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Author: Graham Robson

Body of 18-year-old trans woman lay undiscovered in her flat for two days

Posted on by Graham Robson

The body of an 18-year-old trans woman lay undiscovered for two days in her flat, an inquest has heard.

Emma Alraabeah came to the UK in 2022 – aged 16 – after fearing persecution in her home country of Saudi Arabia.

The emergency services were called to her flat in Harlow, Essex, on 26 June 2024 by a friend who said Ms Alraabeah had talked about taking her own life and had not answered her phone or messages for two days.

The court heard Ms Alraabeah started identifying as trans/non-binary aged 14 and made the decision to leave her family to come to the UK.

She told her GP in Harlow that changing gender in Saudi Arabia could result in prison or death, so she had come to the UK as a “separated migrant”.

The coroner, who recorded a verdict of suicide, heard she had been in a foster placement initially before moving to supported accommodation in a tower block in the centre of Harlow.

Emma Alraabeah

In a statement read to the court, Ms Alraabeah’s GP said she had requested to start hormone treatment “to begin the process of having a feminine body” in October 2022.

She told the doctor her family, who did not attend the inquest, would not accept her trans identity and had sent them a WhatsApp message when she arrived in the UK before deleting the app.

The coroner also said Ms Alraabeah, a student at Harlow College, had not requested a gender recognition certificate, but “had chosen a female lifestyle and the pronouns she/her”, which he added was “being respected by those who worked with her”.

The inquest was told a multi-agency meeting was held after Ms Alraabeah’s death, which established she had not mentioned any intention to harm herself to social workers – but was living what was described as an “online life” at the time of her death.

The court heard she “isolated herself in the period before she died” and had “issues of self-neglect”.

In his conclusion, senior coroner Lincoln Brookes said: “I am cognisant of the fact she was in a foreign country, away from her birth family.

“I have no doubt the journey she was on came with lots of other difficulties – being a young trans person alongside the difficulties any teenager has to put up with.”

What could possibly go wrong? ‘Drag House Rules’ to raise the stakes with seven iconic drag queens living under one roof

Posted on by Graham Robson

TV show Drag House Rules will raise the stakes with seven iconic drag queens living under one roof, battling it out in a competition full of alliances, betrayals, and jaw-dropping moments.

The game sounds simple enough. Seven iconic drag queens move into a house and are eliminated by group vote until only one queen remains! But what begins as a glamorous, high-stakes competition quickly unravels into pure, unpredictable chaos. Secrets are exposed and alliances crumble as the queens fight to stay on top — in ways no one saw coming.

Drag House Rules features an iconic cast of queens, including: Jujubee, Manila Luzon, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Laganja Estranja, Rock M Sakura, Biqtch Puddin’, Tammie Brown and Tony Moore.

The show will premiere on OUTflix on 21 February.

“Now that’s fu**ed up.” Kate Winslet shares how some actors are terrified that their sexuality could keep them from landing straight roles

Posted on by Graham Robson

Oscar-winning actor Kate Winslet has shared how some actors are terrified that their sexuality could keep them from landing straight roles.

“I cannot tell you the number of young actors I know – some well-known, some starting out – who are terrified their sexuality will be revealed and that it will stand in the way of their being cast in straight roles. Now that’s fu**ed up,” Kate Winslet said in an interview with The Times, shedding light on a pervasive fear.

The Titanic and Heavenly Creatures actor revealed a striking example: a well-known actor recently signed with an American agent who advised against publicising his bisexuality. “I can think of at least four actors absolutely hiding their sexuality,” she added. “It’s painful. Because they fear being found out.”

Winslet stressed that the stigma is especially harsh for men. “It’s bad news,” she said, reflecting on the struggles that many gay male actors continue to face in an industry that often doesn’t support authenticity.

This conversation came as Winslet was promoting her role in Ammonite, a romantic drama in which she plays British palaeontologist Mary Anning, who embarks on a passionate love affair with Charlotte Murchison, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan.

Speaking on the challenges of casting in LGBTQ+ roles, Winslet highlighted the ongoing importance of the conversation about straight actors playing gay roles. “I hope there will come a time when it is automatic that [gay] actors get those parts and you wouldn’t have to put punchy film stars in to get it made,” she said. For her, the role in Ammonite wasn’t just about playing a character; it was about bringing an LGBTQ+ story to a wider audience.

“I could have had a conversation about how I feel about playing a lesbian and possibly taking that role from somebody, but I’m done with not being honest about what my real opinions are,” Winslet confessed. “I know the part was never offered to anybody else. In taking this part, I had an opportunity to bring an LGBTQ+ story into living rooms.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Tyra Sanchez posts series of ‘twisted’ posts after the tragic death of The Vivienne

Posted on by Graham Robson

RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Tyra Sanchez has come under fire after sharing a series of ‘twisted’ posts after the tragic death of The Vivienne.

The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, tragically died on Sunday, January 5 aged 32 following a glittering career on stage and screen after being propelled to fame when they won the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.

Police investigating the tragic star’s ‘sudden’ death today confirmed there were ‘no suspicious circumstances’.

As tributes poured in for one of Britain’s most recognisable drag queens, Sanchez, who won the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has been heavily criticised for a series of nasty tweets.

Sanchez, formerly known as King Tyra, responded to a 2020 tweet from The Vivienne on the day that their untimely death was confirmed by manager Simon Jones.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Simon Jones (@simonjonespr)

The Vivienne’s old tweet from nearly five years ago said: ‘Bet Tyra was fuming when she Realised Netflix Spoiled the win Too. Sorry gal. You Tried though.’

Digging up the historical tweet on Sunday, Sanchez wrote: ‘Yet it doesn’t compare to the fumes of the crematorium.’

The twisted tweet has been met with a flurry of criticism from fellow drag queens and fans.

RuPaul Drag Race star Tyra Sanchez has sparked a backlash after making a sickening post about the sudden death of The Vivienne

Drag queen Kandy Muse said: ‘I’ve defended you for years but now you can absolutely go f*** yourself and if our path were to ever cross it’s absolutely on sight b****, it’s not a threat it’s a promise. you disgusting person.’

But Sanchez replied: ‘Threat received. Prepare your funeral.’

The drag star also doubled down in a series of tweets afterwards, including one which said: ‘She’s dead. Rotting. Sending me all the hate in the world won’t bring her back. But do as you must. Because of you the tweet has reached over 25k individuals. Thanks for the much needed attention that I oh so desperately needed.’

Another X user posted: ‘You are disgusting … Shame on you.’

And another wrote: ‘This was very twisted. As someone who used to admire you, this is so coldhearted and disappointing.’

Michelle Visage said the loss of The Vivienne was ‘heartbreaking’

The Vivienne’s death, which was confirmed by publicist Simon Jones, has shocked fans of RuPaul Drag Race around the world.

Jones wrote on Instagram: ‘James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle.

‘They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details.

‘We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.’

In 2018, Sanchez was banned from DragCon for threatening physical violence upon other queens after she posted a video attacking fellow season two queen Tatianna and season four queen Phi Phi O’Hara with threats of violence.

Brighton’s LGBTQ+ choirs to celebrate 200 years of St George’s Church, Kemptown

Posted on by Graham Robson

On Saturday, January 25, a handful of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ choirs will come together to celebrate 200 years of St George’s Church in Kemptown. This is a free event; book your spot HERE

Join Rainbow Chorus, Resound and Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus for a special choral performance celebrating the ‘60s and ‘70s era and the diversity of Brighton’s Kemptown.

Founded in 2011, Resound Voices is a low voice, gender fluid ensemble, who seek to develop vocally, both as individual singers and as a group. Performing an eclectic range of choral works from classical to contemporary, Resound Voices pride themselves in championing lesser-known composers from minority backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ community.

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus is the UK’s largest gay men’s chorus outside of London with 130 members of ages ranging from 20 to 86. Regularly staging sellout shows in Brighton and internationally, it is renowned for its high energy performances. The Chorus performs a wide variety of repertoire which is almost exclusively arranged in house, often delivered with vibrant choreography.

Rainbow Chorus is the largest LGBTQ+ mixed choir in the south east. With a motto of ‘strength in harmony’, the Chorus endeavours to create a safe and enjoyable environment for LGBTQ+ members to build confidence and develop their talents and skills. Led by Musical Director Aneesa Chaudhry and accompanied by Olly Parr, they sing a wide range of musical genres.

This is a free event; book your spot HERE

Vigil held to honour Cameron Thompson, an 18-year-old trans woman shot dead before Christmas

Posted on by Graham Robson

A vigil has been held to honour Cameron Thompson, an 18-year-old trans woman who was shot dead in December in what her family believes to be a hate crime.

The family of Thompson have since thanked those who have shown support since the murder of the Alabama local who was known for her contagious smile and outgoing personality.

“A majority was strangers, so that definitely is so sweet and so nice,” said Thompson’s aunt, Tara Maneice.

Cameron Thompson

“We still see that even throughout these tragic circumstances that there are people who are loving and kind and just want to spread love, and care about what we are going through as a family.”

“My sister has been really going through it and so this means the world to her,” added Maneice.

“It is so important and so nice that the community have joined together to celebrate someone they did not know,” expressed Maneice.

Thompson was shot and killed in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in December. It was reported that Thompson was shot in the back shortly after midnight on Monday, December 16. A suspect, who was known by Cameron, was subsequently arrested and charged.

UK cities miss out on hosting Gay Games 2030

Posted on by Graham Robson

Liverpool and London have missed out on the opportunity to host the Gay Games 2030, a sporting and cultural event which sees up to 10,000 LGBTQ+ participants and allies come together to celebrate Pride in sports.

Built upon the principles of participation, inclusion, and personal best since 1982, the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) promotes equality for all. The ECHO previously reported how the FGG announced the results of the first phase of bidding for the 2030 event with the UK cities, alongside 24 others across six continents, expressing an interest in being the host.

At the time, Andi Herring, CEO of Liverpool City Region Pride Foundation, said: “Five years later, it is great to see our city region listed on the long list for the 2030 Games, and we are delighted to be among such a good company.

“Our commitment to making Liverpool City Region the most LGBTQ+ friendly region in the UK has gone from strength to strength in the past five years, combined with the region’s rich sporting history and renowned reputation worldwide, makes the city region a fitting host.”

However, Liverpool is no longer in the running and neither is London, the only two UK cities to initially make the shortlist. The final three sites are Auckland, Denver, and Perth.

The Gay Games, conceived by Dr Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, was first held in San Francisco. Similar to the Olympics, the event happens every four years, with the next being held in Valencia in 2026.

The week-long event represents a cultural and economic opportunity that significantly impacts a region. Recent studies have reported that Paris‘ total economic impact in 2018 was just shy of 100 million Euros, and Cleveland/Akron‘s in 2014 was just over $40million.

Austin Manning, officer of site selection, said: “This record-breaking interest in hosting the 2030 Gay Games showcases a truly global sports and culture movement, with regions around the world taking the first step in bidding to host the Gay Games quadrennial event.

“As regions and countries around the world continue to take legislative and social action to protect human rights and create pathways to equality for all, the 2030 long list includes 25 cities committed to empowering, uplifting, and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community at home and abroad.”

Karla Sofía Gascón dedicates Emilia Pérez’s Golden Globes win to trans community

Posted on by Graham Robson

Trans thriller Emilia Pérez, which is centred around four remarkable women pursuing their individual happiness in Mexico, won top honours at the Golden Globes 2025 on Sunday, January 5.

The film earned the most awards on the night with four but truly had its crowning moment at the end of the night when it scooped Best Film – Musical or Comedy over Anora, Challengers, A Real Pain, The Substance, and Wicked

Leading actress Karla Sofia Gascon – who is a trans woman – gave a powerful speech to conclude the event as she said: ‘Thank you so much. I chose these colours tonight because I have a message. The light always wins over darkness.

‘I have a lot of things to say to you, because you can maybe put us in jail, you can beat us up, but you never can take away our soul, our existence, our identity. I want to say to you, raise your voice. And say, I am who I am. No who you are. Thank you so much.’

Zoe Saldana won the Best Supporting Actress – Musical or Comedy award for her portrayal of Rita Mora Castro in the film, which sees cartel leader Emilia (Karla Sofia Gascon) enlist Castro, an unappreciated lawyer, to help fake her death so that she can finally live authentically as her true self.

The Vivienne, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has died aged 32

Posted on by Graham Robson

The Vivienne, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has died aged 32 it has been announced.

Publicist Simon Jones confirmed the sad news of their death via Instagram , writing: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne – has passed this weekend.

“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details.

“We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”

Meanwhile, Michelle Visage, host of RuPaul’s Drag Race, commented: “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken.”

The Vivienne’s cause of death has not been officially confirmed.

Williams initially rose to prominence in 2015 as the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

They later competed and won the first UK series of the reality show in 2019 and competed again in the seventh series, which was an All-Stars edition in 2022.

Williams also ventured into theatre, starring as The Wicked Witch of the West in 2011’s The Wizard of Oz, a role they later reprised in the West End.

Additionally, Williams showcased their incredible musical talents via their debut EP, Bitch on Heels (2022).

Dozens of writers of LGBTQ+ erotica arrested in China in bid to crack down on ‘pornographic’ content

Posted on by Graham Robson

Dozens of writers of LGBTQ+ erotica have been arrested in China in a bid to crack down on ‘pornographic’ content, media in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan have reported.

Censors have now targeted as many as 50 authors in the eastern province of Anhui as part of a special operation, which will tackle what it sees as “vulgar or illegal content”.

Many were arrested after publishing on the Taiwan-based erotica website Haitang Literature, which allows authors to earn money through tips and subscriptions.

One of the most popular genres on the website is ‘danmei’ — romantic and sexual relationships between men.

‘One of my friends is an author, who was released on bail, called me from a new phone and told us to be prepared,’ one writer posted to the gaming bulletin board NGA.

Another post referred to ‘a nationwide crackdown,’ adding that the Chinese distributor of the website has been targeted.

How the writers are sentenced under Chinese law depends on how much money they make, with some potentially facing a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Only last week, it was reported that Chinese authorities abruptly cancelled several performances from Jin Xing, a well-known trans dancer and TV host, sparking fears of Beijing’s tightening grip on the ideological and cultural expression of the LGBTQ+ community.

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