Scottish schools are now required to enforce toilet polices on the “basis of biological sex.”

Back in April, the UK Supreme Court dealt a devastating blow to trans rights when it ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.

The decision stemmed from a dispute centring on whether a trans woman with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) should be treated the same as a cisgender woman under the UK’s Equality Act 2010.

A week later, a Scottish judge ordered that schools must provide single sex toilets after a case against the Scottish Borders Council (SBC) was brought to the court, per the BBC.

In light of the aforementioned rulings, the Scottish government issued “revised guidance for schools on supporting transgender pupils” on 29 September, which includes new recommendations for campus toilets and changing rooms.

The updated guidance says that under the law, schools must provide separate toilet facilities for boys and girls “on the basis of biological sex” – which the document refers to “sex recorded at birth – and accessible facilities for young people with a disability.

It also says that “educational authorities and schools should consider toilet provisions necessary for transgender pupils,” such as “gender neutral provisions.”

“The design of gender neutral facilities should ensure privacy for all young people. In practice, this should include features such as full height walls and doors and should take account of the particular needs of female pupils,” the guidance adds.

 

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“Where any change is being introduced to the arrangements that a pupil has been familiar with, there should be additional planning and consideration of their needs, including relating to their safety and wellbeing.

“It is necessary to recognise and mitigate as far as possible, the risk of ‘outing’ a young person. This may mean that it is necessary that practical arrangements such as enabling young people to use facilities outwith usual breaktimes, or for particular facilities to be available aligned to the young person’s activities within school, to reduce visibility of them moving across and within the school building to access toilet or changing room facilities.”

Previously, schools were told that trans students could use any toilet they felt most comfortable in.

In an interview with BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland, Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth gave further insight into the adjusted guidance.

“The Scottish Government has made it absolutely clear that we accept the Supreme Court ruling, and since April we’ve been taking forward the detailed work that is necessary as a consequence of the ruling,” she said.

“Now we know in Scotland all schools are required to provide separate toilets for girls and boys, and in addition, the guidance makes clear that councils should give careful consideration to the individual needs of transgender pupils in light of the school context.”

Gilruth went on to say that the guidance was not mandatory, just suggestions from the Scottish government.

“That’s because of the statutory legal requirements that mean under the 1980 Education Act that our councils run our schools, not the government directly,” she continued.

“There are not penalties, but of course it is incumbent on the government to update our guidance in line with legal changes.”

While Gilruth confirmed that the guidance isn’t mandatory, she confirmed that schools are “required by law to have separate toilet facilities for boys and girls and also to have accessible toilet provisions.”

“And of course the guidance has been updated to recognise the clarification of the definition of sex under the Equality Act 2010 following the Supreme Court judgement,” she added.

In a separate interview with Good Morning Scotland, the general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) discussed the challenges that arise with the new guidance, stating that it doesn’t fully address the needs of trans youth. 

“Considering the nature of the Supreme Court judgement, it would be difficult for the Scottish Government to advise anything other than something which is considered to be compliant with the law,” she explained.

“The difficulty with it is that it perhaps does not fully address the needs of transgender young people in that many of them will not feel comfortable whatsoever using the toilets that the guidance suggests that they should.

“There’s suggestion in the guidance that perhaps those young people could use disabled toilet facilities or even staff toilet facilities, and neither of those are perfect.”

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The Japanese government has expanded legal protections to same-sex couples.

According to The Japan Times, the government has decided to recognise same-sex couples as being in “de facto marriages” under nine additional laws, including the Disaster Condolence Grant law.

This follows a decision earlier this year to extend 24 existing laws – including the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, Land and House Lease Act, Child Abuse Prevention Act, and Public Housing Act – to same-sex couples.

Japan’s LGBTQIA+ community has long been engaged in a battle for marriage equality.

Currently, the country’s constitution defines marriage as “mutual consent between both sexes” and does not recognise marriage equality.

In March 2021, the Sapporo District Court ruled that the government’s refusal to recognise same-sex marriage was unconstitutional under Article 14 of the Japanese constitution, which bans discrimination based on “race, creed, sex, social status, or family origin.”

While the historic ruling offered a sign of hope for LGBTQIA+ equality, the community was hit with a major setback the following year.

In June 2022, a district court in Osaka ruled against three LGBTQIA+ couples and their call for same-sex marriage.

“From the perspective of individual dignity, it can be said that it is necessary to realise the benefits of same-sex couples being publicly recognised through official recognition,” the court said on 20 June.

“Public debate on what kind of system is appropriate for this has not been thoroughly carried out.”

A few months later, a Tokyo court upheld the ruling.

However, despite the court doubling down on its stance, the presiding judge also stated that the lack of a legal system and protections for same-sex couples infringes on their human rights (per CNN).

While the marriage equality movement in Japan has suffered a handful of setbacks, it has also seen a few notable wins over the last three years.

In May 2023, the Japanese government faced renewed pressure when the Nagoya District Court ruled the country’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.

In 2024, the Tokyo High Court and the Sapporo High Court issued separate rulings marking the ban as unconstitutional.

Most recently, Japan’s Osaka High Court and Nagoya High Court delivered similar decisions in March 2025.

This is a developing story.

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Pete Buttigieg has the best response to Tucker Carlson’s wild “fake gay” conspiracy theory.

Back in September, the conservative political commentator referred to the former US Secretary of Transportation as “the fake gay guy” during an episode of his podcast.

“My gay producer is always like ‘he’s not gay.’ He was with a girl like 20 minutes ago, and like he wants to be the Democratic nominee. It’s like: ‘time for a gay guy!”

However, that wasn’t the only bizarre thing Carlson said in regards to Buttigieg’s sexuality.

Later on in the episode, the 56-year-old added: “I’ve always wanted to interview him. He’s never agreed to an interview, but I’m going to ask him like some very specific questions about gay sex and see if he can even answer. I doubt he even knows. You’re not gay, dude, stop.”

On 1 October, Buttigieg addressed Carlson’s unhinged claims during his appearance on Channel 5 with Andrew Callaghan.

“I mean, in a weird way, I guess it’s progress. I’ve spent a good chunk of my life believing, knowing that being gay would be a career-ender for me,” he said.

 

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“I had two parts of my career when I was in my 20s: Public service, being interested in public office, and being in the military. Both of those things could have ended because I was gay.

Buttigieg went on to say that there was a time when he would have done anything not to be gay, resulting in Callaghan asking if he would have gone to conversion therapy.

“If I thought it would have worked, the state of mind that I was in at a certain time in my life when I was younger, maybe, yeah. Because I thought that reality would just shut down my options. And then I grew older, I matured, and I went to war,” he continued.

“During that employment, I thought, this is insane, to be a grown ass man with no idea what it’s like to be in love. If I get through this deployment ok, I’m going to come home, and I’m going to come out, and if it messes up my career, then so be it. That’s how I live my life.

“So, to now be at a point where a right-wing, whatever you want to call him, personality, his big conspiracy theory is that I’m straight is kind of hilarious. I guess it’s progress?”

 

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Elsewhere in his interview, Buttigieg provided insight into his coming-out experience.

“I was already mayor in South Bend, Indiana and a part of what happens when you get deployed, they tell you to write a letter just in case. I still have it in my desk drawer,” he continued.

“And I’m sitting down to write this letter that’s for my family to open up if I don’t make it, and I’m taking stock of all these great things that have happened in my life. I mean, I’ve become the mayor of this city that I loved. I owned a home and had great friends.

“But this huge part of what most people consider important in their lives just wasn’t there for me because I had figured out long since that I was gay, and I didn’t think I could or should try to date and keep it a secret. So I didn’t have that as part of my life.

Toward the end of his statement, Buttigieg revealed that writing the letter helped him realise that he was tired of hiding his sexuality.

You can watch Buttigieg’s full interview here.

The post Pete Buttigieg addresses Tucker Carlson’s conspiracy theory that he’s “faking” being gay appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Drop everything! The first look images for Crave’s new gay hockey TV series, Heated Rivalry, have arrived.

Based on Rachel Reid’s novel of the same name, the upcoming show follows Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), two talented professional hockey players and captains of their respective teams, who have built their careers on intense rivalry on the ice.

However, behind the scenes, the two players cultivate a secret romantic connection that’s full of clandestine encounters and complicated feelings.

The synopsis adds: “What begins as a secret fling between confused teenagers at 17 evolved into a years-long journey of love, denial, and self-discovery. Over the next eight years, as they chase glory on the ice, they struggle to navigate their feelings off of it.

“Torn between the sport they live for and the love they can’t ignore, Shane and Ilya must decide if there’s room in their fiercely competitive world for something as fragile – and powerful – as real love.”

On 24 September, Deadline shared the first set of images from the highly anticipated Canadian series.

In one photo, Shane and Ilya are sharing an intimate moment, with the pair leaning their foreheads against each other.

Another snapshot features our two leads tensely speaking at a press conference.

In addition to Storrie and Williams, Heated Rivalry stars Sophie Nélisse as Rose Landry, Dylan Walsh as David Hollander, Christina Chang as Yuna Hollander, François Arnaud as Scott Hunter, Kaden Connors as Sasha, Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady, Harrison Browne as Connors and Slavic Rogozine as Alexei Rozanov.

In an interview with the aforementioned news outlet, one of the show’s producers, Jacob Tierney, gushed about the series and its characters.

“Their connection feels so real, as Rachel allowed for this complicated dynamic that grows over seven years,” he said.

Heated Rivalry is expected to premiere in November on Crave. As of this writing, an international release has not been announced.

Check out more behind-the-scenes photos for the series below.

 

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Fans have praised Big Brother UK star Zelah Glasson for discussing his transition and bringing attention to trans rights 

On 28 September, the iconic reality series returned for its 22nd season — and third since the ITV reboot — with co-hosts AJ Odudu and Will Best.

Like past entries, the new episodes follow a group of 12 people living together in a house outfitted with HD cameras and microphones, recording their every move 24/7.

Since the season premiere, fans have become enamoured with Zelah, a 25-year-old personal trainer from South London who says he’s “constantly compared to a spaniel dog“ and is “pretty unbearable if I don’t get my 12,000 steps a day.”

“I’m half-Indian, half-English, so my mum’s from Calcutta and my dad was from Cornwall,“ he explained in his VT. “The kind of people I don’t usually get along with are bro-y guys, which I know is ironic to say as I sit here in a wife pleaser with a mullet.”

In addition to his endearing personality, Zelah has garnered praise for being an open book about his trans identity.

One moment that has stood out to viewers was when he opened up to fellow queer house guest Sam about his transition.

“I had the surgery ages ago, and I had to sleep like that,” the fitness influencer explained during the 30 September (Tuesday) episode.

When Sam asked, “Which surgery?” Zelah revealed that he had chest surgery two years ago.

This is why queer friendships are so important 🥹 #bbuk pic.twitter.com/YlGFZzTwdA

— Big Brother UK (@bbuk) September 30, 2025

“So my girlfriend and I, we were in a lesbian relationship for a while, and this was her first ever relationship. I went from lesbian to man like, downgrade,” he joked.

Zelah went on to discuss his childhood and how he navigated his identity growing up.

“When I was six years old, if you looked at me then and look at me now, you’d think I went from A to B. I looked like a little version of me now. I had the skin fade and everything,” he continued.

“I was still bullied for being a man in school. Like, there’s always something. And then, when I realised I was queer around 15, things started to get better because I started to be a bit more masculine. Went through my toxic masculinity phase. Got a motorbike and my tattoos.

“Time went on, and I just eventually started to realise, ‘Hmm, I don’t see myself getting old in this body. No matter how masculine I am as a woman. It’s just never going to be quite satisfying.’ I think the biggest thing for me is that I just couldn’t picture myself getting old. It’s scary, it feels like progress is just rolling back.”

Towards the end of their conversation, Zelah reflected on how the current political climate – which has seen a rise in anti-trans rhetoric – has affected his day-to-day life.  

“Biggest issues with bathrooms were before I transitioned and I was a masculine woman,” he shared.

“I once got dragged downstairs by two bouncers in a club, and as they dragged me down the stairs, they went, ‘You think you’re funny?’ and I had to quickly lift up my shirt and show my sports bra and say, ‘I’m a woman.’

Zelah and his support teddy 🥹 #bbuk pic.twitter.com/512nO2fPBI

— Big Brother UK (@bbuk) September 29, 2025

“It’s crazy how people living their lives bother other people so much. Because trans people, queer people are always, I guess, painted in the media as the aggressor, when the majority are just trying to get by.”

Another conversation that caught viewers’ attention was Zelah, Feyisola and Cameron K’s discussion on transphobia and feminism.

During their chat, Feyisola discussed the challenges she faced as a Black bald woman, revealing that she receives a lot of transphobic abuse due to her appearance.

“I get a lot of people who make comments that they probably shouldn’t feel comfortable saying. I get a lot of people shouting at me like, ‘You’re always going to be a man,'” she explained.

Since the release of the 30 September episode, viewers have flocked to X/Twitter to praise the show for including the aforementioned conversations and shining a light on trans issues amid the volatile political climate.

One fan wrote: “THIS IS WHY BIG BROTHER IS IMPORTANT! These conversations are needed and should be heard by everyone #BBUK.”

Feyisola has an open conversation with Cameron K about her experiences as a Black bald woman. ❤️ #bbuk pic.twitter.com/labSieQyCh

— Big Brother UK (@bbuk) October 1, 2025

Another viewer echoed similar sentiments, writing: “This is such an important conversation to have right now! We have so many hateful people in this country! It disgusts me to my core that people can be so bigoted and ignorant!”

A third person tweeted: “As a trans man living in this social climate, I am so grateful to this man [Zelah] right now. I’m hoping he’s able to change some minds and hearts to help our community.”

You can watch Big Brother UK every evening on ITV at 9 pm.

Check out more fan reactions below.

If your feminism is anti trans then it isn’t actually feminism is so true. I love everything Zelah has to say and I’m glad Cameron asked the question that led to that 👏🏾 #BBUK pic.twitter.com/YxRijpaVF2

— mindi 🐝🇹🇿 (@mindironalia) September 30, 2025

Hearing Zelah his story tonight on how trans people get seen as the agressor after a certain past housemate was disgusting today. PROTECT THE DOLLS! TRANS RIGHTS! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️#bBUK pic.twitter.com/k2tNAE87ky

— Dutchbbfan #bbuk (tar guy) #TEAMGARBI (@Dutchbbfan) September 30, 2025

Me using all 5 votes on Zelah because I love him and he needs to be protected #BBUK pic.twitter.com/DGFGdnMOrd

— Josh (@JoshxReid) October 1, 2025

We need Zelah to stay. He’s bringing such important topics to light and making it a discussion. He is the exact housemate we need for this reason and if he leaves on Friday I will throw an air fryer at the house #BigBrother #BBUK pic.twitter.com/20mvJezMIR

— lxuistxmlinsxn28◟̽◞̽ (@wallslouis28x) September 30, 2025

Say what you want about the cast — but the bits of magic including moments where Zelah is educating everyone about actual lived Trans experience is what this show is all about. #BBUK pic.twitter.com/muTDcnosSy

— putasinghonit (@putasinghonit) September 29, 2025

holy shit Zelah is the best trans representation we’ve had on british tv in SO long, it almost feels alien to see an actual trans person talking about this stuff on tv in the current climate #bbuk

— Em ✨ (@awfulcuppa) September 30, 2025

Ok, we NEED Zelah to stay in that house because these conversations about trans people and about how transphobia is anti feminist are SO SO important!! Big up Feyisola too!! 💕 #BBUK

— Siobhan 🇬🇬 (@slinehan1) September 30, 2025

That conversation between Zelah, Feyisola and Cameron about feminism and transphobia should be broadcast across all news channels and social media outlets immediately. The types of conversations Big Brother is made for #BBUK

— sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) September 30, 2025

This conversation is so beautifull! Cameron, zelah and Feyisola, perfectly said! #Bbuk pic.twitter.com/y18uYrbNSX

— Dutchbbfan #bbuk (tar guy) #TEAMGARBI (@Dutchbbfan) September 30, 2025

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Indya Moore has criticised Ryan Murphy for his lack of public support for the trans community.

On September 28, the Pose star took to Instagram to reflect on the growing hostility and political attacks directed toward trans people.

“I just want to say thank you to everybody who has ever supported trans people, even if I’m upset with you for not doing enough for Black folks, for not doing enough for other marginalised groups,” she tearfully exclaimed at the start of the video.

“But I just want to say thank you to everyone who has ever actually done anything to help us, to take us out of poverty, to help us to not be struggling, to help us not be in the centre of violence all the time.

“Because seeing all of these reports that are coming out about what the federal government is trying to do to persecute trans people and put us in concentration camps it’s really disturbing.”

While Moore said that she’s never one to be scared, she admitted to feeling hurt and shocked over the troubling state of trans rights.

After expressing her gratitude for the people who have supported the trans community with work opportunities and platforms, the 30-year-old called out Pose co-creator Murphy for being silent during the Trump Administration’s latest round of anti-trans attacks.

“We really need y’all. We really, really need y’all. The fact that Ryan Murphy has been this silent. We really pissed you off that much, Ryan? Like, Ryan Murphy, who upset you that much? Janet really pissed you off that much?” Moore said.

The actress was seemingly referring to Pose writer Janet Mock and her passionate 2021 speech calling out her unfair payment on the series, as well as the lack of trans support in the industry/Murphy’s productions.

“I’m trying to understand. How is it that you could do something like Pose during Donald Trump’s administration, and then it’s like, poof, you’re gone? It’s, like, garbage. It’s like an embarrassment. Like, that’s how it feels.”

Moore continued: “Ryan Murphy, we need you to do more. You do need to address the racism, the violence and the targeting of people on your productions, Ryan Murphy. Yes, you do. You do need to make sure trans people are paid equally. Yes, Janet did the right thing.”

Moore went on to express her shock over how quickly everyone had forgotten about Mock, who also wrote and produced on other Murphy-created projects, such as Hollywood and Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.

“And let me tell you something: trans people, we are not loving each other the way that we should. We’re catty, we’re jealous, we compare ourselves to the next woman,” the Nimona star continued. “We need more love from each other and from others.

“Janet Mock’s grievances about Hollywood, her breakdown, her upset, should have never resulted in us stopping talking about her.

“Y’all failed her. Y’all failed her, because you know what? Too many of the girls are out here waiting for the other girl to move over so she can have her spotlight. That is what happens to marginalised people. We are competing with each other too much.”

Towards the end of her video, Moore called on people to stop being “passive observers” of the struggles impacting the trans community.

“I am looking at who will take me as an asylum seeker right now. I had never thought I would have to seek asylum from America… We need help. Trans people need help. We need places that we can go for asylum. In your countries, please advocate for our safety, for us to be able to have refuge,” she added.

Since uploading her powerful video, Moore has received support from fans and her LGBTQIA+ peers in the industry.

Acclaimed trans actress Laverne Cox wrote: “Love you so much, my sister. This call to action, this call to love, this call for empathy, acknowledging each other’s humanity, both intra-community and for those who proclaim allyship. I’ve been weeping just like this. Weeping.

“But not showing it. But I hear you. I feel you deeply. I’m right there too.”

Trailblazing activist, author and model Munroe Bergdorf wrote: “I love you so much.”

Drag Race star Shea Couleé added: “To my trans family. I love you. I see you. And my very existence is indebted to you and all of the sacrifices you make to live an authentic life. I stand with you, and thank you for all that you do.”

You can watch Moore’s full video here.

The new issue of Gay Times, featuring King Princess, A Night Like This stars Alexander Lincoln and Jack Brett Anderson, NFL’s first trans cheerleader Justine Lindsay, and more, is out now – available exclusively to subscribers.

The post Indya Moore calls out Ryan Murphy for his silence on trans rights: “We need you to do more” appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Reality TV icon Tiffany Pollard has come out as non-binary.

On 8 October, the beloved Celebrity Big Brother star will be heading back to our screens to host OUTtv’s new reality competition series, Slayers: Wheel of Fate.

The new series follows 10 queer competitors who take part in an “immersive gaming experience” that features a “mysterious castle, a villain named Queen Karen, and a ‘dragon’ that eats the eliminated contestant every week.”

The synopsis adds: “The players who survive will get to stand alongside Pollard as the ultimate Slayer and have the chance to walk away with a grand prize of up to $25,000, provided by Taimi, a leading LGBTQ+ dating app.”

Ahead of its world premiere, Pollard opened up to PinkNews about all things Slayer: Wheel of Fate, as well as her own non-binary identity.

⁠“I really do resonate with non-binary because I feel like we are so dual without even recognising it, because it takes two sexes for us to get here. So some days, you know, I may feel a lot more masculine, and some days I’m super feminine, and that’s okay,” she explained to the news outlet.

⁠Elsewhere in the interview, Pollard opened up about the first time she kissed a girl in middle school, revealing that it “felt right.”

 

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⁠“It had to happen at some point. You gonna come out of that closet, and once you do, it’s like, ‘Okay, wow, this world is open to me in new ways,’ and sweetie, shoving me back in the closet is never gonna be an option.”⁠

⁠Towards the end of her sit-down, the College Hill: Celebrity Edition star reflected on why she has such a dedicated LGBTQIA+ fanbase.

“Well, I mean, look at me, am I not a drag queen? I mean that in all seriousness. I was bullied a lot, especially coming up as a kid, and I feel like the gays understand that and accept it and see me in a lot of the, and vice versa,” she explained.

⁠Pollard’s recent interview isn’t the first time she’s opened up about her queer identity.  

During a 2024 appearance on The Jason Lee Show, reality TV icon exclaimed that she has “lived a very, very broad life.”

 

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“I’ve never been afraid to do anything I wanted to do. I’ve seen it all, I’ve been it all, and I’m good at it all. Real good at it all,” she exclaimed.

Pollard also revealed that she began exploring her masculine side while she was in middle school.

“I talk like a man, I think like a man, I have a lot of male tendencies. That started coming out probably in middle school. The aggression and just feeling a certain masculinity, if you will,” she explained.

“And why is that something that I have to suppress if I know it’s there? But can I throw on a heel and a wig and feel amazing? Yes. But there’s still another side to me.”

Check out the trailer for Pollard’s new series, Slayers: Wheel of Fate, below.

The new issue of Gay Times, featuring King Princess, A Night Like This stars Alexander Lincoln and Jack Brett Anderson, NFL’s first trans cheerleader Justine Lindsay, and more, is out now – available exclusively to subscribers.

The post Celebrity Big Brother icon Tiffany Pollard has come out as non-binary appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Slovak lawmakers have passed a constitutional amendment that further restricts LGBTQIA+ rights.⁠

⁠On 26 September, the amendment, proposed by Prime Minister Robert Fico’s populist-nationalist government, moved forward after it narrowly secured a three-fifths majority vote (90) in the 150-seat National Council.

The recent development comes nearly five months after the lawmakers proposed the changes to parliament. 

Under the amended constitution, same-sex couples have been effectively banned from adopting children, with only married heterosexual couples permitted to adopt.

It asserts that only two genders – male and female – will be recognised, excluding trans, intersex and non-binary identities.

Lastly, the draconian amendment bans surrogacy and gives national law precedence over European Union (EU) law, declaring that “the Slovak Republic maintains sovereignty above all in issues of national identity, culture and ethics.”

According to the BBC, Fico embraced the vote, exclaiming that he would have a shot of liquor to celebrate.

“This isn’t a little dam, or just a regular dam – this is a great dam against progressivism,” the conservative PM added.

Since the news was announced, a range of human rights groups have slammed the Slovak parliament for passing the archaic amendment, including Amnesty International Slovakia.

“This is devastating news. Instead of taking concrete steps to protect the rights of LGBTI people, children, and women, the Slovakian parliament voted to pass these amendments, which put the constitution in direct contradiction with international law,” the group said in a statement.

“Today is another dark day for Slovakia, which is already facing a series of cascading attacks on human rights and the rule of law. The situation of marginalised groups in Slovakia – including LGBTI people – is already dire. These amendments rub salt into the wound.

“Today, the Slovak government chose to follow the lead of countries, such as Hungary, whose policies have led to an erosion of human rights. The only way to stop this decline is to comply with international and European law and introduce proposals to protect human rights for all, while rejecting those that jeopardise these efforts.” 

The editor-in-chief of the Slovak daily, SME, Beata Balagova, echoed similar sentiments in a statement to the BBC.

“The Slovak constitution has fallen victim to Robert Fico’s plan to dismantle the opposition and divert attention from the real problems of society, as well as the austerity measures he had to pass,” she said.

“Fico does not genuinely care about gender issues, the ban on surrogate motherhood or even adoptions by LGBTQ people.”

The president of Slovakia, Peter Pellegrini, is expected to sign the anti-LGBTQIA+ amendment into law.

The new issue of Gay Times, featuring King Princess, A Night Like This stars Alexander Lincoln and Jack Brett Anderson, NFL’s first trans cheerleader Justine Lindsay, and more, is out now – available exclusively to subscribers.

The post Slovakia passes anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that defines sex as binary and bans gay adoption appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Former adult film actor Austin Wolf has received his prison sentence on two counts of child sexual exploitation.

Content warning: This story includes topics that could make some readers feel uncomfortable and/or upset.

On 26 September, US District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer sentenced the 44-year-old – whose real name is Justin Heath Smith – to 19 years in prison for one count of enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity and one count for engaging in a pattern of activity involving prohibited sexual conduct.

Alongside his prison sentence, the court imposed a $40,000 fine and 10 years of supervised release.

“Justin Heath Smith’s crimes against children are horrible. He targeted kids as young as seven, and every New Yorker wants him and those like him off our streets for as long as possible and never again near our children,” US Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton said in a statement.

“The women and men of our Office, and our law enforcement partners, are laser-focused on ridding our streets of those who sexually exploit our children. The message to predators from our Office is clear: there is no place for you in New York other than prison.”

Smith’s sentencing comes over a year after he was first arrested for distributing and possessing child sex abuse videos on Telegram.

According to the official complaint, a detailed investigation into Smith first started in April 2024 after the intelligence and security service seized the phone of another Telegram user named ‘Target Telegram User-1.’

Instagram

While reviewing the individual’s records, they discovered a correspondence with another account named ‘Anon Anon,’ who was believed to be Smith.

During their exchange, which reportedly took place between 24 March and 28 March 2024, the two users allegedly shared “approximately 200 videos” of child pornography “that depicted children as young as infants,” the document read.

After their arrest, ‘Target Telegram User-1’ took part in an interview with authorities, revealing that they had previously met with ‘Anon Anon’ in person, and shared details that matched Smith’s – including “physical description, vocation, and approximate address,” the document continued.

After ‘Target Telegram User-1’ claimed that ‘Anon Anon’ kept child pornography on his home computer, law enforcement executed a search of Smith’s apartment, where they seized his phone and an SD card. 

On 20 June, nearly a year after his arrest, Smith pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor during his plea hearing.

According to the New York Post, the former adult film star admitted to the court to “inducing a 15-year-old to engage in a sex act” in late 2023 or early 2024.

“I don’t remember through text or [social media], but phones were definitely used. I know what I was doing was wrong,” Smith reportedly said in between sobs.

“I apologise. I knew it was wrong when I did it. I don’t blame anyone else for my conduct [although] it was another person engaging in the conduct. I take full 100 percent responsibility for my actions, and I am prepared for the consequences.”

For more information about the case, Smith’s plea agreement and statements made in court, click here.

The post Austin Wolf receives 19-year prison sentence in child sex abuse case appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Mitch Brown has criticised Geelong Cats player Bailey Smith for a “homophobic” social media post.

On 29 September, Smith shared photos on his Instagram Story from his team’s Mad Monday party, where he dressed as Brad Pitt’s character from Legends of the Fall.

In one post, captioned “Catman & Legends of the Fall”, the 24-year-old is pictured standing next to teammate Brad Close, who dressed as the famous Geelong fan, Catman.

Smith then shared another photo showing himself being embraced from behind by teammate Patrick Dangerfield, who was dressed as a cowboy.

His caption read: “Or Brokeback Mountain depends how ya look at it. This is what losing a granny does to ya. Alright, phone away now. Bye.”

In response to Smith’s post, Brown shared a photo of the late Brokeback Mountain star Heath Ledger on his own Instagram Story.

“Just for the record, Heath Ledger’s way hotter,” the 35-year-old athlete wrote.

He then added a written statement calling on Smith and Dangerfield to “do better.”

“In all seriousness, though, guys, do better. Last time I checked, losing a grand final doesn’t make you gay, but being homophobic definitely makes you a loser,” he wrote.

Brown’s statement comes a month after he came out as bisexual, making him the first openly queer player in the AFL’s 129-year history.

In an interview with The Daily Aus, Brown — who played 94 matches for West Coast between 2007 and 2016 — said he felt a “feeling of peace, but more importantly, comfort and confidence” after opening up about his sexuality.

He explained that his time in the AFL never offered “an opportunity to speak openly or explore your feelings in a safe way,” describing the culture as one of “hyper-masculinity,” where he heard “countless” homophobic comments on the field.

“When I was growing up at school, the word ‘gay’ was thrown around constantly,” he said. “For a man in Australia, [it was seen as] probably the weakest thing you could be.”

Brown recalled a conversation with teammates about the idea of showering next to a gay player. One reportedly said he’d “rather be in a cage full of lions than have a shower next to a gay man.”

“There’s been so many times in my life that I’ve seen things or heard things and not said anything,” he explained, “in fear of people thinking that I was gay or bisexual.”

A few days after his historic coming out, Brown returned to social media to thank supporters.

“I have been overwhelmed by the kindness, encouragement, and solidarity that have poured in from people across Australia and around the world,” he wrote.
“Every message, every story shared, every word of support has meant more to me than I can say. I will carry that gratitude with me always.”

 

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A post shared by Mitch Brown (@mitchbrownie)

The new issue of Gay Times, featuring King Princess, A Night Like This stars Alexander Lincoln and Jack Brett Anderson, NFL’s first trans cheerleader Justine Lindsay, and more, is out now – available exclusively to subscribers.

The post “Do better”: Mitch Brown calls out Bailey Smith for “homophobic” Mad Monday post appeared first on GAY TIMES.