
LGBT+

LGBTQ+ Commonwealth protest held in Birmingham during Queen’s Baton Relay
Protests were held today as the Queen’s Baton arrived at Aston Hall in Birmingham on its final stop before entering Alexander Stadium for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony this evening. Around 50 activists from the LGBTQ+ community lined the route in Aston, calling out “state-sanctioned homophobia” in the 35 Commonwealth member states that criminalise homosexuality.

Manchester Pride announces Superbia line-up 2022 showcase
Manchester Pride has announced the line-up for Superbia, a series of arts and culture events as part of the Manchester Pride Festival taking place from 24th – 28th August. Superbia is a culturally rich celebration of LGBTQ+ life featuring a line-up of free activities suitable for all ages from workshops to cinema screenings.

LGBTQ activist Joshua Williams to carry Queen’s Baton ahead of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
A young social justice activist who has battled homelessness, mental health struggles and bullying, has been selected to carry the Queen’s Baton ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Joshua Williams has been chosen by the University of Birmingham to be an official batonbearer during the Queen’s Baton Relay.

Calls for temporary rainbow decoration of Hippodrome Square to be made permanent
After plans for a £9.5million new look for a flagship section of Birmingham’s Southside district fell through, the area has been temporarily decked out in rainbow colours which have led to people asking for the eye-popping feature to become permanent. Although the current street surface decorations are temporary – put in place ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2022 –…

Brummie drag queen Ginny Lemon joins line-up for Manchester Pride Festival
Drag Race superstar and all round loveable rogue Ginny Lemon has joined an incredibly diverse line-up for the Manchester Pride Festival, taking place in August. Everyone’s favourite lemon-tinged cabaret drag act will be taking their unique persona (and dog show) to the city as part of exciting festivities revolving around Manchester Pride.

Manchester Pride Parade returns post-COVID to ‘March for Peace’
Manchester Pride has announced the return of its parade for 2022 following a two-year break due to the COVID pandemic, with a brand new theme promoting unity and hope. The Parade, which will take place on Saturday 27 August, is the city’s biggest, with tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies gathering to march…

Tributes paid to prominent Birmingham HIV activist Tom Matthews, who has died age 74
Tributes have been paid to a prominent Birmingham-based HIV activist and peer mentor who died earlier this month. Tom Matthews, 74, who was one of the founders of the HIV charity ABplus, died on Wednesday 2 February after surviving acute HIV-related health struggles for several decades.

Football fan convicted of homophobic slurs gets banned from matches for 3 years
A football fan has been banned from games for three years after being convicted of hurling homophobic abuse and making gestures which mimicked disability. Jamie Arnold was arrested at the Wolves against Manchester United game last season after his offensive behaviour was reported to police by other home supporters.

Second LGBTQI solidarity protest rally to be held in Birmingham in wake of homophobic attacks
A protest rally in solidarity with Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community will be held in Birmingham this weekend. The event is taking place following a series of hate crimes committed against members of the gay, bisexual, lesbian and trans community in the city.

“Hate will not win” say city leaders after horrific homophobic attacks in Brum
After recent weeks and days which have seen violent and horrific homophobic attacks in Birmingham a joint statement has been released by city leaders to show solidarity and support for the LGBTQI+ community. The verbal and physical abuse suffered by Birmingham’s LGBTQI+ community has left people terrified and frightened to venture out for fear of being on…