Weekly LGBTQ+ News from GPress.info as of July 13, 2026
July 6-12, 2026.
Was published on GPress.info this week
“The Euphoria phenomenon. How did a series about a lesbian become a cult hit?”
The GPress author analyzes the series through the relationship between Rue and Jules, the visual language of the first seasons, and the divided reaction to the finale. Rue is presented as a lesbian living with addiction and bipolar disorder, while Jules is a transgender girl. (GPress)
“Budapest Pride and a lesson for Belarus”
The author describes personally attending Budapest Pride in 2026, recalls the attempt to ban the march under Viktor Orbán, the mass Pride of 2025, and political changes in Hungary. The author then connects this experience to the history of Belarusian Pride events, the last public actions in Minsk, and the community’s current situation. (GPress)
Belarus
After Article 19.16: the priority now is to explain specific risks rather than repeat general fear
No new major government decision or newly publicly documented case of persecution of LGBTQ+ people in Belarus could be confirmed during the reporting week. This does not mean that pressure has ended. The law adopted in the spring already prohibits the dissemination of information that authorities may interpret as creating perceptions of the “attractiveness” of same-sex relations, gender transition, or childlessness. International human rights institutions warned that such wording could affect media, education, healthcare, activism, and personal stories. (hrw.org)
Community opportunities are becoming part of the Belarusian news agenda
The queer camp in Vilnius demonstrates an important shift: for the Belarusian audience, news is not only another restriction, but also the emergence of a safe space, visa support, education, and recovery. (GPress)
CIS and post-Soviet space
Russia remains the main regional warning for Belarus
No major new federal decision from the reporting week was found in reliable sources. However, the context remains important: Russian authorities use the designation of the “extremist LGBT movement” for administrative and criminal cases, the banning of organizations, and the persecution of people for symbols, events, and support work. (Reuters)
Ukraine: the issue of partnerships for LGBTQ+ military personnel remains relevant
Although KyivPride took place on June 21, its main political issue remains important for the region: around 5,000 participants demanded legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, which is especially important for service members and their loved ones. Without such status, partners may have no right to receive information, make medical decisions, or resolve matters after death or capture. (Reuters)
Europe
Budapest Pride: political change does not eliminate the need to monitor laws
This week, GPress published an author’s account of the first Budapest Pride after Viktor Orbán’s electoral defeat. At the same time, the full body of restrictive rules has not yet disappeared, and activists continue to demand concrete changes from the new government. (GPress)
The pan-European debate on banning conversion practices continues
The European Commission previously announced that it would seek bans on so-called conversion therapy in EU countries following a citizens’ petition signed by more than one million people. However, the EU’s direct powers are limited, meaning that much depends on national legislation. (European Commission)
World
United States: court allows Florida to continue a case against an organization connected to care for trans youth
On July 8, a federal appeals court allowed Florida authorities to continue proceedings against an organization that provided information and support connected to gender-affirming care for adolescents. The case concerns authorities’ allegations of possible violations of consumer protection law. (Reuters)
United States: court declines to block FTC case against transgender healthcare nonprofit
On July 10, a US court refused to halt a Federal Trade Commission case against a nonprofit connected to transgender healthcare. This is another episode demonstrating the expansion of legal pressure on support infrastructure. (Reuters)
US Supreme Court to hear new cases involving LGBTQ+ rights
At the beginning of the week, Reuters clarified that during its next term the US Supreme Court would hear cases involving LGBTQ+ rights alongside cases concerning guns and voting law. (Reuters)
Cultural, lifestyle, and visibility layer
GLAAD: LGBTQ+ representation in major films falls to a three-year low
According to a new GLAAD study, among 225 major films released in 2025, LGBTQ+ characters appeared in 46 titles — around 20.4%. This is below the figures of previous years. There were no transgender characters in the sample. At the same time, mid-budget films and horror showed more consistent representation than many major studio projects. (Guardian)
Heartstopper finale: Nick and Charlie’s story approaches its conclusion
The sixth and final graphic novel by Alice Oseman was released on July 7, while the film Heartstopper Forever is scheduled to premiere on July 17. The author said that the final story will focus on Nick and Charlie, while every main character will receive a farewell of their own. (Teen Vogue)
Girls Like Girls released digitally
This week, Girls Like Girls became available as a digital release. It is Hayley Kiyoko’s directorial debut, based on her book, and tells a queer coming-of-age story about the friendship and romantic feelings of two girls in 2006. (Decider)
Queer films at the Fantasia festival
The 2026 Fantasia Film Festival program includes LGBTQ+ and queer-relevant genre works, including projects at the intersection of horror, fantasy, and experimental cinema. (Fantasia Festival)
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