Meta ha actualizado sus políticas de moderación, permitiendo a los usuarios acusar a otros de “enfermos mentales” basándose en la identidad de género u orientación sexual.

Aunque las nuevas directrices siguen prohibiendo comentarios ofensivos sobre la inteligencia o la salud mental de las personas, ahora hacen excepciones para las acusaciones dirigidas a personas LGTBIQ+.

A partir de ahora, los usuarios de Instagram, Facebook o Threads podrán referirse a las personas gays o trans como “enfermos mentales”, “inmorales”, “anormales” o incluso afirmar que no son hombres o mujeres “reales”. Las nuevas normas también permiten negar su existencia, asociándola con trastornos que supuestamente pueden ser tratados con terapias de conversión.

“Sí permitimos las acusaciones de enfermedad mental o anormalidad cuando se basan en el género o la orientación sexual, dado el discurso político y religioso sobre transexualidad y homosexualidad”, afirman las directrices, que también tolera “el uso habitual no grave” de palabras como “raro”.

Este cambio forma parte de una revisión más amplia de las políticas de discurso en línea de Meta. El martes, el CEO Mark Zuckerberg anunció que la compañía pondría fin a su programa de verificación de hechos, reemplazándolo por un sistema comunitario similar a las “Notas Comunitarias” de X.

Meta también revisó sus políticas sobre discurso de odio, eliminando reglas que prohibían los insultos basados en raza, etnia, orientación sexual, identidad de género y otras características protegidas. Además, eliminó la prohibición de referirse a personas trans o no binarias como “it” (eso).

GLAAD (La Alianza de Gays y Lesbianas contra la difamación), un grupo defensor de los medios LGTBIQ+, condenó estos cambios, advirtiendo que podrían fomentar la violencia dirigida a grupos marginados.

“Meta está normalizando el odio anti-LGBTQ por lucro, socavando tanto la seguridad de sus usuarios como la verdadera esencia de la libertad de expresión”, dijo la CEO de GLAAD, Sarah Kate Ellis.

En una entrevista para el portal El Diario.es, David Armenteros, presidente de la Federación Española LGTBI+, afirmó que las nuevas directrices de Meta “no tienen ni pies ni cabeza”. Y añadió: “Sabemos el impacto brutal que puede tener la invisibilización del colectivo. Que ahora permitan que, por razones de creencias religiosas o políticas, se pueda negar tu realidad es remar en la dirección equivocada. Estamos viendo cómo aumentan los ataques de odio, nos los encontramos cada vez más en las aulas. Este tipo de mensajes llegan cada vez más a los alumnos y eso tiene consecuencias en el día a día”.

The post Las nuevas directrices de Meta (Instagram, Facebook, Threads) permiten calificar a las personas LGTBIQ+ “enfermos mentales” appeared first on GAY TIMES.

First up in our editorial collaboration with Versus, Jake ‘Snake’ Denton reflects on the lasting impact of homophobic chants, football heteronormativity and his “love affair” with the sport.

WORDS BY SNAKE DENTON
IN COLLABORATION WITH VERSUS
HEADER DESIGN BY JACK ROWE

TW – Mentions of suicide and depression.

“Dad, what’s a rent boy?” It was a question that my father probably didn’t know how to answer. Not that he had strong opinions about young male prostitutes, one way or another. There were just some things you’d rather not explain to your eight-year-old son (especially when you’re 1-0 down against Southampton). 

“Dad,” I asked again. “Did you hear me?” It was 2004. My first year as a ‘real’ Chelsea fan, who was allowed to stay up past his bedtime to watch the Champions League, wear his replica shirt to bed, and name the family goldfish, ‘Zola’.

Stamford Bridge seemed like the most exciting place in the world. In the first weeks of the season, I’d seen grown men hug and kiss, been twirled around in the air by complete strangers, and learned naughty new words and phrases like “wanker” and “fucking-bald-tosspot-REF”. But I’d never heard the words “rent boy” before. 

The chant started a couple of moments after Southampton’s forward volleyed the ball into the roof of our net; first as a smattering of jeers from the away end, then as a wall of noise – like the roar of a crashing tidal wave. “Chelsea-rent-boys! Chelsea-rent-boys!” 

I didn’t know what the chant meant, but even then, I could tell it had a strange power because the sixteen-stone bloke, who sat in front of us, was looking at the floor and grinning. The chant was an accusation, and it was directed at us. “Chelsea-rent-boys! Chelsea-rent-boys!” 

Over the years, hearing that song became as normal as getting a burger with fried onions, or watching John Terry clatter a striker on the edge of the box. 

My dad eventually explained the chant’s alleged meaning and origin. Depending on who you ask, the song originates from a tabloid story about a Chelsea hooligan who was caught in bed with another man, or, from the area’s reputation as a gay hotspot in the 1960s and 70s. 

His explanation still didn’t make much sense to me. All I knew was that I didn’t want to be gay, and I definitely didn’t want to be a gay prostitute (in case these things were ever used against me by a chorus of sweary men).

Now, let me shock you: I didn’t come out until later in life. Like a lot of queer people, I had to confront a lot of difficult feelings and internalised homophobia before I felt ready. I’m glad to say that, these days, I’m more comfortable with my sexual identity, but it took a lot of time – and a lot of therapy – to get to where I am now. 

When I think back to my early years – going to The Bridge on a Saturday and playing for my local club on a Sunday – I can’t help but wonder if my love affair with football, and particularly my love affair with Chelsea FC, drove me deeper into the closet. Maybe things would have been easier if I fell in love with tennis or golf, or if my dad had taken me to one of those tinpot football clubs in North London. Maybe then, I wouldn’t have waited as long to start being myself. 

Growing up, I was never one of those kids who always knew they were different. I didn’t like to think of myself as different. After all, I loved football, and what could be more “normal” for an 8-year-old boy than that? For me, it was more than just my favourite sport. It was a way of blending in, avoiding the bully boys, and being accepted (in the eyes of the lads brigade, if you’re decent with the ball at your feet, then you’re alright). 

So, thanks to my left peg, I was able to pass as straight which is a privilege that not all queer kids have, but it does come with its own set of complications. Football was a brilliant disguise, and by the time I reached adolescence, I had started to fool myself.

As a teenager, I perfected my performance as a straight, ahem, football lad: I started hitting the gym; I got my haircut like David Beckham; I even put up a racy poster of Cara Delevingne above my bed. In hindsight, these were three of the gayest things I possibly could have done. Most damaging of all, I dated girls obsessively. Jumping from one dysfunctional relationship to the next, never really grasping (or not wanting to grasp) why I found the sex so confusing and unfulfilling. 

I feel sad that I put myself through that for so long and that I didn’t have the courage or self-knowledge to be myself. But I was only doing what I thought “someone like me” was supposed to be doing. After all, beers and boobs were all anyone talked about in the dressing room. And it probably didn’t help that I was going to watch Chelsea, of all clubs, on the weekend.

In case you don’t know much about the fan cultures of different Premier League teams, my Blues have a chequered past. The National Front used to recruit outside of our stadium in the 70s and 80s, and despite the best efforts of the club hierarchy, our match-going fans still aren’t exactly known for their tolerance and acceptance.  Just last season, Stuart Mathews, the chair of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ fan group Proud Seagulls told The Independent Newspaper that the homophobic abuse he received in the fixture versus Chelsea was “the worst I’ve heard from any club”.

You might wonder: why would any straight-thinking gay boy want to support a club like that? Following a football team is a bit like joining the Mafia – once you’re in, you’re in for life. I should also say that, thankfully, I’ve never been the target of any homophobic abuse at Stamford Bridge (again, straight-passing), but that’s not to say that I don’t hear the same offensive crap at every match. 

Let me tell you some of my favourite micro-aggressions that I hear at football grounds. If a player has the temerity to wear gloves in the winter that makes him a “fanny” or “fairy”, and if (God forbid) one of the strikers does a fun little dance after scoring a goal he should “stop mincing about!!”. 

And yes, whenever I go to Chelsea, I still hear the ‘rent-boy’ chant. Sometimes it feels like the away end have been hired to do a private rendition, and are pointing and singing, specifically at me. But then I remember I’m just one boy in a sea of thousands and thousands of blue shirts. 

Some fans tell me they’re surprised that there’s not a single ‘out’ footballer in the Premier League in 2024, but I’m not surprised at all. Men’s football is a hostile and unsafe environment – not just for LGBTQIA+ people – but for anyone who doesn’t conform to a prescribed set of gender norms.

You’d have to be exceptionally brave or mad (or both) to stick your head above the parapet – as Justin Fashanu (the UK’s first and only top-flight men’s footballer to declare his homosexuality) did on 22 October 1990. The tragedy of Fashanu’s career after coming out – the tabloid monstering, the abuse from fans, his tumble down the divisions and escape to America – and eventual death by suicide in 1998, casts a long shadow over the men’s game.

I don’t want to end this story on a depressing note. I really do believe in the day when husbands and boyfriends (HABs) become tabloid sensations and England’s captain is a lionhearted twink. That day can’t come soon enough. I know I would have found my own sexuality so much easier to navigate if I had grown up with a queer footballing idol in men’s football.

After all this strife and confusion, you might expect me to say that, since coming out, I’ve turned my back on this stupid, homophobic kicky-ball thing and finally taken up tennis or golf. But just like with Chelsea, I’m in it for life. And the really good news is that I’ve found a community of queer people who are as mad about the beautiful game as I am. 

Next season I’ll be lining up for Stonewall FC, the UK’s top-rated LGBTQIA+ football club. And while I’ll probably never fulfil my childhood dream of playing for Chelsea, maybe, one day soon, I’ll get to see one of the boys in blue come out – something I could never have envisioned as an eight-year-old in the stands with my dad all those years ago. 

You can read Jake’s article on Chelsea FC at Versus here. 

Jake ‘Snake’ Denton is a journalist and presenter working in the worlds of fashion and culture. If he isn’t roaming around the streets of London with a mic in his hand, he’s watching his beloved Chelsea.

The post “I’m in it for life”: How being gay shaped my relationship with Chelsea appeared first on GAY TIMES.

A year on from the passing of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, journalist Desmond Vincent reflects on the UK’s role in promoting homophobia and transphobia internationally.

WORDS BY DESMOND VINCENT
HEADER DESIGN YOSEF PHELAN

Queer media representation is down while transphobic legislation and scaremongering are on the up – across the west, recent years have seen a regression in terms of queer and trans equality. In times like these, it’s important to look to history in an effort to understand the political and cultural history of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

But while the queer histories of American and British activists are frequently discussed, it’s worth exploring a different kind of queer history: the role of the UK in shaping homophobia across the globe. It’s particularly important to examine the roots of the popular, but inaccurate, idea that homosexuality in African countries is a western import while homophobia is inherently African. 

This idea runs so deep that even in modern times Black and Brown people are considered the face of homophobia while African countries are pictured as the birthplaces of homophobia and as countries which need to be saved from their own bigotry. It is this thinking that, in 2011, gave rise to former British Prime Minister David Cameron telling Commonwealth leaders that UK foreign aid should become conditional on whether or not countries decriminalise homosexuality. 

To this day, despite its shaky stance on trans rights, the UK is positioned internationally as a leader in LGBTQIA+ culture and a beacon of hope that should be emulated. But how deserved is this, really? Not really, especially when you zoom out and consider the country’s long history of exporting homophobia globally and to the African continent in particular. 

In 2019, Botswana overturned colonial-era laws which criminalised homosexuality. During the ruling, Judge Michael Leburu declared that “the anti-sodomy laws are a British import” and were developed “without the consultation of local peoples”. A similar story occurred a year before in India, when Justice Indu Malhotra, stated that “history owes LGBT people an apology.” It was then that she, alongside four other judges of the Indian Supreme Court, declared that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was unconstitutional. 

Many of Britain’s former colonies still possess laws with harsh penalties for “sodomy” which can be traced back to UK rule. Trinidad and Tobago, for example, has one of the harshest penalties in the Caribbean, with a maximum of 25 years in prison. And of the 69 countries where homosexuality is still criminalised today, 36 of them are former UK colonies.

As Ugandan feminist activist, human rights lawyer, and writer Ophelia Kemigisha tells GAY TIMES, it’s worth considering this colonial context and how it ties to anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation in countries like Uganda today. “Although Uganda is currently known for its anti-gay stance, traditional societies were not as intolerant of non-heteronormative expressions of sexuality and gender,’’ Kemigisha explains. “President Museveni has also been quoted multiple times saying homosexuals always existed in society but were not given public platforms.”

Although Uganda is currently known for its anti-gay stance, traditional societies were not as intolerant of non-heteronormative expressions of sexuality and gender

Research and academic work points to thriving queer identities and the existence of multiple genders in pre-colonial societies around the world. However, as part of their colonising mission, westerners sought to demonise and control the diverse cultures they did not and refused to understand. From Africa to Asia to Native American lands, the story remains the same: westerners came in and decided there could only be two genders and only one form of accepted sexuality. To enforce their way of life, they criminalised the alternatives and wiped out all reminders of queer history. 

The best way to fully frame and understand the reality of queer people globally is to continuously dig into their histories by reading independent research, sharing resources and speaking to people in these regions to understand their realities better. We must not forget that queerphobia – not queer acceptance – is a western invention. 

The post Why anti-LGBTQ legislation in Africa is a western problem appeared first on GAY TIMES.

A court has ruled that an attack on Drag Race UK star The Vivienne was motivated by homophobia. 

Content warning: This story includes topics that could make some readers feel uncomfortable and/or upset.

Back in June, the All Stars 7 talent revealed on Twitter that a stranger physically assaulted her.

“Just been attacked in McDonald’s, Police on way. Homophobia alive and well folks,” she wrote. “First time I’ve never retaliated in a fight because I’m not gonna punch somebody in front of kids and women. #pieceofshit.”

A few hours after the attack, The Vivienne returned to social media to reveal that police had captured the homophobic assailant.

“He’s been arrested and in custody. Result, it’s so important that, as a community, we report and take action on hate crimes. Otherwise, it continues to happen. Time to set an example!”

In September, the perpetrator of the attack – whose real name is Alan Whitfield – pleaded guilty to the assault but denied the prosecution’s claims that it was fuelled by “homophobic hatred” – instead claiming that the attack took place after The Vivienne mocked Whitfield’s facial scars.

On 1 December, the Liverpool Magistrates Court held a hearing to review the facts of the case, including CCTV from the fast food restaurant, the 999 call, and evidence from the beloved drag performer. 

Today I will stand up in court and use my voice to defend not only myself, but our community for the homophobic attack a few months ago. Let’s hope justice prevails and makes people think twice before acting on hate.

— TheVivienne (@THEVIVIENNEUK) December 1, 2023

During the trial, Whitfield described his exchange with the Drag Race star as “banter,” before admitting that he made comments about the performer’s looks – comparing her to an “Oompa Loopma,” per Sky News. 

The Vivienne also gave further insight into the incident, stating that Whitfield targeted her with a “barrage of abuse” after she walked into the McDonald’s.

“He carried on, then after the forth ‘look at the state of you’ I said ‘look at the state of you,’ I said ‘look at the state of your face,’ to which he said, ‘I’ve got skin cancer’ and then punched me straight in the face,” she explained. 

While Whitfield insisted that The Vivienne’s sexuality was not the reason behind his attack, the latter pointed out that there were a sleuth of people in the establishment that he could have interacted with. 

“There were countless other people in the branch of McDonald’s that day, why didn’t he start on anyone else? Why did he choose to publicly humiliate me and then hit me, if it wasn’t for my image or me being quite evidently gay?” he said. 

After deliberating the aforementioned items, the court ruled that Whitfield’s attack on The Vivienne was motivated by homophobia.

“Having considered this incident from beginning to end, we believe beyond reasonable doubt that the hostility shown by yourself from the outset was motivated by the perceived homosexuality of the complainant and was homophobic in its nature,” Chair of the Bench Anthony Canning said in the magistrates ruling. 

Whitfield is expected to be sentenced on 3 January. 

The post Court rules attack on Drag Race UK star The Vivienne was homophobic appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Police have charged the person suspected of attacking RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne earlier this year.

On 16 June, the man approached The Vivienne in a Liverpool McDonald’s and made homophobic comments.

He then punched her in the face and fled, according to Merseyside Police.

Alan Whitfield, 50, of Everton, has been charged with assault. He will appear before magistrates on 5 September.

The post Man charged for homophobic attack against Drag Race star The Vivienne appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Police have released an image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the homophobic stabbings of two men outside an LGBTQ+ venue in Clapham.

Two men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were standing outside the Two Brewers when a man approached them and attacked them with a knife before running away on the evening of 13 August.

They were both taken to hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.

The incident is being treated as a homophobic attack by the Met and no one has been arrested yet. 

Investigators said the image released was “taken from outside the venue at the time of the attack”.

“I am asking the public to look at this image and see if they recognise this individual – it is vital that we identify and locate him as soon as possible,” Detective Chief Inspector Jivan Saib, from the Met Police’s Central South Command Unit, said.

#APPEAL | Do you recognise this man?

The image was taken from outside the Two Brewers venue at the time of the homophobic attack in Clapham.

Anyone with any information 📞 police on 101 quote CAD 7198/13Aug.https://t.co/n3PofRvOQa

— Lambeth Police | Central South BCU (@LambethMPS) August 15, 2023

He confirmed that officers have “collated witness accounts and scoured CCTV for evidence”.

“I appreciate those who have come forward and spoken to police but would ask that if you were in the area and saw these events unfold, but have yet to contact us, then please do so,” Saib continued.

“There is no place for hate in London”

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, condemned the “abhorrent” attack.

“The incident in Clapham High Street on Sunday night was abhorrent. It’s a huge relief the victims of this appalling attack are out of hospital, and my thoughts remain with them and their loved ones,” he said in a statement.

“I have always been clear that there is no place for hate in London. I stand with LGBTQI+ Londoners and will do all I can to end hate crime in the capital. My team, along with the Met Police, are supporting and working closely with the LGBTQ+ Venues Forum and its members who will be invited to attend an urgent meeting later this week.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug.

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The post Police release photo of man they wish to identify in connection with Clapham stabbings appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Sadiq Khan has condemned the “abhorrent” homophobic stabbing that took place outside the Two Brewers in Clapham High Street on 13 August.

Content warning: This story includes topics that could make some readers feel uncomfortable and/or upset.

“The incident in Clapham High Street on Sunday night was abhorrent. It’s a huge relief the victims of this appalling attack are out of hospital, and my thoughts remain with them and their loved ones,” the Mayor of London said in a statement.

“I have always been clear that there is no place for hate in London. I stand with LGBTQI+ Londoners and will do all I can to end hate crime in the capital. My team, along with the Met Police, are supporting and working closely with the LGBTQ+ Venues Forum and its members who will be invited to attend an urgent meeting later this week.

“The investigation into this attack is continuing and if you have any information, please do not stay silent – contact 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Khan is also encouraging LGBTQ+ people in need of dedicated support to get in touch with Galop, the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity.

The horrific hate crime in Clapham last night is being robustly investigated by the Police. It’s also a tragic reminder of why we need Pride. My thoughts are with the victims and with the LGBTQ+ community who are undoubtedly feeling frightened and upset. 🧵

— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) August 14, 2023

Two men were stabbed outside the Two Brewers

Two men, aged in their 20s and 30s, were standing outside the LGBTQ+ venue when a man approached them and attacked them with a knife before running away.

They were both taken to hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.

The Met Police said it was treating the incident as homophobic and that no one has been arrested in connection to it yet.

Detective Inspector Gary Castle, of the Central South Command Unit, said: “We are acutely aware of the shock this attack will cause members of the LGBT+ community and want to reassure people that an urgent investigation is ongoing to locate the person responsible.

“We recently announced the reinstatement of LGBT+ community liaison officers for each of our 12 BCUs in London to support and advise on investigations where homophobia is a motive, and to ensure the community has a dedicated point of contact to address any concerns they may have.”

READ MORE: Clapham stabbing victim makes first statement since homophobic attack

In response to the attack, Stonewall is calling on the government to put a plan in place to deal with hate crime.

Kieran Aldred, Head of Policy at the charity, said: “This incident has occurred amidst a climate of rising hate crimes against people based on sexual orientation – which government statistics show as having more than doubled in England and Wales over the last five years.

“Despite these alarming statistics and a string of violent, and in some unfortunate cases deadly, attacks, the UK Government has sat idle and there has been no hate crime strategy in place in England for over three years.

“It is unacceptable for LGBTQ+ people to live in fear, and we call on the UK Government to set out its plan to deal with rising homophobic and transphobic violence.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug.

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

RELATED

• Hate crimes reach record high in England and Wales as anti-trans offences double
• Night Czar Amy Lamé: ‘We must protect our cherished queer venues from closure’
• Zoteria: New app launches to help report and tackle LGBTQ+ hate crime

The post Sadiq Khan says “there is no place for hate in London” after Clapham stabbings appeared first on GAY TIMES.

One of the victims of the homophobic stabbing incident on Clapham High Street has spoken out about the attack for the first time.

On Sunday, 13 August, two men were stabbed in a homophobic attack on Clapham High Street in London, outside the Two Brewers nightclub.

They were approached by a man who attacked them with a knife before running away, police confirmed in a statement.

Both were admitted to hospital and have since been discharged.

Yesterday (14 August), one of the victims, who identifies himself as @aniello110 on Instagram, shared a statement on the platform.

“I’ve not been feeling sad, nor angry, or confused,” he wrote. “‘I’ve just been left so many questions… to think what can lead to changing a person’s mind that much that they can feel it’s OK to attack anyone.”

He concluded with a heartfelt thanks to the community: “What today has strengthened in me, more than ever before, is that I could never, and have never, be prouder, happier, or more comforted, by the community I am lucky enough to have as my LGBTQ+ family!

“I would NEVER change it for the world. I am so lucky to have all my family and friends who have reached out just to check on me today.”

READ MORE: Two men stabbed in homophobic attack outside nightclub on Clapham High Street

The post Clapham stabbing victim makes first statement since homophobic attack appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Police are investigating after two men were stabbed in what is being treated as a homophobic attack on Clapham High Street in London.

The incident took place at 10:15pm on Sunday, 13 August as the two men, aged in their 20s and 30s, stood outside the Two Brewers nightclub.

They were approached by a man who attacked them with a knife before running away, police confirmed in a statement.

They were both taken to hospital for treatment and have since been discharged.

Detective Inspector Gary Castle, of the Central South Command Unit, said: “We are acutely aware of the shock this attack will cause members of the LGBT+ community and want to reassure people that an urgent investigation is ongoing to locate the person responsible.

“We recently announced the reinstatement of LGBT+ community liaison officers for each of our 12 BCUs in London to support and advise on investigations where homophobia is a motive, and to ensure the community has a dedicated point of contact to address any concerns they may have.”

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, described the attack as “abhorrent” and said “there is no place for hate” in the city. 

“To LGBTQ+ Londoners: I stand with you and will do all I can to end homophobic, biphobic and transphobic hate crime in the capital,” he continued.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 7198/13Aug. 

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The post Two men stabbed in homophobic attack outside nightclub on Clapham High Street appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Pop star Adam Lambert took to Instagram to condemn the online homophobic abuse targeting his partner, Oliver Gliese.

After the 41-year-old shared a photograph from a night out with his partner on Friday (4 August), online trolls responded with comments attacking Gliese’s appearance.

On Saturday (5 August), Lambert posted a lengthy message on his Instagram story, criticising the homophobic comments against his partner.

“Oli and I had a fun night out,” he began. “Lifts my spirits to see support in the comments. Also appalled to see the obnoxious homophobia and ignorance plaguing people.

“Oli identifies as a he. He has wicked style and refuses to conform to the societal norms regarding his fashion choices.”

Lambert continued to defend and praise his partner, who works in the fashion industry: “He is beautiful, brave and daring. He’s a leader not a follower. One of the many things I love about him!

“We are very happy together and if the haters don’t like it, we don’t really give a f***. Grow up and challenge yourself to explore tolerance. We are all just trying to stay happy and fulfilled with our lives.”

READ MORE: Adam Lambert is setting the stage for a new era

Gliese himself also responded to the homophobia on his Instagram story.

“Let’s just highlight how disgusting people are in comment sections,” the 28-year-old stated. 

“And then we can all ask ourselves why people in the spotlight end their life too soon, are on antidepressants, having low self esteem, etc. Kindness never killed anyone!”

Lambert and Gliese have been going strong since they went public in 2021.

The post Adam Lambert defends boyfriend Oliver Gliese from homophobic comments appeared first on GAY TIMES.