Latest news with #LGBTQIA+
Daily Mirror
8 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
MAFS star Ella Morgan's mental health struggle since trans ruling
Ella Morgan was among the celebrities attending the 2025 Rainbow Honours on Friday Pride Month is in full swing, bringing with it a vibrant lineup of events that spotlight some of the most inspiring and influential figures in the LGBTQIA+ community. Among them is the 2025 Rainbow Honours, an annual celebration that recognises individuals and organisations making significant strides in promoting LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion. On Friday (June 28), Married at First Sight star Ella Morgan was honoured as Campaigner or Influencer of the Year. As a transgender woman, Ella has used her platform to advocate for trans rights, a mission that has become increasingly challenging in recent months. 'My mental health has not been the best since the ruling,' the reality TV star shares. 'I think I just really struggled with being labelled or identified as legally a man.' Back on April 16, the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 is based on biological sex, excluding transgender women. 'You know, people call me man and tranny and he all the time online, and it's just a word and it means nothing to me,' Ella says. She further shares: 'So it didn't affect me, but now, because it's legally recognised, it is painful and it's sad, and it's like I've gone through all of this stuff and I've still been penalised, and discriminated against. 'But this time, people justify their anger and their hatred with this ruling; it's like it's given some people an excuse to justify their hatred because it's a ruling made by the government.' Ella, who made history when she became the first transgender person to appear on both MAFS in 2023 and Celebs Go Dating the following year, says that she has faced 'more hate than ever' this year. She explains: 'People are like, 'yeah, but you are a man, you know, legally, you are'. 'What am I meant to say to that? And how am I meant to deal with that?' Jake Graf, notable as Britain's most prominent transgender father, echoes Ella's struggle amid the Supreme Court's ruling. Taking to the Rainbow Honours red carpet, he shares: 'I'm a trans man, married to a trans woman, and we have two daughters, three and five years old, and I fear for my wife every time she leaves the house now.' Jake's wife, Hannah, served as the highest-ranking trans officer in the British Army before she left in 2018 to start a family. The couple made history as Britain's first transgender parents. 'Every time she goes into a public toilet, my wife is scared about taking our two little daughters into the toilet or into the changing room when she takes them to their swimming lessons, and that should not be happening,' Jake continues. 'So it's severely affected our lives and our mental health.' He adds: 'I take our daughters to the toilet a lot more than my wife does anymore because she's worried about someone attacking her in front of our kids, which is terrible.' Despite the recent rise in transphobia across, Jake remains hopeful, particularly inspired by the younger generation. 'The younger generation is more and more diverse and more fluid than we ever imagined,' he says. 'There are more trans people out there than I think we ever knew, and I think once we get over this terrible blip in our history, we'll realise that more and more trans people are going to keep coming out, and it will seem less unusual, and soon, we will find that love and acceptance that we so desperately need.' 25-year-old Noah Adams, known as Noahfinnce, was nominated in the Musician category of the awards and took home a Highly Commended prize in the category. He shares: 'When I was younger, I didn't really feel pride at all. 'I felt pride in my bisexuality, but in terms of being trans, I never felt proud of that until quite recently.' The singer-songwriter and YouTuber, who regularly uses his platform to raise awareness about trans issues to his 979,000 subscribers, often shares commentary critical of figures like J.K. Rowling. Like many other attendees at the Rainbow Honours, Noah remarked that this year's Pride Month feels less like a celebration and more like a protest. This year, he would like to protest against anti-trans legislation, not just in the UK, but around the world. 'I tour the US every single year, and this year I'm not going to be able to, because my passport's going to be counted as fraudulent because it doesn't match the sex assigned at birth,' Noah explains. To become better allies to the trans community, the Asthma Attack emphasised the importance of simply asking. 'It's better to say the wrong thing and find out it's the wrong thing than tiptoe around,' Noah concludes. Ali Bromley, notable for being the first lesbian to win Big Brother UK, shares a similar perspective to Noah, stressing the importance of open dialogue and education. 'Sometimes I do make the decision to protect my peace, but then sometimes if somebody sends me a message and I think, actually, that's a good talking point, I think, why not share that and then share my response?' Ali, who was nominated for in the Rainbow Honours' Media Moment category, says. 'What I would hope to model is that maybe change and progression can come with conversation, it doesn't always have to be an argument, because I think sometimes we can get very polarised and start shouting at each other and maybe conversation is okay, and social media is a platform where we can do that.' Being a public queer figure comes with a lot of 'trolls' and online hate, RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Saki Yew Suki says. As a result Saki highlighted the importance of recognising personal progress as key forms of self-care within the queer community. They say: 'Just take a moment sometimes in your own life and just reflect and just you give yourself the chance to go, 'oh, my God, I'm doing so well with whatever I'm doing in my life'.' Jaxon Feeley, who won a highly commended award in the Rainbow Honours' Media Moment of the Year category, reveals: 'You really do have to protect yourself, especially after the Supreme Court ruling, the level of hate online has more than tripled in terms of how much hate there is. When bullies are in power, it gives bullies permission to bully, and unfortunately, that creates a hell of a lot of pain.' Charlie Craggs, a transgender activist, expressed pride in the LGBTQIA+ community for coming together to protest transphobic sentiment. 'For a long time, it's felt like the trans, we're the ones who have been seen as the extremists and we're like the ones making it protesty, but that's because our rights have been the most under fire in recent years,' she says. Strictly Come Dancing star Carlos Gu noted the importance of authentic expression, encouraging men to embrace their femininity. 'Sometimes they want you to dance more masculine, but why can't I dance femininely?' the professional dancer jokes. He adds: 'I want to embrace my femininity, femininity, just brilliant. I think a man should embrace more of their femininity inside of them, because they create more layers of artistry and allow them to really express themselves on a deeper level.' Carlos recognised the LGBTQIA+ community for teaching him to embrace his true self without fear. 'I think gay communities are so inspiring and allow ourselves to be ourselves without any obstacles, without any fear to think that somebody might come to us, I think that's the most important thing I've learned,' he says. Actor Jason Patel revealed that starring in the movie Unicorns taught him a profound understanding of exploring the duality of masculinity and femininity and embracing those different extremes. Reflecting on the significance of this year's Pride Month, Jason concluded with a powerful call to action: 'Protect the dolls', a phrase that champions the protection and trans people. The Rainbow Honours celebration was highlighted by Sister Sledge's Kathy Sledge receiving the Icon Award in recognition of her unwavering allyship to the LGBTQIA+ community, made even more memorable by her powerful performance of the timeless anthem, We Are Family. Rainbow Honours 2025 winners Icon Award Winner - Kathy Sledge Inspirational Role Model of the Year Highly Commended - Greg Turner-Smart Winner - Adelle Barker Campaigner or Influencer of the Year Highly Commended - Lady Phyll Winner - Ella Morgan Community Initiative of the Year Highly Commended - Trans+ History Week Winner - UK Black Pride Musician of the Year Highly Commended - Noahfinnce Charity of the Year Winner - LGBT Foundation Celebrity Ally of the Year Highly Commended - Dame Arlene Phillips DBE Winner - Sally Lindsay Media Moment of the Year Highly Commended - Jaxon Feeley in Hunted Winner - Suki and Eve's wedding in EastEnders Celebrity LGBTQIA+ Champion of the Year Highly Commended - Cynthia Erivo Winner - Yasmin Finney
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Tata Steel aims to have 20 pc diversity workforce by 2028
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Commemorating a decade of MOSAIC , the diversity and inclusion initiative, private steel major Tata Steel on Saturday said it aimed to have 20 per cent diversity in its workforce across the group by Tata Steel, the commitment to diversity goes beyond policy implementation. It actively seeks to redefine norms in typically male-dominated sectors, the company said in a Steel's progressive HR policies offer equal benefits for LGBTQIA+ partners, gender-neutral parental leaves, support for gender transition, and inclusive relocation and travel benefits, it MOSAIC, the company said it started in 2015 with the vision of making inclusion a lived experience across the organisation. This year, the company is marking a decade of MOSAIC alongside pride month, reinforcing its continued commitment to building a more inclusive workplace MOSAIC, which is anchored in five strategic pillars - recruitment, sensitisation, retention & development, infrastructure, and celebration, addresses the unique needs of diverse communities, including women, persons with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and affirmative action Sanyal, Chief People Officer, Tata Steel, said: "For over a century, Tata Steel has been a pioneer in people-centric HR policies, consistently evolving with the times to stay not only relevant but also purpose-driven. Our commitment has always been to foster a more equitable and inclusive workplace - one where individuals are valued for who they are and empowered to contribute meaningfully."At the heart of our approach lies a deep belief in diversity and in creating an ecosystem where everyone can thrive and bring their best, most creative selves to work. This year, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of MOSAIC - our diversity and inclusion journey that began in 2015 - we do so with even greater clarity, conviction, and commitment than when we first set out," it its launch a decade ago, MOSAIC has shaped several transformative inclusion efforts across Tata Steel. These included the Women of Mettle scholarship (2017), Women@Mines (2019), Queerious - a case study competition for LGBTQIA+ students, and the integration of transgender Heavy Earth Moving Machineries (HEMM) operators at its mines (2021).In 2023, the company introduced Ananta Quest for students with disabilities and onboarded its first batch of female firefighter trainees. Most recently, in 2024, Tata Steel operationalised India's first all-women mining shift at initiatives have helped break industry stereotypes and foster a workplace where inclusion is embedded in everyday practices-allowing every individual to thrive, contribute, and grow without barriers.
Scoop
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Scoop
UNFPA Report: Fertility Crisis Is Rooted In Denied Choices, Not Birth Rates
BANGKOK, 25 June, 2025 – The real fertility crisis gripping countries across Asia and the Pacific is not about birth rates being too high or too low – it is about people being denied the power to make choices about their own bodies, futures, and families. This is the core message of UNFPA's 2025 State of World Population report, ' The real fertility crisis: The pursuit of reproductive agency in a changing world ', launched in Asia and the Pacific at the Third Asia and the Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Bangkok, today. 'This isn't a crisis of 'too many' or 'too few' births – it's a crisis of denied choice,' said Pio Smith, UNFPA Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. 'We cannot assume that birth rates reflect people's desires when so many are held back by gender inequality, economic pressure, or lack of access to healthcare, information, and services. Fertility rates may fluctuate, but the universal right to reproductive freedom must remain constant.' The global report finds that rising economic insecurity, unaffordable housing, and unpaid care burdens are deterring people from having the number of children they want, even in countries with accessible health services. In contrast, early marriage, lack of contraceptive access, and social stigma still drive unintended pregnancies across Asia and the Pacific. UNFPA warns against both simplistic and coercive responses to population shifts, such as baby bonuses and fertility targets, noting that these measures are not only ineffective but violate human rights by denying individuals and couples the right to reproductive freedom and choice. Instead, governments are urged to focus on rights-based solutions by: Investing in affordable housing, decent jobs, and parental leave Expanding access to the full range of reproductive health services and accurate information Offering better choices for parenthood to single people and discriminated groups, including people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ individuals Tackling restrictive workplace norms and gender stereotypes Gender inequality also remains a persistent barrier to reproductive autonomy. Women are often pushed out of the workforce due to caregiving responsibilities, while men face stigma for taking on active parenting roles. A tailored mix of economic, social, and political measures is needed across countries to help people start or grow the families they want. As countries across Asia and the Pacific navigate complex demographic shifts, UNFPA stands ready to support with evidence, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to realizing rights and choices for all.
Sydney Morning Herald
13 hours ago
- General
- Sydney Morning Herald
Heritage NSW rejects application to register nude beach
A NSW gay beach's application for state heritage status has been knocked back, as a community battle over the site causes a splash on the NSW North Coast. Community members are vowing not to give up the fight to recognise Kings Beach, south of Byron Bay, for its cultural significance for the LGBTQ community, after their proposal was formally rejected. The beach has been a clothing-optional meeting place for gay men since the 1980s. Community members had hoped a heritage listing would 'recognise and celebrate' its sandy shores as part of the cultural and heritage significance of Australia's queer community. Their proposal comes amid a separate battle with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service over a new plan of management for the site, which included erecting signs and publishing online material stating that nudity on the beach is not allowed, sparking resistance from some beach users and claims of homophobia. A Heritage NSW spokesman said the NSW Heritage Council, the independent statutory body responsible for reviewing nominations, determined the beach did 'not meet the threshold' for a listing. Kings Beach user Rohan Anderson, who lodged the heritage application, said he had not been given reasons for the rejection. Anderson met his husband, Jonathon Lee, at the beach. 'This is the best gay beach in the world and NSW Heritage should be proud of it. It's hosted everything from AIDS vigils to funerals and the scattering of ashes and has huge significance for the community,' he said. The heritage nomination described Kings Beach as a 'rare and valuable cultural site for the LGBTQIA+ community in regional Australia, serving as a public space of safety, identity, and celebration over several decades'.
The Age
13 hours ago
- General
- The Age
Heritage NSW rejects application to register nude beach
A NSW gay beach's application for state heritage status has been knocked back, as a community battle over the site causes a splash on the NSW North Coast. Community members are vowing not to give up the fight to recognise Kings Beach, south of Byron Bay, for its cultural significance for the LGBTQ community, after their proposal was formally rejected. The beach has been a clothing-optional meeting place for gay men since the 1980s. Community members had hoped a heritage listing would 'recognise and celebrate' its sandy shores as part of the cultural and heritage significance of Australia's queer community. Their proposal comes amid a separate battle with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service over a new plan of management for the site, which included erecting signs and publishing online material stating that nudity on the beach is not allowed, sparking resistance from some beach users and claims of homophobia. A Heritage NSW spokesman said the NSW Heritage Council, the independent statutory body responsible for reviewing nominations, determined the beach did 'not meet the threshold' for a listing. Kings Beach user Rohan Anderson, who lodged the heritage application, said he had not been given reasons for the rejection. Anderson met his husband, Jonathon Lee, at the beach. 'This is the best gay beach in the world and NSW Heritage should be proud of it. It's hosted everything from AIDS vigils to funerals and the scattering of ashes and has huge significance for the community,' he said. The heritage nomination described Kings Beach as a 'rare and valuable cultural site for the LGBTQIA+ community in regional Australia, serving as a public space of safety, identity, and celebration over several decades'.
