Understand the LGBTQIA+ news: What the Scott Mills scandal tells us about the BBC – and its future

Welcome to your slightly-early Easter edition of the QueerAF newsletter! As always, we’ve got a whole hamper of stories for you to dig your teeth into – brought to you this week by me, Rowan Gavin, your friendly local sub editor.

Part of delivering conscious, compassionate LGBTQIA+ journalism is making sure we look after our people. It’s in that spirit that I’m covering for Jamie this week while he gets a much-needed break, and we’re publishing a day early so I can get the full bank holiday weekend off 🌞

Next week we’ll return to our usual Saturday-morning-coffee slot. In the meantime, enjoy this week’s coverage – including our fave Trans Day of Visibility content – and consider supporting us, for the price of just a few hot cross buns. We love what we do here, and we couldn’t do it without you.

Understand the LGBTQIA+ headlines and keep track of the latest queer content and perspectives. The QueerAF newsletter is written by Rowan Gavin, with the Queer Gaze from William Elisabeth Cuthbert.

💬 This week:

• Scott Mills: The famous gay Radio 2 host was sacked this week in relation to historic allegations – we bring you the facts of the case, and a look at the future of the BBC.
• USA: While attacks on queer rights continue across the States, a survey has found high levels of support for Trans+ equality across demographics.
• Don’t apologise: Taking on male privilege is a complex part of the transmasc experience – but apologising probably isn’t the best approach, as William Elisabeth Cuthbert explores in the Queer Gaze.

Skip the doomscrolling and support queer creatives instead. We are QueerAF – and so are you.

What the Scott Mills scandal tells us about the BBC – and its future

TL;DR: Prominent gay Radio 2 host Scott Mills has been fired by the BBC in relation to an investigation into historic sexual offences. The scandal comes as the Corporation prepares for a change of Director General, in what could be a crucial moment for its long-term future.