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Sure Foundation Baptist Church protests during Sunday service July 13

Sure Foundation Baptist Church protests during Sunday service July 13

Protesters with Pride signs gathered at Sure Foundation Baptist Church after sermons called LGBTQ+ 'evil' and encouraged prayers for their deaths.
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I found the community I was craving on the streets of Washington DC
I found the community I was craving on the streets of Washington DC

Metro

time15 minutes ago

  • Metro

I found the community I was craving on the streets of Washington DC

I'd just left a gay bar in Washington DC when news broke of the massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Forty-nine LGBT+ people were murdered, and, at the time, it was the deadliest mass shooting in US history. It happened on the same day as the 2016 Washington DC Pride Parade. We'd spent the day in queer celebration, only to have that joy ripped away in the early hours of the morning. All I could think was that with the USA's lax gun laws, it could have easily been any bar in the country. It could have easily been the bar that I was in. These thoughts resurface as I plan my trip to World Pride in Washington DC. Every few years, a different destination is chosen to hold the global queer gathering, with cities like Sydney, Toronto and Madrid hosting in previous years. Each place has been unmistakably LGBT+ friendly, and while the same is true of DC, when they were chosen as the host for 2025, we didn't yet know who would be residing in The White House. It felt like a tremendous gamble, and when the election was finally called, it made me nervous that something was going to happen. We'd already seen the violent uprising at the US Capitol in 2021, and with so much anti-LGBT+ sentiment being pushed by the Trump administration, it made me question whether it was safe or sensible to visit. Travel Proud research shows that 80% of LGBT+ travellers consider their safety before booking a trip, and in this instance, I was very much one of them. World Pride happening in America's capital – surely it would be a target for those filled with hatred for my community? But this year, on my journey to tell the story of Pride around the world, it felt crucial to put my fears aside and attend this significant event. Not in spite of who is in The White House, but because of it. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! Having already travelled to Pride in many countries this year, I've picked up on consistent criticism of the US government. People chanted against the American president in India, people carried anti-Trump banners in Finland, and the drag queens in Canada called out audience members for wearing MAGA hats. It feels like the community is united in their distaste for the leader of the 'free world.' I knew this year's Pride would be punctuated by feelings of anger, defiance and protest, but the thing that surprised me most was that there was virtually nobody pushing back against it. In DC I expected counter-protests, anti-LGBT+ signs, and conflicts breaking out left, right and centre. Instead, I found a city united in support for the community. Although this came as a surprise, when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Despite the political climate in the USA, Washington DC still retains the highest percentage of LGBT+ residents in the country. Queer visibility is stitched into the fabric of the city. Pride flags may not fly from the White House like they had during the Biden or Obama administrations, but they still fly from every other building instead. The city is so loud and relentless in its support, that it's easy to forget that we're celebrating on his front lawn. That is until something snaps me back to reality. 'It's the president!' somebody calls from the crowd. I spin around to look to the stage, foolishly expecting to see a red cap approaching the microphone. But of course, the 47th president of the United States wasn't going to make an appearance. His track record of stoking hatred against us had made that abundantly clear. Instead, a sudden quiet falls over the crowd as Kamala Harris appears onscreen in his place. Silence at Pride is unheard of – we're a loud bunch when it comes to protest and celebration – but you could hear a penny drop as the crowd waited for their president to make her speech. 'In this moment, as you gather with friends and allies from across the world, let us be clear – no one should be made to fight alone. We are all in this together.' Calum McSwiggan, author of Eat Gay Love, is a man on a mission. He plans to spend 2025 exploring how the LGBT+ community is celebrated everywhere on Earth: 12 months, 7 continents, 20 Prides. In an exclusive Metro series, Calum will journey from the subzero climes of Antarctica to the jewel-toned streets of Mumbai, telling the story of Pride around the world. Follow his journey on Metro, in print and on our socials to learn how Pride is celebrated around the world. Next up? Ireland and Amsterdam. Those words feel healing, and it's this message of solidarity that defines the festivities. In speeches and chants and rallying cries of protest, there is a repeated call for standing together. Recently, division has been weaponised, with repeated attempts to sever the LGB from the T. World Pride is our moment to push back as a united international community. I was given the honour of leading the Pride parade with a group of passionate queer changemakers, so I swap out my rainbow flag for a trans pride flag instead. When I step out onto the route, the cacophony is deafening. They're not cheering for me – they're cheering for the flag and what it represents. I'm not the only cis person to raise the trans colours, either. It seems that, this year, a lot of people have had the same idea. Alongside signs that declare 'f*****s against fascism,' pastel pinks and baby blues fill the sky as we join the march on the US Capitol. It's the most trans pride flags I've seen in a traditional parade, and while many commentators try to argue that our community is more fractured than ever, I have never seen such a proud display of unity. Hope Giselle, a Black transgender activist, drives this message home. 'As we march, as we walk, as we galvanise, as we move, we will do so together . We will fight together , we will own this s**t together . ' She's stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, on the same spot where Dr. Martin Luther King once gave his famous speech. 'Because when they come for us – and they will come for us – they will come for us together .' This feeling carries from the Pride march right through to the celebrations. Sasha Colby, a transgender drag queen, is invited to throw out the ceremonial opening pitch at the Washington Nationals baseball game. While on stage at the World Pride music festival, Jennifer Lopez brings out the Gay Men's Chorus to sing a rendition of George Michael's Freedom against a backdrop of quotes from famous transgender activists. More Trending 'Shout out to all the trans people in the audience,' Troye Sivan calls to the cheering crowd during his set, while Doechii is more direct : 'Protect the dolls. F**k Trump.' It's a much needed reminder that we are still moving forwards. Washington DC is, and always will be, an inherently queer city. It doesn't matter which political power takes the White House, Pride will always live in these streets. Attacks on queer rights are at an all time high, but so is awareness and understanding that we need to protect the most vulnerable members of our community. World Pride is a reminder that the LGBT+ community is stronger than ever. You can attempt to divide us all you want, but attacking our community will only drive us closer together . Getting there Virgin Atlantic runs daily flights between London Heathrow and Washington DC, with return economy fares starting from £429. What to do beyond Pride DC Pride Walks: From historic gay cruising to Abraham Lincoln's allegedly gay past, take a guided walk through some of Washington DC's fascinating LGBT+ history. Little District Books: This LGBT+ bookstore is a celebration of everything queer, from banned titles to queer book clubs, they have something for just about everyone. Washington Nationals: Baseball is quintessentially American, and while their pride-themed game only happens in June, Nationals Park provides an inclusive environment year round. Where to stay Lyle DC (£) Viceroy Washington DC (££) The Fairmont Washington DC (£££) These hotels all proudly display the Travel Proud badge after completing LGBT+ inclusivity training. Inclusive eats Annie's Paramount Steakhouse: Loudly and proudly serving the LGBT+ community since 1948, this long-standing institution is a piece of the city's queer history. An absolute must for any first time visitor. Loudly and proudly serving the LGBT+ community since 1948, this long-standing institution is a piece of the city's queer history. An absolute must for any first time visitor. Ambar Capitol Hill: Situated in a historic queer neighbourhood, this eatery serves wholesome Balkan cuisine while being vocally supportive of the community. Situated in a historic queer neighbourhood, this eatery serves wholesome Balkan cuisine while being vocally supportive of the community. Mi Vida: Highly shareable and deeply morish Mexican food with multiple locations throughout the city. I come here on each and every visit. MORE: Three minutes cut from 'raw' prison footage of the night Epstein died MORE: Trump loved Epstein conspiracy theories – now he's at the heart of one MORE: Ragtag Zohran Mamdani protest likened to Netflix comedy sketch

Has there been a more consistent horse this Sydney winter than Storm The Ramparts?
Has there been a more consistent horse this Sydney winter than Storm The Ramparts?

Sydney Morning Herald

time16 minutes ago

  • Sydney Morning Herald

Has there been a more consistent horse this Sydney winter than Storm The Ramparts?

'He's been going super. What generally finishes up these winter horses is the dry tracks, and he'll get one this weekend. 'He's been on two dryish tracks and run well, but sooner or later one of them will pull him up. It's also his first start out of 78 grade, he steps up to a [benchmark] 88, but he's very consistent, and makes his own luck up in front. He'll be hard to beat again.' Storm The Ramparts is by Headwater, a stallion whose progeny are a bit like a poorly brewed beer – fizz and excitement early on, but prone to going flat quickly. Pride, however, said Storm The Ramparts had been able to improve with each preparation because of his mare, Quick's The Word. 'He's out of a really good mare, he's a half-brother to Dragonstone, which is probably what's carrying him along,' Pride said. 'He's a dream horse to own. A lot of people don't like that 'wet-tracker' term for their horses, but it doesn't bother me. If he's a wet-tracker, he's a wet-tracker.' Pride also starts Estadio Mestalla and Accredited in the feature Winter Challenge, with his pair, and favourite Robusto, the three horses that all slugged it out in a finish a couple of weeks ago in Sydney. 'I think they've got the market right, and I'll be shocked if my two or Robusto doesn't win,' Pride said. 'He's a dream horse to own ... If he's a wet-tracker, he's a wet-tracker.' Joe Pride on Storm The Ramparts 'Estadio Mestalla is racing well and will make his own luck up front again, while Accredited, the turnaround from wet tracks to dry tracks, it's massive when you look at his record. He's a different horse on top of the ground. He raced on a soft 7 last start ... he got through it, but not well. 'Saturday's track will be much firmer, and he'll love it. They're both in their grade now, and I'm happy to pick off races in their grade.' Meanwhile, Pride has a lot of time for two-year-old Reflect, the first horse he has trained for the Think Big Stud, whose white, black and yellow colours were made famous by late owner Dato Tan Chin Nam. The $310,000 Magic Millions purchase has already had one race start, but the big black filly has enormous upside, said Pride, which punters will see over time. Pride also confirmed several Godolphin horses that would be headed to his stable next month, including Caulfield Guineas winner Golden Mile, and Comedy, a two-year-old Snitzel colt that ran in the major lead-up races to the Golden Slipper. Thompson gives his Blessing Randwick trainer John Thompson won't have a runner in the feature Winter Challenge – a race he won last year with $31 shot Jojo Was A Man – but he is counting on the form and impressive fresh record of With Your Blessing to give him a winner at Rosehill on Saturday. With Your Blessing resumes in the July Sprint, an open 1100m handicap, after a 14-week spell and three sharp trials. The six-year-old raced just off the leaders before hitting the line in all three trials, winning the past two at Canterbury and Hawkesbury. The encouraging return follows an excellent summer campaign which included wins at Randwick over 1100m and 1300m in benchmark 78 and 88 respectively on good going, and a photo-finish second to Iowna Merc in the group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) at the track on March 1 in his most recent outing. Thompson believed With Your Blessing was 'a great chance' to return with a win on Saturday. 'He's won a couple of trials, and he's going really good,' Thompson said. 'He had a great prep last prep, and he is first up, and he normally goes well fresh. He's had three trials waiting for this race, so he's ready to go.' Loading With Your Blessing, a $70,000 buy as a yearling, has won $568,205 across 29 starts, including six victories and 10 placings. Three of those wins and two placings have come when the son of Vadamos and Super Trouper was resuming. Thompson's stable will be searching for back-to-back Saturday city successes after Bundeena won first-up at Randwick last week in a 1000m benchmark 78 handicap. The five-year-old Spirit Of Boom gelding, plagued by wide draws last preparation, made the most of an inside barrier and trouble-free run to win by one and a quarter lengths. He has drawn barrier eight with Alysha Collett to steer.

Has there been a more consistent horse this Sydney winter than Storm The Ramparts?
Has there been a more consistent horse this Sydney winter than Storm The Ramparts?

The Age

time16 minutes ago

  • The Age

Has there been a more consistent horse this Sydney winter than Storm The Ramparts?

'He's been going super. What generally finishes up these winter horses is the dry tracks, and he'll get one this weekend. 'He's been on two dryish tracks and run well, but sooner or later one of them will pull him up. It's also his first start out of 78 grade, he steps up to a [benchmark] 88, but he's very consistent, and makes his own luck up in front. He'll be hard to beat again.' Storm The Ramparts is by Headwater, a stallion whose progeny are a bit like a poorly brewed beer – fizz and excitement early on, but prone to going flat quickly. Pride, however, said Storm The Ramparts had been able to improve with each preparation because of his mare, Quick's The Word. 'He's out of a really good mare, he's a half-brother to Dragonstone, which is probably what's carrying him along,' Pride said. 'He's a dream horse to own. A lot of people don't like that 'wet-tracker' term for their horses, but it doesn't bother me. If he's a wet-tracker, he's a wet-tracker.' Pride also starts Estadio Mestalla and Accredited in the feature Winter Challenge, with his pair, and favourite Robusto, the three horses that all slugged it out in a finish a couple of weeks ago in Sydney. 'I think they've got the market right, and I'll be shocked if my two or Robusto doesn't win,' Pride said. 'He's a dream horse to own ... If he's a wet-tracker, he's a wet-tracker.' Joe Pride on Storm The Ramparts 'Estadio Mestalla is racing well and will make his own luck up front again, while Accredited, the turnaround from wet tracks to dry tracks, it's massive when you look at his record. He's a different horse on top of the ground. He raced on a soft 7 last start ... he got through it, but not well. 'Saturday's track will be much firmer, and he'll love it. They're both in their grade now, and I'm happy to pick off races in their grade.' Meanwhile, Pride has a lot of time for two-year-old Reflect, the first horse he has trained for the Think Big Stud, whose white, black and yellow colours were made famous by late owner Dato Tan Chin Nam. The $310,000 Magic Millions purchase has already had one race start, but the big black filly has enormous upside, said Pride, which punters will see over time. Pride also confirmed several Godolphin horses that would be headed to his stable next month, including Caulfield Guineas winner Golden Mile, and Comedy, a two-year-old Snitzel colt that ran in the major lead-up races to the Golden Slipper. Thompson gives his Blessing Randwick trainer John Thompson won't have a runner in the feature Winter Challenge – a race he won last year with $31 shot Jojo Was A Man – but he is counting on the form and impressive fresh record of With Your Blessing to give him a winner at Rosehill on Saturday. With Your Blessing resumes in the July Sprint, an open 1100m handicap, after a 14-week spell and three sharp trials. The six-year-old raced just off the leaders before hitting the line in all three trials, winning the past two at Canterbury and Hawkesbury. The encouraging return follows an excellent summer campaign which included wins at Randwick over 1100m and 1300m in benchmark 78 and 88 respectively on good going, and a photo-finish second to Iowna Merc in the group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) at the track on March 1 in his most recent outing. Thompson believed With Your Blessing was 'a great chance' to return with a win on Saturday. 'He's won a couple of trials, and he's going really good,' Thompson said. 'He had a great prep last prep, and he is first up, and he normally goes well fresh. He's had three trials waiting for this race, so he's ready to go.' Loading With Your Blessing, a $70,000 buy as a yearling, has won $568,205 across 29 starts, including six victories and 10 placings. Three of those wins and two placings have come when the son of Vadamos and Super Trouper was resuming. Thompson's stable will be searching for back-to-back Saturday city successes after Bundeena won first-up at Randwick last week in a 1000m benchmark 78 handicap. The five-year-old Spirit Of Boom gelding, plagued by wide draws last preparation, made the most of an inside barrier and trouble-free run to win by one and a quarter lengths. He has drawn barrier eight with Alysha Collett to steer.

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