Queer solidarity with Gaza only makes sense if it is rooted in one idea: human rights do not have to be earned by having perfect politics. That does not mean gay people must ignore anti-LGBTQ laws, excuse religious extremism, or pretend they would be safe in Gaza. It means many queer activists separate the rights of civilians from the actions of governments, armed groups, and conservative social systems. That distinction is easy to state and hard to live with. For an openly g

A blanket ban on social media for under-16s may sound like protection, but for many LGBTQ young people it could cut off one of the few safe routes to support, language, and belonging. The UK’s push to make the internet safer for children comes from a real concern. Young people can face bullying, harmful content, grooming, addiction-style app design, and pressure that adults barely understand themselves. None of that should be brushed aside. But a ban is a blunt tool. It treat

When I think back to my teenage years, one person stands out more than anyone else: Ben. I don’t remember exactly how we met, but I do remember the feeling of wanting to be around him all the time. Ben was unlike anyone else I knew. He was rough around the edges, a bit of a troublemaker, but to me, he was the gentlest person I ever met. Who Was Ben? Ben was what some might call a chav or a yob. He had that rebellious streak that got him kicked out of school, and he wasn’t afr