-based protections as biological women.

Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman, a prominent supporter of trans rights, told the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme the decision would "stoke the fires of the culture war" and trans people now feared they could lose access to facilities they've used, in some cases, for decades.

The NHS will be pursued if it does not follow new guidance on single-sex spaces, the chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has said. 

Along with other public bodies, the NHS will be receiving guidelines after the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. "We've been speaking to the health service for an inordinately long time - we will now be asking them when they will be updating their advice," Baroness Falkner said.

Currently the NHS guidance says trans people should be accommodated according to the way they dress, their names and their pronouns. Under the ruling this would be scrapped.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) says it is "working at pace" to provide an updated code of conduct for services, including the NHS and prisons, and it expects its updated guidance to be in place by the summer.

Following yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling that the terms “woman” and “sex” refer only to “biological women”, a number of prominent trans activists and public figures have taken to social media to share their responses.

Trans journalist and TV personality India Willoughby took to X, writing: “‘Biological woman’ has no definitive definition, because all women are different – from chromosomes, to anatomy, to body chemistry, to internal organs. Apart from not being able to have a baby and a period, I am virtually the same as any c!s woman.

Munroe Bergdorf, a prominent trans activist, author and model, expressed on Instagram that she was taking time to consult with legal experts as to what exactly this ruling will mean for trans women. “Spending the next few days listening/speaking to legal experts about how this will impact the future of our community in the UK,” she wrote.

Ella Morgan, a popular trans media personality who found fame on Married At First Sight, was incredulous at the news. “So I’m not a woman? Wow. News to me after everything I have been through,” she wrote on Instagram. “I am speechless.”

Two activists from Trans Kids Deserve Better climbed The Daily Telegraph offices in London today (Thursday 17 April 2025), protesting against hostility towards trans people in British mainstream media.

The move follows yesterday’s news of UK Supreme Court ruling that the term ‘woman’ in UK law refers only to ‘biological women’. The Telegraph has published at least 40 articles on trans issues on its website in the two weeks leading up to the ruling.

Displaying a banner reading ‘The Daily SMELLegraph’, one of the unnamed activists said in a statement: “Every time I see an article from the Telegraph, my heart sinks. Why would a group of adults dogpile and bully oppressed children who just want to live as their true selves?  “They write countless articles on us, but do we ever get asked for our input? Of course not. They don’t see us as human children, just another scapegoat to demonise.” In another statement shared in a press release by Trans Kids Deserve Better, the second activist said: “The Telegraph uses us as slop for brain-rotted transphobes to drool over as they pretend they stand for women. Don’t let them pretend they want trans kids safe, and don’t let them convince you they want women safe. They want nothing more than engagement, and we all lose by fighting each other.”

Protests are being planned across the UK following the Supreme court ruling on Trans Rights yesterday, 

Yesterday the Supreme Court ruled that the term ‘woman’ in UK law refers only to ‘biological women’. “The unanimous decision of this court is that the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex,” announced Lord Hodge. “But we counsel against reading this judgement as a triumph of one or more groups in our society at the expense of another, it is not,” he continued.

The ruling comes at the end of a long legal battle that began in 2018 when the women’s group For Women Scotland brought a case against the Scottish government for including trans women in its gender quotas for public sector boards.

Protests are currently planned in London, Swansea, Warwickshire, Sheffield and York with more expected to be announced in the coming hours and days, 

Officers have launched an investigation after a pride bench was set on fire.

Hertfordshire Police said they are investigating a suspected arson after the North Herts Pride LGBTQ+ bench was set on fire on Windmill Hill in Hitchin.

Police said the incident happened between 17:00 BST on Monday and 09:00 on Tuesday.

"We cannot say for sure it is done out of hate, but it is a horrific thing that happened," Niamh Skinner, director of North Herts Pride, said.  "We will never stop, we are not going anywhere, and we will repaint it brighter and better," she added. The traditionally coloured bench received a rainbow-style makeover in March 2023 after a councillor gave North Herts Pride some money from their locality .The group was then able to commission local artist Jacob Williams-Leroy to paint the bench to represent LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) communities. budget.

Katie Wilson, one of the co-founders of North Herts Pride, said "people are quite shocked" as "Hitchin is an accepting town". A fundraising page was set up by the organisation to raise funds for the bench to be repainted.

LGBTQ+ rights organisations, including Stonewall and Scottish Trans, have expressed “shock and disappointment” after anti-trans rights activists won their Supreme Court challenge over the definition of a woman, which could affect the lives of trans women across the UK.

Stonewall CEO, Simon Blake OBE, said: “Stonewall shares the deep concern at the widespread implications for today’s ruling from the Supreme Court. It will be incredibly worrying for the trans community and all of us who support them.

“It’s important to be reminded the Court strongly and clearly re-affirmed the Equality Act protects all trans people against discrimination, based on Gender Reassignment, and will continue to do so. “Once we read and fully digest the judgement, we will work with stakeholders across all sectors to provide as much clarity as possible.

“Stonewall will continue its work with the Government and parliamentarians to achieve equal rights under the law for LGBTQ+ people.” Vic Valentine, Manager of the trans rights charity, said: “We are really shocked by today’s Supreme Court decision – which reverses 20 years of understanding on how the law recognises trans men and women with Gender Recognition Certificates.

Judges at the UK Supreme Court have unanimously ruled that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. 

It marks the culmination of a long-running legal battle which could have major implications for how sex-based rights apply across Scotland, England and Wales. The court sided with campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought a case against the Scottish government arguing that sex-based protections should only apply to people that are born female.

Judge Lord Hodge said the ruling should not be seen as a triumph of one side over the other, and stressed that the law still gives protection against discrimination to transgender people. The Scottish government argued in court that transgender people with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) are entitled to the same sex-based protections as biological women. The Supreme Court was asked to decide on the proper interpretation of the 2010 Equality Act, which applies across Britain. 

Transgender people warned the case could erode the protections they have against discrimination in their reassigned gender.  Scottish Trans manager Vic Valentine said the organisation was "shocked" by the court ruling, arguing that it "reverses 20 years of understanding on how the law recognises trans men and women with gender recognition certificates".

Businesses have voiced their concerns about the relocation of Brighton Pride's street party.  It was announced in April that the Brighton & Hove Pride Village Party will no longer be held in St James's Street after complaints from some residents. But business owners on the street say they are worried about safety and public order, as crowds will still come to the area on 2 and 3 August without security, toilets and certain traffic control measures.

Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage & tourism at Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC), said the local authority was working with organisers to address any safety concerns, including on traffic management and potential road closures. She told BBC Radio Sussex holding the party on St James's Street was "no longer" possible due to government measures to protect public events from terrorism. Craig Harwood, co-owner of the Marine Tavern, warned of "potential serious injury or worse with buses and traffic", suggesting people would still go to St James's Street as they might be unaware of the change. Jack Wiley, manager of Affinity Bar, claimed "everyone is annoyed" by the changes. He said business owners had "massive concerns" about underage drinking, who would clean the street up afterwards, and an absence of portable toilets. 

Brighton and Hove City Council agreed with Pride organisers to relocate the street party to Marine Parade, where there will be outside bars and entertainment stages for a ticketed event.

The Hungarian government has voted to pass an amendment to its constitution which will ban all public events by LGBTQ+ communities.

The amendment follows on from a law which was fast-tracked last month to ban Pride marches from taking place in the country on the basis that such events could harm children’s “moral development.” This law also controversially allows police to use facial recognition technology to identify people who attend such events and fine them up to 200,000 Hungarian forints (£412) for their attendance.

In order to pass, the amendment required a two-thirds majority vote, which it received when it passed by a vote of 140 for to 21 against.

The amendment was proposed by the ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition led by current Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. As per the Associated Press, the amendment states “that children’s rights to moral, physical and spiritual development supersede any right other than the right to life, including that to peacefully assemble.”

Canadian alt-pop singer Allie X has been announced as the main headliner for Bristol Pride 2025.

Making her debut in the city, the singer known for her hits such as Weird World and Devil I Know, will headline the festival's main Pride Day on12 July.

Taking place on The Downs, Bristol Pride will run from 28 June to 12 July and will feature a range of events across the city including comedy, drag performances, theatre, sport and film screenings.

Daryn Carter MBE, director of Bristol Pride, said: "Allie X is a phenomenal addition to this year's line-up. Her music resonates deeply with the LGBT+ community, not just for its sound, but for its message of self-expression and defiance." Pride Day on 12 July will feature more than 200 performers and will take place across five different stages, including cabaret, circus, dance tents and numerous community focused stalls.

Performers on the main stage include 90s icon Kim Wilde, Ultra Naté and Eurodance star Cascada, 

Ethel Cain has made history as the first publicly trans musician to reach the top 10 of the US Billboard 200. 

The singer-songwriter – whose real name is Hayden Anhedönia – achieved the feat upon the vinyl release of her debut album Preacher’s Daughter, which originally dropped in 2022.

The singer-songwriter – whose real name is Hayden Anhedönia – achieved the feat upon the vinyl release of her debut album Preacher’s Daughter, which originally dropped in 2022. Upon its vinyl release, Preacher’s Daughter sold 37,000 copies between April 4 and April 10, 2025. It also charted at number one on the Top Album Sales chart.

According to PopBase, this makes the album the highest charting by an out trans artist in the US. Kim Petras previously reached the number 52 spot with 2022’s Kill the Beas

The album has also reached number 10 on the UK Albums chart.

“We have grave concerns about whether he can survive,” says Andry José Hernández Romero's lawyer of conditions at the maximum security prison

A former US cop with credibility issues was involved in sending José Hernández Romero, a gay make-up artist, to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, it has been reported.

Despite his dismissal from the force, ex-Milwaukee police officer Charles Cross, Jr. secured employment with CoreCivic, a private prison contractor that operates facilities for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It is claimed Cross signed a report alleging Romero’s affiliation with the Tren de Aragua gang based on the migrant’s tattoos, as per documents reviewed by USA Today. The tattoos were in fact tributes to Romero’s parents.

Cross was fired as a Milwaukee police sergeant in 2012 after driving a car while intoxicated. He appealed the decision and resigned in the process, as per the department. Cross has also been investigated for getting overtime pay for hours he allegedly hadn’t worked

Thousands of Hungarian protesters wearing drab clothes and brandishing satirical placards turned the streets of Budapest into a sea of grey on Saturday, April 12 poking fun at Prime Minister Viktor Orban‘s recent clampdown on LGBTQ+ rights and diversity. 

“Sameness is trendy” and “Censorship” read some of the ironic signs held up by protesters, who took aim at Orban’s nationalist policies. 

The rally was called by the small parodic Two-tailed Dog Party in response to a recently adopted bill, which aims to ban the annual Pride parade on the basis that it infringes on Hungary’s much-criticised “child protection” law.

The legislation which was fast-tracked through parliament also enables authorities to fine those who attend or organise such an event, and use facial recognition tools to identify potential offenders.

Waving grey flags, including rainbow flags turned monochromatic that called for a “Gray Pride”, more than 10,000 people joined the humorous demonstration with a serious cause in Budapest, according to journalists.