THE9: Israel Radical Anti-Gay, Meta and Amazon Ending DEI Programs Ahead of Trump Inauguration and more

Your weekly guide to the queer media. Every Wednesday. You can read last week’s edition here.

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 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 and this year, everything is and will be shadowed by Donald Trump, and then:

Andrei Kotov dies in detention

Andrei Kotov seen here alive in court on charges of running an LGBT travel agency (Image/Video Still: X / Mediazona)

Russia. Human Rights. Travel Agency Director Dies in Custody Amid LGBTQ+ Crackdowns

Andrei Kotov, 48, director of Men Travel, a Russian travel agency reportedly catering to gay men, died in custody at Moscow’s Vodnik detention center on Sunday. Arrested in November under Russia’s new ‘international LGBT extremism’ law, Kotov’s lawyer confirmed his death was a suicide. His body was found with cuts, raising questions about detention conditions. Kotov had alleged police brutality during his arrest, including beatings and coercion to confess. His death highlights Russia’s intensified crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights under President Vladimir Putin, marked by new laws banning LGBTQ+ ‘propaganda’ and labeling the international LGBT movement as extremist. Activists have condemned Kotov’s death, urging accountability and international pressure on Russia’s discriminatory policies.

Edwin Chiloba was killed on the New Year's Eve of 2023.

Edwin Chiloba was killed on the New Year’s Eve of 2023.

Kenya. Justice. Court Sentences Man to 50 Years for Activist’s Murder

Jacktone Odhiambo, 25, was sentenced to 50 years in prison for murdering Edwin Chiloba, a prominent Kenyan LGBTQ+ activist and fashion designer. Chiloba’s body was found in a metal box on a roadside days after he disappeared on New Year’s Day 2023. Justice Reuben Nyakundi ruled the murder was premeditated and aggravated, citing overwhelming evidence, including DNA and witness testimony. Odhiambo, Chiloba’s partner, showed no remorse during the trial. The National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission called the verdict a step toward justice for Chiloba and Kenya’s LGBTQ+ community, urging stronger action against anti-LGBTQ+ violence. Chiloba’s death sparked local and international condemnation, highlighting ongoing challenges for queer rights in Kenya.

Deanna Sykes, head of the Sacramento chapter of the Pink Pistols gun group, at a shooting meet-up in May 2022 (Io Dodds)

Deanna Sykes, head of the Sacramento chapter of the Pink Pistols gun group, at a shooting meet-up in May 2022 (Io Dodds)

The USA. Politics. LGBTQ+ Americans Buy Guns Amid Rising Fears of Persecution

LGBTQ+ individuals across the U.S. are increasingly purchasing firearms, citing fears of targeted legislation and escalating political rhetoric, reports Daily Mail. Matthew Thompson, 36, from New Jersey, told the Philadelphia Inquirer, ‘It’s about survival. We’re not looking to fight but to protect ourselves from persecution.’ Growing restrictions on gender-affirming care in states like Texas and Florida have heightened concerns. Amy, a 24-year-old trans woman from Philadelphia, bought her first firearm after months of unease. For many, armed self-defence has become a necessity in the face of divisive policies and societal hostility, reflecting a growing sentiment of urgency and vigilance within the LGBTQ+ community.

Ski Jumper Andrzej Stekala

Ski Jumper Andrzej Stekala. Imege: AFP

Poland. Sport. Ski Jumper Andrzej Stekala Comes Out After Personal Loss

Polish ski jumper Andrzej Stekala, 29, publicly came out as gay after the heartbreaking loss of his partner in November. In an emotional Instagram post, Stekala shared his journey of hiding his identity for years out of fear of losing his career. ‘I don’t want to hide who I am anymore,’ he wrote. ‘I am a man who loved and still loves. I know he would want me to live in peace with myself.’ Stekala’s brave declaration sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Poland, where ‘LGBT-free zones’ and restrictive laws foster discrimination. He hopes his story will inspire greater understanding and respect in his country.

While the Vatican had not explicitly banned gay men from the priesthood previously, a 2016 directive prohibited those with "deep-seated homosexual tendencies" from being ordained.

Same bishops. A 2016 directive prohibited those with “deep-seated homosexual tendencies” from being ordained. Now they can be priests. Image: AFP

Vatican. Religion and Politics. Italian Bishops Allow Gay Men to Train as Priests

The Italian Bishops Conference (CIE) announced that gay men can train as priests in Roman Catholic seminaries, provided they commit to celibacy. This marks a departure from Pope Francis’ earlier stance discouraging the admission of gay men to seminaries due to concerns about “double lives.” The guidelines emphasise the importance of embracing celibacy as a vocation, stating, ‘Discernment should not focus solely on homosexual tendencies.’ However, sexually active gay men remain barred from entering seminaries. Pope Francis has softened the Church’s tone towards LGBTQ+ people, despite controversy, including a 2024 apology for using a homophobic slur. In 2023, he approved blessings for same-sex couples, signalling incremental progress in the Vatican’s approach to inclusion.

Lodon Pride Amazon t-shirts

Lodon Pride Amazon t-shirts

Worldwide. Politics. Meta, Amazon and Others Ending DEI Programs Ahead of Trump Inauguration

Meta announced the termination of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, effective immediately, just days before Donald Trump’s inauguration. The decision follows Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s earlier announcement to end fact-checking initiatives, aligning the company with other corporations such as McDonald’s, Walmart, and Lowe’s, which have similarly rolled back diversity efforts. An internal memo from Janelle Gale, Meta’s Vice President of Human Resources, cited changes in the U.S. legal landscape and heightened scrutiny of DEI as reasons for the decision. The memo confirmed the end of several initiatives, including the Diverse Slate Approach, representation goals, equity and inclusion training, and supplier diversity programs.

While Meta’s diversity report highlighted progress under previous efforts—doubling the number of Black and Hispanic employees in the U.S.—the company will no longer pursue targeted hiring practices or DEI-specific supplier programs. This move coincides with Meta’s alignment with Trump, including a $1 million donation to his upcoming inauguration and the addition of UFC President Dana White, a Trump ally, to its board. Critics argue the decision reflects broader corporate shifts influenced by far-right opposition to diversity initiatives. Despite these changes, Meta’s AI profiles have highlighted the company’s lack of diversity, with one AI-created Black character, Liv, noting the absence of Black creators on its development team. The move has sparked widespread criticism, raising concerns about the tech industry’s commitment to fostering inclusive work environments. The only company  that defends and wants to maintain its initiatives on diversity and inclusion is Apple.

Alice Weidel, parliamentary group leader, party chair and candidate for chancellor of Germany's AfD, prepares for a live X interview with U.S. billionaire Elon Musk

Alice Weidel prepares for a live X interview with U.S. billionaire Elon Musk

Germany. Politics. AfD Far-Right Names Lesbian Alice Weidel as Chancellor Candidate Amid Protests and Controversial Remarks

At the AfD party congress in Riesa, Alice Weidel was officially named as the party’s chancellor candidate, receiving unanimous support from the 600 delegates. Under loud applause and German flags, Weidel, 45, promised to ‘make Germany strong, rich, and safe again’ by closing borders. Despite being an openly lesbian politician, she has distanced herself from LGBTQ+ rights, calling herself ‘not queer’ and opposing same-sex marriage. The AfD’s stance remains staunchly anti-queer, with recent motions to abolish queer rights. The congress faced protests from over 10,000 counter-demonstrators, who delayed the event’s start. Weidel now leads the party, which is polling second in Germany.

Credit: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Dirk Bogarde as Gustav von Aschenbach and Björn Andrésen as Tadzio. Credit: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

The UK. Secret Politics. Actor ‘Disturbed’ by KGB Sting Warning, Declassified Files Reveal

Actor Dirk Bogarde, from the famous Death in Venice film, was ‘clearly disturbed’ after MI5 warned him in 1971 that the KGB had identified him as a ‘practising homosexual’ of interest, newly declassified intelligence files reveal. Bogarde, who never publicly came out, was informed that his name was among six British homosexuals given to the Russians by an unnamed source who had been compromised in Moscow. Despite never having visited Russia, Bogarde expressed concern about potential KGB efforts to recruit him. MI5 agents investigated other British actors, but Bogarde was ruled out as a candidate for compromise. The actor dismissed the warning, calling it ‘absurd.’

Erdoğan Launches ‘Year of the Family’

Erdoğan Launches ‘Year of the Family’

Turkey. Politics. Erdoğan Launches “Year of the Family” with Attack on LGBTQ+ Community

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan launched Turkey’s “Year of the Family” on Monday, using the occasion to criticise the LGBTQ+ community and announce measures to boost birth rates. In a speech in Ankara, Erdoğan framed LGBTQ+ movements as part of a foreign conspiracy undermining Turkey’s traditional values, calling it a threat to the family unit. He also highlighted Turkey’s declining population growth, urging families to have at least three children. As part of his initiative, Erdoğan introduced financial measures such as interest-free loans for newlyweds, improved parental allowances, and support for child care to encourage family growth.

 Idan Roll, an openly gay Israeli Knesset member

Idan Roll, an openly gay Israeli Knesset member

Israel. Politics. Openly Gay Israeli MK Quits Liberal Party and Publishes Book Supporting an Agenda Harmful to Queer Families

Idan Roll, an openly gay Israeli Knesset member, caused a stir by leaving the liberal Yesh Atid party and releasing his book Open the Gates: Recreating Politics in Israel through the right-wing Sella Meir publishing house. The publisher, known for its association with libertarian and conservative works, has also been responsible for books with anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, including a controversial publication by Abigail Shrier. Roll’s decision to align with Sella Meir drew criticism from LGBTQ advocates, with Alon-Lee Green, co-director of the Standing Together movement, condemning Roll for supporting an agenda harmful to queer families. Despite his long history of LGBTQ advocacy, Roll’s actions have raised concerns about his political trajectory, especially in light of his departure from Yesh Atid and his upcoming efforts to reform Israel’s electoral system.

Must Read of GAY45

 Quote of the Week

 ‘Work is against human nature. The proof is that it makes us tired.’

— Michel Tournier

Movie of the Week

Operation Hyacinth on Netflix is an excellent Polish queer drama set in 1980, based on real events during a time when the communist regime was determined to erase gay people. Unsatisfied with the outcome of a murder investigation in Warsaw’s gay community, an officer in 1980s communist Poland resolves to uncover the truth. Here the trailer.

 Book of the Week

Blackouts by Justin Torres is paratextual, metafictional, multimedia, and form-slippery. It revels in the grotesque, impossible beauty of human decay. This is a novel of mercies and indignities, bruises and bones, and the ever-entwined eroticism of life and death—a work that redefines literature itself.

Music of the Week

Thus Love is our favourite this week. An American self-styled queer post-punk band from Brattleboro. And we love them. Listen to their album All Pleasure. On Spotify, Amazon Music or Apple Music. We prefer to buy the vinyl. 

Conversation starters, cooking and games from our favourite newspapers

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THE9 is published Monday through Substack and Wednesday on the website.

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Author

  • Taylor Abbot (26) is the Editor-in-Chief of GAY45. He studied at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and is a PhD candidate in Berlin University. 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 Der Spiegel, Guardian Weekly, or Bay Area Reporter. Nerdy curious, passionate about the weird parts of life and the good stories written by great journalists. Lives and works between Berlin and London.

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