The King's New Year Honours List for 2026 has been announced, celebrating over 1,150 individuals across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms. Recipients include figures from entertainment, sport, public service, and the military, recognised for their significant contributions to society. The list was published in The Gazette on December 29, 2025.
Thousands gathered in Buenos Aires for the 34th annual LGBTQ+ Pride March on November 2, 2025, protesting against President Javier Milei's government policies, including the dissolution of gender-focused ministries and anti-discrimination bodies. The march highlighted a reported 70% increase in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community in the first half of 2025.
Nigel Farage has been accused of homophobia for suggesting heterosexual relationships are more stable than same-sex ones, sparking criticism from political figures who accused him of trying to reopen settled debates on LGBT+ rights. The comments were made during a press conference welcoming Danny Kruger, a former Conservative MP, to Reform UK, a move that highlights the party's growing influence.
The head of London's Pride parade, Christopher Joell-Deshields, has been ordered to relinquish control of the organization's finances due to allegations of misusing funds for personal benefit and financial mismanagement. He is also under investigation for purchasing luxury items with vouchers intended for volunteers, while denying any wrongdoing.
The Silver Platter bar, a significant gathering place for Latino and LGBTQ communities in Los Angeles, is at risk of being demolished due to new development plans. It is featured on a newly published list by Latinos in Heritage Conservation, which highlights sites of Hispanic heritage that are in danger of being lost.
Senator Rand Paul criticized former CDC leader Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, citing his personal life as a reason he shouldn't have held a government position, sparking backlash from social media users and other public figures.
The 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo features "all-gender" restrooms designed to be inclusive, but feedback from users highlights the need for ongoing improvements and consideration of terminology. These restrooms aim to address the needs of diverse groups, including sexual minorities and those with caregiving responsibilities, while promoting accessibility and equality.
A rainbow crosswalk memorializing the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, was painted over by the state, sparking outrage and protests from the community. The removal, seen as a political act by city officials, prompted immediate repainting efforts and further controversy surrounding the state's stance on LGBTQ+ memorials.
The rainbow crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, which honored the 49 victims of the tragic shooting in 2016, was removed by Florida state officials, prompting outrage from city leaders and community members. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer condemned the act as a cruel political move, emphasizing that despite the removal, the commitment to honor the victims will endure.
The AFL is under pressure to address homophobic abuse after Izak Rankine received a four-game ban for allegedly using a slur, sparking debate about the seriousness of the league's commitment to inclusivity. While the AFL has taken action, the incident highlights the ongoing need to eradicate discrimination and create a safe environment for all players.
Izak Rankine of the Adelaide Crows has been suspended for four games for using a homophobic slur during a match, potentially impacting his availability for the grand final. Both the AFL and the Crows have condemned the language, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and Rankine's remorseful apology.
Following a player's homophobic slur and subsequent ban, debate arose within the AFL regarding the severity of punishments, with some questioning their length. However, the core issue remains the impact of homophobia on LGBTQIA+ individuals within the sport, leading to calls for cultural change and targeted anti-homophobia efforts.
The Trump administration's human rights report softened criticism of key allies like El Salvador and Israel while increasing scrutiny of European nations and countries like Brazil and South Africa. The report also notably omitted previous criticisms of LGBTQ+ rights and used a more neutral term for the war in Ukraine.
Italy's Constitutional Court has ruled that nonbiological mothers in same-sex unions are entitled to paternity leave, recognizing their role as equal to the father's and ensuring bonding time with the newborn.
An American man seeking "traditional values" in Russia enlisted in the military, expecting a non-combat role, but was instead deployed to the front lines after receiving minimal training. His experience reflects a pattern of broken promises and disillusionment for foreigners who have sought refuge in Russia.
A U.S. district court unveiled a list of 596 banned books from Pentagon-run schools, many of which focus on LGBTQ+ topics aimed at children and other progressive literature. The list is part of an ACLU lawsuit against the Department of Defense Education Activity, amid criticisms that schools should not promote left-wing ideologies.
The Canadian IRB is using outdated U.S. briefing documents that don't reflect recent policy changes under Trump, potentially leading to flawed decisions on asylum claims and deportations. Lawyers are demanding updates to these documents, warning that the current information could endanger vulnerable individuals and create further legal backlogs.
Andrea Gibson, renowned for their poignant poetry exploring themes of gender identity, politics, and their struggle with terminal ovarian cancer, has died at the age of 49. Their passing was announced by their wife, Megan Falley, and has elicited heartfelt tributes from fans and fellow poets around the world.
Love Island" has sparked debate about the treatment of Black women, with many viewers perceiving racial bias and misogyny in how they are portrayed and treated by contestants. Contestants and fans alike have expressed concerns about the show's impact on perceptions of beauty and desirability, particularly for Black women.
A man was compensated by a Church of England parish after undergoing an exorcism aimed at changing his sexual orientation, a practice he reported as deeply distressing. The incident, which occurred at St Thomas Philadelphia, led to a formal complaint and subsequent investigation that confirmed the exorcism, prompting the church to issue an apology and financial settlement.
