The House of Commons has backed making LGBTQ+ hate crimes an aggravated offence, bringing the bill one step closer to becoming law.

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The Crime and Policing Bill amendment was agreed by the House of Commons on the 14 April, following earlier approval in the House of Lords in March. The change aims to put anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime on the same legal footing as racial and religious hate crime, particularly in terms of sentencing severity. The bill amendment, spearheaded by UK LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, follows lobbying efforts directed at MPs to amend the Crime and Policing Bill since 2024. Through their Hold My Hand campaign, they have been advocating for anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes to be treated as aggravated offences in the UK.​

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The bill is now awaiting parliament to resolve disagreements on other elements of the proposed legislation before it can become law. You can follow the amended Crime and Policing Bill’s legal progressions via the official UK parliament website. Following the news, Stonewall CEO Simon Blake celebrated the milestone in a statement on the official Stonewall website.  “Today we are celebrating a moment of progress on the journey to LGBTQ+ equality – the Crime & Policing Bill has been amended to make anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime an aggravated offence,” He said.

Birmingham Pride organisers have lowered ticket prices to make the event more accessible during the cost of living crisis.

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The initiative is the first step in future plans to make the Pride event completely free to attend by 2027 to mark the 30th anniversary of Birmingham Pride. This year the event takes place from 23 to 24 May, with weekend tickets costing £46.87, down from £73.70 in 2025.

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Speaking to BirminghamLive, festival director Lawrence Barton said the move comes amid a wave of financial problems across Pride events in the UK. Manchester Pride began the process of voluntary liquidation last year after multiple staff redundancies and details of suppliers and artists still owed money were made public. As well as ticket costs falling, Barton admitted from 2026 the festival line-up will focus more on community and accessibility rather than major headline acts.

 

Barton has run Birmingham Pride since 2009 and said he plans to resign once the free festival goal is achieved.

No Music For Genocide has issued a landmark open letter calling for Israel to be banned from Eurovision 2026 over what it describes as a Russia double standard.

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Thousands of influential artists and cultural workers have teamed up with the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to call on fans, broadcasters and performers to refuse participation in the singing showdown. Brian Eno, Massive Attack, Paloma Faith, Paul Weller, Kneecap, IDLES, Sigur Rós and others have signed the letter, urging the European Broadcasting Union to follow the same exclusion standards for Israel as it did for Russia after the 2022 Ukraine invasion.

“Silence is complicity. We stand with No Music for Genocide and every artist, fan and broadcaster who refuses to let the world’s biggest music event be used to whitewash genocide. No stage for genocide. Free Palestine,” they continued.

Former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg has signalled a potential 2028 US presidential election run.

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During a speech at the National Action Network’s 35th annual convention in New York over the weekend, the Democrat, who is gay, was asked if he would run for office again, following his 2020 election bid.  American civil rights activist and NAN founder and president, the Rev. Al Sharpton, put forward the question following a conversation with former vice president Kamala Harris.

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Buttigieg responded: “You save me a seat. I’ll be there,” which has been widely viewed by the public as a clear indication he may run again. Followed by a wave of cheers in the room, viewers were quick to take to social media, speculating about his 2028 presidential campaign.

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​Earlier that day, Buttigieg appeared across multiple US media outlets, defending Democratic economic policy and criticising Donald Trump’s handling of inflation amid US tensions with Iran.

Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán has been voted out of office after 16 years in power, following a decisive parliamentary election victory for opposition leader Péter Magyar.

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With more than 98% of votes counted, Magyar’s Tisza party secured 138 of 199 seats in parliament, while Orbán’s Fidesz party won 55, giving the opposition a two-thirds majority. Orbán conceded defeat after the result became clear, ending a period in which he had led Hungary continuously since 2010.  During Orbán’s time in office, his government introduced legislation affecting LGBTQ+ people, including a 2021 law restricting the depiction of homosexuality and transgender people in content accessible to minors. The government also amended the constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman and limited legal recognition for the trans community.

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Magyar’s majority gives his party the ability to pass legislation without support from other parties and opens the possibility of constitutional changes. Crowds gathered in Budapest following the result, where supporters of the opposition marked the outcome late into the evening.

The long‑awaited revival of Malcolm in the Middle, titled Life’s Still Unfair, has added a new layer to the Wilkerson family dynamic with the introduction of Malcolm’s non‑binary sibling, Kelly. The character appears for the first time in the 2026 four‑episode sequel series, premiering on Disney+ and Hulu, and has quickly become one of the revival’s most talked‑about additions.

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Kelly, portrayed by non‑binary actor Vaughan Murrae, is the youngest child of Lois and Hal - first teased as an unexpected pregnancy in the original show’s 2006 finale. In the new series, Malcolm casually confirms their identity by referring to having “four brothers, one non‑binary,” while their father Hal is shown struggling to adjust to using the correct pronouns. Kelly uses they/them and is depicted as academically gifted, level‑headed and notably the only sibling without a police record - traits that sharply distinguish them from their chaotic brothers. 

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Speaking about the significance of including a non‑binary family member, creator Linwood Boomer and his wife and executive producer Tracy Katsky acknowledged that the choice reflects their own family life.

Isle of Wight Pride is set to make its return to Ryde this summer, bringing one of the Island’s most celebrated community events back to the streets for 2026. Organisers have confirmed that the annual festivities will take place on Saturday, 18 July, inviting locals and visitors alike to come together for a joyful day of colour, celebration, and LGBTQ+ pride.

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This year’s Pride Parade will once again wind its way through Ryde, starting from Ryde School and proceeding down Lind Street, Union Street, and along Ryde Esplanade, culminating at the lively Pride Community Village. The Village will host an array of stalls from charities, local businesses, community groups, and food vendors, creating a welcoming space for celebration and connection.

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​First held in 2017, Isle of Wight Pride has become a staple of the Island’s summer calendar and famously hosted UK Pride in 2018 after winning the national bid. The return of the event in 2026 promises a day “jam‑packed with fun, laughter, and vibrant music,” reinforcing its reputation as a welcoming, family‑friendly festival.

Performers’ union Equity and Manchester Village Pride have signed a landmark union agreement which guarantees pay, health and safety standards and protection against bullying and harassment for drag and burlesque performers at the newly founded festival.

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The agreement was forged in the aftermath of the collapse of Manchester Pride last year, which left dozens of performers unpaid and out of pocket by thousands of pounds. Prides have not previously had Equity agreements, but the need to regain the trust and confidence of performers, and collaborative efforts to ensure Manchester has a successful Pride festival, brought about this “landmark” union agreement. 

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The agreement, which was endorsed unanimously by Equity members, sets out minimum 20% deposits, 30-day payment periods, and ensures that no performers will be asked to work for free. A series of health and safety protections and a Dignity at Work Policy are also included, protecting performers from any potential bullying or harassment that they might face in the line of work.   Karen Lockney, Equity’s North West Official said: “We are delighted to sign this landmark union agreement with Manchester Village Pride.

LGBTQ+ ABC employees have spoken out, anonymously, against the Australian broadcaster’s decision to leave ACON’s Pride in Diversity Programme. 

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Pride in Diversity is Australia’s national not-for-profit employer support programme for LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion, meaning that without it, the safety of employees working for ABC is uncertain.  As per the Guardian, the broadcaster ended its partnership with Pride in Diversity, the Australian Disability Network, and the Diversity Council of Australia in April 2026 due to concerns over editorial independence and impartiality.

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In responses obtained by Star Observer, several workers raised concerns over the departure, slamming the organisation’s decision as “cowardly.” “It makes me feel really undervalued as an ABC employee,” one anonymous source told the publication.

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​Employees also criticised the ABC’s lack of communication, finding out from external media: “The lack of communication with staff about it also feels insulting and cowardly,” said one respondent.

Peter Tatchell has raised questions about Pride in London’s 2024 accounts, particularly figures relating to the termination of former CEO Christopher Joell-Deshields. 

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Investigations into Joell-Deshields’s alleged spending misconduct led to his termination in March 2026 following claims of financial misuse and bullying. According to Pride in London, £7,125 in volunteer vouchers was allegedly used on luxury items linked to accounts in the investigation, including one belonging to Joell-Deshields. £30,000 was the total value of food and drink vouchers provided for Pride volunteers, while his annual salary was £87,500 as chief executive of Pride in London.

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Tatchell released a statement on social media today (8 April) questioning several figures in the organisation’s 2024 accounts and suggesting they require further explanation. He pointed to the following figures: £278,000 on salaries, £5,400 on hotels and travel, and £194,000 on advertising and promotion.

A man has been arrested after shots were fired outside an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in an incident that has led to the first use of the city’s hate intimidation law.

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Police were called to Pulse Ultra Club on 1 April after reports of gunfire outside the venue. No injuries were reported.  Officers say several shots were fired from a vehicle stopped on the road nearby. A car belonging to the club’s owner was hit, with damage to the rear passenger window and windscreen.

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Ken Phillips, who owns the venue, said he initially heard the gunfire from inside. “I was in my office doing paperwork, and I heard bang, bang, bang, bang, about five or six shots. So I go to my side door from my office and look outside and didn’t see anything,” he said, as per WACH Fox 57. Phillips realised what had happened when he went to check his car. “When I open my car door, my passenger window fell in. So then I went to the other side of my car and noticed that there were bullet holes in my car. So I called the cops and, they rushed right on out.” Police later stopped a vehicle they say matched CCTV footage from the scene

The US Department of Education has scrapped a set of civil rights agreements covering transgender students, removing federal oversight from cases involving five school districts and one college.

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The agreements had required schools to take steps such as training staff to respect students’s preferred names and pronouns, and allowing access to bathrooms in line with their gender identity. They were put in place following complaints brought under Title IX, the law that bans sex discrimination in education. Delaware Valley School District in Pennsylvania, Cape Henlopen School District in Delaware, Fife School District in Washington, La Mesa-Spring Valley School District and Sacramento City Unified in California and Taft College in California make up the affected institutions. 

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Delaware Valley was informed in February that its agreement was being withdrawn. The district has since voted to roll back its transgender student protections. Sacramento City Unified, by contrast, said it “remains committed to the support of our LGBTQ+ students and staff”. Rescinding civil rights agreements is rare, but not unprecedented.

Brighton Bear Weekend has announced that Graham Munday has stepped down with immediate effect from his ambassadorial role and from any further association with the organisation.

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For more than a decade, Graham has been a central figure in shaping Brighton Bear Weekend into one of Brighton’s most loved LGBTQ+ community events. His leadership has helped BBW grow into a major annual celebration attracting bears, cubs, otters, admirers, and allies from across the UK and beyond. The event is widely recognised not only for its joyful social programme but also for its strong commitment to local LGBTQ+ and HIV charities, including long‑standing fundraising support for The Sussex Beacon and Lunch Positive.

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Graham issued the following personal statement: "It is with a heavy heart that I am announcing my immediate resignation from my ambassadorial role and any further association with Brighton Bear Weekend. "For 13 years, I have poured my heart, soul, money and countless volunteer hours into this community. I am incredibly proud of the work I did to help build this event from its early days in Queen's Park into the major organisation it is today.

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has signed a new law doubling to 10 years the maximum prison term for sexual acts by same-sex couples.

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The new law also criminalises the "promotion" of homosexuality, which includes any public representation and financial support by individuals or organisations, and provides for three to seven years in prison for those found guilty. The legislation was a campaign promise of President Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and was approved by parliament last month.

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UN rights chief Volker Türk has described it as "deeply worrying", saying that the anti-LGBT legislation "flies in the face of sacrosanct human rights". The UN official and rights groups had urged the president not to sign it into law, but the government dismissed the international criticism, arguing that the measures reflected the views of Senegalese people. 

 

It was taken to parliament after a wave of arrests over alleged same‑sex relationships, which were already banned under Senegalese law.

Idaho has passed controversial legislation requiring teachers, healthcare providers, and other professionals to disclose a young person’s transgender identity to their parents.

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On Monday (30 March), House Bill 822 was approved, mandating that doctors, teachers, and other professionals notify parents within three days of “any request” by a minor student to “participate in or facilitate” their social transition. Those who do not follow the proposed rule could reportedly face lawsuits from parents and fines of up to $10,000 (£7,562). The legislation is yet to be signed into law.

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The bill is co-sponsored by Republican Senator Ben Toews, who argues the measure will close a “loophole” in existing legislation by targeting social transition – a process he has described as one in which “vulnerable children are led into the pipeline.” Critics, however, warn that the law could dramatically reshape how schools and healthcare providers support LGBTQ+ young people, forcing staff to choose between safeguarding children and avoiding legal risk. Research has also linked involuntary outing to increased stress, depression, and reduced family support

The Running Orders for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals have been revealed over on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel.

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The Live Shows will take place in Vienna on Tuesday 12 May and Thursday 14 May, and for the first time since 2022, professional juries will return to the Semi-Finals, joining audiences at home to help decide who makes it through.

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The Big 4 (France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom) and Host Country Austria will also take to the Semi-Final stage as part of the celebration, before automatically competing in the Grand Final on Saturday 16 May. Moldova will kick of the first semi final with Serbia closing it.  Bulgaria kicks off the second semi final with Norway ending it.  Delta Goodrem will also take part in the second semi final for Australia. 

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The UK entry LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER will also perform their entry in the second semi final.  You can learn all about the 35 performers representing their countries at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest via their official Participant Profiles on the Eurovision official website 

Scotland is on track to become the first country in the world to eliminate new HIV transmissions, leading charities have said — but warned that urgent action from the next Scottish Government is essential to meet the 2030 target.

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The Scottish Government committed in 2020 to ending new HIV cases within the decade, a milestone that would mark the first time any virus had been stopped without a vaccine or cure. Despite this ambition, charities estimate that around 400 people in Scotland are living with undiagnosed HIV, while up to 1,400 people who have been diagnosed are no longer accessing life‑saving treatment.

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Terrence Higgins Trust, Waverley Care and National AIDS Trust have now published a joint manifesto setting out the steps needed to deliver the 2030 goal. They are calling on all political parties to back the plan ahead of May’s election. The charities are urging the next government to introduce a national online HIV prevention service offering home test kits and PrEP; establish a National HIV Testing Week; and launch a programme to re-engage people who have fallen out of HIV care.

The boss of Pride in London, one of the world's largest pride events, has been sacked after he was accused of making personal purchases with thousands of pounds worth of vouchers intended for volunteers.  Christopher Joell-Deshields, who denies the allegations, was suspended as chief executive last September when allegations about his conduct came to light.

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BBC News understands he has been paid his full £87,500 annual salary while suspended for seven months until his departure in March. It comes as the 55-year-old is in an ongoing legal dispute with Pride in London after he was accused of trying to frustrate the investigation into his conduct. Joell-Deshields has been approached for comment.

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This year's celebration is due to take place on 4 July, with sources at the organisation telling BBC News it will go ahead "as usual". Leaders of London's pride event will be hoping news of Joell-Deshield's dismissal could help steady what has been a rocky few months for them. The investigation into him also led to a legal battle in the High Court, which is due to conclude in the coming weeks.

The US Supreme Court has ruled against a Colorado state law banning conversion practices for LGBTQ+ minors with an overwhelming majority vote. With eight to one in favour of overturning the anti-conversion practice law, the court claimed it violated the First Amendment to the US Constitution’s free speech protections.

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Conversion practices attempt to force attraction of gay, bi and lesbian people to the opposite sex, or force trans people to identify with their recorded birth sex. The ruling has been met by a wave of backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates and Colorado attorney general Phil Weiser, who offered their support for young people in the community.

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Weiser described today’s Supreme Court decision as a “setback”, saying he disagreed with the ruling in a statement via CNN. The Trevor Project’s CEO, Jaymes Black, released a statement condemning the pro-conversion practice lawsuit: “These efforts, no matter what proponents call them, no matter what any court says, are still proven to cause lasting psychological harm.”

The BBC sacked presenter Scott Mills after learning the alleged victim in the police investigation was under 16, it is understood.

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It is not clear if BBC managers at the time of the investigation in 2017 knew the age - but current management only became aware in recent weeks and took action, BBC News understands. It comes after Mills released his first statement since he was sacked, saying he had "fully cooperated and responded" to the investigation at the time. The police investigation was closed in 2019 after prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

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The 53-year-old said: "Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed 7 years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter." He added: "I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues, and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss."

The US Supreme Court has ruled against a law in Colorado that bans so-called conversion therapy for lesbian, gay and transgender people.

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It sided 8-1 with a therapist from Colorado Springs who argued that the state's restrictions violated her free speech rights guaranteed under the US Constitution's First Amendment. Conversion therapy - which professional and health associations denounce but some religious conservatives promote - aims to encourage lesbian, gay and transgender people to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.

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The justices ruled that lower courts had "erred by failing to apply sufficiently rigorous scrutiny" to restrictions on free speech. Kaley Chiles, a licensed counsellor and practising Christian in Colorado Springs, argued the ban in her state interfered with her ability to treat individuals with "same-sex attractions or gender identity confusion" who "prioritise their faith above their feelings". In a post on social media, Colorado's Attorney General Phil Weiser called the ruling "wrong". Conversion therapy is "condemned by all medical associations", he said. "That's not about speech." The decision sends the case back to the lower courts.

Reports have surfaced that BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox will take over from Scott Mills as part of it the channel's broadcasting team for 2026. The change comes after Mills’ contract with the corporation was brought to an abrupt end this week due to a historic relationship with another male.

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It is alleged that Cox, who has been a familiar voice on BBC radio since the 1990s, will co‑host the Eurovision semi‑final coverage on BBC One and BBC iPlayer alongside Rylan Clark. She will also lead BBC Radio 2’s broadcast of the Grand Final, a role previously held by Mills for more than a decade.

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The BBC has stated that Mills “is no longer contracted to work with the corporation”, confirming that he will not take part in any Eurovision broadcasting this year.  Mills had been a central part of the UK’s Eurovision commentary team since 2011, presenting the semi‑finals on BBC One and joining Clark in recent years to guide audiences through the shows. He also hosted Radio 2’s live Grand Final coverage, becoming one of the most recognisable BBC voices associated with the contest. His departure marks the end of a longstanding partnership, particularly as the two presenters had built a popular on‑screen rapport during the broadcasts.

Brighton & Hove City Council will fly the trans flag above Brighton and Hove town halls today (31 March) to mark Trans Day of Visibility. 

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The annual event celebrates the courage, resilience and achievements of Trans, Nonbinary and Intersex (TNBI) people, while recognising that not everyone is able – or chooses – to be visible. Established in 2010, the day was created to counter the dominance of negative media coverage focusing on violence against transgender people. The council reaffirmed its support for TNBI residents, highlighting the long-standing role they have played in shaping the city’s culture, activism and community life. Brighton & Hove is home to the oldest and largest Trans Pride event, as well as numerous TNBI-led organisations and initiatives.

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Council Leader Bella Sankey said: “Being seen exactly as you are is the foundation of a happy and successful life. As our trans, non-binary and gender non‑conforming communities continue to face hurdles and erasure, Trans Day of Visibility is a moment to honour their courage and joy. We see you, support you, value you and stand beside you.”

A seriously ill veteran who says he was humiliated, interrogated, and threatened with prison for being gay during his military service claims he has been refused financial reparations from the government.

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Michael Pitchford, 78, from Rottingdean, claims he was pressurised into paying £250 to finish his army contract early, so does not qualify for a Dismissed and Discharged Payment, of £50,000. Homosexuality was decriminalised in the UK in 1967 but a ban continued in the armed forces until 2000.

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An MoD spokesperson said: "We recognise that those who felt pressured to resign, suffered unacceptable experiences and therefore the scheme was expanded to include an additional Impact Payment which we encourage those veterans to apply for." The MoD added that it "deeply regrets" the "wholly unacceptable" treatment of LGBT serving personnel, pledging its commitment to "righting these wrongs".

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Pitchford signed on for nine years with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Scott Mills was questioned in 2018 over allegations of serious sexual offences against a teenage boy but the investigation was later closed due to lack of evidence.

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The Metropolitan Police said a man, who was in his 40s at the time of the interview, was investigated over allegations reported to have happened between 1997 and 2000. As first reported by the Mirror,, the investigation which began in 2016 was dropped in 2019 after the CPS deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

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On Monday, it was announced Mills had been sacked by the BBC over allegations related to his personal conduct. The BBC have not given any further details over the allegations and it is not clear what, if any, role the police investigation played in his sacking.

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​The BBC has been approached for comment about the police investigation.

The Eurovision Song Contest is expanding and there will be a new edition taking place in Bangkok in 2026. 

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"The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Voxovation together with S2O Productions are excited to announce that Eurovision Song Contest Asia will debut in 2026, with Bangkok selected as the Host City for its inaugural edition.The Contest will be broadcast in partnership with Thailand’s Channel 3, with broadcasters from 10 countries across Asia confirmed with more to be announced in the coming months, each bringing their own voice, identity and storytelling to the stage"

Martin Green CBE, Eurovision Song Contest Director (EBU) said “As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, it feels especially meaningful to open this next chapter with Asia, a region rich in culture, creativity and talent. This is about evolving Eurovision together with Asia, building something that reflects the voices, identities and ambitions of the region, while staying true to what has always made the Contest special. Eurovision Song Contest Asia will be shaped by the artists, broadcasters and audiences who make it their own, continuing our shared journey of being United by Music.”

Céline Dion has announced her return to the stage, four years after she was diagnosed with an incurable condition that affected her singing voice and her ability to walk.

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The star, known for power ballads like My Heart Will Go On and Because You Loved Me, will play a 10-night residency at the 40,000-capacity Paris La Défense Arena in September and October. The announcement came on the day of her 58th birthday. In a message on her Instagram page, external, Dion called her comeback "the best gift of my life".

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For her live return, all the concert dates are separated by several days, presumably to avoid undue strain on her physical health. Tickets will go on sale from 7 April. Demand is expected to be astronomical, but fans can register interest on her official website from Tuesday, 31 March 

​Plans for the comeback were initially leaked by the French-Canadian newspaper La Presse last week. Soon afterwards, fans spotted posters featuring Dion's lyrics popping up around the French capital.

Bristol Pride organisers have announced that international producer and DJ Jodie Harsh will headline this year's after party.

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The multi-room club event will also see DTYM, Jayde Adams, Disco Wonderland and Mutual Vibes DJ at the O2 Academy in Bristol as Pride Day draws to a close on 11 July.

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Organisers previously announced Sister Sledge and Jason Donovan as the headliners for Pride Day, which will be held on the Downs before an after-party at the O2 Academy. Organisers expect 40,000 people to take part in its parade through the city, before the music begins.

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The wider programme includes a mix of comedy shows, circus acts and live performances. Daryn Carter MBE, director of Bristol Pride, said the event was "a celebration of everything that makes our community so vibrant". "Pride is both a celebration and a protest and every ticket helps us to continue creating a space that is inclusive, accessible and meaningful for everyone.

Scott Mills has been sacked by the BBC following allegations about his personal conduct. 

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The BBC says "while we do not comment on matters relating to individuals we can confirm Scott Mills is no longer contracted and has left the BBC". Mills took over the breakfast show from Zoe Ball in January 2025. On Tuesday 24 March he ended his programme at 09:30GMT, saying "Back tomorrow." The following morning Gary Davies started the show saying he was "in for Scott Mills". In an email sent to staff, Lorna Clarke, Director of Music said: "I know that this news will be sudden and unexpected and therefore must come as a shock. "Not least as so many of us have worked with Scott over a great many years, across a broad range of our programmes on R1, 5Live, R2 and TV. "I felt it was important to share this news with you at the earliest opportunity."

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News of his departure was first reported by the Mirror, external and BBC News has approached him for comment. The newspaper said it "understands the allegation relates to a historic relationship".

Award-winning singer, songwriter and BAFTA-nominated actor Olly Alexander has become a patron of Brighton-based HIV charity the Sussex Beacon. 

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In August last year, Olly announced he would be joining Team Beacon to run for the Sussex Beacon at this year’s Brighton Half Marathon, the charity’s largest fundraising event. Olly ultimately started the entire race, before setting off with other Team Beacon runners.

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By becoming a patron of the Beacon, Olly will be helping raise awareness of the Sussex Beacon, provide support via fundraising activities, introduce the charity to new audiences and community sectors, as well as support the Beacon’s mission in other ways.  Commenting on the news, Olly said “I feel so privileged to be a patron of the wonderful Sussex Beacon. I’ve truly fallen in love with the amazing team and the service users I’ve met. The Beacon’s work is so vital to the community, I’m excited and deeply proud to be supporting them, especially alongside the incredible Jill Nalder.” Rachel Brett, CEO of the Sussex Beacon, said “We are delighted that Olly has become a patron of the Sussex Beacon. The power of his role in It’s a Sin should not be underestimated;

Kylie Minogue has been confirmed as the headline act for the 2026 AFL Grand Final at Melbourne Cricket Ground on 26 September.

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This will mark the first time Minogue has lit up the Australian football tournament, following a string of stars over the last four years including Robbie Williams, KISS, Katy Perry and Snoop Dogg.  Andrew Dillon, CEO of the Australian Football League, announced the Australian icon as the first Australian artist to headline the AFL Grand Final since 2021.

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“The Toyota AFL Grand Final is the biggest event on the Australian sporting calendar – and this year, we welcome home an Australian icon,” said Dillon via the official AFL website. “Kylie has been on our wish list for a long time, and there is no better artist to headline the performance prior to our biggest game of the season,” he added.

​Teasing what audiences can expect, he said: “Our AFL team recently joined Kylie at the MCG for the Grand Final content shoot, and you could already feel the excitement for September building.”

Dominik Krause has been elected mayor of Munich, becoming the city's first openly gay mayor and the first Green Party politician to lead one of Germany's most prominent cities.

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The 35-year-old physicist and city councillor won Sunday's run-off election with 56.4% of the vote, defeating long-serving Social Democratic Party incumbent Dieter Reiter, who had held the role since 2014. The result ends more than 70 years of unbroken SPD control of Munich's city hall, stretching back to the end of the Second World War.

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Krause celebrated the win by kissing his fiancé Sebastian Müller on stage, thanking him as "the love of my life, without whom all of this would not have been possible." Writing on Instagram, he told the city: "Munich, you are simply insane. Our town has chosen to break the dawn today. Let's get it on." The pair met at a dance school in 2007 and got engaged in 2024. Krause has spoken publicly about coming into politics after being shocked by a neo-Nazi march in the city, and has served as deputy chair of Munich ist Bunt, a community organisation that regularly organises large demonstrations 

India's parliament has passed a controversial bill that seeks to change how transgender people are legally recognised and their right to self-identify, amid protests by opposition parties and the LGBTQ community.

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The government says the changes will make welfare benefits more accessible and strengthen an existing law against exploitation and trafficking, but critics warn it could exclude many transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid people.  In 2014, India's Supreme Court recognised transgender people as a "third gender" and affirmed their right to self-identify.

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Despite legal protections, many transgender people in India continue to face discrimination and limited access to education, healthcare and formal employment, often relying on traditional or informal forms of work. In 2019, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act was enacted, aimed at addressing vulnerabilities faced by the community. Now, the new bill - essentially a proposed amendment to the 2019 law - centres on how a transgender person is defined.

The mother of adult film actor Seth Peterson is searching for answers following his sudden death, flying to Portland, Oregon, to piece together what happened in his final days.

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Peterson, whose real name was Adam Aguirre, was 28 when he passed away. His death was confirmed earlier this week by his fiance, OnlyFans star Cyrus Stark, with no official cause disclosed.  According to his mother, Tiffany Aguirre, Adam had been staying alone at a short-term rental property in Portland. She told TMZ that Stark contacted her last Sunday (22 March) after he stopped responding to calls. 

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Officers attended the property and found the body of a deceased male. Police have not formally identified the individual, but Aguirre believes the person found was her son. Authorities have indicated the death is not currently being treated as a homicide. She has since travelled to Portland and says she discovered what she believed to be drug paraphernalia at the rental property. Investigations remain ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding Aguirre’s death.

One of the UK’s longest-running LGBTQ+ charities is set to shut down after more than four decades, citing sustained financial pressure and an uncertain future.

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METRO Charity has confirmed it will cease operations on 31 March 2026 following an extensive review into its long-term sustainability. The decision was made by the Board of Trustees after more than 18 months of attempts to stabilise the organisation’s finances.  The London-based charity said it had explored “all viable options” but could no longer continue operating in its current form.

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METRO’s closure reflects wider challenges across the voluntary sector, particularly in health and youth services, where funding constraints, commissioning changes and rising demand have placed increasing strain on organisations. Founded over 40 years ago, METRO has been a key provider of LGBTQ+ health and community support across London and the South East. Its work has included sexual health services, HIV support, mental health provision, youth services and advocacy.

Organisers of Thailand's flagship LGBTQIAN+ celebration delivered a pointed message to the government on Thursday: legal reform is not optional. 

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​Speaking at a press conference in Bangkok to announce the Bangkok Pride Festival 2026, Waaddao — Ann Chumaporn, chief executive and founder of Naruemit Pride, urged legislators to accelerate a suite of outstanding equality laws, warning that without meaningful legal progress, Bangkok's ambition to host WorldPride 2030 could be undermined before it even reaches the finishing line. She pointed specifically to three priority measures: a gender recognition law, outstanding amendments to the Marriage Equality Act — which, while historic as ASEAN's first, still requires complementary legislation on parenthood and nationality — and legal protections for sex workers that would bring them within the framework of labour law rather than criminal statute.

​The remarks carry particular urgency because Bangkok is currently in formal competition with Barcelona to host WorldPride 2030. The final adjudication will take place in Phuket in October, and organisers are acutely aware that international assessors will scrutinise the legal, social, and infrastructural environment of the bidding city — not merely the spectacle it promises to deliver.

The organisation that oversees girl guide groups in the UK has said transgender girls must leave the organisation by September.

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It follows an announcement in December by Girlguiding that it would no longer accept biological boys who identify as girls from joining.  It said the action was being taken in response to the Supreme Court ruling in 2025 that said sex meant biological sex in equality law.

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Campaign group Trans+ Solidarity Alliance described the news as "heartbreaking" for children. Sex-based rights group Sex Matters said it was "the right thing" for Girlguiding to do. Girlguiding said the timeframe allowed "affected members and their families time to plan, prepare, access support, and decide when - between now and September - they feel ready to leave".

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Transgender members of Girlguiding have until 6 September. The organisation said that any transgender girls or women currently volunteering in a role open to women only will need to move to a role that is open to all volunteers.

Married at First Sight dating coach Mel Schilling has died of cancer at the age of 54, her husband has said on Instagram.

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Schilling, who was part of the reality TV show's cast since 2016, was diagnosed in December 2023 and said earlier this month that the disease had spread to her brain. She "passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love", a statement from husband Gareth said on Tuesday. "To most of you, she was Mel Schilling - matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate," he wrote. Schilling first joined Mafs in her home country of Australia and later on the UK version of the show, which airs on E4. She stepped down from the Australian version last month after 12 seasons.

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In a statement, Channel 4 said: "All of us at Channel 4 are incredibly saddened by the news of Mel's death. Our thoughts and condolences are, first and foremost, with her family and loved ones. "We're privileged to be the channel that is home to Mel's work, which was at the heart of Married At First Sight's phenomenal success, both in the UK and Australia. 

Greece has upheld same-sex marriage and equal adoption rights for LGBTQ+ people, in a landmark ruling.

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Last week (20 March), the Council of State, Greece’s highest administrative court, ruled by an overwhelming majority that legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt children does not violate the country’s constitution. 

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According to Greek outlet Tovima, the court dismissed petitions from two associations and one non-profit organisation challenging the law’s implementation regarding marriage and birth registry updates.  The judgment provides the final legal confirmation of reforms passed by the Hellenic Parliament in 2024, granting same-sex couples the right to marry and adopt children. 

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Regarding same-sex marriage, the council stated the rules and traditions of the Orthodox Christian Church regarding the solemnisation of marriage and the formation of a family are not affected, as compliance with them “continues to rest on the free will of faithful Orthodox Christian citizens”.

Porn star Seth Peterson has reportedly been found dead in his Los Angeles home . Seth was 28 years old. A cause of death has not been announced, and news of Peterson’s passing was shared by his boyfriend Cyrus Stark (a.k.a. Kobe) on Peterson’s Twitter account.

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In the tweet , Peterson’s boyfriend wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my fiancé and best friend Seth. I’m truly at a loss for words, and my heart is broken. For those who would like to support during this incredibly difficult time, you can do so using the link below.”

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A message on the GoFundMe page added more information: “Seth was found in our home earlier today. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. These funds will go toward covering his funeral expenses, and any support during this difficult time is deeply appreciated.”

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Seth Peterson launched his career at Helix Studios in 2020 and went on to work nearly a dozen other studios (MEN, FratX, NakedSword, etc.) and was nominated for multiple industry awards over the last six years