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Monday, 13 July 2026

News Digest from LGBT Great

 

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Issue 94 - Monday, 13th July 2026

“Hope grows when empathy leads and people show up for one another.”

Welcome to the News Digest — your concise briefing on the five LGBTQ+ news stories shaping conversations right now, trusted by 11,000+ readers worldwide. Before we share this week's news stories, here are 3 updates you won't want to miss.

1 – Senior Leader Sponsorship Insight
Catch up on our LGBT Great LIVE episodes from June.
Read the interviews with Guest Speakers: |

2 – The UK North Knowledge Exchange Event 
An exclusive online convening of inclusion champions exploring the future.
Friday 17th July 9-10am BST.

3 – Top 100 Gamechangers 2026 Awards
Thank you for all your recommendations which close on 30th Aug.
The list published on Tuesday Nov 10th.
 
Your 5 LGBTQ+ News Stories This Week
1. EHRC Draft Code Clears UK Parliamentary Scrutiny Stage

On the 9th of June, the 40-day parliamentary stage of the EHRC’s draft code of practice came to end. Despite more than 1 in 4 (168) MPs signing an early day motion (EDM) urging the UK government to withdraw the draft code, it is now due to pass automatically without any debate or vote in parliament. MP Nadia Whittome – who tabled the EDM at the beginning of June – has written to Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson, outlining the confusion and concern the draft code has generated amongst service providers, rights bodies and trans people, and urging her once more to withdraw the code.
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Our View: Recognising the impact on trans and non-binary communities is critical. These developments add uncertainty in an already complex area. Employers should listen to colleagues, track forthcoming guidance, review policies for clarity and inclusivity, and equip managers to respond consistently. Lead with empathy, ensuring support is visible and meaningful, while balancing legal compliance with a clear, credible commitment to an inclusive workplace. For support, contact info@lgbtgreat.com
Read More
2. Budapest Pride Sees Strong Turnout Following Political Change

Tens of thousands joined Budapest’s Pride march, marking a highly visible turnout following recent political change in Hungary. The event brought together LGBTQ+ people, allies and wider communities. The march served as both a celebration and a platform for continued calls for equality, highlighting sustained public support and engagement across the country.
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Our View: High participation highlights sustained community mobilisation despite political uncertainty. For employers, this reinforces the need for visible, consistent support in challenging markets. Prioritise local engagement with cultural awareness, ensure accessible wellbeing support, and align actions with regulatory contexts. Credible allyship depends on steady delivery against stated values.
Read More
3. US Supreme Court Upholds State Bans on Trans Athletes in School Sports

The US Supreme Court has upheld laws in two states preventing trans women and girls from competing in female school sports, overturning earlier lower court rulings. The 6–3 decision follows a broader wave of state-level legislation restricting trans participation in sport. The ruling is likely to influence similar cases and policies across other states considering comparable measures.
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Our View:The ruling deepens legal fragmentation on LGBTQ+ inclusion across US states, increasing policy complexity for employers. Organisations should monitor state-level developments, review inclusion frameworks, and ensure appropriate support for affected employees. Clear, locally compliant guidance and consistent internal communication will be critical to managing risk while maintaining credible, values-led inclusion commitments.
Read More
4. Niger’s Military Regime Target LGBTQ+ People in Widespread Crackdown

Reports indicate Niger’s military authorities have detained dozens of people 'suspected' of being LGBTQ+, with accounts describing arrests, public shaming and coerced denunciations. This reported crackdown follows the announcement of an updated penal code earlier in the year, that saw homosexuality re-criminalised, with penalties including fines and between five and 10 years of prison time.
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Our View:The situation underscores acute safety and human rights risks in certain jurisdictions. For employers, it heightens duty-of-care obligations for staff connected to high-risk markets. Organisations should assess exposure, strengthen safeguarding and mobility protocols, and ensure confidential support channels are in place. Clear escalation pathways and ongoing risk monitoring are essential to protect employees and maintain responsible operations.
Read More
5. Inquiry Exposes ‘Outing’ Blackmail Targeting LGBTQ+ International Students in Australia

In the state of Victoria, a parliamentary inquiry heard evidence that international students in Australia are being blackmailed through threats to disclose their sexuality to families or authorities in their home countries. Gay and bisexual men from countries where homosexuality is illegal have reportedly been targeted, with perpetrators using dating apps to identify victims and demand payment.
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Our View:This highlights cross-border safeguarding risks where legal protections differ. Employers and institutions must extend duty of care beyond local jurisdictions.
Strengthen confidential reporting channels, provide culturally informed support, and assess risks for international staff. Clear policies, awareness campaigns and proactive education can reduce vulnerability and reinforce organisational responsibility.
Read More
Upcoming Events
NEXUS LGBTQ+ Breakfast 16th July 2026 @ M&G
NEXUS LGBTQ+ Breakfast 16th July 2026 @ ...
Growing LGBTQ+ Influence in AI (AI x LGBTQ+ 3.0)

date

Jul 16, 2026
(08:00 - 10:00) (GMT+1)

location

M&G
London, EC3M 5AG, United Kingdom
The UK North Knowledge Exchange 2026
The UK North Knowledge Exchange 2026
An Exclusive Online VIP Convening of Inclusion Gamechangers

date

Jul 17, 2026
(09:00 - 10:00) (GMT+1)
 
Looking Ahead
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Where might your people be experiencing uncertainty outside the workplace and how clearly is your organisation showing up as a source of stability?

If you’d like to reflect on the themes in this Digest or explore how your organisation can get involved, contact us at

The next issue of the News Digest will be published on Monday 27th July 2026 
 
About LGBT Great 

LGBT Great is an award-winning global B2B platform. We bring organisations together to spark new possibilities and help LGBTQ+ people, their colleagues and communities to feel seen, valued and part of something bigger at work. Because when your people prosper, everyone thrives.

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Consortium London News: Have you heard of our London Fund?

 

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LONDON UPDATES

Dear London members,

Welcome to your newest edition of our London updates. This month you can learn more about:

  • Our LGBT+ Fund: London Fund is still open for applications for London LGBTQ+ organisations and groups. This is the LGBT+ Fund's first dedicated London fund, and we couldn't be more excited. Please read the guidance carefully to ensure that you're eligible before applying. There is one month to go before the application deadline!
     
  • Consortium is hiring! We're looking for a LGBT+ Fund Grants Lead and Trans+ Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator. Could that be you? Deadlines for both roles are within July so please apply soon. 

  • Exciting member events by Club Kali, Queer Croydon and London Frountrunners.

  • A new free community space in the heart of Deptford, ideal for those who are based in Lewisham or nearby areas. Our team has tried out the space and can confirm it has strong air-conditioning. 


This month has been very hot and we might see more heat waves yet. Please stay hydrated, keep cool and look after each other. 

Please remember that we are always looking for member updates and news to add to this newsletter, and if you want anything promoted in our newsletters please get in touch at london@consortium.lgbt.

LGBT+ Fund: London Fund
We are so pleased that our LGBT+ Fund! LGBTQ+ groups in London can apply for grants between £2-15k per year for up to 3 years. The fund focuses on outer boroughs, under-resourced communities and the grassroots. Closing date: 12th August, 12pm.

MEMBER UPDATES

 Club Kali 31st Birthday

Celebrate 31 years of Club Kali at our original home, The Dome, Tufnell Park! Join DJ Ritu, the Chutney Queens, and global guests for Bollywood/Bhangra beats, performances, and birthday cake.18th July 9:30pm-3am.


    Queer Croydon's got a big calendar of community events, please check out their Instagram to learn more and get involved. 

    London Frontrunners: LGBTQ+ Women’s 10K Training Programme

    A free 12-week coaching programme for women who want to build confidence, improve running, and train in a supportive LGBTQ+ space.1st July 20 - 19 Sept 2026. More infoFull details and registration via the link.



      OPPORTUNITIES

      London Cool Spaces 2026
      Cool spaces provide Londoners indoor shelter, shade, and respite to reduce hot weather health risks. Live from 1st Jun to 30th Sept during UKHSA’s heat-health alerting season, the map also highlights shaded outdoor areas. Note: these spaces do not replace medical care or provide specialised support for vulnerable individuals.

      SHAPES Lewisham: Free community space

      SHAPES Lewisham have opened a new free community space for creatives to meet, work, learn and collaborate in Deptford. If interested please submit your expression of interest here

      Groundwork Grassroots Grants
      Unrestricted funding of up to £2,000 to 700 small, local organisations in England that are making a positive difference in their communities. Closes in Sept.

      LGBT+ Fund: London Fund
      LGBT+ Fund: London Fund is open to LGBTQ+ groups in London. Apply for grants between £2-15k per year for up to 3 years.  Closing date: 12th August, 12pm.

      SECTOR VACANCIES

      LGBT+ Fund Grants Lead
      Full-time. 1 year initial contract. We’re looking for someone to help deliver fair, accessible and community-led grant-making that strengthens LGBT+ organisations and groups across the UK. Closing date: 23rd July. More info here

      Trans+ Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator: Full-time. 4 year contract. We're looking for someone to help strengthen the voice, resilience and collective influence of trans and non-binary led and focused organisations across the UK! Closing date: 27th July. More info here

      Reminder that you can advertise your paid and volunteer roles, as well as collaboration opportunities using our Opportunities page