Australia's first women's sports bar shut its doors, activists in Canada condemned a bus ad that opposed trans care, and four men were sentenced over the homophobic murder of a man in Spain.
Australia’s First Women’s Sports Bar Closes Down
Australia’s pioneering women’s sports bar, The Ladies League, announced its closure on Jan. 1. Located in Sydney’s Darlinghurst, the venue opened in August 2024, serving as a safe space for LGBTQ patrons, particularly queer women.
“As a women’s sports bar, we excelled,” owner Rose Valente shared via Instagram. However, economic challenges outside live games proved insurmountable.
According to Pink News, the bar struggled amid rising business failures, which peaked at 5.04% in late 2024, per CreditorWatch. Valente expressed gratitude to supporters and encouraged others to pursue similar ventures.
“Women’s sports visibility deserves spaces like this,” Valente said. “We hope someone continues this vision.”
Activists Condemn Bus Ad Opposing Trans Care
Photo by Foreign and Commonwealth Office, via Wikimedia Commons.
An ad appearing on London, Ontario, buses has sparked outrage among trans activists. Sponsored by the Association for Reformed Political Action (ARPA), the ad reads, “Put the brakes on medical transitions for minors,” and directs viewers to a website opposing youth transitions.
“It’s absolutely appalling,” said Elliot Duvall, a transgender man in London. “Every person, whether they’re a minor or not, should have health-care rights.”
According to Pink News, The London Transit Commission (LTC) stated it cannot remove the ad as it adheres to its policy, though chair Stephanie Marentette emphasized it does “not reflect the views” of LTC.
“Unfortunately we don’t have the ability to arbitrate what types of ads go on the side of our buses,” said Marentette.
Four Men Jailed Over Brutal Homophobic Murder in Spain
Photo by Fernando Losada Rodríguez, via Wikimedia Commons.
Four men were sentenced for the brutal 2021 murder of Samuel Luiz, a 24-year-old nursing assistant in A Coruña, Spain. Luiz was attacked after two passersby wrongly accused him of filming them during a video call outside a nightclub. Despite explaining, Luiz was beaten by one man, who returned minutes later with others to continue the attack, leaving Luiz unconscious. He later died in hospital.
In November 2024, a jury convicted the four men. Three were sentenced to 20 to 24 years, while a fourth received 10 years as an accomplice. Judge Elena Pastor Novo condemned the attackers’ cruelty, citing their homophobic motivation and Luiz’s 30+ injuries.
According to The Guardian, the killing sparked outrage, with protests across Spain demanding justice. Signs reading “Your homophobia is killing us” were displayed at demonstrations. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the act “savage and merciless,” vowing Spain would not tolerate such hatred.
The court also ordered the attackers to pay €303,000 ($310,175.04) in compensation to Luiz’s family, who endured “significant psychological suffering.” While the sentences can be appealed, activists hope the case will raise awareness and lead to stronger protections for the LGBTQ community in Spain.
