Philip Baldwin speaks with actor David Ames about representation, community and what’s next for him.

WORDS BY PHILIP BALDWIN

David Ames has played a number of groundbreaking roles in his TV career, challenging stereotypes and raising awareness around issues facing LGBTQIA+ people. He is perhaps best known for playing Dominic Copeland in Holby City (2013 – 2022). In this role he shone a spotlight on domestic violence, which often impacts queer relationships but is rarely spoken about.

As Cater Shepherd in Hollyoaks (2023 – 2024), David explored the dangers of conversion practices, and was rewarded with Rainbow Honours and a British LGBT Awards nominations. He has also had notable stage roles, including Horse Play at Riverside Studios and Steve at Seven Dials Playhouse, both in 2022. Recently, David has been filming for Changing Ends, the semi-autobiographical series about Alan Carr growing up in Northampton. Season three is out in the autumn.

David has often been outspoken about LGBTQIA+ rights and it was great chatting to him. I began by asking him about his Pride highlight of 2025.

I love the vigil on the Monday at the end of Manchester Pride, to honour those people who we’ve lost due to HIV/AIDS, or through hate crimes. It’s been particularly poignant recently for our trans siblings who have been under constant attack, both physically and politically. By the end of the weekend everyone is exhausted and emotional. We gather together and there is such a feeling of community spirit. I was at Brighton Pride this year, which was wonderful. At Brighton Pride you see a lot of families and people celebrating in Preston Park. London Pride was also magnificent. I enjoyed them all. The community spirit is high at the moment. It feels that – particularly watching what is happening in the United States – we are pulling together and closing ranks. This is very heartening considering everything that is going on in the world.

What do you perceive as the greatest threat to LGBTQIA+ rights at the moment?

What is happening in the United States – particularly under Donald Trump, is the rolling back of rights – for women with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, also people like Kim Davis trying to get the Supreme Court to consider rolling back gay marriage. It’s a terrifying reminder of just how precarious our rights are and how our movement can be used as a political punchbag. With the rise in popularity of Reform and with Labour not polling particularly well, we’re potentially on the cusp of something terrifying.

Do you think it’s becoming easier to come out?

Yes – I think it’s easier to come out to friends and to family. I was surprised by the drop in sponsorship from big companies for Pride – or even just putting rainbows on their logos. These huge brands clearly feel under pressure not to display diversity, a trend from Donald Trump’s politics. I think that has probably hindered a lot of people from being open in the workplace. The number of movies, music and art which are queer-heavy, that has definitely helped people in knowing they are not alone, especially with social media. I remember at university – I didn’t really use the internet. I went to university between 2001 and 2004, which was before MySpace. I feel like I would have had more of a community at university and found it easier to come out, had I known there were likeminded people who have had similar experiences. The internet does make it easier to come out and to find your tribe, but with that comes the backlash of trolls. It’s about being savvy in doing so.

Can you tell us about any projects you have coming up?

There are a few irons in fires. The biggest projects I have coming up – I am blessed to be in series three and series four of Changing Ends on ITV. I am absolutely thrilled to be involved, as it’s always been a dream of mine to do a sitcom. I love a good sitcom. I have always craved the chance to put my comedy chops to the test. It’s such an amazing crew and cast. It was such a joy to get to work on this over the summer. I’m really looking forward to the third series coming out this year, in the autumn, and the fourth series next year – we filmed them back-to-back.

You can follow David Ames here on Instagram. 

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Jeremy Joseph, the owner of the legendary G–A-Y Bar in Soho, has announced its closure.

Speaking to Metro, Joseph explained that long-running rent struggles, particularly during COVID, combined with Soho’s fading queer identity and safety concerns, led him to close G-A-Y Bar. He said these issues made his decision to concentrate on keeping Heaven open “a lot easier.”

“When I opened the Old Compton venue, it was the gayest street in London, but now it has lost its identity,” he said. “This weekend half of Old Compton Street was closed because there was a crime scene up. Most of the pride flags have been taken down, it’s really sad to see.”

Despite living above G-A-Y Bar, Joseph said he was forced to choose between it and Heaven when landlords ArchCo sought to increase Heaven’s rent. He explained that it was “better to protect one venue that’s got more history than another which is an area I cannot see improving.”

Joseph expanded on the difficulties with rent: “We underwent arbitration with ArchCo which was nearly two years of hell. But we didn’t let them bully us – we have come out the other side. I will say this to all business owners – never let your landlords bully you.”

He also posted an impassioned message on social media, recalling some of his fondest memories of G-A-Y Bar.

“I will never forget when Madonna performed at G-A-Y at the Astoria,” he wrote. “All night people were singing Madonna songs, the street was alive and electric and queer. Imagine that happening today, residents would be on the phone complaining, the gays are singing too loudly!”

Another moment that “will always stand out” for Joseph was the 2019 Pulse Nightclub shooting — the deadliest attack on LGBTQIA+ people in U.S. history, when 49 lives were tragically taken — which, he said, “brought everyone together and the focal point was Old Compton Street.”

Joseph reflected on how venues, artists and charities, devastated by the loss of life, wanted to “do something special” to bring people together and pay tribute to the LGBTQIA+ community and their “family in the US.”

 

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With just 24 hours to organise, the word quickly spread: “By 5pm Old Compton Street was starting to get busier, by 6pm it was nearly full, and by 7pm you couldn’t move – the community came together in their thousands.”

Joseph ended his post by expressing gratitude to G-A-Y’s customers over the decades, while making clear that Heaven is his “future.”

“As of today, I hope to continue making Heaven a second home for so many LGBTQ+ people,” he said. “Being part of your lives and continuing toward Heaven’s 50th in 2029.”

His message was met with an outpouring of love and support from G-A-Y fans and performers, particularly the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race, who have long been a mainstay of G-A-Y and Heaven’s nightlife. Several performers shared their memories and gratitude on social media.

Kyran Thrax said: “My love I’m so sorry – proud of you for how you’ve handled all of this.”

Peppermint commented: “One of the first places that allowed me to come and perform years before I was ever even on Drag Race. Appreciate you so much and definitely feeling this loss. Here’s to another chapter together my love! Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for our community.”

Laganja Estranja said she’s “so grateful” to Joseph to “have performed here and made many memories.”

One of Soho’s most iconic queer landmarks, G-A-Y Bar has been credited with helping make queer nightlife more mainstream and accessible to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Its closure, following the 2023 shutdown of G-A-Y Late, is a stark reminder of the threats facing London’s queer spaces, and for many, the loss is truly devastating.

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris says that, despite her “deep connection” to the trans community, she still holds “concerns” about their inclusion in sport.

In an excerpt from her upcoming memoir, 107 Days by Kamala Harris – which offers insight into her 2024 presidential campaign against Donald Trump – the politician reflects on her stance on trans rights.

Harris writes that she has “been an ally of the LGBTQ+ community for my entire life,” noting the disproportionate violence faced by trans people and warning that Trump’s anti-trans rhetoric “was painting a bulls-eye on their backs and putting them in peril.”

“This is a community with which I have a deep connection,” says Harris, who ultimately gained 86% of the LGBTQIA+ vote in the election, with support higher among LGBTQIA+ people of colour. “There was no way I was going to go against my very nature and turn on transgender people.”

Trump’s campaign memorably commissioned a series of advertisements with the tagline: “Kamala is for they/them/ I am for you” – a line that proved effective in shifting momentum in his favour.

Although Harris refuted the idea that Trump’s ad was a “knockout punch” against her campaign, she acknowledges that it succeeded as a “winning message” and admitted her own campaign should have “given even more attention to how we might mitigate Trump’s attacks.”

As Sarah McBride, the first openly trans member of Congress, explained: “It was the concept in that line – that Kamala Harris, according to the ad, was for a small group of people, and Donald Trump was there for ‘you’.”

Despite her earlier comments, Harris says in her memoir that she agrees “with the concerns expressed by parents and players that we have to take into account biological factors such as muscle mass and unfair student athletic advantage when we determine who plays on which teams, especially in contact sports.

“With goodwill and common sense, I believe we can come up with ways to do this, without vilifying and demonizing children.”

 

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It’s worth noting that trans individuals comprise approximately 1–2% of the U.S. population and represent less than 0.002% of U.S. college athletes. That number is smaller for Olympians, at just 0.001%.

Despite these minuscule numbers, trans athletes’ participation in sports has become a major flashpoint in culture wars, with LGBTQIA+ activists arguing that such focus distracts from more pressing issues while generating unnecessary stigma for an already marginalised community.

Harris’ memoir also reveals that her initial first choice for a running mate was then-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who made history in 2019 as the first openly gay man to launch a Democratic presidential campaign.

“He would have been an ideal partner — if I were a straight white man,” wrote Harris, who ultimately chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. “But we were already asking a lot of America: to accept a woman, a Black woman, a Black woman married to a Jewish man.

“Part of me wanted to say, Screw it, let’s just do it. But knowing what was at stake, it was too big of a risk.”

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Today, GT Group announced that Solomon Thomson has been appointed Managing Director of Gay Times, following his work leading the Partnerships division of the business. The move comes as the company continues to expand its cultural impact within the media and entertainment landscape, underscoring extended investment into the flagship brand and the community it serves. Thomson brings an ingrained understanding of the business to the role, with a proven track record of unifying its commercial output with its editorial voice, contributing to some of Gay Times’ most impactful commercial collaborations in recent years. 

Before joining the world’s most-followed LGBTQ+ media brand (1) in 2023, Thomson held a multifaceted commercial role at ITV, the UK’s largest commercial broadcaster and streamer. His global-media experience and nuanced grasp of the brand landscape paired with his unique understanding of Gay Times succinctly positions him to lead this next exciting era.

At Gay Times, Thomson has already helped shape the brand’s next-generation strategy: working closely alongside CEO, Tag Warner, to guide the organisation through significant changes in 2024, sharpening its proposition, and driving significant growth across content and social metrics. He has broadened the commercial offering with a fresh take on partnership content, strengthening existing advertiser relationships and bringing a new cohort of brands into the GT Partnerships ecosystem. Through this approach, Gay Times has evidenced the strength of its audience, the quality of its journalism and its cultural authority to the brands with whom it collaborates. 

Alongside previous Editorial Director, Megan Wallace, Thomson reimagined what Partnerships content looks like for the business. His work in creating opportunities for digital growth has supported the editorial strategy, advancing the shift toward a subscription-focussed editorial model, which informed the evolution of the magazine’s aesthetic six months ago – a creative refresh that honours Gay Times’ heritage while signalling where it is heading.

Like many LGBTQIA+ media brands, the company faced a challenging 2024 as a significant number of advertisers pulled back or paused spending amid wider market volatility and a retreat from diverse audience initiatives that informed marketing strategies. Gay Times acted proactively, setting out major changes in 2024 – shifting its focus to a subscription-first editorial model, and inviting its readership to become stakeholders in the brand’s future. The campaign’s success brought over 300 individuals into the fold as co-owners – a milestone that underlines the depth of audience commitment. Alongside this, Thomson spearheaded the inception of GT Alliance, a new production model for brand campaigns that sees Gay Times partnering with LGBTQIA+ and diverse-owned production and creative agencies to create more opportunities for the brand’s wider community and collaborators.

Elsewhere within GT Group, Wax Talent has delivered significant, double-digit percentage month-on-month growth in 2025, validating a multi-brand ecosystem where talent, media and experiences reinforce one another. An editorial collaboration with Uncloseted Media has amplified US-focused investigations to larger audiences. And across a summer of partnerships, a Pride programme drew strong critical notice and community buzz, underscoring the brand’s ability to convene culture in-real-life with care and credibility.

Thomson’s approach through a highly transitional period for the LGBTQIA+ sector has been steady, audience-centred and product-minded. Under his stewardship, Gay Times expects gains in both reach and relevance across social platforms, alongside an editorial cadence that supports deeper reporting and sharper verticals.

Gay Times will continue to widen its partner ecosystem with brands that share its values; scale magazine.gaytimes.com as a modern home for long-form integrity-based journalism; and press forward with ambitious journalism and big cultural ideas in service to a global community. 

In his new role, Thomson will continue to lead GT Partnerships whilst overseeing all aspects of the business, from commercial strategy and creative output to brand growth. He will report to CEO, Tag Warner. Wax Talent will continue to report to GT Group CEO, Tag Warner, separately.

Speaking about his appointment, Solomon Thomson said: “I’m so proud to step into this role at such a pivotal time for Gay Times, a platform I’ve admired and followed for many years. What excites me most is the chance to work even more collaboratively with our incredible team – their passion, creativity, and resourcefulness drives everything we achieve together.”

“Looking ahead, my focus is on building our momentum: strengthening editorial and social, expanding our subscription platform, and of course growing partnerships & advertising with brands that share our values. Above all, I’m committed to ensuring Gay Times continues to uplift the voices of our community whilst telling our stories with joy and heart – but also with the authority they deserve.”

Tag Warner, CEO of GT Group, added: “Solomon has been central to our next-generation strategy since joining the company – he understands how to translate cultural relevance into sustainable growth, and he brings a steady, audience-first leadership style to the table. This appointment to Managing Director, Gay Times is about doubling down on our flagship brand: investing in our journalism, backing our subscription products, and deepening the partnerships that move the culture forward. With Thomson in this new role, he is writing the next chapter of its five-decade history with intent.

(1) Based on publicly available data across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.

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To mark Bisexual Awareness Week, Just Like Us ambassador Enrica Casu reflects on the media’s harmful bisexual tropes and the rise of increasingly authentic representation.

WORDS BY ENRICA CASU, JUST LIKE US AMBASSADOR

It has been almost 10 years since I first came out as bisexual, but just four years have passed since I fully accepted and embraced my identity.

Sometimes I forget that it took me so long to get to this version of myself, the one that volunteers as a Just Like Us ambassador to share her story in schools to teach about the LGBTQIA+ community; the one that will bring her long-term girlfriend to Christmas with her Catholic relatives. The reason my journey of self-discovery was so long was that for so many years, I couldn’t find a definition of bisexuality I could truly relate to. Instead, I bumped against harmful stereotypes and ridiculous misrepresentations. And while nowadays we are moving in the right direction, there is still a long road to cover.

What is bisexuality? Broadly, it means experiencing emotional and/or sexual attraction towards two or more genders. This definition includes not only cisgender men and women, but also any identity under the transgender umbrella. I believe that its most important point is that it is different for everyone.

For many of us, bisexuality is not a fixed concept. It can be a fluid identity that changes depending on the individual. Some people are attracted to men and women, some to women and non-men, while others, like me, are attracted to all genders with a preference for a specific one. And since it can be a fluid sexuality, these feelings can change throughout a person’s life. The attraction towards a gender can increase, dim, or even disappear. This does not mean that person is not bisexual anymore, if they choose to identify as such. There are no boundaries or rules to how you can live out your sexuality.

It took time for me to reach this understanding, but sadly, my identity is still contested. Bisexuality, like many other sexualities that exist on a spectrum, has been constricted into a box in the shape of stereotypes and misconceptions.

Since I first came out in the mid-2010s, I have heard a frightening amount of these, both in person and online: bisexuality is just a phase, or a means to attract attention; 50% of you must like men and 50% of you must like girls, excluding other gender identities; bisexual people are unreliable in a relationship and prone to cheating.

@gaytimes Here are five heartwarming, funny and moving bi coming out moments from the world of TV 🩷💜💙 #heartstopper #deadendparanormalpark #crazyexgirlfriend #bigmouth #brooklynninenine #nicknelson #normakhan #jaybilzerian #rosadiaz #bisexual #bi #biweek #bivisibility ♬ Relaxing Japanese-style piano song inviting nostalgia – Akiko Akiyama

Because of these misconceptions, we have a history of being ignored as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The tendency to not acknowledge the existence of bisexuality is known as bi-erasure, and what is baffling is this is coming not only from outside the queer community, but also from within it. According to a study from the queer dating app HER, 40% of bisexual people have felt invisible in LGBTQIA+ spaces before.

The way we are seen and the way we are represented go hand in hand, and bisexuality is no exception. I think the clip from Sex and the City where Carrie and her friends completely berate Sean’s bisexuality is etched into our minds – and I have never even watched that show. That scene shows a clear example of how bisexuality has been largely represented in media: bisexual men end up with men in the end, and so do bisexual women, a depiction rooted in the patriarchal idea that men are the main focus of any relationship. For a long time, we had to accept that if we were not erased, that was how we would be represented.

Even recently, when literary hit Red, White and Royal Blue was promoted on TikTok, users were led to believe that the plot focused on a relationship between two gay men. Imagine my surprise when a great part of the book was dedicated to main character Alex discovering and acting on his bisexuality.

Fortunately, there has been a recent shift in representation and acceptance in the last few years, aided by a more fluid conceptualisation of gender and sexuality. In fact, the number of people coming out as bisexual has increased, comprising the largest group in the community.

In media, we’ve seen the fierce Rosa Diaz from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and the lovely Nick Nelson from Heartstopper, whose iconic clapback – “I’m bi, actually” – shows that we have the right to take up space. And, my personal favourite: Magnus Bane from The Mortal Instruments. He is not perfect, but he has always been unapologetic about his identity, and fought not to be shamed for who he was, while being a complex and fleshed-out character.

@gaytimes The person who sent you this wants to make you aware of something… 🩷💜💙 #nicknelson #heartstopper #imbiactually #biweek #biawarenessweek #bivisibilityday #bisexualawarenessweek #bisexualtiktok #nicknelsonedit #heartstopperedit ♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim

This progress certainly helped me to accept my identity, but it was not the whole reason I learned to embrace being bisexual. While it can be rewarding to be able to relate to a fictional character or a person on social media, it is not enough. Community is what truly helped me.

People around me, whether they were friends or friends-to-be, shared their identities with me, and in some cases we went through the realisation process together. Each one of them has their own personality and background, and they live their sexuality, bisexual or not, in their own unique way. The fact that they do not conform to specific rules and stereotypes does not stop them from existing and taking their space in the world. Seeing that made me realise I could too.

My position is a privileged one, and not everyone, especially younger people, has the same opportunity to make those connections and build that community. That is why the work we do as volunteer ambassadors for Just Like Us is so important. By speaking in schools, we allow students who might be struggling with their identity to see that there are real people that feel the same way as they do. We can help create an environment where they can finally be themselves.

So, to the next generation of bisexuals, my advice is to be like Magnus: always fabulous and always proud.

Enrica is an ambassador for Just Like Us, the LGBTQIA+ young people’s charity. 18 to 25 and LGBTQIA+? Sign up now to hear about their next training event!

The post ‘It took me years to embrace my bisexual identity – I don’t want that for the next generation’ appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Against an evolving backdrop, GT Partnerships delivered work focused on community experience while driving measurable impact for brands.

Today, Gay Times is celebrating a run of standout partnerships across the first half of 2025.

In a year that has highlighted the importance of queer spaces and stories, Gay Times’ collaborations prioritised safety, visibility and joy – whilst typically outperforming internal branded-content benchmarks with standout social engagement.

While some areas of the market have pulled back their advertising support for LGBTQIA+ titles, Gay Times campaigns continue to perform to a growing LGBTQIA+ community and demonstrate superior performance in numerous metrics. From large-scale cultural takeovers to evidence-led community initiatives, the work proved that when brands back outcomes that matter, audiences respond.

Across immersive moments, data-driven concepts and cross-platform storytelling, these campaigns moved beyond impressions to deliver measurable impact for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Highlights from the company, which is the most followed LGBTQIA+ media brand in the world on major social platforms such as Instagram, include:

Garnier Micellar Water: Pride Party and Outernet Takeover

Gay Times joined forces with Garnier Micellar Water for an immersive takeover of Outernet Tottenham Court Road throughout Pride Month and beyond. The campaign, titled Messages To Our Younger Selves, showcased heartfelt letters from LGBTQIA+ individuals to their younger selves, creating a powerful tapestry of resilience. Created to support Garnier Micellar Water’s partnership with Just Like Us, the exhibition was a direct response to the statistic that 91% of LGBTQIA+ school pupils encounter hostile language about their identity, serving as a beacon of hope and a reminder that brighter days lie ahead.

The collaboration continued as the brand sponsored the annual Gay Times Pride Party at The Broadwick in Soho. The event was a spectacular celebration, centered around the campaign theme of celebrating queer hope and resilience, and attended by a cohort of LGBTQIA+ trailblazers and tastemakers including Trixie Mattel, Dylan Mulvaney and Joe Locke. At a time when Pride feels more important than ever, the event was testament to the strength and unity of the community, complete with a live performance from Tayce and DJ sets from the likes of Bimini and Absolute.

The campaign sparked over double the average editorial engagement for Gay Times partnerships and creator content performed more than seven times better than expected, while community response praised Garnier for showing up authentically.

 

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Supporting LGBTQIA+ Spaces with Uber

This summer, Gay Times curated a comprehensive report on the concerning rate of the shuttering of LGBTQIA+ venues. To gain powerful insight to support the campaign, Gay Times gathered data via a survey on the lived experiences of hundreds within their audience, all LGBTQIA+ community members, regarding their perception of venue closures across the country. The data revealed that 85% believe queer venues reduce feelings of loneliness, yet 46.3% said there are fewer such venues in their area now than there were three years ago.

The report also highlighted that nearly half of respondents (49.3%) reported avoiding queer venues due to safety concerns while traveling. In response to this urgent reality, Gay Times worked with Uber to offer thousands of discounted rides to independent LGBTQIA+ venues across the UK, helping to ensure people can travel hassle-free to the venues that are so vital for connection and safety.

 

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Hinge: Exploring Love Beyond Labels

Gay Times sat down with two queer couples, Leo and Nkem, and Macy and Naissa, to explore the true meaning of loving beyond labels with dating app Hinge. The campaign amplified Hinge’s LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E Report, which reveals that 48% of queer daters feel frustrated by gender and sexuality categories, a phenomenon known as Label Fatigue.

The series of content explored freedom and growth in love through embracing change, with the couples sharing their stories of navigating identity fluidity. Like 37% of LGBTQIA+ daters, both couples have updated the sexuality labels they previously identified with, showing how prioritising connection and chemistry allows for personal growth and deeper intimacy.

 

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Arsenal Football Club: The Connective Power of Sport

For LGBTQIA+ History Month, Gay Times celebrated the power of sports as a means for connection in partnership with Arsenal Football Club. Four sapphic couples spoke to Gay Times about how they found their biggest loves in life: Arsenal Women and their partners.

The series across social and digital channels highlighted the inclusive space that AWFC has created, with one couple noting, “The community is thriving both at matches and online.” The club’s growing queer fanbase is undeniable, with many of the more than 60,000 fans attending their matches being from the community, demonstrating that queer love and expression are embraced and celebrated on and off the pitch.

The campaign proved to be one of Gay Times’ strongest performing partnerships to date and a firm community-favourite – outpacing similar content with over 15x the benchmarked engagement rate on social media.

 

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ViiV Healthcare: The New Reality of Living with HIV

With the support of ViiV Healthcare, Gay Times explored how the realities of living with HIV have changed, allowing many people to lead full and healthy lives. This vital conversation took the form of an empowering interview between Dr. Tristan Barber, a consultant physician specialising in HIV, and Tom Hayes-Isaacs, an activist living with HIV.

The discussion highlighted that today, treatment can be as simple as a single pill a day, and once on successful treatment, a person with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus through sex. This project underscored the publication’s commitment to combating misinformation, whilst arming audiences with the tools to navigate healthy patient doctor conversations and educating them on the immense progress made in HIV medicine.

The campaign reached nearly three times the expected audience, far surpassing delivery goals.

 

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Channel 4: A Spoof Cover for The Inheritance

To celebrate the launch of series one of The Inheritance on Channel 4, Gay Times created its first-ever branded spoof cover with the British broadcaster.

The project featured Drag Race UK icons Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas who gave a hilarious and exaggerated interview about their “newfound wealth.” The playfully chaotic piece perfectly captures the show’s “campy and chaotic” essence and demonstrates the power of creativity and humor in branded content.

 

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This incredible summer of partnerships not only delivered impressive metrics but reinforced the publication’s commitment to producing content that is both authentic and impactful, serving the LGBTQIA+ community with integrity and celebration.

If you’d like to explore a collaboration with Gay Times, you can speak with the GT Partnerships team at partnerships@gaytimesgroup.com.

The post Partnerships that Perform: Advertisers succeed in Gay Times collaborations in 2025 appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Florida’s Department of Transportation has painted over the rainbow crosswalk in Orlando, which was constructed to honour the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting.

The removal, carried out overnight without warning, has been widely condemned by Orlando officials as unnecessary and offensive. Many have described it as part of Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration’s broader attack on the LGBTQIA+ community.

Buddy Dyer, Orlando Mayor, said he was “devastated” by the decision.

In a statement, he wrote: “This callous action of hastily removing part of a memorial to what was at the time our nation’s largest mass shooting, without any supporting safety data or discussion, is a cruel political act.

“The City of Orlando’s safety crosswalks were all installed in close coordination with the state and adhere to national safety standards. In fact, the crosswalk that is part of the Pulse Memorial was installed by the state.”

Dyer said the crosswalk “not only enhanced safety and visibility for the large number of pedestrians visiting the memorial,” but also served as a visual reminder of Orlando’s commitment to honor the 49 lives taken.

“While the state works to erase the memory of the victims of the Pulse tragedy by painting over the crosswalk,” he continued, “our community’s commitment to honoring the 49, and completing the memorial, will never waver.”

A total of 49 people were killed and 53 were injured in the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, making it the deadliest incident in the history of violence against LGBTQIA+ people in the country.

We are devastated to learn that overnight the state painted over the Pulse Memorial crosswalk on Orange Avenue. But we know that while this crosswalk has been removed, Orlando's commitment to honoring the 49 can never be erased. pic.twitter.com/4LdXvLUiom

— Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) August 21, 2025

Carlos Guillermo Smith, who made history as the first openly LGBTQIA+ Latino elected to Florida legislature, posted a video condemning the “disgusting act of betrayal” and “bigoted decision by the state of Florida”.

“I cannot believe that the DeSantis administration has engaged in this hostile act against the city of Orlando,” he continued, “that they have insulted the families and survivors of this horrific tragedy.”

In response to Smith’s video, DeSantis wrote on Twitter/X: “We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.”

FDOT illegally vandalized + ripped the rainbow colors off of Orlando’s city crosswalk in the middle of the night outside Pulse nightclub.

This crosswalk was painted to honor the lives of 49 angels murdered here, AND to keep pedestrians here safe.

A disgusting act of betrayal. pic.twitter.com/q3wYSa8e9o

— Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (@CarlosGSmith) August 21, 2025

RuPaul’s Drag Race icon Tatianna cut straight to the point with her message to DeSantis: “Vile c**t”.

In June, Florida’s Department of Transportation banned any crosswalk art “associated with social, political, or ideological messages or images” — in other words, anything celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community — unless it’s strictly for traffic control.

Sean Duffy, US Transportation Secretary, sent a letter the following month to governors of all 50 states saying intersections and crosswalks should be “kept free from distractions” and that “taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks”.

“Political banners have no place on public roads,” he added. “I’m reminding recipients of USDOT roadway funding that it’s limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else.”

UPDATE: Pulse’s rainbow crosswalk memorial was restored with chalk by Orlando’s LGBTQIA+ community just hours after its removal by the state.

A joint post from Equality Florida and Smith said: “We will not give in. We will not be provoked. With steady resolve we say: we will not allow this to stand.”

 

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Same sex marriage is under attack in the United States. Here’s everything you need to know about the Supreme Court case.

WORDS BY JORDAN ROBLEDO

For decades, LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide have fought for the same rights and liberties as their heterosexual peers. While true equality is still a long way off, especially in today’s political climate, we have secured significant victories — including marriage equality. In the US, after two decades of campaigning, same-sex marriage was finally legalised across all 50 states following the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges case.

Since that historic day, LGBTQIA+ people in the US have fully embraced their right to marry. According to data from the Williams Institute, more than 591,000 same-sex couples have tied the knot since Obergefell, with married couples making up the majority of partnered same-sex households since 2016. The research also found that same-sex marriages have boosted the country’s economy, with wedding spending generating an estimated $432.2 million in state and local sales tax revenue.

While marriage equality has allowed queer people to fulfil their dreams of lifelong commitment — and proven to boost the economy — it’s now being targeted by, you guessed it, far-right political figures and conservative bigots. In this explainer, we break down everything you need to know about the case urging the Supreme Court to overturn same-sex marriage, and what experts are saying.

Who’s formally asking the US Supreme Court to overturn same sex marriage?

Kim Davis is the individual behind the recent petition. But before we get into her anti-LGBTQIA+ request, here’s some context: in June 2015, shortly after the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, the former Kentucky county clerk made headlines when she refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her religious beliefs.

In one video that went viral at the time, Davis is seen in a tense exchange with a queer couple seeking to exercise their legal right to marry, telling them: “We are not issuing marriage licenses today.” When asked whose authority she was acting under, Davis replied: “Under God’s authority.”

Despite being ordered by the Court to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, Davis refused, leading to her jailing for “contempt of court.” “The court cannot condone the wilful disobedience of its lawfully issued order. If you give people the opportunity to choose which orders they follow, that’s what potentially causes problems,” Judge Bunning said at the time, per The New York Times.

Now, nearly 10 years later, Davis has brought her grievances over same-sex marriage to the Supreme Court once again. In July, she filed a petition for writ of certiorari, appealing two past verdicts that ordered her to pay $100,000 to one of the same-sex couples she denied a marriage license to, and $250,000 in attorney fees. The filing also urged the Court to overturn the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, calling it “grounded entirely on the legal fiction of substantive due process.” Davis further claimed that the 2015 decision forced her to choose “between her religious beliefs and her job.”

When will the US Supreme Court make a decision on whether it will hear the case?

As of now, no date has been set for when the US Supreme Court will make its decision. According to the Court’s website, the case will be considered by the nine justices during their 29 September conference, with a decision potentially coming in October. However, it could take longer, as the Court sometimes “re-lists particularly controversial cases,” meaning they may be discussed at multiple conferences, per Forbes.

What are legal experts saying about the petition and the likelihood of same-sex marriage being overturned?

Many legal experts doubt that the US Supreme Court will (1) hear Kim Davis’ case or (2) overturn Obergefell v. Hodges.

In an interview with Newsweek, Northeastern University law professor Daniel Urman said it was “very unlikely” the Court would take on the case, despite the current conservative majority on the bench.

“There’s a chance that a conservative majority could use the case to expand the rights of religious objectors to same-sex marriage. But that’s not the same as overturning the right itself, and I don’t see a majority of the Court ready to do that,” Urman told the outlet.

“Culturally, same-sex marriage has become embedded in American life, and it is still popular in public opinion polls.”

Carl Esbeck, a religious liberty expert at the University of Missouri School of Law, and Geoffrey R. Stone, a law professor at the University of Chicago, expressed similar views in statements to USA Today.

“It would be a useless act to overturn Obergefell. The politics have simly moved on from same-sex marriage, even for conservative religious people,” Esbeck said.

Stone noted that while some Supreme Court justices may disagree with the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, they are unlikely to overturn it given the public’s support for marriage equality and a desire to “avoid the appearance of interpreting the Constitution in a manner that conforms to their own personal views.” He added: “Even some of the conservative justices might not vote to overrule Obergefell.”

Lastly, ABC News legal analyst Sarah Isgur stated that “there is no world in which the Court takes the case as a straight gay marriage case.”

“Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett seem wildly uninterested. Maybe Justice Neil Gorsuch, too,” she continued. “It would have to come up as a lower court holding that Obergefell binds judges to accept some other kind of non-traditional marital arrangement.”

What will happen if same-sex marriage is overturned? Is there current legislation to combat the decision?

If marriage equality were overturned, the US would likely revert to the pre-Obergefell v. Hodges system, leaving the decision to each state. However, existing same-sex couples would still be protected under a 2022 law signed by former US President Joe Biden.

On 13 December, he enacted the Respect for Marriage Act, which requires the federal government — and all US states and territories — to recognise same-sex and interracial marriages performed in other states. For example, if a gay couple from Arkansas — where marriage equality would be banned if Obergefell were overturned — married in California, Arkansas would still be required to honour their union.

Is Kim Davis the only one targeting marriage equality through legal means?

No, Kim Davis isn’t the only conservative figure targeting same-sex marriage. According to a February report from NBC News, lawmakers in at least nine states — including Michigan, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota — have sought to reverse the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee have introduced proposals to create a new category of marriage, called a “covenant marriage,” which would be reserved for one man and one woman.

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The Just Like Us Awards returned to Central London on Thursday 7 August, celebrating exceptional contributions to LGBTQIA+ inclusion in schools.

The annual gathering brought together charity staff, ambassadors and special guests to honour the teachers and young advocates helping to shape a more inclusive and equitable future for queer youth.

Founded in 2016, Just Like Us has partnered with thousands of primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges across the UK, to champion and support LGBTQIA+ young people.

Its flagship initiative, School Diversity Week, is a nationwide celebration of queer inclusion that sees thousands of schools take part in talks, assemblies and activities each year.

At the heart of the campaign is the Ambassador Programme, which trains LGBTQIA+ young adults aged 18–25 to share their personal stories and speak about allyship. These ambassadors visit classrooms, answer questions and spark conversations that foster understanding and acceptance among students.

This year’s intimate ceremony featured eight awards: Rising Star, Community Champion, Hero of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, School Talks Champion, Mentor of the Year and Ambassador of the Year.

Married at First Sight star and trans activist Ella Morgan presented the Community Champion Award to Liv Hennessey, recognised for co-running a webinar during LGBTQIA+ History Month and founding Queer Midlands – “a community of Midlands-based ambassadors and organised meetings.”

In what Morgan dubbed a “double shantay” moment, the honour was also given to Lav Breen, described as “a pillar for this community and a ray of sunshine.”

Morgan later presented Hero of the Year to Jack Littlefair, praising his readiness to “jump in or step up to the plate” and adding: “Without ambassadors like Jack, our mission would be even more challenging and fewer stories would be heard. We are so grateful to him for his commitment, kindness and willingness to help.”

Also serving as guest host was actor, comedian and writer Harry Trevaldwyn, known for Ten Percent (2022), The Outlaws, The Acolyte (2024), and recent films How to Train Your Garden and My Oxford Year.

Trevaldwyn awarded Volunteer of the Year to Scout Dragon, a “powerhouse” who has represented Just Like Us at Freshers’ Fairs and NEU conferences, delivered 17 school talks to thousands of pupils this year and written for Gay Times.

Rhys Beyan and Lucas Heyburn-Sheerin were jointly named School Talks Champion for their dedication to sharing their LGBTQIA+ identities with pupils, answering questions and inspiring students to become active allies.

Rising Star went to Phoebe Constantine, who in the past academic year alone delivered 19 school talks, took part in a Garnier photoshoot, a Deloitte panel and Student Pride, and represented the charity in three live media interviews in a single day – a Just Like Us record.

Vicky Thorburn was honoured as Mentor of the Year with a heartfelt tribute from ambassador Nimah McClean, while CEO Laura Mackay presented Ambassador of the Year to Bronwyn Riani.

See the full list of winners below.

Rising Star
Phoebe Constantine

Community Champion
Liv Hennessey and Lav Breen

Hero of the Year
Jack Littlefair

Volunteer of the Year
Scout Dragon

School Talks Champion
Rhys Bevan and Lucas Heyburn-Sheerin

Mentor of the Year
Vicky Thorburn

Ambassador of the Year
Bronwyn Riani

Just Like Us trains volunteer ambassadors throughout the year. If you’re LGBTQIA+ and 18 to 25, sign up now to hear about the next training event near you.

The post Here all the winners from the Just Like Us 2025 Awards appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Donald Zieben-Hood, a male model, has been arrested following the tragic death of his fitness trainer husband.

In the early hours of 1 August, around 4 a.m., the body of Jacob Zieben-Hood was reportedly discovered in his Harlem apartment on West 138th Street. He was allegedly found positioned over a toilet with visible wounds to his head and the back of his leg.

According to a statement obtained by PEOPLE from the New York Police Department: “Police responded to a 911 call for an unconscious male inside 250 West 138th Street within the confines of the 32nd Precinct.

“Upon arrival, officers observed an unconscious 34-year-old male with multiple stab wounds to his legs. EMS responded and pronounced the male deceased on scene.”

As the investigation remains ongoing, an official cause of death has not yet been determined. However, Jacob’s husband, Donald Zieben-Hood, has been arrested and charged with burglary, criminal contempt of court and weapons possession.

According to the New York Daily News, the couple allegedly got into a fight at their Harlem apartment on the evening of Thursday, 31 July — just hours before Jacob’s body was found.

 

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Jacob’s father reportedly told authorities that his son called him during the altercation, saying that Donald wouldn’t let him leave the apartment and had threatened him with a knife. He also alleged that, in the background of the call, he could hear Donald yelling at Jacob and calling him names.

Donald allegedly told police that he fell asleep after the argument and woke up around 4 a.m. to find Jacob dead. Prosecutors allege that Donald slashed Jacob with a knife on the head and leg before calling 911.

After officers arrived at the scene, Donald reportedly claimed that Jacob had also attacked him with a knife.

PIX11 reported that Donald currently has two open criminal contempt cases, one of which allegedly involves strangling his late husband twice in a single night.

A court case is set for 7 August.

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