Your guide to the queer media circus.
As usual… 5.5 minutes to read. 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 March 7.
This week, the Vatican has an AI Ethicist, and then:
Russia. Politics. App Duolingo Accused for Using Inclusive Lessons.
A Russian media watchdog is probing Duolingo, a leading language-learning app, for alleged dissemination of “LGBT propaganda,” in line with the country’s stringent anti-LGBT+ laws. Roskomnadzor (RKN) is investigating the language learning app for potentially promoting LGBT+ content, following a complaint by a “human rights” group, Radetel. This move comes amid Russia’s history of homophobic legislation, including bans on gender-affirming procedures and censoring “gay propaganda.” Duolingo, with over 60 million users globally, incorporates LGBT+ representation in its lessons, aiming to promote diversity. The RKN confirmed the investigation, while Duolingo defends its inclusion of LGBT+ characters as part of its commitment to diversity. GAY45 asked for comment and is awaiting Duolingo’s response.
The EU. Politics. Barometer Show Progress Amid Uncertainty in LGBT+ Community.
The EU Barometer’s December release brings a ray of hope amid Europe’s uncertain landscape. Signalling a shift, around two-thirds of respondents now advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within the bloc. Over 70% champion the validity of same-sex unions and advocate for marriage equality across Europe. Encouragingly, support for transgender individuals to rectify civil documents to match their true gender identity has seen a modest uptick since 2019. This evolving sentiment underscores a growing acceptance of diversity within the EU, promising strides toward a more inclusive future. Still though, more than half of respondents say there is widespread discrimination in their country on the basis of being Roma (65%), of skin colour (61%,) of ethnic origin (60%), of gender identity (being transgender, 57%) or sexual orientation (54%).
Poland. Politics. Apologies From the TV National Broadcaster for Hate Speech.
The Polish state broadcaster, TVP Info, issued an apology for perpetuating anti-LGBT sentiment during the reign of the Law and Justice party (PiS). Host Wojciech Szelag acknowledges channel’s past role in spreading “hateful words” towards the LGBT+ community. Pro-EU Prime Minister Donald Tusk is overseeing changes to the broadcaster, emphasising reconciliation. Activist Bart Staszewski was moved by the apology, highlighting TVP Info past use as a tool of hate. Under PiS, TVP frequently aired anti-LGBT content. Reforms under Tusk’s government have lead to personnel changes. TVP Info also apologised for attacks on the former Gdansk mayor. The apology comes amidst broader reforms initiated by Prime Minister Donald Tusk to address past injustices.
Yemen. Politics. 22 Queer People and 4 Journalists could be Executed.
In Yemen, 22 individuals face death sentences for homosexuality-related charges, handed down by courts under the control of the Houthis, a Shia Islamist political and military organization. Amnesty International reports that on January 23, the criminal court in Dhamar sentenced nine individuals to death and 23 others to prison terms for up to 10 years on charges including “homosexuality” and “spreading immorality”. Additionally, on February 1, the court in Ibb sentenced 13 students to death and three others to flogging for “spreading homosexuality”. Amnesty’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Grazia Careccia, condemned the rulings as “deeply distressing” and called for the immediate release of individuals detained based on sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBTQ+ individuals in Yemen face continued persecution amid the conflict, with documented cases of arbitrary arrest, torture, and harassment by various parties. Also, four Yemeni journalists were detained for more than seven years and sentenced to death by the Houthi group.
Vatican. Politics. Pope Appointed an AI ethicist.
Father Paolo Benanti, a friar with a penchant for contemplating both the divine and the digital, occupies a unique role as the Vatican’s and the Italian government’s foremost artificial intelligence ethicist. Benanti’s daily endeavours involve advising on matters ranging from the ethical deployment of AI to the spiritual implications of technological advancement. His responsibilities include interfacing with high-profile figures like Bill Gates and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, as well as overseeing initiatives aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations from the potential harms of AI.
The USA. Entertainment. Jon Stewart comes back to TV.
Jon Stewart, renowned for his transformative tenure as host of “The Daily Show” from 1999 to 2015, is embarking on a comeback journey to reclaim his comedic throne and navigate the evolving landscape of late-night television. Returning to Comedy Central’s iconic program, Stewart aims to infuse his unique blend of sharp satire and incisive commentary into the current political discourse. Steward is famous for standing for gay marriage at a time when the LGBT+ community was under terrible attack.
Grece. Politics. First Orthodox Country to Approve Gay Marriage.
Greek lawmakers defied resistance from the Greek Orthodox Church to legalize same-sex civil marriage, making Greece the first Orthodox Christian nation to do so. Despite objections from religious authorities, polls indicated strong public support for the bill backed by the center-right government and several center-left parties. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the move as a breakthrough, emphasizing the promotion of coexistence. While celebrations erupted among supporters waving rainbow banners, opponents, holding religious icons, expressed dissent peacefully outside parliament. The decision grants full parental rights to married same-sex partners, yet excludes parenthood through surrogate mothers. The development contrasts with Orthodox-majority nations’ hesitancy towards LGBTQ+ rights.
Germany. Art. Audre Lorde Exhibition in Berlin.
On 19 February at 6 pm, the exhibition “Audre Lorde – The Berlin Years” will open at the FHXB Museum Berlin, highlighting the life and work of the African-American lesbian poet and activist Audre Lorde (1934-1992) in West Berlin between 1984 and 1992. Lorde was an important voice in the fight against homophobia, sexism and racism and had a significant influence on the Black women* movement worldwide. The photo exhibition, originally shown at the John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies at Freie Universität Berlin, presents portraits by Dagmar Schultz of Lorde at various locations in and outside Berlin. The exhibition runs until 30 June 2024 and is part of the permanent exhibition “Ortsgespräche – Ferngespräche – Ortsgeschichten”.
The USA. Erotica Next Level. Couple Having Sex on the Top of a Subway Train.
In response to daring social media images depicting two men engaging in intimate acts atop a moving subway train, the Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) has condemned the behaviour as “reckless” and “dumb.” Tim Minto, Communications Director, expressed concern for the safety of transit workers and the potential aftermath of such stunts. The incident, reported on February 16, spurred debate over subway safety, with the MTA highlighting an increase in fatalities related to “subway surfing.” Notably, the authenticity of the images and their impact on services remain unconfirmed. GAY45 does not support “subway surfing.”
Recommendations from our favourite newspapers. This week, NYT.
Listen: BeyHive, assemble! Beyoncé announced an upcoming album in a Super Bowl commercial.
Reinforce: How to strengthen your teeth.
Play the Spelling Bee. And here are today’s Mini Crossword and Wordle. You can find all our puzzles here.
Cuddle: The case for sleeping with stuffed animals as an adult.
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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.
Taylor Abbot 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 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. Lives and works between Berlin and London.
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