Your weekly guide to the queer media. Every Wednesday. 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 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]
Adrien Brody accepts the leading actor award for The Brutalist. Photograph: Stuart Wilson/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA
The UK. Film. Baftas 2025: Conclave Triumphs as Best Picture, Mikey Madison Wins Best Actress
The 2025 Bafta Awards saw Edward Berger’s Vatican thriller “Conclave” claim four awards, including Best Picture and Outstanding British Film. Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” also secured four accolades, with Adrien Brody winning Best Actor. Mikey Madison surprised by winning Best Actress for “Anora”, beating favourites Demi Moore and Marianne Jean-Baptiste. In her acceptance speech, Madison voiced support for the sex worker community. Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” took two awards despite controversy surrounding its star, Karla Sofía Gascón. Zoe Saldaña won Supporting Actress for the film, while Kieran Culkin secured Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain”. Other notable wins included Jesse Eisenberg for Original Screenplay, “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” for Animation and Family Film, and “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” for Best Documentary. The ceremony, hosted by David Tennant, concluded with an emotional Bafta fellowship acceptance speech from Warwick Davis.
Worldwide. Politics. Google Calendar has removed Black History Month and Pride
Google Calendar has removed cultural events such as Black History Month and Pride from its default listings, citing sustainability concerns for its model. The tech giant will now only display public holidays and national observances from timeanddate.com, while allowing users to manually add other significant dates. This change follows Google’s recent rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in response to orders from President Donald Trump’s second administration. The company has also implemented controversial geographical name changes for US users, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America”. Despite user disappointment, Google maintains that these calendar alterations will not affect its celebration of cultural moments through other products, such as Google Doodles and YouTube Music playlists.
Germany. Film. Queer Cinema at Berlinale 2025: Lesbians in Space, Gay Gangsters, and a Trans Punk
The Berlinale 2025 showcases a diverse selection of queer films across all sections. Among the highlights is Dreams in Nightmares, a polyamorous road movie exploring resilience in Trump’s America. Dreamers follows a Nigerian lesbian facing deportation in a British detention centre. Animated feature Lesbian Space Princess offers a satirical sci-fi adventure, while Silent Sparks presents a Taiwanese gangster romance. Night Stage delves into public desire and political risk in Brazil. Queer as Punk documents Malaysia’s underground scene, centring on a trans singer. Tilda Swinton will receive honorary Golden Bear at Berlinale 2025. With new Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle and jury president Todd Haynes, the festival promises a dynamic platform for queer storytelling. Todd Haynes will receive the Special Teddy Award for lifetime achievement. The festival maintains its commitment to diversity, with 41% of directors being female and 4% non-binary, reflecting a slight increase from the previous year.
The UK. Justice. Kevin Spacey Faces a New Civil Lawsuit
Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey faces a new civil lawsuit in London, marking the third legal challenge against him over alleged sexual abuse. The suit, filed by actor Ruari Cannon, also names London’s Old Vic Theatre, where Spacey was artistic director from 2003 to 2015. This latest legal action comes just 18 months after Spacey was acquitted of all charges in a high-profile criminal trial in London. The actor has consistently denied allegations of sexual misconduct. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Spacey’s career has shown signs of recovery. In October, he shared an image of himself in costume on social media, suggesting a return to acting. The details of the new allegations have not been made public, and representatives for Spacey have not yet commented on the latest lawsuit.
The UK. Health & Politics. Labour MP Kevin McKenna has disclosed he is HIV-positive
Labour MP Kevin McKenna has disclosed his HIV-positive status during a Commons debate on National HIV Testing Week. The Sittingbourne and Sheppey representative shared his experience of living with HIV for many years, emphasising the significant improvements in treatment and quality of life for those affected. McKenna, who entered Parliament after the 2024 general election, highlighted how the AIDS crisis influenced his nursing career. He reassured the public that with proper treatment, HIV is now a manageable condition, stating: “You won’t pass this disease on when you’re treated. You won’t suffer. And honestly it’s boring and mundane.” Richard Angell, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, praised McKenna’s disclosure as “a hugely significant act” that will help combat HIV stigma. McKenna joins Lord Peter Smith and Lloyd Russell-Moyle as the third UK parliamentarian to publicly share their HIV status.
Russia. Politics. The State is Building an Electronic Registry of LGBTQ+ citizens
Russian authorities are reportedly developing an electronic database to track LGBTQ+ individuals, according to independent news outlet Meduza. The initiative follows the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling that outlawed the “international LGBT movement” as an extremist organisation. Since then, police have conducted at least 42 raids on LGBTQ+-friendly venues across Russia, collecting personal data, fingerprints, and even DNA samples from patrons and staff. These operations have also forced the closure of several establishments. Officials and state media often portray the LGBTQ+ community as “paramilitary groups” engaging in “anti-state activity”. The database aims to monitor the community at large, with informal lists already being maintained by local police. Human rights activists warn that the raids may also target LGBTQ+ government officials. While progress on the registry has been slowed by Russia’s focus on the Ukraine conflict, the crackdown continues to yield data for the proposed system.
The USA. Justice. Fugitive Sex Offender Masquerading as LGBTQ+ Journalist Arrested
George Paul Bishop, 66, who had been living under the alias Brody Levesque, was arrested in Capitola, California, as a fugitive and “sexually violent predator”. Bishop, who had embedded himself in LGBTQ+ journalism circles for over a decade, failed to register as a sex offender following his 2005 conviction for manufacturing and possessing child pornography in Virginia. Bishop had been on the run since 2016 and was working as an editor for various LGBTQ+ publications, including the Los Angeles Blade. He was apprehended by U.S. Marshals and local police on 29 January. Authorities are investigating whether Bishop committed any crimes while living under his alias. He remains in custody without bail, awaiting extradition to Virginia. The arrest has shocked the LGBTQ+ journalism community, with organisations swiftly distancing themselves from Bishop.
South Africa. Crime. World’s First Openly Gay Imam Murdered
Muhsin Hendricks, a 57-year-old imam known for running an inclusive mosque in Cape Town, was shot dead near Gqeberha, South Africa. Hendricks, widely recognised as the world’s first openly gay imam, was killed in an ambush on Saturday morning. The attack, captured on CCTV, shows assailants firing multiple shots at Hendricks’ vehicle. Police are investigating the incident, which occurred after Hendricks reportedly officiated at a lesbian wedding. Hendricks’ death has sparked global outrage, with LGBTQ+ activists calling for a thorough investigation into what they fear may be a hate crime. The imam was known for challenging traditional interpretations of Islam and championing inclusive faith. Despite South Africa’s progressive constitution protecting LGBTQ+ rights, the country still faces high rates of discrimination and violence against the community.
Algeria. Book. The Hidden Struggles of Gay Life in Algiers
Ludovic-Mohamed Zahed, who grew up in a working-class family in Algiers, faced immense challenges reconciling his faith and sexuality. His memoir recounts the dual realities of being a devout Muslim while navigating societal rejection. Zahed argues that homophobia in the Arab-Muslim world stems more from cultural norms than religious doctrine. Living as a gay man in Algiers, where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by imprisonment, is fraught with secrecy and danger. While a discreet underground LGBTQ+ community exists, safety relies on anonymity and private gatherings. Public spaces like the port or boulevards pose significant risks, including violence or even death. Now based in France, Zahed continues advocating for LGBTQ+ Muslims through his inclusive mosque and activism.
South Africa. Politics. Muted Response to Ramaphosa’s LGBTQ+ Pledge Amid Rising Hate Crimes
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pledge to protect LGBTQ+ rights during his State of the Nation Address on 6 February has drawn mixed reactions. Advocacy groups praised his words but criticised the lack of concrete action as hate crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals persist, often with fatal outcomes. Bruce Walker of Pretoria Pride called Ramaphosa’s remarks “window dressing,” citing the government’s silence on global anti-LGBTQ+ abuses. Iranti, an advocacy group, urged the president to follow through with tangible measures. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump’s suspension of foreign aid has further strained LGBTQ+ organisations in South Africa. Despite constitutional protections, cultural and religious opposition continue to fuel discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community.
The UK. Fashion. Vivienne Westwood CEO Faces Allegations of Homophobic Bullying
Vivienne Westwood Ltd, the iconic fashion house synonymous with LGBTQ+ advocacy, faces backlash after an independent investigation upheld allegations of homophobic bullying by CEO Carlo D’Amario. The inquiry, concluded in June 2023, found five complaints against D’Amario valid, including the use of homophobic slurs and discriminatory behaviour. Despite the findings, D’Amario remains in his role, earning a six-figure salary. The controversy deepened when Vivienne Westwood’s granddaughter, Cora Corré, resigned in November 2023, accusing D’Amario of misusing trademarks and bullying the late designer. The company has declined to comment on the allegations. Critics argue the scandal undermines Westwood’s legacy as a trailblazer for inclusivity and LGBTQ+ rights in fashion. Calls for accountability continue to grow.
Saudi Arabia. Crime. Saudi Lawyer Linked to Trans Woman’s Suicide Had Embassy Ties, BBC Reveals
A BBC investigation has uncovered links between Bader Alomair, a lawyer mentioned in Saudi trans woman Eden Knight’s suicide note, and the Saudi Arabian embassy in Washington DC. Alomair, who allegedly persuaded Knight to return to Saudi Arabia where she later took her own life, had worked for the embassy supporting Saudi students in the US.
The investigation found evidence of Alomair’s involvement in controversial cases, including helping Saudi students facing criminal charges leave the US. Sources claim he provided embassy-headed forms for students to sign, promising repayment of legal fees upon return to Saudi Arabia. Alomair reportedly continues to live and work in the US, owning multiple properties in Washington DC and recently establishing a law firm in Virginia. He has not responded to the BBC’s allegations
Must Read of GAY45
- A great op-ed by Jude Jones on the rise of Alice Weidel’s lesbian power.
- Sasha Brandt scrutinises the very institutions meant to protect us revealing how their pursuit of profit over purpose has deepened our vulnerabilities.
Quote of the Week
Life is to be lived, not controlled, and humanity is won by continuing to play in face of certain defeat. — Ralph Ellison
Movie of the Week
Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow (2024), their A24 debut with Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine, revolves around two lonely high-school kids who become obsessed with a late-night TV show that functions (expertly, I might add) as an allegory for trans identity and belonging. In his review, Vogue deputy editor Taylor Antrim praised the film as a prime example of “eerie, yearning, piercingly nostalgic indie filmmaking,” and hopefully, we’ll have many more queer and trans films from Schoenbrun to compare it to down the line.
Book of the Week
Carol, originally published as The Price of Salt and adapted into a film in 2015, Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 novel tells the story of shop assistant Therese’s relationship with Carol, who is in her thirties and going through a difficult divorce. Set against a backdrop of ’50s New York, its a moving, atmospheric love story. Patricia Highsmith also wrote The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Music of the Week
Scissor Sisters’s first album from 2004 is a cool melting pot. Best of all are “Take Your Mama” and “Return to Oz”. The former is a clever Primal Scream-meets-“Freedom ’90” suggestion to come out to your mother during a night on the town. The latter is a weary, hungover ballad lamenting the influence of crystal meth on the gay nightclub scene.
Conversation starters, cooking, fashion and games from our favourite newspapers
- Read in Pavilion about Agonistic Democracy and Radical Politics and in The New York Times about The Chilling Consequences of Going Along With Trump. Excellent texts.
- Style: For the perfect bun, don’t forget the details.
- Cook: This easy chicken sheet-pan supper brings bold flavors with minimal fuss.
- Play the Spelling Bee. And here are The New York Times Wordle. You can find all puzzles here.
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