Your guide to the queer media circus.
As usual… 5.5 minutes to read. Your guide to the queer media circus. A weekly digest of the most important queer news in your backyard! Exclusively for paid subscribers every Monday, “The 9” is curated weekly by Taylor Abbot + the GenZ editorial team.
If you want to hear the most important news commented on in-depth, you can listen to our podcast, GenClash: Queer Perspectives on Current Affairs. The first episode is set to be launched on February 15.
This week, Green Day are back, and then:
The World. Politics. Most Gay-Friendly Cities Worldwide by Insider Monkey
In a comprehensive list, the Warren Buffet-backed financial media outlet Insider Monkey explored the 10 most gay-friendly cities globally, shedding light on inclusive environments for the LGBT+ community. For a deeper dive into the LGBT+ landscape, its economic impact, legal safeguards, and implications for corporate refer to the the article. New Zealand, is consider the most progressive nation, and secures its place in the top ten with Auckland as one of the most gay-friendly cities. The full list includes Amsterdam, Fort Lauderdale, and a gay-friendly city in Mexico, among others. Each city is assessed based on factors contributing to LGBT+ acceptance and thriving communities. The most friendly city in the world is considered New York City followed by Oslo. As usual, Oslo, Amsterdam and Berlin are the most friendly gay cities in Europe.
Greek PM Mitsotakis
Greece. Politics. Battle Over Same-Sex Marriage.
In a nation rooted in conservatism and dominated by a significant Orthodox Christian community, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis faces resistance to his promise of extending rights to the LGBTQ+ community. The proposed legislation for same-sex marriage is now under intense scrutiny, with the influential Orthodox Church vehemently opposing the move. Despite cohabitation agreements for same-sex couples being recognized since 2015, the Orthodox Church is actively campaigning against granting parental rights to gay couples, limiting them to adoption only. The Church argues that the bill challenges traditional family structures, gender roles, and prioritizes the desires of homosexual adults over the welfare of future children. Notwithstanding the Church’s stance, recent polls indicate majority support among Greeks for the progressive changes.
USA. Entertainment. Sam Altman got married.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has tied the knot with his long-time partner and friend, Oliver Mulherin, in an intimate ceremony in Hawaii. The 38-year-old tech entrepreneur exchanged vows with Mulherin in a seaside ceremony, attended by around a dozen people, near Altman’s residence on the island. The couple shared the joyous news on Instagram, with Mulherin expressing, “Married my best friend and love of my life” in the caption. Pictures from the ceremony circulated on social media, showcasing the couple surrounded by palm trees. Oliver Mulherin is an Australian coder, who worked on some AI-related projects at the University of Melbourne. Sam Altman and Oliver Mulherin will live in San Francisco in a mansion they purchased for $27 million. Sam Altman is considered a genius in line with Alan Turing, changing the world with his AI vision.
Austria. Books. Fanzineist Vienna Art Book & Zine Fair 2024 to host QUEER QUARTER with GAY45 support.
Vienna is abuzz with anticipation as the Fanzineist Vienna Art Book & Zine Fair 2024 gears up to be a prominent showcase dedicated to independent publishing in literature, art, design, and creative endeavors. In a groundbreaking move, the fair introduces a dedicated space for the LGBT+ community, organized in collaboration with GAY45.eu. The event, orchestrated by Deniz Beser and Dayan Ozan Ozoglu, promises a dynamic atmosphere of creativity and passion, offering a distinct experience for enthusiasts of independent publishing. Held at the exclusive Atelierhaus Akademie der bildenden Künste Wien, the 2024 edition is poised to surpass the previous year’s success, featuring an anticipated increase in exhibitors. Last year, the fair hosted 110 physical and 20 online exhibitors from 20 countries. Attendees can immerse themselves in a diverse array of publications, encompassing zines, comic books, graphic novels, and more.
USA. Film. San Francisco Independent Film Festival Showcases LGBT+ Narratives
San Francisco’s Independent Film Festival, set to take place from February 8–18, has unveiled a vibrant selection celebrating LGBTQ+ voices. Among the highlights, Finding Lucinda explores the journey of non-binary artist ISMAY, while Matter of Mind: My Parkinson’s presents a poignant perspective on life with Parkinson’s. In the Meantime captivates with a black-and-white drama about a quarter-life crisis, and Unfix addresses serious issues while veering unintentionally into comedy. The Knowing delves into HIV and relationships, At Lucy’s Last Night explores post-hookup feelings, and online shorts Panic Attack and Day Jobs touch on transgender experiences and self-discovery. The festival promises a compelling showcase of diverse LGBTQ+ narratives across various genres.
USA. Film. Sundance Film Festival presents Will Ferrell’s charming trans road trip documentary
The highly anticipated documentary, Will & Harper, debuted at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival, leaving audiences in awe with multiple standing ovations, laughter, tears, and applause. The film, directed by Josh Greenbaum, follows the journey of actor Will Ferrell and his old SNL friend, Harper Steele, on a transformative road trip exploring friendship, identity, and the challenges faced by the transgender community. While the documentary’s glossy production and celebrity cameos received widespread acclaim, some critics noted occasional blurring between fact and fiction. Greenbaum’s orchestration, marked by a grand score and pre-planned moments, struggled to find a balance. The film’s power lies in its intimate portrayal of Steele’s transgender experience, offering poignant insights into the complexities of friendship and allyship. Will & Harper succeeds as a buddy comedy and a significant act of public service, shedding light on the transgender journey. Ferrell’s role as an ally is portrayed generously, but not without examining the unintended consequences of his fame. The documentary, with its moments of piercing sadness and shaggy humor, emerges as a compelling narrative, reminding viewers of the beauty and challenges that accompany the journey of self-discovery on the open road.
USA. Music. Green Day Unveils Queer Celebration in “Bobby Sox”
Green Day, the iconic punk rock band, has dropped an exuberant and queer-filled video for their latest single, “Bobby Sox,” from the newly released album, “Saviours.” The video, described by the band as a “queer singalong,” radiates joy, featuring kisses, friendship, and an LGBTQ+ celebration. Filmed at a California house party, the video showcases Green Day performing, surrounded by a diverse crowd of musicians, including members of the Linda Lindas, set to tour with Green Day this year. The lively scenes include party-goers crowd-surfing, dancing, tattooing, and even toddlers enjoying the music. The video concludes with a montage of kisses, including passionate make-outs, platonic cheek-kisses, and Green Day members Tré Cool and Mike Dirnt kissing frontman Billie Joe Armstrong on the cheeks. Armstrong, who came out as bisexual in 1995, expressed pride in being seen as a “bisexual icon” and described the new single as a “queer singalong.” The song’s queer lyrics reflect Armstrong’s openness and evolving societal acceptance. He noted that while it was less common for individuals to openly express their LGBTQ+ identities in the past, times have changed, and there’s now more support. Green Day, aligning with their commitment to inclusivity, recently voiced support for the transgender community, criticizing anti-trans sentiment as “close-minded.” Here is the video.
Jack Chambers
Ireland. Politics. Minister of State comes out.
Irish Minister of State, Jack Chambers, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt coming-out post, disclosing his homosexuality. In the candid message, Chambers expressed the challenges of discussing his private life as a politician but emphasized the importance of authenticity. “As a politician, it can sometimes be difficult to talk about my private life, but it is important to be loyal to myself first and foremost – and to all of you in my role as a public service provider,” he wrote. Chambers, currently serving in the Irish Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Communications, had previously held positions in the government. Having privately shared his truth with close friends and family, Chambers felt empowered by their support to publicly embrace his identity. Grateful for Ireland’s progress towards inclusivity and equality, he acknowledged the country’s positive transformation in recent years. Chambers follows in the footsteps of Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who made history in 2017 as the country’s first openly gay head of government. Varadkar’s commitment to creating a fair and inclusive republic marked a significant milestone for Ireland. Chambers’ courageous revelation adds to the ongoing narrative of increased LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance in Irish politics.
Germany. Technology. WeAreDevelopers World Congress 2024 Announced in Berlin, Featuring Robust queer participation on Queer Tech Day.
GAY45.eu and parent organisation DerAffe Vienna proudly partners with the WeAreDevelopers World Congress, an annual event uniting global software developers and tech decision-makers. The congress serves as a hub for discussions on the latest trends and innovations shaping the world of technology. Acknowledged as a premier event for the tech community, it provides a unique experience where influential technical thought leaders share insights and expertise.Positioning modern software developers as the architects of society’s future, leveraging the possibilities of software development, the event is scheduled for July 17th to 19th, 2024, in Berlin. The congress is dedicated to offering a platform for career development, skill acquisition, and staying abreast of industry advancements. The WeAreDevelopers World Congress 2024 extends invitations to professionals, enthusiasts, and those eager to explore new ideas, connect with like-minded individuals, and exchange knowledge and experiences. This gathering promises to be a pivotal moment for the tech community, shaping the industry’s trajectory and fostering a collaborative future. In June 2024, coinciding with Pride Month, the conference will feature the dedicated Queer Tech Day on 12 of June.
USA. Film. Oscars 2024: Significant LGBT+ nominations and notable snubs
The 96th Academy Awards nominations, announced by Zazie Beetz and Jack Quaid, showcase various queer and queer-adjacent films from the past year, featuring favourites like Barbie and Oppenheimer. Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig from Barbie faced surprising snubs, while Ryan Gosling secured a nod for Best Supporting Actor. America Ferrera earned her first-ever nomination for Best Supporting Actress in Barbie. Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and “I’m Just Ken” by Gosling are nominated for Best Original Song. Colmon Domingo, for playing the eponymous role in Rustin, vies for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Other notable nominations include Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, Lily Gladstone, and Danielle Brooks, with notable snubs for Trace Lysette in Monica. The ceremony, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, is set for March 10th at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. We’re really rooting for Colmon Domingo, who we loved in Rustin.
Recommendations from our favourite newspapers. This week, NYT.
Cook: There’s a reason this dish is known as “marry me” chicken.
Game: Palworld, which puts machine guns into the hands of cute creatures, is currently one of the most popular video games on the planet.
Clean: You don’t need to dry clean these fabrics, no matter what the label says.
Listen: Dolly Parton’s cover of “The Entertainer,” and several other recently released songs, grabbed our critics’ attention.
Play the Spelling Bee. And here are today’s Mini Crossword and Wordle. You can find all our puzzles here.
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Curated every week by our news editor Taylor Abbot & GAY45 editorial staff. Exclusive for subscribers on Monday through Substack and Wednesday on the website.
Previously he studied at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He is passionate about journalism, contemporary literature, poetry, technology, socio-political involved art forms and queer implications in society. He wrote previously for several magazines such as Bay Area Reporter or Männer. Nerdy curious, passionate about the weird parts of life and the good stories written by great journalists. Taylor decided to delete all his social media accounts two years ago. He lives and works between Berlin and London.
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