LGBTQ+ News Roundup: May 5–11, 2025
The week of May 5 to 11, 2025, was marked by significant developments in LGBTQ+ rights, representation, and community support worldwide. Here's a comprehensive overview of the key stories:
🇬🇧 UK Pride Events Ban Political Parties Amid Trans Rights Backlash
Organizers of major UK Pride events in Birmingham, Brighton, London, and Manchester have banned political parties from participating in their 2025 marches. This decision follows a UK Supreme Court ruling that defined "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act 2010 as referring exclusively to biological categories, effectively excluding transgender women with gender recognition certificates from legal recognition as women. Pride organizers expressed strong solidarity with the trans community and criticized political parties for not adequately defending LGBTQ+ rights. They issued demands including strengthened protections under the Equality Act, improved access to gender-affirming healthcare, streamlined gender recognition processes, and increased support for trans-led services. Them+1The Guardian+1Them+2The Guardian+2Wikipedia+2
🌐 GLAAD Report Highlights Social Media Platforms' Failure to Protect LGBTQ+ Users
A report by advocacy group GLAAD criticizes major social media platforms—including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter)—for failing to adequately protect LGBTQ+ users from hate and harassment. The group's annual Social Media Safety Index cites recent policy rollbacks as actively undermining the safety of LGBTQ+ communities. Meta, for example, now permits users to label LGBTQ individuals as "mentally ill," which GLAAD argues contributes to increased online and real-world hostility. The platforms were graded on a 100-point scale for LGBTQ safety, privacy, and expression: TikTok scored highest at 56, while X scored lowest at 30. GLAAD urged platforms to reinstate and strengthen protections, including banning targeted misgendering and "deadnaming," while explaining moderation policies. AP News
🏳️🌈 Lauren Chan Makes History as First Out Lesbian on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover
Lauren Chan has made history as the first out lesbian to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, a significant milestone celebrated in the magazine's 2025 issue. This achievement reflects Chan's dedication to representation and inclusion throughout her career, previously being the first queer plus-size model featured by the brand in 2023. Chan, who is also a Chinese Canadian, emphasized her ongoing mission to challenge conventional beauty standards and create visibility for marginalized communities, including plus-size, LGBTQ+, and AAPI individuals. Her cover shoot, taken in Bermuda shortly after her engagement to partner Hayley Kosan, features her in meaningful attire from size-inclusive brands, highlighting her connection to inclusive fashion. People.com
🇭🇺 Hungary's Ban on Pride Marches Sparks Protests
On March 18, 2025, the Hungarian Parliament passed a bill banning assemblies that promote or display homosexuality to persons under 18, effectively prohibiting Pride marches. Participants may face fines up to €500, while organizers can face up to one year in prison. The bill also authorizes police to use facial recognition systems to identify participants. Protests erupted in multiple Hungarian cities and internationally in opposition to the law.
🇱🇹 Lithuania's Constitutional Court Mandates Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Partnerships
On April 17, 2025, Lithuania's Constitutional Court ruled that the lack of legal recognition for same-sex partnerships was unconstitutional. The court found that Article 3.229 of the Civil Code, which permits partnerships exclusively between a man and a woman, violates the constitution. It added that the lack of legal recognition for same-sex partnerships contradicts the principles of human dignity and respect for private and family life, and that societal stereotypes cannot justify denying or restricting fundamental rights and freedoms. Consequently, the court mandated the Lithuanian Parliament to enact legislation recognizing civil partnerships, including for same-sex couples, to ensure equality and legal certainty. Wikipedia
🇹🇭 Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex marriage has been legal in Thailand since January 23, 2025. The legislation, supported by the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and major opposition parties, was passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate in 2024 and received royal assent from King Vajiralongkorn. The law replaced gender-specific terms in the Civil and Commercial Code with gender-neutral language, allowing same-sex couples to jointly adopt children. Polling suggests that a significant majority of Thai people support the legal recognition of same-sex marriage. Wikipedia
🎭 Broadway Stars to Perform at Connecticut Pride Gala
Broadway stars are set to perform at the "Lights of Broadway Pride Gala" on May 29 at Josie & Tony's Italian Deli and Supper Club in Norwalk, Connecticut. The event, organized by the Triangle Community Center (TCC), aims to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. Featured performers include Emily Klein, Raissa Katona Bennett, Craig Rubano, and drag queen Sasha Pierce Davenport. The gala includes a four-course meal with wine pairings, an open bar, and a cocktail hour. An auction will offer items such as a Jon Bon Jovi-signed guitar, a painting by Christian Siriano, a Schramsberg Vineyards cave tour, and sports event tickets. All proceeds will benefit TCC, a center providing critical services such as housing assistance, clothing resources, food, and support for transgender individuals. Norwalk Hour
💔 Actress Heather Peace Undergoes Breast Cancer Treatment
British actress and LGBTQ+ advocate Heather Peace confirmed she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Peace, known for her roles in EastEnders and Waterloo Road, has been a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, previously ranking on the Independent on Sunday's Pink List and AfterEllen's Hot 100 list. She has also been a patron for organizations tackling homophobic bullying in schools. Her openness about her diagnosis has been met with an outpouring of support from fans and the LGBTQ+ community. Wikipedia
These developments underscore the ongoing challenges and triumphs within the LGBTQ+ community globally. From policy changes affecting rights and protections to cultural celebrations of identity and history, the week highlighted the resilience and diversity of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.