THE9+. Queer News. June 18. Budapest Mayor Free Pride, Paris Controvercy, Horrible Crime in Chile, Noah’s Arc Revival, and much more

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And then…

Hungary. Politics. Budapest Mayor Defies Pride Ban, Says Parade Needs No Approval

Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony has announced that the city will proceed with its Pride Parade on 28 June despite a government ban. Calling it a “municipal event,” Karácsony stated that no official approval is required, inviting all to attend via a Facebook video on Monday. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s right-wing government has restricted LGBTQ+ rights under the guise of “child protection,” passing legislation to block events seen as violating its anti-LGBT law. A 2021 law bans depicting homosexuality to minors, and recent constitutional changes further threaten LGBTQ+ freedoms. Pride organiser Máté Hegedűs affirmed, “It is our constitutional right to assemble peacefully.” Thousands have protested the government’s move, and several EU lawmakers plan to join the parade in solidarity. Karácsony, from the green-liberal Párbeszéd party, has served as mayor since 2019 and remains a vocal critic of Orbán’s nationalist policies. Government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs did not immediately respond to a GAY45 request for comment.

Poland. Politics. MEP Destroys Queer Exhibition, Prompting Outrage

Grzegorz Braun, a Member of the European Parliament and representative of the far-right Polish party Konfederacja Korony Polskiej, has come under fire after destroying a queer-themed exhibition in Warsaw. Witnesses report that Braun entered the venue uninvited and damaged artworks, some of which highlighted LGBTQ+ rights and history. The act has sparked condemnation from human rights groups and fellow MEPs, who are calling for disciplinary measures. “This is a deliberate attack on freedom of expression and queer visibility,” said a spokesperson from Amnesty International. Braun, known for his ultra-conservative views, has not yet commented publicly. The European Parliament is reportedly reviewing the incident. The exhibition organisers have vowed to restore the damaged works and continue their public programming, stating: “We will not be silenced by hate.

Moldova. Politics. Clashes Erupt at Pride and Pro-Family Marches in the Capital Chisinau

Tensions flared in Moldova’s capital on Sunday as Pride participants and pro-family demonstrators rallied simultaneously, separated only by police cordons. The Pride march, representing the LGBTQ+ community, faced disorganisation as city authorities failed to restrict traffic despite granting prior approval. Organisers accused Chișinău’s mayor of undermining the event, calling it “a violation of our constitutional right to assembly.” Protesters blocked roads in response, leading to warnings from police. Meanwhile, a pro-family rally led by the Socialist Party gathered near the city centre, chanting anti-LGBTQ slogans. Attempts by participants to breach the Pride route led to scuffles, placing at least one child in danger, according to the Child Ombudsman’s Office. Activists condemned the lack of institutional support, alleging political manipulation ahead of elections. Despite disruptions, the Pride march proceeded, demanding legal recognition of same-sex partnerships and equality under the law.

Germany. Pride Month. Deutsche Post Issues “#deliveredwithpride 2025” Stamp to Champion Diversity

Deutsche Post has unveiled a limited-edition stamp series, “#deliveredwithpride 2025,” designed to promote inclusion and oppose discrimination. Board member Nikola Hagleitner said: “We see diversity as a strength – in business, but also in society.” The set comprises four 95‑cent stamps, each adorned with variations of the rainbow flag and slogans including “Love is Love” and “Love Wins.” With a print run capped at 500,000, the stamps are available exclusively online and valid for standard domestic letters in Germany. The postage rate aligns with Deutsche Post’s current standard stamp fee of 95 cents, a charge that was introduced at the start of the year amid regulatory-set increases designed to offset rising costs. This release follows broader corporate initiatives to enhance social and environmental responsibility—most recently including the rollout of recycled‑paper stamps in its standard series. Deutsche Post’s pride stamp not only marks support for LGBTQ+ rights but also reinforces its commitment to diversity as a business and social value.

Germany. Dating. Mainstream Dating Apps Still Unsafe for Trans Users

Mainstream dating apps continue to fall short in protecting trans users, according to a new survey by trans dating platform ts-dating.com. The poll, conducted among 1,200 users in Germany and Australia, found only 15% of trans respondents feel safe on general dating apps during Pride Month. More than half reported regular harassment, with 61% receiving sexually objectifying messages, 48% unable to represent their gender identity accurately, and 33% of users admitting to fetishising trans people. A ts-dating.com spokesperson said Pride should be a time for visibility and respect, yet many trans individuals still face exclusion and abuse online. Positioned as a safer alternative, ts-dating.com offers inclusive identity options, tailored features, and proactive moderation. The platform is calling on the tech industry to go beyond marketing and embed inclusion into product design, policy, and culture to ensure digital spaces are safe and affirming for trans communities.

France. Pride. Poster Sparks Political Row Ahead of Paris March

A promotional poster for Paris Pride 2025 has drawn fierce criticism from Jewish associations and right-wing officials in France, who claim it features pro-Palestinian imagery. The LGBT+ group Beit Haverim denounced what it called a “political instrumentalisation” and demanded its removal. InterLGBT, the march organiser, refuted these claims, stating the visuals reflect the flags of Hungary and Bulgaria—countries where Pride marches face severe restrictions. The poster includes diverse queer figures, one wearing a headscarf, another bearing a pink triangle, and a knocked-down figure interpreted by critics as inciting violence. The region of Île-de-France has since withdrawn its logo and funding, and FLAG!, an LGBT+ police association, has formally distanced itself. InterLGBT says the image highlights “a reactionary international” that oppresses queer people and calls the backlash a result of “gross misinterpretations.” The Pride march is scheduled for 28 June.

Worldwide. Study. Global Majority Back Anti‑Discrimination Protections, But Support Eases for LGBTQ+ Issues

A global Ipsos survey across 26 countries reveals that while most people still favour legal safeguards for LGBTQ+ individuals, support for certain rights has declined since 2021. An average of 72 % say lesbian, gay and bisexual people—and 71 % say transgender people—should be protected from discrimination in housing, employment and services. Backing for brand sponsorship of LGBTQ+ causes has fallen to 41 % (from 49 %), and only 38 % globally favour workplace LGBTQ+ initiatives. Approval of same‑sex marriage dipped to 69 % (from 74 %), while support for transgender athletes competing according to identity dropped sharply to just 22 %. 69% now support same-sex marriage/legal recognition, with those in Spain (86%) most supportive and people in Türkiye (34%) least in favor. Ipsos highlights notable generational differences: women in Generation Z remain more liberal than their male counterparts. The report cautions that although acceptance remains relatively strong, recent trends suggest potential backsliding.

Worldwide. Survey. Global Survey Finds Most People See Their Country as Unsafe for Gay and Lesbian People

A global Gallup survey across over 120 countries found that only 39% of people consider their city or area a good place for gay and lesbian individuals, while 45% believe it is not. Though low, this marks a rise from 23% in 2007, reflecting gradual improvement in public attitudes. Acceptance was highest in countries with legal marriage equality, including Iceland (93%), the Netherlands, Belgium, and Sweden (all 90%). Conversely, fewer than 6% of respondents in Ghana, Lebanon, Armenia, and Senegal viewed their areas as supportive. Many of these countries criminalise same-sex relationships. The data show stark contrasts: in countries where same-sex relations are legal, 46% viewed their area positively; where they remain illegal, this figure stagnated at 11%, unchanged since 2007. Gallup said the results highlight how legal protections both shape and reflect broader societal acceptance of LGBT+ people.

Germany. Crime. Poisoning Incident at Berlin’s Berghain Raises Alarm over Club Safety

A prominent Berlin curator has spoken out after allegedly being drugged without consent at Berghain, the world-famous nightclub. LCavaliero Mann, former artistic director of SchwuZ, recounted blacking out after leaving his drink unattended for seconds. “I’m angry we didn’t find the perpetrator,” he said in an interview. Berghain staff reportedly acted swiftly, providing medical support and offering to contact police. Mann later filed a report with Berlin’s LGBTI police unit. The incident has reignited concerns over spiking in Berlin clubs. “The problem is huge,” Mann said, citing dozens of messages from others who experienced similar attacks. He called on venues to take more responsibility by increasing staff training, placing warning signs at bars, and improving support for victims. Despite legal protections, critics say many nightlife spaces still lack clear protocols to tackle this form of violence. A reliable source inside the club declared that the club is considering closing for good.

The USA. Pride. Washington DC Pride at Trump’s Door

Hundreds of thousands joined WorldPride in Washington, swarming the capital for vibrant parades, concerts and a large-scale demonstration, despite political tensions, concert cancellations, and sponsor withdrawals. Highlights included standout performances by Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, Paris Hilton, Cynthia Erivo and Doechii. However, celebrations were overshadowed on Saturday evening by a violent incident in Dupont Circle. Around 7 p.m., two teenagers were stabbed during an altercation in the park, and shortly afterwards a man was shot in the foot nearby. All victims received treatment at hospital and are in stable condition. Authorities clarified the attacks were not connected to Pride events, yet the violence prompted park evacuation and heightened concerns about spectator safety. Despite this, organisers stressed the resilient solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community, reaffirming WorldPride as a symbol of unity and resistance.

Chile. Crime. Body of Gay Chilean Pharmacist Found in Ravine; Two Charged with Premeditated Murder

Chilean authorities have charged two men with the murder of Francisco Albornoz, a 21-year-old gay pharmacist whose body was discovered in a remote ravine on 4 June, 12 days after his disappearance. Prosecutors allege that Christian González, an Ecuadorian doctor, and José Miguel Baeza, a Chilean chef, carried out a premeditated plan to kill Albornoz inside an apartment near Santiago. The victim reportedly died from multiple blows to the head. Security footage and text messages have linked the suspects to the crime. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are urging prosecutors to treat the case as a hate crime, citing concerns over ongoing violence against queer individuals in Chile. “This is not just a homicide—it’s a reflection of deep-rooted prejudice,” said Fundación Iguales in a statement. A 90-day investigation has been ordered, with both suspects held in pre-trial detention.

The EU. Politics. LGBT+ Pride Parades Held in Several of Europe’s Capitals

Pride Parades swept through Vienna, Warsaw, Rome, and Athens on Saturday, with thousands marching for LGBTQ+ rights and political change amid Pride Month celebrations. In Warsaw, under the banner “Love is the answer,” demonstrators filled the city centre. Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski and Equality Minister Katarzyna Kotula, who recently proposed a civil partnership bill, led calls for openness and inclusion. Rome’s parade, branded “Outlaw”, targeted the right-wing government’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Participants marched under searing heat, many waving rainbow and Palestinian flags. A satirical float of Hungary’s Viktor Orban also drew attention to rising global illiberalism. In Athens, marking 20 years of Pride, the slogan “We Count” resonated as a message of remembrance and resistance. Organisers warned of growing far-right threats and emphasised continued visibility for LGBTQ+ communities. Across Europe, the parades became both celebration and defiance—an urgent call for equality in a shifting political climate.

The USA. Film. LGBTQ+ Series Noah’s Arc Returns to Paramount+ Ahead of New Film Release

Cult LGBTQ+ series Noah’s Arc has officially landed on Paramount+, ahead of the release of a brand-new film in the franchise later this week. Creator Patrik-Ian Polk broke the news at the Los Angeles premiere, marking the 25th anniversary of his first film Punks and 20 years since Noah’s Arc first aired. “It’s really cool to know that the work still resonates,” Polk said on the red carpet. The upcoming film sees original cast members—including Darryl Stephens and Wilson Cruz—joined by guest stars such as Jasmine Guy and Ts Madison. Plotlines explore parenthood, transgender teens, and evolving relationships, with Noah and Wade preparing for twins while navigating career upheaval. Seasons 1 and 2, Jumping the Broom, and The Rona Chronicles are now streaming on Paramount+ and YouTube, inviting longtime fans and newcomers alike to (re)discover the groundbreaking series.

Must Read of GAY45

• The Queer Quantum of AI by Răzvan Ion, an op-ed that analyses the queer connection with AI.

• The Pop Paradox: Addison Rae and the Art of Being Earnestly Ironic by Archie Marks delves into the fame of pop’s newest star.

• Sasha Brandt is Navigating Gay Dating Apps: Persistence of Human Connection.

Quote of the Week

The government needs to fix the schools first.

— Monica Urbina, prison inmate

Film of the Week

La Mala Educación-Bad Education (2004) is a multi-voiced and poetic homage to film noir by exceptional director Pedro Almodóvar. Thanks to the two-time Oscar winner’s inimitable narrative skills, the story—artfully spanning multiple time levels—feels weightless as you watch. Almodovar succinctly outlines the repression in the Catholic monastery boarding school, which he knows from his own painful experience. A masterpiece.

Book of the Week

The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong. In this novel, the Vietnamese American writer best known for his poetry draws on his own experiences as a fast-food worker. Vuong’s protagonist, Hai, is a drug-addicted college dropout living in the fictional town of East Gladness, Connecticut. After he forms an unlikely bond with an elderly widow from Lithuania, whose house he moves into, he begins working at a fast-food restaurant, HomeMarket, where all of the employees are, like him, searching for some kind of home. The novel brims with feeling for these figures, who, though scorned by society, belong to it nonetheless. As Hai tells another character, being flawed “is actually what’s most common. It’s the majority of who we are, what everybody is.”

Music of the Week

Bad Bunny’s album Debí Tirar Más Fotos (“I Should Have Taken More Photos”) bridges current and vintage sounds, underscoring the multigenerational continuity of Puerto Rican music. Our favourite Baile Inolvidable (“Unforgettable Dance”) it begins as a blurred dirge of synthesiser lines and Bad Bunny’s vocals, mourning a lost romance; “I thought we’d grow old together,” he sings in Spanish, then admits, “It’s my fault.” But the track switches to an old-school salsa jam, with organic percussion, horns and a jazzy piano. The lessons of the girlfriend who taught him “how to love” and “how to dance” have stayed with him. Latino music remains the most passionate and danceable.

Conversation starters, cooking, fashion and games from our favourite newspapers

• Read Donald Trump’s Dictator Cosplay in The New Yorker
• Tech: WhatsApp said it would start showing ads for the first time.
• Fashion: Kering, the owner of Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and other brands, announced that Luca de Meo, the former boss of Renault, would be its new chief executive.
• Cook: These crispy potato quesadillas are rich and spicy.
• Off the apps: Gen Z and millennials are fleeing online dating to learn how to find love I.R.L.

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