Keir Starmer's social media ban raises concerns over impact on LGBTQ+ young people
By Riley Hart
Keir Starmer’s newly announced plan to ban under-16s from social media has sparked debate over its potential impact on LGBTQ+ young people, with campaigners warning it could remove vital spaces for community, support and self-expression.
The Prime Minister confirmed on Monday, 15 June that the Government will introduce legislation to block children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat, as part of sweeping reforms to online safety.
Starmer described the move as a necessary step to protect children, arguing that social media is “making children unhappy” and exposing them to bullying, harmful content and addictive online experiences
The policy, expected to come into force as early as 2027, would place responsibility on tech companies to enforce age restrictions and limit access to a wide range of platforms and features. However, while the Government has framed the ban as a child protection measure, experts and LGBTQ+ advocates have raised concerns about unintended consequences for marginalised groups. Research suggests that social media plays a particularly important role in the lives of LGBTQ+ young people. Studies have found that these platforms offer opportunities for identity development, peer support and access to information that may not be available in offline environments.
For many LGBTQ+ teenagers, especially those living in areas with limited local support or unsupportive family environments, online communities can provide a crucial sense of belonging. Social media is often used for self-expression, connecting with other LGBTQ+ people and exploring identity safely. A House of Commons Library briefing on proposals to restrict social media use has warned that blanket bans could have “unintended consequences”, including limiting the ability of marginalised groups to form communities online. Commentators have suggested this could disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ young people, who are more likely to rely on digital spaces to find peer networks and support.
Impact of Section 28 to be addressed by UK Government after petition passes 10,000 signatures
By Riley Hart
A petition calling for answers on the impact of Section 28 has passed 10,000 signatures, meaning the UK Government is now required to formally respond.
The public inquiry is spearheaded by the Section 28 Justice Coalition, which argues that the law caused lasting harm to LGBTQ+ people and that its effects were never properly acknowledged. As per the petition, the body states: “Section 28 created a very hostile environment for young people and staff in secondary schools from its introduction in 1988 until it was finally repealed in 2003.”
“Students were unable to get support at school and staff were forced to hide their identity, fearing they would be sacked. This hostile culture continued after repeal and impacts LGBTQ+ people throughout their lives.” “A public inquiry is needed to assess the impact this had and the extent to which the culture it created still exists today,” the petition concludes.
As well as garnering over 10,000 signatures, the coalition has also secured over 150 public pledges from individuals and organisations opposing LGBTQ+ censorship. Russell Tovey, Hannah Drakeford and Boy George have all shown support for the petition. In May 1988, Section 28, one of the most “anti-gay pieces of legislation of modern times,” became law amid rising fear as HIV/AIDS cases surged across the globe.
In a news release, Sue Sanders, co-founder of LGBTQ+ History Month and the Section 28 Justice Coalition, said it is “crucial” that the effects of Section 28 are investigated.
Delta Goodrem is the third celebrity contestant confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
By Riley Hart
The latest famous face heading to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom has been confirmed – Australian singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem.
The multi award-winning artist will be competing for the Glitterball Trophy in the upcoming 24th season of the BBC dancing competition, with the news officially revealed on Friday 12 June via Strictly's official social channels.
Speaking about joining the line-up, Goodrem said: "I’ve been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career – from TV, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I’ve never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor!
Goodrem first rose to fame with her record-breaking debut album, Innocent Eyes, which produced a string of hit singles, and has since become a familiar face on screen as a coach on The Voice Australia. Her career has also seen her take to the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, where she achieved one of Australia's best ever results.
Goodrem is also well known for her acting work, having played Nina Tucker in Neighbours, with the role helping to launch her to international fame in the early 2000s. She has also appeared in projects including the Netflix festive film Christmas on the Square
Goodrem joins an already much-discussed new season of Strictly, with EastEnders star Lacey Turner previously confirmed as the first celebrity contestant for 2026..
Pioneering gay artist David Hockney dies aged 88
By Riley Hart
David Hockney, the pioneering British gay artist, has died aged 88, leaving behind a celebrated body of work that began in the 1960s.
The West Yorkshire-born artist, first recognised as a leading figure in the early pop art scene, died yesterday (11 June), his publicist confirmed to BBC News.
Born in Bradford in 1937 into what he called a “radical working-class family”, Hockney honed his craft at Bradford College and later the Royal College of Art in London.
He is survived by his long-time partner, Jean-Pierre Gonçalves de Lima, who was by his side when he died. Hockney came out as gay at age 23, before homosexuality was decriminalised in Britain seven years later in 1967. His early works openly depicted gay life at a time when homosexuality was still illegal in the UK.
Through We Two Boys Together Clinging (1961), Hockney depicted gay desire, and in Cleaning Teeth, Early Evening (10pm) W11 (1962), he portrayed intimate sexual themes between two males in a 69 position.
He once described his early paintings as “homosexual propaganda”, reflecting how deliberately political and visible they were. He once famously said: “What one must remember about some of these pictures is that they were partly propaganda of something that hadn’t been propagandised, especially among students, as a subject: homosexuality. I felt it should be done. Nobody else would use it as a subject because it was a part of me.”
Brighton LGBTQ+ venue The Queery closes permanently citing 'longstanding issues' and financial pressures
By Riley Hart
The Queery, the Brighton LGBTQ+ community café, bookshop and event space, has closed permanently after members voted to dissolve the co-operative that operated it.
The decision was taken at the organisation's Annual General Meeting on 31 May 2026. Announcing the closure, the co-operative said: "This decision was not taken lightly." It said the move followed discussion of "long-term cultural, organisational and financial issues which had been repeatedly raised over time and remained unresolved".
As a result, the organisation confirmed that "all event bookings have been cancelled and the space will not reopen for trading".
The statement added: "We know this news may be upsetting, disappointing or difficult for many people in our community." The Queery said it was working with insolvency professionals as part of the closure process and sought to reassure artists, makers and others with property at the venue. It said: "No personal items, items included in our current gallery display, or items on consignment sale in the shop will be moved, damaged, or disposed of."
The co-operative added that it was working "to ensure proper procedures are followed, including the return of any items that do not belong to The Queery as quickly and safely as possible". Artists, authors, makers, suppliers and others with items stored at the venue have been asked to contact the organisation to arrange their return.
Police chiefs face High Court challenge over pro-trans strip-search policy
By Riley Hart
Police chiefs are facing a High Court challenge over guidance protecting trans women during strip searches. The National Police Chiefs’ Council and British Transport Police (BTP) guidance allows trans people to request “a member of the team that the individual is comfortable with to conduct the search in their place”.
As per a Freedom of Information request [PDF] issued by the BTP last year, the body outlined guidance following the April 2025 Supreme Court ruling.
The Supreme Court ruled that under the Equality Act 2010, a person’s “sex” should be interpreted in certain contexts as their biological sex, leaving trans people in limbo.
The BTP stated it remains “committed to serving all members of the public with fairness, dignity and respect. This includes the trans community”. It added: “Therefore, if an individual objected to being searched by any officer, and as far as it is operationally viable, we will make every effort replace the officer with a member of the team that the individual is comfortable with to conduct the search.”
The case has been brought forward to the High Court by gender-critical women’s rights group Sex Matters, which says it raises serious safeguarding concerns for female officers.
Over 100 MPs back bid to block Equality and Human Rights Commission’s trans guidance
By Riley Hart
More than 100 MPs have signed a motion by Labour backbencher Nadia Whittome to block the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s latest guidance on single-sex spaces.
The bid comes after the EHRC issued its final guidance in May, following the April 2025 UK Supreme Court ruling defining what it means to be a “woman”.
Following the ruling, the EHRC issued interim guidance explaining how organisations should apply the law to single-sex spaces. This led many public services to reconsider their policies involving trans women in settings such as toilets and changing rooms.
The EHRC carried out several consultations and revisions before producing updated guidance, which was formally laid before Parliament on 21 May 2026, advising that organisations should consider alternative single-sex service options for trans people. Though the guidance is not law, the EHRC’s policies have raised serious concerns among the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Campaigners say this treats trans people like a “third gender”.
Now, Whittome is among 108 MPs across multiple parties, including Labour, the Green Party and the Liberal Democrats, who are calling for the final guidance to be revoked.
Wes Streeting fears clock being turned back on LGBTQ progress
By Riley Hart
Wes Streeting has told LBC he fears the clock being turned back on the LGBTQ progress made in the country. Speaking to LBC's Lewis Goodall on Sunday, the former Health Secretary said rising hatred and prejudice in a range of forms in the country makes him fear the clock being turned back.
Mr Streeting, who is openly gay, spoke about how he was not open about his sexual orientation previously. He said he was "terrified" because he grew up at a time when it was legal to discriminate against people for being gay in the provision of goods and services, and it was illegal to serve in the armed forces. "I grew up, actually, at that time, fearing. I knew that I was gay, but I feared, 'Would I be discriminated against? What would that be like?'
Mr Streeting also revealed he found it hard at times as an openly gay Health Secretary in the conversation about transgender rights.
In 2025, Mr Streeting rejected calls to stop a trial of puberty-blocking drugs for gender-questioning children. The year prior, he permanently banned the prescribing of puberty blockers to under-18s. "Knowing that some of the decisions that I took as Health Secretary, particularly around the provision of puberty blockers for young people. "I did the right thing based on medical advice and evidence, and I stand by those decisions," he said.
Porn star Drake Von claims ‘all allegations are false’ after his reported arrest
By Riley Hart
Porn star Drake Von has denied allegations that he strangled a female partner at a million-dollar home in Las Vegas, following his arrest on Tuesday (2 June).
According to TMZ, police arrested the 23-year-old OnlyFans content creator earlier this week, charging him with a series of domestic battery offences. The alleged charges include domestic battery by strangulation, coercion involving domestic violence, and misdemeanour domestic battery.
Von, who is bisexual, has now denied the claims made against him. Speaking to TMZ, he said: “All allegations are false, charges will be dropped, and it was all a misunderstanding.” Von added, “Content will be made soon about it”, and revealed it was all part of a “publicity stunt”.
Von is one of OnlyFans’s top 0.1 per cent earners and, after moving to Las Vegas in 2024, went on to receive recognition at the GayVN Awards for Best Twink and Hottest All-Male Creator Collab that year.
The arrest comes after Von’s reality TV debut on OUTtv’s Ultimate Boys Trip, alongside Joey Mills, Max Konnor and other notable gay adult stars, released in late April 2026.
Reform-led council pulls Pride funds
By Riley Hart
A newly-elected Reform UK council has stopped flying the Pride flag outside its civic centre and said it will pull funding for future Pride events.
Gateshead Council's leader Nick Allan said he had "no problem" with anyone supporting Pride but it was "not a matter for this administration or council". Previously the council had given about £12,500 to the event. The move comes after Sunderland's new Reform leadership recently promised it would "never" fly the Pride flag.
Peter Darrant, CEO of OUT North East, which organises LGBT+ events in the region, said the decision had been made "without any real understanding of the benefits" Pride brought to the community.
Allan said: "We will not actively support, fund, or promote socio-political radical action or pressure groups, no matter where they sit on the political spectrum.
Pride events are set to run across Gateshead between 15 and 30 June and the charity said it had already received council funding for this year. Darrant said Gateshead had previously been a strong supporter of the LGBT+ community.
"Pride is not just about celebrating – it plays an important role in fostering understanding and tolerance as well as educating people," he said.
TRUE PRIDE festival to launch in Manchester with fully queer‑curated line-up
By Riley Hart
A new Pride festival centring LGBTQ+ artists, voices and audiences is set to launch in Manchester this summer.
TRUE PRIDE, an exclusively queer-curated event spanning music, performance, film and community, will take place at Hidden on Saturday, 1 August, with tickets now on sale.
The inaugural festival will bring together a diverse programme running from late afternoon through to the early hours, featuring live music, DJs, comedy, talks, film screenings, wellness activities and performance across multiple spaces.
Organisers say TRUE PRIDE has been created in response to what they describe as the underrepresentation of queer artists in mainstream Pride programming. Founded by a team of LGBTQ+ curators - including musician Jamie Irrepressible alongside Manchester-based DJs Bollibubbles & Sandra D, Liam Walsh & Sally McFerran - the festival aims to place queer creativity firmly at the forefront.
The team behind the event said Pride should prioritise LGBTQ+ voices and experiences, adding that the festival seeks to reclaim space for artists to “speak for ourselves, create for ourselves, and refuse to be sidelined”.
Artists confirmed so far include Planningtorock, Jasmine.4.t, The Irrepressibles, The Hidden Cameras, DJ Bollibubbles, Leo Chadburn, DJ Sandra D, Kerry Leigh, Ollie Becker, Run Remedy, Alabaster Queen and Jamie Irrepressible performing a PA/DJ set.
The first Kent Pride Games to take place on Saturday 27th June
By Riley Hart
The first ever Kent Pride Games in partnership with Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford Saturday 27th June 12pm until 9pm.
7 Kent Prides including Sheppey, Herne Bay, Ramsgate, Maidstone, Broadstairs, Margate and Medway will be competing. They will also have drag queens, Anya Hole, Angela Banbury, Mercury Rizing, Audrey Tipstick and Betty Late Than Never performing. There will also be lots stalls, DJs, singers, bouncy castle etc
Dame Kelly Holmes who will be judging the games. You can buy your tickets https://thestourcentre.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/77018?catID=72322&navItem=1240012
Charges dropped against Budapest mayor over 2025 Pride march
By Riley Hart
Hungarian prosecutors have dropped charges against Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony over his role in organising a Pride march last year.
The event took place in June 2025, despite warnings of potential legal repercussions by Hungary's then-Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose government had passed a law banning public events involving the LGBTQ community.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Hungarian prosecutors cited a landmark ruling from the EU's top court as its reason for dropping the charges. There was no immediate response from Karacsony.
Budapest's annual pride march went ahead last year in spite of the ban, with organisers of the march saying at the time that a record 200,000 people took part. Speaking at the march, Karacsony said: "Neither freedom nor love can be banned in Budapest."
Authorities charged him with organising the event in January. But in April, the European Court of Justice ruled that Hungary's anti-LGBTQ laws violate EU rules and infringe its values of equality and minority rights. The laws banned so-called promotion of homosexuality or gender change to under-18s, arguing it violated child protection laws.
The ruling came nine days after Hungarians voted to end Orbán's 16-year era of continuous rule. Péter Magyar was later sworn in as the country's new prime minister.
Porn star Drake Von arrested over alleged domestic incident with partner
By Riley Hart
Award-winning bisexual porn star Drake Von has been arrested in Las Vegas after allegedly attempting to strangle his partner during a domestic incident
According to TMZ, police arrested the 23-year-old OnlyFans content creator on Tuesday (2 June), charging him with a series of domestic battery offences. Alleged charges include: domestic battery by strangulation, coercion involving domestic violence, and misdemeanour domestic battery. The alleged incident reportedly took place at a million-dollar home in Las Vegas, where Von is based.
Von is publicly in a relationship with adult content creator Mark LAX, though the identity of the “partner” involved has not yet been released. TMZ claim the porn star is being held in a Vegas jail cell on a bond of $25,000 (£18,603), before Von can be released while awaiting trial.
His arrest comes after Von’s reality TV debut on OUTtv’s Ultimate Boys Trip alongside Joey Mills, Max Konnor, and other notable gay adult stars, released in late April 2026. In 2025, Von sparked controversy after he announced his “1,000 bottoms” challenge, revealing plans to have sex with 1,000 men in a single day.
As of the time of publishing, no footage has surfaced and no final date has been set beyond “this year”, but planning is well underway.
Russell T Davies’ Tip Toe hailed as ‘natural legacy’ of It’s A Sin
By Riley Hart
Russell T Davies has described his new Channel 4 drama Tip Toe as a “natural legacy” of his critically acclaimed series It’s A Sin, as leading HIV charities welcomed its up‑to‑date portrayal of life with the condition.
Davies’ 2021 hit It’s A Sin, set during the height of the AIDS crisis in 1980s London, became Channel 4’s most‑watched drama series and was widely credited with transforming public understanding of HIV in the UK. The series followed a group of young gay men and their friends, capturing the exuberance of the early 1980s before charting the devastating toll of the epidemic.
However, the story concluded in 1991, at a time when an HIV diagnosis was still widely seen as a death sentence, before effective treatments became available. Speaking about the connection between the two shows, Davies said Tip Toe continues that story into the present day.
“It’s an honour to portray Alan Cumming’s character, Leo Struthers, as a man living with HIV since 1994,” he said. “It feels like the natural legacy of It’s A Sin. There wasn’t the time in that show to tell the long‑term story - that medications were found which saved so many lives - so this feels like a right and proper continuation.” Davies, who is a patron of George House Trust and a long‑time supporter of Terrence Higgins Trust, said charities had encouraged him to reflect modern realities.
“I’ve often been asked by people in both organisations to show modern‑day characters who are HIV positive and living straightforward, happy lives,” he said. “It’s an honour to do so in Tip Toe.”
Boxing champion Lauren Price and partner wed in 'best day of our lives'
By Riley Hart
Olympic boxing champion Lauren Price said it was the "best day of our lives" as she married her long-term partner Carlie Jones at a ceremony in south Wales.
The couple tied the knot at Sant Ffraed House near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, on Saturday, surrounded by family and friends.
Price, 31, who won gold for Team GB at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and is the unified welterweight world champion, has been in a relationship with Jones since they met as teenagers. The wedding took place on the same day Price was named on the Independent's Pride List 2026, recognising influential LGBTQ+ figures from across the UK.
In an Instagram post, Price described it as "the best day of our lives". "It's hard to put into words how amazingly perfect our day was. We got to share our love story with our favourite people," she said. "To my wife I'm in awe of you. I could not be more proud to call you my wife."
Rebecca Chick, founder of Eva Ashley Bridal, which designed the pair's dresses, said it was a "privilege to play a small part in celebrating the love shared by Lauren and Carlie". "Both brides looked breathtaking in the gowns we chose together. I wish them every happiness as they begin this exciting new chapter together."
On Saturday she was also featured on the Independent's Pride List, which also includes comedian Alan Carr, rugby player Meg Jones and singer Lola Young.
Paul Mescal issues first public statement on trans rights ahead of London Trans+ Pride
By Riley Hart
Actor Paul Mescal has issued his first public statement on trans rights as London Trans+ Pride prepares to return to the capital this summer, with organisers warning that this year’s march comes at a critical moment.
London Trans+ Pride will take place on Saturday, 25 July 2026, marking its eighth year. The 2026 theme, “Our Future, Our Fight”, reflects what organisers say is a growing sense of urgency for the trans+ community to defend its rights.
Mescal, speaking out publicly on the issue for the first time, said: “I’m incredibly proud to stand in support of my trans friends and the wider trans community.” He added: “Given the political climate at the moment it feels more and more pressing that we make our voices heard. This is a moment for respect, safety and recognition. Trans rights are human rights.”
Mescal joins a wide-ranging group of high-profile figures backing this year’s march, including Mel B, Michaela Coel, Jameela Jamil, Jessie Ware, Munroe Bergdorf and Jeremy Corbyn.
Mel B described the event as a vital moment to stand visibly with the community. “London Trans+ Pride is a moment to show up loud and proud - because every single person deserves to live freely and be exactly who they are,” she said.
Last year’s event drew more than 100,000 people, making it the largest trans pride event in history. Organisers believe turnout could rival - or exceed - that figure in 2026.
Carlos Gu presents East & Southeast Asian Pride UK in London
By Riley Hart
Strictly Come Dancing star Carlos Gu has announced the launch of East & Southeast Asian Pride UK, the first celebration of its kind in Britain dedicated to LGBTQ+ East and Southeast Asian communities.
The new event will take place in London on 24 July 2026 and aims to spotlight representation, culture and inclusion through performances, talks and community activities.
Gu, who rose to fame as a professional dancer on the BBC series Strictly Come Dancing, said the event was created to provide “a joyful and visible space” for people from East and Southeast Asian backgrounds within the LGBTQ+ community.
Organisers say the celebration will bring together artists, activists and performers from across the UK and beyond, marking a major milestone for visibility and cultural pride in London’s diverse LGBTQ+ scene.
Taking place at Electrowerkz, London, from 7pm to 3am, the evening will combine performance, community space and nightlife.
Gu explained the personal meaning behind launching the event: “Moving to the UK was the first time I felt like I could be my true self,” he said in a news release. “The British public have accepted me for who I am and have been so supportive. Creating East and Southeast Asian Pride is my way of giving something back to this country that has given me so much,” said Gu.