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]
Austria. Crime. Neo-Nazi Network Arrested for Brutal Attacks on Gay Men
Austrian authorities have arrested at least 15 suspects linked to a neo-Nazi network accused of luring gay men into violent ambushes. The group allegedly used fake social media accounts to arrange meetings, where victims were then attacked, robbed, and humiliated. Police carried out 23 house searches across Austria, seizing weapons and Nazi memorabilia. The arrested individuals, aged 14 to 26, include 11 Austrians and four foreign nationals. Authorities confirmed at least 17 attacks, with one case classified as attempted murder. The suspects reportedly filmed the assaults and shared them in private chat groups. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner praised the police for dismantling the network, calling the arrests “a major blow against hate crimes.” Investigators believe more victims exist and urge them to come forward. The Graz Public Prosecutor’s Office is considering pre-trial detention for the accused. Austria was ranked as the most open country to Nazi ideologies.
Spain. Fashion. Jonathan Anderson to Depart Loewe Amid Fashion Industry Shake-Up
Jonathan Anderson, the famous queer Irish designer, is set to leave Loewe after an 11-year tenure that transformed the Spanish brand into a Paris Fashion Week sensation. His departure follows last week’s announcement that Demna will move from Balenciaga to Gucci, marking a period of major creative shifts in the luxury fashion industry. Anderson, 40, is widely rumoured to be in line for a promotion within LVMH, potentially to Dior. LVMH executive Sidney Toledano praised Anderson’s contributions, calling his impact on Loewe “beyond creativity.” The shake-up reflects broader economic and cultural uncertainty, with luxury brands seeking bold leadership amid fears of a slowdown. Alongside Gucci and Loewe, houses such as Chanel, Givenchy, and Tom Ford are also undergoing leadership changes. Demna’s appointment at Gucci signals a radical aesthetic shift, testing whether his provocative vision can resonate with a mass audience.
Chile. Politics. LGBT!+ Rights Face Significant Setback in 2024, Report Warns
A report published by Chilean advocacy group Movilh has described 2024 as a “year of regression” for LGBTQ+ rights, marking the first significant rollback since the country’s return to democracy in 1990. The report highlights a 78.7% rise in discrimination complaints compared to 2023, with 2,847 cases recorded. Incidents include two murders, 44 assaults, and 89 workplace abuse reports. Transgender individuals were particularly affected, experiencing a 462.6% increase in discrimination cases. Movilh attributes the decline to the growing influence of ultra-right narratives and government inaction. Policies restricting trans minors’ access to hormone treatment and judicial rulings undermining LGBTQ+ protections were cited as key concerns. The group has appealed to international bodies, warning: “If the State does not act urgently, we risk institutionalising discrimination and violence.”
The UK. Music. Legendary Pet Shop Boys and Scissor Sisters to Headline Special Sandringham Gig
British synth-pop legends Pet Shop Boys are set to headline a one-off concert at Sandringham Estate this summer, joined by the newly reunited Scissor Sisters. The event, scheduled for 14 August, will see the ‘West End Girls’ duo perform their “Dreamworld: The Greatest Hits Live” show at the Royal Estate in Norfolk. The gig is part of Heritage Live Festivals, with organiser Giles Cooper OBE calling it a long-awaited moment. Scissor Sisters’ appearance comes as part of their highly anticipated reunion tour, which includes a stop at Glastonbury in June. Tickets for the Sandringham event will be available via pre-sale from 26 March.
Iran. Human Rights. UN Report Finds LGBTQ+ Iranians Targeted in State Crackdown on Protests
The United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on Iran has determined that LGBTQ+ individuals were systematically targeted for gender persecution during the 2022-23 Woman, Life, Freedom protests. The report, presented today to the Human Rights Council, accuses Iranian authorities of an intentional campaign of violence, including torture, arbitrary detention, and persecution. LGBTQ+ detainees were subjected to dehumanising insults, threats, and sexual violence, with some coerced into confessions under threat of being outed. The report states that crimes against humanity were committed against LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as Kurdish and Baluchi minorities. 6Rang, an LGBTQ+ rights organisation, welcomed the findings. “For the first time, the UN has formally recognised that LGBTQ+ individuals in Iran were targeted with international crimes,” said Executive Director Shadi Amin. The Fact-Finding Mission has urged the creation of an independent UN investigative mechanism to ensure accountability.
Israel. Criminality. Cities in the Country are not as LGBTQ+ Friendly as Government Says
Attackers in Haifa, Israel, are exploiting the dating app Grindr to target LGBTQ+ individuals, leading to a series of violent incidents, including stabbings and attempted lynchings. The assailants create fake profiles to lure victims to secluded locations, where they are ambushed. The Israeli LGBTQ+ task force, The Aguda, has documented at least ten such incidents in recent months, expressing concern over the perpetrators’ continued freedom. Some victims hesitate to report these attacks, hindering law enforcement efforts. In response, The Aguda and the Israel Internet Association have issued safety advisories, urging users to verify identities, avoid isolated meeting spots, and report suspicious activity.
The USA. Fashion. Bad Bunny Strips Down for Calvin Klein in New Campaign
Puerto Rican music sensation Bad Bunny has once again captured global attention, this time as the face of Calvin Klein’s latest campaign. Shot by renowned photographer Mario Sorrenti, the reggaeton star appears in a striking series of images wearing nothing but the brand’s signature underwear. The campaign places Bad Bunny alongside other high-profile Calvin Klein models, including Jeremy Pope and Justin Bieber, further solidifying his influence in both music and fashion. Known for challenging gender norms, the artist brings his signature authenticity to the project, infusing elements of Puerto Rican culture into the visuals. His latest album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos, celebrates his heritage, with the campaign video set to his track EoO. Whether redefining masculinity or pushing creative boundaries, Bad Bunny continues to prove he is a cultural force to be reckoned with.
Belgium. Police. Man Found Dead in Brussels Sauna, No Foul Play Suspected
A man was found dead in a sauna in central Brussels on Sunday morning, initially raising suspicions. However, the Brussels prosecutor’s office has ruled out third-party involvement. Emergency services were called to Sauna Macho on Kolenmarkt at around 7 a.m., where they discovered the deceased male customer upstairs. Police and medical teams responded immediately, cordoning off the area as investigations began. An autopsy confirmed that no external factors contributed to the death, according to Brussels prosecutor’s office spokesperson Martin François. Toxicological tests are still pending. The sauna, known as Belgium’s largest gay men’s club, temporarily closed but reopened at 1 p.m. on Sunday, citing a “technical incident” on social media. Management has declined to comment on the matter. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Netherlands. Politics. Dutch Parliament Unanimously Passes Landmark Hate Crime Bill
The Dutch Senate has unanimously passed a landmark hate crime law, strengthening penalties for violence driven by discrimination. The legislation, championed by GroenLinks/PvdA and ChristenUnie, aims to ensure that hate-motivated attacks no longer go unpunished. COC Netherlands, a leading LGBTQ+ rights organisation, has fought for this reform for nearly 15 years. The law introduces harsher sentencing for crimes targeting individuals based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, disability, or religion. The move comes amid a sharp rise in hate crimes, with reports increasing by nearly 25% in the past year. Incidents include arson attacks on rainbow-flagged homes, assaults on same-sex couples, and vandalism of queer exhibitions. A key update to the Dutch Penal Code now explicitly protects bi, queer, and pansexual individuals. Advocates hail the law as a crucial step in safeguarding minority rights.
Germany. Art. Kirill Serebrennikov Was Banned from Russia and Berlin Welcomes Him
Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov, known for challenging the Kremlin’s cultural policies, is set to stage his once-banned ballet, “Nureyev,” at Berlin’s Deutsche Oper in March 2026. The production, depicting the life of dancer Rudolf Nureyev and openly addressing his homosexuality, was cancelled by Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre two years ago due to Russia’s prohibition on “propaganda for non-traditional values.” Serebrennikov’s earlier 2013 biopic on Tchaikovsky also faced funding cuts from the Russian government over its portrayal of the composer’s sexuality. Christian Spuck, director of the Berliner Staatsballett, has now invited Serebrennikov to bring “Nureyev” to the German capital, marking a significant cultural event that underscores Berlin’s commitment to artistic freedom.
Germany. Art. The First Solo Show in Gropius Bau by the Legendary Vaginal Davis
Davis’s multifaceted work spans large-scale installations, paintings, videos, films, zines, writings, music, and performances. Her art challenges conventional norms by blending punk aesthetics with glamour, intertwining queer activism with Black counter-culture, and juxtaposing resistance with desire. The exhibition also highlights her collaborations, notably with the Berlin-based art collective CHEAP, presenting the installation “Choose Mutation,” featuring photographs by Annette Frick. The exhibition is open until 14 September 2025.
Germany. Health. ChemKon, First Major Interdisciplinary Conference on Chemsex
Berlin is set to host ChemKon, Germany’s first major interdisciplinary conference on chemsex, on 28 and 29 March 2025. As chemsex came back in force and we encountered many deaths recently, organised by therapist Martin Viehweger, the event aims to address the practice of engaging in sexual activity under the influence of drugs such as crystal methamphetamine and GHB/GBL, commonly referred to as chemsex. A public evening event at Schwuz on 1 April will facilitate dialogue between professionals and the community. Chemsex, prevalent among men who have sex with men, involves the use of drugs like methamphetamine, mephedrone, and GHB/GBL to enhance sexual experiences. This practice carries significant health risks, including increased vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections and mental health issues. Tailored educational efforts are essential to address these diverse groups effectively. ChemKon seeks to foster comprehensive discussions on these issues, promoting awareness and harm reduction strategies within affected communities.
Must Read of GAY45
- A reportage by Mila Edensor, Lisbon Police’s Nightlife Raids are a Threat to Queer Community
- A wonderful essay about Vladislav Mamyshev-Monroe: Russia’s Prophet of Postmodern Protest and His Curious Death
Quote of the Week
If we have to be those rebels in basements again, then that’s what we’ll become.
– Russell T Davies
Movie of the Week
The somewhat obscure indie film Naz & Maalik (2015), directed by Jay Dockendorf, still has much to say through its captivating story of growing up young, Black, and queer in America. The drama follows the lives of its title characters Naz and Maalik — two closeted Muslim teens in Brooklyn whose secret relationship draws unwanted attention from the FBI. The film explores themes of faith, identity, and surveillance, with the project providing an intimate look at the way Black queerness is intertwined with these topics as Naz and Maalik navigate the daily happenings of their lives in New York City.
Book of the Week
The extraordinary, powerful second novel from Douglas Stuart, the Booker prizewinning author of Shuggie Bain. Young Mungo is both a vivid portrayal of working-class life and the deeply moving story of the dangerous first love of two young men: Mungo and James. Born under different stars, Protestant Mungo and Catholic James live in a hyper-masculine world. They are caught between two of Glasgow’s housing estates where young working-class men divide themselves along sectarian lines, and fight territorial battles for the sake of reputation.
Music of the Week
Pet Shop Boys, Britain’s most successful pop duo returning to refine and update the sound of their late-80s imperial era. Nonetheless is Pet Shop Boys’s first album since 2020’s Hotspot, which concluded their Stuart Price-produced trilogy. New producer James Ford takes 1986 debut Please’s simplicity and the lush orchestration of 1990’s Behaviour and applies both to this fan-pleasing collection. Essentially, there are three types of Pet Shop Boys albums: life-changing, great and OK. This one’s great.
Conversation starters, cooking, fashion and games from our favourite newspapers
- Read in The Atlantic, What the Press Got Wrong About Hitler
- Wear: Which jeans are best for you? The New York Times fashion critic offers tips.
- Move: Exercise may help you fight chronic inflammation.
- Culture: A new exhibition showcases the thousands of small decisions that inform the filmmaker Wes Anderson’s style.
- Plan: These five stunning German train trips offer an affordable vacation.
- Cook: Skip the takeout and make a sizzling chicken jalfrezi at home.
- Play the Spelling Bee. And here are The New York Times Wordle. You can find all puzzles here.
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