WHAT'S ON

Dolly Parton had a huge heart and was a true ally of LGBTIQ+ rights. The country music superstar, actor, philanthropist and lifelong queer ally peacefully died at home — Tuesday, 25 August 2026 — at age 80.

Biological sex is often presented as a simple binary, but the reality is far more complex. In this article, biologist Ari Berkowitz explains how sex-related traits vary across multiple dimensions, why the binary model doesn’t hold up under scientific scrutiny, and what this means for how we understand human bodies.

Pauline Hanson has reaffirmed her dislike for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, standing by comments she made three decades ago despite acknowledging that Australia and its laws have changed. The One Nation leader made the remarks during an interview on Sunday, days after the party attempted to distance itself from homophobic comments made by former Western Australian candidate Parminder Singh.

Barnaby Joyce has defended One Nation as “one of the gayest parties in Australia” after comments from a failed candidate describing same-sex attraction as a mental illness surfaced online.

The 2026 Australian census is being hailed as the most progressive in our history, finally asking questions about gender identity and sexual orientation. But the census will not include a question about variations of sex characteristics meaning some in the broader LGBTQIA+ community will remain invisible.

The recent attack on Berlin’s Pride march is a confronting reminder that spaces of queer joy and visibility can still be targeted by violence. While ISIS as a physical entity has diminished, the persistence of its ideology — and the complex factors that drive radicalisation — continues to pose real risks across Europe.

Hookup apps can bring connection, validation and excitement — but they can also take a toll on your mental health if they start to take over. This piece explores how to use them with intention, set boundaries, and keep your sense of self grounded beyond the screen.

With the loss of Cube Nightclub last year after more than 20 years, Canberra’s newest LGBTIQA+ venue ChiChiz is running hot and thriving.

After months of turmoil Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras members have voted off two directors. The latest move adds to months of conflict over governance, trans rights and the festival’s future.