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Author: Graham Robson

“They know where parts of you are, that men may not.” Lesbian ‘I’m a Celeb’ star GK Barry opens up about her love life

Posted on by Graham Robson

Lesbian I’m a Celeb star GK Barry has opened up about her love life, saying being in a relationship with a woman is miles better as “you get each other emotionally”.

“I feel like they know where parts of you are, that men may not. Everything’s just better,” she said.

GK, who said the ITV show helped her “confidence and authenticity”, is currently in a relationship with Charlton Athletic striker Ella Rutherford.

Since coming out of the jungle, engagement rumours have been swirling. Just last week GK’s girlfriend fuelled rumours when she ‘liked’ a fan comment on the post, which showed a ring emoji, leading some fans to believe the pair have already tied-the-knot.

GK and Ella

In August, GK called Ella her “wife” during a TikTok video.

“Welcome to another episode of cooking for my wife, because I’m a WAG,” she said.

“And when she gets back from football she’s a vicious hungry beast.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ER (@ellarutherford_)

Sharing photos of herself and GK together Down Under, Ella also described the YouTuber as her “wife” on Instagram.

“Flew to the jungle to get my wife,” she wrote.

“Met the most amazing people along the way and made memories that will last a life time.

“You made us all so proud beautiful, I love you with all my heart, I have everything I’ll ever need.”

Disney under fire for cutting storyline involving trans character from upcoming Pixar series, Win Or Lose

Posted on by Graham Robson

Disney has come under fire after it was revealed that it had cut out a storyline involving a trans character from its upcoming Pixar series, Win Or Lose.

The show, which will be premiering on the Disney+ streaming service on February 19, was set to feature a character that was trans in a later episode of the eight-episode first season.

However, some of the dialogue was edited out of that episode to obscure the character’s gender identity, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A source close to the production claimed that Disney decided to edit the episodes months ago.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Disney said ‘When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognise that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.’

Chanel Stewart

Chanel Stewart, the 18-year-old trans actor who voiced the character, said she was “very disheartened” by Disney’s decision.

“From the moment I got the script, I was excited to share my journey to help empower other trans youth. I knew this would be a very important conversation. Trans stories matter, and they deserve to be heard,” she told Deadline.

Each episode of Win Or Lose focuses on a member of a middle school softball team, according to the show’s logline. However, there was reportedly not a full episode devoted to the trans character.

The latest news of Disney editing out LGBTQ+ content comes after the company came under fire after people who worked on the Disney Channel animated series Moon Girl And Devil Dinosaur claimed on social media that an episode prominently featuring a trans character was dropped by the studio.

However, Disney denied that the episode had been ‘banned’ and said the decision not to release it was unrelated to the trans character.

The Disney+ series was originally set to be released in December 2023, before it was delayed a year to December 2024.

The series then swapped released dates with another Pixar series, Dream Productions, for a February 19 release date, though it’s unknown if the edited episode played any part in those delays.

Peter Tatchell questions Stonewall’s reported partnership with Chick-fil-A, due to company’s “past financial support for anti-LGBTQ+ groups”

Posted on by Graham Robson

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has called on Stonewall to provide urgent clarification regarding reported engagement with US restaurant chain Chick-fil-A. In a letter to Stonewall CEO Simon Blake, Tatchell expressed “deep concern” over Chick-fil-A’s documented history of funding organisations that oppose LGBTQ+ rights and promote harmful practices, including conversion therapy.

The letter highlights what Tatchell calls “the potential risk” to Stonewall’s “mission and credibility”, given Chick-fil-A’s past financial support for anti-LGBTQ+ groups. Tatchell stresses the “importance of transparency and accountability”, urging Stonewall to “clarify its position and ensure its values remain uncompromised”.

Mr Tatchell said: “Given Chick-fil-A’s long history of funding organisations that oppose LGBTQ+ rights, this news is both deeply concerning and confusing for those of us who support Stonewall’s mission. Chick-fil-A’s past financial contributions to groups that promote anti-LGBTQ+ policies and even conversion therapy are well-documented.

“While efforts to engage with companies to encourage positive change can be valuable, the only acceptable outcome here would be for Chick-fil-A to cease funding all anti-LGBTQ+ hate groups, unequivocally and permanently.”

In his letter, Peter Tatchell seeks answers to three key questions:

  1. The nature of Stonewall’s engagement with Chick-fil-A.
  2. Assurances that Chick-fil-A has ceased funding organisations hostile to LGBTQ+ equality.
  3. Steps Stonewall will take to uphold its values and retain the trust of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Stonewall has been a vital champion for LGBTQ+ rights,” Tatchell added. “Its integrity must remain unimpeachable. Any association that risks legitimising organisations with harmful histories demands clear, urgent action.”

Peter Tatchell and the Peter Tatchell Foundation are now awaiting Stonewall’s response.

Openly gay footballer, Zander Murray, comments on decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 football World Cup

Posted on by Graham Robson

Openly gay footballer, Zander Murray, has commented on the decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 football World Cup, saying “the difference between a gay football fan and a straight football fan going over there is that the straight person has basic human rights. We don’t. Our existence is punishable by death. Theirs isn’t.”

The decision by FIFA to award the tournament to the Gulf State nation, which is often criticised for its human and LGBTQ+ rights record, led Peter Tatchell Foundation, the LGBTQ+ and human rights organisation, to say: “This is a crushing defeat for the rights of migrant workers, LGBTs & women. FIFA approved the bid despite Saudi’s appalling human rights record. SHAME!”

Murray, 33, was shocked by the announcement, but knows the decision won’t be reversed, and has instead committed to highlighting the country’s dire human rights record and imploring its government to change.

The striker, who retired from football this year, said: “People say things like, ‘Just abide by their rules and it’ll be fine’. But the difference between a gay football fan and a straight football fan going over there is that the straight person has basic human rights. We don’t. Our existence is punishable by death. Theirs isn’t.

“The Saudis have said it will be safe for LGBTQ+ fans but look at their current laws. Last year in Saudi they even banned rainbow clothing, hair clips, toys because they think it encourages homosexuality. In 2023.

“I grew up in the east end of Glasgow and I didn’t see any gay people. I realised I was gay when I was a teenager. It had nothing to do with rainbows. Rainbows don’t make you gay, but it shows you the way some people think in that country.”

He added: “If there was an out player like me playing in Saudi Arabia then it might cause an outrage, but it might lead to a realisation that they should just let the boy play football.”

The Boyfriend, Japan’s first-ever same-sex dating show, renewed for a second season by Netflix

Posted on by Graham Robson

Japanese gay reality show The Boyfriend, which is the country’s first-ever same-sex dating show, has been renewed for a second season by Netflix.

The show brought nine queer men together for a month-long stay in a beach house called ‘the Green Room’. While running a mint-green coffee truck together, the participants formed deep friendships and adorable relationships, with one still going strong!

Season one, which premiered in July, secured a spot in the Netflix Weekly Top 10 (Series) in Japan for six consecutive weeks. All nine participants gained significant attention both locally and internationally, growing their social media following by an average of 120 times since the show’s release.

“Thanks to the love from our viewers, it is exciting to return for a new season. Being the first same-sex romance reality show in Japan, we paid careful attention to ensure that the story is an authentic portrayal of these relationships,” said Dai Ota, producer at Netflix. “In season one, we showed not just romance, but their friendship and meaningful connections with one another, which I believe touched the hearts of fans around the world.”

He added: “In season two, we will continue to showcase their compassion and stories of growth, with more unique perspectives and backstories. Please look forward to a new season with new participants, a new Green Room, and new storytelling.”

Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, accuses opponents to the Scottish Gender Recognition Act as “transphobic”

Posted on by Graham Robson

Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, has accused opponents to the Scottish Gender Recognition Act as “transphobic.”

The Scottish politician, who was speaking to mark the 10th anniversary of gay marriage being legalised in Scotland, reflected on her attempts to push through the Gender Recognition Act which was blocked from becoming law by the Conservative government at the time.

The bill would have allowed trans people to legally change their gender without the need of a medical certificate if they lived as their preferred identity for a minimum of three months.

She also accusing opponents of the act of using the debate to “cloak” their transphobia, misogyny and racism. She doubled down on this comment when speaking to Diva Magazine about the 10th anniversary of gay marriage.

The former First Minister said: “I’ve had more abuse hurled at me on the issue of trans rights than I have on probably any other issue in my career and I am a politician who helped lead an independence referendum.

“There are people who have muscled their way into that debate no doubt because they are transphobic but also because they want to push back rights generally. I do think that we need to be very vigilant about that as well.”

Sturgeon also shed doubt on how safe LGBTQ+ people feel in Scotland. She added: “We need to continue to tackle, deal with, and challenge at every single opportunity prejudice and intolerance wherever it exists and whoever it is targeted at. We live in a time where that is tougher to do.

“For most of my political career, saying things like that was seen as the right thing to do. Now it gets you accused of being ‘woke’ and somehow out of touch with people. That’s tough but doing the right thing, saying the right thing and standing up for what you believe to be the right thing is something I believe every politician should do.”

Brighton Family Panto Theatre to be renamed to commemorate the remarkable life and legacy of Jason Sutton aka Miss Jason

Posted on by Graham Robson
In a heartfelt tribute to an infamous icon of the pantomime, the Brighton Family Panto Theatre, home of this month’s Brighton Family Panto, will officially be renamed the Jason Sutton Theatre at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole.

This decision commemorates the remarkable life and legacy of Jason Sutton, whose roles as a drag queen and pantomime Dame delighted audiences and brought joy to countless families over his many years.

Jason, who passed away in April, held a special place in the hearts of theatre-goers. He had agreed to play Dame this year in Sleeping Beauty and the role has been taken over by the producer and his friend, David Hill, who said: “The press night show will be dedicated to Jason. His partner, Terry, and many of his close friends are attending and I just hope I can make him proud. There are subtle references to him throughout the show and I have no doubt that he will be there in spirit.

“His legacy will be immortalised in the Jason Sutton Theatre, a name that will remind all who pass through its doors of the laughter, joy, and heart he brought to the community.”

Miss Jason
Jason Sutton’s connection with pantomime and his adopted city ran deep. Over the years, he enchanted audiences across the country, taking on roles as Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk, Widow Twankey in Aladdin, Dame Able Mabel in Peter Pan, Nurse Nancy in Snow White, and Cindy, one of Cinderella’s Ugly Sisters – each role performed with his signature wit, charm, and just a hint of mischief.

The decision to rename the theatre celebrates not only Sutton’s immense talent and dedication to his craft but also his love for the local community and the theatre that brought him joy.

His connection with the Theatre Royal Portsmouth, where he first fell in love with pantomime as a young boy, led him to join its Board of trustees, helping save the building and ensuring it remained a vibrant space for future generations.

Brighton audiences may remember him for his outstanding performances in Privates on Parade and Boys in the Band, as well as his memorable appearance in Twinkle, where he portrayed the tragicomic Harold Thropp, an ageing panto Dame.


Beyond the stage, Jason made several television appearances, from Come Dine With Me and Choccywoccydoodah to Antiques Road Trip, showcasing his versatility and warm presence across various media.

As the theatre prepares for this renaming, plans are underway to pay tribute to Jason through song in this year’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, running from December 19 – 30 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole on Brighton’s seafront.

Through this tribute, the theatre hopes to keep alive the magic of Jason’s performances for many years to come.

You can book your tickets to Sleeping Beauty HERE

Noa-Lynn van Leuven set to make history as the first trans player at the World Darts Championship

Posted on by Graham Robson

Noa-Lynn van Leuven is set to make history as the first trans player at the World Darts Championship.

Van Leuven, 28, who will take on Kevin Doets on Tuesday, December 17, secured her spot with impressive Women’s Series performances and is determined to let her skills take centre stage. “It’s going to be a big achievement for me and for my kind of people,” she said.

“But I guess I just want to be Noa. I just want to play darts and not always having to talk about the fact I’m also transgender.

“I’m a darts player and I’m terribly good at it. But I guess it’s a big thing and I’m also the first Dutchwoman to play on the Alexandra Palace stage.”

Reflecting on her journey, she added: “If I look back, like a year, I wouldn’t even think about going to Ally Pally, maybe to watch as a fan, but not to play.

“And I’m on that stage, it’s a big achievement for me. I worked my ass off for it the whole year. And I think, like, the last half year, I actually thought, ‘OK, I might actually reach Ally Pally if I continue this form’.”

Earlier this year, Van Leuven hit out at her female competitors, accusing them of being ‘toxic bitches’ who only want her removed from tournaments as they view her as a threat.

‘I thought the world should know. This is discrimination. We have been thrown back 40 years with the sport of darts,’ she said.

She later told Dutch outlet NU: ‘They (other players) secretly tell me that they don’t understand the commotion. But there are a lot of conservative toxic bitches on the women’s tour.

‘It’s a matter of putting money and hours into it. Not many women do that, but I do. I’ve proven I can win over men, too.’

‘The Summer with Carmen’ to be released in UK cinemas on February 28, 2025

Posted on by Graham Robson

The Summer with Carmen – a tail-wagging tale of friendship, filmmaking, and four-legged chaos starring Yorgos Tsiantoulas and Andreas Lampropoulos – is to be released in UK cinemas on February 28, 2025.

While enjoying a day soaking up the sun at Athens’ gay beach, best friends Demostheneos and Nikitas brainstorm ideas for a screenplay, inspired by the lively events of the summer where Demostheneos reluctantly broke up with his ex, Panos, and somehow gained a dog named Carmen. The pair discuss how they can turn Demostheneos’ encounters into a ‘hero’s journey’. Sexy and charming, THE SUMMER WITH CARMEN is a celebration of gay friendships and a nod to first-time filmmaking.

As Demos and Nikitas dive into writing their masterpiece, brainstorming ideas for the screenplay, the story bounces between past and present. Beneath all the laughs and chaos, there’s a joyous exploration of what it means to be a modern gay man – from dating dilemmas to the pressure of fitting into society’s neat little boxes.

Through their creative journey, Demos and Nikitas discover that sometimes the best love stories aren’t romantic at all – they’re about the ride-or-die friendships that keep us sane, and the four-legged friends who turn our lives into beautiful mayhem.

Paul from Peccadillo Pictures, which is releasing the film in the UK, said: “At this time of year, I know you will be thinking about what presents to buy your loved ones, just remember that a puppy is not just for Christmas but for life. That’s just what Demos discovers when Carmen arrives leaving paw prints across his love life. So look to those dog days basking in the Greek sun with The Summer With Carmen.

“Enjoy the festive holidays and get ready to bark in 2025 with your favourite hairy best friend.”

Drag Race icon Trinity K Bonet comes out as trans in a sweet post on Instagram

Posted on by Graham Robson

Trinity K Bonet, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has come out as trans in a sweet post on Instagram.

Trinity, who came seventh in season six of the competition, and fifth in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, confirmed her identity with a selfie featuring a caption with three emojis – “️‍⚧️”

“Hey, how are you doing? Yeah, I did come out. Lol but I’m not trying to do interviews and make a big deal about it. I’ve always been Trinity. I’m just keeping wig on. Lol,” Trinity also shared in a statement to Out.

During her initial stint in RuPaul’s Drag Race, Bonet revealed her HIV positive status, becoming the second contestant in the show’s history to do so, after Ongina.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Trinity K. Bonet (@trinitykbonet)

After Drag Race, Bonet released solo music, including the bop I’m a Drag Queen, and in 2022 was added to the rotating cast of a dozen Drag Race queens in RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!, a Las Vegas show residency at the Flamingo Las Vegas.

In March of that year, Bonet, alongside the rest of the RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! cast, performed with Katy Perry during her Play concert residency at Resorts World Las Vegas.

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