Your weekly guide to the queer media. Every Wednesday. As usual… 5.5 minutes to read. Or more.
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]
The USA. Politics. U.S. Withdraws from U.N. LGBTI Core Group Amid Rights Concerns
The United States has withdrawn from the U.N. LGBTI Core Group, a coalition supporting LGBTQ and intersex rights, a State Department spokesperson confirmed. The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders, including bans on issuing passports with “X” gender markers and flying Pride flags at U.S. embassies. Formed in 2008, the Core Group includes 39 nations such as the U.K., Canada, and Brazil, and aims to promote human rights for LGBTQ and intersex individuals globally. Critics argue the U.S. withdrawal undermines protections for these communities. Activists have called the administration’s broader cuts to foreign aid “catastrophic” for global LGBTQ rights efforts.
Ghana. Politics. MPs Resubmit Anti-LGBT Bill with Harsh Penalties
A group of 10 MPs in Ghana has resubmitted a controversial bill that would impose severe restrictions on LGBT rights, including up to three years in prison for identifying as gay and five to 10 years for promoters. The bill was passed by parliament last year but was not signed into law by former President Nana Akufo-Addo due to legal challenges. Rights groups have condemned the legislation as draconian and a threat to Ghana’s tradition of tolerance. Critics warn the bill could jeopardise up to $3.8 billion in World Bank funding and a $3 billion IMF support programme. Its future depends on whether the new parliament’s speaker will consider it.
Poland. Legislation. Supreme Court Eases Legal Gender Transitions
Warsaw, 14:13 GMT – Poland’s Supreme Court has simplified the legal process for trans people seeking to change their gender and name, abolishing the need to sue their own parents. The decision, made on Tuesday, ends a long-standing practice that was seen as burdensome and distressing for many. Under the new ruling, trans individuals can now apply directly to the court for legal gender recognition without involving their parents. If married, only the spouse’s participation is required. The Supreme Court cited the lack of clear legal regulations as the reason for suspending the previous procedure. LGBTQ+ advocates have welcomed the decision, noting that it reduces stress, costs, and waiting times. However, they continue to call for comprehensive legal reforms to streamline the process and ensure dignity for trans people in Poland. The move comes amid ongoing debates about LGBTQ+ rights in the conservative-led nation.
The UK. Sport. Liverpool FC Marks LGBT History Month with Inclusive Initiatives
Liverpool, 14:00 GMT – Liverpool FC celebrated LGBT History Month in February with a series of events highlighting its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. This year also marked the fifth anniversary of the club’s Red Together initiative, aimed at fostering a welcoming environment for all. At Anfield, a special panel event featured former players Neil Mellor and Becky Easton, LGBT LFC Supporters Board representative Cassie Rattray, and LFC’s director of impact Rishi Jain. Discussions centred on the progress and challenges in making football more inclusive. Easton emphasised preserving the welcoming atmosphere of women’s football, while Mellor called for greater visibility and allyship. As part of the celebrations, young people from the Young Persons Advisory Service (YPAS) attended an LFC Women’s match, supported by LFC Foundation, to promote representation. Jain affirmed the club’s mission, stating, “Football is for everyone,” while acknowledging the need for ongoing efforts.
Poland. Justice. Activist Ordered to Apologise for Homophobic Remarks Against Leo Varadkar
A Polish court has ordered anti-abortion activist Kaja Godek to apologise for calling former Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar a “deviant” during a television appearance in 2018. The ruling is significant as it marks the first time a Polish court has acknowledged that homophobic hate speech causes personal harm. Godek’s comments, which included describing homosexuality as a “perversion” linked to paedophilia, prompted a lawsuit by 15 Polish LGBTQ+ activists. Despite Poland’s hate speech laws, they do not protect sexual orientation or gender identity. Although the case was initially dismissed in 2021, persistent appeals led to this landmark decision. Godek, who has labelled herself a victim of the “homosexual lobby,” intends to appeal, arguing that the verdict threatens free speech. Varadkar expressed hope that Poland would progress on LGBTQ+ rights, citing concerns over backsliding in other regions. Leo Varadkar is considered one of the most important politicians and prime ministers in the history of the EU. We profiled him here.
The USA. Politics. Trump Administration Removes ‘Woke’ Content, Including Enola Gay Images
The US Department of Defense has removed over 26,000 images and numerous texts deemed “woke” from its website, according to an AP report. Among the deleted content were images of the Enola Gay, the aircraft that dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. The plane was named after pilot Paul Tibbets’ mother, Enola Gay Tibbets. However, the removal was reportedly due to the term “gay,” now associated with homosexuality. This action is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to combat the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative, which they argue discriminates against heterosexual, white men. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deletion of 100,000 images by next Wednesday. Critics highlight that many deleted items documented the integration of women and non-white individuals into the military, sparking accusations of an assault on minority rights. War heroes are among images flagged for removal in Pentagon’s DEI purge
Germany. Theater. Veteran GDR Director Wolfgang Engel Dies at 81
Wolfgang Engel, a prominent theatre director from the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), passed away on Friday at the age of 81, a spokeswoman for the Leipzig Theatre confirmed. Engel was renowned for his politically charged productions and significant contributions to both GDR and reunified German theatre. From 1995 to 2008, Engel served as the artistic director of Schauspiel Leipzig, where he captivated audiences with ambitious productions such as a seven-hour adaptation of Faust. His career also spanned notable tenures at the Staatsschauspiel Dresden and Schauspiel Frankfurt. Engel was part of the #ActOut initiative in 2021, advocating for visibility of queer artists in the performing arts. He received the German Theatre Prize “Der Faust” for his lifetime achievements in 2011. German Culture Minister Claudia Roth hailed Engel as a transformative figure in theatre, praising his ability to confront society’s complexities.
The USA. Justice. Gay MAGA influencer dies before murder trial
Garrett Bruno, a 33-year-old travel influencer known for his support of former President Donald Trump, was found dead at his parents’ home in Mount Dora, Florida, on Tuesday, 4 March. Bruno, who amassed a significant following under the moniker ‘Garrett Travels’ (@garrett.travels), was awaiting trial on charges of second-degree murder and reckless driving. The charges stemmed from an October 2024 car crash in West Hollywood, where Bruno allegedly ran a red light and collided with a vehicle carrying 83-year-old Esther Abouab and her husband. Abouab died at the scene, and her husband sustained serious injuries. Toxicology reports indicated Bruno had ketamine and GHB in his system at the time of the crash. After posting bail in January 2025, Bruno returned to Florida to await trial. Authorities are investigating the circumstances of his death, with toxicology results pending.
The USA. Politics. Trump Criticises Aid to Lesotho and Cancels Million in Aid to HIV Programs
U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by dismissing U.S. aid to Lesotho, describing the African nation as a place “no one has ever heard of” during a speech to Congress. Trump criticised the allocation of $8 million for LGBTIQ+ programmes in Lesotho as part of broader cuts to foreign aid, which included dissolving the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Lesotho, a small kingdom surrounded by South Africa, has one of the highest HIV rates globally, with around 23% of the adult population living with the virus. The potential loss of U.S. funding has raised alarm among civil society groups in the capital, Maseru, who warn that critical HIV programmes could collapse. Trump also dismissed aid for diversity initiatives in Burma and support for indigenous communities in Central America, questioning the necessity of such projects.
The USA. Politics. Washington Removes ‘Black Lives Matter’ Sign Amid Political Pressure
Workers began removing the iconic “Black Lives Matter” street mural near the White House on Monday, as the city’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, faced mounting pressure from Republican leaders. The sign, painted in bold yellow letters in 2020 following the nationwide protests over George Floyd’s death, had become a powerful symbol against police violence and racial injustice. As jackhammers tore up the lettering, onlookers gathered, some expressing sadness and frustration.“He obviously doesn’t care about Black history,” said 57-year-old Tajuana McCallister, referring to President Donald Trump, who recently returned to the White House. Republicans have long opposed the sign, calling for its removal. Bowser’s decision comes as she seeks cooperation with Congress amid Republican efforts to curb Washington, D.C.’s self-governance. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has cut funding for diversity and inclusion initiatives, further fuelling tensions in the city.
Must Read of GAY45
- Stargate AI, Deep Seek, Queers and the Big Tech Oligarchs explained by Dominik Böhler
- Opinion: An extensive piece on Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland and his actions to restore queer rights by our columnist Arthur Cormerais.
Quote of the Week
It’s a journalist’s job to be a witness to history. We’re not there to worry about ourselves. We’re there to try and get as near as we can, in an imperfect world, to the truth and get the truth out.
— Robert Fisk
Movie of the Week
Bonus Track is a 2023 British coming-of-age romantic comedy film directed by Julia Jackman, in her feature directorial debut. It’s 2006, and George — a small-town sixteen-year-old — is on the road to complete social and academic failure. He dreams of being a star, knows he’s a gifted musician — but no one else seems to agree…. So, when Max — the son of a mega-famous musical duo — enrolls at his school and takes an interest in his music, George can’t believe it! Neither can anyone else. But as the boys grow closer, George begins to question why he actually wants to spend time with Max.
Book of the Week
A Seditious Affair by K.J. Charles is not really a masterpiece, rather a good book. In a small room, every Wednesday, a radical printer and bookseller named Silas Mason meets a highborn Tory gentleman — and offers him some of the roughest sex in Regency London. They’ve been meeting for a year, but it’s only when Silas’s bookshop is raided that his lover’s name becomes known to him. Dominic Frey is a member of the oppressive class and everything Silas should despise — but now their mutual discretion is all that’s keeping them from punishment for their crimes of passion. Rich with political undercurrents and personal drama, this second volume in Charles’s much-loved Society of Gentlemen series stands out for both its political history and its high-octane kink.
Music of the Week
We wrote before about Thus Love. The band is currently on tour in Europe starting March 11. Do not miss it. They will be in London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, and more. Follow their Instagram for details and tickets.
Conversation starters, cooking, fashion and games from our favourite newspapers
- Read in Financial Times Was DEI really just performative political theatre?
- Transformational fashion: Revisit the 25 most influential shoes and bags of the past century.
- Cook: Instead of cooking we suggest, when you are in London, to taste delicious food in the most communist restaurant with a library and Lenin portrait
- Play the Spelling Bee. And here are The New York Times Wordle. You can find all puzzles here.
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