Rainbow Briefing

Two Brisbane drag performers win their vilification appeal against Family First’s Lyle Shelton. Plus: queer wins and representation gaps at the Oscars, Darwin’s Throb Nightclub building demolished, Melbourne’s Heated Rivalry look-alike comp, and SA Pride Awards voting opens. Your daily LGBTQIA+ news.

The 48th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras kicks off with ECSTATICA. Plus: Sophie Hyde’s queer family story heads to Australian Story, Team Rainbow dominates at the Winter Olympics, James Van Der Beek remembered as an LGBTQIA+ ally, Marina Summers comes out as a trans woman, and queer events around the country this weekend. Your daily LGBTQIA+ news.

A new national program will give LGBTQIA+ refugees dedicated support to seek resettlement in Australia for the first time. Plus: new research shows gender-affirming care could save Medicare $42 million, the Trump administration removes the Pride flag from Stonewall, Kristen Stewart on being told to stay closeted, Ralf Schumacher confirms wedding, and TasPride’s Hobart Pride Parade is this Sa...

A landmark study finds no physical advantage for trans women in sport — the most comprehensive analysis yet. Plus: the Mardi Gras Film Festival opens tomorrow, Steven Oliver and Shanny T-Bone join the Sporties Hall of Fame, Olivia Colman reflects on gender, and Broome Mardi Gras kicks off next week. Your daily LGBTQIA+ news.

Queer storytelling shines at Australia’s top screen awards. Plus: Bad Bunny turns the Super Bowl into an act of queer resistance, Chappell Roan shuts down a shoey for something better, Robyn announces her biggest Australian shows, and a landmark national survey for LGBTQIA+ families. Your daily LGBTQIA+ news.

Headlines: Victoria’s intersex bill passes the Lower House unanimously, NSW Government rejects Liberal call to defund Mardi Gras, Victoria backs pride events statewide, Pedro Pascal and Danny Ramirez are playing lovers in Todd Haynes’ De Noche, and weekend pride events across Tasmania and Victoria. Your daily LGBTQIA+ news for Australia.

Headlines: $200k for HIV community work across Australia, the Northern Territory launches its first queer legal service, Pride in Sport nominations close Monday, Bridgerton’s showrunner responds to the bi backlash, Bears Week NZ, and Loving opens at Qtopia. Your daily LGBTQIA+ news podcast for Australia.

The Sydney Mardi Gras Party won’t go ahead this year. Plus: blood donation rules change from April, Josie Scott comes out at 63, record LGBTQIA+ representation at the Winter Olympics, and a queer art show opens on the Central Coast. Your daily LGBTQIA+ news podcast.

Today’s Rainbow Briefing: Tasmania secures a historic win years in the making. Plus: Queer artists shine at the Grammys (and Cher makes a chaotic return), South Australia honours a beloved community leader, an Australian film about lesbians in space lands on Netflix, and Nintendo finally keeps a promise. Your daily LGBTQIA+ news podcast for Australia.

13,500 march at Midsumma Pride. Plus: Council of Europe bans conversion practices, tributes pour in for Catherine O’Hara, Sydney crowns Heated Rivalry lookalikes, and TasPride launches.

Former PM, Malcolm Turnbull says Australia must face the shifted global reality under Trump. What does that reality look like for LGBTQIA+ Australians? Plus: Mr VicBears crowned, Super Bowl’s queer moment, Bridgerton S4 premiere tomorrow, and Queer Screen’s film festival programme. Rainbow Briefing | Wednesday 28 Jan 2026 | Your Daily LGBTQIA+ News for Australia

Three LGBTQIA+ advocates recognised in Australia Day Honours — including a domestic violence survivor who built a global movement. Plus: retired basketballer AJ Ogilvy comes out, Heated Rivalry stars carry the Olympic torch, and the Oscars face criticism for queer erasure. Rainbow Briefing | Tuesday 27 Jan 2026 | Your Daily LGBTQIA+ News Podcast for Australia

The federal antisemitism bill looks set to fail — the Greens won’t support it without protections for LGBTQIA+ people. Plus: Tasmania farewells a trans trailblazer, Pride Cup returns tomorrow, and Heated Rivalry takes over the world. Rainbow Briefing | Friday 16 Jan 2026 | Your Daily LGBTQIA+ News for Australia

New hate speech laws leave LGBTQIA+ Australians out — and submissions close today. Plus: twice-yearly HIV prevention registered, and Australian Open history made. Rainbow Briefing | Thursday 15 Jan 2026 | Your Daily LGBTQIA+ News for Australia.

Josh Cavallo, the A-League’s first openly gay player says his club failed him. Plus: QTrans demands answers on QLD’s trans healthcare ban, and Midsumma 2026 kicks off. Rainbow Briefing | Tuesday 13 Jan 2026 | Your Daily LGBTQIA+ News for Australia