By News Desk 
Saturday 7 November 2026 | TheGayUK.com
It’s a day of milestones and controversy in LGBTQ+ news. RuPaul’s Drag Race UK has crowned its final winner on the BBC, England football star Mary Earps has welcomed her first child, and a Florida election result has renewed scrutiny of a politician’s alleged extremist connections. Meanwhile, a Strictly Come Dancing contestant has spoken candidly about the BBC’s decision to remove a pro-trans message from her clothing.
1. Drag Race UK crowns final BBC winner as show prepares for new home
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK has crowned its eighth-season champion, marking the end of an era for the popular LGBTQ+ reality competition.
Drag performer Flesh was announced as the winner during Thursday night’s finale, beating fellow finalists Mocha and Naya Thorn to the crown and a £25,000 cash prize.
The result was particularly memorable because Flesh’s drag sister, Bones, won the previous season. Bones returned to present the new champion with the crown and sceptre.
Season eight is the final series of Drag Race UK to air on the BBC. The broadcaster announced in September that it would no longer carry the programme, citing significant financial pressures.
The franchise will continue on the streaming platform WOW Presents Plus, beginning with a British edition of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.
The programme has become a prominent platform for British drag performers since its launch in 2019, helping introduce regional drag cultures and LGBTQ+ performers to mainstream audiences.
Published: 6 November 2026
Source: PinkNews
Read the full story at PinkNews
2. England football legend Mary Earps welcomes baby boy with partner Kitty Forrest
Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has announced that she and her partner, Kitty Forrest, have welcomed a baby boy.
The 33-year-old footballer shared the news on Instagram on Friday, revealing that the couple had kept the pregnancy private.
Earps, who became a household name through her performances for England’s Lionesses, publicly discussed her relationship with Forrest in October 2025.
The announcement marks a new chapter for the football star, who has become one of the most recognisable figures in women’s football.
Earps has previously spoken about feeling comfortable sharing more of her personal life after years in the public eye.
The couple have not publicly shared extensive details about their newborn, choosing instead to celebrate the arrival with a personal announcement.
Published: 6 November 2026
Source: PinkNews, reporting Earps’s Instagram announcement
Read the full story at PinkNews
3. Florida elects Republican linked to allegations of extremist anti-LGBTQ+ statements
A newly elected Republican politician in Florida is facing renewed scrutiny following reports linking him to extremist organisations and alleged statements advocating violence against LGBTQ+ people.
Marshall Rawson, 34, won election to the Florida House of Representatives on Tuesday, defeating Democrat Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson.
According to election projections cited by PinkNews, Rawson secured approximately 68% of the vote.
His victory has brought fresh attention to an investigation by Talking Points Memo, which reported evidence connecting him to the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
The investigation also identified social media posts allegedly associated with Rawson that included statements supporting violence against LGBTQ+ people.
Rawson has acknowledged previous involvement with the League of the South but has characterised his activities as opposition to immigration, same-sex marriage and the removal of historic monuments.
The allegations have attracted particular attention because state legislators influence policies affecting education, healthcare and civil rights.
The claims concerning the social media posts and Rawson’s activities are allegations reported by journalists, rather than findings established by a court.
Published: 6 November 2026
Source: PinkNews, citing an investigation by Talking Points Memo
Read the full story at PinkNews
4. Strictly star says she was devastated after BBC removed pro-trans slogan
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Bethany Antonia has spoken about her disappointment after the BBC digitally removed a pro-transgender slogan from her clothing.
The House of the Dragon actress wore a T-shirt bearing the words Protect The Dolls during rehearsals for the BBC dance competition.
However, the slogan was digitally removed from footage broadcast during the programme.
The phrase has become associated with support for transgender women, with clothing bearing the slogan raising money for trans charities.
Speaking to Gaydio in an interview reported on Friday, Antonia said she was devastated by the decision and expressed frustration that a message supporting transgender people had been removed.
Her latest comments represent a change in emphasis from an earlier interview in which she appeared more accepting of the broadcaster’s explanation.
The BBC has maintained that its editorial guidelines restrict visible branding and slogans during entertainment programmes, regardless of the message involved.
Antonia, who dances with professional partner Nancy Xu, has previously spoken about the importance of LGBTQ+ representation on mainstream television.
Published: 6 November 2026
Source: PinkNews, reporting an interview with Gaydio
Read the full story at PinkNews