A lawmaker urges China to overturn rulings that recognize same-sex unions, Moscow raids LGBTQ nightclubs under a propaganda law, and a queer movie is set to premiere in Sydney.
Lawmaker Urges China to Overturn Pro-LGBTQ Rulings
A Hong Kong lawmaker is urging the city to ignore a Court of Final Appeal ruling that mandates recognition of same-sex unions and is appealing to Beijing to intervene.
According to the Washington Blade, lawmaker Junius Ho claims the rulings, which include equal access to public housing and inheritance for same-sex couples, have “permanent, serious consequences.” Speaking at a forum hosted by his group, he criticized the court for prioritizing “diversity, inclusiveness, and equality” over constitutional principles.
“What equal rights? Universal values cannot override the constitution,” Ho stated.
The court gave Hong Kong until 2026 to create a legal framework for same-sex unions, but activists highlight stalled progress and rising risks for LGBTQ organizations amid broader crackdowns on freedoms.
Moscow Raids LGBTQ Clubs Under Propaganda Law
Photo via hrw.org.
Police in Moscow raided three LGBTQ nightclubs — Arma, Inferno, and Mono — citing Russia’s anti-LGBTQ propaganda law. Club goers were detained, with seven individuals later found guilty of “petty hooliganism” and accused of “obvious disrespect for society.”
According to Pink News, social media clips showed police in riot gear ordering patrons to sit with hands behind their heads. At Mono, some were reportedly handed military draft notices. Additionally, a travel agency director for gay men was arrested for organizing LGBTQ-focused tours.
“These citizens committed an administrative offense, which was expressed in obvious disrespect for society,” the Lefortovo District Court stated.
The raids highlight an intensifying crackdown on LGBTQ identities, including bans on queer content and legislation targeting same-sex marriages and gender-affirming care.
‘Queer’ Set for Stunning Sydney Outdoor Premiere
Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey in "Queer." Courtesy of A24.
Luca Guadagnino’s latest film, “Queer,” will debut in Australia at a breathtaking outdoor screening on January 19, 2025. Adapted from William S. Burroughs’ semi-autobiographical novel, the film stars Daniel Craig as William Lee, a troubled addict who flees to Mexico after a drug bust.
In Mexico, William seeks solace through fleeting encounters with men until he becomes infatuated with Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a younger, sexually ambiguous former Navy serviceman. Despite Eugene’s lack of interest, the two embark on a sexually charged journey into the South American jungle in search of a telepathy-inducing psychedelic.
According to Pink News, the screening will take place at Sydney’s iconic Mrs. Macquaries Point, offering views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Part of the Westpac OpenAir cinema series, the film will be projected on a towering hydraulically raised screen.
“This isn’t just a film,” said a Westpac OpenAir spokesperson. “It’s an immersive experience — perfect for Guadagnino’s evocative storytelling.”
Australian audiences will soon have the chance to revel in the steamy, visceral romance from the “Call Me By Your Name” and “Challengers” director, with the outdoor setting enhancing the film’s atmospheric allure.
