Latest news with #RainbowMap
Buzz Feed
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Ellen DeGeneres Did Move To UK Due To Trump: Opinion
Hear me out...I feel kinda weird about Ellen DeGeneres hyping up England while confirming that she moved there because of the Presidency of Donald Trump. Shortly after the 2024 election, it was reported that Ellen and wife Portia de Rossi had moved to the Cotswolds, a rural area in England. It's worth noting that this was after her final standup tour and the end of her daytime show, following allegations of a toxic work environment. As per the BBC, when Ellen was recently asked at an event in Cheltenham, England, whether her decision to move nearby was motivated by Trump, she replied, "Yes." Initially, Ellen said that she and Portia bought the house to live in part-time. "We got here the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, 'He got in,'" she said. "And we're like, 'We're staying here.'" "It's absolutely beautiful," she continued. "We're just not used to seeing this kind of beauty. The villages and the towns and the architecture — everything you see is charming and it's just a simpler way of life." "It's clean. Everything here is just better — the way animals are treated, people are polite. I just love it here," she added. "We moved here in November, which was not the ideal time, but I saw snow for the first time in my life. We love it here. Portia flew her horses here, and I have chickens, and we had sheep for about two weeks." Elsewhere, Ellen specifically mentioned LGBTQ+ rights in the US. "The Baptist Church in America is trying to reverse gay marriage," she said. "They're trying to literally stop it from happening in the future and possibly reverse it. Portia and I are already looking into it, and if they do that, we're going to get married here." I really don't want to make mountains out of molehills here: I'm sure Ellen is having a lovely time in England. But, as a Brit, I think some liberal Americans can be prone to adopting rose-colored glasses when it comes to issues in other parts of the world, when in reality the rise of far-right bigotry is very much a global problem. I just want to throw it out there, for anyone reading this, that the UK Ellen is describing is more complex than that. For one, it's worth noting that the UK is currently having its own issues with upholding LGBTQ+ rights. It's currently ranked as the second-worst Western European country for LGBTQ+ rights, 22nd overall in Europe (just below Estonia), by ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map. Indeed, in terms of legal gender recognition, ILGA-Europe puts the UK as one of the worst countries in Europe. The main reason for this is because, in April, the UK Supreme Court essentially ruled that trans women aren't legally women. It's also worth considering that anti-immigration sentiment is also on the rise in the UK. Literally in this week, anti-immigrant protests in one part of England became violent — as the BBC notes, "Demonstrators on Sunday chanted 'send them home' and 'save our kids,' as projectiles were thrown towards police vans blocking the entrance to the hotel." Last August, riots happened across the country spouting anti-immigrant rhetoric. In May, the government published an immigration white paper, which proposes a number of increased cuts on immigration, such as reducing positions available for Skilled Worker jobs and doubling the qualifying period for permanent residence. As the proposals were unveiled, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the UK risked becoming an 'island of strangers" without stricter immigration. He was subsequently accused of evoking Enoch Powell's "rivers of blood' speech, which warned against white people finding "themselves made strangers in their own country" (Starmer later apologized for the remarks and denied any intention of similarity with Powell). What I think is likely more accurate is "rich white cis lady finds life is better somewhere else," which, yes. Good on her for not being as inundated with news about the orange man! You can read more about Ellen's words here.
Metro
29-06-2025
- Metro
I partied in Europe's most LGBTQ+ friendly country — and discovered its secret
When I asked my tour guide what he loved most about Malta, his answer caught me off guard. After boasting about the island's rich history and the fact that its litany of enthralling attractions are all within an hour's drive, he casually added: 'And it's been voted the world's safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers.' Now, gays love to travel. The only thing they love more than travelling is letting everyone who will listen know that they love travelling. But I don't think I've ever seen any of the LGBTQ+ people I follow on social media posting thirst traps from Malta. Of course, that will all change when the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ festival Mighty Hoopla makes its international debut there later this year. The location is a clever choice. For the 10th year running, Malta is top of the Rainbow Map, an annual chart that ranks European countries on their respective legal and policy practises for LGBTQ+ people. I spent four days in Malta last summer, and I can see why it consistently takes the crown, while the UK continues to plummet. We're currently 22nd on the list; just over a decade ago, we were number one. Granted, I was in Malta at a particularly gay time of year. It was Malta Pride 2024 and, despite marching at many British Pride events, this was the first time I'd ever branched out and flown overseas to celebrate our brave and magical community. Everyone was welcome everywhere, which no longer feels the case here in the UK. At home, every Pride march I've attended comes with banners telling us we're going to hell. In Malta, there wasn't a single protester in sight. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! In the lead-up to Malta Pride, though, I wasn't sensing much hype. With less than 24 hours to go until the big day, walking through the capital, Valletta, I didn't see a single rainbow flag. Strange, I thought, for the safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers. I also noticed a surprising lack of gay bars. According to Google, there was only one on the whole island, but 'we don't need them' was the consensus from people I spoke to in Malta. Everywhere is LGBTQ+ friendly. There were, of course, bars where LGBTQ+ people seemed to hang out, but there was no clear advertising. I spent longer than I should have, drinking more Margaritas than I ever thought possible, at Café Society – clearly one of the most popular bars in the city. Customers poured out onto the steps and the neighbourhood felt more alive than I've ever seen Soho. Once the most thriving LGBTQ+ hub in the world, it's now on its knees. Still, I was intrigued by how Malta would celebrate Pride. Would anyone even turn up? In fact, very inch of Valletta was full to the brim. It felt like everyone on the island and then some were there to take part, LGBTQ+ or not. The streets were lined with dancers, Cher's Believe blasted from speakers and I've never experienced a Pride filled with so much joy. I haven't danced or laughed as hard in years. Drag queens from all over the world entertained locals with a free show right in the centre of the island, which was open to anyone (and drinks were half the price you'd find at a UK Pride). Birmingham-based drag star Miss Penny, a legend in the UK and a regular at London's Admiral Duncan, brought her absolute filth to Valletta, dragging her adoring crowd with lines that for legal (and moral) reasons cannot be repeated here. @ Yesterday, Malta Pride painted the town in vibrant colours as thousands gathered for the Malta Pride March 2024 in Valletta, organised by Malta Pride and Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC). The march, a highlight of the annual Malta Pride festivities, kicked off at the iconic Triton Fountain at 6:00 PM with an inspiring opening ceremony that set the tone for an evening of celebration, unity, and advocacy. The parade made its way through the bustling streets of Valletta, with participants proudly waving rainbow flags, holding banners, and dancing to music from colourful floats. DJs kept the energy high as the procession moved towards the historic St. George's Square, where the festivities culminated in a spectacular concert. The march celebrated 20 years of Malta Pride, marking two decades of progress in the fight for equality and inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community. #MaltaDaily ♬ original sound – She kept us on our feet until 11pm, for free, before the party starters descended on Marrakesh nightclub – an astonishing open-air venue with floating trees and seven stages that feel like they're plonked right in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. It was spectacular, packed with hes, shes, theys and everything in between — the friendliest crowd I've ever met on a night out. My face was dripping with sweat, but that didn't put anyone off having a chinwag about the one thing that united everyone there, no matter what country we came from or the language we spoke. But what makes Malta the best place for LGBTQ+ travellers? I wondered why locals felt so much safer here than in other parts of the world. Jelle, 63, moved to Malta from Amsterdam and said the island's size goes a long way to help. 'It's such a small country, you can't be anonymous and so there can't be any harassment,' she says. 'If I mention my husband's name, everybody knows him. That's why it's so tolerant and fantastic for LGBTQ+ people.' Perhaps that's the secret: community. Everyone LGBTQ+ is recognised as someone's child, a sibling, or their neighbour; they're untouchable. I can't begin to imagine living with that level of empowerment, but for four days, I got to experience it first-hand. More Trending In the brief time I spent in Malta, that sense of community was abundantly clear at every turn. It breaks my heart that I live in a city that feels ever more fractured, with animosity towards LGBTQ+ people only increasing. Mighty Hoopla will be launching its first overseas festival in Malta this September. If the line-up hasn't yet convinced you to buy a ticket, I would jump at the chance to experience Malta when it's bursting with love for the LGBTQ+ community — especially at a time when it sometimes feels so lacking back home. This article was originally published on June 14, 2025. MORE: This African country is the continent's best-kept safari secret MORE: Is it safe to travel to Spain during the heatwave? Latest advice as Seville hits 41C MORE: Budapest Pride attracts 100,000 in defiance of Hungary's ban
Daily Mirror
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
UK's biggest Pride event is calling on allies for support and it's free to join
One of the UK's biggest pride events has launched a campaign calling on everyday people to spotlight their LGBTQ+ heroes and the everyday things they do to support the community The UK's biggest free Pride event, Pride in London, is back again for another year of celebrations, and their 2025 campaign carries a strong message. At the core of the LGBTQ+ movement has always been volunteering, and with that in mind, the organisers have have launched Volunqueer – their campaign for this year's event. According to ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map, the UK government has been backsliding on LGBTQ+ rights since 2015, meaning that now more than ever, LGBTQ+ organisations need the support of the community and its allies. One of the best ways to do that is through volunteering. Pride in London are asking people to give their time and energy to support LGBTQ+ charities and organisations by calling on them to 'Volunqueer'. The campaign aims to shine a spotlight on those everyday heroes who undertake acts of selflessness for the community and asks others to join them in lending support. 'Volunqueering' doesn't have to be done in big grand gestures; the smallest of acts can make the biggest difference and inspire meaningful change. Pride in London's director of marketing, Tim Noblett, explained: "As the UK's status as a safe space for LGBTQ+ people comes increasingly into question, this campaign is a reminder of the resilience that lies at the heart of our community.' Their inspiration campaign champions people just like Saima, who runs Rainbow Chai, a support group for South Asian parents of LGBTQ+ children. Their organisation helps families grow in love and understanding towards their LGBTQ loved ones. Alongside them cast in the campaign is Eva, who fights for trans rights through real-life legal action. Eva has been a part of numerous public campaigns, police education, and youth advocacy. At the heart of all of their work, they centre community voices, and now it's time for their voice to be heard even louder. Josh is another star of the campaign, who volunteers with Pride in London to help organise the parade. Their work brings endless amounts of joy as well as the logistics behind the fun that helps bring people together on the biggest day of the year. They shared: 'Volunqueering brings me joy and fulfilment. "It's the seed you plant, even if you never see the flower grow." Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you! Alongside them, cast in the inspirational campaign are Alexander, who is part of the LGBTQ+ ERG at TFL and supports multiple charities, and Dhiren, who supports LGBTQ+ people in crisis as a helpline volunteer for both Switchboard and London Friend. Faces of the 'volunqueer' message also include Jason, who is part of Not a Phase, creating vital spaces for trans people; Emy, who champions queer wellness by organising London's first LGBTQ+ wellness festival; and Rayyan. As a Just Like Us ambassador, Rayyan shares their personal story across schools to support young queer people and promote inclusion. In light of this new and exciting campaign, a new website has launched, with a number of helpful links, resources on organisations and initiatives and things to get involved in for vital community support. This site aims to help guide those interested in volunqueering opportunities but also to tell inspirational stories of those volunteers that already exist, tirelessly putting in the work helping to fight the good fight. The Mirror is the official media partner of Pride in London for the second year in a row. For all of our Pride content, click here.
Metro
14-06-2025
- Metro
I partied in the most LGBT-friendly country in Europe — it puts the UK to shame
When I asked my tour guide what he loved most about Malta, his answer caught me off guard. After boasting about the island's rich history and the fact that its litany of enthralling attractions are all within an hour's drive, he casually added: 'And it's been voted the world's safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers.' Now, gays love to travel. The only thing they love more than travelling is letting everyone who will listen know that they love travelling. But I don't think I've ever seen any of the LGBTQ+ people I follow on social media posting thirst traps from Malta. Of course, that will all change when the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ festival Mighty Hoopla makes its international debut there later this year. The location is a clever choice. For the 10th year running, Malta is top of the Rainbow Map, an annual chart that ranks European countries on their respective legal and policy practises for LGBTQ+ people. I spent four days in Malta last summer, and I can see why it consistently takes the crown, while the UK continues to plummet. We're currently 22nd on the list; just over a decade ago, we were number one. Granted, I was in Malta at a particularly gay time of year. It was Malta Pride 2024 and, despite marching at many British Pride events, this was the first time I'd ever branched out and flown overseas to celebrate our brave and magical community. Everyone was welcome everywhere, which no longer feels the case here in the UK. At home, every Pride march I've attended comes with banners telling us we're going to hell. In Malta, there wasn't a single protester in sight. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! In the lead-up to Malta Pride, though, I wasn't sensing much hype. With less than 24 hours to go until the big day, walking through the capital, Valletta, I didn't see a single rainbow flag. Strange, I thought, for the safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers. I also noticed a surprising lack of gay bars. According to Google, there was only one on the whole island, but 'we don't need them' was the consensus from people I spoke to in Malta. Everywhere is LGBTQ+ friendly. There were, of course, bars where LGBTQ+ people seemed to hang out, but there was no clear advertising. I spent longer than I should have, drinking more Margaritas than I ever thought possible, at Café Society – clearly one of the most popular bars in the city. Customers poured out onto the steps and the neighbourhood felt more alive than I've ever seen Soho. Once the most thriving LGBTQ+ hub in the world, it's now on its knees. Still, I was intrigued by how Malta would celebrate Pride. Would anyone even turn up? In fact, very inch of Valletta was full to the brim. It felt like everyone on the island and then some were there to take part, LGBTQ+ or not. The streets were lined with dancers, Cher's Believe blasted from speakers and I've never experienced a Pride filled with so much joy. I haven't danced or laughed as hard in years. Drag queens from all over the world entertained locals with a free show right in the centre of the island, which was open to anyone (and drinks were half the price you'd find at a UK Pride). Birmingham-based drag star Miss Penny, a legend in the UK and a regular at London's Admiral Duncan, brought her absolute filth to Valletta, dragging her adoring crowd with lines that for legal (and moral) reasons cannot be repeated here. @ Yesterday, Malta Pride painted the town in vibrant colours as thousands gathered for the Malta Pride March 2024 in Valletta, organised by Malta Pride and Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC). The march, a highlight of the annual Malta Pride festivities, kicked off at the iconic Triton Fountain at 6:00 PM with an inspiring opening ceremony that set the tone for an evening of celebration, unity, and advocacy. The parade made its way through the bustling streets of Valletta, with participants proudly waving rainbow flags, holding banners, and dancing to music from colourful floats. DJs kept the energy high as the procession moved towards the historic St. George's Square, where the festivities culminated in a spectacular concert. The march celebrated 20 years of Malta Pride, marking two decades of progress in the fight for equality and inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community. #MaltaDaily ♬ original sound – She kept us on our feet until 11pm, for free, before the party starters descended on Marrakesh nightclub – an astonishing open-air venue with floating trees and seven stages that feel like they're plonked right in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. It was spectacular, packed with hes, shes, theys and everything in between — the friendliest crowd I've ever met on a night out. My face was dripping with sweat, but that didn't put anyone off having a chinwag about the one thing that united everyone there, no matter what country we came from or the language we spoke. But what makes Malta the best place for LGBTQ+ travellers? I wondered why locals felt so much safer here than in other parts of the world. Jelle, 63, moved to Malta from Amsterdam and said the island's size goes a long way to help. 'It's such a small country, you can't be anonymous and so there can't be any harassment,' she says. 'If I mention my husband's name, everybody knows him. That's why it's so tolerant and fantastic for LGBTQ+ people.' Perhaps that's the secret: community. Everyone LGBTQ+ is recognised as someone's child, a sibling, or their neighbour; they're untouchable. I can't begin to imagine living with that level of empowerment, but for four days, I got to experience it first-hand. More Trending In the brief time I spent in Malta, that sense of community was abundantly clear at every turn. It breaks my heart that I live in a city that feels ever more fractured, with animosity towards LGBTQ+ people only increasing. Mighty Hoopla will be launching its first overseas festival in Malta this September. If the line-up hasn't yet convinced you to buy a ticket, I would jump at the chance to experience Malta when it's bursting with love for the LGBTQ+ community — especially at a time when it sometimes feels so lacking back home. MORE: The sunniest city in Europe is an 'underrated gem' — with return flights for £44 MORE: Europe's 'fairytale' country is so tiny it could fit into the UK 1,521 times MORE: Ryanair shares warning over 'unfair' issue making holidaymakers miss their flights
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First Post
07-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Romania's Bucharest pride march marks 20 years amid surge in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment
This year's parade comes on the heels of a highly divisive and chaotic election cycle that saw a rise in support for far-right and conservative political figures and parties in the European Union member, one of the bloc's most religious countries read more Thousands of LGBTQ+ supporters took to the streets of Romania's capital Saturday for its annual gay pride parade, following a tense election cycle marked by an increase in hate speech against the community. Marchers of all ages walked through Bucharest's streets and down the central Victory Avenue, as many waved colourful flags, blew whistles and held placards that read: 'Be proud, be bold, be you!' Held since 2005, the event marked Bucharest Pride's 20th anniversary. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This year's parade comes on the heels of a highly divisive and chaotic election cycle that saw a rise in support for far-right and conservative political figures and parties in the European Union member, one of the bloc's most religious countries. Victor Ciobotaru, executive director of ACCEPT Association, an LGBTQ+ rights group, told The Associated Press that throughout the 2024-2025 election cycle, the organization registered 'a huge increase' in hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community. 'We had more people complaining about being harassed on the streets or being attacked,' he said. 'This hate speech doesn't remain without effect, we can feel the tension within the society … We are going to continue to fight for our rights, no matter the political climate.' Earlier on Saturday, right-wing groups who advocate for traditional family values and oppose same sex marriage held an anti-LGBT counter march in the capital, with many waving the country's tricolour national flags and others holding placards depicting religious icons. Ahead of the parade, the ACCEPT association also reported a large 'STOP LGBT' banner that had been draped over an abandoned Bucharest apartment block, which was later removed. 'These types of actions are now more legitimized by the hate discourse which was spread all during these years, during these electoral campaigns,' Ciobotaru added. 'We will not be afraid to go on the streets.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This year marks 24 years since Romania, a country of about 19 million, decriminalized homosexuality. In ILGA-Europe's 2025 Rainbow Map, which assesses the legal and policy landscape for LGBT people across Europe, Romania ranked last among all 27 EU countries, followed by Poland and Bulgaria, the advocacy group found.
