NEW: The UK has dropped to its lowest position ever on an official ranking of the best and worst places to be LGBTQ+ in Europe.

Placing 22nd out of 49 countries, it was only 10 years ago that the UK topped @ilgaeurope.bsky.social’s annual review.

Malta ranked the best and Russia the worst.

Statement from LGBT+ Lib Dems on political party suspension from major Prides this summer 👇

“We are sickened to our core to be lumped together with [Labour and the Tories] in a blanket suspension on political parties attending major Prides this year.”

NEW: Political party participation in Pride events has been banned by organisations in London, Manchester, Brighton and Birmingham.

It comes after the Supreme Court’s ‘woman’ ruling, which the government has backed.

“The UK must not follow this path of regression.” 👇

NEW: @nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social asks the Equalities Minister - who believes trans women should use men’s toilets - to clarify this is not required by law, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling last week 👇

“Diversity is a strength, not a weakness.” 🏳️‍🌈

Spoke with the Mayor of London this morning about the global rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, and how Trump’s policies could impact minorities here in the UK. 👇

. @nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social says Labour has “been dragged in the wrong direction” on trans+ issues.

“Our party must completely reject the tired narrative that trans people are a threat... It wasn’t true about gay men in the ‘80s, and it is not true about the trans community now.”

NEW: Labour’s Kevin McKenna shared that he has HIV during a House of Commons debate about National HIV Testing Week today 👇

NEW: Labour's @sarahowen.org.uk says she's disappointed more MPs didn't show up to this year's LGBTQ+ History Month debate.

Suggests its theme should change from 'Activism and Social Change' to 'Survival and Existence' due to toxic political rhetoric targeting LGBTQ+ people.

NEW: Nia Griffith reaffirms Labour’s commitment to deliver a “fully trans-inclusive” ban of so-called ‘conversion therapy’ - says it will also “respect the important role that teachers, religious leaders, parents and carers can have in supporting” LGBTQ+ people

EXCL: I spoke to Keir Starmer moments after he became the first serving Prime Minister to publicly test for HIV.

“We need to get the message out because I don’t think people necessarily know who’s most at risk,” he said, adding: “They wouldn’t necessarily get tested.”

The new Bridget Jones film made me laugh and cry at the same time. What a way to end such an iconic film series after almost 30 years. 👏

I’ll never be able to get enough of this franchise, and Mad About the Boy is no different. Truly a must watch for all Bridget stans.

NEW: Labour MP @sarahowen.org.uk calls on govt to reaffirm support for all LGBTQ+ people amid rise in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric

“Trans people across the UK are struggling to… go about their lives with dignity, as their identity comes under constant attack from powerful people across the world.” #PMQs

…and then there were four!!! 🏁

Had the campest time of my life this morning sitting down with the Drag Race UK cast in our new Real Housewives reunion setup. We talked about everything from what it’s like to film Snatch Game, to the moments they can’t believe made it to air.

Red Run 2024 ❤️ This year I ran a 5k for Controlling Chemsex, a charity run by a small but mighty team who provide essential support to anyone struggling with chemsex. I’ve been lucky to work with them over the last few years and I’ve seen firsthand just how lifesaving what they do is.

Hundreds marked #TransDayOfRemembrance here at Soho Square this evening in a vigil held to remember and mourn the trans+ lives lost over the past year.

It was one of several vigils taking place simultaneously tonight across the UK.