South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Preventing and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill—which had been introduced in 2018, The Washington Blade noted. The law states that direct or indirect unfair bias against anyone on the bases of such traits as age, albinism, culture, disability, ethnic or social origin, gender, HIV status, language, nationality, skin color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (and others) is punishable by a fine or up to eight years in prison. Ruth Maseko of Umndeni LGBTI Group and the Triangle Project said the new law creates a precedent of what constitutes hate crime and the repercussions.
Anti-trans individuals got upset after the new Scottish First Minister, John Swinney, affirmed that trans women are women in a new interview with BBC Radio Scotland, PinkNews reported. Swinney said, in part, “I believe a woman is an adult female born as a woman and I also accept that transgender women are defined as women.” In response, anti-trans feminist groups responded to Swinney’s comments on trans rights, with the Scottish Feminist Network writing on X (formerly Twitter): “All that fuss and nothing ever really changes. The new First Minister believes there are 2 routes to womanhood (just like the last 2 FMs): biological and fantasy.”
The award-winning SXSW documentary Queendom will be opening in theaters and nationally on-demand on June 14, courtesy of Greenwich Entertainment, per a press release. The film follows the journey of queer Russian-born performance artist Jenna Marvin as she brings her art to the streets of Moscow in protest and defiance of Russia President Vladimir Putin and his regime. According to the release, Marvin “dresses in otherworldly costumes and protests the government on the streets of Moscow. Born and raised on the harsh streets of a frigid outpost of the Soviet gulag, Jenna stages radical and dangerous performances in public to change people’s perception of beauty and queerness and bring attention to the harassment of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Liechtenstein’s parliament (the Landtag) passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, LGBTQ Nation noted, citing the Liechetensteiner Vaterland. The development—with 24 of its 25 members supporting it—makes it the 22nd country to do so among Europe’s 37 nations. Situated between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein is Europe’s fourth-smallest country, measuring 62 square miles; it has offered registered partnerships for same-sex couples since 2011. The new bill goes into effect at the start of next year.
In Argentina, a third woman died after a man threw a Molotov cocktail at the home of two lesbian couples, killing two women in Buenos Aires, The South China Morning Post reported. A 62-year-old man threw a Molotov cocktail into a boarding house where the lesbian couples lived; the suspect was arrested and has been hospitalized. The fourth woman, who suffered milder injuries, “is recovering and has a good prognosis,” according to Maria Rachid, of the Argentinian group LGBT+ Federation. Although Argentina has been viewed as liberal, many LGBTQ+ individuals fear a backsliding in their freedoms under libertarian President Javier Milei.
Peru’s government issued a decree that classifies transgender people as mentally ill, The Washington Blade reported. Human Rights Watch later noted the country’s Essential Health Insurance Plan that President Dina Boluarte, Health Minister Cesar Vásquez and Economic and Finance Minister Jose Arista signed references “ego-dystonic sexual orientation.” However, the health ministry subsequently said it does not view LGBTQ identities as “illnesses.” Nevertheless, LGBTQ+ organizations criticized the decree.
A Kenyan LGBTQ+-rights group to work with the community to help it stay safe when using digital platforms, per The Washington Blade. Upinde Advocates for Inclusion recently held a three-day training to teach queer people about unsafe social media and dating app hook-up practices that suspected homophobes exploit, and to avoid blackmail, assault and other dangers. “LBQ women and GNC persons confront major challenges in terms of digital security and data protection, freedom of expression, assembly, association, speech, privacy, protest and online organizing,” the group has stated.
At the Venice Biennale, the Nigerian Pavilion, titled “Nigeria Imaginary,” focuses on its exploration of national identity, diasporic experience and the powerful intersections with LGBTQ+ politics, per the Washington Informer. Artists include Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Ndidi Dike, Onyeka Igwe, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Abraham Oghobase, Yinka Shonibare, Fatimah Tuggar and Precious Okoyomon. The 60th International Art Exhibition runs through Nov. 24. The Informer stated that “Odutola’s work, often centered on Black identities and queer narratives, challenges both Nigerian and global audiences to rethink traditional boundaries and embrace inclusivity.”
Brothers Osborne—the popular country-music duo featuring gay musician TJ Osborne and his brother, John—will head across the pond for a tour of the UK and Ireland in January 2025, per a press release. The band will perform in cities including Dublin, Manchester, Belfast, Leeds and London, stating, “We are super fired up, it has been a long time since we have been over in the UK and Ireland for our own headline tour. We can’t wait to have the most memorable time.” Brothers Osborne’s Break Mine EP is out now.
Liam Neeson, Sharon Stone and Stephen Fry are among those who are defending embattled actor Kevin Spacey as a British docuseries (with even more allegations of severe misconduct) is slated to air, Deadline noted. “I was deeply saddened to learn of these accusations against him,” Neesom told the Telegraph. “Kevin is a good man and a man of character. He’s sensitive, articulate and non-judgmental, with a terrific sense of humour. He is also one of our finest artists in the theatre and on camera.” Spacey, a two-time Oscar winner, is facing another sexual-assault trial in the UK next year; last year, he was found not guilty in the UK of nine charges, including sexual assaults of various men.
At Cannes, actress Lea Seydoux commented on the status of that country’s #MeToo movement, Variety noted. “It’s a wonderful thing that women are now speaking out. Things are clearly changing and it was high time it did,” she said. “I have the impression that this change has indeed taken place.” In Seydoux’s latest film, The Second Act, the issue “is highlighted in a very funny way,” she added. In recent months, several actresses, including Juliette Binoche, have spoken out about alleged sexual abuse or misogynistic behavior from directors.
As Duran Duran nears the end of its most recent run of North American dates, the iconic British band announced the reissue of its first five studio albums: Duran Duran, Rio, Seven and the Ragged Tiger, Notorious and Big Thing, per a press release. Long out of print, this reissue marks the first time this collection will be available in the original one-LP and one-CD format, with remastered audio, since their initial releases. The albums will be available via Warner Music on July 19. Both formats will feature the latest album remasters, with vinyl editions cut at Abbey Road Studios in London.
Brazil will host the 2027 Women’s World Cup, according to ESPN. More than 200 member nations voted on the bid during the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok to decide between Brazil and a joint bid from Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands to host the next edition of the tournament. A joint bid between the United States and Mexico was withdrawn recently, with the two countries agreeing to focus on the 2031 tournament; South Africa withdrew its bid in 2023 for the same reason.
Downton Abbey 3 is officially under production, with main cast members returning and new additions to the feature franchise started by creator Julian Fellowes’ global TV phenomenon, Deadline noted. Oscar nominee Paul Giamatti is reprising his role from the TV series as Cora’s (Elizabeth McGovern) brother, Harold Levinson. New to the franchise are Joely Richardson and Alessandro Nivola, among others; Dominic West will also reprise his role as Guy Dexter from the second movie. Alongside McGovern, other returning key cast include Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech and Brendan Coyle.
Emmy-winning media company World of Wonder announced that Drag Race Mexico will premiere later this year, per a press release. Returning co-host and Drag Race France alum Lolita Banana will helm the new season alongside newcomer and “Queen of the Universe” season-two winner Taiga Brava. Oscar Madrazo will also return as a judge. Brava will take over for Drag Race México season-one co-host and past RuPaul’s Drag Race fan-favorite Valentina.