A weekly digest of the most essential queer news in your backyard!
This week, THE9+ is edited by GAY45 Editor-in-Chief Taylor Abbot and Managing Editor Jude Jones, with the support of the 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 our Editor-in-Chief at [email protected]
And then…
The UK. Law. Supreme Court Rules Trans Women Are Not Women
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the term “woman” in UK law refers strictly to “biological women”, confirming the interpretation of the Equality Act 2010. Lord Hodge, delivering the unanimous verdict, emphasised that “woman” and “sex” in the Act apply to biological sex rather than gender identity. The ruling stems from a case brought by For Women Scotland, which challenged the Scottish government’s inclusion of trans women in gender quotas for public sector boards. While the Scottish government argued for equal protections based on gender recognition, the court sided with For Women Scotland’s stance that protections should apply only to those assigned female at birth. The decision is expected to impact how sex-based rights are applied across Great Britain, with reactions divided between women’s rights activists celebrating and critics warning of setbacks for trans protections.
Vatican. Religion. Pope’s Death Destabilises Church LGBTQ+ Acceptance
The Vatican’s announcement that Pope Francis, 88, passed away this Monday (April 21) has opened questions on the future of LGBTQ+ tolerance in the Catholic Church. The Argentinian pontiff became controversial within the Church for his generally accepting stances on homosexuality, including his denunciations of homosexuality’s criminalisation and support for same-sex civil unions. His death will now open a short power struggle among Church cardinals, who are expected to elect a successor in the coming days. Although a liberal Pope to continue Francis’s stances may be selected, other top candidates, as reported by i news, include Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah, 79, who has criticised the homosexual “radicalisation” of the West; Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, who called Pope Francis’s pro-LGBTQ+ stances “a kind of Western imperialism”; and American Cardinal Raymond Burke, 76, an “ultra-conservative” who suggested former President Joe Biden should be banned from Catholic Mass for supporting abortion.
Ghana. Politics. Trump Makes “Draconic” Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Possible
A controversial anti-LGBTQ bill has been reintroduced in Ghana’s Parliament, spearheaded by MP Sam Nartey George. Speaking on PM Express last Tuesday (April 15), George confirmed the bill’s reintroduction, reaffirming his commitment to “Ghanaian family values.” The bill was first introduced in 2021 and has been decried by human rights observers as “draconic”, proposing a minimum 3-year sentence for those identified as LGBTQ+ or those who support LGBTQ+ rights. Although one of the main obstacles to the bill’s passage previously has been concerns over the withdrawal of billions in NGO funding from the World Bank and IMF, Ghanaian politicians have cited the right-ward shift in the world geopolitical landscape since Trump’s election as a reason to feel newly hopeful of its passage. Should the bill be passed, Ghana would become one of the harshest countries on LGBTQ+ rights in Africa.
Germany. Crime. Gay Club Owner Jailed for Blackmailing Elderly Guests
The 59-year-old operator of the “Gay Lounge” swingers club in Ascha, Lower Bavaria, has been sentenced to prison for blackmail and fraud, the Regensburg Regional Court ruled on Tuesday. Using the alias “Bärli6” on a gay dating platform, he lured guests—mainly older gay men—before extorting them for supposed debts, including unpaid drinks and soiled bed linen. He threatened to out them to employers and local media, and in one case, to send men to forcibly retrieve the money. The man was arrested after threatening an undercover investigator. Judge Alexander Guth noted his 21 prior convictions and rejected his claim of alcohol addiction, citing a high risk of reoffending. He was sentenced to two terms of two years and four months, and three years and two months, and must repay over €16,000. Another case alleges he made false abuse claims against the Catholic Church to obtain €130,000.
Poland. Politics. Rainbow Flag Sparks “Gadget Festival” at Presidential Debate
A symbolic moment during Poland’s presidential debate (April 13) in Końskie, Poland, ignited controversy as candidates clashed over the rainbow flag. Law and Justice candidate Karol Nawrocki handed the LGBTQ+ flag to Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, implying he should distance himself from equality politics. “You are obsessed with gays,” Trzaskowski retorted, before hiding the flag beneath his lectern. Left-wing candidate Magdalena Biejat swiftly intervened, taking the flag. “I’m not ashamed of this flag,” she declared, later criticising Trzaskowski’s gesture as “a gesture of shame” on TVN24. Nawrocki defended his actions, claiming he sought to underline Polish national values. Prime Minister Donald Tusk dismissed the episode as part of a wider “gadget festival,” warning that election stakes remain high. Political analyst Aleksander Smolar called Biejat’s act “brave and touching.” Several key candidates, including Sławomir Mentzen and Adrian Zandberg, were absent from the debate.
The USA and UK. Politics. Trump Allies Demand Starmer Scrap Hate Speech Laws
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure from the Trump administration to roll back the UK’s hate speech laws if he hopes to secure a long-anticipated trade agreement with the United States. US Vice-President JD Vance, who is leading negotiations, has said there is a “good chance” of a deal, but a source close to the administration warned that concerns over free speech remain a “red line”. Washington insiders say the administration views UK legislation protecting LGBTQ+ and minority groups from hate speech as an infringement on free expression. The issue has become increasingly prominent in talks, particularly following clashes between Starmer and Vance in Washington and backlash from Trump allies over UK legal cases and online safety proposals. While Downing Street insists hate speech laws are not up for discussion, the White House appears determined to use the trade deal as leverage to shape British policy on freedom of speech.
Austria and Germany. Travel. Georgia Designated ‘Safe’ Country Despite Anti-LGBTQ+ Law
In Austria, Georgia is on the ‘safe’ list among Syria and others. In Germany, the Administrative Court of Düsseldorf has upheld Georgia’s classification as a “safe country of origin,” rejecting an asylum appeal from a gay Georgian man. All this has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates. The LSVD+ said the Georgian law effectively criminalises queer identity, banning Pride events, same-sex marriage, and public displays of solidarity such as rainbow flags. “The entire queer community is being targeted,” said LSVD+ board member Patrick Dörr. The decisions, which cannot be appealed, is expected to guide similar asylum cases.
Norway. Human Rights. Politician Suggests Asylum for Trans Americans
Norwegian Green Party politician Karina Ødegård, who is campaigning to become the country’s first openly transgender member of parliament, has called for Norway to offer asylum to transgender Americans, citing rising persecution in the United States. Speaking to Aftenposten, Ødegård warned that current U.S. policies resemble the treatment of LGBTQ+ people in 1930s Germany: “What would we have done in the 1930s if we knew what was about to happen? That’s where we are now. Then we must act.” She condemned what she described as “legal and political persecution” of trans people under the current U.S. administration and said it should constitute grounds for asylum. The Green Party has reportedly adopted a resolution supporting the proposal. Norway’s foreign ministry recently issued a travel warning for trans and non-binary citizens planning to visit the U.S., noting that only sex assigned at birth is recognised on official documents. Ødegård expressed concern that anti-trans sentiment could spread internationally, urging global solidarity before the situation deteriorates further.
France. Fashion. LVMH Appoints Jonathan Anderson as Dior Men’s Artistic Director
LVMH has named Jonathan Anderson as the new artistic director of Dior Men, confirming long-standing industry rumours in a terse, one-line statement. The announcement, made during a shareholder meeting by CEO Bernard Arnault, comes amid declining sales at the luxury conglomerate. Anderson, 40, queer, is credited with transforming Loewe into a leading fashion house during his 11-year tenure. His first collection for Dior will be unveiled on 27 June in Paris. The surprise move follows Kim Jones’s sudden departure from Dior in January. With no official remarks from either Arnault or Anderson, speculation continues about further shake-ups at the iconic French label – including Anderson’s potential takeover of the women’s line, still helmed by Maria Grazia Chiuri. The news highlights a shift in LVMH’s strategy as the group navigates a challenging global market and investor scrutiny.
The USA. Music. Scholarship Fund Set Up in Memory of Late Trans Musician SOPHIE
A new scholarship fund has been launched in memory of late electronic music innovator SOPHIE, aimed at supporting women, trans and non-binary students pursuing music production and audio engineering in the United States. Established in partnership with non-profit We Are Moving The Needle, the SOPHIE Scholarship Fund offers grants of $5,000 or $10,000 to help cover tuition, equipment, and course materials. “SOPHIE’s legacy is a beacon of inspiration,” the charity said in a statement, adding that the initiative seeks to address the gender imbalance in the recording industry. Applications close on April 27, with recipients to be announced by May 26. SOPHIE, who passed away in 2021, was widely recognised for reshaping the sound of modern pop and electronic music, as well as trans representation in the music industry. The scholarship aims to honour her commitment to innovation and inclusivity in the music world.
Palestine. Film. Photojournalist Star of Cannes Documentary Killed
Fatma Hassona, a 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist and central figure in Sepideh Farsi’s documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, was killed in an Israeli missile strike in Gaza, according to organisers of the ACID programme at the Cannes Film Festival. The film, which captures Hassona’s life amid the ongoing war, is set to screen at Cannes as part of a section dedicated to independent cinema. ACID paid tribute to her courage and light, saying her presence had transformed the film into a testimony of resistance and humanity. The killing represents the latest instance in a trend of Israeli violence against journalists in Palestine, which includes the recent assault and detention of Oscar-winning documentary director Hamdan Ballal and the deaths of over 200 journalists and media workers by Israeli forces since October 2023. The conflict is now one of the deadliest for journalists in human history.
Ukraine. Protests. Police Confront Anti-LGBTQ+ Group at Kyiv Film Festival
Police intervened during a protest by the far-right group Prava Molod outside the Zhovten cinema in Kyiv, where the Sunny Bunny LGBTQ+ film festival is underway. Clashes broke out as demonstrators attempted to disrupt the event. Officers brought several individuals to the local police station for identification, though no formal detentions have been made, authorities said. Criticism of the festival’s timing – coinciding with Easter – has sparked debate online. MP Oleksii Honcharenko accused organisers of disrespecting Christian traditions, while activist Serhiy Sternenko defended the festival and denounced the backlash as political opportunism. Organisers stated the dates were fixed according to the international film calendar and called accusations of insensitivity a veil for homophobia. Police will maintain heightened security throughout the festival, which runs until April 25.
Must Read of GAY45
- An op-ed by Răzvan Ion that unveils ‘The Horrible Art World’s Cult of Silence That Protected Claude Lévêque’. The famous artist is indicted for alleged sexual encounters with minors in the last 40 years. The art world is silent.
- A fabulous selection of poetry by Kei Miller.
Quote of the Week
There are no dangerous thoughts; thinking itself is a dangerous activity.
— Hannah Arendt
Film of the Week
Black Doves on Netflix is the starriest spy show of the year. Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw and Sarah Lancashire are brilliant. This is a schlocky thriller, stuffed like a turkey with action, twists and a good sense of humour. Netflix has already commissioned a second series. A spoiler: the hitman man is gay and it is fantastic performed by Ben Whishaw.
Book of the Week
“Minority rule” is the term Ash Sarkar uses to describe the irrational fear that minorities are trying to overturn and oppress majority populations. In her eye-opening debut, she reveals how minority elites rule majorities by creating the culture wars that have taken over our politics, stoking fear and panic in our media landscape. Minority Rule: Adventures in the Culture War by the British journalist Ash Sarkar is a must read.
Music of the Week
The new album by Garbage, Let All That We Imagine Be the Light, has the kind of sound that makes you think you have always known it. You somehow know the words as they land; you have the tune in your head on a single listen.
Conversation starters, cooking, fashion and games from our favourite newspapers
- Watch: The new season of Netflix’s Black Mirror mocks streaming services.
- Read: The Illegals studies the Russian agents who worked deep undercover as Americans for decades.
- Dazzle: There was something for everyone at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
- Travel: A frugal traveler visited London on the cheap.
- Exercise: All you need for this barre workout is a chair and a mat.
- Play the Spelling Bee. And here are Mini Crossword and Wordle. You can find all The New York Times puzzles here.
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