5 MILLION PAGEVIEWS!! 5 MILLION THANKS!!

 

Seattle hosts World Cup Pride Match despite objections

 

Seattle's LGBTQ community members say they hope that World Cup "Pride Match" between Egypt and Iran, two countries where homosexuality is criminalised, can be an opportunity to change minds.

Seattle revels in its reputation as a welcoming place and Pride flags are ‌visible all over the city, all year round. Its June Pride weekend is one of the biggest in the United States.

So, ahead of December's World ‌Cup draw, it was only natural that local organisers designated the June 26 match to be held in the city as a "Pride Match."

Then the draw happened — and the two teams scheduled to play the game were ​Egypt and Iran.

Egypt urged global soccer governing body FIFA to prevent any Pride-related activities. And Iran, where same-sex relations can carry the death penalty, filed an objection with FIFA.

But in Seattle, there is no question that the Pride Match will go ahead as planned. 

Supreme Court of Nepal rules in favour of marriage equality

 

Nepal’s Supreme Court has ruled in favour of equal marriage in a huge win for LGBTQ+ rights. The court ordered the country’s government to ensure equal marriage rights for queer and trans people. 

This landmark ruling marks a historic milestone for equality, dignity, and human rights in Nepal, while providing crucial legal clarity and protection for the rights of same-sex couples.

The verdict confirms that gender and sexual minority couples are entitled to equal protection of the law and reinforces Nepal’s commitment to inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination

The ruling makes Nepal the 40th country worldwide to legally recognise equal marriage.

Worldwide laws regarding same-sex intercourse, unions and expression

Iranian singer sentenced to 74 lashes for performing without a hijab

Iranian authorities have sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi to a punishment of 74 lashes for performing in a YouTube video that has racked up 2.9 million views over the last two years. 

Ahmadi sang the well-known patriotic song From The Blood Of The Youth to an empty theater space in 2024 with the help of eight musicians and crew. 

They have also been sentenced to flogging, a travel ban, and a prohibition on any "artistic activities" for the next two years. 

Ahmadi was accused of "offending public decency" after she performed without a hijab, the head covering mandated by Iranian morality police.

What a shame mr. Trump!

 

Homosexuality now criminalized in Niger

 

Niger adopted a new Penal Code which criminalizes for the first time same-sex relations, but also certain "intersex" and "asexual" practices.

Until now, homosexuality was not enshrined in Nigerien law. It remained largely taboo in a predominantly Muslim and conservative society, without, however, being the subject of a specific criminal offense.

The new law stipulates prison sentences of 5 to 10 years for anyone found guilty of "indecent or unnatural acts" or same-sex relations. Penalties are increased in several cases. Same-sex marriage is now punishable by 10 to 20 years in prison. 

The same sentence applies to anyone who "manages, directs, finances, or participates" in organizations, associations, or structures related to LGBTQ+ people.

The text also targets, in its own words, "LGBTQ+ practices" , explicitly including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual people.

This reform is part of the institutional overhaul process initiated after the military coup of July 26, 2023, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Now, Niger’s military government has joined several African nations that criminalize same-sex relations.

Trump’s ban of US trans troops found to be illegal

 

Transgender troops are permitted to stay in the U.S. military, an appeals court ruled on 1 June, however the military may continue to block enlistment.

The ruling was a split decision, and it’s reportedly expected to be challenged by Donald Trump’s government and will likely end up in the supreme court.

The decision goes against Trump’s January 2025 ban order which said trans military members must be removed from service.

Trump consulted with “generals and military experts” on the sweeping policy, he said: “Our military must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail”, he tweeted.

Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of defence, has already indicated the decision will be appealed. He wrote on X: “See you at SCOTUS.”

See you then!

65 countries still criminalize same-sex relationships

 

According to the most recent data from the ILGA World Database, 65 UN member states still criminalize consensual same-sex sexual acts.

Furthermore, in 2025 the total number increased for the first time in almost a decade, a particularly alarming sign in an international context marked by the rise of reactionary rhetoric and anti-LGBTQ policies.

The organization also warns that the death penalty remains a legally prescribed punishment for consensual same-sex sexual acts in 7 UN member states, while in another 5 countries there is no full legal certainty.

The global comparison leads to a clear conclusion: rights do not advance linearly. In some territories, laws promoting equality, legal recognition of gender identity, or marriage equality are being passed, while in others, criminalization, censorship, or institutional persecution are being reinforced.

ILGA World's new maps allow you to see the situation in each country and compare it with the rest of the world, offering a key tool for understanding how laws affect the daily lives of LGBTQ people.

Check ILGA World's maps here.

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!!

 

Pride returns to Budapest!

 

Authorities in Budapest have given the green light for the Hungarian capital’s Pride parade to march again this June, after last year’s event was banned under authoritarian leader Viktor Orbán.

Last year, Orbán passed legislation to ban all Pride events in Hungary. In response, more than 200,000 attendees showed up in defiance, attracting supporters from across Europe.

For almost 16 years, Hungary has been governed under Orbán, a right-wing populist, and his national-conservative party Fidesz. Orbán has also drawn criticism internationally for repression of the LGBTQ+ community.

Last month, he and his party were defeated in Hungary's elections, and the new leader of Tisza party, Péter Magyar, said at his swearing-in. “Hungary will be home for every Hungarian, and everyone can feel like they have a place in the Hungarian nation. Family, friends, and communities will be able to speak to each other again.” 

“We warmly welcome everyone in June who took part in last year’s demonstration, as well as those who continue to believe in equal rights and a democratic Hungary, and those who would like to once again celebrate the transition to democracy,” Budapest Pride said in a statement.

It seems, things will change in Hungary.

The Black Ball (La bola negra)

The Black Ball (La bola negra) is a 2026 Spanish drama film directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi (Los Javis), inspired by the unfinished work of the same name by Federico García Lorca. 

Los Javis may no longer be together, but their creative partnership is as strong as ever. The pair are back with The Black Ball, an epic drama following the interconnected lives of three gay men. The plot shifts between 1932, 1937, and 2017.

Loosely adapted from the work of renowned Spanish poet and playwright Federico García Lorca, The Black Ball stars some big names, like Penélope Cruz and Glenn Close, and Guitarricadelafuente in his acting debut. 

The pair emphasised their focus was honouring the queer community. Ambrossi shared: “As part of the LGBTQIA+ community, do we honour like we should the people who were murdered, who endured repression, who fought for our rights? Would they look at us and be proud? I ask myself this very often.”

Calvo also added: “We also wanted to explore the idea of inheritance – the inherited hatred and shame – and how that is pervasive even today.”

The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 79th Cannes Film Festival on 21 May 2026, earning Calvo and Ambrossi the Best Director prize. Early reviews praise the film for its period-drama ambition and scale. 

The cast is led by Guitarricadelafuente, Miguel Bernardeau, Carlos González, 

Milo Quifes, Lola Dueñas, Penélope Cruz, and Glenn Close

Watch the trailer below:

May China’s top court says LGBTQ+ discrimination is unlawful?

 

China’s Supreme People’s Court has issued a major response reinforcing legal protections for LGBTQ+ people against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

The Court has issued guidance indicating that insults or discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity can violate personal dignity under existing laws, potentially leading to apologies and compensation. 

It also references employment discrimination and school bullying, encouraging more consistent application of civil and labour laws in China.

This is a written response from the Research Office of the Supreme People’s Court to a Chinese citizen who petitioned the court to clarify anti-discrimination principles in judicial adjudication. Petition, is a centuries-old channel through which people in China have appealed directly to the authorities.

Although they may offer some insight into how the responding authority views a given issue, but should not be read as formal policy change.

Homosexuality is not illegal in China and it was officially removed from a list of mental disorders in 2001. But experts and activists say LGBT people still face persistent discrimination and prejudice.

UK to host European IDAHOT+ Forum 2027

 

UK to serve as host nation for the European International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT+) Forum in London in May 2027.

For the first time, the UK, in partnership with the Council of Europe, will serve as the host nation for the European IDAHOT+ Forum in London in May 2027. 

The forum will convene governments, civil society organisations, policymakers, and advocates from across Europe, turning London into a focal point for international co-operation and progress on LGBT+ equality.

The European IDAHOT+ Forum is one of the major European annual events that brings together member states of the Council of Europe, government representatives, policy makers, experts, and academics, as well as representatives from national and international organisations. 

As the main state-organised European LGBT+ conference, it primarily aims to promote co-operation between governments but also between governments and civil society organisations.

The 2026 IDAHOT+ takes place in Copenhagen (Denmark)

Recognision of foreign same-sex marriage in Poland and first same-sex marriage registration in Warsaw

 

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk has assured that Poland will begin recognising same-sex marriages performed in other European Union countries following major court rulings from both the Court of Justice of the European Union and Poland’s Supreme Administrative Court.

Speaking ahead of a cabinet meeting, Tusk apologised for what he described as the “years of rejection and humiliation” faced by same-sex couples in Poland. “[This is] a matter of human dignity: the right to happiness, the right to equal treatment by the state,” he said.

“I would like to apologise to all those who, for many, many years, felt rejected and humiliated. For many years, the state has failed the test.” Tusk added that his government would make compliance with the court rulings a priority, while stressing that any legal changes would be implemented within the framework of existing Polish law.

The rulings mark a historic shift for Poland, one of the few remaining EU countries that still does not legally recognise same-sex unions domestically. While the decisions do not force Poland to legalise same-sex marriage itself, they do require the country to recognise marriages legally performed elsewhere in the EU.

Meanwhile, Poland’s capital, Warsaw, registered its first same-sex marriage, implementing court rulings that require the country to recognize same-sex marriages registered abroad.

It's time Poland!!!

King Charles announces UK government’s conversion therapy ban

 

A Draft Conversion Practices Bill was included in King’s Speech, outlining Labour‘s legislative programme for the coming parliamentary session in the U.K.

“My Government will bring forward a Bill to speed up remediation for people living in homes with unsafe cladding and a draft Bill to ban abusive conversion practices,” the address read in part.

The Government committed to eradicating what it called “abusive” practices, in line with a pledge made in its 2024 election manifesto.

Officials say the ban will be carefully targeted to avoid interfering with legitimate healthcare for those exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Several PMs have promised to ban conversion therapy, albeit in varying forms. In 2018, Theresa May made overtures toward ending the practice. In 2022, Boris Johnson would support a ban but wich did not cover trans people. In January 2023, Rishi Sunak also promised a trans-inclusive conversion therapy ban. Current Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the Labour Party promised a trans-inclusive ban in 2024.

Now, we will see if it is finally a reality.

Spain breaks Malta’s decade-long hold on the Rainbow Map top spot

 

This year’s Rainbow Map tells two stories at once:

• One of genuine courage, in Spain, in courtrooms, and in leaders who are choosing to stand with their communities rather than scapegoat them.
• And one of real and growing danger that cannot be underestimated. The question every government in Europe must now answer is which story they want to be part of.

The Rainbow Map ranks 49 European countries on their respective legal and policy practices for LGBTI people, from 0-100%. It is supported by our Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of LGBTI People in Europe and Central Asia, which gathers and presents qualitative data, illustrating how these laws and policies impact politics, society, and the daily lives of LGBTI people.

According to the new edition published by ILGA-Europe, Spain has moved from the 5th to the 1st place among 49 European countries for LGBTI rights, ending 10 years of Maltese leadership. This achievement is the result of years of work by activists, civil society organisations, and many committed professionals across the country.

Malta drops one place to 2nd in the ranking with a score of 88%. While the slide in the ranking is technically due to Spain’s rise, it also reflects Malta’s stagnation and lack of continuous reform. The country still lacks a comprehensive anti-discrimination framework, which could be addressed through the Equality Bill that was tabled in 2019 and has been stalled since.

Iceland retains the 3rd place in the ranking, but gains two points, resulting in a total score of 86%. The government renewed its equality action plan, reaffirming its commitment to legal progress. Some measures set in the action plan have started being implemented, such as a training framework for asylum caseworkers in cooperation with the LGBTI organisation.

The three countries at the other end of the Rainbow Map scale are Russia (2%), Azerbaijan (2%), and Turkey (5%). Not a surprise.

The pink triangle is also a symbol of resistance

 

Donald Trump posted a Washington Times article titled Army Recruitment Ads Look Quite Different Under Trump on Truth Social. The thumbnail showed a crossed-out upside-down pink triangle – the same one used by Nazis during WWII to identify and murder LGBTQ+ people.

This triggered a great deal of anxiety for Queer people. Though Trump hadn’t directly shared the image itself, sharing the link felt like an statement of endorsement for systematic homophobia and transphobia.

But the pink triangle is also a symbol of resistance and community, and deserves to be remembered that way. Since the 1970s, LGBTQ+ liberation groups have worn the pink triangle as a way of memorialising the Queer people who have died as a result of persecution, apathy, and violence.

We must hold onto the power of the pink triangle as a symbol of resistance. Trump’s administration may wish to use it to persecute, but by using it for protest, we remember the lives it represents with as much integrity as possible.

A Vatican report includes gender, sexuality and LGBTQ issues

 

The Vatican released a study group document that has surprised gay Catholics for including their voices on controversial subjects affecting the Church. The study group’s report address gender, sexuality, and LGBTQ inclusion.

It’s the first time that in any official publication of the Vatican, they’ve included witnesses and testimonies and stories from LGBTQ Catholics in any kind of detailed way. Two of the testimonies were from married gay men.

Among the issues the report addresses are the negative impacts of conversion therapy, described as the devastating effects of reparative therapies aimed at recovering heterosexuality, as well as the Church’s role in enabling the solitude, anguish, and stigma that accompany persons with same-sex attractions and their families.

Though document was not written by the Pope, but by the study group, it requires the authorization of the Pope to be released to the public. Nevertheless, Pope Francis reiterated that homosexuality is not a crime, but at same time he defended that the Church cannot bless same-sex unions because God cannot bless sin.

Read the report here.

Russia's largest publishing house raided for LGBT propaganda

 

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin continues to intensify domestic repression against his own people. The latest target was the country's largest publishing house, Ekcmo, which was raided by police.

Police officers confiscated thousands of books and arrested the company's CEO for distributing what the Kremlin calls "gay propaganda".

With Putin seeking ​to promote an image of Russia as a guardian of traditional moral values in contrast with a decadent West, ​Russian authorities banned what they call the "LGBT movement", designating it as extremist and those supporting it as ⁠terrorists.

Private Russian companies including music channels, online film distributors and book publishers are routinely fined for hosting LGBT content.

Shame on you Putin!!!

Europe moves to wide-ban on conversion therapy

 

The European Parliament has voted in favour of banning conversion therapy practices across the European Union, marking a major step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Europe.

The move follows a European Citizens’ Initiative launched in January 2024 by ACT LGBT, which gathered more than 1.2 million signatures in support of outlawing the practice.

The vote is considered a strong political signal to the European Commission, which is the only EU institution with the power to formally propose binding legislation.

If advanced, the proposed law would seek to ban all forms of conversion therapy for both children and adults throughout the bloc.

Conversion therapy refers to practices that attempt to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, and has been widely condemned by health and human rights organisations.

Read the press release here.

Alarming increase in laws against LGBTQ+ people around the world

 

The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) expresses its deep concern at the growing trend towards the criminalisation of same-sex relationships around the world. Since 2023, some countries have enacted or passed laws criminalising homosexuality, whilst in others, draft legislation aimed towards criminalisation is currently being considered.

The tightening of criminal penalties based on sexual orientation or gender identity contravenes international human rights obligations freely undertaken by States. Criminalisation violates the principle of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in addition to prosecuting the promotion, support, and financing of LGBTQ+ people, exacerbating the risks of persecution, violence and social exclusion against LGBTQ+ people and, in the end, it promotes fear, fuels polarization, and stigmatizes differences thus posing a threat to rights, freedom and well-being of every individual.

These provisions may not only constitute a direct violation of human rights, but also restrict access to essential services such as healthcare and justice, and perpetuate structural cycles of violence and discrimination.

Read the statement here.

Almost 40% of all book challenges in 2025 were LGBTQ+ books

 

The American Library Association (ALA) released data documenting attempts to censor books and materials in public, school, and academic libraries during 2025

ALA tracked 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025, the second highest ever documented after 2024. Of the unique titles challenged in 2025, 1,671 (39%) represent the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people and people of color.

In 2025, 92% of all book challenges were initiated by pressure groups, government officials and decision makers, up from 72% in 2024. Less than 3% of challenges originated from individual parents.

Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the data compiled by ALA represents only a snapshot of book censorship throughout the year.

ALA is on a mission to protect access to LGBTQ+ books in the U.S. “Libraries exist to make space for every story and every lived experience,” said ALA President Sam Helmick. “We reaffirm that libraries are places for knowledge, for access, and for all,” he added.

Hungary violated EU law and discriminated LGBTQ+ people, top European Court rules

 

The Court of Justice of European Union (CJUE) rules that Hungary's 2021 Child Protection Law unlawfully discriminates against LGBTQ+ community; the first time a member state has been found in violation of EU fundamental values charter.

The European Court has ruled that Hungary’s amended Child Protection Law violates EU law and discriminates against gay and transgender people.

The court said the legislation “stigmatises and marginalises non-cisgender people, including transgender people,” and noted that the law’s title links them with people convicted of paedophilia. According to the court, this association increases stigma and may encourage hostile behaviour.

It is the first time the court has found that an EU member state breached the fundamental values set out in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The law was pushed by Viktor Orbán in a referendum coinciding with a general election vote.

The ruling comes nine days after Hungary’s parliamentary elections, in which the opposition Tisza Party defeated Orbán’s Fidesz party.

Read the CJEU press release here.

A Russian local media fined over Heated Rivalry review

 

A Russian court has fined a local news outlet 500,000 rubles (about $6,600) after it published a review of the gay-themed hockey drama series Heated Rivalry, treating the cultural write-up as illegal in a ruling under the "gay propaganda law".

Heated Rivalry centres on closeted gay Russian hockey player Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), who is in a secret affair with Canadian player Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams). Some scenes are set in Russia, and Rozanov’s tense relationship with his family is a big plot point and something he struggles with throughout season one.

Despite legal risks around LGBTQ content, the series has found a big Russian fanbase via pirate sites or VPNs.  The fine was linked to a review headlined: “Why Did ‘Heated Rivalry’ Become Popular?” People are watching it in part because it is forbidden, a guilty pleasure that the government would likely view as dangerous propaganda.

With Putin, Russia is a very homophobic and transphobic place, especially given the 2013 law that bans so-called gay propaganda, in fact, any positive mention of LGBTQ identity. 

Trump forced to restore Pride flag at Stonewall National Monument in NYC

 

The rainbow Pride flag will return permanently to the Stonewall National Monument after federal government agreed to reinstall it as part of a legal settlement ending a high-profile lawsuit over its removal.

The removal was in line with updated Trump's guidance, limiting the types of flags permitted on government-managed flagpoles.

The agreement, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, settles a case brought by the Gilbert Baker Foundation, Village Preservation, Equality New York, and others, following the National Park Service’s removal of the Pride flag in February. 

The agreement requires the National Park Service to reinstall the display within seven days, with the American flag at the top of the pole and the rainbow Pride flag and the agency’s flag flown beneath it.

The removal, at the site of the 1969 uprising that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, sparked swift backlash from advocates, historians, and elected officials who saw it as an erasure of both symbol and story.

This resolution ensures the flag will continue to fly at the monument, affirming its rightful place at the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

Bravo!!

Activists already returned Pride flag defying Trump's policy

Time to end Orbán's Hungary government

 

For almost 16 years, Hungary has been governed under the self-styled “illiberal democracy” of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a right-wing populist, and his national-conservative party, Hungarian Civic Alliance (Fidesz). 

This regime has been much criticized for eroding democratic norms, with a media that is heavily biased towards the government, and accusations of widespread corruption and gerrymandering. 

Orbán has further drawn criticism internationally for interfering with the courts and judiciary, strict anti-migrant laws, and repression of the LGBTQ+ community; as seen last year with the banning of Pride events, following previous bans on same-sex marriage and adoption.

Going into the election, the political and media landscape in Hungary still appears highly stacked in Fidesz’s favour. The country’s public broadcaster has repeatedly aired Fidesz campaign videos, whilst newspapers and other independent media have been shut down or taken over by oligarchs sympathetic to Fidesz, which controls around 80% of the traditional Hungarian media.

Despite this, opponents of Orbán have been cautiously optimistic this time around about the chances of the main opposition party, Respect and Freedom Party (Tisza), a liberal-conservative and pro-European party.  Under the leadership of Peter Magyar, it has been leading in the polls over recent months.

If Tisza wins with the constitutional majority, complete regime change is the most likely scenario. That will mean a completely new chapter in Hungary’s political life. In terms of EU relations, we can expect rapid improvement, and that some EU funds will be unfrozen.

It is time to end Orban's government!

Euphoria season 3 release

Euphoria, one of the most-watched series in all of HBO’s history that earned 25 Emmy nominations and 9 wins, is back with more heart-pounding drama.

The series follows a group of young adults navigating sex and drug addiction, love, friendship and trauma. Season three will feature a time jump that follows the cast into their adult lives after graduating high school. 

Zendaya will return to reprise her role of Rue Bennett, as will Hunter Schafer in her role as Jules Vaughn. The rest of show's principal stars Jacob Elordi, Eric Dane, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, Colman Domingo, Martha Kelly and Chloe Cherry are set to return.

There will be new faces, of course, including Sharon Stone, Grammy winner Rosalia, football player Marshawn Lynch, Emmy nominee Natasha Lyonne and even Trisha Paytas.

After a five-year time jump, the characters are navigating life after graduating college. Rue is south of the border in Mexico and in debt to a drug dealer while Cassie and Nate get married and live in the suburbs. Jules is in art school and Maddie is working for a Hollywood talent agency. Lexi is an assistant to a showrunner played by Sharon Stone.

Though HBO has not officially confirmed whether season three is Euphoria’s last, many fans have assumed it would be the end after there was a four-year hiatus between season two and three.

Watch the trailer below:

Most Americans broadly support trans equality, a recent survey finds

 

A recent survey commissioned by Human Rights Campaign Foundation found a clear majority of US citizens support equality and legal protections for trans people, with increasing levels of personal connection.

Large majorities of Americans support equal rights and protections for transgender Americans (85%), as well as equal access to healthcare (89%), workplace protections (79%), and protections for transgender students (83%).

The survey also pointed to the impact of everyday relationships. Of those surveyed, 41% of US adults said they know someone who is transgender, and 27% reported speaking with a transgender person regularly. It is a fact, people with direct contact were consistently more supportive of trans equality.

The findings also suggest public feelings may be more positive than what some politicians would have you believe, with majority support recorded across political affiliation, race, ethnicity and gender, including among Republicans.

After one year into Trump Administration, it is marked by relentless anti-trans attacks and weaponizing government against LGBTQ+ people’s health and safety. We hope next midterm elections 2026 people vote accordingly.

4 MILLION VIEWS, 4 MILLION THANKS!!!!

 

4 MILLION VIEWS, 4 MILLION THANKS!!!!

In from the side, a gay rugby engaging story

 

In from the side, it is a romantic British rugby drama directed by Matt Carter, and starred by Alexander Lincoln and Alexander King.

This surprisingly moving sports-team story is slathered in sweat, streaked with mud, and dripping with sensuality. As a "B Squad" of gay athletes try to overcome inexperience and push past rivalries to score an elusive win, a secret affair simmers among them. 

Mark (Lincoln) and Warren (King) from a cash-strapped, divided gay rugby club unwittingly sleepwalk into an adulterous affair, but must conceal their growing feelings or risk destroying the club they love. Mark finds himself unable to avoid the blazing appeal of teammate Warren. 

After losing their first game, B team takes on a serious competitor to establish themselves as a committed team or else they'll be dropped. Wanting to be with Mark, Warren offers to join the B team under the guise of helping them win.

Awards:

Nominated - Outstanding First Feature at the Frameline Film Festival 2022.
Winner - Best First Narrative Feature and Best Actor at FilmOut San Diego 2022.
Winner - Best Narrative Feature Audience Award at Out On Film Film Festival Atlanta 2022.
Winner - Best Narrative Feature at ReelQ Pittsburgh Film Festival 2022.
Runner-up - Best Feature Film at OutShine Film Festival Fort Lauderdale.

Watch the trailer below:

IOC bans transgender women from female categories in Olympics Games

 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned transgender women and DSD athletes from the female category of events at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and future Games.

Kirsty Coventry, the president of the IOC, said the landmark decision had been taken because “it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category”.

The IOC has also confirmed that all athletes wanting to compete in the female category at future Olympics will have to undergo a one-off SRY (sex determining region Y gene) screening to detect their biological sex. 

Coventry said the decision, which applies to elite individual and team sports, was based on science and would protect the fairness and safety of women’s sport. “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition”, she said.

“The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts. At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe", she added.

The IOC said its new policy should be adopted by all international sports federations and governing bodies for events, such as the Summer and Winter Olympics. It made it clear it applies only to elite sport and not any grassroots or recreational sports programmes.

Check the new policy here.

Nightclub owner jailed for promoting LGBT ideology in Russia

 

Tatiana Zorina was arrested in Russia after police raided a nightclub. Prosecutors claimed the venue functioned as a space encouraging LGBTQ+ identity and community, which they equated with extremist activity.

This description stems from a 2023 ruling by the Supreme Court of Russia, which labelled the so-called “international LGBT movement” as extremist. Legal experts and activists argue that the vague classification allows authorities to target individuals and groups at random.

Zorina was sentenced to four years in a penal colony by a court Russia. The court found her guilty of “organising the activities of an extremist organisation”, alleging that she used a nightclub in Russia to promote what authorities describe as the “international LGBT movement”.

Zorina’s sentencing is a stark illustration of how Russia’s abuse of ‘extremism’ legislation has spiralled into outright persecution targeting LGBTQ+ people and their allies.

With Putin, Russia is a very homophobic and transphobic place, especially given the 2013 law that bans so-called gay propaganda, really, any positive mention of LGBTQ identity. 

The Russian authorities must immediately overturn this conviction and release Tatiana Zorina!!!

Bitter Christmas, the new film by Pedro Almodovar

 

Bitter Christmas is the new film by the Spanish iconic director Pedro Almodovar. Starring Bárbara Lennie and Leonardo Sbaraglia alongside Aitana Sánchez-Gijón, Victoria Luengo, Patrick Criado, Milena Smit, and Quim Gutiérrez. 

The story begins with a family Christmas gathering that, far from being a moment of peace and harmony, turns into a night fraught with tension. What starts as a seemingly normal dinner ends up bringing to the surface secrets from the past, accumulated resentments, and emotions that have been hidden for years.

In Almodovar's universe, families are never simple. They are complex, contradictory, and profoundly human. And it is precisely there that the director once again constructs a story full of emotional intensity.

Although Bitter Christmas is not an LGBTQ+ story per se, the film maintains something that has always defined Almodóvar's cinema: a free-spirited perspective on identity, desire, and human relationships.

Throughout his career, the director has been one of the key figures responsible for bringing LGBTQ+ characters to the forefront of Spanish cinema, from classics like Law of Desire to All About My Mother. Therefore, even when his stories don't directly revolve around the LGBTQ+ community, his films continue to breathe diversity, emotional freedom, and characters who live outside traditional molds.

The title itself makes it clear: this is not a merry Christmas. Almodovar once again uses the family as a stage where everything can explode: awkward glances, recriminations from the past, and truths that forever change how the characters see each other.

Watch the trailer below: