LGBTQ
Gay’s The Word: inside England’s only LGBTQ bookshop
Four decades on — This week marks the 40th anniversary of Gay’s The Word, a UK institution that fought police raids, prejudice and censorship to become a hub of social activism. We talk to manager Jim MacSweeney about the fights the venue has faced over the years.
Written by: Patrick O’Connell
Everyday portraits of life and love in LGBTQ Serbia
In transition — Photographer Slobodan Randjelović returns to his home country for a new book on the Serbian queer community: ‘I didn’t want a provocative, scandalous, fake approach to LGBT people. I wanted something that was almost banal, in the way that most people’s lives are.’
Written by: Biju Belinky
My life as a transgender woman in Russia
‘I won’t be bullied into hiding’ — Russia is widely regarded as one of the most homophobic nations in the Western world. Following the enactment of a law against ‘gay propaganda’ in 2013, hate crimes against members of the LGBTQ community have soared, especially murder and serious violence. Transgender people are arguably even more of a target, given Russia’s culture of rigidly enforcing gender roles. 27-year-old Eva Borisov explains what it’s like being transgender in such an intensely hostile environment.
Written by: Eva Borisov, as told to Nick Chester
How Tumblr became a sanctuary for the Internet’s outsiders
End of an era — The blogging website’s ban on adult content threatens to alienate the most marginalised in society, and block future generations’ road to self-discovery.
Written by: Lydia Morrish
The untold story of Manchester’s LGBTQ pioneers
Invisible Women — Together, Angela Cooper and Luchia Fitzgerald transformed the lives of thousands of women – yet no record of their activism exists. Now, a new documentary is shining a light on their incredible story.
Written by: Liam Taft
Why are trans men always left out of the conversation?
Out of sight — As a trans man, I've seen first-hand how male privilege can transform your life. By giving us a platform, we can become valuable allies in the fight against misogyny.
Written by: Lee Hurley
What is life really like for Ukraine’s LGBTQ population?
Common People — In Common People, Kiev-based artist and photographer Anton Shebetko explores the fear that dictates the lives of LGBT Ukrainians with a series of manipulated, impersonal portraits.
Written by: Niall Flynn
To be truly inclusive, Pride must solve its identity crisis
From Where I Stand — On both sides of the Atlantic, the LGBTQ+ community is divided about the purpose of Pride celebrations in 2018. Justin Myers (aka The Guyliner) explores why, and offers a solution to the community's widespread discontent.
Written by: Justin Myers
LGBT History Month? Our struggle isn't a thing of the past
From Where I Stand — Queer people should remember the fight isn't over this LGBT History Month, writes James Butler. In fact, it's not yet even in the past.
Written by: James Butler
Neville Southall tackles… Homophobia and trans rights
Neville Knows Best — In his column 'Neville Knows Best', footballing legend turned Twitter sensation Neville Southall takes on the biggest issues of our time. This week he turns to look at the homophobia and transphobia that still permeates our society, and reflects on his own personal journey of understanding, accompanied by an original poem.
Written by: Neville Southall