SYDNEY
Sexual minorities may have shorter lifespans
New data has revealed something the UK has never seen before: clear evidence that sexual minority people die earlier, and at higher rates, than their straight or heterosexual peers.
Mardi Gras confirms 2026 party will not go ahead!
The queer community is in shock after the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras confirmed it has cancelled the iconic Mardi Gras party. New CEO Jesse Matheson described the move as a heartbreaking but necessary decision to protect the future of the festival.
Russia Declares ILGA World 'Undesirable
Russia has just taken another swing at queer rights. The Russia Ministry of Justice has added ILGA World – a global LGBTIQA+ rights federation linking 2,000+ groups in 170 countries to its list of “undesirable organisations”.
OpenAI will put ads in ChatGPT
OpenAI’s decision to introduce advertising into ChatGPT marks a major turning point in how artificial intelligence will be funded, used and possible trusted.
Capital of Equality - Mardi Gras 2025 (Photos)
‘Capital of Equality’ from Canberra joined in with 200 other floats from around Australia at this years Mardi Gras 2025!
The ACT moves for stronger anti‑vilification laws
The ACT Labor Government has confirmed it will review and toughen the Territory’s hate crime and vilification framework, including looking at whether the worst forms of hate speech should become criminal offences.
New Victorian Hate Speech Laws Protecting LGBTIQ+ Communities
Victoria has moved ahead with new 'Hate Speech' protections that, for the first time, clearly cover LGBTIQ+ communities, with the changes due to be fully in force by June 2026. The reforms expand anti‑vilification laws beyond race and religion, introduce new criminal offences for serious hate condu…
LGBTIQ+ groups urge greater protection from hate speech
LGBTIQ+ groups are calling on the federal government to include greater protections for their communities in its proposed overhaul of hate speech legislation.
Photos: FUSE SpringOUT Big Gay Breakfast
The FUSE 'SpringOUT' Big Gay Winter Breakfast was held on a beautiful Canberra morning at Tilley's Devine Cafe.
Kazakhstan bans LGBTQ+ 'propaganda' amid local support and activist concerns
Kazakhstan follows Russia in banning ‘LGBTQ propaganda’ While the Kazakhstan government says being LGBTQ+ isn’t illegal, the new LGBTQ+ 'propaganda' raises serious concerns about censorship, visibility, and the silencing of queer voices.
Alarming Surge in Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate Crimes
Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in California are reaching alarming levels, especially against trans and nonbinary individuals. With a shocking 102 reported anti-trans incidents last year and a staggering 275% increase in crimes against nonbinary people, it’s clear that our communities need stronger protec…
Same-sex marriage protected by US Supreme Court
In a significant move, the US Supreme Court has upheld the landmark Obergefell v Hodges ruling, rejecting a petition from Kim Davis that sought to challenge marriage equality in the USA.
Capital of Equality - Mardi Gras 2024 (Photos)
The “Capital of Equality” float, beautifully embodied the essence of Canberra — a vibrant community residing in this wonderfully diverse Australian city.
Photographer William Yang Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Sydney’s beloved photographer, performer, and cultural storyteller, William Yang has been awarded the ACON President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 2025 Honour Awards, recognising his extraordinary contributions to the arts, photography, and visibility of LGBTQI+ communities across Austral…
Elon Musk’s Anti-Trans Campaign goes nuclear!
Transgender Americans are facing an alarming wave of vitriol and violence, as rightwing politicians, MAGA and online extremists ramp up their attacks, joined by billionaire Elon Musk, who joins the fray, leading conspiratorial campaigns targeting queer voices, most recently, a bid to “cancel” Netfl…
Darlo Bookshop to close after 43 years
After 43 years as a cornerstone of Sydney’s queer community, The Bookshop Darlinghurst will close its doors for the final time on Christmas Eve 2025, marking the end of an era for LGBTQIA+ literature, connection, and culture.
Tasmania will compensate for historical LGBTQIA+ convictions
The Tasmanian parliament are currently considering two bills that will cement Tasmania as the Rainbow Isleand compensate people for historical LGBTQIA+ convictions. Could others follow suit?
Twice-yearly injection for HIV prevention approved!
What you need to know about Lenacapavir. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first medicine to prevent HIV that only has to be taken twice a year. People who are at high risk for HIV can now take the injection—called lenacapavir and sold as Yeztugo—just once every six months.
World’s First Gay Flock of Sheep
Meet the world’s first openly gay flock of sheep! 🐑💖 Saved from slaughter, these fabulous rams now graze freely in Germany — and their wool is being spun into Rainbow Wool, a queer fashion brand with a mission.
WorldPride DC Issues Travel Warning for Attendees
WorldPride 2025 event’s organisers have stressed that, while Washington, D.C. remains one of the most progressive and inclusive cities in the U.S., the current political climate presents unprecedented challenges for the global LGBTIQ+ community.
CBR Pride Month Shoot 2023
For the second year, photographer Nathan J Lester celebrated Pride Month with a photoshoot outside Parliament House. While the day was about fun, pride, meeting friends and connecting with the queer community, Nathan says the shoot also helps draw attention to the LGBTIQ+ community and shows their…
Sexual minorities may have shorter lifespans
New data suggests people from sexual minorities die younger. For the first time, population-level data links sexual orientation from the census with national death records. The findings go far beyond mental health, pointing to deep, structural health inequalities that are not inevitable and can be…
Twice-yearly injection for HIV prevention approved!
What you need to know about Lenacapavir. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first medicine to prevent HIV that only has to be taken twice a year. People who are at high risk for HIV can now take the injection—called lenacapavir and sold as Yeztugo—just once every six months.
Charting a Healthier Future for LGBTIQA+ Australians
The government has pledged $10 million for inclusive LGBTQIA+ health care.The 2025-2035 National Action Plan for LGBTIQA+ Wellbeing will help in addressing the significant health disparities. The plan will guide government action to make safe, inclusive and high-quality healthcare available to all…
Chemsex, Party and Play... what are its risks?
Sex, drugs, and total disinhibition. Party and play (PnP), also known as Chemsex or wired play, refers to the practice of consuming drugs to enhance sexual activity.
I'm an older transgender struggling with loneliness
Dear Rose, After many difficult years, I have recently come out as a trans woman, and I’m finally starting to feel comfortable in my body. Being a person over 60, I’m struggling with isolation and loneliness. Where can I get some help? Tiffany
I Iove her but I just can't climax
Dear Rose, For the past two months I have been seeing someone that I consider a partner. My frustration is I do not know how to express my feelings with regards to sexual satisfaction. I am so attracted to this woman but I just cannot climax and find it really hard to express what I would like. Whe…
Should I say yes to an open relationship?
Dear Rose, My boyfriend and I have been together for three years now and he has recently told me that he wants an open relationship. I’m not really sure about it, am I just being insecure. Andy
Can I survive a long distance relationship?
Dear Rose, I just met the most amazing girl, only to find out she was on holidays. I still talk to her over the phone and through email. Things are starting to get more intense but I don’t know if I can/could cope with the long distance relationship. I don’t want
to lose her. Please help! Long D…
