Weekly Queer News GAY45: Holiday Edition Update

A weekly digest of the essential queer news in your backyard!

This week, THE9+ is edited by me, Taylor Abbot, the News Editor, with the support of the editorial team.

This is the final weekly news before the holiday. You — and we — deserve a month’s break from the noise of the world. We’ll be back in September. If anything radical happens, we’ll send you breaking news.

HAPPY HOLIDAY!

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If you want to hear the most essential news commented on in-depth, listen to our weekly podcast, Queer News & Journalism or go to our YouTube Channel @GAY45mag.

And then…

Weekly Queer News GAY45 — “I became a suspect, and if that is the price we have to pay in this country for standing up for our own freedom and that of others, then I am proud of it,” Karácsony wrote on Facebook. | Guillaume Horcajuelo/EPA

Hungary. Politics. Budapest Mayor Summoned After Defying Pride Ban

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony has been summoned by police for questioning as a suspect, weeks after the city co-organised a banned Pride march. The 28 June demonstration drew over 200,000 participants, despite the Hungarian government’s efforts to prevent it under a controversial law restricting LGBTQ+ expression. Karácsony, a Green Party politician, confirmed the summons via Facebook, stating: “If this is the price for standing up for freedom, I am proud.” He could face up to a year in prison. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had earlier condemned the Pride event as a “disgrace,” linking it to Brussels. Surveillance was stepped up along the route, with facial recognition software reportedly authorised. Hungary’s parliament recently formalised a ban on Pride events, citing a 2021 “gay propaganda” law. Critics say the move reflects Orbán’s longstanding anti-queer agenda, including bans on legal gender recognition and same-sex adoption.

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The USA. Justice. Macron Files Defamation Suit Against US Commentator Candace Owens

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron have filed a defamation lawsuit in Delaware against American right-wing commentator Candace Owens. The suit accuses Owens of leading a “campaign of global humiliation” by falsely alleging that Brigitte Macron, 72, is a transgender woman and that President Macron, 47, is involved in a CIA mind control experiment. Filed in a U.S. jurisdiction, the legal move underscores the cross-border implications of viral misinformation and its potential diplomatic repercussions. Owens has not publicly responded to the lawsuit.

Germany. Protest. Berlin Police Break Up Pro-Palestinian Queer Protest, Sparking Rights Concerns

Berlin police forcibly shut down a queer protest in Kreuzberg during the city’s Christopher Street Day celebrations on Saturday, detaining 57 people and filing 54 criminal complaints. The “Internationalist Queer Pride for Liberation” drew around 10,000 participants, marching in solidarity with Palestine and against racism and colonialism. The protest, which began at Südstern, was cut short before reaching its planned endpoint at Oranienplatz. Authorities cited alleged antisemitic chants and assaults on officers as justification, claiming 17 officers were injured by thrown objects. Video footage online appears to show officers using force, including dragging protesters to the ground. Police declined to comment on protester injuries. Organisers accused police of escalating tensions. The city’s mayor, Kai Wegner, had previously warned of “robust” intervention. Human rights groups, including the Council of Europe, have criticised Berlin’s protest policing, urging authorities to uphold freedom of assembly and avoid excessive force.

The USA. Human Rights. Outrage After Gay Vermont Superintendent Detained by US Border Agents

U.S. border agents are facing sharp criticism after Wilmer Chavarria, a gay school superintendent from Vermont, was allegedly subjected to hours of “psychological terror” at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Returning from Nicaragua with his husband, Chavarria was detained, separated, and interrogated for over five hours by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, who reportedly questioned his citizenship, marriage, and job. Chavarria, a naturalised U.S. citizen and Harvard graduate, said his phone and laptop were seized, and he was denied legal counsel. Vermont lawmakers and his school board condemned the incident as “inhumane” and “unjust.” CBP did not comment on the specific case but said inspections are essential for national security and that officers act “with respect and professionalism.” Chavarria’s Global Entry status has since been revoked without explanation. Congresswoman Becca Balint called the incident “a violation of constitutional rights.”

The USA/Denmark. LEGO Drops LGBT+ Language but Pays Tribute to Gay Icon Keith Haring

LEGO has quietly removed references to LGBT+ and diversity from its annual report and website, prompting concern over a shift in the company’s stance on inclusion. Searches for “rainbow” or “LGBT” now yield no results, despite past releases like the acclaimed Everyone Is Awesome set. The Danish toymaker, however, has launched a new tribute to openly gay artist and AIDS activist Keith Haring. Part of the LEGO Art series, the Dancing Figures set features Haring’s iconic pop art style and aims to celebrate his legacy of activism and accessibility. The move raises questions about LEGO’s strategy amid mounting culture wars in the United States, its largest market. Critics fear the company may be retreating from vocal support for diversity. LEGO has not responded to inquiries about the apparent shift in messaging.

Global. Film. Five LGBTQ+ Films Recognised Among 21st Century’s Best by NYT

The New York Times, in collaboration with 500 industry professionals, has named the top 100 films of the 21st century – with five critically acclaimed LGBTQ+ titles making the list. Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight ranks highest at fifth place, followed by Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain (17), Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name (37), Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire (38), and Todd Haynes’ Carol (72). Each film explores themes of love, identity, and social constraint with remarkable sensitivity and depth. While the full list includes additional films with LGBTQ+ characters in supporting roles, these five centre queer narratives and experiences, marking a significant cultural recognition of LGBTQ+ storytelling in global cinema. The selection reflects evolving industry attitudes and growing appreciation for diverse voices in film. At the top of the 100 list is Parasite (2019).

The Netherlands. Pageant. Mr Gay Europe Cuts Ties with 2025 Final Producer Over Transparency Dispute

Mr Gay Europe has officially ended its collaboration with Dutch producer Bram Birkens, citing serious concerns over transparency, unauthorised changes, and hostile communication regarding the 2025 final planned for Amsterdam. The board claims Birkens withheld access to contracts and financial documents, altered competition formats without approval, and reinstated elements such as the swimwear section against organisational values. Long-time legal advisor Coenie Kukkuk was also barred from his jury role. Attempts to restore dialogue were reportedly met with threats of public retaliation. As a result, the Amsterdam event will no longer carry official Mr Gay Europe status, and any winner will not be recognised. Founded in 2005, Mr Gay Europe has maintained a strong stance on volunteerism, integrity and participant protection. The organisation remains committed to its founding principles despite growing scepticism about the relevance of pageants in modern LGBTQ+ activism.

Global. Media. Press Freedom Under Intensified Pressure—Report

A fresh press freedom update last week paints a grim global landscape, as more than half the world’s population now lives under severe restrictions, while attacks on journalists and censorship continue unabated. Reporters Without Borders’ 2025 Press Freedom Index found that 4.25 billion people in 42 countries are now living in “red‑zone” conditions, where media independence is heavily compromised. Meanwhile, a CNTI international survey revealed that 54% of journalists believe their governments exert excessive control over reporting, a sentiment especially common in autocracies and electoral democracies. In Europe, the Council of Europe’s Platform highlighted threats including coverage of the Ukraine war, digital surveillance, and state-backed disinformation campaigns. Advocacy groups such as the IFJ, RSF, UNESCO and allied organisations are calling on governments to bolster legal protections, counter disinformation, safeguard journalist safety, and reinforce media independence worldwide.

Bosnia and Herzegovina. History. Country Publishes First Book on Queer History

Bosnia and Herzegovina has published its first comprehensive account of queer life with the release of A History of Queer Life in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a landmark book documenting centuries of LGBTQ+ presence, resistance, and identity across the region. Spanning seven chapters, the book traces queer experiences from medieval Bosnia through the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires to the Yugoslav and post-war periods. Drawing on court archives, folk tales, travelogues, and oral testimonies, the project marks a pioneering contribution to both regional and European queer historiography. Edited by Damir Imamović and co-authored by five researchers, the volume took four years to complete and features 105 rare images, including court rulings and newspaper clippings. Critics have praised its blend of scholarship and activism, with historian Dr Catherine Baker calling it a milestone in the broader European history of sexuality and gender.

Cuba. Politics. Landmark Law Allowing Gender Self-Declaration Enters in Practice

Cuba has passed a landmark law allowing individuals to self-declare their gender without the need for surgery, in a major advance for trans rights on the island. The reform, approved earlier this month by the National Assembly of People’s Power, also modernises Cuba’s civil registry, enabling digital documentation and granting legal recognition to common-law partnerships. Justice Minister Oscar Silvera Martínez said the law would support the creation of a “modern civil registry” with digital records offering “full validity and efficiency”. The move is Cuba’s most significant LGBTQ+ legal development since 2022, when voters approved a progressive family code legalising same-sex marriage, adoption rights, and other inclusive protections. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla welcomed the reform as part of Cuba’s broader push for social justice, while President Miguel Díaz-Canel praised accompanying legislation enhancing protections for young people.

Spain. Art. Reina Sofía Museum Reclaims Forgotten Queer Legacy of Spanish Symbolist Néstorn

Spain’s Reina Sofía Museum is honouring the legacy of Néstor Martín-Fernández de la Torre, a pioneering queer artist from the Canary Islands, with a landmark retrospective featuring nearly 200 works. The exhibition, Néstor Reencontrado, highlights his exploration of homoeroticism, androgyny, and symbolism that defied the sexual and moral conventions of early 20th-century Spain. Born in Las Palmas in 1887, Néstor trained in Madrid and Barcelona before living in Paris with his partner, composer Gustavo Durán. His death in 1938 was followed by decades of erasure, as Franco’s regime rebranded his art as folkloric. Curated by Juan Vicente Aliaga, the show seeks to restore Néstor’s place in Spanish art history, presenting paintings, scenography, and murals, including the sensual Epitalamio and the unfinished Poema de los Elementos, celebrated for their queer, esoteric, and mythological depth. The exhibition can be seen until 8 September.

The USA. Politics. Makeup Artist Deported to El Salvador by Trump Alleges Sexual Abuse

Venezuelan asylum seeker and makeup artist Andry Hernández Romero has returned home after 125 days in El Salvador’s CECOT prison, alleging torture, sexual abuse, and starvation following deportation from the US under a Trump-era policy. Despite legally entering the US, he was expelled without due process. Hernández Romero, who is gay, says he was beaten and sexually assaulted by guards. US officials deny the claims, labelling deportees as gang members. Venezuela’s attorney general has opened an investigation, while advocates warn he remains at risk under Maduro’s regime and are seeking relocation to a third country. Read our report on his deportation here.

The UK. Sports. LGBTQ+-led Lionesses Lead England to Historic Euros Win

England’s Lionesses made history in Basel by becoming the first England team to win a major trophy on foreign soil, retaining their European title with a dramatic 3–1 penalty shootout win over Spain. The squad, composed of many openly LGBTQ+ players, was led by bisexual captain Leah Williamson, who lifted the trophy for a second time. Chloe Kelly—who famously scored the winner in 2022—netted the decisive penalty, while goalkeeper Hannah Hampton made crucial saves. Forward Lauren Hemp, also queer, was a standout across the match. Beth Mead, in a relationship with Dutch player Vivianne Miedema, and Lucy Bronze, who played the tournament with a fractured leg, joined in the celebrations.

GAY45 news — A still from Derek Jarman’s film The Angelic Conversation, 1985. Photograph: BFI / Courtesy of the BFI National Archive

Ireland. Art. Museum Accused of Censorship After Suspending Gay Film Screening

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) has denied claims of censorship after temporarily suspending Derek Jarman’s 1985 film The Angelic Conversation following a public complaint about a same-sex kiss shown on its outdoor screen. The museum said the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” after a parent objected to “topless adults kissing” near their young child. IMMA confirmed it will resume screenings in August, stressing its commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion. “It is regrettable the situation has been misconstrued,” said director Annie Fletcher, reaffirming the museum’s support for Jarman’s work and queer representation in the arts.

Global. Politics. Grindr Reverses Ban on “No Zionists” After Backlash Over Content Moderation

Grindr has reversed a short-lived policy banning users from including the phrase “no Zionists” in their profiles, following widespread backlash. The LGBTQ+ dating app confirmed the decision late Monday, citing a regular review of moderation policies. “The policy was implemented due to user complaints around its potentially inflammatory nature,” a Grindr spokesperson told Queerty. “Upon further review, we’ve decided to reverse it.” The move comes amid renewed scrutiny of Grindr’s content moderation. Critics noted the platform still allows discriminatory preferences such as “no Blacks” or “no FFA” (fats, femmes, Asians), despite its terms banning offensive content. While some welcomed the anti-Zionist ban, others—along with organisations like the Anti-Defamation League—challenged Grindr’s inconsistency. Jewish and Israeli users have reported increased hostility on the app amid reports of rising global antisemitism. Grindr, which has over 14 million monthly users, has faced ongoing criticism regarding user safety and discriminatory content across its platform.

Must Read of GAY45

Vacation is coming, so… go through our archive; always you will find something nice to read.

An excellent review of the film I Saw the TV Glow
Enchanted Melodies of Love, a list of amazing songs for the nights on the beach
A nice read if you like true crime: The Murder of Brent Sikkema: A Story of Art, Money, and Betrayal

Quote of the Week

Queer is the primary name given to the disruptive power of the Real. — Lee Edelman

Film of the Week

Mo tackles a tough topic at a troubling time, but sharp gags and vibrant storytelling mean the comedy expertly skewers the immigration experience in the US today. This is a show about a Palestinian refugee trying to claim citizenship in the country he’s lived since he was a child – proving himself between two cultures, and (occasionally) making a pig’s ear of doing so. In series two, Mo finds himself trapped in Mexico, selling tacos and moonlighting as a lucha libre wrestler. Can he get back to America to attend the asylum hearing he’s been waiting 22 years for? The Guardian: Mo brings together food, identity, immigration, family andMiddle Eastern politics in a way that’s as fresh and intriguing as the falafel tacos that become central to the plot.

Book of the Week

Adam Haslett’s Imagine Me Gone – a Pulitzer Prize finalist – is a searing and compassionate exploration of mental illness and inherited trauma across generations. Spanning nearly 50 years and two continents, Haslett crafts a multi-voiced narrative centred on Michael, the eldest son plagued by debilitating psychological torment inherited from his father. Through shifting perspectives, the novel dissects familial love, obligation and the maddening relentlessness of mental instability. At once heartbreaking and luminous, Imagine Me Gone is an exceptional meditation on care, resilience, and the impossible privilege of loving someone in pain. Haslett doesn’t offer easy answers — only grace in the struggle.

Music of the Week

Perverts is Ethel Cain’s sophomore release. The album is a departure from her first album and is a journey. It’s a long, often difficult album, and is likely to push Ethel Cain’s more casual fans into musical territory that they will find both shocking and unfamiliar. a challenging and experimental album that explores themes of discomfort, perversion, and the human condition, moving away from the more narrative-driven approach of her previous work. It blends ethereal beauty with harsh, dissonant elements, creating a sonic landscape that is both unsettling and captivating. Not for everybody.

Conversation starters, cooking, fashion and games from our favourite newspapers:

Travel: Spend 36 hours in Key West, Fla., one of the most gay-friendly cities in the U.S.
Consider: Is “joyspan” the key to aging well? A long life doesn’t matter much if you don’t enjoy it.
Play the Spelling Bee. And here are The New York Times’s Mini Crossword and Wordle. You can find all their puzzles here.

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