Uncertain future of PinkNews sparks fears for LGBTQ+ media in UK
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Multiple allegations of sexual misconduct made against bosses of title billed as safe space for journalists. As it nears its 20th anniversary next year, PinkNews should be celebrating a period that has seen remarkable progress for some but not all LGBTQ+ people in Britain.
Instead, the future of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ website looks uncertain after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct were made against Benjamin Cohen and Anthony James, the couple who run the outlet. The website, set up in 2005 when Cohen was the Channel 4 News technology correspondent, has, at times, wielded its influence for positive change in British LGBTQ+ life. It was part of a successful campaign to legalise same-sex marriage, and the outlet’s dogged reporting pressed Stonewall into campaigning on transgender issues at a time when the rights group refused to do so.
Its reputation as an authoritative voice for the LGBTQ+ community has drawn a number of high-profile supporters. Six former prime ministers, including Tony Blair, Theresa May and Boris Johnson, have written for the website. Richard Branson, David Cameron and Alex Salmond are among those who have been honoured at the publication’s annual awards.
Now the mood has soured. Last week, Downing Street called the claims against Cohen and James “very concerning” and James was suspended from his role at the Bedfordshire hospitals NHS foundation trust. The potential downfall of an influential title that bills itself as a safe space for LGBTQ+ journalists has caused dismay and sparked wider fears about the state of queer media in the UK.
