Gay news from the world
21 December 2023
What is trans and what is the transgender guidance for schools?
The rights of transgender or trans people – and whether they affect the rights of women – are often in the spotlight.
This has led to legal disputes, protests and discussions about free speech.
New government guidance aims to clarify how schools in England should treat transgender pupils.
What is trans and what does transgender mean?
Gender identity is a term used by some to describe someone’s sense of their gender.
A transgender person’s gender identity is not the same as the sex recorded on their original birth certificate.
A transgender man is someone registered female at birth, but who identifies as a man.
A transgender woman is someone registered male at birth, but who identifies as a woman.
Trans is a shorter way of saying transgender.
Gender dysphoria describes the “unease or dissatisfaction” some people feel about the difference between their biological sex and gender identity.
Some people who do not consider themselves to have a solely male or female gender identity describe themselves as non-binary.
A child’s sex is recorded as male or female at birth, based on physical characteristics.
Some people are born with chromosomal or other physical differences that can make this a complex judgement. They are sometimes referred to as intersex, or having differences of sexual development (DSD).
Under Department for Education (DFE) guidance issued in December 2023, teachers in England should tell parents if their child wants to change their gender identity at school.
The Gender Questioning Guidance – which is not compulsory – says this should happen in the “vast majority of cases”.
In rare circumstances, teachers can decide to withhold information if revealing it could put a child at “significant risk” of harm.
Schools should also “take a very cautious approach” if pupils want to use a new name, pronouns or uniform.
Non-statutory guidance was issued to Northern Irish schools in 2019, and to Scottish schools in 2021. The Welsh government has not yet published guidance.
Increasing numbers of children are being referred to the under-18s Gender Identity and Development Service (Gids) in England, especially those registered female at birth.
NHS England says there were more than 5,000 referrals in 2021-2022, compared with 250 in 2011-12.
In some cases, young patients have been prescribed puberty blockers, which delay the onset of puberty. But the NHS says little is known about their long-term side effects.
An independent review concluded that the current service is “unsustainable”. It said that many children referred to Gids have complex needs, which can sometimes be overlooked after a gender dysphoria diagnosis.
It called for a “fundamentally different” model of care for children.
Following the review, the NHS decided puberty blockers should only be given to children and adolescents as part of clinical research.
Gids will close in March 2024, and regional clinics will open, working alongside children’s hospitals.
Young people in Scotland can get a GP referral or refer themselves to the gender service at the Sandyford clinic.
Those in Northern Ireland who want to talk to a specialist about their gender identity can use the Knowing Our Identity service.
In Wales, children or teenagers can be referred or refer themselves to a specialist Gender Identity Clinic (GIC).
How many transgender people are there in the UK?
Some academics raised concerns that the question may not have been understood, and that number could be an overestimate.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said it cannot be certain if that is the case, but the results were accurately processed and are broadly consistent with other estimates.
A 2018 estimate by the government suggested there could be between 200,000 and 500,000 people who identify as transgender across the UK as a whole.
What changes can transgender people make?
Many transgender people live according to their chosen gender identity – including how they dress, and the name and pronouns they use.
Some may take hormone medication, or have surgery.
People can also apply to alter the gender listed on official documents.
These social, physical and legal changes are known as transitioning.
Under the Gender Recognition Act 2004, UK adults can get a gender recognition certificate (GRC) if they meet certain criteria:
- having a gender dysphoria diagnosis
- providing evidence of living full-time in their acquired gender for at least two years
- making a declaration that they will live permanently in their acquired gender
- are 18 or over
- pay a £5 fee
This means their acquired gender can be recorded on their birth, marriage and death certificates.
You do not need a GRC to update your driving licence, passport or medical records.
However, non-binary is not recognised as a gender on legal documents in the UK.
About 7,000 certificates have been issued in England, Wales and Scotland.
What is happening to the rules about changing gender?
In 2018, the UK government began considering changes to the law in England and Wales, which it said would make it easier for transgender people to alter their legal gender.
It decided not to go ahead with some of the proposed changes, but did move the application process online and lowered the cost of a certificate.
In 2022, Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) voted to remove the need for a medical diagnosis and lower the application age to 16.
However, the UK government blocked this from becoming law because it said the draft law would conflict with equality protections applying across the whole of Great Britain.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville told the Scottish Parliament that the bill was “not in the bin, and awaits an incoming UK government that has more respect for devolution”.
What do transgender rights mean for women-only spaces?
There has been much debate about how to balance the rights of different groups within society.
Much of this has focused on access to women-only spaces such as toilets, domestic abuse refuges and prisons.
There has also been controversy about the participation of trans women in female-only categories in sports.
Transgender people may wish to use services and facilities which align with their gender identity, whereas other groups say that these should be separated by birth sex.
The Equality Act 2010 identifies a number of groups with protected characteristics – including gender reassignment and sex – and protects those groups from discrimination.
But single-sex service providers can exclude transgender people where this is a ”proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim”, such as privacy or safety.
However, some say the law is not clearly understood and women’s sex-based rights are under threat.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission suggests that amending the Equality Act definition of “sex” to “biological sex” is worth further consideration.
This would make it simpler for certain spaces to be single-sex, regardless of whether a person has a GRC.
The UK government is considering the advice.
A St. Louis police officer crashed his patrol car into a gay bar on Monday and then arrested one of the bar’s owners after an alleged altercation.
20 December 2023
A St. Louis police officer crashed his patrol car into a gay bar on Monday and then arrested one of the bar’s owners after an alleged altercation.
Chad Morris and James Pence, who co-own Bar:PM and live above it, said they came downstairs after they heard the crash at around 12:30 a.m. Monday morning, according to local NBC affiliate KSDK-TV.
“I was actually already in bed (and) I heard a loud boom,” Pence said, according to KSDK-TV. “I jumped up thinking it was an accident with a vehicle, and then, I saw it, and it was a St. Louis city police department vehicle in the front of our building.”
An officer was driving too close to a parked car Monday morning and then overcorrected and lost control of the vehicle, crashing into Bar:PM, according to an incident report from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
The report says an “offender” came outside and “began shouting obscenities” at police officers after the crash, but it doesn’t name the offender. When one of the officers “attempted to calm the situation,” the report stated, the offender shoved one of them. The offender was arrested for assaulting an officer and resisting arrest, according to the report.
The police department referred NBC News to the Office of the Circuit Attorney, which did not immediately return a request for comment.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones said at a news conference on Monday that the incident is still under investigation.
The couple and their attorney disputed the police department’s account.
Pence said he was the first on the scene, and he was put in handcuffs before Morris was arrested for refusing to show his ID. After he refused, Pence said, he thought an officer made an offensive comment to Morris.
“My husband did put his hand on a cop out of defense, because they had already put me in handcuffs, because I wanted to know what was going on,” Pence told KSDK-TV. “I was told I had to ID or shut up.”
Pence initially told KSDK he heard a police officer make a homophobic remark, but he later said he couldn’t be certain it was an officer and not another bystander, the couple’s attorney, Javad Khazaeli, said Tuesday.
Khazaeli said he has video that shows Pence arriving at the scene, an officer approaching Pence and asking him if he’s the owner, Pence saying yes and then the officer asking to see Pence’s ID. Then, Khazaeli said, the video shows Pence responding: “Why should I show my ID? I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“He says it loudly, because he’s not happy,” Khazaeli said of Pence’s response in the video. “And an officer says, ‘You don’t get to yell at me. You’re under arrest for disturbing the peace.’ And then when bystanders repeatedly asked the officer why was he arrested, he said, ‘Nobody gets to yell at me,’ which is not the standard for an arrest.”
Khazaeli said Pence was handcuffed but was not ultimately arrested.
Khazaeli alleged the video, which he said he couldn’t share because he plans to use it in his defense of Morris, shows that the officer threatened to arrest the person videotaping him.
Khazaeli said Morris arrived at the scene and began asking why his husband was being handcuffed and that officers began yelling at him. He said Morris was trying to leave the scene down an alley when officers grabbed him and physically beat him in the alley, which is off camera.
19 December 2023
Pope says Roman Catholic priests can bless same-sex couples
Pope says Roman Catholic priests can bless same-sex couples
Pope Francis has allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, a significant advance for LGBT people in the Roman Catholic Church.
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church said priests should be permitted to bless same-sex and “irregular” couples, under certain circumstances.
But the Vatican said blessings should not be part of regular Church rituals or related to civil unions or weddings.
Pope Francis approved a document issued by the Vatican announcing the change on Monday. The Vatican said it should be a sign that “God welcomes all”, but the document says priests must decide on a case-by-case basis.
Introducing the text, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the prefect of the Church, said that the new declaration remained “firm on the traditional doctrine of the Church about marriage”.
But he added that in keeping with the Pope’s “pastoral vision” of “broadening” the appeal of the Catholic Church, the new guidelines would allow priests to bless relationships still considered sinful.
People receiving a blessing “should not be required to have prior moral perfection”, according to the declaration.
It added that it continues to view marriage as between a man and a woman.
n the Catholic Church, a blessing is a prayer or plea, usually delivered by a minister, asking for God to look favourably on the person or people being blessed.
Cardinal Fernández emphasised that the new stance does not validate the status of same-sex couples in the eyes of the Catholic Church.
The declaration represents a softening of tone from the Catholic Church, although not a change in position. In 2021, the Pope said priests could not bless same-sex marriages because God cannot “bless sin”.
Pope Francis had suggested in October that he was open to having the Church bless same-sex couples.
Bishops in certain countries have previously allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, though the position of Church authorities remained unclear.
18 December 2023
Pride 2025: Portsmouth announced as host city for UK event
The host city for UK Pride in 2025 has been announced.
Portsmouth will hold the celebration on 7 June 2025, which will see a week of events for the community to engage with, leading up to the big day.
CP, from Portsmouth Pride, said: “We’re so honoured to have been awarded the title and looking forward to putting Portsmouth Pride on national display.”
The UK Pride Organisers Network (UKPON) described the event as the focal point to the pride season.
Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan gave his support for the bid and said he was delighted by the news.
He said: “I want to pay tribute to the volunteers of Portsmouth Pride who have worked so hard to make this bid a success, having already gone above and beyond donating their time to ensure our LGBT+ community is celebrated every year.
“I am truly proud of the way Portsmouth people come together to mark Pride every year.
“The successful bid is testament to our city’s reputation of diversity and tolerance, making it a natural home for the UK’s biggest celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
“The event will be a powerful symbol of our community’s commitment to safety, dignity, and opportunity for all – no matter who you are, or who you love.”
Andi Herring, co-chair of UKPON, said Portsmouth had been selected “with a strong majority”.
“The board are excited with the activities and events Portsmouth have laid out in their bid. This will really aid in championing their message of Pride being more than just one day.”
Kenya's secret church set up to welcome LGBT worshippers
17 December 2023
A church in Kenya has survived in secret for the last decade. It does not publicise its services in this very religious country because it welcomes gay worshippers.
“The first time I entered the church I cried,” John, a pastor initially ordained in a mainstream church, told the BBC.
He left his parish because church leaders told him his sexuality was sinful and that he needed to remain celibate.
“I never imagined in my life as a priest, I would be in a space where I would say three words that people think are conflicting. That I am black, I am gay, I am a priest.”
He found out about the underground church, where he now preaches, on social media – though most find their way there via word of mouth. Like all those interviewed at the church, his name has been changed to protect this identity.
Its members are very guarded too about sharing details of their gatherings – those wishing to join are carefully vetted before being invited in, to make sure it is not a trap or someone malicious.
The understanding with all congregants is that security and safety are paramount.
Gay sex is illegal in Kenya, a socially conservative society, though this year the Supreme Court overturned a ban on gay and lesbian organisations being able to register as non-governmental organisations.
Nonetheless this church will not be tempted to register, given the increase in anti-LGBT sentiment – and a recent proposal by one MP to toughen anti-gay legislation.
When I join a service on a warm and breezy Sunday, music drifts from the room of a nondescript building.
People begin trooping in and it fills with 30 or so people.
“We are about to begin. Shall we close our eyes and meditate,” says Pauline, a minister in a long black robe and crimson red scarf. The whole room hushes.
Pauline is an openly non-binary lesbian, who uses “they” and “them” as personal pronouns, and is one of the church’s founders. Initially it was just a few friends coming together to offer each other support.
“When you are removed from a space [church], there is an urge to know if anyone else has been excommunicated,” says Pauline, who was not excommunicated but never felt accepted at mainstream churches.
“We wanted to meet other queer Christians who affirm themselves.”
Those attending the church have learnt it is possible to be proud of being African, a Christian and being gay
A feeling of alienation had dominated Pauline’s life, especially since their father died of HIV/Aids when they were 12.
“After my dad died, people started treating us differently. They thought we all had HIV. My mum would be served in different cups and plates and we stopped being allowed into some spaces. Church was one of the places we couldn’t visit because people believed my mum was ‘dirty’,” says Pauline.
Such ostracisation became a pattern, with every church seeming to question some aspect of Pauline’s life – whether it be how they dressed or why they chose not to be perceived as being in a conventional relationship.
So Pauline and their friends started meeting on Sundays to watch sermons on YouTube while reaching out to other LGBT Kenyans as well.
It was at the time that anti-gay rhetoric was growing in East Africa. Neighbouring Uganda was beginning to debate introducing a draconian new anti-homosexuality law – that has since been further tightened.
Little did they imagine that, 10 years on, their little gathering would have grown to include more than 200 members.
Most of them have felt obliged to leave their previous places of worship.
For Regina, it followed a dramatic confrontation with a fellow volunteer – part of a team that organised events at her church.
The team gave her an ultimatum when the volunteer found out that she had a girlfriend: her or them.
“It felt like betrayal. I had mentored some of them and now, I couldn’t be a part of them any more. Here were people who couldn’t extend grace for people to be different,” she says.
Regina chose her girlfriend. A decade later, yearning to reconnect with her Christian faith and a community, her journey led her to the queer-affirming church.
“There was a time I felt like I had no access to God. All I’d ever heard was that I was a sinner. If prayer is a way of talking to God, how then could I pray? Coming back into a community of faith has allowed me to let go of past hurt,” she says.
After 10 years the church now has more than 200 members
Yet it is not always easy for the congregation, which has faced numerous attacks – for instance when a landlord or those in the surrounding community are not happy with the fact they accept LGBT worshippers.
They have been locked out of premises despite paying rent, their compound ransacked, members attacked and police have asked for bribes to offer them “protection”, or threatened to beat and arrest them.
They have changed locations nine times in their 10 years of existence, partly to keep their location a secret.
Arguably, however, one of the hardest hoops to jump through has been helping members reconnect with their faith and a liturgy that they feel has sought to exclude them.
The church, for instance, has its own version of the Apostles’ Creed, which is recited by the congregation during a service, usually starting with the words: “I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.” It goes on to detail the tenets of their faith.
“We all loved the normal creed, but there were things that were missing,” says Pauline.
“Women are not recognised and as queer children, we also had to put ourselves in the creed. We see God the father as well as the mother. It affirms everyone.”
The first line of their creed reads: “We believe in one God, our creator, the source of our being as queer and beloved children.”
The church’s schedule is also flexible, as some worshippers are not open about their sexuality to family and friends, so attend mainstream churches before joining its service later.
“When we started out, everybody was insecure and silent about their traumas,” says Pauline.
This inspired “Chat and Chew”, a discussion forum that allows worshippers to unburden themselves about navigating life as LGBT Kenyans.
“After the service, many people would seek out the pastors to vent about relationships, rejection by families, homelessness and so many other challenges people face as a result of being queer. So we started ‘Chat and Chew’ to share, cry, hug, motivate each other and heal.”
But with life in Kenya becoming more openly homophobic, Pauline says some members have considered going back into the closet for their safety – though most want the church to keep going.
“When we started, we didn’t think that this space would become so important. But we cannot give up, we have to think of a way forward.
“I want this space to be open to everyone and find a balance where we all respect each other despite our beliefs and traditions.”
All names have been changed to protect identities.
Comedian's bid to bust myths about being bisexual
16 December 2024
Morgan Rees was on a first date with a woman he had met online and all was going well - that is until he mentioned he was bisexual.
Morgan Rees was on a first date with a woman he had met online and all was going well – that is until he mentioned he was bisexual.
“She went ‘What! What? You lied to me’ and just threw her drink over me,” he recalls.
Although this is one of the most memorable reactions he has had to his sexuality, he says bisexual people are too often labelled as greedy, promiscuous or untrustworthy.
Rees says he has been “gaslit” by both straight female and gay male partners who had wrongly suggested he was “kidding himself”.
Morgan Rees
Morgan, 30, who grew up in Merthyr Tydfil in south Wales and now lives in London, explains he can find people of all genders attractive – men, women and people who are trans or non-binary – and identifies himself as bisexual and queer.
“I just find people so lush,” he says.
He says he first came out as bisexual aged 22 after growing up “filled to the brim with internalised homophobia”.
Since then he has become aware of stigma around being bisexual – some of which he thinks is unconscious.
Morgan said when he is in a relationship with a man people often wrongly assume he is gay
Bi-erasure
“If I’m in a same-sex relationship, people will just refer to me as gay,” he explains.
“Now, obviously, there’s nothing wrong with being referred to as gay but I’m not gay, I’m bisexual. It’s that bi-erasure… don’t just dismiss it, I haven’t changed, I’m still bisexual.”
He says he had experienced misassumptions from both straight and LGBTQ+ people.
“You get straight people going ‘oh, you’re just kidding yourself’ and a lot of queer people going ‘you’re just kidding yourself,” he adds.
He says he has had brilliant experiences dating women, but others have “seen it as this massive betrayal”.
Morgan, who co-hosts podcast Chatting With Cherubs, explains part of the reason he talks about his sexuality to “predominantly straight people at comedy clubs” is because he wants to increase bisexual visibility and be an example for others.
“I try and make queer comedy for everybody,” he says.
His sexuality is a subject he intends to keep exploring on his first UK tour, Turning Thirsty, in May and June next year, where he will raise money for different LGBTQ+ charities at each gig.
“I love being attracted to people’s spirits, people’s energies, people’s kindness and don’t get me wrong, people’s looks,” he admits.
But Morgan says he has sometimes been made to feel that his sexually makes him inherently “filthy” and “promiscuous”.
He shares that one time a male partner he had was told ‘you’ve got be careful because they’re attracted to everyone, there’s a lot of competition’.
“There’s this inherent assumption that you can’t be trusted,” he says.
“Just because I’m bisexual and I can find attraction in all genders and all sexes I must be deemed untrustworthy… there’s this assumption or expectation that you must be on the hunt for it constantly like you’ve got this craving. It’s a heavy hit.”
“The world is full of so many phenomenal people and I’m so grateful that I can find so many of them attractive.”
He says while others have seen bisexuality as “a lily pad” – part of the journey to eventually coming out as gay – this was not the case for him.
“Bisexuality is not a stepping stone for me, it’s my final destination.”
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