Category: News
Donald Trump’s nominee for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, could make history as the first openly LGBTQ+ member of a Republican cabinet approved by the Senate. If confirmed, he would also become the highest-ranking openly LGBTQ+ official in American history, as the Treasury Secretary is fifth in the presidential line of succession. In November 2024, President-elect […]
Auckland’s Biggest Bear Celebration Returns Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 February. Bear New Zealand Week is back for 2025, bringing a jam-packed lineup of social events, dance parties, and community gatherings to Auckland from 5-9 February. Organised by URGE EVENTS, the annual festival is a highlight on the LGBTQ+ calendar, providing a welcoming space for […]
The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear a legal challenge from religious business owners who argue that being required to provide insurance coverage for HIV prevention medication, PrEP, under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) infringes on their religious freedoms. The plaintiffs contend that the US Preventive Services Task Force, which recommends preventive care services […]
Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival is back this March, bringing a dazzling line-up of local and international talent to Tāmaki Makaurau. From musicals to breathtaking dance and circus performances, The Festival is set to inspire, entertain, and unite audiences. Here are our picks for ten shows you won’t want to miss. 1. […]
The Auckland Rainbow Parade will return to Ponsonby Road from 7:30 pm on Saturday, 15 February. Ahead of this vibrant celebration of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s Rainbow communities, we talk to Parade Event Manager Shaughan Woodcock about the importance of the event, the criteria for participants, and the return of the glamorous Smirnoff Grandstand. Why is […]
Ralph Corke, Visitor Experience Manager at Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT), shares what the museum has scheduled for Auckland Pride Month, what he loves about Aotearoa’s queer community, and his excitement about entering Mr Bear New Zealand. You’ve been in New Zealand for seven years now after leaving Brighton (England)’s sunny shores. What has […]
A new report from GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has revealed alarming statistics about the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes across the United States in 2024. According to data gathered by the organisation’s ALERT Desk, there were at least 918 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents recorded over the year — an average of two and a […]
Controversial preacher Franklin Graham, known for his anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and praise of Vladimir Putin’s anti-gay laws, is set to lead prayers at Donald Trump’s inauguration on 20 January in Washington DC. As reported by the Washington Blade, Graham, president and CEO of the evangelical aid organisation Samaritan’s Purse, also delivered prayers at Trump’s 2017 inauguration. […]