Established in 1989 with a team of 12, the Philadelphia Falcons soccer club has now grown to become a powerhouse club with over 150 members.

We spoke to club president Ed Argothy to find out about the club and its important outreach work in the local community.

What are the main things that the Philadelphia Falcons delivers for its members?

The Eurovision Song Contest is the world’s most watched annual TV program with an expected audience of over 100 million people. It is known for its kitsch songs, flash costumes and over the top performances…and this year is no exception!

The beginning of this year’s final resembles the opening of the Olympics as all 26 competing nations enter the arena waving their respective flags. They make their way along an elevated platform whilst a choir sings a new song written by Abba’s Bjorn and Benny especially for the contest.

If you think there's a formula for Eurovision – the world's campest gay singing tournament – then this batch of semi-finalists may hold some suprises.

From leaping around the stage in sparkly suits to a laid back tune and from the oldest contestant in the European contest ever – a 95-year-old – to, possibly, the first lesbian kiss, there is plenty of variety.

The documentary Bridegroom tells the story of Shane Bitney Crone and what happened after his partner of six years, Tom Bridegroom, was killed in an accidental fall off of a building in their Los Angeles neighborhood.

Crone shared with Gay Star News in a recent interview how his life has taken unexpected turns since he made a YouTube video about how his grief was compounded by the heartless actions of Tom’s homophobic family.

From Ireland to Estonia, Eurovision hopefuls are wooing gay fans as they get ready for the first semi-final of the pan-European song contest.

The contestants and their faithful followers are all in Malmö, Sweden, ready to start the action. And tonight (14 May), for 16 of the countries represented, it will be first time they get to compete. The first semi-final will see them battle for 10 coveted places in the grand final on Saturday (18 May). A second semi on Thursday (16 May) will filter the remainder of the acts.

After victory in the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest with Loreen’s “Euphoria”, the 2013 competition will be held in the spiritual home of the tournament… Sweden! (If you don’t know much about Eurovision read our beginners guide.)

In 2012, Gay Star News reported at least three separate deaths in the months of July, August and October where gay men died of suspected drug overdose in clubs and sex saunas.

What are the queer communities like in South America compared to Australia? Singapore compared to India? South Korea to Turkey? Recent college graduate Miyuki Baker is finding out by traveling the world in search of queer artists and activists, like herself.

After graduating from Pennsylvania-based liberal arts college Swarthmore, Baker won a $25,000 (US dollars, €19,000) Watson Fellowship that allows her to travel the world pursuing a particular project.

It’s the time of year science fiction fans come together to share their love of all things Star Wars.

And to celebrate Star Wars Day (4 May) – Gay Star News is counting down the top five gay connotations you may not have noticed last time you watched the legendary movies.

1 The Lightsaber as a symbol of phallic strength

While Nigeria’s Football Association has denied claims that lesbians are being excluded from the country’s national team, the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association (IGLFA) is backing calls for international governing body FIFA (the international soccer organization) to investigate.

We spoke with Hans Laursen, IGLFA’s communications officer, to learn more about the organization and their work in tackling homophobia in the sport of football.

Why was IGLFA established?

For the uninitiated, the Eurovision Song Contest is the continent’s most baffling contribution to culture. Some countries take it super-seriously, others (step forward the UK) treat it as a bit of a joke and, as a result, tend to lose. Embarrassingly. For Europe’s gays meanwhile, Eurovision – good or bad – is the perfect excuse for a party.

As the Colombian Senate prepares its second attempt to vote on marriage equality bill shortly today, we speak to Green Party senator John Sudarsky, an ardent supporter of LGBT rights in Colombia.

Last week Colombia’s Senate decided to postpone the debate on same sex marriage until today (23 April).

However most commentators are pessimistic, after an agreement was allegedly reached between Colombia’s two largest parties, the Conservative and the ‘U’, to not allow the bill to become law.