Your weekly guide to the queer media. As usual… 5.5 minutes to read. A weekly digest of the most important queer news in your backyard!
Every Wednesday THE9 is edited by me, Taylor Abbot, with the support of GAY45 GenZ editorial team.
If you want to hear the most essential news commented on in-depth, you can listen to our podcast, GenClash: Queer Perspectives on Current Affairs. Let us know what you think about it.
If you have a comment or a suggestion, write to me at [email protected]
This month, everything is and will be shadowed by Donald Trump, and then:
Germany. Politics. Berlin Police Chief Warns Jewish and LGBTQ+ Residents to Be Cautious
Berlin Police Chief Barbara Slowik cautioned gay and Jewish residents to hide their identity in certain city neighborhoods. dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images.
Berlin Police Chief Barbara Slowik has urged Jewish and LGBTQ+ individuals to exercise caution in specific neighbourhoods of the city due to open hostility. Speaking to Berliner Zeitung, Slowik acknowledged the presence of areas where individuals wearing kippahs or expressing their identity openly might face risks. She emphasised that her remarks were not aimed at stigmatising any group but insisted that certain neighbourhoods with predominantly Arab populations exhibit sympathies for terrorist groups and anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-Semitic attitudes. Despite a low rate of violent crimes for the moment, Slowik acknowledged the ongoing fear within these communities. Since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, for example, Berlin police have launched over 6,200 investigations into anti-Semitic incidents.
Australia. Economy. Male Model Makes $250,000 Annually on OnlyFans
Nath Wyld models for the camera.
Nath Wyld, formerly a fish-and-chip shop employee, has become one of OnlyFans’ top male earners, raking in $250,000 annually. Initially hesitant about stripping, Wyld transitioned from working as a topless waiter to modeling on OnlyFans, where he caters to niche fetishes, including requests for fart-related content. Despite facing early criticism, Wyld embraces his success, noting that most of his subscribers are gay men, though he identifies as straight. He also fulfills role-playing requests, such as dressing as a student or HR manager. While lucrative offers have been made for explicit acts, Wyld maintains boundaries, stating: ‘I have to feel good about myself.’
Advertising
USA. Economy. LGBTQ+ Representation in Tech: Progress and Challenges
LGBTQ-focused marketing is often timed to coincide with Pride celebrations, rather than being spread out through the year. PHOTO: JUSTIN SULLIVAN/GETTY IMAGES
LGBTQ+ individuals make up just 2–3% of the tech workforce, highlighting a stark lack of representation in an industry employing over 12 million people in the U.S. Discrimination, harassment, and underrepresentation persist, with nearly 24% of LGBTQ+ employees reporting public humiliation, according to Kapor Center data. Leaders like Tracy Levesque, a trailblazing lesbian tech entrepreneur, stress the importance of visibility and inclusion. Organisations such as Lesbians Who Tech and Out in Tech are bridging gaps through networking, education, and financial aid, providing resources for marginalised groups. Despite setbacks, Levesque remains hopeful: ‘The future is bright. We’ve come a long way, and the LGBT+ community in tech is stronger than ever.’
The UK. Journalism. The Guardian Leaves X due to Concerns over the Platform’s Role in Political Discourse
The US election campaign underlined what we have considered for a long time: that X is a toxic media platform. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty Images
The Guardian has left X. In 2024, several prominent newspapers and magazines left X, formerly known as Twitter. The Guardian announced its departure due to concerns over the platform’s content moderation and its role in political discourse under Elon Musk’s ownership. Earlier, NPR and PBS also exited the platform, citing issues with X’s labelling practices and concerns about content credibility. GAY45 made the decision not to have a presence on X two years ago. These moves reflect a broader trend among media organisations reassessing their presence on X amidst ongoing controversies.
Trinidad and Tobago. Crime. LGBTQ+ Activist Kennty Mitchell Fatally Shot Outside His Home
Kennty Mitchell
Kennty Mitchell, a 47-year-old LGBTQ+ activist from St. Madeleine, Trinidad, was shot and killed outside his Richie Street home on Friday night. Mitchell, a vocal advocate against discrimination and a taxi driver, was found lying motionless on the roadway around 11:40 PM. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots shortly after Mitchell was seen standing outside his home. Police confirmed Mitchell had previously reported harassment, though no arrests were made. Mitchell had long fought for LGBTQ+ rights, criticising the government for failing the community. He had also won two lawsuits against the police for wrongful arrest and had ongoing legal matters. Authorities are investigating the killing but have not identified a motive. Residents remain reluctant to comment. Social activist and attorney Jason Jones expressed a lack of faith in the police to find Mitchell’s killers, citing a decade-long pattern of inadequate investigations into murders of LGBTQ+ community members and advocates in Trinidad and Tobago.
Poland. Politics. Queer-friendly Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski to Run for Polish Presidency in 2025
Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski at Pride Parade. Fot. Sławomir Kamiński / Agencja Wyborcza.pl
Rafal Trzaskowski, the queer-friendly mayor of Warsaw, has been selected as the presidential candidate for Poland’s liberal-conservative Civic Coalition. Winning 74.75% of the primary vote, Trzaskowski defeated Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, as announced by party leader Donald Tusk, the sitting Prime Minister of Poland. Trzaskowski, known for his commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, aims to challenge the candidate of the national-conservative PiS party. The election date remains unconfirmed, while PiS is expected to announce its candidate on Sunday. Trzaskowski, a political scientist and Oxford graduate, previously lost narrowly to incumbent Andrzej Duda in the 2020 runoff. While popular among progressives, his liberal stance remains polarising in the Catholic-conservative landscape of Poland.
Germany. Politics. First Queer Pankow Award in Berlin received by Syrian Performer
Make Hafla not war. Photo: Frederik Busch
Berlin’s Pankow Town Hall hosted the inaugural QueerPreis Pankow on Thursday, honouring individuals and projects championing inclusion and the fight against discrimination. ‘Queer life must be made visible, seen, and celebrated in public,’ said Jenny Bluhm, Queer Commissioner of Pankow. Syrian performance artist and activist The Darvish received the Individual Award for organising the inclusive queer event Yalla Hafla with Israeli drag artist Judy Ladivina. “We must march hand in hand for our rights and existence,” The Darvish urged. The QueerPreis Pankow highlights efforts to foster coexistence and challenge prejudice, symbolizing solidarity and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community.
The USA. Politics. Trump Nominates Gay Scott Bessent as Treasury Secretary, Marking Historic First
Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Donald Trump has nominated Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager and openly gay billionaire, to serve as the next U.S. Treasury Secretary. If confirmed, Bessent would be the first openly gay cabinet member in a Republican administration. A 62-year-old South Carolina native, Bessent has shifted from supporting Democratic campaigns to becoming a key Trump ally and fundraiser. His financial career includes notable roles, such as working with George Soros on the historic 1992 bet against the British pound. Bessent supports extending the 2017 tax cuts while advocating for strategic spending adjustments. His expertise in Wall Street and unique fiscal perspective will be pivotal in addressing challenges like the debt ceiling and tax reform.
For more information on “homonationalism”, we recommend listening to our GenClash podcast or the Bad Gays podcast.
EU, Switzerland. Human Rights. European Court Blocks Deportation of Gay Man from Switzerland to Iran
Credit: European Court of Human Rights
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has ruled against the deportation of a gay man from Switzerland to Iran, where homosexuality is punishable by death. The case, supported by Stonewall and African Rainbow Family, highlighted the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in countries with oppressive laws. Legal submissions, led by Dr S Chelvan of 33 Bedford Row and Jacqueline McKenzie of Leigh Day, challenged the Swiss authorities’ claim that the man could avoid persecution by concealing his identity. The Court rejected this “discretion” argument, affirming the individual’s right to live openly. The landmark ruling impacts LGBTQ+ asylum claims in 46 Council of Europe member states, advancing protections for those fleeing persecution. Switzerland and Austria are the countries in EU with the most immigrants’ rights convictions.
The USA. Entertainment. Golden Globes Shine Spotlight on Queer Film and TV
Copyright: Netflix
The 2024 Golden Globes celebrated a banner year for queer representation, with Emilia Pérez dominating the night. The audacious crime musical about a trans cartel leader won four awards, including Best Musical/Comedy and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña. In her acceptance speech, trans actress Karla Sofía Gascón declared, ‘The light always wins over darkness.’ Netflix’s Baby Reindeer also triumphed, securing Best Limited Series and a win for Jessica Gunning as Best Supporting Actress in TV. Creator Richard Gadd highlighted the importance of storytelling in turbulent times. Other queer highlights included Jodie Foster’s win for True Detective: Night Country and Challengers taking Best Original Score. Despite mixed reviews and controversies, queer voices remained centre stage.
GAY45 Must Reads:
- Have you ever considered the connections between queerness and the lava lamp? Read Kevin Pawlak’s article on the topic.
- The inspiring tale of Jean Genet. Sasha Brandt tells the story of the ‘Queer White Writer and the Black Panthers’.
Quote of the Week
‘On the whole, journalism is the most underestimated, the least explored of literary mediums.’
- Truman Capote, writer and journalist, founder of New Journalism
Movie of the Week
In The Senator, Renan is the secret gay lover of conservative Brazilian Senator Arthur Alencar. The Brazilian director Mauro Carvalho tells the story of a gay relationship in which an initial passion developed into an emotional and financial dependency – and holds up a revealing mirror to the bigotry of conservative politicians. You can see it on any platform, including Apple TV or Amazon Prime. Here’s the trailer.
Book of the Week
Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst. ln what has become one of the defining rhythms of contemporary literature, Alan Hollinghurst’s novels are solid architectural structure holding within it fugitive emotions and pungent atmospheres. The Guardian call it ‘the finest novel yet from one of the great writers of our time’. Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst is published by Picador in 2024 and can be purchase in every library.
Music of the Week
Prelude to Ecstasy from The Last Dinner Party has been recognised for its impact and artistry, earning the band the BRIT Rising Star Award for 2024. The album features songs that explore queer themes, such as their single “Sinner”, which discusses the experience of realising one’s queerness at a young age and the associated feelings of shame. The Last Dinner Party’s work stands out not only for its thematic depth but also for its musical innovation. You can listen to Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Music. We prefer to buy the vinyl.
Conversation starters and games from our favourite newspapers
- Read in The Guardian about why Austria is not changing, from the son of an SS and Gestapo officer.
- Health: A small study found ChatGPT outperformed human physicians when assessing medical case histories.
- Cook: Red cabbage with walnuts and feta can be served as a side or a main, at the temperature of your choosing.
- Snuggle: Make your sofa look more inviting.
- Play: the Spelling Bee. And here are today’s Mini Crosswordand Wordle from The New York Times. You can find all the puzzles here.
Ads
For rates or to place your advertisement here, email [email protected].
—
THE9 is published every Wednesday through Substack and on the website. Subscribe on Substack, read on the website.
—
TODAY IS NOT AN EASY DAY
Queer press and books are forced into silence. Donald Trump is the president-elect of the USA. Europe is dominated by far-right political movements.
But we have something powerful on our side. We’ve got you. You make us strong.
GAY45 is funded by readers. Our editors decide what we publish—no one else.
Donate as much as you can. Every 5€ is a way to help the community, the independent press and fight against silence.
GAY45 is Europe’s leading queer magazine of culture, politics and ideas. Because of you.
Donate to support our Queer Journalism Campus and GAY45 now.
We appreciate it. Thanks for reading.
