Russell T. Davies has spoken about the state of LGBTQ+ rights in the world, believing the current political climate has fostered hostility toward the community.
The writer, who created the pioneering ‘90s TV show Queer As Folk as well as 2021’s It’s A Sin, spoke at a Screen Talk at the BFI Flare Festival in London on Monday (March 23). He was promoting his new series Tip Toe, a drama about a bar owner in Manchester who becomes embroiled in a feud with his neighbour.
Attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights are a feature of the show, which stars Alan Cumming and David Morrissey. In a clip from the show shown at the talk one character tells another: “The president of America has given these men permission to attack us… You’re Queer in 2026; you’re a political act.”
The rise of right wing politics has seen many countries target LGBTQ+ people’s rights, in particular those of transgender people. Access to healthcare, documentation, and public facilities has been challenged across the US since Donald Trump’s re-election, while in the UK anti-trans lobbies have resulted in the community excluded from various organisations.
“We are absolutely sliding back” Davies asserted when asked about the state of Queer rights in the world. Undoubtedly. And that is terrifying. And I think trans stories are being used (to incite anger)”. Looking to the future, he said: “I think we are on the precipice of something, the whole world is on the precipice of something much worse.”
Earlier this month, It’s A Sin star Olly Alexander teamed up with Mighty Hoopla to put on fundraising concert Trans Mission, an event to raise money for transgender rights organisations. Acts including Kate Nash, Kae Tempest, Sugababes, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor all performed at the event at Wembley Arena in London.
Speaking to NME backstage, Alexander said: “I hope that Trans Mission is a beacon of positivity and light in a dark time”, and discussed why he and Not A Phase founder Danielle St James wanted to organise “what feels like the world’s biggest ever fundraiser” to spread hope and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community.