The world of LGBTQ+ media in the United Kingdom finds itself at a crossroads as one of its most prominent outlets, PinkNews, faces a storm of sexual misconduct allegations against its top bosses. As the nearly 20-year-old website, billed as a safe haven for queer journalists, grapples with an uncertain future, broader concerns are emerging about dwindling opportunities and increasingly hostile environments for LGBTQ+ media professionals.
PinkNews, founded in 2005 by Benjamin Cohen during his tenure as Channel 4 News’ technology correspondent, has long been a force for positive change in British LGBTQ+ life. The outlet played a pivotal role in the successful campaign to legalize same-sex marriage and has consistently pushed influential organizations like Stonewall to be more inclusive of transgender rights. Its authoritative voice has drawn the support of numerous high-profile figures, from former Prime Ministers to business moguls.
A Chilling Effect on Queer Journalism
However, the troubling claims against Cohen and his partner Anthony James, who together run PinkNews, have sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ media landscape. Finbarr Toesland, an investigative journalist who authored a study on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ journalists in the UK, expressed dismay at the situation:
“It’s horrific to hear these allegations, especially for the journalists working there. There’s not many LGBTQ+ publications in the UK, especially ones with this sort of financial backing and influence.”
– Finbarr Toesland, Investigative Journalist
Toesland’s study, commissioned by the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, found that a staggering 78% of LGBTQ+ journalists agree it is becoming increasingly dangerous to be openly queer in UK media. Many face homophobic abuse, get pigeonholed into covering certain stories that make them targets online, and lack support from their publications.
Shrinking Spaces for Marginalized Voices
The turmoil at PinkNews comes at a time when the broader LGBTQ+ media industry is facing strong headwinds. Several prominent queer outlets have shuttered or significantly scaled back operations in recent years:
- Gay Star News, a UK-based site focused on global LGBTQ+ issues, has been offline since September.
- Gay Times ceased its print magazine in 2021, pivoting to an all-digital model.
This contraction of LGBTQ+ media mirrors the challenges impacting digital journalism more widely. Leading voices like Vice.com, BuzzFeed News, and gal-dem, which elevated underrepresented voices, have closed recently amidst funding struggles, changing consumption patterns, and the rise of AI. Suyin Haynes, former head of editorial at gal-dem, lamented how the loss of such outlets means vital stories are “going untold.”
Glimmers of Hope Amidst the Gloom
Despite the bleak landscape, some remain cautiously optimistic about the future of LGBTQ+ journalism. The rise of independent content creators offers new avenues for emerging voices to build audiences, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. Haynes sees encouraging signs in the “innovation and entrepreneurship” shown by marginalized journalists adapting to the shifting terrain.
However, individual tenacity alone cannot overcome systemic barriers. Significant structural changes and intentional support from within the media industry will be essential to fostering the next generation of queer journalists and ensuring the stories of LGBTQ+ communities continue to be told.
As LGBTQ+ people in the UK and around the world continue fighting for equality, visibility, and acceptance, it is more vital than ever that they have media platforms that center their voices and experiences. The path forward may be rocky, but with resilience and solidarity, queer journalism can weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
