MANCHESTER PRIDE BOSSES REFUSE TO ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS ON CHARITY DONATIONS AND EXECUTIVE PAY / RUSSIA WARNS OF GAY UKRAINIAN SUPER SOLDIERS / GRINDR SHOCK SURVEY

OUTCAST UK

On our last edition of this Summer's Queer news updates on OUTCAST UK, we turn to Manchester Pride. Manchester Pride this year was without a doubt one of the most inclusive yet and saw entry prices seem to come down in price and some special access for lower income groups. This alongside a proudly diverse lineup headed by Danny Beard and Jodie Harsh. But it seems the scars of the bad PR of the last few years has left the organisation a little unsure of engaging with the media. Interview opportunities were notable scaled back for LGBTQ+ media. With the only notable broadcast interview of the CEO this time being more of a promo for just the events of the Big Weekend. But surely people deserve a bit more than just this? After initially contacting US regarding an interview with their CEO and some headliners, the PR people got a little upset with us for asking a couple of questions about charity funding plans going forward and a few more politically loaded questions about rights for LGBTQ+ people around the world and stopped answering our emails access to their artists and VIPs. Is Pride still a protest and charity fundraiser or has it changed into something else and how do you balance all these interests? --- ALSO on this episode -a Putin ally warns of Gay Ukrainian super soldiers! AND the Grindr survey that says a quarter of people are on the app to network. The boss of the company claims to have hired people he met on the app. THIS IS OUTCAST UK Graeme Smith is joined by the host of Virgin Radio Pride Daily and former Times Radio, BBC Five Live and LBC Radio newsreader Kevin McGrath for a roundup of the week's queer news stories. From the serious to the ridiculous.