The queer community is in shock after the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras confirmed it has cancelled the iconic Mardi Gras party. New CEO Jesse Matheson described the move as a heartbreaking but necessary decision to protect the future of the festival.
The ACT Labor Government has confirmed it will review and toughen the Territory’s hate crime and vilification framework, including looking at whether the worst forms of hate speech should become criminal offences.
Victoria has moved ahead with new 'Hate Speech' protections that, for the first time, clearly cover LGBTIQ+ communities, with the changes due to be fully in force by June 2026. The reforms expand anti‑vilification laws beyond race and religion, introduce new criminal offences for serious hate conduct, and strengthen civil options for people targeted because of who they are or who they love.
LGBTIQ+ groups are calling on the federal government to include greater protections for their communities in its proposed overhaul of hate speech legislation.
Sydney’s beloved photographer, performer, and cultural storyteller, William Yang has been awarded the ACON President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement at the 2025 Honour Awards, recognising his extraordinary contributions to the arts, photography, and visibility of LGBTQI+ communities across Australia.
After 43 years as a cornerstone of Sydney’s queer community, The Bookshop Darlinghurst will close its doors for the final time on Christmas Eve 2025, marking the end of an era for LGBTQIA+ literature, connection, and culture.
The Tasmanian parliament are currently considering two bills that will cement Tasmania as the Rainbow Isleand compensate people for historical LGBTQIA+ convictions. Could others follow suit?
The high-profile legal battle between Sall Grover, founder of the Lesbian women-only social media app Giggle for Girls, and transgender woman Roxanne Tickle will determine if Lesbians are allowed to have biological female-only spaces.
