Russell T Davies has expressed deep concern for the LGBTQ+ community, stating it faces unprecedented danger following Donald Trump's election as U.S. president. The Doctor Who writer noted a surge in hostility not only in the U.S. but also in the UK, describing a palpable wave of anger and violence directed at the community.
Davies, speaking at the Gaydio Pride awards in Manchester, shared that since Trump's election, he has personally experienced a shift in how he is treated as a gay man, attributing it to the normalization of hate speech. He emphasized that this is not an overreaction, drawing on his extensive experience within the gay community to underscore the severity of the current threat.
Since taking office, Trump has rolled back protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, restricted gender-affirming healthcare, and barred transgender people from military service. At the awards ceremony, Davies also criticized Trump and his ally, Elon Musk, for their roles in fostering a hostile environment.
Reflecting on his past, Davies recalled the early 1980s when the LGBTQ+ community faced the AIDS crisis, a time when they united to demand medical and scientific advancements. He highlighted how his work on Queer As Folk was part of a broader movement to bring LGBTQ+ stories to the forefront.
Looking ahead, Davies expressed a desire for a future of equality but warned that the current threats are more severe than those faced in the past. He likened the situation to a dark force rising, reminiscent of a fantasy epic, and criticized the influence of tech billionaires like Musk, who have significant control over public discourse.
Despite these challenges, Davies remains hopeful that the LGBTQ+ community will continue to resist and fight back, as it has done before. He envisions a resurgence of creative and activist efforts, even if it means returning to underground movements to preserve and advance their rights.