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If this week felt like a lot, you’re not wrong – it is ✨le tiring✨
The pile-on against gay dads and surrogacy didn’t just appear out of nowhere – the people that hate our community has picked their next target, and are following a very familiar playbook. At the same time, a NSW inquiry has confirmed what our community has been saying for years: right-wing extremism is active, organised, and it’s targeting us.
We’re also watching how quickly these campaigns spread, with UK doctor Beth Upton still being harassed by anti-trans nutjobs after moving to Australia – because for some, the facts were never the point. And in the AFL, queer fans are speaking out on why they refuse to let the homophobes push them out of the game they love.
Look, it's all exhausting and infuriating – I know, and feel it too. But it's better for us to be aware so our community knows to show up, and feels empowered to fight back.
So: *Shania Twain intro* Let's go girls!
TOP STORY
In the last week, there have been several viral videos circulating around social media targeting gay dads with surrogate children.
It’s not a coincidence – while same-sex surrogacy, adoption and the existence of rainbow families in general have always been in the crosshairs, the sudden surge in attention comes from a coordinated strategy.
This is all simply following the playbooks of conservative campaigns like Project 2025 which clearly states objectives of undermining LGBTQ+ parenting rights, prioritising heterosexual families, and an opposition to assisted reproduction including surrogacy in general.
by Patrick Lenton
LGBTQIA+ organisations are calling for urgent action after a major New South Wales parliamentary inquiry confirmed what many in the community have already known for a long, long time – that right-wing extremism is active, organised, and increasingly targeting and harming queer people.
by Chloe Sargeant
Dr Beth Upton, a UK doctor involved in a high-profile case in a Scottish employment tribunal has began working in Australia after all claims made against her were dismissed, with details of her move and employment details published sensationally by media in Australia.
She has been cleared of any alleged wrongdoing in both Australia and the UK, but this has not stopped anti trans activists from renewing a harassment campaign.
by Patrick Lenton
There's never a dull moment at Newtown Hotel: pub trivia, bingo, piano sing-a-longs or sassy drag shows.
Homophobia has once again dominated the headlines around the AFL, this time with an ongoing saga centred around St Kilda player Lance Collard and the use of homophobic slurs on the field.
Star Observer reached out to AFL superfans in the LGBTQIA+ acronym about how this has affected them, and if it changes their relationship to the game they love.
by Patrick Lenton
