$1.5k bursary on offer to Sunshine Coast LGBTIQ uni student
The University of the Sunshine Coast is offering a $1,500 bursary to a LGBTIQ student to aid their studies. USC say the grant will recognise a student’s efforts contributing to an inclusive culture on campus. It will provide financial support to a LGBTIQ student and demonstrates a commitment to promoting greater campus understanding. The Sunshine …
Taiwan celebrates first official same-sex weddings in Asia
More than 100 same-sex couples in Taiwan are set to marry as the country’s same-sex marriage legislation comes into effect. Taiwan made history last week when it became the first Asian nation to legalise same-sex marriage. Local authorities said more than 150 same-sex couples were scheduled to register marriages in Taipei on Friday. The city …
Mum to hold Brisbane ‘healing workshop’ for LGBTIQ people of faith rejected by family
When evangelical Christian mum Susan Cottrell’s daughter came out as gay, she faced a devastating choice between her LGBTIQ child or her non-affirming church. Despite gains made legally for LGBTIQ people, it is tragically common for them to still face family rejection, particularly in religious families. The Texas mum of five (pictured) became vice president …
‘Arthur’ creator hits back at homophobic backlash against gay wedding episode
Marc Brown, the creator of long-running kids TV series Arthur, has said he’s “disappointed” by a conservative backlash against the show’s recent same-sex wedding. Mr Ratburn, Arthur’s teacher, married his male partner Patrick in the show’s recent season premiere episode. Many celebrated at the time, but Alabama Public Television (APT) refused to air it, deeming …
Elton John is glad his sexuality isn’t brushed under the carpet in ‘Rocketman’
Sir Elton John is glad the upcoming biopic Rocketman doesn’t shy away from portraying his homosexuality onscreen. The music icon is happy about the much-publicised sex scene in the film between a young Elton and manager John Reid. Taron Egerton and Richard Madden play both the characters. “I’m so glad it’s in there because I …
Family mourn death of Sunshine Coast man Lloyd Copper
Family and friends are mourning the death of Sunshine Coast LGBTIQ advocate Lloyd Copper last week. The University of the Sunshine Coast journalism student (pictured above left) is being remembered as a generous and passionate activist for LGBTIQ equality who always put others first. But Lloyd’s sister Mary said he was harshly bullied at school …
WATCH: Brisbane drag queen Sellma Soul slayed her blind audition on The Voice
Brisbane drag queen Sellma Soul has appeared on The Voice Australia and impressed coach Boy George with her blind audition. The 25-year-old drag star performs full-time at the Beat Megaclub in Fortitude Valley. She appeared in the Channel 9 singing competition’s third round of blind auditions on Tuesday night. Sellma took to the stage to …
New Zealand rugby team denies allegations of homophobic altercation
New Zealand rugby team the Canterbury Crusaders have denied players were involved in an alleged homophobic incident at a restaurant in South Africa last weekend. South African local Alexandros Paterimos made the allegations on Instagram on Sunday. He alleged the players “physically intimidated” and mocked them with “homophobic slurs limp wrist gestures and adopted high …
US trans woman Muhlaysia Booker shot dead weeks after brutal mob assault
Transgender woman Muhlaysia Booker, whose brutal assault was caught on video last month, has been found murdered in Dallas, Texas. Police found the 23-year-old transgender woman dead from a gunshot wound early on Saturday morning (May 18). Dallas police responded to a call about a shooting shortly before 7am. They later found Booker “lying facedown …
Israel Folau hints saga may not be over as his contract is torn up
Israel Folau has said he is considering all his options after declining the opportunity to appeal his sacking by Rugby Australia. A panel found him guilty of a high-level breach of the player code of conduct over his social media posts. Rugby Australia confirmed on Friday Folau’s contract would be terminated after he failed to …