Your weekly guide to the queer media. Every Wednesday. As usual… 5.5 minutes to read. Or more.
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 the GAY45 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]
The USA. Pop Culture. DC Comics Unveils New Format for 2025 Pride Anthology
DC Comics has announced the return of its annual Pride anthology, with a significant shift in format for 2025. Unlike previous editions, which featured standalone short stories, this year’s volume will present an interconnected narrative featuring DC’s LGBTQIA+ heroes and allies. Set for release on 4 June, DC Pride 2025 brings together writers Tim Sheridan, Vita Ayala, Josh Trujillo, and others. The storyline revolves around a historic queer bar in Gotham City facing closure, drawing in characters such as Green Lantern Alan Scott, Harley Quinn, and Midnighter. Sheridan described the project as “a celebration of life, love and the power of community.” The anthology will feature artwork by Don Aguillo, Max Sarin, and more, with a main cover by Kris Anka showcasing prominent queer characters. The announcement underscores DC Comics’ continued commitment to LGBTQIA+ representation in mainstream media.
USA. Obituary. Felice Picano, Trailblazing LGBTQ+ Author, Dies at 81
Felice Picano, the celebrated American author known for his pioneering work in LGBTQ+ literature, has died at the age of 81. His publisher, Rebel Satori Press, announced his passing on Facebook, praising his “remarkable contribution to literature and brave exploration of queer identities.” Born in 1944, Picano authored over 30 works spanning fiction, memoir, poetry, and theatre. His 1979 novel The Lure was the first gay-themed book selected by the Book of the Month Club. He co-founded the Gay Presses of New York and was a key member of the influential Violet Quill Club. Honoured with numerous literary awards, Picano remained a leading voice in queer storytelling. Despite battling cancer in later years, he continued writing. Rebel Satori is set to publish two of his final works.
Kenya. Politics. Queer Kenyans Living With HIV/AIDS Face Discriminative “Double Burden”
Queer Kenyans living with HIV/AIDS continue to face significant stigma and discrimination, not only from society but also within LGBTQ+ communities, according to a new report by the National Empowerment Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Kenya (NEPHAK). The People Living with HIV Stigma Index Assessment 2024, released on 3 March, highlights the “double burden” experienced by gay men, transgender people, and other key populations. The study, which surveyed 1,305 people nationwide, found that 48.2% of gay respondents and 48.3% of trans people reported verbal harassment. Many respondents avoided seeking healthcare due to fear of exposure and discrimination. The report calls for urgent awareness campaigns, stronger legal protections, and collaboration with religious leaders to combat stigma.
Kazakhstan. Politics. Feminist Activists Jailed
Kazakh feminist and LGBTQ+ activists Zhanar Sekerbayeva and Aktorgyn Akkenzhebalasy have been sentenced to 10 days of administrative detention following their participation in a protest demanding a life sentence for former minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev, who was convicted of murdering his wife. Their detention came ahead of International Women’s Day, with activists claiming it is an attempt to stifle planned demonstrations against femicide and domestic violence. In a letter from prison, Sekerbayeva urged supporters to remain defiant, saying, “The spirit of freedom-loving feminists, lesbians, activists cannot be broken.” Human rights organisations, including ELC and ILGA Europe, have condemned the arrests as part of a broader crackdown on feminist and LGBTQ+ activism in Kazakhstan. Despite homosexuality being decriminalised in 1988, activists say discrimination and repression persist. ELC has called for international support to secure the pair’s release.
UK. Drugs. Chemsex Crisis Escalates in the UK, more Deaths in London
The use of chemsex is reaching alarming levels across the UK, according to a new ITV documentary, After the High: Chemsex, Beyond the Myths. The film highlights the growing health crisis caused by the use of substances such as crystal meth, GHB/GBL, mephedrone, and ketamine during sex, predominantly among gay and bisexual men. The documentary reveals that in 2023, an average of three people per month died in London due to chemsex-related causes. The London Ambulance Service receives at least one emergency call daily linked to chemsex, while hospital admissions for drug-related incidents continue to rise. Experts warn of severe mental health risks, including psychosis and depression, as well as increased reports of sexual violence. Medical professionals and law enforcement officials are calling for urgent intervention from the NHS and the government, warning that the crisis could escalate further without immediate action.
EU. Music. Eurovision 2025: 37 Countries Set to Compete in Basel
The 69th Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Basel, Switzerland, with 37 countries confirmed to compete. Switzerland hosts the event following last year’s victory by non-binary artist Nemo. Betting odds favour Sweden, which will send a dialect-heavy national-language entry for the first time since 1998. Close behind is Austria’s countertenor JJ with “Wasted Love”, while Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the Nova massacre, ranks third with “New Day Will Rise”. This year’s contest features a mix of pop, ballads, and provocative performances. Queer representation is strong, with openly LGBTQ+ artists such as Belgium’s Red Sebastian, Croatia’s Marko Bošnjak, and the Czech Republic’s ADONXS. Germany, one of the pre-qualified countries, will debut its entry Baller in the second semi-final on 15 May. The grand final, hosted by Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer, will take place on 17 May, in an edition they hope will wash the image of the deeply politicised last edition.
Hungary. Politics. Hungary Bans Pride Events and Approved the of Use Facial Recognition
Hungarian lawmakers have voted to ban Pride events nationwide and permit authorities to use facial recognition technology to identify and fine attendees, in what Amnesty International has called a “full-frontal attack” on LGBTQ+ rights. The legislation, pushed through parliament by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s ruling party, passed by 136 votes to 27 on Tuesday. It expands Hungary’s contentious “child protection” law, which prohibits the “promotion” of homosexuality to minors. Opposition MPs protested the vote by setting off smoke bombs in parliament, while Budapest Pride organisers vowed to proceed with their march despite fines of up to €500 for attendees. Rights groups warn the ban echoes authoritarian measures in Russia, with critics accusing Orbán of using anti-LGBTQ+ policies to distract from economic struggles. Amid growing political challenges, the move is seen as an effort to court far-right voters ahead of next year’s elections.
Germany. Politics. Munich Pride Adopts ‘Liberté, Diversité, Queerité’ as 2025 Motto
Munich’s queer community has chosen a bold slogan for its 2025 Pride season: “Liberté, Diversité, Queerité.” Inspired by the French Revolution’s ideals, the motto was selected during a workshop last Friday and officially announced on Monday. Organisers emphasised that the slogan is not a call for revolution but a defence of freedom and democracy against rising populism and extremism. “Times are hard enough,” said Thomas Niederbühl, political spokesperson for Munich CSD. “There’s no need for another gloomy motto.” Instead, the phrase offers a confident, playful expression of queer visibility. Munich Pride Weeks begin on 14 June, with key events including the Political Parade on 28 June—last year drawing 325,000 attendees—and the CSD street festival. The event is backed by several LGBTQ+ organisations, including LesCommunity, Sub, Munich AIDS Help, Rosa Liste, and Diversity Munich. Using French in conservative Bavaria may send a message to radical conservative neighbouring countries, Austria and Switzerland, about internationalism.
UK. Obituary. Britain’s oldest drag performer, Maisie Trollette, dies at 91
David Raven, better known by his stage name Maisie Trollette, Britain’s oldest performing drag queen, has died at the age of 91. A trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community, Raven was a prominent figure in the Brighton Pride parade since its inception in 1973. Born in St Ives, Cornwall, in 1933, Raven began his career in the 1960s as one half of the drag duo The Trollettes, performing at renowned venues such as The Black Cap and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. In 2022, his life and career were chronicled in the documentary Maisie, which highlighted his contributions to the drag scene and the LGBTQ+ community. Raven passed away in the early hours of March 12, 2025, in Brighton. Tributes have poured in from across the community, with many remembering him as a pioneering performer who brought joy to audiences for over half a century. He always wanted to be called he or she according to how he dressed.
UK. Politics & Film. Russell T Davies Warns of Rising Threat to LGBTQ+ Community
Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies has warned that the LGBTQ+ community is facing an unprecedented threat due to the rise of hate speech under Donald Trump’s presidency and the influence of billionaire Elon Musk. Speaking at the Gaydio Pride Awards, Davies said, “I’ve seen a difference in the way I’m spoken to as a gay man since that November election.” He described a “wave of anger, violence, and resentment” sweeping across society. He criticised Musk for his stance on transgender rights, stating, “What we’ve never had is a billionaire tech baron openly hating his trans daughter.” He warned that those in control of technology are shaping public perception. Despite these concerns, Davies remained defiant: “If we have to be those rebels in basements again, then that’s what we’ll become.”
Must Read of GAY45
- Why Alan Turing Told Police He Was Gay
- Seeking God, or Gay Christian Billionaire Peter Thiel, in Silicon Valley
Quote of the Week
“If we have to be those rebels in basements again, then that’s what we’ll become.”
– Russell T Davies
Movie of the Week
I Love You Phillip Morris (2009) is irreverent, touching, and witty, with two legends of acting: Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor. A dark comedy featuring a charismatic con artist who falls for fellow inmate Phillip Morris. The film is blending outrageous schemes with genuine emotion, resulting in a unique, albeit divisive, cinematic experience.
Book of the Week
Honeytrap by Aster Glenn Gray is a nice book to read in a train or plain travel. An unusual romance, and not only on account of its Cold War setting, this book starts as the American F.B.I. agent Daniel and the Soviet spy Gennady are forced into a road trip across the Midwest. Gennady has been ordered to seduce his American counterpart, but finds he can’t betray Daniel entirely — and as the years go by and politics transform the world, the men struggle to suppress all they once meant to one another.
Music of the Week
The Darkness came to prominence with the release of their debut album, Permission to Land, in 2003. Backed by the singles “I Believe in a Thing Called Love“, “Growing on Me“, “Get Your Hands off My Woman“, and “Love Is Only a Feeling“, the album was certified quadruple platinum in the United Kingdom, with sales of over 1.3 million. In 2004, the band won three Brit Awards: Best British Group, Best British Rock Act, and Best British Album. A documentary was filmed about them. I felt like I needed to bring them back to our attention.
Conversation starters, cooking, fashion and games from our favourite newspapers
- Read in Novara Media We Have to Break up With the USA
- Transformational fashion: Revisit the 25 most influential shoes and bags of the past century.
- Cook: Instead of cooking we suggest, when you are in London, to taste delicious food in the most communist restaurant with a library and Lenin portrait
- Play the Spelling Bee. And here are The New York Times Wordle. You can find all puzzles here.
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