Your weekly 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 subscribers every Monday, “THE9” is edited weekly by Taylor Abbot + the GenZ editorial team.
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This will be the last newsletter for this summer. We all get a well-deserved holiday after a very hard-working year. I will see you in September with a new and fresh newsletter.
Of course, if we have any urgent news, we will inform you.
This week, a famous porn actor arrested, and then:
USA. Porn. Actor Austin Wolf Arrested on Child Pornography Charges
Justin Heath Smith, better known as gay porn actor Austin Wolf, was arrested by the FBI in Manhattan for allegedly distributing and possessing child pornography. Smith, 43, faces serious charges after investigators found hundreds of explicit videos on his devices. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated Smith distributed the videos via Telegram, including a graphic video of a 10-year-old. FBI Deputy Director James Smith emphasised the severity of the crimes and the commitment to prosecuting offenders. If convicted, Smith could face decades in prison. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact the FBI. Smith’s career spans over a decade in the adult film industry, and he is supposed to be the richest gay porn actor. Wolf has nearly 800,000 followers on Instagram and nearly one million on X.
Germany. Politics. Extradition of Maja T. to Hungary Sparks Controversy
The extradition of Maja T., a non-binary individual from the left-wing scene, to Hungary has drawn significant criticism. The Federal Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe had prohibited the extradition, but the decision came too late. Berlin’s Justice Senator Felor Badenberg (CDU) will address the Legal Affairs Committee today at 2 p.m. to explain the circumstances. The Left and Green parties demand clarity on why the Berlin Public Prosecutor’s Office acted hastily without awaiting the court’s expedited decision. Maja T., accused by Hungarian authorities of being part of a criminal organisation targeting extreme right sympathisers, was arrested in Berlin in December 2023 and extradited last week. Green Party spokesperson Sebastian Walter criticised the urgency, citing Hungary’s openly anti-queer stance, raising concerns about Maja T.’s treatment.
USA. Justice. SF LGBT Biz Association President Indicted on Fraud Charges
Tony Archuleta-Perkins, president of the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA), was indicted on June 26 for allegedly embezzling over $1.2 million from law firms he worked for. The charges include eight counts of bank fraud and engaging in monetary transactions with unlawfully derived property. Archuleta-Perkins, 48, was arrested by the FBI and appeared in federal court on July 1. The indictment alleges he used his position as CFO at a law firm to make unauthorized payments to a nonprofit he controlled. GGBA, unaware of the allegations, accepted his resignation and appointed Nancy J. Geenen as acting president. An independent audit of GGBA’s finances is underway. Archuleta-Perkins denies the charges and awaits trial.
Georgia. Politics. Parliament Moves to Adopt Anti-LGBT Legislative Package
Georgia’s parliament has passed a controversial legislative package in its first reading aimed at banning “LGBT propaganda” and prohibiting same-sex marriage, gender reassignment, and their legal recognition. The ruling Georgian Dream Party passed the bill with 78 votes, amid a boycott from opposition parties. Two additional readings are scheduled before the October 26 parliamentary election. The proposed laws would amend civil, labor, and education laws, mirroring similar Russian legislation. The measures include bans on same-sex adoption and restrictions on LGBTQ+ content in schools, media, and public rallies. Tbilisi Pride founder Giorgi Tabagari warned the bills would make life “unbearable” for queer Georgians, as the country faces a pivotal moment between its conservative traditions and aspirations for closer European ties.
Germany. Politics. 40% of Germans Identify as Allies of Queer Community
A study by Queermentor and market research firm Appinio reveals that 40% of Germans consider themselves allies of the LGBT+ community. The study, conducted ahead of the 2024 Pride season, also found that two-thirds of Germans understand what queer means and are familiar with LGBTQ+ terminology. The survey of Germans, aged 16-65, shows that 83% have heard of Christopher Street Day (CSD), a significant event for LGBTQ+ rights. Younger people (25-34 years old) are more likely to identify as part of the LGBT+ community and as allies. Queermentor founder Pavlo Stroblja emphasised the importance of translating allyship into actions, stating, “The attitude and being an ally must now be translated into actions for more acceptance, mutual appreciation, and cohesion.” The study highlights both the progress in societal acceptance and the need for continued efforts toward visibility and equality for sexual and gender minorities.
Turkey. Politics. Hundreds Defy Gay Pride Ban in Istanbul
Hundreds of queer activists and allies defied a government ban to hold a CSD demonstration on Bagdad Street in Istanbul’s Asian district on Sunday. The activists, who did not announce the location beforehand, quickly dispersed before police arrived, but at least 15 arrests were reported. Authorities had cordoned off central areas, including Taksim Square, in anticipation of the march. The protesters waved rainbow and trans flags, chanting slogans such as “You will never walk alone” and “Murders of trans people are political.” This demonstration concludes Istanbul’s 32nd Pride Week, which has seen increased police crackdowns and bans in recent years under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration.
Sweden. Politics. EU Diplomat Kept Sexuality Secret During Iranian Imprisonment
Johan Floderus, a Swedish diplomat and EU official, proposed to his partner immediately after being released from an Iranian prison and arriving in Stockholm on June 15. Floderus kept his relationship with now-fiancé Johnathan von Fürstenmühl hidden during his imprisonment to ensure his safety, he revealed in an interview with Swedish TV4 Nyheterna. Homosexuality is punishable by death in Iran, and thousands have been executed for it since 1979. Floderus described his experience in Evin Prison as a “nightmare,” stating that thoughts of his partner kept him going. Arrested in April 2022 and accused of espionage, Floderus was released in a prisoner swap in June 2023.
UK. Politics. Keir Starmer to Become UK Prime Minister After Labour’s Landslide Victory
The UK’s Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, won a decisive victory in the general election on July 4, securing 412 of 650 seats in the House of Commons. This triumph ends the Conservatives’ 14-year rule. In his victory speech, Starmer declared, “Change begins now!” Despite Labour’s pro-LGBTQ+ stance, Starmer faces criticism for his record on trans rights, including inconsistent policies and comments opposing trans women in women-only spaces. Prominent LGBTQ+ figures and organisations have expressed concerns about the future of trans rights under his leadership. Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris congratulated Starmer, calling for a “great reset” in Anglo-Irish relations. Starmer will address the nation as Prime Minister today, following Rishi Sunak’s resignation.
USA. Politics. MAGA Gays Feel Left Out of LGBTQ+ Movement
Trump-supporting LGBTQ+ conservatives say they feel excluded from the increasingly left-leaning queer rights movement. Mark Dorman, a retired teacher from Hell’s Kitchen, reported being ostracised from his local gay bar, Atlas Social Club, after speaking positively about former President Trump. Dorman, 64, compared the current environment to a “Soviet Union, Marxist” atmosphere, noting that conservative gay voices are marginalised. During the recent NYC Pride Parade, Anthony Tolve and John McGuigan faced hostility while carrying rainbow Trump flags. Tolve, 45, recounted being booed off a beach and having sand kicked at him. Such critics argue that the LGBTQ+ movement has embraced causes beyond its original mission, further alienating conservatives.
USA. Film. Actor Mike Heslin Passes Away at 30, Leaving Behind Mourning Husband
Mike Heslin, known for his roles in “Special Ops: Lioness” and “The Influencers”, has tragically died at the age of 30 from an unexpected cardiac event, his husband Scotty Dynamo announced. Heslin, who married Dynamo just six months ago, passed away on July 2 after a week-long battle in the hospital, leaving doctors puzzled due to his excellent health. “Michael was brilliant, selfless, talented, and a true guardian angel,” Dynamo shared on Instagram. Known for his kindness, Heslin was also praised for his generosity as an organ donor, benefiting four families with the gift of life. Dynamo expressed grief over losing his soulmate, highlighting Heslin’s impact on those around him and his promising future as a father.
Worldwide. Entertainment. San Francisco Ranked World’s Most Sexually Permissive City
San Francisco has been named the world’s most sex-positive city in a recent study by the online magazine “Lust”. The city topped the global list, known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene and liberal attitudes towards sexuality. Following closely behind are Amsterdam and Cologne, according to the study which evaluates cities based on criteria such as the number of sex shops, queer bars, Pride events, and sex work organisations. Other cities making the top ten include Lisbon, Vancouver, and Barcelona, with Berlin and Hamburg representing Germany in seventh and tenth place respectively. The study underscores ongoing cultural differences in sexual openness worldwide, reflecting societal attitudes towards gender and sexual freedom. We have to mention the study is missing many cities and raises some questions about the methodology.
Nigeria. Politics. Tinubu Denies Plan to Legalise LGBT Rights in Nigeria
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has denied reports suggesting his administration is considering legalising LGBTQ+ rights in Nigeria. The federal government clarified that the Samoa Agreement, criticised for its potential implications on LGBTQ+ rights, does not override Nigeria’s existing laws, including the 2014 legislation criminalising same-sex relationships. The Samoa Agreement, signed by Nigeria as part of the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) and the European Union, focuses on sustainable development, climate action, and economic cooperation. Minister of Information Mohammed Idris emphasised that Nigeria’s endorsement of the agreement was preceded by thorough reviews ensuring alignment with national laws and interests. President Tinubu’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigerian interests, asserting that any international agreement conflicting with national laws would be deemed invalid.
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Quote of the Week
The basis of a democratic state is liberty — Aristoteles
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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 de Volkskrant or Bay Area Reporter. 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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