THE9+. Queer News. May 28. Gay Future of AI, The Netherlands Progressive Society, Cannes Film Fest, and much more

A weekly digest of the essential queer news in your backyard!

This week, THE9+ is edited by GAY45, the News Editor Taylor Abbot, with the support of the editorial team.

If you want to hear the most essential news commented on in-depth, you can listen to our weekly podcast, GenClash: Queer Perspectives on Current Affairs.

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And then…

The USA. AI Economy. OpenAI Acquires IO in $6.5 Billion Deal to Pioneer AI Devices with Jony Ive

OpenAI has acquired IO, the AI hardware start-up founded by Jony Ive, in a $6.5 billion all-stock deal aimed at developing a new generation of artificial intelligence-powered devices. Jony Ive, best known for designing the iPhone with Steve Jobs, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman — openly gay — are collaborating to build what they describe as “amazing products that elevate humanity.” The acquisition marks OpenAI’s largest to date and will see Ive’s team of over 50 engineers and designers join OpenAI under a newly formed hardware division. Details about the devices remain undisclosed, but the partnership envisions a post-smartphone era of ambient computing — possibly through screenless gadgets like pendants or smart glasses. The move underlines OpenAI’s ambition to embed AI into physical products and expand beyond software. The deal is pending regulatory approval.

EU. Politics. States Urge Action on Hungary’s Pride Ban, Consider ‘Nuclear Option’

Sixteen EU countries, including France and Germany, have called on the European Commission to take swift action against Hungary over Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s plan to ban Budapest’s upcoming Pride celebrations. In a joint statement, coordinated by the Dutch foreign ministry, the nations urged Brussels to use the full scope of its rule-of-law tools. They warned that Hungarian laws threatening LGBTQ+ events under the guise of child protection breach EU fundamental rights. The pressure coincides with growing frustration over Hungary’s repeated obstruction of EU aid to Ukraine. Diplomats say momentum is building to invoke Article 7—the EU’s “nuclear option”—which could strip Hungary of voting rights. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faces mounting calls to act. However, resistance remains within the Commission, and Hungary has yet to respond to requests for comment.

Germany. Obituary. Eva of Iconic Art Duo Eva & Adele Dies in Berlin

Eva, one half of the renowned Berlin-based performance art duo Eva & Adele, has died, her partner Adele confirmed on Wednesday. Eva passed away at their shared home in Berlin-Charlottenburg following a period of declining health after spinal surgery. The pair, known for their identical flamboyant attire, shaved heads, and the mantra “Wherever we are is museum,” have been fixtures at international art events since 1991. Describing themselves as “hermaphrodite twins from the future,” they blurred the lines between life and art, challenging gender norms and societal conventions. Eva’s legal recognition as female in 2011 marked a significant personal and political milestone for the duo. Adele announced plans to continue their artistic legacy, including completing a joint project of 201 canvases and establishing the Eva & Adele Foundation to support projects reflecting their oeuvre. “Eva had enormous strength and discipline,” Adele said. “For her, art was the greatest asset in the world.” An Instagram post read: “Eva went back to the future today. She left this world and entered the eternal stage.”

Germany. Report. Berlin Intelligence Report Warns of Rising Anti-Queer Extremism

The Berlin Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Germany’s equivalent of MI6 or the CIA) has raised alarms over escalating anti-queer propaganda and violence, attributing the surge to right-wing extremists and Salafist groups. In its 2024 annual report, the agency highlights that these factions are increasingly targeting LGBTQ+ communities with aggressive rhetoric and actions, viewing them as threats to traditional family structures and societal norms. Senator Iris Spranger emphasised that such hostility undermines democratic values, noting a significant uptick in insults, threats, and physical assaults against queer individuals. The report also points to the role of online platforms in facilitating the spread of hate speech and organising attacks, particularly among younger demographics. In response, Berlin is initiating a round table on anti-queer hate crimes, led by Queer Liaison Officer Alfonso Pantisano, aiming to bolster protections and support for affected communities. The initiative seeks to address the persistent discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the capital. 

France. Politics. Paris Unveils Memorial Honouring LGBTQ+ Victims of Nazi Persecution

On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, Paris inaugurated its first national memorial dedicated to LGBTQ+ victims of Nazi deportation and broader historical persecution. Designed by French artist Jean-Luc Verna, the three-ton steel star sculpture lies in the gardens of the Port de l’Arsenal near Bastille. One side is black, symbolising mourning and the dangers of forgetting; the other is mirrored, reflecting the sky and the shifting tides of public opinion. Historians estimate that between 5,000 and 15,000 people across Europe were deported by the Nazi regime due to their homosexuality. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo stated, “Historical recognition means saying ‘this happened’ and ‘we don’t want it to happen again’.” The memorial serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the ongoing struggle against discrimination. 

France. Justice. Court Rules in Favour of Trans Man in Landmark Health Insurance Case

A French court has ruled that the Caisse primaire d’assurance maladie (CPAM) of Bas-Rhin must cover the cost of a bilateral mastectomy for a transgender man, marking a significant legal precedent in France. The Strasbourg judicial court also ordered the insurer to pay €3,000 in damages. The court found that CPAM’s refusal, based on additional requirements such as a prior medical certificate and a memorandum of understanding, violated Articles 8 and 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights, creating inequality in healthcare access based on gender identity. The applicant, who began his medical transition in 2022, had previously been denied full coverage despite a diagnosis of gender dysphoria. His lawyer, Laura Gandonou, hailed the decision as the first in France to recognise such discrimination by a health insurer.

The Netherlands. Politics. Data Shows One of the Most Progressive Societies

Nearly one in five Dutch residents aged 15 and over identifies as LGBTQ+, according to new data released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) on Coming Out Day. The estimate, based on the Safety Monitor survey, suggests approximately 2.7 million people in the Netherlands identify as lesbian, gay, bi-plus, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual. The largest subgroup comprises bi-plus individuals—those attracted to more than one gender—totalling around 1.7 million. The study also found 272,000 homosexual men, 106,000 homosexual women, 151,000 transgender people, and 45,000 each identifying as non-binary/genderqueer and intersex. LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to be younger and reside in urban areas. Approximately 19% are aged 15–24, compared to 14% of non-LGBTQ+ people, and 31% live in highly urbanised municipalities, versus 25% of the general population. The Netherlands is widely recognised for its progressive stance on LGBT+ rights, social acceptance and rejection of religion (80% do not consider religion), which likely contributes to higher rates of self-identification compared to many other countries.

Armenia. Sports. Trans Weightlifting Champion’s Story Spotlighted in Berlin Film Festival

Mel Daluzyan, a former Armenian weightlifting star who won European titles in 2007 and 2008 and bronze medals at the World Championships in 2006 and 2010, is the subject of the documentary Mel, directed by Inna Sahakyan and Paul Cohen. The film chronicles Daluzyan’s journey from national hero to outcast after coming out as a transgender man, highlighting the challenges faced by LGBT+ individuals in Armenia. Mel, notable as the first queer film to receive state funding in Armenia, will be screened on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Berlin’s Maxim Gorki Theater as part of the “100 + 10 – Armenian Allegories” festival. A discussion with Daluzyan will follow the screening.

Austria. Eurovision. Austrian Eurovision Winner Sparks Diplomatic Row with Call to Exclude Israel from 2026 Contest

JJ, Austria’s 2025 Eurovision winner, has ignited a diplomatic storm after publicly urging the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to exclude Israel from next year’s contest. In a strongly worded statement, the artist cited concerns over human rights and called for Eurovision to “stand for peace, not politics.” The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Israeli officials, who accused the singer of politicising the competition and fuelling division. Meanwhile, several European diplomats expressed unease, warning the controversy could fracture Eurovision’s traditionally apolitical stance. The EBU has yet to comment, but the call has triggered heated debate across social media and within Eurovision fan communities. Austria’s public broadcaster distanced itself from the statement, stressing it does not represent the national position. It is a very sensitive position coming from Austria, a country at the core of the Jewish holocaust, whatever logical it would be. The incident underscores growing tensions as cultural events increasingly intersect with geopolitical fault lines.

Poland. Politics. Romania’s Pro-LGBTQ+ President-Elect Backs Polish Pro-LGBTQ+ Centrist Ahead of Runoff

Romania’s president-elect, Nicușor Dan, announced plans to visit Warsaw to support Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski in Poland’s forthcoming presidential runoff. Dan, a centrist who recently defeated far-right candidate George Simion, stated the visit is at the invitation of Polish colleagues and aims to bolster Trzaskowski’s campaign. Trzaskowski, a pro-LGBTQ+ voice and Pride participant, aligned with Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s pro-European Civic Coalition, narrowly leads conservative historian Karol Nawrocki in the polls. The election is viewed as pivotal for Poland’s future direction, particularly concerning EU relations and judicial reforms. Dan’s support underscores a broader regional alignment among pro-European leaders. Conversely, Simion has endorsed Nawrocki, highlighting a divide between centrist and nationalist  forces in Eastern Europe. The Polish presidential runoff is scheduled for June 1.

France. Report. 5% Rise in Anti-LGBTQ+ Offences in 2024, Government Data Reveals

Anti-LGBTQ+ offences in France increased by 5% in 2024, with 4,800 incidents recorded, according to Interior Ministry data released on 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Of these, 3,100 were classified as crimes or offences, marking a 7% rise from the previous year. The majority of victims were men under 30, with physical violence and threats comprising nearly 20% of cases. SOS Homophobie reported 1,571 testimonies in 2024, highlighting a surge in online hate and a deteriorating political climate. President Julia Torlet warned that legitimised hate speech is fuelling real-world violence. Additionally, 41% of French respondents expressed discomfort with having a transgender child, indicating growing societal tensions. Authorities and advocacy groups are calling for urgent action to combat the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and protect vulnerable communities.

Belgium. Science. Scientists Achieve Breakthrough in HIV Research

Researchers at KU Leuven have developed a method to permanently neutralise HIV in cells, potentially ending the need for lifelong treatment. Published Thursday in Nature Communications, the study marks a significant step in the fight against HIV/AIDS. “It’s a new chapter in history,” said Professor Zeger Debyser, lead scientist. “For the first time, we’ve eliminated the virus in lab-grown cells.” While current HIV drugs suppress the virus, they do not destroy it. Patients must take medication for life. The new technique puts the virus into a state of “deep sleep,” preventing it from reactivating. Although further clinical research is needed, Debyser’s team hopes that combining this new approach with a previous method, already in clinical trials, could free patients from lifelong dependence on antiretrovirals. Despite declining infection rates, HIV still claims 600,000 lives annually. Debyser warns, “We’re still facing a global pandemic.”

France. Film. Cannes 2025: Hafsia Herzi’s La Petite Dernière Wins Queer Palm

The Queer Palm 2025 has been awarded to La Petite Dernière, a moving and intimate film by Hafsia Herzi, currently in official competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and still in the running for the Palme d’Or. Since 2010, the Queer Palm has recognised films with LGBTQ+ or feminist themes, or those challenging gender norms. The 2025 jury, chaired by French director Christophe Honoré, included Léonie Pernet, Marcelo Caetano, Faridah Gbadamosi and Timé Zoppé. Herzi’s film follows 17-year-old Fatima as she leaves her suburban family home to study philosophy in Paris. There, she begins to explore her identity, confronting tensions between faith, tradition and desire. In the short film category, the Queer Palm went to Bleat! by Franco-Philippine director Ananth Subramaniam. Sixteen feature films and a wide selection of shorts competed for the award, now a key marker of queer cinema at Cannes.

The EU. Education. The Report of IGLYO Shows No Progress in Education in Three Years

The third edition of IGLYO’s LGBTQ+ Inclusive Education Map and Index reveals a concerning lack of progress across Europe since 2022. The report highlights that only six Council of Europe member states have implemented most of the recommended measures for LGBTQ+-inclusive education, while ten countries have yet to adopt any such measures. The report underscores that over half of LGBTQ+ students in Europe have experienced bullying in school due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Despite some countries enacting anti-discrimination laws, comprehensive measures such as inclusive curricula and mandatory teacher training remain scarce.  IGLYO’s findings indicate that many teachers feel ill-equipped to support LGBT+ students, with only a minority of countries offering systematic training on LGBT+ issues. The organisation calls for urgent action to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments for all students. 

Must Read of GAY45

• Dominik Böhler chronicle on the Queer Cinema Awards at Cannes 2025. Some good films this year.
• An op-ed by Arthur Cormerais on how The Success of the EU’s Petition to Ban Conversion Therapy Should Teach Us a Lesson

Quote of the Week

The adaptation to a world deeply integrated with AI tools is going to happen pretty quickly. We also need time for our institutions to figure out what to do.

— Sam Altman

Film of the Week

Jonathan Demme’s Philadelphia (1993) is a landmark courtroom drama that confronts AIDS and homophobia with rare emotional clarity. Tom Hanks delivers an Oscar-winning performance as Andrew Beckett, a lawyer dismissed after his firm discovers he has AIDS. Denzel Washington co-stars as Joe Miller, a reluctant attorney who overcomes prejudice to defend Beckett in a pivotal discrimination lawsuit. The film’s powerful storytelling, bolstered by Bruce Springsteen’s haunting “Streets of Philadelphia,” makes it a moving and essential watch.

Book of the Week

Marieke Lucas Rijneveld’s The Discomfort of Evening is a haunting exploration of grief and adolescence. Set on a Dutch dairy farm, the novel follows ten-year-old Jas as she navigates the aftermath of her brother’s death. Rijneveld’s prose, translated by Michele Hutchison, is both poetic and unflinching, capturing the rawness of loss and the complexities of a strict religious upbringing. This International Booker Prize-winning debut offers a visceral portrayal of a family unravelling, leaving readers both disturbed and deeply moved.

Music of the Week

In the early 2000s, the Oakland-based collective Deep Dickollective (D/DC) was instrumental in bringing queer perspectives to hip-hop. Their 2001 album BourgieBohoPostPomoAfroHomo is often cited as one of the earliest full-length hip-hop albums by openly queer artists, addressing themes of Black queer identity and challenging the genre’s norms. 

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

• Read how OpenAI Unites With Jony Ive in $6.5 Billion Deal to Create A.I. Device. iPhones will soon disappear and be replaced by new devices. Altman and Ive are exploring the development of a pocket-sized, screen-free device that is aware of its surroundings and operates unobtrusively.
• Wear: The NYT fashion critic has advice for making sense of the latest trends. 
• Cook a green salad to celebrate the joys of spring.
• Play the Spelling Bee. And here are the New York Times Mini Crossword and Wordle. You can find all puzzles here.

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