​FA requires trans men to say they are 'biologically female'

The Football Association's updated requirements for transgender men who want to play in male sport requires players to agree they are a "biological female" and "have a greater risk of injury when playing against adult biological males".

The FA changed its rules on trans people's participation in English football earlier this year following the UK Supreme Court's ruling on 16 April that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. While transgender women have been banned from female football in FA-affiliated competitions since 1 June, trans men are still allowed to play in men's matches.

However they must fill out a statement, available from the FA since June following the policy coming into place, declaring they are transgender and more liable to be injured than other players. The form, which is needed to be completed by all trans men who want to play in FA competitions in the 2025-26 season, contains a player declaration section which states: "I am a biological female whose gender identity is male or non-binary who would like to compete in open age matches and competitions that are reserved for men." The declaration also requires players to sign that they agree "there are physiological and performance differences between adult biological females and adult biological males. It also requires testosterone levels to be "in the normal adult male range" of 7.7 to 29.4 nanomoles per litre of blood. The FA said in May that the change in policy was "not an ideological judgement, external", but was necessary following the ruling. One transgender footballer, who has played men's football at amateur level, condemned the language used by the FA in the new guidance.

‘We can no longer assume progress is inevitable’: Simon Blake reflects on 40 years of Stonewall

As Stonewall celebrates its 40th birthday, there is still so much to be done. To ensure that all lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer (LGBTQ+) people have the same rights as others, that there is true equality under the law, that there is social justice, that health access is equitable and that our shared places are inclusive.

We can no longer assume that our rights are safe, and that progress is inevitable. We once again need Stonewall to ensure the voices and experiences of our diverse LGBTQ+ community are at the centre of political conversations, in boardrooms and in the corridors of power. Stonewall has always been a beacon of hope. When I was 15, I took courage from the commitment of its founders – and early supporters – who courageously stood up and said LGBTQ+ people deserve equal treatment under the law and in wider society. 

I, like so many, have benefited enormously from the changes created by Stonewall and others over the past 35 years. This weekend marks the 15th anniversary of my own civil partnership – something I never believed would be possible. Stonewall is important to me personally and because it has created so much positive social change. I applied to be the new CEO because we must continue to be a beacon of hope and progress. Stonewall’s work must continue until everybody feels they can live safely, freely and openly without fear of prejudice or discrimination.

Pride in London 2025: Thousands watch parade

The UK's biggest LGBTQ+ event took place on Saturday, with tens of thousands of people on the streets of central London. The Pride in London parade featured dancing and rainbow flags as the celebration began at noon under cool and cloudy conditions.

Organisers estimate more than 30,000 participants from across 500 organisations will take part in the capital's annual Pride Parade. Large crowds watched the brightly-coloured procession as it passed from Hyde Park Corner to its destination in Whitehall. But despite huge visitor numbers, organisers say the event - and others like it around the country - face an uncertain future due to a drop in funding and falling volunteer numbers.

More than 85 Pride organisations say they've seen a reduction in corporate sponsorships or partnerships, according to a questionnaire by the UK Pride Organisers Network (UKPON), which said it represents the majority of UK Pride events. Some celebrations have already been cancelled or postponed, while others are scaling back plans or charging for tickets to what have previously been free-to-attend events. The UK's Pride movement began in 1972 when a group called the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) decided that, as well as protesting, it was also important to celebrate the community.

Although many Prides have told the BBC they are struggling financially, and may have to scale back or charge more for events in the future, Dee Llewellyn said there is "no chance" Pride as a movement will stop.

Liverpool Pride back on the calendar after local LGBTQ+ charity steps in

Liverpool’s Pride celebrations are officially back on the calendar for 2025, thanks to the swift action and community spirit of local LGBTQ+ and HIV charity Sahir House. The annual Pride in Liverpool festival and the March with Pride were initially cancelled by the LCR Pride Foundation due to what they described as “substantial financial and organisational challenges”. The announcement left many in the community disheartened, fearing the loss of one of the city’s most visible and unifying LGBTQ+ events.

But in a powerful show of resilience and solidarity, Sahir House stepped in to lead a grassroots revival of the event. The charity launched a £60,000 fundraising campaign to support a reimagined, community-led Pride celebration, and has already raised over £10,000 through donations from individuals, local businesses, and allies. The newly revived event, now dubbed Liverpool’s Pride - with an apostrophe and an “s” to emphasise collective ownership - will take place on 26 July. It promises to be a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible celebration that honours the city’s rich queer history and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. “In the wake of LCR Pride Foundation’s difficult decision not to deliver Pride in Liverpool this year - a decision we deeply respect - Sahir has responded to calls from across the community to ensure that Pride still takes place this summer,” the charity said in a statement.

Founded in 1985, Sahir House has long been a cornerstone of support for LGBTQ+ people and those living with HIV in the Liverpool City Region. Their leadership in reviving Pride this year has been widely praised as a testament to the power of grassroots action and community care.

Nigel Farage says it was ‘wrong’ to introduce marriage equality: ‘I didn’t support it’

Nigel Farage has spoken out about marriage equality, saying “it was wrong to introduce it.”  The Reform UK leader reportedly made the remarks while speaking on an LBC phone in show earlier this week.

The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 made marriage equality legal in England and Wales after receiving Royal Assent on 17 July 2013. The first weddings under the new law took place on 29 March 2014. “It is a settled issue,” said Farage (as per The London Economic). “I didn’t support it. I thought it was wrong to introduce it to the public without even putting it in a manifesto.

“I was very surprised that [former Conservative leader] David Cameron did that. I thought the civil partnership arrangement that we had was actually working equitably and fairly.  “So I thought the work that was done was wrong, but look, we have moved on.” Elsewhere on the show, Farage said that cabinet ministers should not be politicians. “I think the way we run our country is ridiculous,” he said. “We put cabinet ministers in charge of departments, over which they have absolutely zero knowledge. “They’ll often last in that job for 12-18 months, I mean barely time to get their feet under the table, and understand the brief, but we’re stuck in this mindset that the cabinet must all be politicians in the House of Commons. Why? It’s nonsense.” Clacton MP Farage was previously leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) from 2006 to 2009 and from 2010 to 2016, he founded the Brexit Party, now Reform, in 2018. He was also a member of the European Parliament (MEP) for South East England from 1999 until the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union (EU) in 2020.

Grindr introduces age verification for UK-based users

Grindr has rolled out a new age verification feature for UK-based users to prevent underage access to the gay dating app. When new users create an account, they must confirm they are over 18 before gaining access, with verification options now including a video selfie or a video selfie paired with an official photo ID, such as a passport, driver’s licence, army ID or PASS card.

In a blog post by the Grindr editorial team, they said: “This age assurance process reinforces what Grindr has always been: a space for queer adults.” This change is in response to the UK Government’s Online Safety Act, which mandates age verification for platforms with sexually explicit content. This process must be done once per account, and also applies to visitors opening the app while in the UK. The blog post adds: “Anyone using Grindr in the UK will be asked to confirm that they are 18 or over.”

The age check is in partnership with FaceTec, using biometric verification technology and independently managing all data processing to ensure privacy is protected. Those in the UK will not be able to access the app until the process is complete. Grindr states it will not retain the documents or videos you provide, which will be permanently deleted once age assurance is complete.

“We’ll continue monitoring global standards and evolving our tools to prioritise user safety, privacy, and rights,” Grindr concluded.

UK sees hottest day of 2025 as heatwave peaks

The UK experienced its hottest day of the year on Tuesday as a heatwave which has gripped much of England this week reached its peak. St James's Park in London saw England's top temperature of 34.7C (94.4F), while parts of Essex and Kent also topped 33C. Temperatures are expected to cool down across the UK on Wednesday.

It comes as the Met Office said last month was the warmest June on record in England, and second warmest in the UK since records began in 1884, according to provisional figures. In Wales, Tuesday's top temperature was 25.8 in Usk. But conditions for most people living north of the Midlands were cool and cloudy on Tuesday, with Scotland's high 19.7 in Drumnadrochit and Northern Ireland's 20.5 in Killowen. Forecasters say temperatures in the south-east will fall to the mid-20s on Wednesday, with some heavy showers across the far south-east of England, north-east England and eastern Scotland. Flooding alerts have been issued for parts of northern and central Scotland. However, those in the south-east will still face a warm Tuesday night. The average temperature across England was 16.9C throughout June and 15.2C for the UK, according to the Met Office. That tops June 2023, when the mean temperature was 16.7C - and it comes after the Met Office previously confirmed this spring was the warmest ever. This week marked the second UK heatwave of 2025. It lasted six days for parts of Yorkshire and the Humber, and five for people in central and eastern England. While this heatwave is a result of a large area of high pressure getting "stuck" over Europe – dubbed a "heat dome" by some - high temperatures are becoming increasingly common in the UK. Scientists have emphasised the role of climate change in these sizzling summers, saying that heatwaves will likely become more frequent and hotter in the future.

High Court in India rules that trans women are legally women

The High Court of Andhra Pradesh in India has ruled that trans women are legally women, rejecting the claim that womanhood depends on the ability to bear children. Dr. Justice Venkata Jyothirmai Pratap, a Judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh, presided over the case, and said that tying the definition of a woman to pregnancy is “legally unsustainable.”

Quoting a 2014 Supreme Court decision that recognised the rights of “third gender” individuals, the judge said that denying trans women the right to identify as women “amounted to discrimination.” The ruling was delivered on Wednesday 16 June. The case came to light after a transgender woman, Pokala Shabana, sought protection under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code in 2022. The law was designed to protect women from cruelty by husbands or relatives.

Her in-laws challenged her use of Section 498A, arguing it applied only to cisgender women, relaying a trans woman cannot become pregnant. However, drawing on constitutional protections, the judgement said: “A trans woman, born male and later transitioning to female, is legally entitled to recognition as a woman. “Denying such protection by questioning their womanhood amounts to discrimination.” Kalki Subramaniam, a prominent trans activist and artist, told the Washington Blade: “I am relieved, the delighted and thank the Andhra Pradesh High Court and the judge for upholding our basic human right to be identified as what we want. What better reason could [there] be for celebrating this Pride Month?” This judgment comes at a time when trans rights are being contested globally – notably in the UK, where recent court rulings have narrowed down legal definitions of ‘sex’.

Pride Ashford "A Resounding Success of Unity and Celebration"

Pride Ashford today announced the overwhelming success of its annual Pride event, which saw thousands come together in a vibrant display of unity, love, and acceptance. The day was filled with joyful performances, a spirited march, and an unforgettable after-party, cementing Pride Ashford’s place as a highlight on the community calendar. The festivities kicked off at the Bandstand at 11 AM, where eager crowds gathered to enjoy an exciting lineup of talent. Attendees were treated to captivating performances from Robin Mack, The Rec, Xanthia Skye, and Liv2Dance and TheatreTrain students, all expertly hosted by the fabulous Audrey Titstick.

The highlight of the day, the Pride March, led by Barratts Mini, transformed the streets of Ashford into a kaleidoscope of colour. A sea of LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies marched proudly together, adorned with banners and flags, showcasing the diverse and inclusive spirit of the community. Residents lined the streets,
cheering and waving flags, creating an electric atmosphere of support and solidarity as the march passed by. The beat of the Ashford Community Drum Band provided a vibrant and thunderous soundtrack to the buzzing march. The celebration continued with an incredible After Party, a vibrant mix of music and
drag that kept the energy high, expertly hosted by Betty Late n Never. The crowd was thrilled by a special appearance from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5
contestant Vicki Vivacious, alongside performances from a plethora of talented local musicians, all culminating in a show-stopping headline set by Whiskey & Wine. Pride Ashford would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to all the dedicated volunteers whose tireless efforts made this event possible and look forward to seeing everyone again next year

Canada, Brazil, Australia and more issue joint statement for Pride – but US and UK are absent

Foreign ministries from Canada, Australia, Brazil and several European countries including Spain, Belgium, Colombia, and Ireland, issued a joint statement in support of LGBTQI+ rights on Saturday (June 28). The United States was notably absent from the letter, which was released on International Pride Day.

Attitude has approached the Foreign Office for clarity over the UK’s absence from the letter, but it is worth noting that many key Pride events take place after June, including Pride In London due on 4 July and Brighton Pride from 2-3 August. The statement condemned violence, criminalisation, stigmatisation and discrimination against LGBTQI+ people, calling them clear violations of human rights.

The statement said the countries “are speaking and acting as one to champion the rights of LGBTQI people, at a time when hate speech and hate crimes are on the rise, and in view of efforts to strip LGBTQI people of their rights, we reject all forms of violence, criminalisation, stigmatisation or discrimination, which constitute human rights violations.” Since Donald Trump was re-elected for his second term in office, the US have banned transgender people from military service, shut down a government-backed LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention hotline and issued an executive order that the US would only recognise two sexes – male and female.

Second 30C day for London ahead of Monday's UK heatwave peak

Temperatures are predicted to hit 30C for the second day in London today as a heatwave continues. The east of England and the Midlands are both forecast to see highs of 28C, according to the Met Office. An amber heat health alert was issued for some areas on Friday by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) until 18:00 BST Tuesday, with temperatures set to peak on Monday. This is the second amber alert in two weeks and means weather impacts are "likely to be felt across the whole health service". The alert stretches across London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England.  A yellow heat alert, less serious than amber, has also been issued for Yorkshire and Humber as well as the West Midlands. It denotes "significant impacts" for the health and social care services.

The country's current record high for June rests at 35.6C, set in Southampton's Mayflower Park in 1957 and met again at Camden Square in North London in 1976. Darren Farmer, Director of Operations at London Ambulance Service has warned: "It's really, really important to keep hydrated" and to "keep away from alcohol" in the heat.

Keeping out of direct sunlight in the middle of the day and taking your medication in a timely manner are also key, Farmer added.

Temperatures at Glastonbury festival, which is now in the last of its five days, are expected to reach 27C on Sunday. The hottest year for the festival was 2017, when highs of 30C saw dozens of people being treated by paramedics.

Budapest Pride goes ahead, defying Orban threat of 'legal consequences'

Tens of thousands have gathered for the Budapest Pride march, defying Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's legal threats against LGBTQ rights activists. Organisers of the march hope for a record attendance, despite mounting pressure from nationalist conservative politicians and police to stop any display of pro-LGBTQ material.

The police issued a ban in line with a new "child protection" law restricting gatherings considered to be promoting homosexuality. One woman said she was attending because she wants a country of "diversity" for her children. Orban downplayed the possibility of violent clashes between police and participants, but warned of potential legal repercussions for attendees. "Of course, the police could break up such events, because they have the authority to do so, but Hungary is a civilised country, a civic society. We don't hurt each other," he told state radio on Friday. Dozens of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) were also expected to be in attendance.


Karacsony, a member of Hungary's opposition, has insisted no-one attending the march can face any reprisals as it has been co-organised by city hall, and as such is a municipal event that does not require police approval. Ahead of the Pride, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asked the Orban government not to block the march. Orban was unfazed, asking her "to refrain from interfering in the law enforcement affairs" of EU member countries.

​Chaka Khan to headline Pride at Trafalgar Square

Singer Chaka Khan has been revealed as the headline act for Pride in London's Trafalgar Square stage. Known as the Queen of Funk, Khan is known for her powerful voice and trailblazing style.

Her appearance will see her belt out hits including I'm Every Woman, Ain't Nobody and I Feel For You. Pride in London's six stages - Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Golden Square, Soho Square, Dean Street, and a family stage in Victoria Embankment Gardens - will host more than 100 performers including icons from the LGBTQ+ community.

The main parade is scheduled to start at 12:00 BST and finish at 18:00, running from Hyde Park Corner, through Piccadilly Circus, down Haymarket along Cockspur to Trafalgar Square, culminating at Whitehall Place. More than 500 groups, made up of LGBT+ community groups, businesses, and partners, forming together to make a total of over 33,000 participants. Sir Sadiq Khan will be leading the cavalcade in his role as mayor of London.

The Trafalgar Square stage will also feature speeches from LGBTQ+ activists and community leaders.

Pride in London 2025 will take place on Saturday 5 July.

Hundreds gather outside UK Parliament to protest proposed guidelines that would restrict access to certain single-sex spaces

Hundreds of trans people and allies gathered outside the UK Parliament on Wednesday to protest proposed guidelines that would restrict access to certain single-sex spaces.

Waving trans pride flags in the summer heat, demonstrators queued to enter Parliament, hoping to speak with or leave messages for their MPs. The protest was organised in response to interim guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which would bar trans women from accessing female-only facilities such as toilets, changing rooms, and some hospital wards.


Jade Lopez, 27, who travelled from Manchester, expressed concern over the exclusion of trans voices from policymaking. “We’ve been facing a lot of hate and isolation,” she said. “My partner, who is also trans, needs frequent hospital care, and I worry because nurses often don’t know where to place trans patients.” The Trans+ Solidarity Alliance, which organised the demonstration, criticised the guidance as “sweeping and regressive,” arguing it goes beyond the court’s ruling. The group is calling for revisions before the final version is submitted to the government. 

Equality Commission to seek clarity on court gender ruling

The Equality Commission will seek a declaration from the High Court to address "uncertainties" over how to apply the UK Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman in Northern Ireland.

The commission has published a paper giving its views on the legal position, following the ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. The Supreme Court had been asked to decide on the proper interpretation of the 2010 Equality Act, which applies across Great Britain but not in Northern 
Ireland.

Chief Commissioner Geraldine McGahey said the situation was "much more nuanced and complicated" and there was "significant uncertainty due to our unique legal landscape". The commission said it believed the ruling would be "highly persuasive" in the Northern Ireland courts and tribunals "in certain respects" - but it has concluded that "significant legal uncertainties" remain. It said the Supreme Court ruling did not consider the Article 2 commitments under the Windsor Framework, which provide legal protections that certain equality and human rights in Northern Ireland are not reduced after Brexit.

The paper sets out a roadmap of the actions the commission will take to achieve legal certainty and includes information for employers, service providers and public authorities.

Council approves 'divisive' new policy on flags

A council has approved a "divisive" policy change which will mean it no longer flies an LGBTQ+ rainbow flag from any of its buildings. The newly elected Reform UK administration on West Northamptonshire Council made changes to the local authority's flag protocol after coming to power last month, and it was formally passed on Thursday. Council leader Mark Arnull said its "revised approach ensures consistent and respectful use of public buildings." 

But Conservative councillor David Smith called on the authority to "think again" on the protocol, which dictates that only the union jack, St George's flag and council flag will be flown outside its buildings. The administration previously said it remained "committed to supporting community-led events and activities", including Pride, despite the change of policy. In Thursday's full council meeting at the Guildhall in Northampton, 40 ward councillors voted in favour of the new policy and 26 against it, while one councillor abstained.

Under the new flag protocol, the council said additional flags would be flown on specified dates for royal or national occasions. It is flying flags this week to mark Armed Forces Day, but no flag has been flown to reflect this month's international Pride month, as has been the case in previous years.

Speaking before the vote, Arnull said: "The administration maintains our support for community-led events and inclusive engagement across West Northamptonshire, and I state for the record this administration supports all community groups everywhere."