Understand the LGBTQIA+ news: Kier Starmer shocked at homophobic attack to family as if politicians had nothing to do with rising anti-queer sentiment

Six Trans+ creatives won gold at the Audio Production Awards this week, for the QueerAF podcast with Trans+ History Week!

The judges recognised our podcast's work in developing new talent into the audio industry, at an awards ceremony that celebrates the very best productions and producers in the industry:

"QueerAF is a timely and beautifully executed project. We were impressed by the team's depth and compassion in approaching a sensitive issue. This entry stood out because of the creativity the team invested in the production and its real-world impact. It showed how creative excellence and structural inclusion can co-exist to produce important and enduring work. It is a strong, heartfelt piece of work with visible impact."

What a resounding nod to the impact of creating incredible content with Trans+ History Week, and investing in Trans+ and LGBTQIA+ talent, at a time where misinformation is rife in the headlines. It illustrates the impact of nuanced content that ends pernicious lies about 'trends' by exploring the millennia-old history of gender-diversity.

This year's podcast scheme, as well as the opportunities for writers and illustrators, closes on Tuesday, Dec 2nd. So, if you want to join our award-winning roster of Trans+ History Week creatives, get your pitches in.

For now though, congratulations to Alex Parnham Cope, Lucie Isle, Oran Keaveney, Ki Griffin, Mills Dyer, Amber Devereaux, and the entire Trans+ History Week volunteer and creative team, with thanks to National Student Pride and The Love Tank for partnering on another incredible series of our show. Here's to season seven, out next year...

In pride,

Jamie Wareham

Understand the LGBTQIA+ headlines and keep track of the latest queer content and perspectives. The QueerAF newsletter is written by Jamie Wareham and a different queer creative each week.

💬 This week:

• Starmer: As the PM has shared his shock that his niece faced a homophobic attack, we share how unshocked the queer community is amid rising hate crime.
• EU: A ruling in the European Court of Justice will improve rights across the union, in a stark rebuke to Poland’s refusal to recognise same sex marriages registered in other countries.
• Queer Gaze: Don't believe the rhetoric that all is 'lost' since the Supreme Court ruling. Noah McGarrity writes about where they're finding hope, and fuel for the fight back.

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

Keir Starmer shocked his anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric is creating anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiment

TL;DR: Opinion - Prime Minister Keir Starmer has shared his "fury" at a 2022 homophobic attack towards his niece and her wife, an incident that happened years before his party introduced multiple anti-LGBTQIA+ policies that have seen the UK fall steeply in international human rights rankings.