The Meeniyan Marty Gras drew crowds to South Gippsland for its drag and rainbow-themed events under the theme Rainbow Country. The main night at the Meeniyan Town Hall was briefly disrupted by a hailstorm and a power cut, but a live band kept the party going. The festival raises funds for Opportunities of Development thru Art in Cambodia and the Gippsland Pride Initiative. Organisers say the event has grown since it began in 2018 and that close to 180 guests attended this year's main event.
Independent Sydney MP Alex Greenwich has been nominated for a 2026 Global Trailblazer Award. The award, given by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, honours LGBTQ+ leaders outside the United States. Greenwich is recognised for leading Australia's marriage equality campaign and passing the Equality Bill in NSW Parliament. He has also passed more legislation than any other non-government member in the history of the NSW Legislative Assembly. Public voting closes on 30 October, 2026.
Christina Aguilera made a surprise appearance at the opening night of Chappell Roan's fundraiser concert, The Super Graphic Spectacular. Roan introduced Aguilera on stage, calling her a legend. The pair then performed Coffee, a song from Roan's debut album. Aguilera also sang her 2002 hit Beautiful. The concerts raise money for The Midwest Princess Project, which supports trans youth and LGBTQ+ communities. The Shrine Auditorium hosted the first night of the event.
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Pastor Derek Reimer has been found guilty of criminal mischief and causing a disturbance after protesting Drag Story hours at Calgary libraries. The prosecution is seeking two years of additional probation and social media restrictions. Reimer has faced multiple trials and 111 days in jail over the past four years. He plans to appeal the decision, with supporters raising funds for his legal defence.
Tex McKenzie has held the gavel for the last time at Northside Bizarre, the LGBTQ+ fundraiser run by Thorne Harbour Health. He said it was time to hand the role to someone younger who can take the event in new directions. Northside Bizarre began in 2011 to raise money for the David Williams Fund, which helps people living with HIV build stability and financial resilience. Money is raised through auctions of items donated by local businesses and queer makers. Co-producer Cal Hawk, who has worked alongside Tex for years, said he has big shoes to fill.
A Human Rights Watch investigation has documented mass arrests, forced HIV testing and growing fear among LGBTQ+ people in Senegal. Human Rights Watch said detainees were tested for HIV without informed consent, and some results were used to pursue criminal charges. Lawyers reported difficulty defending people accused of same-sex conduct. The International Olympic Committee says it is working with Senegalese authorities to uphold the Olympic Charter, but it has no power to change the country's laws.
Hacks actor Mark Indelicato married David Watson in a ceremony officiated by Jean Smart, who played Deborah on the series. Several Hacks cast members celebrated the day. Johnny Sibilly shared moments from the wedding on Instagram. Smart pronounced the couple husband and husband, drawing laughter from guests. Indelicato said he met Watson on Hinge and that he was not looking for anything at the time.
Chappell Roan has announced the lineup for The Super Graphic Spectacular, a two-night fundraiser concert for trans youth and LGBTQ+ communities. Lola Young, Tinashe, Amanda Lepore and others will perform on the Friday, while Caroline Polachek, Muna and others will appear on the Saturday. Roan will headline both nights on October 21 and 22 at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium. A block party outside the venue will also be held before the concerts. Funds raised will go to The Midwest Princess Project, which Roan launched last year to support trans youth.
Michael Kearns, one of Hollywood's first openly gay performers, has died at age 76. He died on Monday, October 5, six days before he was due to return to Los Angeles' Celebration Theatre for a special performance. No cause of death has been announced. Kearns publicly revealed he was HIV positive in 1991, saying people with HIV should not feel ashamed. He was best known for theatre work that challenged homophobia and censorship. He is survived by his adopted daughter, Tia Katherine.
Dykes on Bikes Sydney, PlanetDwellers and Bernie's Bar Newcastle are among the recipients of the 2026 Honour Awards, presented by ACON. The ceremony was held on Thursday at Paddington Town Hall in Sydney and hosted by Reuben Kaye. The awards recognise people and organisations working to improve life for LGBTQ+ communities across NSW, and have been held since 2007. Katie Green, William Weller, The Gender Centre and HIV/AIDS Legal Centre were also among the honourees. ACON chief executive Michael Woodhouse said the event celebrated those who show up for the community every day.
Will Skarpona debuts his first solo cabaret, 'Big Diva Energy,' at the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda from October 14-17. The production, directed by Maude Davey and musically directed by James Frampton, blends iconic pop hits with a narrative of self-discovery and resilience. Skarpona, a 21-year-old performer from Wollongong, explores themes of authenticity and nonconformity through a mix of camp and sincerity. The 50-minute show features songs by Madonna, Tina Turner, and Chappell Roan, among others. Tickets are available for $24.50 through the Melbourne Fringe website.
The Australian government will issue a formal apology to LGBTQ+ Defence personnel and veterans for historical discriminatory policies. The apology follows a long journey of official acknowledgement, with the ADF banning LGBTQ+ personnel until 1992 and transgender service until 2010. Veterans can now apply to have historical homosexual convictions removed from their service records, with the apology expected later this year.
Thorne Harbour Health's Northside Bizarre returns to The Laird on Saturday, October 10, transforming Henry Street and the Masonic Hall into a vibrant LGBTQ+ hub. The event features performances, a bake-off, market stalls, and auctions, with proceeds supporting HIV services. Highlights include kink shows, a leather and fetish market, and a dedicated space for FLINTA community members. The festivities run from noon to 7pm, with various activities scheduled throughout the day. Attendees can also purchase limited-edition leather fans through a bingo game.
