On July 27, 2024, London witnessed its largest ever Trans+ Pride event, as a record-breaking 55,000 people marched through the streets of the capital. The event, which began in 2019, had grown from a grassroots movement into a powerful demonstration of solidarity and resilience for the trans+ community.
A March for Justice and Liberation
Participants gathered at Langham Place near Oxford Circus at 1 PM, with the march commencing at 2 PM. The 1.35-mile route took them through central London, ending at Wellington Arch. This year’s theme, “Justice and Liberation,” resonated strongly against a backdrop of increasing challenges faced by the trans+ community.
Rising in the Face of Adversity
The 2024 event was particularly poignant, coming in the wake of the British government’s recently enacted ban on puberty blockers. This legislative change had galvanized the community and allies, contributing to the unprecedented turnout. The march served as both a celebration of identity and a protest against ongoing injustices, highlighting the needs, struggles, and experiences of the trans+ community.
Addressing Hate Crimes
While specific hate crime figures for 2024 were not available at the time of the march, the event addressed the concerning trend of rising hate crimes against trans individuals in recent years. Speakers at the event, including Yasmin Finney from Netflix’s “Heartstopper,” emphasized the urgent need for better protection and support for trans people in the face of increasing hostility.
Community Organization and Leadership
The event was organized by a dedicated volunteer committee of trans+ individuals, including Em Williams, Sweatmother, Janeway, Mars, and Lulu-Belle. Lewis G. Burton, one of the founding members, described the 2024 march as “the biggest one to date,” emphasizing the powerful show of solidarity at a time when public support was critically needed.
Symbolism and Solidarity
Marchers were encouraged to bring signs, banners, and flags. Many wore flowers, continuing a tradition from previous years to honor the legacy of trans+ individuals who came before. This gesture served as a poignant reminder of the community’s resilience and the ongoing fight for recognition and rights.
Looking Ahead
As London Trans+ Pride 2024 concluded, it stood as a testament to the strength and unity of the trans+ community. The record-breaking attendance sent a clear message: in the face of legislative challenges and societal prejudices, the trans+ community and its allies were more united and determined than ever.
Lewis G. Burton summed up the event’s impact: “Yesterday was a beautiful reminder to not only the glorious trans+ community but to London, the new Labour government and the rest of the world that trans+ people are loved and this love is a huge majority.”
As the marchers dispersed from Wellington Arch, there was a palpable sense that while significant challenges remained, the solidarity and visibility demonstrated at London Trans+ Pride 2024 marked a crucial step forward in the ongoing struggle for trans rights and acceptance.
Well, it seems Tom Daley has done it again! The pride of British diving has just clinched his fifth Olympic medal, and it’s enough to make you raise a glass in celebration.Tom, who first captured our hearts as a fresh-faced 14-year-old at the Beijing Olympics, has transformed from a promising young talent into one of the sport’s most decorated athletes.
Getty images
His latest achievement—a silver medal in the 10m synchronised platform with partner Noah Williams—adds yet another impressive accolade to his already stellar career. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the journey. Beijing in 2008, he was just a kid, finishing 7th and 8th in his events. Fast forward to London 2012, and he brought home a bronze medal, marking his arrival on the world stage. Then came Rio 2016, where he secured another bronze in synchronised diving, showcasing his resilience and skill. But it was Tokyo 2020—held in 2021, of course—where Daley truly shone.
He won gold in the synchronised event and added a bronze in the individual competition, proving that he could still compete at the highest level while balancing the demands of fame and family life. Now, as he steps onto the platform in Paris 2024, we see a seasoned athlete who has navigated the highs and lows of competition with grace. With five medals to his name and a growing family cheering him on, Tom Daley has established himself not just as a diving champion but as a beloved figure in British sport. His journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and the pursuit of excellence.
“Ah, the eternal quest for authenticity in the world of LGBTQ representation. It’s a topic that’s been bandied about for what feels like an eternity, and yet, we still find ourselves stuck in the quagmire of tokenism and stereotyping. Enter PTP (Pink Triangle Press), the stalwart champions of all things queer, who have taken it upon themselves to cast a critical eye on the state of LGBTQ representation in movies, TV, streaming, and video games.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Grace, why must we continually scrutinize the efforts of these well-meaning but ultimately misguided creators?” And to that, I say, “Because, darling, someone has to.” For far too long, we’ve been subjected to the same tired tropes and lazy characterizations that do little more than perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce the status quo.
PTP’s report is a scathing indictment of the industry’s failures, highlighting the dearth of authentic representation and the continued reliance on outdated, offensive caricatures. It’s a sobering reminder that, despite the progress we’ve made, there’s still a long, long way to go before we can truly say that LGBTQ2S voices are being heard and seen.
But fear not, dear reader, for this is not a call to arms. Rather, it’s a clarion cry for creators to do better, to strive for authenticity and nuance in their portrayals of LGBTQ characters. It’s a reminder that our stories are worth telling, and that we deserve to be seen in all our complexity and beauty.
So, let this report be a wake-up call to the industry. Let it serve as a reminder that we will no longer be satisfied with the crumbs from the table. We demand more, and we demand better. For it’s only when we’re represented with honesty and integrity that we can truly begin to see ourselves reflected in the media we consume.”
Well, well, well, darlings. It seems Etsy, that bastion of handcrafted whimsy and overpriced macramé plant hangers, has decided to go all Mary Whitehouse on us. In a move that’s about as welcome as a wasp at a picnic, they’ve announced a new “mature content” policy that’s got more holes than a crochet bikini.
From July 29, 2024, Etsy will be waving goodbye to anything remotely saucy. No more naughty knick-knacks, saucy slogans, or risqué representations. It’s as if they’ve decided to rebrand as “Etsy: The Puritan Edition”. One can almost hear the collective gasp of horror from the LGBTQ+ community, who’ve long found a home for their fabulous, fierce, and occasionally frisky creations on the site.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m all for keeping things above board. But this new policy feels about as nuanced as a sledgehammer in a china shop. They’re lumping together everything from harmless novelty items to genuine art, all under the banner of “won’t somebody please think of the children?”. It’s enough to make one reach for the smelling salts.
The irony, of course, is that Etsy has long prided itself on being the cool aunt of e-commerce – the one who’d slip you a cheeky fiver and wink conspiratorially. Now, it seems they’ve decided to don a twinset and pearls, clutching their metaphorical pearls at the mere thought of a risqué tea towel.
One can’t help but wonder if this is less about “community safety” and more about appeasing the pearl-clutchers and prudes. It’s a move that smacks of corporate cowardice, wrapped up in a pretty bow of faux concern.
So, what’s next for Etsy’s creators? Will we see an exodus of artists fleeing to more accommodating platforms? Or will we witness a renaissance of double entendres and coded language that would make a Victorian blush? Only time will tell, darlings. But one thing’s for certain – Etsy’s new policy is about as popular as a pork pie at a vegan buffet.
Lady Gaga has been hinting at new music for a while, posting photos of herself in the recording studio on Instagram between filming her role as Harley Quinn in Joker 2. She finally came out with the news that fans can soon expect her next album, now being called LG7.
During her Gaga Chromatica Ball premiere in Los Angeles, Gaga shared more details on the upcoming album during the event’s Q&A. “I am in the studio every single day. I have written so many songs, I’ve been producing so many songs, and it’s nothing like anything that I’ve ever made before,” Gaga said. “I love to break genre, and I love to explore music. There’s something really beautiful about knowing that you will be loved no matter what you do.”
She explained that the Chromatica Ball Tour of 2022 really set the tone of her artistic process for the new songs. “Something I’m definitely exploring right now is sort of the art of intensity, and I think that the art of intensity actually began during this tour,” she explained. “But I’m not done with it yet.”
Here’s What We Know About LG7 So Far
When Will LG7 Be Released?
At the end of the film Gaga Chromatica Ball, a clip of one of Lady Gaga’s brand new songs played over the words, “LG7. Gaga returns.” There was no date, and the only lyrics that were really discernible sounded like “dance in the shadow…of the night.” The official release date has not been announced yet.
What Other Albums Has Gaga Released?
As the title implies, this would be Lady Gaga’s seventh album after The Fame (2008), The Fame Monster (2009), Born This Way (2011), Artpop (2013), Joanne (2016), and Chromatica (2020). She also collaborated with Tony Bennett on 2014’s Cheek to Cheek and 2021’s Love for Sale, while working on the soundtrack for 2018’s A Star Is Born.
Gaga on Her New Music
In an interview with Drag Race star Sasha Velour on HBO Max YouTube in June, Lady Gaga revealed more about her process. “I have just been in the studio all the time, and I’m making a lot of music,” Gaga told Velour. “It’s just this incredibly vast experience that I just feel so lucky that I get to have. I’m excited for Monsters to hear where I am now, and to be connecting on that level again.”
Since the beginning of this year, the singer has been dropping a few details about her new music through various social media posts. One notable post showed the singer in a studio playing guitar, with the caption “No, I’m not making a rock album.” In March, she shared a photo of herself in bed with the caption, “Xoxo night night writing lyrics in bed sleep tight.” This post further fueled speculation that new music was on the way. The same month, during an Instagram Live session with makeup YouTuber NikkieTutorials, Gaga confirmed that she was working hard to finish her new album. “I will say that I am feeling deeply inspired right now, and I’m so excited for everything that I have to show all the fans,” she revealed, hinting at the creative energy driving her new project.
Gaga’s Acting Pursuits
In recent years, Lady Gaga has dedicated herself to acting, starring in films such as A Star Is Born (2018), which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress and a win in the Best Original Song category for “Shallow”, and House of Gucci (2021), where she portrayed Patrizia Reggiani. Later this year, she will grace the screens as the new Harley Quinn in the film Joker: Folie à Deux.
On her birthday, March 28, the artist posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, thanking her fans, mentioning her upcoming movie, and also expressing her love for the pop music she creates. She spoke of her excitement for the coming year, saying: “This year will be an important and meaningful year for us, I know. Music changes people’s lives, I’m so honored to be able to be a part of that in this lifetime.” Gilbert Collard — two MEPs who left Le Pen’s party to join Zemmour — didn’t endorse a possible alliance with Le Pen, in case she wins the second round.
The Teaser
In May, she announced her documentary film Gaga Chromatica Ball, released on the streaming platform MAX. The film showcases her stadium tour, The Chromatica Ball, in support of her sixth studio album. Directed by the singer herself, it features scenes from various performances, including hits like “Born This Way,” “Bad Romance,” and songs from the album Chromatica.
The documentary’s release on May 25, 2024, ended with a surprise teaser. Amid flashes of light, the screen displayed the words, LG7 – LADY GAGA RETURNS, confirming the upcoming release of her seventh studio album. This teaser has sparked a wave of excitement among fans, marking the official start of her new musical era.
Fan Theories and Speculations
Since the confirmation of Lady Gaga’s upcoming seventh album, fans have been dissecting every clue she drops to uncover the essence of her new project. According to the Brazilian website RDT, curated and managed by devoted Little Monsters (Gaga’s fanbase), theories abound regarding the thematic direction of the album. One prevailing theory suggests a motif centered around shadows and darkness, spurred by an incomplete phrase uttered in the documentary: “Dance in the shadow of the…”
Further bolstering this speculation are the striking ensembles Gaga donned for a recent photoshoot promoting her premiering film. Her attire, characterized by dark hues and dramatic makeup, has fueled speculation that the album will explore themes of introspection and shadowy depths.
During a Q&A session at the premiere of her film, the singer offered fans a tantalizing glimpse into the creative process behind her highly anticipated new project. Reflecting on her Chromatica Ball Tour of 2022, Gaga revealed that the tour served as a catalyst for her artistic journey and provided the groundwork for her upcoming musical endeavors.
She shared insights into her evolving artistic vision, hinting at a thematic exploration of intensity that began to take shape during the Chromatica Ball Tour: “Something I’m definitely exploring right now is sort of the art of intensity,” she remarked. “I think that the art of intensity actually began during this tour. But I’m not done with it yet.”
Although details about LG7 remain scarce, Gaga’s comments suggest a continuation of the vibrant and dynamic aesthetic that defined her Chromatica era. Gaga’s penchant for innovation and her dedication to her craft ensures that the album will be nothing short of extraordinary.
