Hannah Waddingham, celebrated for her roles in Game of Thrones, Sex Education, and Ted Lasso, discusses her new Apple TV+ Christmas special, Home for Christmas, premiering on 22 November. The special features Waddingham's powerful vocals, guest performances from Luke Evans, her Ted Lasso co-stars, and the London Gay Men’s Chorus. Waddingham emphasizes her deep connection with the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting her support and admiration for their hard work and passion. The special aims to create a theatrical, live performance experience, reflecting Waddingham's roots in theatre. The article also touches on her humorous take on being called the 'Queen of Christmas' and her appreciation for fellow artists like Kelly Clarkson and Michael Bublé.

London-based artist HAAi, also known as Teneil Throssell, discusses her career, the influence of her queerness on her music, and her commitment to platforming talent within the LGBTQIA+ community. She reflects on her rise in the electronic music scene, her notable performances, and collaborations with artists like Kylie Minogue. Throssell also talks about her new mix for DJ-Kicks, titled 'Always Ascending,' and her upcoming second album. She emphasizes the importance of community and collective euphoria in her work, aiming to bring people together through her music.

The article highlights the emergence of a new vanguard of South Asian queer creatives in the UK, led by figures such as Ryan Lanji, founder of HUNGAMA, a collective championing queer South Asian music, film, art, and culture. It discusses the challenges faced by South Asian queer talent, including limited opportunities and stereotypes, and the efforts to create a more inclusive and representative creative scene. The piece features interviews with creatives like Ray Laurèl, Shivum Sharma, Aadam Sheikh, and Emman Debattista, who share their experiences and aspirations in redefining South Asian queer culture through their respective fields of music, art, and consultancy.

Ash Johnston, known as BB Sway, is a rising star in the music industry with over two million streams. His latest EP, 'How Will I Get There?', features four dreamy tracks that reflect his growth as a trans-masc person. Johnston discusses his creative journey, the influence of his identity on his music, and the challenges and opportunities presented by his transitioning voice. The article also touches on his collaborative work with artists like Lava La Rue, Courage, and Hugo Hardy, and his approach to music as a time capsule documenting his personal and artistic evolution.

Peppermint, a prominent drag entertainer and activist, expresses frustration over the increasing number of anti-trans and anti-drag laws in the US, emphasizing their negative impact on the LGBTQ+ community. She highlights the resilience of drag performers and the broader LGBTQ+ community in adapting to challenges, including the pandemic. Peppermint underscores the importance of drag as a tool for communication and education while stressing the critical state of healthcare for transgender individuals. She encourages trans youth to remain strong despite the barriers and continues to use platforms like Linktree to connect with her audience and support her work.

Mariah Carey attributes her love for Christmas to the nurturing environment provided by her gay uncles, Burt and Myron, contrasting it with her tumultuous family life growing up in Huntington, New York. Her memoir, 'The Meaning Of Mariah Carey,' details these experiences and her challenging marriage to Sony Music CEO Tommy Mottola. Despite past difficulties, Mariah now curates her ideal festive celebrations, embodying the joy and glamour she longed for in her youth.

Young LGBTQ+ individuals from various religious backgrounds share their experiences of reconciling their faith with their queer identities. Amardeep, a Sikh, Hein, a Burmese Buddhist, Furgie, a non-binary Muslim, Meriem, a bisexual Muslim, and Merab, a Pakistani Christian, discuss the challenges and empowerment they find in interpreting their faiths in ways that embrace their identities. They highlight the importance of personal faith, the struggle with homophobia within religious communities, and the political aspect of remaining engaged with their faiths as an act of defiance and visibility.

Franklin Graham, an anti-LGBTQ+ televangelist, has started his UK tour amid criticism, particularly for his upcoming event in Wales, which is co-owned by the Welsh government. Welsh politicians, including Adam Price of Plaid Cymru and First Minister Mark Drakeford, have expressed disapproval of Graham's views and the decision to provide him a platform. Graham has responded by accusing the Welsh government of religious discrimination. Protests against Graham's presence and views have also taken place, such as by Liverpool's Reclaim Pride group.

Sarah Paulson played a crucial role in reuniting a missing dog, Winnie, with her owner, Clementine Ford, after sharing a public plea on social media. The dog went missing after being left with a pet-sitter from Rover. Ford expressed immense gratitude to Paulson and others who helped in the search. Rover also issued a statement expressing their concern and efforts to resolve the situation.

Thomas Hitzlsperger, a retired footballer who came out as gay in 2014, has offered advice to Jake Daniels, a Blackpool FC player who recently came out as gay. Hitzlsperger praised Daniels for his bravery and warned him about potential discrimination. He emphasized the importance of being a role model for the LGBTQ+ community and shared his own experiences with homophobia. Daniels' coming out has been met with widespread support, including from Prince William.

Netflix has laid off 60 to 70 contractors, including those working on diversity-focused channels like Strong Black Lead and Most, amid a subscriber decline. The cuts have sparked criticism, with former staffers linking the layoffs to Netflix's controversial decision to support comedian Dave Chappelle despite his anti-trans jokes. The company has faced backlash for its handling of marginalized communities and has updated its corporate culture memo to reflect its stance on diverse content.

Piers Morgan faced backlash on his TalkTV show, Uncensored, when trans rights activist Jame called him out for his anti-trans views and ultimately insulted him on live TV. Morgan's history of controversial statements on trans rights and his departure from Good Morning Britain after criticizing Meghan Markle were highlighted. The article also noted the declining viewership of Morgan's new show.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the new White House press secretary, acknowledged her historic appointment as the first Black, gay, immigrant woman in the role. She paid tribute to the barrier-breaking individuals who preceded her and emphasized the importance of representation. Her first briefing addressed the recent white supremacist mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, and the controversial 'Great Replacement Theory' associated with Tucker Carlson. Jean-Pierre's background, including her immigrant upbringing and previous roles, was highlighted, along with her message of perseverance to young Americans.

Marvel's upcoming Ironheart series will introduce the first trans woman to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, described as a 'smart, confident' character with a unique sense of humor. The casting call seeks Black, Latina, or Afro-Latina trans actresses aged 18-22. This development comes amid Disney's criticism over its initial stance on Florida's 'Don't Say Gay' law, which prohibits classroom lessons on sexual orientation or gender identity in elementary schools. Disney CEO Bob Chapek later vowed to fight the legislation following internal and external backlash. Marvel Studios publicly denounced the law, reaffirming its commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights.

Emeli Sandé has publicly come out as queer, revealing her love for a woman she describes as 'the one for life.' She expressed happiness and fulfillment in her new relationship, which she attributes to true love. Sandé, who has been an advocate for LGBT+ rights, previously urged Commonwealth leaders to overturn anti-gay laws. Her new song 'There Isn’t Much' reflects her personal journey and the importance of sharing life with the right person.

Drag Race All Stars winner Trinity the Tuck publicly came out as trans non-binary in an emotional social media post on Trans Day of Visibility. Trinity shared their journey of questioning their gender identity, starting hormone therapy, and altering their body to look more feminine. They expressed uncertainty about their future physical transition but emphasized the importance of sharing their experience to help others feel less alone. The announcement received widespread support from fans and fellow Drag Race queens, including Nina West, Morgan McMichaels, and Jinkx Monsoon.

Britney Spears criticized her ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake, her mother Lynne Spears, and her sister Jamie Lynn Spears in a now-deleted Instagram post, accusing them of exploiting her for fame and attention. She referenced Timberlake's use of their breakup for his album, Lynne's memoir released during Britney's struggles, and Jamie Lynn's recent bestseller. Spears' post follows the end of her 13-year conservatorship, during which she claims her father Jamie exerted excessive control over her life. Britney is reportedly working on her own memoir with Simon and Schuster.

Amanda Bynes is anticipated to be released from her nine-year conservatorship following a judge's indication. The conservatorship began after a 2013 incident and her mother has been the conservator since 2014. Bynes has earned an associate's degree and is pursuing a bachelor's degree, with plans to launch a fragrance and possibly a clothing line. Her mother supports the conservatorship's termination, which was always meant to be temporary.

Elliot Page and Stephanie Beatriz are announced as presenters for the Oscars 2022, alongside other celebrities. Encanto, featuring Beatriz, is nominated for Best Animated Feature, Best Original Score, and Best Song. The Oscars will also pay tribute to the James Bond franchise and The Godfather. Page's upcoming memoir, Pageboy, and his role as executive producer for the documentary Nel Mio Nome, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, are also highlighted.

Victoria Scone, a RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, ignited a debate about misogyny in drag culture by criticizing the use of breasts as a punchline in performances. Her comments received mixed reactions, with some agreeing that such practices can make women feel uncomfortable, while others defended it as part of drag's tradition of playing with gender expression. Tia Kofi supported Victoria's stance, advocating for more thoughtful and less misogynistic humor in drag. Heather Paterson and TeTe Bang also shared their perspectives on the inclusivity and tokenism issues faced by women in the drag scene.

Elton John is deeply saddened to miss his annual Oscars watch party due to tour commitments. The event, which supports the Elton John AIDS Foundation, will be hosted by Lady Gaga, Billy Porter, and Eric McCormack in his absence. Brandi Carlile, who will co-host, humorously promised to wear an outrageous outfit in John's honor. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and injury, John continues his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour and has recently achieved significant musical milestones.

Demi Lovato shared a series of confident selfies on Instagram, receiving positive reactions from fans and celebrities like Matthew Scott Montgomery and Leslie Jordan. Lovato, who has been open about their body image issues, expressed the importance of celebrating small victories. The singer, known for bold style choices, recently came out as non-binary, using they/them pronouns to reflect their gender fluidity.

Citipointe Christian College in Brisbane, Australia, has been in the spotlight for asking teachers to sign contracts that could lead to dismissal for being openly gay. The school's principal, Brian Mulheran, recently stepped down after controversial student enrolment contracts were scrapped. These contracts had discriminatory clauses against LGBTQ+ individuals. The teacher employment contracts are under review following backlash, with one teacher claiming job loss for not signing. Citipointe disputes this, stating no employment has been terminated. The contracts are legally questionable, with Matilda Alexander from the LGBTI legal service criticizing them for overreaching into employees' personal lives. Citipointe plans to offer new contracts after reviewing its Statement of Faith.

Simon Hinchley-Robson, a former RAF serviceman, alleges he was tortured by the RAF in the 1980s after they suspected he was gay, which was confirmed when he requested an HIV test. He was arrested, denied food and sleep, and subjected to invasive searches. After being discharged, he lost his pension. His MP, Clive Efford, read his testimony in Parliament, prompting a government response that invited Hinchley-Robson to apply for pension reinstatement and acknowledged the armed forces' past discrimination. RAF veteran David Bonney also reported homophobia during his service. The government has taken steps to address past injustices, including plans to return medals and overturning a ban affecting people living with HIV. The Ministry of Defence values LGBT+ personnel but did not immediately respond to PinkNews for comment.

Google honored Betty White on her 100th birthday with a special animation tribute. The late actress, known for her role in The Golden Girls and as an LGBT+ advocate, passed away on December 31, just shy of her centennial. The tribute involved an animation of red rose petals and a thank-you message. White's career spanned over nine decades, and she was celebrated for her support of the LGBT+ community and her progressive views on relationships. The Golden Girls also addressed the AIDS epidemic, showcasing White's character dealing with an HIV scare. Betty White's agent, Jeff Witjas, expressed his sorrow over her passing and admiration for her life.

A married gay couple in Taiwan, Wang Chen-wei and Chen Chun-ju, became the first to adopt a child together after a family court ruling in Kaohsiung city. This legal victory is specific to their case and does not extend to other same-sex couples. Taiwan legalized marriage equality in 2019, but same-sex adoption laws lag behind, only allowing individuals in same-sex relationships to adopt their partner's biological child. LGBT+ rights advocates, including Jennifer Lu of the Taiwan Equality Campaign, call for legal reforms to address these disparities. A bill to allow same-sex couples to adopt has been stalled in parliament for over a year.

Madonna's upcoming biopic, which she is co-writing and directing, may feature her daughter Lourdes Leon in the lead role. The film, which aims to provide a powerful and true depiction of Madonna's life, is nearing production. Julia Fox is also being considered for a role. The script has seen contributions from Diablo Cody and Erin Wilson. Madonna continues to assert her iconic status and reflect on her experiences with censorship, sexism, ageism, and misogyny.

Safeline, a Warwickshire-based charity, reported a 140% increase in calls, texts, and emails to its male sexual abuse helpline in 2021, attributed to the pandemic. CEO Neil Henderson noted that lockdowns gave male survivors time to reflect and seek help, leading to increased service demand and subsequent funding. The helpline's extended hours have made it more accessible, breaking down barriers for men to disclose abuse. The demographic of those seeking help has shifted to younger men, and the charity aims to combat the culture of shame, especially within sexual minority populations.

A Birmingham police officer was injured in an alleged homophobic assault while responding to a fight in Birmingham’s Gay Village on New Year’s Eve. A 31-year-old woman has been arrested and released under investigation. The incident is part of a broader trend of anti-LGBT+ attacks in the area, prompting local leaders to propose increased police patrols, funding to support hate crime victims, and a potential 24-hour public transport service. West Midlands mayor Andy Street, Birmingham Council leader Ian Ward, and West Midlands crime commissioner Simon Foster condemned the attacks and emphasized the need for safety and inclusivity.

The first 10 minutes of RuPaul's Drag Race season 14 premiere have been released on YouTube, introducing queens Alyssa Hunter, Bosco, Kornbread 'The Snack' Jeté, Willow Pill, Kerri Colby, June Jambalaya, and Orion Story. The episode hints at a split premiere and a 'freaky photo shoot' challenge. Maddy Morphosis, the show's first cisgender, straight male queen, has faced criticism but received support from Drag Race alumni Brooke Lynn Hytes and Gottmik, who emphasize that 'drag is for everyone'.

The Supreme Court's ruling on Mississippi's abortion ban could significantly impact reproductive rights in the US, potentially overturning the landmark Roe v Wade decision. The case, Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization, challenges the constitutionality of a 15-week abortion ban. Anti-abortion groups see this as a strategic move to undermine reproductive rights nationwide. If Roe v Wade is overturned, 21 states are likely to ban abortion quickly, with another five states potentially following suit. The decision could also affect other rights rooted in privacy, such as gay rights and interracial marriage. Advocates argue that marginalized groups, including LGBT+ women, transgender men, and non-binary individuals, would be most vulnerable.

Six opposition parties in Hungary have united to support Péter Márki-Zay in the upcoming election against current Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Márki-Zay, a conservative with a commitment to LGBT+ rights, contrasts with Orbán's leadership, which has been marked by anti-LGBT+ legislation and a shift towards illiberal democracy. The Venice Commission has criticized Hungary's anti-LGBT+ law as a breach of human rights. Márki-Zay, a former supporter of Orbán's party Fidesz, now opposes its populism and corruption.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has criticized Republicans for their 'fixation' on women, LGBT+ people, and herself, suggesting they need therapy and use politics as an outlet for their issues. This comes after former Trump adviser Steve Cortes tweeted a derogatory comment about Ocasio-Cortez and her partner in Florida. The Republican Party has faced backlash for its stance on LGBT+ rights, with figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene being known for transphobia and homophobia. Despite attempts to modernize and attract LGBT+ voters, the party's sincerity has been questioned by both Democrats and Republicans.

In 2021, despite challenges such as lockdowns and new COVID-19 variants, TikTok provided a platform for LGBT+ expression and joy through various trends. These included gender euphoria inspired by 'In the Heights', a dance trend to Doja Cat's 'Kiss Me More', humorous content with RuPaul's 'Blame it on the Edit', a showcase of gender presentation in 'Stemmes', drag transformations, celebration of trans identities with 'I now know my name', and journeys of self-acceptance with 'Just know that if you hide, it doesn't go away'.

Katy Perry expressed deep gratitude towards the LGBT+ community for their support, reflecting on her song 'I Kissed a Girl' and its impact on her career. She acknowledged the criticism the song received for trivializing queer female sexuality and discussed her own experiences with bisexuality. Perry highlighted the significant shift from her conservative Christian upbringing to embracing the LGBT+ community as her own. She also mentioned the evolution of societal conversations around bisexuality and fluidity over the past decade.

A Colorado activist, Lazarus Rise, has launched a Facebook page to highlight missing trans and queer persons cases, inspired by the decades-old case of Julie Doe. The page, started in April 2020, has garnered over 1000 likes and focuses on both closed and ongoing cases, with a strong emphasis on missing and unidentified transgender individuals. Rise aims to ensure that trans people are referred to by their correct pronouns and names, addressing the broader issue of misgendering in death. The Human Rights Campaign and Trans Murder Monitoring Project report record numbers of transphobic violence, underscoring the global nature of the issue.

Independent wrestler O'Shay Edwards shared that wrestling played a crucial role in his journey to come out as bisexual. He recounted his experiences in different environments, including his time as a fireman and a college football player, where the culture was not accepting. It wasn't until he joined wrestling that he felt accepted and supported, which gave him the confidence to come out.

Bruce Smith, a legendary NFL player, revealed that there was a gay player on the Buffalo Bills in the 90s, emphasizing that the focus was on athletic ability and winning games rather than sexual orientation. He expressed respect for Carl Nassib's coming out and highlighted the cultural significance of his openness. Smith believes NFL locker rooms have been more inclusive than publicly perceived and advocates for judging people by their character and treatment of others.

Sarah Paulson expressed her dissatisfaction with the sixth season of American Horror Story, Roanoke, describing it as an underwhelming experience that left her feeling trapped by her contractual obligations. Despite her regret, she returned for the subsequent season, Cult, motivated by its reflection of the political climate following Donald Trump's election.

LGBT artists in the UK are facing significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and potential new lockdowns. Derek Mitchell, Antonia Eugenie, and Henry Dell share their struggles with career setbacks, financial instability, and the impact on mental health. The government's recent funding response is criticized as inadequate, with calls for more accessible financial support and better funding for the arts. The article highlights the unique difficulties faced by queer artists and the need for community support and spaces.

Shaadi.com, a popular Indian matchmaking website, plans to offer services to the LGBT+ community, as stated by CEO Anupam Mittal. This decision follows four years after the decriminalization of same-sex relationships by the Indian Supreme Court. The company is focused on serious dating and marriage, distinguishing itself from the casual dating industry. The expansion includes launching two new undisclosed products. Reactions on Twitter to this announcement have been mixed, with some speculating it could hint at the future legalization of same-sex marriage in India.

Harvey Parker, a 20-year-old University of York student, has been missing since December 17 after attending a concert and visiting the LGBT+ nightclub Heaven. Police are searching the River Thames following CCTV footage that suggests Harvey may have entered the water. Detective sergeant Dick Nation and detective chief inspector Lucy O’Connor are involved in the search, with no indication of third-party involvement. Harvey's mother, Amanda, has described him as a musically and academically gifted individual and expressed concern due to his autism and vulnerability in social situations. The public is urged to provide any information.