Finbarr Toesland
@finbarrtoesland.bsky.social
Investigative Journalist | Cambridge + UCL grad | Bylines
NBC News, BBC & Reuters 📩 finbarr@finbarrtoesland.com
NBC News, BBC & Reuters 📩 finbarr@finbarrtoesland.com
Really pleased to be on the shortlist for Best Investigation in the @freelancingfor.bsky.social Awards for my investigation for @bylinetimes.bsky.social on "How US Religious Groups are Exporting Conversion Therapy to Europe"
freelancingforjournalists.substack.com/p/freelance-...
freelancingforjournalists.substack.com/p/freelance-...
October 7, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Really pleased to be on the shortlist for Best Investigation in the @freelancingfor.bsky.social Awards for my investigation for @bylinetimes.bsky.social on "How US Religious Groups are Exporting Conversion Therapy to Europe"
freelancingforjournalists.substack.com/p/freelance-...
freelancingforjournalists.substack.com/p/freelance-...
For @gaytimes.bsky.social, I travelled to Kyiv and Lviv to meet the queer activists and artists racing to preserve LGBTQIA+ stories and cultural heritage before they’re lost to war.
Thanks to @n-ost.bsky.social & @evzfoundation.bsky.social
magazine.gaytimes.com/how-ukraines...
Thanks to @n-ost.bsky.social & @evzfoundation.bsky.social
magazine.gaytimes.com/how-ukraines...
How Ukraine’s queer artists and activists are safeguarding LGBTQIA+ memory in wartime
Finbarr Toesland speaks to Ukrainian activists and artists preserving queer memory amidst war
magazine.gaytimes.com
September 23, 2025 at 9:28 AM
For @gaytimes.bsky.social, I travelled to Kyiv and Lviv to meet the queer activists and artists racing to preserve LGBTQIA+ stories and cultural heritage before they’re lost to war.
Thanks to @n-ost.bsky.social & @evzfoundation.bsky.social
magazine.gaytimes.com/how-ukraines...
Thanks to @n-ost.bsky.social & @evzfoundation.bsky.social
magazine.gaytimes.com/how-ukraines...
Incredible few days in Bern🇨🇭with @truestoryfestival.bsky.social as nominees for the @truestoryaward.bsky.social🌟
Highlights were speaking to a class of secondary school students about our investigation into conversion therapy practices and our panel going in-depth on the ins and outs of our work :)
Highlights were speaking to a class of secondary school students about our investigation into conversion therapy practices and our panel going in-depth on the ins and outs of our work :)
July 2, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Incredible few days in Bern🇨🇭with @truestoryfestival.bsky.social as nominees for the @truestoryaward.bsky.social🌟
Highlights were speaking to a class of secondary school students about our investigation into conversion therapy practices and our panel going in-depth on the ins and outs of our work :)
Highlights were speaking to a class of secondary school students about our investigation into conversion therapy practices and our panel going in-depth on the ins and outs of our work :)
What an incredible night at the Amnesty Media Awards 2025!
The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the impact journalism can have in the fight for human rights.
Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists 🌟
#AmnestyMediaAwards
The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the impact journalism can have in the fight for human rights.
Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists 🌟
#AmnestyMediaAwards
June 9, 2025 at 2:27 PM
What an incredible night at the Amnesty Media Awards 2025!
The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the impact journalism can have in the fight for human rights.
Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists 🌟
#AmnestyMediaAwards
The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the impact journalism can have in the fight for human rights.
Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists 🌟
#AmnestyMediaAwards
Honored to be nominated for an @amnestyuk.bsky.social Media Award for my @bigissue.com article on the journey of Ukrainian refugees!
Grateful to have my work recognised alongside so many incredible journalists shining a light on human rights ✨ #AmnestyMediaAwards
Grateful to have my work recognised alongside so many incredible journalists shining a light on human rights ✨ #AmnestyMediaAwards
March 19, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Honored to be nominated for an @amnestyuk.bsky.social Media Award for my @bigissue.com article on the journey of Ukrainian refugees!
Grateful to have my work recognised alongside so many incredible journalists shining a light on human rights ✨ #AmnestyMediaAwards
Grateful to have my work recognised alongside so many incredible journalists shining a light on human rights ✨ #AmnestyMediaAwards
Reposted by Finbarr Toesland
🇺🇦 Ukrainians have expressed their fear that America’s continuing assault on its ally, removing lifeline after lifeline, will force the country into capitulating to Russia
🔎 Big Read by @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social and @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social
🔎 Big Read by @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social and @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social
'Putin is the only one who benefits': Ukrainians fear worse to come after Trump’s aid halt
Kyiv MPs and civilians doubt the Ukraine-US alliance can return to how it was before
inews.co.uk
March 6, 2025 at 5:50 PM
🇺🇦 Ukrainians have expressed their fear that America’s continuing assault on its ally, removing lifeline after lifeline, will force the country into capitulating to Russia
🔎 Big Read by @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social and @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social
🔎 Big Read by @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social and @laurenmedlicott.bsky.social
In the hours after the United States cut off military aid to Ukraine, I spoke to Ukrainian MPs Bohdan Yaremenko, Yulia Klymenko, Volodymyr Ariev and Oleksiy Goncharenko about the future of Ukraine-US relations for @theipaper.com
'Putin is the only one who benefits': Ukrainians fear worse to come after Trump’s aid halt
Kyiv MPs and civilians doubt the Ukraine-US alliance can return to how it was before
inews.co.uk
March 6, 2025 at 3:36 PM
In the hours after the United States cut off military aid to Ukraine, I spoke to Ukrainian MPs Bohdan Yaremenko, Yulia Klymenko, Volodymyr Ariev and Oleksiy Goncharenko about the future of Ukraine-US relations for @theipaper.com
Great to chat with Winston Mwale and the Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism about the critical world of human rights reporting and the value of exploring underreported issues #TransparencyTalks
#TransparencyTalks With Finbarr Toesland
Transparency Talks · Episode
open.spotify.com
February 22, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Great to chat with Winston Mwale and the Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism about the critical world of human rights reporting and the value of exploring underreported issues #TransparencyTalks
Reposted by Finbarr Toesland
Friday #Freelancer Spotlight.
This week we are shining a light on multi-award winning #independent investigative journalist @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social
Finbarr is committed to illuminating vital human rights stories and underreported issues.
www.thedailybeast.com/ex-gay-influ...
This week we are shining a light on multi-award winning #independent investigative journalist @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social
Finbarr is committed to illuminating vital human rights stories and underreported issues.
www.thedailybeast.com/ex-gay-influ...
TikTok Is Flooding Gen Z With Conversion Therapy Propaganda
Mainstream medical groups reject the idea of “gay conversion therapy” but a new generation of social media influencers are pushing an updated version to their young fans.
www.thedailybeast.com
February 21, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Friday #Freelancer Spotlight.
This week we are shining a light on multi-award winning #independent investigative journalist @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social
Finbarr is committed to illuminating vital human rights stories and underreported issues.
www.thedailybeast.com/ex-gay-influ...
This week we are shining a light on multi-award winning #independent investigative journalist @finbarrtoesland.bsky.social
Finbarr is committed to illuminating vital human rights stories and underreported issues.
www.thedailybeast.com/ex-gay-influ...
'Russia won't stop until it takes everything'
In central Kyiv, I spoke to Ukrainians as Russia and the United States met for bilateral talks, without Kyiv, on the future of their country.
@theipaper.com
In central Kyiv, I spoke to Ukrainians as Russia and the United States met for bilateral talks, without Kyiv, on the future of their country.
@theipaper.com
'Russia won't stop until it takes everything': What Ukrainians want Trump to know
Ukrainians have expressed shock, upset and a deep sense of betrayal as Russia and the United States met for bilateral talks without Kyiv on the future of their country
inews.co.uk
February 19, 2025 at 10:08 AM
'Russia won't stop until it takes everything'
In central Kyiv, I spoke to Ukrainians as Russia and the United States met for bilateral talks, without Kyiv, on the future of their country.
@theipaper.com
In central Kyiv, I spoke to Ukrainians as Russia and the United States met for bilateral talks, without Kyiv, on the future of their country.
@theipaper.com
Extremely grateful to receive the Tenacious Journalist Award alongside some amazing people!
Excited to get started on a deep investigation thanks to the support and funding of @publicinterestnews.org.uk and Changing Ideas :)
Excited to get started on a deep investigation thanks to the support and funding of @publicinterestnews.org.uk and Changing Ideas :)
Announcing: 2025’s Tenacious Journalists!
Jaldeep Katwala is thrilled to be announcing the finalists of the inaugural Tenacious Journalist awardsIn October 2024, Changing Ideas and PINF announced a new annual award celebrating the power of te...
www.publicinterestnews.org.uk
February 14, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Extremely grateful to receive the Tenacious Journalist Award alongside some amazing people!
Excited to get started on a deep investigation thanks to the support and funding of @publicinterestnews.org.uk and Changing Ideas :)
Excited to get started on a deep investigation thanks to the support and funding of @publicinterestnews.org.uk and Changing Ideas :)
From 1049 entries to 108 shortlisted and 36 nominated, so exciting that our conversion therapy investigation is one of the nominees for the True Story Award!!
Can't wait to attend the ceremony in Bern to find out the 3 winners :)
Beyond proud of Rina Nikolaeva and @aagro.bsky.social
Can't wait to attend the ceremony in Bern to find out the 3 winners :)
Beyond proud of Rina Nikolaeva and @aagro.bsky.social
February 10, 2025 at 3:43 AM
From 1049 entries to 108 shortlisted and 36 nominated, so exciting that our conversion therapy investigation is one of the nominees for the True Story Award!!
Can't wait to attend the ceremony in Bern to find out the 3 winners :)
Beyond proud of Rina Nikolaeva and @aagro.bsky.social
Can't wait to attend the ceremony in Bern to find out the 3 winners :)
Beyond proud of Rina Nikolaeva and @aagro.bsky.social
Meet the lawyers combatting anti-trans laws in the legal courts and fighting for a more just world
My interview with @jolyonmaugham.bsky.social of @goodlawproject.bsky.social for @gaytimes.bsky.social
My interview with @jolyonmaugham.bsky.social of @goodlawproject.bsky.social for @gaytimes.bsky.social
Meet the lawyers combatting anti-trans laws in the legal courts and fighting for a more just world
Jo Maugham of the Good Law Project on legal advocacy for trans rights, challenging the ban on puberty blockers and growing anti-trans attitudes
magazine.gaytimes.com
January 13, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Meet the lawyers combatting anti-trans laws in the legal courts and fighting for a more just world
My interview with @jolyonmaugham.bsky.social of @goodlawproject.bsky.social for @gaytimes.bsky.social
My interview with @jolyonmaugham.bsky.social of @goodlawproject.bsky.social for @gaytimes.bsky.social
Thrilled to be selected by the Aspen Institute UK as a Rising Leaders Fellow!
Joining this network of inspirational and innovative young leaders is a privilege and I very much look forward to seeing what we collectively achieve 🌎
Excited to see where this Fellowship leads 😇
Joining this network of inspirational and innovative young leaders is a privilege and I very much look forward to seeing what we collectively achieve 🌎
Excited to see where this Fellowship leads 😇
January 12, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Thrilled to be selected by the Aspen Institute UK as a Rising Leaders Fellow!
Joining this network of inspirational and innovative young leaders is a privilege and I very much look forward to seeing what we collectively achieve 🌎
Excited to see where this Fellowship leads 😇
Joining this network of inspirational and innovative young leaders is a privilege and I very much look forward to seeing what we collectively achieve 🌎
Excited to see where this Fellowship leads 😇
It's a bit different from my normal work but...
For @inews.co.uk: 'I holidayed at a service station – it was the most refreshing week of my year'
For @inews.co.uk: 'I holidayed at a service station – it was the most refreshing week of my year'
I holidayed at a service station – it was the most refreshing week of my year
A childhood fascination, curiosity and a hectic year lead to an unconventional escape beside the M1
inews.co.uk
January 3, 2025 at 8:56 AM
It's a bit different from my normal work but...
For @inews.co.uk: 'I holidayed at a service station – it was the most refreshing week of my year'
For @inews.co.uk: 'I holidayed at a service station – it was the most refreshing week of my year'
Very exciting to be longlisted for the Tenacious Journalism Awards from @publicinterestnews.bsky.social! Lots of amazing journalists on the list :)
Meet the 20 Outstanding Applicants Longlisted for the Tenacious Journalist Awards
Jaldeep Katwala announces the 20 applicants longlisted for the first ever Tenacious Journalist Award and introduces the expert panel with the truly difficult job of awarding the prizes.We’re delighted...
www.publicinterestnews.org.uk
January 2, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Very exciting to be longlisted for the Tenacious Journalism Awards from @publicinterestnews.bsky.social! Lots of amazing journalists on the list :)
Beyond exciting to find out that our conversion therapy investigation has been shortlisted for the True Story Award!
Amazing recognition of our dream team of Rina Nikolaeva and @aagro.bsky.social
All the stories can be read here: www.journalismfund.eu/therapy-conf...
taz.de/Christliche-...
Amazing recognition of our dream team of Rina Nikolaeva and @aagro.bsky.social
All the stories can be read here: www.journalismfund.eu/therapy-conf...
taz.de/Christliche-...
Inside Europe’s Secret Conversion Therapy Conference | Journalismfund Europe
WARSAW – What brings a motley crew of British lawyers, Polish psychologists, American paediatricians, Malaysian church leaders and German doctors to a hotel on the outskirts of a European capital city...
www.journalismfund.eu
December 29, 2024 at 5:10 PM
Beyond exciting to find out that our conversion therapy investigation has been shortlisted for the True Story Award!
Amazing recognition of our dream team of Rina Nikolaeva and @aagro.bsky.social
All the stories can be read here: www.journalismfund.eu/therapy-conf...
taz.de/Christliche-...
Amazing recognition of our dream team of Rina Nikolaeva and @aagro.bsky.social
All the stories can be read here: www.journalismfund.eu/therapy-conf...
taz.de/Christliche-...
Reposted by Finbarr Toesland
Vor 1 Jahr in der @taz.de: unsere Reportage von einer geheimen Konferenz christlicher Organisationen, die sich über krude Methoden zur "Heilung" von queeren Menschen - bzw. Konversionsbehandlung - ausgetauscht haben. Jetzt ist der Text für den True Story Award shortlisted 😱💥
taz.de/Christliche-...
taz.de/Christliche-...
December 29, 2024 at 2:10 PM
Vor 1 Jahr in der @taz.de: unsere Reportage von einer geheimen Konferenz christlicher Organisationen, die sich über krude Methoden zur "Heilung" von queeren Menschen - bzw. Konversionsbehandlung - ausgetauscht haben. Jetzt ist der Text für den True Story Award shortlisted 😱💥
taz.de/Christliche-...
taz.de/Christliche-...
Reposted by Finbarr Toesland
Sie treffen sich heimlich, um zu lernen, wie man LGBTIQ "heilt". Finbarr Toesland, Rina Nikolaeva und ich waren undercover auf dem internationalen Vernetzungstreffen einer christlichen Lobby-Organisation, die unter dem Deckmantel der Wissenschaft...
December 13, 2023 at 12:51 PM
Sie treffen sich heimlich, um zu lernen, wie man LGBTIQ "heilt". Finbarr Toesland, Rina Nikolaeva und ich waren undercover auf dem internationalen Vernetzungstreffen einer christlichen Lobby-Organisation, die unter dem Deckmantel der Wissenschaft...
Reposted by Finbarr Toesland
Sobering piece by @sammygecsoyler.bsky.social on the decline of LGBTQ+ and other minority-focused media in the UK (and the world!)
Uncertain future of PinkNews sparks fears for LGBTQ+ media in UK
Multiple allegations of sexual misconduct made against bosses of title billed as safe space for journalists
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2024 at 9:07 AM
Sobering piece by @sammygecsoyler.bsky.social on the decline of LGBTQ+ and other minority-focused media in the UK (and the world!)
I shared my thoughts on the PinkNews situation with @theguardian.com (thanks for the chat @sammygecsoyler.bsky.social)
"If you’re a young queer journalist who wants to work in LGBTQ+ media, or tell stories you feel are really urgent and vital, where are you going to do it?"
"If you’re a young queer journalist who wants to work in LGBTQ+ media, or tell stories you feel are really urgent and vital, where are you going to do it?"
Uncertain future of PinkNews sparks fears for LGBTQ+ media in UK
Uncertain future of PinkNews sparks fears for LGBTQ+ media in UK
Multiple allegations of sexual misconduct made against bosses of title billed as safe space for journalists
As it nears its 20th anniversary next year, PinkNews should be celebrating a period that has seen remarkable progress for some but not all LGBTQ+…
www.theguardian.com
December 23, 2024 at 3:34 PM
I shared my thoughts on the PinkNews situation with @theguardian.com (thanks for the chat @sammygecsoyler.bsky.social)
"If you’re a young queer journalist who wants to work in LGBTQ+ media, or tell stories you feel are really urgent and vital, where are you going to do it?"
"If you’re a young queer journalist who wants to work in LGBTQ+ media, or tell stories you feel are really urgent and vital, where are you going to do it?"
Reposted by Finbarr Toesland
💬 ‘Even one knot can save a life’ say the hundreds of Kitty Pechersk, or Cave Cats volunteers, who work in the heart of Kyiv crafting essential kit for the trenches
@finbarrtoesland.bsky.social reports on the volunteers fighting back by weaving camouflage
@finbarrtoesland.bsky.social reports on the volunteers fighting back by weaving camouflage
The volunteers fighting back against Putin by weaving camouflage for Ukraine
‘Even one knot can save a life’ say the hundreds of Kitty Pechersk, or Cave Cats volunteers, who work in the heart of Kyiv crafting essential kit for the trenches
inews.co.uk
December 15, 2024 at 1:53 PM
💬 ‘Even one knot can save a life’ say the hundreds of Kitty Pechersk, or Cave Cats volunteers, who work in the heart of Kyiv crafting essential kit for the trenches
@finbarrtoesland.bsky.social reports on the volunteers fighting back by weaving camouflage
@finbarrtoesland.bsky.social reports on the volunteers fighting back by weaving camouflage