Day: July 2, 2025

Jul 02
China Arrests Dozens of Young Women for Writing Gay Erotica Amid Censorship Push

At least 30 individuals, most of them women in their twenties, have been arrested in China for writing and sharing gay erotica, in what human rights observers are calling a renewed crackdown on creative expression and LGBTQ+ content. The arrests, which date back to February, target writers who published gay romantic fiction—known as danmei—on the […]

Jul 02
Over 100 Convictions for LGBTQ+ ‘Extremism’ in Russia Spark Global Outcry

More than 100 individuals in Russia have been convicted under the country’s sweeping anti-LGBTQ+ “extremism” law, which criminalises virtually all forms of LGBTQ+ expression and activism. Human Rights Watch reports that since the law took effect in January 2024, Russian courts have issued 101 convictions tied to alleged involvement in the so-called “international LGBT movement” […]

Jul 02
Booking.com shares its top LGBTQ+ friendly destinations for 2025

Check in, feel welcome: Booking.com Travel Proud programme reaches 100,000 properties. Exploring the world should be an exciting and welcoming experience for everyone, but this isn’t always the case. Travelling as an LGBTQ+ person can require an extra layer of consideration and planning to navigate today’s travel landscape. Booking.com research* reveals that for almost half […]

Jul 02
Trans Troops Condemn “Horrific” Ban as US Military Dismissal Deadline Nears

Transgender service members in the United States military have condemned a looming ban on their continued service, calling it “horrific” as the enforcement date rapidly approaches. The policy, initiated by a January executive order from then-President Donald Trump, classifies personnel with a “history of gender dysphoria” as “morally unfit” to serve. Following the order, the […]

Jul 02
U.S. Senate Passes Controversial Budget Bill Without Anti-Trans Provisions After Tie-Breaking Vote

The U.S. Senate has narrowly passed its version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), omitting anti-transgender health care provisions that had previously sparked widespread concern. The bill passed with 50 Republican votes, and Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. Senate Democrats unanimously opposed the bill, joined by Republican Senators Rand Paul […]

Jul 02
NBA No. 1 Pick Cooper Flagg’s Same-Sex Kiss Goes Viral Ahead of NBA Debut

Following his selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, Cooper Flagg has found himself at the centre of online attention, but not just for his basketball prowess. A viral video circulating on social media shows the highly touted rookie kissing another male on the lips in […]