By Jakey 
Friday 6 November 2026 | TheGayUK.com
LGBTQ+ charities across Britain are facing mounting financial pressure, with new research revealing falling funding and growing demand for support. Meanwhile, two openly gay candidates have made electoral history in the United States, and a popular British spy thriller returns with its LGBTQ+ characters taking centre stage.
1. LGBTQ+ charities warn of funding crisis as demand for support rises
LGBTQ+ charities across the UK are facing increasing financial pressure, with new research revealing that funding has fallen by 8.6% in real terms between 2023 and 2025.
The findings, published by the LGBT+ Fund and Consortium, examined more than 770 voluntary and community organisations.
Researchers identified £53.3 million in funding for the sector during 2025, equivalent to just 5p for every £100 donated to charities across Britain.
The report also found that 72% of LGBTQ+ organisations were experiencing increased demand for their services.
Smaller organisations appear particularly vulnerable, with six in ten of the smallest groups surveyed reporting that they regularly used personal funds to support their activities.
Funding is also heavily concentrated, with just 20 funders responsible for 88% of identified financial support.
The findings raise concerns about the sustainability of grassroots LGBTQ+ services, particularly those providing mental health support, community activities and assistance to vulnerable people.
The research was originally reported on 3 November, with further coverage published on 5 November. Civil Society
Source: PinkNews
Published: 5 November 2026
Read the full story at PinkNews
2. Lesbian Army veteran defeats Republican congressman in historic US election victory
Cait Conley, a lesbian US Army combat veteran, has defeated Republican congressman Mike Lawler in New York’s 17th Congressional District.
Conley’s victory represents a significant political breakthrough for an LGBTQ+ candidate who served in the military during the era of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
The former Army officer’s campaign focused on national security, government accountability and economic issues.
Lawler, who had represented the district for two terms, conceded defeat after acknowledging that outstanding votes in Westchester County would not be sufficient to overturn Conley’s lead.
The result also marks a Democratic gain in a closely contested congressional district.
Conley’s election adds to the growing representation of openly LGBTQ+ politicians in Washington.
Her victory is particularly significant given her military background and the historic restrictions that prevented gay and lesbian personnel from serving openly in the US Armed Forces.
Source: The Advocate
Published: 5 November 2026 Advocate.com
Read the full story at The Advocate
3. Alabama elects its first openly gay sheriff
Voters in Alabama have elected the state’s first openly gay sheriff, marking another historic moment for LGBTQ+ political representation in the American South.
Democrat Brett Jones defeated two-term Republican incumbent Kevin Turner in Madison County.
Jones, a former Navy SEAL, campaigned on improving transparency and accountability within the sheriff’s department.
His proposals included greater scrutiny of deaths in custody, improved training for deputies and changes to the use of automated licence plate recognition technology.
Jones has previously spoken publicly about experiencing discrimination because of his sexuality while working in national security.
In 2015, he filed a complaint alleging anti-gay harassment during his deployment to Afghanistan. The dispute was subsequently resolved.
His election comes alongside another historic result in Madison County, where Allison Montgomery became the first openly transgender person elected to Alabama’s state legislature.
The victories represent significant milestones for LGBTQ+ candidates in a state traditionally dominated by Republican politicians.
Source: PinkNews
Published: 5 November 2026 PinkNews
Read the full story at PinkNews
4. Keira Knightley praises LGBTQ+ representation as Black Doves returns to Netflix
Black Doves has returned for its second season, with stars Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw discussing the show’s LGBTQ+ representation.
The British spy thriller follows Helen, played by Knightley, and her close friend Sam, a gay assassin portrayed by Whishaw.
Speaking to Attitude ahead of the new season, Knightley praised the show’s portrayal of friendship between a straight woman and a gay man, explaining that she was drawn to the authenticity and complexity of their relationship.
The second season also continues the storyline involving assassins Williams and Eleanor, played by Ella Lily Hyland and Gabrielle Creevy.
Their developing relationship provides another dimension to the programme’s LGBTQ+ representation.
The actors praised the series for allowing queer characters to exist naturally within the story rather than making their sexuality the central focus of every scene.
The six-episode second season arrived on Netflix on Thursday 5 November.
Source: Attitude
Published: 5 November 2026 Attitude
Read the full interview at Attitude