Day: February 16, 2026
Rainbow Games 2026 will return to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, from 29 October to 1 November, marking the next stage in the evolution of New Zealand’s largest community-led multi-sport event for rainbow communities and allies. The announcement coincides with registrations opening on 15 February 2026, alongside confirmation of an expanded programme delivered through a new partnership-led […]
Republican lawmakers in Ohio have introduced a far-reaching bill that would restrict support for transgender children in schools and local governments — and could overturn existing bans on so-called “conversion therapy.” State Reps. Gary Click and Josh Williams unveiled House Bill 693 (H.B. 693), a 55-page proposal containing multiple provisions affecting trans youth and their […]
The 48th Annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras officially launches today, transforming Sydney into a global stage for queer celebration under the 2026 theme ECSTATICA. This evening, the Progress Pride Flag will rise above Sydney Town Hall, marking the start of 20 days of theatre, music, protest, party and community connection across the city. […]
The New Zealand Government has formally signed the global Call-to-Action on Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), reinforcing its commitment to eliminating HIV transmission and tackling stigma. Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey announced the milestone, describing U=U as a “clear, evidence-based principle” central to the country’s HIV response. “U=U is a clear, evidence-based principle that when someone […]
By midday, Sydney’s Victoria Park had dissolved into glitter, sweat, and the gentle chaos of tens of thousands of queer people doing what we do best — finding each other. Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Fair Day returned on Sunday 15 February in a blaze of colour and connection, transforming the park into a […]
Controversial internet personalities Jeffree Star and Drake Von have surprised fans after appearing together in a series of social media posts over the weekend. The unexpected collaboration quickly drew attention online, with many followers speculating about what the pair might have planned next. Surprise Instagram Reveal Drake Von shared a video on Instagram showing himself […]
The High Court of England and Wales has ruled that transgender women are lawfully permitted to use women’s facilities in public services — but not in single-sex spaces within workplaces. The judgment, handed down on Friday (13 February), examined the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s (EHRC) interim code of practice issued after last year’s Supreme […]
Representatives from the 46-member Council of Europe have overwhelmingly supported a resolution urging all member states to outlaw LGBTQIA+ conversion practices — a decade after Malta became the first European country to introduce such a ban. The resolution was put forward by UK Labour MP Kate Osborne and calls for “a ban on conversion practices, […]