Get up, it's time to do farm chores!Matt Mathews is the viral sensation who's taken over our feeds with his hilarious content on his farm in Alabama.With his content amassing millions of followers across platforms, the star is now selling out theaters across the country on his hit Live Nation tour, Boujee On A Budget."It's been an incredible thing to see people love me so much just because I'm being authentic to who I am. If you ain't paying my bills or giving me orgasms, your opinion of me is irrelevant! Cussing animals out in a bathrobe is what started all of this, so it's been a wild journey," Mathews tells PRIDE. See on Instagram As an out and proud gay man from the South, Mathews has truly paved his own unique path in the world of comedy and entertainment.By showing so much of his quirky personality and relatable roots online, he's now giving fans a chance to connect with him in-person by revealing their craziest secrets with him as part of his live shows."People will tell me their deepest, darkest confessions and I give them my honest opinion. People want to be able to talk about this stuff and get these things off their chest."Between his hilarious tour and viral content, the star is also carving out time in his schedule to film his YouTube show Doin The Most with Matt Mathews, where's he's attempting the wildest tasks all on-camera. Rest assured though, he's not shying away from showing the world just how gay he is."I don't like vagina, so yes, I am so gay! I'm strictly dickly. I'm 100% gay. There is no other percentage in here that wants any part of no kitty cat. [I'm] platinum star! I didn't even come out of a vagina. I was a c-section."Fans can get tickets to see Matt Mathews on tour by visiting his website here. To see the full interview, check out the video at the top of the page.

A teacher in the U.K. has been banned from the profession indefinitely for outing a transgender student on social media.According to The Daily Mail, in May 2023, a whistleblower alerted the unnamed Manchester school where 54-year-old Camilla Hannan had been teaching since 2001 that Hannan had posted offensive and anti-trans sentiments on X, then known as Twitter. In one of her posts, Hannan even outed a transgender student by name. Related Judge blocks school districts transphobic forced outing policy The judge said the policy lacks a clear purpose. One legislator wants the U.S. Supreme Court to decide the issue. Where I teach we have gender identity policy, Hannan wrote in one post alongside an eye-roll emoji. Its a load of nonsensical rubbish, as youd imagine. Global perspectives delivered right to your inbox Our newsletter bridges borders to bring you LGBTQ+ news from around the world. Subscribe to our Newsletter today In another post, Hannan wrote that she taught a student who had changed their pronouns, going so far as to include the students name in her post. I worry about what the next steps will be, she wrote.Where I teach the trans kids are untouchable, she wrote in another post. They get everything they ask for and everyone staff and other students alike, is petrified of upsetting them. They dont seem oppressed to me more like oppressors tbh.In two other posts, she seemed to suggest a link between autism and being transgender, writing that her autistic students are all plastered with trans flags and badges, without exception. Studies that have shown that transgender and nonbinary people are more likely to be autistic than cisgender people have been misused to fuel the anti-trans, ableist narrative that there is something wrong with transgender and nonbinary people and that their gender identity is the result of mental illness. Some trans and nonbinary people on the spectrum suggest that the real connection is that autistic people are less likely to feel a need to conform to social pressures around gender.The Manchester Evening News reports that in August of this year, Hannan admitted to writing the posts. A Teaching Regulation Agency misconduct hearing was held to address the matter, and in September a panel found that she had shared the private medical information of the student named in her post without the students knowledge or consent. The panel noted that she had also repeatedly misgendered the student.A report on the panel said that it had found that Hannan had a deep-seated attitude, and that, whilst she was entitled to have that attitude and hold the views that she did, it was not acceptable for her to have posted these on social media in a way that was damaging to the profession, the School, pupils and in particular the student she outed. The panel said that Hannans behavior was incompatible with a teachers duty to be a role model for students and the wider community. According to the Manchester Evening News, Hannan blamed her posts on her frustration with her workload and admitted that she had exercised poor judgment. In a statement, she said that she does not bear trans people any malice or ill will and she respects their right to live as they please, and to ask others to refer to them by names and pronouns of their choice, the Daily Mail reported. However, she added that she was concerned about so-called gender ideology a clear anti-trans dog whistle in schools.But according to the Manchester Evening News, the panel noted that Hannans remorse seemed to be somewhat self-serving. They said that the fact that she believed her posts were anonymous suggested that her remorse stemmed from being caught, rather than from reflections on her own behavior.The panel banned Hannan from teaching indefinitely. She will have the opportunity to appeal the decision in two years.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Angela Davis was on the run, slipping through cities in wigs and disguises like a drag queen swapping looks between runway walks. Her face was plastered on wanted posters across the country as the FBI hunted her down.It was 1970. Davis a queer Black woman, scholar, and revolutionary had been charged with murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy for standing against a system that sought to silence her. Related Making history while reporting it: a legendary journalists crusade against AIDS Randy Shilts convinced me that everyone had to do something in the war against HIV. So I did. Fast forward to today, when transgender people are under attack, reproductive rights have been gutted, and Donald Trumps dangerous rhetoric threatens democracy. Daviss bold defiance against injustice feels more relevant than ever and serves as a rallying cry in an election where the stakes could not be higher. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today Davis grew up in the heart of the Jim Crow South: Montgomery, Alabama, a city simmering with racial tension and violence. The defining moment of her childhood came in 1963 when white supremacists bombed the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, killing four young Black girls. She heard Bull Connor, Birminghams notorious segregationist police chief, on the radio, spewing the same kind of hateful rhetoric that we hear today from Donald Trump both using fear and division to stoke hatred.Confronting this kind of bigotry at an early age fueled Daviss resolve and eventually led her to take on the system and find herself on the run from the FBI. Standing up against institutional racism, government oppression, police brutality, and an unjust criminal justice system, she had been tied to an attempt to free three Black inmates who had been accused of killing a prison guard. Jonathan Jackson, a Black Panther and the younger brother of political prisoner George Jackson, stormed the courtroom to demand the release of the three men using guns that Davis had legally purchased. This connection led the state to target Davis, blaming her for the violent shootout that followed and resulted in the deaths of the judge, Jackson, and two of the prisoners.Though Davis wasnt directly involved in the act, her support for revolutionary causes and her purchase of the firearms made her a target. Her iconic afro a bold symbol of Black resistance became a powerful image that inspired her supporters but also cast her as the perfect scapegoat for a public entrenched in racism, sexism, and homophobia. At the time, buying guns for self-defense or resistance wasnt unusual, especially for those fighting against systemic oppression even within queer movements. Organizations like the Gay Liberation Front and the Radical Faeries recognized that violence against marginalized groups demanded a strong response.Daviss time on the run was filled with close calls, like when the FBI stormed her New York hotel room just hours after she had escaped, tipped off about their approach. The narrow miss happened in the same city where only a year earlier, LGBTQ+ people instigated the Stonewall Uprising to resist police raids on queer bars.Davis faced state violence both for her activism and her identity as a queer Black woman, much like todays trans kids, who are targeted through discriminatory laws and government surveillance. Todays GOP-led states are trying to monitor parents seeking gender-affirming care for their trans children, echoing the violations queer people experienced when Davis was at the height of her activism. Just as the state once raided bars and hunted activists, it now seeks to control healthcare decisions for trans youth, turning medical care into a battleground. Beyond her time as a fugitive, Daviss broader work remains deeply relevant. In Are Prisons Obsolete? she critiques the prison systems role in suppressing marginalized groups, including queer people.LGBTQ+ individuals are incarcerated at three times the rate of the general population, according to reports from organizations like the National Center for Transgender Equality and the American Bar Association. Additionally, around 16% of transgender people experience incarceration in their lifetimes a figure that rises to 47% for Black transgender individuals. These disparities reflect the broader systemic targeting of queer people and other marginalized groups. Today, as queer lives are criminalized and laws restricting rights are passed, the fight for justice Davis led is far from over and this election will determine whether these injustices deepen or have any hope for. Angela Davis was captured in October 1970 after two months on the run. Her trial became a cause clbre a widely publicized case that sparked global support. During her 16-month incarceration, she became a symbol of resistance around the world. She was ultimately proven innocent and released from jail. Celebrities like John Lennon and Yoko Ono supported her, dedicating their song Angela to her struggle. It wasnt just about defending herself against charges, but about challenging systemic racism and oppression.Her trial drew attention to the misuse of the justice system to silence dissent. Today, women like Lizelle Herrera in Texas who was arrested for allegedly performing a self-induced abortion are similarly forced to defend themselves in court.Today, queer people especially transgender individuals are now scapegoated as menaces to public safety through discriminatory laws. Lawmakers target them as a convenient distraction from deeper societal issues, framing their existence as a threat to traditional values to rally political opposition. Kamala Harris is carrying on the fight. She may not be the same kind of radical revolutionary Davis embodied, but her presence in politics certainly signifies progress. Both women highlight the importance of visibility in the fight for justice, reminding us that representation is crucial for shaping a more inclusive future for all marginalized groups.Daviss dedication to dismantling racism, sexism, and homophobia highlights the interconnected nature of our fights, and she continues this work today by advocating for prison abolition through her involvement with Critical Resistance, an organization she co-founded to dismantle the prison-industrial complex, and speaking out against the criminalization of transgender people, as seen in her participation in events like the National Trans Visibility March.In a political climate where LGBTQ+ rights are under fire, her fearless activism should inspire us all to rise against injustice. This moment calls for us to embrace our identities boldly and to unite in solidarity. As we honor Daviss legacy, lets ensure our voices are heard check your voter registration and make your impact on November 5th. Your Vote is a step toward Equality for All Make sure youre ready to vote! Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

From Challengers to Call Me By Your Name to Bones and All, director Luca Guadagnino always makes provocative films and his upcoming drama Queer is no different.An adaptation of William S. Burroughs confessional novel of the same name, Queer is set in Mexico in the 1950s and follows Daniel Craigs character William Lee as he is shaken up by the arrival of a young student named Eugene Allerton played by Drew Starkey, and has to come to terms with his own sexual desires. Omar Apollo, Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Andra Ursuta, Michael Borremans, and David Lowery also star.While the trailer for the A24 film won't be released until next week, the first official movie poster dropped today and it is sparking our imaginations! The fantasy-inducing poster features a mans nude back with another mans hand coming into frame and reaching out toward him.The hand likely belongs to Craig, while the nude man is probably Starkey or Apollo, both of whom have spoken candidly in interviews about filming sex scenes with the James Bond actor.The film focuses on Lee embracing his forbidden desires while having a love affair with beautiful young man he is smitten with. And if interview with the cast is anything to go by, the film is going to be full of steamy gay sex scenes.When youre rolling around on the floor the second day its a good way to get to know someone, Starkey said at the Venice Film Festival. Apollo also revealed to Interview Magazine how he prepped for his sex scene with Craig, "I had to get on the soup diet. Luca did not tell me to lose weight, but when youre about to have a sex scene with Daniel Craig, youre like, 'Oh, dude, I cant be looking off.' I was at 200 pounds, because Im six-five."It sounds like were in for an emotional ride, and some very hot queer sex scenes!Queer will be released in theaters on November 27, 2024.

Earlier this week, LGBTQ Nation asked its readers how Democrats should respond to anti-trans ads. And about half of you said that they should go on the attack and explain how the GOPs hatred of trans people is toxic.Republicans spent over $655 million on ads attacking transgender rights in this election cycle, saying that their Democratic opponents support trans equality and that that is a reason to vote against them. The ones getting the most attention are from the Trump-Vance campaign, accusing Vice President Kamala Harris of supporting gender-affirming care for federal inmates (something that the Constitution already protects) and saying, Kamala is for they/them, President Trump is for you. Related You, our readers, care a lot about reproductive freedom We asked what issue concerned you most in upcoming ballot initiatives. Republicans in other states, including Montana, Ohio, and Texas, have been using the issue to try to get votes. Sen. Ted Cruzs (R-TX) campaign is running several ads attacking his opponent, Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX), for voting for the Equality Act, saying that this will lead to sex changes for kids, which isnt true, and allow boys in the girls bathrooms, which also isnt true because trans girls are girls. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Several polls have shown that voters say that this line of attack isnt effective, and Democrats reactions to the attacks have been diverse. Some Democrats, like Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), have been accused of compromising their support for trans people by distancing themselves from equal rights for trans people, while Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) Harris running mate has continued to vocally defend trans rights. So we wanted to know what you all think, and half of you said that Democrats should go on the attack and call the anti-trans attacks toxic. This position has some backing to it a recent Data for Progress poll found that 54% of likely voters agreed that anti-trans attacks have gotten mean-spirited and out of hand, with only half that number 26% disagreeing.About a quarter of readers said that Democrats should take a more positive tack and include the stories of trans people in their ads and campaign events. Knowing a transgender person makes people twice as likely to support trans rights, according to a Data for Progress study from last year, so this tactic could lead to more understanding. The two least popular choices in our reader survey were to ignore the ads and for Democrats to release their own ads explaining their pro-trans equality positions. LGBTQ Nation | LGBTQ Nation LGBTQ Nationwill have another poll next week atour Equality For All 2024 election news center. In the meantime, make sure youre registered to vote. Your Vote is a step toward Equality for All Make sure youre ready to vote! Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Younger and The Walking Dead star Nico Tortorella has had a long journey with his sexuality and gender identity, which is justifiably a topic that isnt always the easiest to address. Hes admitted before that hes not fully cisgender, even previously aligning with they/them pronouns and also identifying as demisexual.He recently welcomed a second baby with his wife, Bethany C. Meyers. The journey to parenthood was a tough one that, according to Tortorella, ultimately led to him changing his pronouns back to he/him.See on InstagramIn September, Tortorella and Meyers launched a new podcast, Full of Shift, that the two host together. They discussed the idea of gender and identity in the first episode, titled Gender and Identity Shift, where Tortorella addressed his change in pronouns, Instinct Magazine reported.Theres something that happened specifically in the pronoun conversation too, he said, noting the conversation came about in regard to their fertility journey. I use he/him pronouns at this point, you [Meyers] use she/her pronouns. Not to say that were opposed to they/them pronouns. I just really dont care about it in the same ways that I did back in the day.He added, I feel like a man more than I ever have in my life right now, you know, and I f**king stand by that. Its such a great feeling.See on InstagramIn terms of the conversation happening because of their children, Tortorella discussed the couples infertility issues, saying that the pronoun conversation was this unnecessary roadblock that we were continuing to face head on.Fans of Tortorella know hes always been vocal about his sexuality and gender, which he said helped him grow as both a person and as an actor.I was an actor playing a role as a nonbinary person for so many years, or as a queer person, and now all of a sudden, Im like a dad, and Im playing this cis-het role," he said. "Both of these things can exist at the same time.Catch new episodes of Full of Shift weekly.

From Challengers to Call Me By Your Name to Bones and All, director Luca Guadagnino always makes provocative films and his upcoming drama Queer is no different.An adaptation of William S. Burroughs confessional novel of the same name, Queer is set in Mexico in the 1950s and follows Daniel Craigs character William Lee as he is shaken up by the arrival of a young student named Eugene Allerton played by Drew Starkey, and has to come to terms with his own sexual desires. Omar Apollo, Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Andra Ursuta, Michael Borremans, and David Lowery also star.While the trailer for the A24 film won't be released until next week, the first official movie poster dropped today and it is sparking our imaginations! The fantasy-inducing poster features a mans nude back with another mans hand coming into frame and reaching out toward him.The hand likely belongs to Craig, while the nude man is probably Starkey or Apollo, both of whom have spoken candidly in interviews about filming sex scenes with the James Bond actor.The film focuses on Lee embracing his forbidden desires while having a love affair with beautiful young man he is smitten with. And if interview with the cast is anything to go by, the film is going to be full of steamy gay sex scenes.When youre rolling around on the floor the second day its a good way to get to know someone, Starkey said at the Venice Film Festival. Apollo also revealed to Interview Magazine how he prepped for his sex scene with Craig, "I had to get on the soup diet. Luca did not tell me to lose weight, but when youre about to have a sex scene with Daniel Craig, youre like, 'Oh, dude, I cant be looking off.' I was at 200 pounds, because Im six-five."It sounds like were in for an emotional ride, and some very hot queer sex scenes!Queer will be released in theaters on November 27, 2024.

Michele Morrow, a QAnon candidate for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction, fled this way, that way, and finally found the exit after being asked to sign a tweet calling for the execution of Barack Obama on pay-per-view.I was wondering if I could grab your autograph, comedian Jason Selvig of The Good Liars a comedy duo asked Morrow in the lunchroom of an unidentified school building. Related GOP candidate slammed for saying the + in LGBTQ+ means pedophilia She has called for major Democrats to be executed in the past. Oh, youre so kind, Morrow replied graciously. Yeah, yeah. Sure. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today This is one of your tweets, Selvig explained. It said, Obama did it. Hillary did it. Schiff did it. Comey did it. Holder did it. And it says, death to traitors on there.As Selvigs intention slowly dawned across Morrows face, she replied, Yeah, yeah. I do mind signing for you.Nice to nice to meet you, she added, capping a sharpie and heading for an exit. And then another. And then another, before escaping the awkward encounter. We asked North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate Michele Morrow to autograph her tweets calling for Obama to be killed. pic.twitter.com/7z1R2KdXja The Good Liars (@TheGoodLiars) October 24, 2024While Selvig couldnt catch up with Morrow, her hateful online history has.Not long after the homeschooling activist won the Republican primary in March, CNN uncovered several incendiary social media posts written by the candidate. In one from 2020 on Twitter, she called for Obamas execution.I prefer a Pay Per View of him in front of the firing squad, she replied to another user in a since-deleted post. I do not want to waste another dime on supporting his life. We could make some money back from televising his death.Death to ALL traitors!!she wrote in another tweetin response to a picture of Obama in an electric chair.In a December 2020 tweet, she called for the death of then-President-elect Joe Biden when he asked people to wear masks during the COVID pandemic.Never. We need to follow the Constitutions advice and KILL all TRAITORS!!! #JusticeforAmerica, she screamed across the internet void.The QAnon keyboard warrior has also called the deaths of Black and Muslim Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D), and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) for their responses to the COVID pandemic, with the hashtag #DeathToTraitors. Omar and her other law-hating Dems must be getting a little nervous. Are they just realizing the punishment for treason is death?!? she punctuated wildly.Morrows latest online provocation attacked the LGBTQ+ community after her Democratic opponent in the race for superintendent, Mo Green, accepted the endorsement of Equality North Carolina, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group.NEWSFLASH she ranted, the + includes PEDOPH*L*A!! Mo Green will NOT keep our children safe!Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

If you haven't been watching Agatha All Along, you're doing yourself a disservice. After all the years we've spent lamenting the minimal and frequently blink-and-you-miss-it queer rep throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Agatha has been serving it up front and center. Who would have thought that a show starring Kathryn Hahn, Aubrey Plaza, Patti LuPone, Sasheer Zamata, and Ali Ahn as witches (with a bonus Joe Locke thrown into the mix) would be so gay??Okay, probably anyone who knows anything about queer culture whatsoever.Still, Agatha has not only been keeping us well fed by unspooling gay content as the characters continue their dangerous journey down the Witches' Road, it's also given fans something to talk about online by favoring weekly episode drops over the binge model. And that means the memes and reactions have been top notch just like the show itself.We've rounded up some of our favorite and gayest memes from recent episodes below so we can all keep screaming together while we wait for the final two episodes to air.A PLETHORA OF SPOILERS AHEAD! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

It's a very good day to be a gay person who listens to new music.First, Lady Gaga's new single "Disease" is excellent. I woke up to a notification from the little gay people in my phone, a message from my groupchat of closest friends that said, "NEW LADY GAGA SONG F*CKS, WE ARE SO BACK." Thank you, Homo Paul Revere for spreading the important news. "Disease" is the first look at Lady Gaga's upcoming seventh studio album, simply known as LG7. If this single is any indicator to the rest of the album, we're in for a real treat.See on InstagramMegan Thee Stallion's deluxe mixtape Megan: Act II also dropped today to high acclaim. The album is deluxe indeed. At a solid 18 tracks, and with features from artists including Victoria Monet, GloRilla, Yuki Chiba, Miss Stallion maintains her position as one of the strongest rappers of the 21st century. It's banger after banger. See on InstagramIf that wasn't all enough, the one and only Kate Bush said that she'd ready to start working on a new album. October 25th might have to become a gay national holiday after all this.Bush was on the BBC Radio 4's The Today Podcast for a rare interview, doing promotion for her new animated short film "Little Shrew", which is based on her song "Snowflake." "Snowflake" is from Bush's last album, 50 Words for Snow which she released in 2011. Naturally, she was asked if she was currently working on anything new.She replied, "Not at the moment, but Ive been caught up doing a lot of archive work over the last few years, redesigning our website, putting a lyric book together." While she hasn't been working on anything new yet, she did reveal that she's ready for it."I'm very keen to start working on a new album when I've got this finished," Bush said. "I've got lots of ideas, and Im really looking forward to getting back into that creative space, its been a long time.While distance does make the heart grow fonder, it's been 13 years since Bush released new music, and we are just as ready for it as she is! Whenever it's coming, we can't wait!See on Instagram

Estimated reading time: 6 minutesHeart Patrick offers a captivating exploration of Asian men baring it allbold, intimate, and unapologetically real.From intimate moments bathed in soft light to bold, confident displays of the male form, this visual journey showcases the raw beauty of Asian masculinity like youve never seen before. Dive into a world where vulnerability meets strength, and the naked truth is celebrated in its most authentic, unapologetic form.Patrick Teow, or Heart Patrick as hes known, has become a trailblazer in the world of male portraiture, captivating audiences across social media with his bold and visually striking work. Hailing from Malaysia, Patricks images transport viewers into an intimate and cinematic world, where moments of raw beauty and vulnerability unfold through his lens. His evocative approach to photography has earned him a dedicated following, particularly in his deeply personal explorations of male form and sensuality.To access the uncensored version of this story, subscribe and save 20% on an annual membership.Heart Patricks work seamlessly blends his passions for travel, architecture, and portraiture, creating a visual style that feels like an emotional journey. From urban skylines to serene rural settings, every frame captures not just a moment but a feeling, bringing out the soul of the landscape or subject hes photographing.Versatility in Subjects: From Urban Landscapes to Sensual PortraitureWhat sets Heart Patrick apart is his versatility. His travel photography brings cities to life with a cinematic flair, while his architectural work highlights the beauty of urban spaces. But its his nude male photographyfocused on showcasing the beauty of Asian menthat truly pushes boundaries and engages queer men in a fresh and authentic way.The Nude Male Form: Redefining Asian MasculinityHeart Patricks work with the male form is intimate, sensual, and a true celebration of Asian masculinity. He brings a fresh perspective to a genre that has often excluded or exoticized Asian men, placing them at the forefront with elegance, strength, and a quiet vulnerability. Through his cinematic style, Patricks images give us more than just a physical representationthey capture emotion, confidence, and depth. Each photograph feels like a story, letting the viewer into a moment of connection, passion, or contemplation.His approach to lighting, angles, and composition allows the body to be seen in all its natural beautyhighlighting the graceful contours, the softness of the skin, and the raw power of the masculine form. This isnt just about the eroticthough theres certainly a seductive charge in many of his worksits about representing the male body as art, as emotion, as human.Celebrating Male Sensuality and IntimacyIn Heart Patricks world, sensuality is always present but never objectified. Whether its a man reclining in soft morning light, his body half-covered in sheets, or two figures intertwined in a tender embrace, these moments feel personal, unguarded, and deeply real. Patricks ability to capture these quiet, intimate moments makes his work stand out in the world of male nude photography. He lets his subjects be vulnerable and powerful all at once, giving visibility to Asian men in ways that challenge stereotypes and amplify beauty in every frame.Through his work, Heart Patrick shifts the gaze. His photographs offer representation that is rare in the realm of male nude photography. His celebration of Asian male beauty is a refreshing and necessary contribution, especially in a field where Western ideals have often dominated. By placing Asian men in the spotlight, he reclaims space and opens up new narratives around masculinity and desire.A Bold Statement of Asian Male RepresentationHeart Patricks work isnt just about aestheticsits about breaking taboos, reclaiming narratives, and challenging preconceived ideas about beauty, race, and masculinity. In a world that often marginalizes or erases Asian men from conversations about male beauty, his images are a powerful reminder that theres strength in diversity. Hes giving us a new visual language to celebrate ourselves and see ourselves reflected in art, unfiltered and unapologetically sensual.With his evocative storytelling and striking visuals, Heart Patricks work offers a space to see beauty and vulnerability through an inclusive and empowering lens. His portraits of nude Asian men transcend the bodythey are expressions of identity, passion, and pride. Through his artistry, he creates a dialogue that celebrates who we are, in all our forms.You can follow Heart Patrick on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).More Stories29 Photos of Young Gay Love in AsiaThe Burger King and Ronald McDonald Kiss for Helsinki PrideThe Normal Heart To Have Historic Final Reading64 Photos That Prove Masculinity Can Be Queer AFThe post 10 Intimate Portraits of Handsome Asian Men By Heart Patrick appeared first on Gayety.

A Georgia man convicted of murdering a transgender woman is on the run after jumping bail during his trial.Davonte Fore, 26, was convicted along with accomplice JaQuan Brooks, 25, on October 4 of Malice Murder, two counts of Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony for the June 2021 murder of 25-year-old Skyler Gilmore. Related Anti-trans murderer makes history as first convicted under federal hate crime law His girlfriend called him an anti-gay slur when she discovered his relationship with a trans woman. That upset him According to a press release from the DeKalb County District Attorneys Office, DeKalb County Police officers found Gilmore unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the torso in her Stone Mountain, Georgia, apartment in the early morning hours of June 4, 2021, after receiving a 911 call from a female friend reporting that the 25-year-old had been shot. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The friend told police that she had been on the phone with Gilmore when Gilmore told her she had to hang up to let someone into the front gate of her apartment complex. Gilmore later called the woman back and told her shed been shot. The friend went to Gilmores apartment, where she called 911.The friend told investigators that Gilmore was a transgender woman and had been involved in survival sex, which the DAs press release describes as a form of sex work involving sex in exchange for basic necessities like food or shelter.Investigators were able to link Fores phone number to multiple calls and text messages on Gilmores phone in the hour leading up to her murder, including one text in which she provided the code for her apartment complexs front gate. They were also able to identify Fore and Brooks as the driver and passenger of a car entering the apartment complex shortly before the shooting via surveillance video. Detectives say Fore and Brooks were members of a local gang and had been ordered to kill Gilmore for sleeping with another gang member. Fore was arrested in November 2022 but was released on bond this past February over the objections of state prosecutors. At some point during the trial, Fore failed to return to court and is now considered a fugitive. Brooks was taken into custody following the October guilty verdict.This is why our office works hard to get bonds denied in cases like this, but its not our decision to grant bond, Jacques Spencer, Supervising Investigator in the Homicide and Gangs Unit at the DeKalb County District Attorneys Office, told Fox 5 Atlanta.Gilmores father, Chauncey Gilmore, told Fox 5 that Fore is a bad guy and that he hopes hes caught. Personally, I dont think that hes supposed to have been out on a $25,000 bond on a murder case, but he was, and I understand that, but Im hoping that the people get him, and they get him fast, Gilmore said.Our focus is getting him in custody, Spencer said. We feel that hes a danger to society and also the victims family deserves to be able to face him in court when he is sentenced for what he did. According to prosecutors, Fore has ties to California, and authorities are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office Fugitive Unit at 404-298-8132 but warned not to approach him as Fore is considered dangerous.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The first-ever winner of 'Global All Stars' has been crowned!Editor's note: this article contains spoilers for the grand finale of RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars.12 queens from around the world fiercely represented their countries while competing on the first-ever edition of RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars, which culminated in a dazzling grand finale with top contenders Alyssa Edwards, Kitty Scott-Claus, Kween Kong, and Nehellenia.Thankfully, the eliminated queens were also present for this last episode and got to walk the runway with their grand finale looks. It was a joy to watch Athena Likis, Eva Le Queen, Gala Varo, Miranda Lebro, Pythia, Soa de Muse, Tessa Testicle, and Vanity Vain all back on our screens and they all looked FABULOUS!What was the final challenge of 'Global All Stars'?The very last Global All Stars challenge asked the top 4 finalists to write lyrics and work on choreography for the Rumix of a brand-new song titled "Dance Like the World Is Watching." The dances in this final challenge were described as being TikTok-friendly, but the end result of the music video actually followed the aesthetic and interface of games like Dance Dance Revolution and Just Dance.The top 4 finalists did a good job in the Rumix challenge and dressed to impress in their finale runway looks. Nonetheless, there was a sense that Mama Ru could've narrowed down this competition even further and had only a few queens lip syncing for the crown.Which queens lip synced for the crown on 'Global All Stars'?The entire cast of queens was gooped and gagged when RuPaul asked all four queens to lip sync for the crown.Specifically, the Global All Stars finalists were asked to lip sync to "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga, which felt like yet another serendipitous moment in Drag Race herstory after all, this finale episode aired on Friday, October 25, the same day when Gaga dropped her brand-new song "Disease," which is already hailed as a return to eras like The Fame Monster and Born This Way within Gaga's discography.This "Bad Romance" lip sync for the crown was instantly iconic. At one point, all four queens who each had solo lip syncs stitched together did the legendary and gay AF choreography of "Bad Romance" as if they were in sync.Who won Miss Congeniality on 'Global All Stars'?Drag Race France season 1 star Soa de Muse was crowned Miss Congeniality of RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars, which was dubbed as "Miss Global Peacemaker" in this season.Who won 'Global All Stars' at the finale?See on InstagramIn the end, Alyssa Edwards was crowned the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars season 1 cashing in the grand prize of $200,000 and earning a spot in the International Pavilion of the Drag Race Hall of Fame.Congratulations are in order to this Drag Race legend! Always and forever, Alyssa Edwards. [tongue pop]

History is happening as we speak!We have officially entered a new era of music as Grammy-and-Oscar-winning pop icon Lady Gaga has just released the first single from her upcoming seventh studio album!After being teased on social media, "Disease," which is officially out now on all streaming platforms, is finally here and we are gagging like we haven't gagged in years!Here's what we know so far about the LG7 era, and what we think you should know!What is the first single off LG7?See on InstagramWhile there's still a lot of mystery surrounding this new chapter in Gaga's iconic career, one thing we do know for sure is that the first single off the new album is titled "Disease."Lady Gaga has already released several new songs this year, including those on the Joker 2 soundtrack, and the single "Die With a Smile" with Bruno Mars, however, "Disease" will be the first single that is officially a part of the LG7 music era.What are the lyrics for "Disease?" And what is it about? (@) Gaga has even released the lyrics to her new songs, which feel like classic, dark, dance-pop Gaga."There are no more tears to cry/I heard you begging for your life/running out of medicine/you're worse than you've ever been," she sings on the track. "Ahhhh screamin' for me baby, like you're gonna die/poison on the inside/I could be your antidote tonight.""I could play the doctor, I can cure your disease/If you were a sinner, I could make you believe. Lay you down like 1 2 3/eyes roll back with ecstasy/I can smell your sickness, I can cure ya, cure your disease."Is there a music video for "Disease?" (@) Gaga shared a preview for the new single's music video, which shows her running from a car driven by someone wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Could this be Gaga from one of her earlier eras that is chasing down current Gaga?Page Six reports that the "Disease" music video is "meticulously choreographed" and is similar to the videos for "Bad Romance" and Judas."It was previously reported that Gaga hired choreographer Parris Goebel to work on the video.Does LG7 have a name yet? (@) While we don't know for sure what the new album will be called, rumor online is that it will be titled Nightingale.However, other reports say that "Nightingale" was the placeholder name for Harlequin online. Hopefully, we'll find out soon!Earlier this year, Gaga confirmed that the album will be released in February of 2025.What will LG7 sound like? (@) Most of Lady Gaga's recent music has been ballads and jazz numbers. Her last two albums have been 2021's Love for Sale with Tony Bennett, and Harlequin, released this year along with Joker 2. But it seems like she may be going back to her roots with her new album! According to Page Six, a music insider has said that Gaga's new music is "sonically reminiscent of her Born This Way album. Think dark dance-pop."

The history of the Middle East and especially between Palestinians and Jews abounds with blame, recrimination, retaliation, and an ever-escalating cycle of mistrust and violence. There is indeed plenty of justifiable blame to go around on all sides, but as we blame and blame and blame, attack and attack and attack, react and react and severely overreact while all the time expecting different results, we are certainly left with the insanity perpetuating ever-increasing tensions, violence, death, and the reality of an ever-widening breakout of war and destruction. Related The stakes are just as high for Congress this election as they are for the presidency The results of these races will determine if the next four years is filled with lots of progress or lots of pain. The fact is that both Palestinians and Jews are indigenous to what we call The Middle East, and Jews (Israelites) have existed there continually from when the area was known as the land of Canaan from around 1250 B.C.E. Palestinians and Jews are distant cousins. Yes, it is also true that most Jews who reside in what today is called Israel arrived during the late 19th and early 20thcenturies C.E. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today Demanding that Jews evacuate the area or that Palestinians simply assimilate into other regional Arabic or Persian nations is as unrealistic as it would be to demand that everyone without at least 50% indigenous heritage abandon the Americas and return to the land of their ancestral heritage.But what if we could take a step back for a time and view the condition of perpetual conflict from a 30,000-foot view? What if we tried to observe the larger picture? What if we could think and act outside the box in different ways to break this vicious and deadly cycle?Even for those of us who do not believe in the Christian testaments, we can at least see them as a cautionary tale and take warning in our attempts to avoid the Christian Biblical prophecy of the end of days, of Armageddon erupting in the Middle East and bringing the second coming of Jesus Christ. Daniel 11:40: At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through.Past negotiations have attained limited progress (The Oslo Accords, The Camp David Accords, The Abraham Accords) in forestalling total destruction, though some of that progress has been reversed.How can we somehow slow and stop the perennial cycle of acrimony, violence, and war? How can we ascend the cycle of liberation, friendship, and peaceful coexistence?For the skeptics, I remind us of the words of John Lennon:You may say Im a dreamerBut Im not the only oneI hope someday youll join usAnd the world will be as one Unlike Lennon, however, this new paradigm does not ask us to imagine theres no countriesAnd no religion, too. But in keeping with Lennons dream, living in safe and secure countries and having the power to believe in any or no god(s)canprovide us with Nothing to kill or die for.The first step from our 30,000-foot perch is to suspend blame just for a little while. In doing so, we are not forgetting the histories and the traumas, but rather, we are engaging in an emotional ceasefire.The engine powering our cycle of liberation, friendship, and peace is fueled by the concept of what has come to be called Restorative Justice or Restorative Practice, though it has been called by other names for centuries in conflict resolution and mediation on the micro-individual and macro-national and international levels. Practitioners enumeratefive essential principles: Relationship: The assumption is that Restorative Justice practices are needed because relationships have been harmed or severed in several ways. The goal, therefore, is to repair the damage while giving those who are responsible for the harm the opportunity to take responsibility and make amends.Respect: This principle sets up the conditions for a safe experience for everyone involved in the process. It involves listening with open-mindedness and empathy to others perspectives without necessarily having to agree. It does, however, require that all involved act in ways that help the process proceed safely for everyone.Responsibility: This refers to how each participant takes responsibility and accountability for their part in the relationship by truthfully and openly looking within themselves and showing vulnerability in the Restorative Justice process. Repair: The principle first refers to the acknowledgment that all of the harm may not be possible to repair, but those who have done harm shall attempt to correct or heal as much of the hurt and damage as possible. This principle has the potential to resolve feelings of anger and end the impulsive cycle of exacting revenge.Reintegration: This fifth principle refers to how the community on the micro level and the community of nations on the macro level permit those who have done harm after accepting responsibility to integrate back into the community as a trusted member. Some critical questions remain on the uses of restorative justice principles and processes: How can we employ restorative practices when none of the sides are willing to negotiate in good faith and are determined, instead, to control, dominate, and defeat others? How can we get the process started?Can Restorative Practices be employed following the hostilities in the Middle East, like, for example, the model of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission after the fall of apartheid in South Africa?I wonder if a form of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission had been organized following World War I, rather than the extreme measures dictated under the Treaty of Versailles to punish Germany, we might have been able to prevent World War II. That question is for another day, but for today in the Middle East, we must use a different paradigm before any more lives are taken. Let the healing begin.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

This is the medicine we've needed.We've missed Mother Monster!Yes, we know Lady Gaga literally just dropped her jazz album Harlequin to compliment her latest role in the big budget film Joker: Folie Deux.And sure... we may have listened to Gaga's hit collab with Bruno Mars "Die With A Smile" quite a few times now, but our QUEEN is back to her roots by dropping her latest pop anthem "Disease."The internet was set on fire last night since Gaga released the song, so we've compiled our favorite reactions below. Once you're done reading... stream "Disease" again because you know you want to. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Gay Republicans are, for some bizarre reason, a thing that exists, and apparently, the ones on X (formerly Twitter) arent just obsessed with Donald Trump but also think theyre hotter than gay Democrats. Delusional much?Earlier this week, the X account, The Gay Republican, posted a trio of photos of himself and other men along with the caption, I think the main reason Democrat gays hate Republican gays is because we are hotter than them.The post quickly went viral, with Gay Twitter immediately stepping in to dispel this mythic hotness that only exists in the minds of MAGA gays. I promise you can walk into any Trader Joes here in SF and see at least 10 gays hotter than any of these people within the first 2 minutes, X user Ranch Devereaux (excellent user name, by the way) posted, inspiring hundreds of hilarious comments. (@) Trump-loving gays are so confusing. They support and vote for candidates that actively and loudly hate the LGBTQ+ community, are constantly confused as to why queer people dont like them, and apparently think theyre all 10s? Be for real.And its not like these gay conservatives are going to be protected from the wrath of anti-LGBTQ+ Republicans just because theyre white cishet gay men. If Trump steps foot in the White House again, their rights are going on the chopping block too, which means inauguration day is going to be a harsh slap in the face for queer people who voted for him.Gay Twitter couldnt let their hubris stand and rightly so! If you know anything about the internet, you know that if you dont want to be DRAGGED for your looks, you shouldnt claim to be hotter than other people. This is the definition of fck around and find out.People ran to the comments of the post to roast the Republicans by listing all of the places where you can easily find hotter gay men and asking innocent questions like, Did the hot guys take the photo?Normally, peoples looks are off the table, but these guys served themselves up on a silver platter. So weve been scrolling and laughing for a while now with no plans to stop! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Get ready for high-stakes makeovers and big heart in the city that never sleeps.Netflixs Queer Eye is back with a brand-new twist as the Fab Five bring their signature magic to Las Vegas in Season 9, premiering on December 11, 2024. With Vegas as the ultimate backdrop for reinvention, Karamo Brown, Antoni Porowski, Jeremiah Brent, Tan France, and Jonathan Van Ness are ready to transform lives like never before.New Design Expert in Town: Jeremiah BrentThis season marks a shift for Queer Eye with the departure of long-time design expert Bobby Berk, whose iconic transformations have left a lasting impact. Stepping into the design role is Jeremiah Brent, known for his fresh take on modern interiors. Jeremiahs goal? Craft spaces that feel as personal as they are stylish, bringing the essence of Las Vegas luxury into each participants home.NetflixMeet the Fab Fives Winning FormulaWith each episode, the Fab Five prove why their magic formula keeps viewers coming back. Heres a peek into the Vegas-ready skills theyre bringing to the table:Karamo Brown: Culture ExpertKaramo dives deep into the emotional heart of each journey, helping participants overcome personal struggles to live authentically and confidently.Antoni Porowski: Culinary CreatorAntoni spices things up in the kitchen, teaching cooking techniques that turn everyday meals into Vegas-worthy cuisine. His approach? Make the kitchen a place of fun and empowerment.Jeremiah Brent: Interior InnovatorJeremiahs eye for style brings new energy to the series, reimagining each space to reflect its owners spirit, dreams, and, of course, a touch of Vegas flair.Tan France: Fashion WhizTans fashion tips go beyond the basics, transforming wardrobes to exude confidence and individuality. Hes ready to make everyone look like they belong on the Strip!Jonathan Van Ness: Self-Care ExtraordinaireJonathan is here to remind everyone that feeling fabulous starts with self-care. His grooming tips ensure participants leave the show not just looking good but feeling amazing.The Team Behind the MagicBehind the glitz and glamour of Queer Eye is a powerhouse production team. With executive producers like David Collins, Michael Williams, Rob Eric, Jennifer Lane, Jordana Hochman, Mark Bracero, and Lyndsey Burr, the series has cemented its place as a global hit. Their vision is simple: create episodes that inspire, entertain, and show that everyone is worthy of a fresh start.Saying Goodbye to Bobby BerkNetflixWhile fans will miss Bobby Berk, his legacy continues to shine in every transformation on the show. Season 9 might be a farewell to Bobbys iconic design touch, but its also a celebration of his contributions that helped make Queer Eye the sensation it is today.Related | Bobby Berk Reveals Why He Left Queer EyeWhat to Expect in Season 9With ten new episodes, the Fab Five are ready to take Vegas by storm! Expect high-stakes makeovers, tear-jerking moments, and the heartfelt guidance that fans know and love. Plus, with the addition of Jeremiah Brent, Season 9 promises a fresh perspective and a few surprises along the way.So mark your calendars for December 11, 2024 Queer Eye Season 9 is bound to make you laugh, cry, and maybe even feel a bit more fabulous yourself.More Stories: Queer Eye Drops Season 9 First Look Release Date, Jeremiah Brent, and More!10 Intimate Portraits of Handsome Asian Men By Heart PatrickAgatha All Along Confirms More Queer Representation in the MCUShawn Mendes Tackles Gay Rumors in Unreleased Song The MountainCarson Tuellers Empowering Real Bodies Shoot in AttitudeThe post Queer Eye Drops Season 9 First Look Release Date, Jeremiah Brent, and More! appeared first on Gayety.

The artist Tourmaline, a lifelong scholar on the life of Marsha P. Johnson, is publishing a book on the queer historical icon.Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson is the first full length biography penned about Johnson, who is most famous for her work in the queer liberation movement and presence at the Stonewall Uprising. Tourmaline sat down with them to speak about Johnson's impact and what we can expect from her biography.Marsha's been a guiding force of my life and work for so many years, said Tourmaline. The combination of years of learning from her and listening to her and to the people who knew her sharing that with the world is the deepest honor.See on InstagramJohnson's impact on Tourmaline, both as a person and an artist, can already be deeply felt. She co-directed Happy Birthday Marsha, the 2017 short film, with Sasha Wortzel. The short film depicts a fictionalized version of Johnson and her role in the Stonewall Riots. Tourmaline's strictly nonfiction work can already be found through Tourmaline's blog, "The Spirit Was...". This book is an opportunity for Tourmaline to continue sharing her collection of archival film, photography, and newspaper clippings documenting Johnson's life with the world.On some of the details readers might be surprised by, Tourmaline said of Johnson, "She was a true cultural innovator on a massive scale. She found clarity from being in the midst of things that were unwanted and she immediately calibrated, tuned to what she wanted from a situation. Sometimes she would do that in the realm of organizing and activism, or sometimes she would do that on stage. Thats something I think the public doesnt necessarily know the extent of her output as a performer. She was doing two performances a day with the Angels of Light, [a group] that formed under The Cockettes. She was on stage all day every day for years.See on InstagramJohnson's role in the Stonewall Uprising is also hard to overstate. Tourmaline explained, "So the truth is Marsha was one of the first, if not first person, to physically resist the police that night. Some say, 'Oh Marsha didnt arrive at Stonewall until well after.' But whats powerful is that so many moments throughout her life, she recalled the exact song that was playing at Stonewall when the police busted in: Marvin Gayes 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine.'"She continued, "I use that detail as a jumping off point in the book to show how it wasnt just anti-blackness and transphobia that saw Marsha not foregrounded in this story, but also neuro-normativity. As a neurodivergent person, Marsha would always talk about hearing 'I Hear It Through The Grapevine,' even while at times shed say things in interviews like, 'It happened in August.'See on InstagramTourmaline also explained where the subtitle of "joy and defiance" came from. She expressed that, "In joy lies your greatest clarity about how to navigate a big problem, how to offer a huge solution. In joy is a tremendous amount of power to support and show up for one another, and also to be fully alive. She knew she deserved to be fully alive at any given moment. And she lived in such defiance to the norms and forms. You cant separate that from her beauty."Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson is set to be released by Tiny Reparations Books on May 20, 2025, and is available for preorder here.

A podcast conversation is reigniting a classic debate Do lesbians really scissor?Catherine McCafferty broached the topic during a recent episode of Pretty Gay in which she chatted with fellow comedian Jordan Myrick."People are also spreading rumors that lesbians don't scissor, which I don't understand," McCafferty said. "I'm like, that's not true.""It's literally all I do," Myrick deadpanned.The two commiserated over apparent frustrations that even lesbians are saying scissoring isn't a thing."I'm like, 'Then what are you doing?'" Myrick fired back, before turning the blame onto the wider availability of strap-ons in the midwest.@catherine_mccaffThe rumors ARENT true right? #wlw #funnyvideo #funny #bedroom #dating #datenight #single #couple #lgbtqThe back-and-forth left viewers amused as they desperately tried to parse out whether the conversation was for real or just messing around, which actually proves quite thoroughly how confused society as a whole remains about the mythology of scissoring."I don't know what's real and what's satire anymore," one person commented.Others were down to get into the nitty gritty of it all, actually making the argument either for or against scissoring. "I'm always fighting for my life having to explain that we do in fact scissor," wrote @enbysaurus. "Also I'm always having to explain what tribbing is.""shits too much work for not enough pay," @t_simpai countered, while others pointed out it simply doesn't work for everyone."I feel like I'm being gaslit," another person admitted after watching the video.Will this debate ever be settled? Or will the public at large continue to wonder whether lesbians really scissor for all of eternity?"some do some don't who cares," wrote one viewer.And actually yeah, okay, mystery solved, everyone!

As I reach my 100th day as CEO of The Trevor Project, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the invaluable insights and experiences Ive gained. These first few months have been inspiring and enlightening, and Im excited to continue our shared journey toward a brighter and more joyful future for LGBTQ+ young people.Understanding Our Mission in ActionOne of the most profound lessons Ive learned is how seamlessly our crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs work together to achieve our mission. By integrating these efforts, we ensure that every LGBTQ+ young person reaching out receives the comprehensive support they need.Why LGBTQ+ Youth Reach OutOur interactions have helped us identify the top five reasons LGBTQ+ young people turn to us for help:Mental Health: Navigating anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.Relationships: Building and maintaining healthy relationships or navigating complicated ones.Family: Addressing family dynamics and seeking acceptance.Gender Identity: Exploring and affirming their gender identity.Coming Out: Sharing their authentic selves with the world.A Strong and Recognized BrandIve been heartened by the goodwill surrounding The Trevor Project. The recognition we receive in communities is a testament to the trust and respect weve built together. It underscores the impactful work were doing and the life-changing difference we make for so many young people.Passion and Expertise in Our TeamWitnessing the passion and expertise of our staff and volunteers has been truly inspiring. Their dedication and knowledge are the backbone of our success, driving us forward every day with unwavering commitment.Energized SupportersThe energy from our supportersdonors, partners, and advocatescontinues to inspire me. Your enthusiasm and dedication fuel our efforts, allowing us to expand our reach and enhance our services for LGBTQ+ youth in need.A Diverse and Dynamic Executive TeamI have the privilege of working alongside the most diverse executive team Ive ever encountered. Their varied perspectives and experiences enrich our strategies and ensure that we approach our mission with inclusivity and innovation.These first 100 days have reinforced my belief in the incredible work were doing together and the bright future ahead. As we move forward, I am thrilled to build on these insights and set a clear path for our continued impact.Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our mission. Together, were creating a world where every LGBTQ+ young person feels safe, supported, and empowered.With gratitude and community,Jaymes Black (they/she/he)CEO, The Trevor ProjectThe post Reflecting On My First 100 Days as CEO appeared first on The Trevor Project.

Raven always gets the tea, hunty.The iconic RuPaul's Drag Race contestant is not only known for coming in second place two times on the iconic show, but she's experienced profound levels of success as RuPaul's makeup artist the past few years.Now, the legendary queen is pivoting from her competition show Painted with Raven to launching her own talk show Painting with Raven, where she's interviewing our favorite Drag Race alum as they stamp their mugs alongside the host."It is nice to be able to talk to them and find out the things that you want to know. I think every single one of them was caught off guard by at least one question," Raven tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Raven isn't afraid to also ask the queens all of the questions we want to know, which leads to some wild stories being told each episode."Quite a few of them were sex stories! It is what it is, as they say. Every queen is asked about a poop story, because everyone has at least one!"Although she's very booked and busy, Raven still has an itch for competition and would even be interested in competing one final time in the werk room."I would do it in a heartbeat! Every time I watch the queens enter the werk room, I'm sit there and I'm just like, 'I would love to do this again.' I had the time of my life competing. I would do it all over again."Painting with Raven is streaming now on WOW Presents Plus. To see the full interview with Raven, check out the video at the top of the page.

We thought Tubi's vampire movie Slay was the pinnacle of queer horror representation, but it looks like we're about to get another epic dose of queer horror with the upcoming zombie comedy Queens of the Dead.Deadline just released the first promotional image for the film directed by Tina Romero daughter of legendary director George A. Romero and it looks so queer we can't wait until we get a trailer!The plot revolves around a group of drag queens, frenemies, and club kids who must come together and fight the "brain-thirsty undead" after a zombie apocalypse breaks out during a giant warehouse party. Not only does that sound incredibly fun, but the cast list, released earlier this year, is stacked with notable queer actors. Katy O'Brian (Love Lies Bleeding), Margaret Cho (Fire Island), Dominique Jackson (Pose), Cheyenne Jackson (American Horror Story), Nina West (RuPaul's Drag Race), and Jaquel Spivey (Mean Girls) are all staring in this horror comedy. The project acquired international sales rights from Charades.See on InstagramRomero has cited her father, best known for directing horror classic Night of the Living Dead, as one of her greatest influences both in film and in life, and described Queens of the Dead as a tribute not only to the spirit of drag, but also to the continuation of the Romero legacy aiming to redefine the zombie genre.With Charades joining us, were excited to carry on that tradition, bringing a blend of outrageous humor and glamor to the undead in a way thats never been done before, she said.See on InstagramYohann Comte, chairman of the Paris-based Charades, echoed the statement by saying, This project fits perfectly into the DNA of Charades: a talented director who enjoys subverting genre conventions and revealing a universe that is uniquely her own, featuring a five-star cast.Charades obtained Queens of the Dead just ahead of the 2024 American Film Market (AFM), which will run from November 5-10, though it is unclear if the film will make its debut there. Outside of the film festival, no official release date has been set yet for the film.

As I reach my 100th day as CEO of The Trevor Project, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the invaluable insights and experiences Ive gained. These first few months have been inspiring and enlightening, and Im excited to continue our shared journey toward a brighter and more joyful future for LGBTQ+ young people.Understanding Our Mission in ActionOne of the most profound lessons Ive learned is how seamlessly our crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs work together to achieve our mission. By integrating these efforts, we ensure that every LGBTQ+ young person reaching out receives the comprehensive support they need.Why LGBTQ+ Youth Reach OutOur interactions have helped us identify the top five reasons LGBTQ+ young people turn to us for help:Mental Health: Navigating anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.Relationships: Building and maintaining healthy relationships or navigating complicated ones.Family: Addressing family dynamics and seeking acceptance.Gender Identity: Exploring and affirming their gender identity.Coming Out: Sharing their authentic selves with the world.A Strong and Recognized BrandIve been heartened by the goodwill surrounding The Trevor Project. The recognition we receive in communities is a testament to the trust and respect weve built together. It underscores the impactful work were doing and the life-changing difference we make for so many young people.Passion and Expertise in Our TeamWitnessing the passion and expertise of our staff and volunteers has been truly inspiring. Their dedication and knowledge are the backbone of our success, driving us forward every day with unwavering commitment.Energized SupportersThe energy from our supportersdonors, partners, and advocatescontinues to inspire me. Your enthusiasm and dedication fuel our efforts, allowing us to expand our reach and enhance our services for LGBTQ+ youth in need.A Diverse and Dynamic Executive TeamI have the privilege of working alongside the most diverse executive team Ive ever encountered. Their varied perspectives and experiences enrich our strategies and ensure that we approach our mission with inclusivity and innovation.These first 100 days have reinforced my belief in the incredible work were doing together and the bright future ahead. As we move forward, I am thrilled to build on these insights and set a clear path for our continued impact.Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our mission. Together, were creating a world where every LGBTQ+ young person feels safe, supported, and empowered.With gratitude and community,Jaymes Black (they/she/he)CEO, The Trevor ProjectThe post Reflecting On My First 100 Days as CEO appeared first on The Trevor Project.

Last Sunday, a troupe of Jewish drag artists called Full Moon Drag came together to create a sukkah a shelter made for Sukkot at the Maple Street Community Garden in Crown Heights in Brooklyn, N.Y. 'Under the overhanging willow tree, their sukkah adorned with poppies, keffiyehs, and a handpainted FREE PALESTINE banner set the stage for their production titled "HOT 2 ROT." The troupe performed to an audience of 100 community members and successfully raised $2000 for a local mutual aid organization fighting for neighbors to stay in their homes and be free of police violence, Equality for Flatbush, and Denizens Society, an international mutual aid organization that supplies housing and food for Gazan refugees. By sunset, it was all taken down collectively by the troupe and audience members alike," a press release from the event read. Some drag artists reflected on their performances in statements provided in the press release.During Sukkot we welcome in the ushpizin, or supernatural guests, which is what my number was based on. I wore a dress made out of tissues and lip-synched to a mix of Keshas Blow and the voice of my recently deceased grandmother talking somewhat obsessively about how different people blow their nose. Including my grandmother in this way grounded me in my ancestry which in my family has always included silliness, play and fighting for a world in which joy is accessible to everyone, Abbie Goldberg, who performs under the name Chava Goodtime, said.My act is an expression of grief, pain, rage, and defiance in solidarity with Palestinians. In the finale, I pour a silver plate of black ink all over my body - it stains my skin and clothes drawing drip patterns on my skin. I tried to channel the raw emotions and connect to the singers and audience to express how were feeling collectively. The show is among many things a call for Jewish people to create home, security, and safety with other marginalized people around us grounded in the places we live: a vision for what we could be. performer Zev said about their second time performing with Full Moon Drag as ZivZavZuv.To open the show, I performed Come to Mama by Lady Gaga as a way to welcome not only our spiritual ancestors, the ushpizin, into our space, but also what I see as our collectively created Jewish Community and what we stand for. Ariel, a producer of the show and a drag queen who goes by the name of Harsh Babe, said. The way I see it, proud anti-Zionist queer Jews like us represent the spaces that the Jewish Left is craving and actively creating. In my number, I brought audience members and troupe members alike onto the sukkah stage with me to wrap us in a shawl made of Jewish Voice for Peace shirts from an action many of my troupe members participated in at the New York Stock Exchange days prior, decorated with phrases such as Not in Our Name and Jews Say Stop Arming Israel. It was my goal to create an atmosphere that celebrated what it means to be in Jewish community centered around love and liberation. Check out images from the show and gathering below.

It looks like congratulations are in order for 13 Reasons Why star Brandon Flynn and author Jordan Tannahill!Based on social media posts, it seems like Flynn, 31, and Tannahill, 36, got married earlier this month on October 12 after several years of dating!Images and videos of the wedding have been shared on social media, revealing that the two got married at New York City's St. Mark's Church-in-the-Bowery. (@) Based on the images, Flynn and Tannahill got married in black leather and lace. Each groom wore a leather jacket over a sheer top emblazoned with two white roses on the front, and Tannahill wore leather pants while Flynn wore a leather kilt.See on InstagramThe wedding took place one day after Flynn's birthday on October 11. One of the images shows that Flynn has gotten a tattoo on his chest over his heart that is a heart made of barbed wire with the initials "B+J" inside, presumably for Brandon and Jordan. (@) In addition to family, friends of the couple including 13 Reasons Why actress Alisha Boe, artist Jenkin van Zyl, actor Julio Torres, The Gilded Age star Morgan Spector, and filmmaker Kevin Rios were there to celebrate the happy day. (@) Since starring on 13 Reasons Why, Flynn has appeared in the movies Hellraiser and The Senior, as well as the TV shows Ratched and Manhunt.Tannahill is a Canadian author and playwright who recently adapted his novel The Listeners into a limited series starring Rebecca Hall. The series will air on BBC One late this year.Scroll through to see even more photos of the beautiful wedding! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Here are eight positive stories that happened this past week.Chase Strangio will be the first trans person to argue before the Supreme CourtShutterstock Chase Strangio | ShutterstockHistory will be made soon! ACLU attorney Chase Strangio will argue for trans peoples rights to access medical care before the Supreme Court. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Cecillia Wang, ACLU legal director, said of Strangio in astatement, Chase Strangio is our nations leading legal expert on the rights of transgender people, bar none. He brings to the lectern not only brilliant constitutional lawyering, but also the tenacity and heart of a civil rights champion. Our clients couldnt have a better advocate in this case. Injectable PrEP will soon be available without a copaymentShutterstock | ShutterstockThe Biden administration is working on a new rule to make injectable PrEP as well as more forms of birth control available without a copayment under the Affordable Care Act. With low uptake of PrEP among the communities most impacted byHIV, this insurance coverage requirement with zero cost-sharing will help jump-start the use of more effective forms of PrEP and lead to fewer HIV transmissions, Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+ Hepatitis Policy Institute, toldThe Bay Area Reporter. Campaigning for Kamala Harris is queer joy for commentary contributor Gabriel LewensteinJoe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale on Aug. 9, 2024. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORKGabriel shared with us the positive feelings hes getting from joining forces with his friends and campaigning to help Kamala Harris win Pennsylvania.As a gay person, my life is political whether I like it or not, he wrote. Ive been lucky enough to live in a world created by the gay activists before me. But I know that none of that progress is safe. Parents across the political spectrum are banding together to save their trans childrenShutterstock | ShutterstockParents of various political beliefs came together to make a video supporting their trans kids and co-signed a Supreme Court brief supporting trans kids right to medical care. Im trotted out often as the Republican parent who loves and supports their transgender son, which I dont really get personally. Im just doing my job as a parent, one dad said. Some of [my sons] trans friends joke and they say Im a dad to all of them. I cant help it. Transgender woman brutally abused in jail wins landmark settlementShutterstock | ShutterstockDeAnna LeTray, a trans woman, got justice in the state of New York after she was mistreated and misgendered by police officers. She sued and the county settled.These settlements make me feel heard and will allow me to move forward with my life, despite the trauma I endured, she said. Most importantly, they will put other counties and police departments on notice so that the abuse I endured never happens to anyone again. 97% of trans youth dont regret transitioning, new study findsShutterstock | ShutterstockYet another study has come out showing that trans kids are just who they say they are and that affirming their gender identities is almost never the wrong way to go. I wish we didnt need research like this, but we do, said Chris Barcelos, an associate professor of womens gender sexuality studies at the University of Massachusetts at Boston, to theWashington Post. Its important that there is more data to support a thing that trans people know, which is that theres a really low rate of regret and really high rates of satisfaction with gender-affirming care for young people. People rally to support LGBTQ+-friendly businesses after conservatives tried to start a boycottShutterstock | ShutterstockConservatives in Lancaster, Ohio, denounced several local businesses for supporting a small-town Pride organization, accusing them of all sorts of awful things. But then something great happened: people came in from all over to support those businesses and show that hate has no home in America.Weve probably had at least 200 people who have never been to Lancaster that have come to town to support the boycotted businesses, the owner of a local gift shop said. People from, not just Columbus, but out of state have been visiting us on the daily now, and so its definitely something I didnt expect. Father learns to accept his trans daughter in this moving PSAPromotional Photo | Promotional PhotoThe PSA, entitled Not Losing You, depicts a farmer learning to accept his transgender daughter. The whole video is heartwarming.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A video of a transgender man completely roasting conservative commentator Ben Shapiro to his face in response to Shapiros antagonistic views towards transgender people is going viral on X.The video comes from the YouTube channel Jubilee and it shows Shapiro debating 25 Kamala Harris supporters. Midway through the video, one supporter podcaster and LGBTQ+ advocate Shane Ivan Nash takes the chair and begins to immediately ask Shapiro a few questions. Related Ben Shapiros unbelievably cringe anti-woke rap song made it to No. 1 on the iTunes charts We are trying to pull off the biggest troll on the music industry ever. He asks Ben whether men can get pregnant, whether men can experience sexual assault, whether he benefits from white supremacy, and about the existence of transgender men. After Ben responds with his views, Nash begins to tear into Shapiro. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Im a transgender man, Ive experienced SA [sexual assault], and abortion rights affect me directly. So, if were talking about the American dream, why do I not have access to that? Because there is no legislation in the history of America that legislates a mans body, so why does mine have to be legislated? Ive got a vagina.Um Im not interested in what your genitalia are, Shapiro replies.Clearly you are, I mean its all over everything you make buddy, Nash replies to a roomful of laughter.Radically, I am not, I think you can read on my face that I am not, Shapiro said.No, you can present it here, but in most of the content that you have, you attack my community constantly. And you dont even realize guys like me exist, who actually share a lot of similarities to you. Because Im a married man of 20 years.Shapiro then proceeds to misgender Nash, who visibly has a full beard, a deep voice, and who Shapiro previously called a bro when he was sitting down, before Nash asks if Shapiro believes that Nash should carry a child to term if he was sexually assaulted. Shapiro is immediately lost for words and tries to claim that Nash is moving around terminology very wildly here. Nash replies to a roomful of applause, And so are you, because thats the tactics you play in your game. Youve done it the entire time, you jump from one subject to the next, you speak so fast. I know how you work, so how does it feel to have it in your face? Shapiro is well known for speaking fast and changing topics quickly to make it harder for people to refute his arguments.Im sick and tired of the s**t that you have put against my community, especially Black trans women, because you constantly disregard all of our needs, and then use us as politically pawn when were 1% of the population. Why not focus on the economy itself? All of us are struggling, and you want to focus on trans people, you want to focus on a Black woman, when this is clearly a glass cliff situation. Americas falling apart, and lets give it to women right when its falling apart. Weve had 50 men run it and it looks like s**t. Look at where we are at?Nash continues to discuss how Shapiro benefits from white supremacy and how forcing women to give birth to children relies heavily on the patriarchy. Im so sick of you coming in with your bravado, acting like this big guy who knows things because you talk fast, you have statistics. But really, what does it matter at the end of the day if you are harming the entire American [population]. [Trump] has been accused of rape in court documents, said Nash while exasperated, referring to the jury that found that Trump sexually abused author E. Jean Carroll. Youre backing the guy. You have children. How could you do that to your own dont you have a daughter? Like what is wrong with you, dude?The debate then pauses shortly after that. Nash reaches out his hand to Shapiro, saying, Pleasure to meet you, you d**k, before pulling his hand away right as Shapiro goes up to shake his hand. Nash walks away silently as the crowd is shocked.Transgender man calls out @benshapiro in front of everyone pic.twitter.com/aizBbYPqZW Roast Master General (@liedsuddenly) October 24, 2024Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Lesbian Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) knows all eyes are on her state as we hurtle toward election day on November 5th. Wisconsin is considered one of the most critical swing states in winning the presidential campaign, which means voters there will play a big part in determining the future of our country far beyond the next four years. Baldwin, who has served in the Senate since 2013 and was the first out gay person elected to the Senate in U.S. history, has taken the Harris-Walz campaign trail by storm, working to convince her constituents that Vice President Kamala Harris is the countrys best chance at an equitable future for all Americans. Related Wisconsin is the swing state needed to win the presidency. Can Democrats do it? With less than two weeks to go until election day, politicians and LGBTQ+ organizations tell LGBTQ Nation whats at stake for the Badger State. Harris marks a new beginning for our party and for our country, Baldwin told the crowd at the vice presidents first presidential campaign rally, which took place in her state. I know that we will not only fight, she added. I know that we will win. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Baldwin, who has long been a champion for LGBTQ+ rights, has also been working to convince Wisconsin voters that she is her states best chance in the Senate. Her opponent in this years race, Republican Eric Hovde, is running on a staunchly anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion platform. He has called being trans insanity and was in favor of the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. With only days until the election, LGBTQ Nation spoke with the senator via email about whats at stake for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Related Wisconsin is the swing state needed to win the presidency. Can Democrats do it? With less than two weeks to go until election day, politicians and LGBTQ+ organizations tell LGBTQ Nation whats at stake for the Badger State. LGBTQ NATION: The next president could have a chance to pick enough new Supreme Court justices to change the courts ideological balance. How could the Harris-Walz campaign best communicate these stakes to Wisconsin voters? Is this something that people in Wisconsin are prioritizing? Sen. Tammy Baldwin: When the Supreme Court overturned Roe and sent us fifty years into the past, they also signaled they werent just interested in taking away abortion rights. In his concurring opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas put out an open invitation to reconsider the courts previous rulings in Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell historic precedents that codified rights to contraception access, same-sex relationships, and same-sex marriage.We cant let our freedoms be determined by a few unelected justices, so I introduced my Respect for Marriage Act and fought to make it law. And in a divided Senate, I brought 12 Republicans on board with all the Democrats to pass the bill into law. Now, same-sex and interracial couples can go to sleep at night knowing that their love is recognized and protected. Together, we stood up to the extremists and won. But our work isnt over.The Dobbs decision was a stark wake-up call and demonstrated just how swiftly and dramatically protections we considered fundamental rights can be stripped away. This active Supreme Court has made it their intention to roll back as many rights and freedoms as they can. And with Trump having appointed two right-wing justices to the Court during his last term, there is a very real risk that he could have the opportunity to do so again if he is reelected. The stakes could not be higher in this election. Once again, Wisconsin is the key battleground state to watch, and Wisconsin voters will have the power to decide who controls the Senate, the White House, and ultimately the future of our nation.We cant let our freedoms be determined by a few unelected justices.Sen. Tammy Baldwin How is your campaign working with local organizations to spread your message and attract LGBTQ+ voters to the polls, not only for the presidential election but down-ticket state legislative races, which are seeing a record-breaking number of queer candidates?The best way to address voter concerns is to show up, listen, and deliver. I dont write off any area of our state whether its red, blue, or purple, or rural, urban, or suburban. My job is to represent all Wisconsinites, and that means understanding the everyday issues facing Wisconsin families and knowing when to work across the aisle for whats best for them. When folks see results, they feel more encouraged to turn out and vote because they know their voices are heard and valued. Voters in your state say their top concern this year is the economy, even though Wisconsin has a low unemployment rate of 2.9% and average income has been increasing in the state since President Biden took office. Why do most people in Wisconsin believe that the economy isnt working for them? How do you talk to them about economic issues?This progress isnt just about numbers; its about the families in our neighborhoods starting their own businesses, the students who are the first in their families to earn a college degree, and growing opportunities for workers in our communities. However, there is still more work that needs to be done. When I travel across Wisconsin, I hear from families struggling with the rising cost of living. Thats why Im proud to be leading efforts to pass legislation thatll cut the costs of housing, child care, and everyday items. I will continue working tirelessly to help alleviate some of the most pressing financial burdens for Wisconsin families so that they can have the opportunities to get ahead. Republicans have capitalized on promising to bring manufacturing back to Wisconsin and depicting Democrats as out-of-touch elitists who ignore the states rural voters. What messages do you think are resonating most with voters this time around?Im proud to have introduced landmark job training legislation that would scale up Wisconsins apprenticeship programs and provide more people with the skills they need to succeed. Ive also worked across party lines to pass my bipartisan Manufacturing Universities Act, and now this law is helping engineering programs across the country meet the demands of modern manufacturing. I am committed to supporting Made in America and Made in Wisconsin initiatives to back up our industries and keep our workers going strong.When folks see results, they feel more encouraged to turn out and vote because they know their voices are heard and valued.Sen. Tammy BaldwinA new Labor Day report said that Wisconsin workers wages are up and the racial and gender gaps they face are smaller, but the scarcity and cost of child care continue to keep some Wisconsin residents from joining the workforce, especially as housing costs rise and union membership dwindles in the state. How do you think a Harris victory might help address these issues?Everything starts with a good-paying job that pays the bills. Ive been proud to champion my Buy America rules in multiple pieces of federal legislation, including our historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Now, when new bridges, roads, waterways, and broadband are being built all across the country by the new administration, American materials are being used to do it. Im also working to tackle the housing crisis caused by big Wall Street investors who are buying up housing to get unfair tax deductions and make a profit at the expense of working Americans. Finally, Im working to cut childcare costs for Wisconsin families. But we need to fix the system as a whole, so Im fighting to pass the Child Care Stabilization Act and the Child Care for Working Families Act, which will support our child care workforce and bring down costs for our families. Vice President Harris is exactly in alignment with all of this work. Democrats are committed to strengthening and delivering for our middle class. Shes proposed an economic plan that would cut some of the most pressing costs burdening families, cut taxes for working families, help Americans achieve their home ownership dreams, protect benefits like Social Security, and expand opportunities to help our families get ahead and build generational wealth. This is in stark contrast to Donald Trump and his MAGA allies on the ballot, like my opponent, Eric Hovde. These are people who want to cut taxes for the ultra-wealthy at the expense of working families, repeal the ACA, gut social security, and pass a national abortion ban. Vice President Harris is working to deliver solutions for these issues and build on all the progress thats been made. Donald Trump will undo all that work so that the ultra-wealthy and out-of-touch like himself can keep getting ahead at the expense of working families.Wisconsin voters have made it clear they want leaders who will stand up for their rights and protect their freedoms.Tammy BaldwinWisconsin is part of the Democrats blue wall strategy. Biden won Wisconsin in 2020, along with Democratic wins for the governorship and the critical position of state attorney general in 2022. Wisconsin also gained a progressive majority on the state Supreme Court in 2023. How have these wins translated into changes that benefit voters in your state?Wisconsin voters have made it clear they want leaders who will stand up for their rights and protect their freedoms. The victories weve seen show just how strong this commitment is. And its not slowing down. These wins have allowed us to move forward with real, meaningful change, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. Were making sure those investments get put to work now and into the future, so Wisconsinites can feel the benefits in their everyday lives. Im excited to keep the momentum going, working with the next administration to keep delivering for the people of Wisconsin. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Republican Ted Cruzs desperate search for trans targets in a hateful series of anti-trans attack ads directed at his Democratic opponent Colin Allred has landed the two-term Texas senator in hot water with the parents of two cisgender girls and their high school.The teens appear in at least two fear-mongering ads attacking both the trans community and Allred, picturing them alongside former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas and CeC Telfer, a Jamaican-born sprinter and the first out trans woman to win an NCAA title. Related Republicans crank out several bizarre anti-trans ads in desperate election bid A Ted Cruz ad falsely accuses his opponent of wanting to allow boys in girls bathrooms. Over a photo of the two teens at an Oregon high school track and field event, a narrator ominously intones, Boys in girls sports. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today A representative from the Beaverton School District demanded the ads be pulled from any and all distribution platforms in an email to the Cruz campaign shared with The Hill, noting that the two athletes pictured are minors.The family nor the school or school district ever gave permission for this photo to be used, the representative wrote. It is alarming that your campaign would have produced/distributed/promoted this ad with false information, especially with minor children involved.The family nor the school or school district ever gave permission for this photo to be used, he wrote. The image originally appeared in an April report byCentral Oregon Daily Newsabout controversy centered on a transgender high school athlete in the state.A Cruz campaign spokesperson responded by saying the photofeatures a female athlete who spoke out against boys playing in girls sports after participating in a track meet where a biological male beat female athletes and impacted individual and team medal results but didnt address the campaign labeling the young women as transboys.Cruz and his fellow MAGA Republicans are training their attention and dollars on the anti-trans messaging and ignoring voters top priorities, including theeconomy and health care despite the strategysovert failure in 2022, when the GOP failed to produce a red wave in the midterms with a massive ad campaign focused on the same trans tropes. For his part, Democratic nominee Allred, whos locked in a tight race with Cruz, has called out the senators anti-trans on-air blitz as a disgusting, false attack, and another example of how Ted Cruz only wants to divide Texans.Cruz will say anything to distract from his dangerous abortion ban that is putting womens lives at risk, trying to raise the retirement age for Social Security and Medicare and fleeing to Cancun during a deadly winter storm, Josh Stewart, an Allred spokesperson, said in a statement.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In a likely attempt to curry favor with young male voters, Donald Trump was interviewed on The Joe Rogan Experience on Friday, where he spent three hours spewing a confusing mix of word salad, anti-trans hate, xenophobia, and election denial conspiracy theories. It was a rambling mess, but the internet immediately came through with the funniest jokes roasting the former president.Trumps long-winded, meandering answers to even simple questions were often unintelligible or confusing, but that didnt stop him from bragging about his ability to weave through multiple topics, claiming that only the right people can follow him, The Advocate reported.During the marathon interview, the MAGA leader fell back on his well-worn rhetoric about undocumented immigrants and prisoners getting taxpayer-funded transgender operations, rampant human trafficking due to open borders, Hunter Bidens laptop, and his desire to replace income taxes with tariffs despite economists largely agreeing this is a terrible idea.There was also a bizarre sidetrack about wanting to be a whale psychiatrist when talking about the environment. We want to tell him to go be a whale psychiatrist whatever that is and leave our democracy alone, but that's probably tantamount to animal cruelty.Thats three hours of our life well never get back again, but that just means that we rotted our brains so you dont have to. Although Trump slipping and saying he lost the election when talking about how It was supposedly rigged almost made listening to the drivel worth it.Now, instead of putting yourself through the torture of listening to Joe Rogan and Trump for hours on end, you can just scroll through to see the funniest reactions to this podcast abomination! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Sitting on a colored mat beside a DIY box full of tailoring items, including scissors, thread rolls, and stickers, Deepaks eyes are glued on a thrifted jacket that she had recently brought. While closely looking at the jacket, she puts a sticker on the stained part.This is how I repair these thrifted clothes and make them ready for sale, says Dee while writing a number on the pasted sticker. Deepak Tandon, 28, of New Delhi identifies herself as a transgender nonbinary person. Sporting a black t-shirt and pajamas, she frequently pushes back her long hair, which falls over her face and eyes while working on her thrifted clothes. I was like a caged bird who got freedom because of Instagram, she says while pondering over her journey from being a scared lad to an independent trans person. Related Trans shelter residents are upcycling discarded flowers to fund their healthcare It took Priyankas business skills and a lot of flowers. Now residents at Garima Greh are working on a bold endeavor. After working in large finance firms and dropping out from a reputed course (which she doesnt want to name), Dees trans identity forced her to take a different path in life, about which Dee says, I was also not sure of what will be in store. Global perspectives delivered right to your inbox Our newsletter bridges borders to bring you LGBTQ+ news from around the world. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Lets call this a day! A tired Dee mumbles while exhaling a deep breath. After standing up to reshuffle the hanging stock, she joked about her bully classmates. They used to grab my d**k and would touch my a** while questioning what will you do with this? She says in a sarcastic tone, laughingly. I now own a business where I make money in six figures, she adds as if answering their questions.Umar Farooq for LGBTQ Nation Dee inspects an upper as she packs it for shipment to Punjab at her warehouse in New Delhi, India. | Umar Farooq for LGBTQ Nation The journey of Dee & Ron (@thelittlethrift), an online thrift store started by Dee and her friend, dates back to the time when she left her corporate world two years ago.I always had this thing in mind that I dont want to work at a male-dominated place, she says in a content mood.After I left the job, my friend suggested that I take a break. I told her that I wanted to go thrifting. We bought some clothes from a local market for $35 (2900 INR). We had no idea that this amount would be the only amount to be paid from our pocket to run this business, she narrates with pride. With long curly hair, which needs her frequent attention, after finishing the reshuffling job, she went back into the memory lane. As a trans, Ive faced a lot of humiliation and bullying. An emotional Dee starts her story like this.Dee presents herself as a strong and independent woman who doesnt need any support and can live and do business on her own, says Fardeen, one of Dees closest friends, seated in Dees warehouse. But it takes a lot of willpower and commitment to live in a society where your day starts with slurs and ends at harassment.Agreeing with her friend, Dee says, The first thing that I want to do in my life is hire a bodyguard, who can save me from the harassment and humiliation that I face.Dee likes to dress up herself, even during the common days at herwarehouse. | Umar Farooq for LGBTQ NationUmar Farooq for LGBTQ Nation | Umar Farooq for LGBTQ Nation Coming back to her journey, Dee narrates what shes been through all these years. From my classmates to office colleagues, wherever I went, I was always bullied and teased by straight men.Men feel entitled to harass you. They think they can touch you anywhere, she says with a sarcastic smile on her face. If you ask me about my mental health, its not there; its vanished. Adding to this, Fardeen says that Dee had to go through a lot of depression and anxiety before finding refuge in her business.Back in her warehouse, Dee shuts the door and leaves for an evening stroll. Im the boss here. I dont need to go to anyone for anything. Instagram has changed my life. It has given me freedom and independence, she says with admiration for this social platform. Ive found my new voice, and I dont need validation from anyone, she added, her voice full of hope and energy.For her, Instagram has given her the freedom that very few people in our community get. There are people among us who have to do odd jobs just to sustain, expresses Dee about the problems faced by the queer community.Umar Farooq for LGBTQ Nation Dee works on her laptop, and manages online orders from her bedroom. | Umar Farooq for LGBTQ NationApart from a good standard of living and a stable source of income, Dee feels that she has found her identity because of Instagram. Whenever I go to a party, people come and interact with me saying, Hey! I know you, Ive bought clothes from your store, she laughingly says.Speaking about a Tinder event where queer entrepreneurs were given a chance to install stalls and do business, Dee says that she met a lot of people who she doesnt remember or know but they knew her.These are the moments where you can say that you have achieved something, she further adds. Talking about the trolls and negative interactions on Instagram, Dee says that she has found a support system that defends and protects her. If some user comments something wrong, my followers make sure to show them their place and correct them. This is the support that I expect in real life also. According to her, Indian society has yet to accept the identity of the queer community. The challenges faced by this particular community range from joblessness to homelessness. When I walk on the road, there will be people who call me chakka. Thats a derogatory term used in India for nonbinary people.While walking on the road, a middle-aged bike rider passes a comment, Chalay gi kya? (Do you wanna come with me?) To this, she just smiled and went on. Yeh toh hamaray roz ka hai, (This is our routine now) she says to herself in disappointment.Umar Farooq for LGBTQ Nation Clothes lie ready for packing on the floor at Dees warehouse in New Delhi, India. | Umar Farooq for LGBTQ NationI feel its very important to understand that living in India with a nonbinary identity comes with a lot of difficulties that f**k up your mental, physical, and emotional health. No matter how strong I show myself. But the current state of my community does affect me inside and I feel depressed about it, she says, entering her house.However, opposite to what goes inside her mind and what she faces daily, Dee is a fashion freak who loves to dress like a princess.Dee lives with her sisters, who have accepted her the way she is. Inside her flat, her bedroom is filled with clothes, a table with a printer, a jewelry box, and papers atop. In the corner stands a shoe organizer filled with sneakers and long boots, a large mirror, and wardrooms full of clothes.This is my world and Im the princess here! says Dee with a look of enthusiasm and self-confidence.A black dog comes out of the kitchen and sniffs Dee, trying to get some back-scratching. Dee scratches him, jumps onto her bed, takes out her smartphone, and scrolls her brand page on Instagram, finding some new orders.You listen to negativity and then this small device gives you the energy to overcome everything and live peacefully, she says as the comment from the bike rider still lingers in her head.Umar Farooq for LGBTQ Nation Dee in her bedroom. | Umar Farooq for LGBTQ NationSubscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Jonathan Bailey is teasing us with news of a wickedly tantalizing photo he says he took while filming his part as Fiyero in the upcoming Wicked movie.In a new promo video for the upcoming Wicked film, Jonathan Bailey spilled some tea on his costume for the movie and how little of it he wore the first time he tried it on."So my first in-person meeting knowing I was going to play Fiyero was with the guy that made my 'Dancing Through Life' boots. I think I flew over on a Tuesday and I was filming Bridgerton on the Wednesday to the Saturday, and as I got there, nothing arrived. So all I had was my Fiyero boots," he revealed."And there's an amazing photo that no one's ever gonna see of me in nothing but my boots, which sort of felt right for Fiyero somehow," he added.Bailey seems like he's the perfect casting for the confident and romantic Fiyero, who is a Winkie prince who goes to Shiz University with Elphaba and Glinda and eventually becomes a love interest for Elphaba.In addition to Bailey, Wicked stars Out100 cover star Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Marissa Bode as Nessa, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Bowen Yang as Pfannee.We'll get to see more of Bailey as Fiyero when Wicked hits theaters November 22.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) was outraged over a recent New York Times story about gender-affirming care that has already been debunked. She posted on X on Thursday: Our children should NEVER be politicized. Its disgusting that a study on the effect of puberty blockers on kids went unpublished because it revealed the lie Democrats and Big Pharma have been selling to Americans that they improve mental health. Related Marjorie Taylor Greene rages at Kamala Harris for denouncing Donald Trumps admiration of Hitler She said Harris going to get Trump killed based on one key misinterpretation of what Harris actually said. Congress must urgently work to pass my bill, the Protect Childrens Innocence Act, and end this insanity. My bill would make so-called gender-affirming care a felony. Its long overdue. Her bill would also make gender-affirming care more difficult for transgender adults to access and even ban medical schools from teaching about it. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Our children should NEVER be politicized.Its disgusting that a study on the effect of puberty blockers on kids went unpublished because it revealed the lie Democrats and Big Pharma have been selling to Americans that they improve mental health.Congress must urgently work to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) October 24, 2024Greene is referring to a New York Times article covering a study that allegedly was not published due to worries about how the far-right would use it for political opportunism. The unpublished study, the Times claims, found null results for puberty blockers effects on transgender youths mental health.Journalist Erin Reed responded to the story the day the article came out. First, Reed pointed out, puberty blockers are not supposed to improve youths mental health but rather to prevent any worse mental health outcomes from arising. Puberty blockers are a set of treatments that delay the onset and the permanent effects of puberty so that trans kids, their families, and their doctors have more time to understand their identities. Their point is not to give youth the bodies they want; its to give them time until they can be safely given hormone replacement therapy.For another, Joana Olson-Kennedy the lead author of the unpublished study and her Trans Youth Care clinic have published over 28 studies on puberty blockers previously, each of them showing beneficial effects of puberty blockers. She is no stranger to research on transgender youth and only prevented her article from being published out of worries that it would be misinterpreted and abused by the far-right media which the Times article and Greenes social media postings show were a legitimate concern. Research, including that by Olson-Kennedy, suggests that puberty blockers are safe and have no permanent effects. If a young person changes their mind about them, they simply stop taking them and go through the puberty associated with their sex assigned at birth. Provided that youth initiate puberty within a reasonable time, theyre able to catch up to their peers in bone density development and height. As Reed writes, What [Olson-Kennedy] has done is exercise caution, understanding the limitations of her data and recognizing how, in todays charged climate, misinterpretation and underpowered studies can be used to harm transgender people. By doing so, she has protected both the integrity of her research and the community it serves.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Although we spoke by phone, you could hear Kim Coco Iwamoto smiling.The 56-year-old trans Hawaii state Representative-elect for Honolulu was speaking from her home office in the waterside Kakaako district, after a walk and talk with a soon-to-be fellow legislator through Ala Moana Beach Park on a predictably beautiful day on Oahu.One topic of conversation: a ballot initiative in Hawaii to remove an outdated constitutional amendment granting authority to legislators to restrict marriage to a man and a woman bad juju, in Iwamotos words.By turns gracious and funny, and always grateful she won her seat outright in the Democratic primary the rep-elect was also laser-focused on her new job and clearly eager to get to work. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today LGBTQ Nation: Youve been called the Speaker Slayer Rep.-elect Kim Coco Iwamoto: Oh! (laughing)for finally defeating 30-year incumbent Scott Saiki, the current Speaker of the Hawaii House. This year was your third run at him. In 2020 and 2022, you lost in Democratic primaries by just under 200 votes. This time you flipped that margin and then some when you defeated the Speaker by five points. What changed since your first face-off with Saiki?Right? Well, I feel like the voters in my district got to know me. You know, each election, I didnt give up, and I think that really helped.50% of my district are condo owners, and he consistently failed to pass legislation, which is unusual when hes the speaker of the House. They wanted stronger consumer protections, and they took his introducing legislation as just a show. He wasnt interested in really helping them out, and so they were finally sick of that.Another, smaller group would be the ward village mothers, who were trying to get a crosswalk put back that was removed during the speakers tenure put back with lights and he failed to do that in a timely manner. They all, they supported him last election because he held a press conference saying he was going to replace that crosswalk. And then two years later, it still wasnt done, and so theyre like, You know what? We gave you a chance, and were gonna support Coco this time. Same thing with dog owners. He promised them a dog park, held a press conference, and then he didnt deliver on that.He was working with developers and all the other people who contributed quite a bit of money to his campaign. He would take their money, and then he would give money to other legislators to make sure that they vote for him to be speaker. He lost touch with the voters.You describe yourself as yonsei Thats right. Very good research.or the fourth generation of Japanese ancestry in the U.S. By the way, I love how theres a different word in Japanese specific to each generation removed from the original immigrants.Right? Whats the expectation for great-grandparents in Japanese families for yonsei like you, and what would your great-grandparents have thought of Kim Coco?Well, I never met my great-grandparents, but my grandparents, specifically my grandmother, Florence Iwamoto, was very supportive of me as her trans granddaughter before she passed. She was very just loving and sweet, but thats who she was. She was an amazingly loving matriarch of our family, so I feel like everyone followed her lead. I just generally have a very supportive family around these issues. I mean, my familys been addressing my trans status since I was 12, formally, so it wasnt like there were huge adjustments that needed to be made.As a child, your mother and her family were forced into internment camps during World War II. Despite that, your uncles went from internment to enlisting and serving in the U.S. military. Donald Trump has equated those serving sentences or awaiting trial for sacking the U.S. Capitol on January 6 with Japanese detainees like your family. Whats the difference? Well, theres a clear difference. One is, I feel like my mother and my uncles and aunts and my grandparents, they were imprisoned for just being who they were, not for their behavior. And then many of them, as you mentioned, demonstrated their loyalty to the United States by putting their life on the line to defend America against the enemies during World War II. And I dont think that that is the same situation as those who killed Americans at the Capitol and destroyed property there. I think theres a huge, a huge distinction. And of course, its insulting, and he says things with the intention of being insulting to certain groups and misleading other groups.Last week, the Honolulu Liquor Commission settled with a gay bar there after some really damning evidence of systemic corruption and homophobia, including physical violence, stalking, and at least one death threat. One bar owner called the commission completely rotten from the top to the bottom. How widespread is that kind of corruption in government agencies in the state? Well, actually, its all the way through the Legislature. We had two legislators one senator, one representative plead guilty to taking bribes to affect the way bills are handled. And then we had a chief of police who went to jail, and one of the lead prosecutors went to jail, and then another prosecutor was on trial for corruption.So yes, theres definitely a problem. And one of the problems is that oftentimes, because theres various cultures at play here in Hawaii where its, you dont speak out, you dont speak up oftentimes people go along and they try to get along, and people are ready for a change. I think people are sick of this corruption, theyve lost faith in the current leadership, and I feel like that also contributed to my victory.They actually convened an anti-corruption commission specifically for the legislature that offered 30-something proposals, and even then they watered them down so that they were just ridiculously ineffective. So we have some unfinished business, to adopt reforms for good government, reforms in the way that we pass laws to minimize pay-to-play politics, and to return to a more representational democracy instead of it just being one or two people in the legislature pulling all the levers. While youre a Hawaii native, you bring lived experience in New York and San Francisco to your new job, including caring for abused kids in New York and living in the Tenderloin in San Francisco, an area notorious for homelessness and open-air drug markets. What did you learn in those places that your constituents will benefit from?Homelessness has been an issue in Hawaii for many years. Were the number one per capita homeless state in the nation. One of the things I learned living in the Tenderloin was that a lot of times your neighbors are unsheltered and living in a doorway of one of the stores in the neighborhood, and they actually keep an eye out on everyone on that block. When you kind of acknowledge them and treat them as a neighbor whos looking out for your safety, they do start developing a relationship, as opposed to people who are coming in and out of that space who might pose a greater threat.One other aspect is, a voter might say, But why are these people hanging out so close to our building? And I explain to them, Because of safety. They hope that if somebody comes and attacks them, that youll hear their cries for help and youll call the police. Its dangerous to live out on the street, and that actually makes the residents who are sheltered in my district think differently about their neighbors on the sidewalk, like, Oh, theyre coming closer because they need our protection, you know? That kind of sharing makes sure that they understand whats going on. I also participate in the Point in Time Count, which happens all across the country, where one day a year we actually interview and survey every unsheltered resident of the state, and we ask them questions like, Have you been homeless as a minor? Do you have a job? Do you identify as having a mental health challenge that keeps you from working or even attaining shelter or keeping yourself sheltered? We ask all those questions because all that data is important, and then it helps us communicate that to other stakeholders, whether theyre a neighbor who is sheltered, or a lawmaker, and we can kind of see through the numbers of who our homeless population really is.San Francisco and Hawaii share some attributes when it comes to politics. They are both overwhelmingly blue, and the political tension plays out between moderates and progressives. In San Francisco, theres been a backlash against progressives in the city, evidenced in a really rough mayoral campaign right now. In Hawaii, it looks like progressives like you are on the upswing. Why is your time now in Hawaii?Yes, and I think, again, its because of the level of corruption. So its so blue, but they want Democrats who are willing to take on the Democratic power establishment, which is what Ive done and what others have done. Thats the thing were willing to say: Hey, you dont need to vote for Republicans to put a spotlight on it. In fact, its better if you elect a Democrat to hold a spotlight to other Democrats who are abusing their power, who are not being transparent, who are fueling pay-to-play politics instead of curtailing that kind of legal corruption. You support universal childcare and elder care for keiki and kapuna, aka youngsters and elders, two policies Kamala Harris is advocating for in some form. What other progressive goals do you share with Harris, and where do you think shes not going far enough on the moderate to progressive spectrum?Well, I think we also agree on more affordable housing. Im trying to create an empty-home surcharge in Hawaii. Its paradise here, so we have a lot of out-of-state investors, but we have 76,000 empty homes. So if we were collecting an empty-home surcharge from these investors, that would go a long way to provide state-funded Section 8 for a lot of the kupuna, the elders who are on fixed incomes, yet their rents keep increasing, and that is a recipe for increased homelessness among our most vulnerable population. So we need to see that coming and do something about it.The legislature here did pass a resolution urging Israel to cease its attacks on Gaza, and so perhaps that is where we might differ, where I dont think Harris is going far enough holding Israel accountable for how theyre using their weapons to hurt innocent civilians. Like Harris, youve logged a lot of firsts in your career as an elected official. When you were elected to the Hawaii Board of Education for Oahu in 2006, you were the highest-ranking openly transgender elected official in the United States and the first openly transgender official to win statewide office there. When you take office on November 5, youll be the first trans legislator in Hawaii history, and you are the first challenger to defeat a sitting Democratic state Speaker of the House in U.S. history. Is being the first all its cracked up to be, or would you just rather win and go to Disneyland?(Laughing) Well, not Disneyland, but yeah. You know what, its more important that we dont focus on the first, but we focus on everyone else who comes. One of the things that most excited me about breaking through a ceiling is its actually created an opportunity for Hawaii to have its first woman as Madam Speaker of the House. With utmost certainty, it will be a woman leading the State House in the upcoming session, and Im really happy that as a trans woman I was able to be that kind of ally to create an opportunity for a cisgender woman to break through a ceiling, as well.Your progressive vision includes a vibrant economy that offers green jobs, locally grown food and clean energy. Hawaii has had first-hand experience with the climate crisis with drought and the Maui wildfires just over a year ago. Whats the single most important thing the world should do to address the climate crisis? I think its reducing carbon emissions. Is that too broad? But can I say for Hawaii, specifically? Our lands are so fertile. We have enough land and water to grow all of our food. Right now, we import almost 90% of our produce, and we can grow it all here if we just allocated enough resources to support agriculture. That would obviously bring down carbon emissions if youre not importing all of that food. One way youd like to raise government revenue is collecting taxes on cannabis. When it comes to cannabis, places like Hawaii and California are legacy brands.Right? But weed remains illegal at the federal level, meaning theres no interstate marketplace. Federal legalization could change that, vaulting Hawaii, Im guessing, to the top of the national cannabis market. How important is making cannabis legal at the federal level for growers in Hawaii and for officials like you looking to raise revenue?I think itd be very important. One of my bills will be to issue grow permits to farmers who are currently growing produce for local consumption, so that they can grow like, lets say if you have nine acres of produce, they can grow one acre of cannabis. One acre of cannabis can produce a million dollars of profit a year if youre using all the parts of the plant. And then you can actually subsidize growing food. And then, youre right. We have a lot of visitors, around 10 million a year. Instead of people just buying chocolate-covered macadamia nuts (laughing), they could actually buy like, you know, Maui Wowie or Kona Gold pre-rolled doobies and take those home for friends and family. That could be an important boost to our economy. In your time counseling youth in New York and as a member of the of the Board of Education in Hawaii, youre well familiar with young people. Would you support mandatory national service for them, in the military, or some other form of public service of their choosing, like the Peace Corps or Teach for America?Oh, yeah. I would definitely support I guess its a form of social service conscription? I think that would make a lot of sense and it would help a lot of people.You earned a B.A. in creative writing at San Francisco State, your J.D. at law school in New Mexico, you studied fashion merchandising in New York, and you had a stint as an au pair in Barcelona. Gun to your head, where would you live if you had to leave Hawaii tomorrow, and why?I do love Barcelona. Well say Barcelona, its beautiful. And the people, I love the people. I spent a whole year in Europe, and Spain was the place that felt the most like Hawaii in terms of the way people treated each other, and just the overall vibe of that just felt very familiar.Is there a Hawaiian word for that vibe?Sure, itsohana. Its aloha. Those are both words that come to mind. Youve written that gratitude is top of mind for you every day. Does that take regular form, like prayer or meditation or yoga? Do you have a spiritual routine?No, its just part of my daily being. Its just an awareness I have. Even when Im sick, Im like, Oh, my God, imagine being sick and not having a house, or a home, or not having a toilet you can use. It informs the way I experience everything. Even eating a delicious meal. Theres so many people going hungry. Theres so much that we all take for granted, and Im constantly reminding myself of that. I went looking for evidence on social of a romantic relationship you might be in. Are you seeing anyone?Yeah, no, Im not. All my love goes to my daughter. You know, its funny, because when I was in high school, I went to an all-boys Catholic school for six years, and I told everyone there, I said, When I get older, Im going to be a nun.(Laughing)You know? (Laughing) And that was my coming out. I was going to be a nun. And basically, I think I manifested that on some level. And youre maybe not a bride of Christ but married to your job.Yeah! Or this idea of communities, of serving community and serving the people who are most vulnerable and educating the people who have enough to share. Just shifting the kind of awareness that I think Jesus might have done. And I certainly aspire to do as much as I can with the time that I have.You mentioned your daughter. Shes adorable. Her name is Rory. How old is she, whats her favorite campaign chore, and is she a volunteer or do you pay her by the hour?(Laughing) Well, it would probably be against child labor laws, but she is 12 years old, and shes a volunteer, and shes really, really good at stamping postcards and stamping mailers to voters. This is the first campaign, actually, where she felt like she wanted to help. She actually had a point of view on many of the issues. She saw so many people helping me, shes like, I want to help, too. What are you most looking forward to when you start representing the constituents of Hawaii House District 25?Manifesting the changes that the voters and residents in my district have spoken about. Making sure we have greater protections for consumers, whether they be condo owners or bicyclists who need safer bike lanes to make sure theres more housing for our unsheltered neighbors. Making sure theres housing vouchers for our kupuna who are scared of being kicked out of their affordable housing because their retirement income isnt keeping up. So, theres a lot of needs, and I feel like we can make them happen. And Im really excited about working with other legislators to make all of them happen quickly. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A barnstorming tour in search of LGBTQ+ voters for Donald Trump kicked off earlier this month organized by the Log Cabin Republicans (LCR), who are on their own search for proximity to power and cocktail parties should the former president regain the White House.The MAGA king was nowhere to be found. Related Melania Trump demanded $237K before she was willing to speak with gay Republicans Everyone was so honored to be with her and in her presence, said one Palm Beach gay man. Instead, the mostly straight attendees at the series of Trump UNITY events have been served up a D-list from Trumps gay central casting file, including former acting Director of National Intelligence Ric Grenell, the perpetually tanned election denier whos inexplicably called Trump the most pro-gay president in American history; Bill White, a Trump fundraiser who paid a million-dollar fine to settle charges he was involved in a New York State pension fund pay-to-play scandal; and Black gay Trump supporter Rob Smith, a right-wing social media influencer. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today MILWAUKEE is on FIRE today for @realDonaldTrump and @EricHovde ! The @WisGOP is having a great time tabling at the #TrumpUnity event tonight. Thank you @LogCabinGOP for having us! pic.twitter.com/0LNrdmBiZN Marissa Benson (@MarissaJBenson) October 18, 2024Also speaking to half-empty hotel ballrooms: second stringers Lara Trump, the nepo-by marriage co-chair of the Republican National Committee; accused child sex-trafficker Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL); and the former presidents second wife for several months, wanted-to-be-a-model Marla Maples, whose daughter Tiffany pitched her own brand of Pride for the Trump campaign several years ago.Explanations for Grenells claim about Trumps gay largesse were few, if not altogether absent, at events held so far in Detroit and Charlotte, North Carolina.White, who pitched the get-togethers as free and will be super fun to attend in LCRs Trump UNITYtour announcement, pointed to the former presidents fondness for the Village Peoples Y.M.C.A. as evidence of his support for the gays.What does the guy do at every rally? White said at the Charlotte event. He puts his hands in the air and does his dance moves to the unofficial gay national anthem, for crying out loud.White then recorded the smattering of attendees who swayed to the song and promised to share it with the former president. Marla Maples said gays and lesbians should vote for her ex-husband Trump because he was there with her and her friends when she danced on broadway. pic.twitter.com/S0suaRVhG4 PatriotTakes (@patriottakes) October 23, 2024Smith characterized the fight for LGBTQ+ rights as over while cleaving transgender people from the community at large.We are federally protected from discrimination that is a fact. We have the right to get married. We have the right to serve openly in the military, Smith told the 100 or so people having super fun, without mentioning Trumps ban on transgender military service, his campaigns hateful anti-trans ad blitz, Trumps complicity quashing the Equality Act, and his support for openly anti-LGBTQ+ militias like the Proud Boys.I think that fundamentally the problems that this country are facing [sic] are far greater than any small affinity group, Smith said not so subtly.But it was Lara Trump who really summed up Trump UNITY best by not mentioning a single LGBTQ+ issue in her caustic 25-minute speech.There was something nefarious about the 2020 election, she said, and, Right now we are in a fight of good versus evil.So much for Trumps UNITY.Of several stops scheduled for swing states on the not-so-gay roadshow, two remain for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh events in Arizona and Nevada were canceled after scheduling conflicts announced by the LCR.The abbreviated schedule follows fundraisers earlier this year organized by the LCR at Trumps gilded penthouse in Trump Tower and his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Those events netted Melania Trump hundreds of thousands of dollars in appearance fees paid for by undisclosed donors. The mostly middle-aged white gay men that make up the LCR ponied up thousands for the opportunity to tour the overdecorated citadels of MAGA power.Selfies amid the garish interiors and attendees were de rigueur on Insta.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Under the Hitler regimethe most important thing that I learnedwas that bigotry and hatred are not the most urgent problems. The most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful, and the most tragic problem is silence.-Joachim Prinz, Rabbi of Berlin, exiled in 1937 to the United States, from his speech on August 28, 1963, in Washington, DC.Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.VoltaireShortly following their high school graduation in Southern California, two 18-year-old young men, best friends since childhood, drove to a casino just across the Nevada state line where they intended to play video games before returning home the next day. Related How Republicans use fear to get out the vote Republicans once used fearmongering over marriage equality to get voters to the polls. Now theyre doing the same with trans rights. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today After engaging in the games for a while, one of the friends, Jeremy Strohmeyer, walked toward the restrooms. Seeing that he entered the womens room, the other young man, David Cash, walked in to see what Jeremy was doing. He noticed that Jeremy was playfully throwing wadded paper towels at a young black girl, who seemed at first to have enjoyed the attention.But then the scene turned violent. Strohmeyer grabbed 7-year-old Sherrice Iverson, placed his hand over her mouth, and spirited her into a toilet stall as Cash watched by the sinks. He entered an adjacent stall and mounted the toilet edge allowing him to peer down as he saw Jeremy continuing to muffle the girls screams and warning Sherrice to keep quiet or he would kill her.Not wanting to get involved, Cash returned to playing video games. He did not attempt to stop his friend from attacking the young girl. He did not seek help or call law enforcement officials. He calmly played games and waited the 20 minutes it took for Jeremy to return. David asked Jeremy what had happened. I killed her, Jeremy asserted with a certain serenity in his tone on that summer evening in 1997. Soon thereafter, the two friends coolly entered nearby casinos, where they enjoyed mechanical rides and continued to play video games until it was time for them to return home.With the assistance of the video security system implanted at the casino, Strohmeyer was eventually caught, tried, and convicted to life imprisonment for rape and murder. Cash, on the other hand, was never indicted because inaction was not a crime in Nevada at the time.In reaction to the case and the lack of charges against Cash, Richard Perkins, Speaker of the Nevada Assembly, sponsored the Sherrice Iverson bill requiring Nevadans to notify law enforcement if they witness violent acts committed against a child. The law took effect in 1999, and a similar measure passed in California one year later. Asked on a 1999CBS 60 Minutessegment,TheBadSamaritan, whether if given a chance, he would do things differently, Cash said, I dont feel there is much I could have done differently. Asked a similar question during an interview on a Los Angeles radio station, Cash gave a similar reply and added: How much am I supposed to sit down and cry about this? he asked. The simple fact remains that I did not know this little girl. I do not know starving children in Panama. I do not know people dying of disease in Egypt.TheLong Beach Press-Telegramquoted Cash as saying that he wanted to sell his story to the media. One movie company offered him $21,000. He added. Im no idiot, he declared. Ill (expletive) get my money out of this.In not taking action to intervene on behalf of Sherrice Iverson, David Cash colluded in her death.Enabler is the term given to those who fail to act to help abusers. Passive bystander or badSamaritan is the name for people who are conscious ofbadactions developing around them but fail to intervene. Though I have studied the Holocaust and other genocides, until I discovered this case, I always had the gnawing and seemingly unanswerable question pulling at me, How could these incidents have taken place throughout the ages?David Cash taught me that mass murders happen on the macro level when people on the individual and collective levels let them happen, when witnesses so-called bystanders do little or nothing to intervene. When people allow either their fear or reluctance to get involved and supersede their empathy.David Cash refused to see, hear, and stand up to do the right thing in the face of evil around him. For the past eight years, thenot seeRepublican Party has continually refused to see, hear, and stand up to the would-be authoritarian dictator, Donald J. Trump. By burying their heads in the political sand, they have permitted Trump to grab, assault, and ravage our governmental institutions physically and figuratively.I now fully understand the process in the rise and takeover of the Nazi Party in Germany in the 1920s and 1930s.Following the death of tens of thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza and now more in Lebanon, I wonder if, in addition to Hamas and Hezbollah, who often use civilians as human shields, any bad samaritans have enabled this to happen. Leaders and followers who lack empathyEmpathy, that special and majestic human quality, has always been a vital life force of our humanity. As we understand in psychology, unless there is developmental delay, infants demonstrate the rudimentary beginnings of empathy whenever they recognize that another is upset by showing signs of being upset themselves.Very early in their lives, infants develop the capacity to crawl in the diapers of others even though their own diapers dont need changing.Though empathy is an innate part of the human condition, others often teach us through the process of socialization to inhibit our empathetic natures with messages like Dont cry, Youre too sensitive, Mind your own business, and Its not your concern. We learn the stereotypes of the individuals and groups our society has minoritized and othered. We learn who to scapegoat for the problems within our neighborhoods, states, nations, and world.Through it all, that precious life-affirming flame of empathy can wither and flicker. For some, it dies entirely. And as the blaze recedes, the bullies, the demagogues, the tyrants take over by filling the void where our humanity once prevailed. And then we have lost something very precious.We can defineempathyas a prosocial ability and communication skill to feel, understand, and respond to emotions of others Put another way, it is the ability to walk in the shoes of another person. Critical questions need to be addressed:Should our political, corporate, religious, and social leaders score high on the empathy assessment scale or empathy quotient (EQ)?If so, how high should they score?Might empathy actually inhibit their effectiveness in fulfilling their primary goals or tasks, and if so, in which circumstances? Can one retrieve empathy if lost or frozen for a time?David Cash represents the termination of empathy on the individual micro level, resulting not only in the possibly preventable rape and murder of a young girl, but also the death of his own soul.When the demise of empathy comes to people who are around powerful leaders and their willing subjects, the consequences on the macro level become exponentially deeper, more toxic, and more tragic.Lets take the example of two current leaders: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former President of the United States, Donald Trump. In the case of Netanyahu, several questions demand to be answered.Over one year into his governments war with Irans proxies of Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, does the Israeli government truly hold in mind the safety and release of the remaining hostages taken by Hamas? And what about Netanyahu himself?If they do, why then does the government not attempt to come to an equitable conclusion of hostilities and a ceasefire short of a total annihilation of Hamas? Does the government feel for the innocent civilian deaths (more than 40,000) of Gazans and the many more injuries, or rather, does its pipe dream of fully destroying Hamas cloud its judgment and, yes, its empathy for the people of Gaza and now, the innocent civilians in Lebanon?If the right-wing government truly had attempted to punish Hamas leaders while sparing as many civilians as possible, wouldnt the IDF have conducted more surgical strikes in Gaza and Lebanon?Is Netanyahu expanding the war not only to kill as many insurgent leaders as possible but also primarily to remain in power as long as possible to avoid investigations of the intelligence breakdowns within his administration leading to the October 7, 2023 massacre and his possible incarceration of past crimes? In many ways, Donald Trump is much easier to assess.Jeremy Strohmeyer and Donald Trump were cast from the same mold, both displayingnarcissistic sociopathic personalities. David Cash comes from the same mold as many current members of the Republican Party in that they lack sufficient empathy, which overrides their possible compassionate actions.For example, Trump knew early of the deadly potential of the Coronavirus, but he decided to lie to the public while failing to mobilize any discernible national policies and actions over concerns for stock markets above the health and safety of the people. Many Republican leaders failed to speak up. Trump has referred to our military personnel as suckers and losers for joining the military, for being captured, for dying, and for receiving meager financial compensation. Many Republican leaders failed to speak up.Earlier, he carelessly blamed the mayor of London for being incompetent after a terrorist attack on his city. Many Republican leaders failed to speak up.He accused the mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico of playing politics and being ungrateful and the Puerto Rican people for being lazy and expecting everything to be done for them on their bankrupt island after a 500 year storm virtually shut them down as people clung desperately to life. Many Republican leaders failed to speak up. He referred to white nationalist neo-Nazi terrorists in Charlottesville, Virginia who showed up for a so-called Unite the Right rally and the counter-demonstrators as good people on both sides. Regarding his reference to the white nationalists, many Republican leaders failed to speak up.He mocked a disabled reporter, took away the rights of trans students to use bathrooms of their choice, demonized Latinx people, Muslims, and women, and ridiculed Gold Star parents who sacrificed so much. Trump sat on his gold-plated toilet as he attempted to take away affordable healthcare insurance from an estimated 20 million low-income people. Many Republican leaders failed to speak up.And he behaved as if the series of package bombs sent through the mail to leading Democratic politicians and activists was nothing more than an inconvenience during the closing days of the midterm election season of 2018. Many Republican leaders failed to speak up. Trump separated young children from their refugee parents and placed them in cages as if they were feral animals. Many Republican leaders failed to speak up.He risked the very lives of members of Congress and his own Vice President on January 6, 2021, after he lost over 60 court cases in his attempts to circumvent the results of a fair election. While some Republican leaders harshly criticized Trump at the time, they ultimately reversed themselves and got on their knees to kiss his ring.Quite frankly, I find few differences between the attitudes and actions of Jeremy Strohmeyer on the micro level and Donald J. Trump on the macro level. An argument can certainly be made that Netanyahu also fits this mold. I find few differences between the attitudes and inactions between David Cash and the majority of the current Republican Party in their refusal to stand up and act in the best interests of a young girl, in Cashs case, and in service to the fragile democratic experiment we know as the United States of America in the case of the Republican Party.Though the Cashes and Republicans are more numerous than we can even imagine, empathy has always been an antidote to the poison of inaction, prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping, and scapegoating, and to bullies and demagogues who take power and control.Empathy is the life force of our humanity and ultimately to our recovery during the current crises around the world. I often wonder how Trumps Republican Party and Netanyahus governmentsbadSamaritanenablers can sleep at night and get back up in the morning still willing to degrade and prostrate themselves by attacking democratic institutions and seriously dismantling the United States and Israels standings in the world.Every time anyone enables an abusive action or actor, they keep perpetrators and themselves further from the truth and from help, and they diminish themselves and their integrity more than just a bit.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), the anti-LGBTQ+ Republican nominee for vice president, praised a woman as a patriot after she allegedly called a poll worker a d**khead and told them to suck her c**t because the worker told her that she couldnt vote at a polling place while wearing a t-shirt endorsing former President Donald Trump. The woman reportedly tore off her own shirt, voted in her bra, and said, This is why Im voting for Trump.The incident, which has not been verified, was first reported on Reddit and then shared on X by Mark Greene, an author who has written about toxic masculinity. Vance reposted Greenes now-deleted post, commenting, What a patriot. Greene said he deleted his post because he felt Trump supporters were reposting it to support violence against poll workers. Related Trumps campaign is holding events for LGBTQ+ Republicans. Hes not attending them. One gay Republican argued that Trump dancing to YMCA at rallies proves he loves the gays. In a thread posted on Sunday afternoon, Greene wrote, Yep, Im the guy who deleted this post on X, quoted verbatim from Reddit, after JD Vance reposted it. Why did I do that? Because it was turning into a MAGA frenzy attacking polling laws and workers. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today I had no idea Vance had weighed in until hours after I deleted it. Someone sent me a screen grab, Greene added. Had I known he did, I would have deleted it even more quickly. It was accelerating into a MAGA assault on polling law/ workers. Clearly, JD Vance is encouraging that assault. Yep, Im the guy who deleted this post on X, quoted verbatim from Reddit, after JD Vance reposted it. Why did I do that? Because it was turning into a MAGA frenzy attacking polling laws and workers. /1 pic.twitter.com/ucUtVULOzU Mark Greene (@RemakingManhood) October 27, 2024Trump and his supporters have increasingly harassed and threatened volunteer and elected election workers and their families over his baseless claims of aiding widespread fraud in the 2020 election, Reuters reported. Vance and other anti-LGBTQ+ conservatives have repeated Trumps baseless claims.The threats have included hanging, firing squads, torture, and bomb blasts.Were daily receiving threats, whether its through voicemails, emails, social media or in person, and its escalating. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, told CBS News. Theyre all rooted in lies and misinformation, which is always disappointing and sad, but at the same time, its real. Your Vote is a step toward Equality for All Make sure youre ready to vote! An estimated 38% of local election officials experienced threats, harassment, or abuse for doing their jobs, according to the Brennan Center for Justice. Half said theyre concerned for their own and coworkers safety, and one-third said they knew fellow poll workers who quit over safety concerns.To minimize harassment, many states have enhanced security of voting and ballot-counting centers, including areas that are only accessible by credentialed workers, panic button text alerts to police and state election officials to report any disturbances, and conducting emergency response drills for any interference, the Associated Press reported.This has unfortunately become a way of life, and weve invested as a board in metal detectors, in fencing, in cameras, said Republican Bill Gates, a member of the Board of Supervisors for Arizonas Maricopa County. I wish we didnt have to do this, but we do.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The election this year is a monumental deal. We at LGBTQ Nation along with you, our readers have been following the election news for over a year, and now that were one week away, we thought itd be a good time to check in on how were all feeling.Its possible that some of us are feeling anxious since the results might not be what we want. But if were more confident about the way it will go, we could be feeling excitement for the future. Election cycles are always grueling and this one has been particularly aggressive to our community, especially transgender people so some of you might feel relief that it will soon be over, while others might feel the weight of sadness from the incessant attacks.Of course, there is the joy that has been building up, seeing people come together to work towards a better future for the country and the community.Its hard to stuff something as complicated as an emotional check-in into a short online poll format, so feel free to choose whichever feeling is dominating at the moment, even though it could change at any time. The intent here is to capture a snapshot of feelings right before Election Day. Share your opinion View the article on LGBTQ Nation to participate in our reader poll. As always, make sure youre registered to vote and know where and how to vote. Your Vote is a step toward Equality for All Make sure youre ready to vote!

With little more than a week before the election, the focus now is on motivating people to vote. Both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are involved in the frenzy of campaigning, and the press is obsessed with every decimal point in the polls. But what happens after Election Day? The fact is, even if Harris wins decisively, Trump is never going to concede. He still insists that he won the 2020 election. As surely as the sun rises in the east, Trump will claim that the election was rigged and that there was widespread fraud. Related CPAC proves that the GOP isnt there any more. Just the cult of Trump. The Republican Party is against everything and in favor of nothing. All it stands for now is yelling no at everybody else, and Trump has become the golden idol that conservatives will follow. Literally. If you think Trumps chances of stealing the election are a lot lower than they were in January 2021, think again. The last election was a dress rehearsal for this one. There is a frightening and real possibility that Trump will try to subvert the will of the people and succeed, thanks to his Republican allies. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today The effort to try to subvert the outcome is more thought-out, more strategic, more organized, more coordinated [than] in 2020, Sean Morales-Doyle, director of the voting rights program at the Brennan Center for Justice, told The Guardian.In fact, the effort has been underway for some time. Trump and his cronies have been fanning the flames of doubt about the election for months. The primary lie is that Democrats are registering undocumented immigrants. A lot of these illegal immigrants coming in, theyre trying to get them to vote, Trump said at a rally last month. That lie has been repeated ad nauseam by his supporters and widely amplified by Elon Musk on X. Republicans are also circulating the lie that voting machines are being hacked. Musk, who fancies himself Mr. Tech, has said on X that voting machines should be banned outright, even though they are far more accurate than hand-counting paper ballots, the retro approach that the MAGA world glorifies. Voter suppression has also been in full swing this cycle, thanks to the GOP. Limiting early voting, reducing the number of drop-off boxes for ballots, and purging voter rolls are all part and parcel of the effort to reduce Democratic turnout. Thats whats been happening. Heres what could happen.For one thing, if the race is too close to call on election night, Trump is likely to repeat his 2020 call to stop the vote count (only if hes ahead, of course). Republicans tend to vote in person, and mail-in ballots, which take longer to count, favor Democrats. In Pennsylvania and Wisconsin two battleground states the Republican-majority legislatures stopped efforts to allow mail-in ballots to be counted prior to Election Day.Then, the real effort to steal the election will start. MAGA believers have already taken over some local election boards and are prepared to refuse to certify election results. (Ironically, many of these election boards are in heavily pro-Trump counties, where Trump will win by a landslide.) They will put pressure on state officials not to certify as well, and Trump will up that pressure a thousand-fold. His supporters will rally by calling on GOP-controlled legislatures to select alternate electors to the Electoral College. The ludicrous legal theory that this rests upon insists that legislatures have the right to decide election results. Whos to say it will fail this time, especially since the Supreme Court seems willing to carve out all kinds of exceptions for Trump?Trump tried this in 2020, and it failed because Congress refused to take the bait and question the duly elected electors. This was Mike Pences one moment of courage, which could very well have cost him his life had the mob gotten to him on January 6. But the ultimate defeat of Trumps scheme was a near thing, and not just because of the violence. At least 140 members of Congress had said that they would not certify the Electoral College results, and at least a dozen Republican senators announced the same in advance of the vote. In the past four years, Republicans have become even more deferential to Trump. There are likely to be many more Republicans who would go along with any Trump-led conspiracy. As fake as the electors may be, its just the excuse that Trumps supporters will use to seize power. Chief among them is House Speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson was a key figure in trying to help Trumps election steal last time. As a constitutional law attorney, Johnson would be able to concoct a faux argument in favor of rejecting Harris electors and awarding the election to Trump. To succeed in this effort, Republicans would have to retain control of the House. (In 2021, Democrats controlled the House.) Politico has outlined in frightening detail exactly how the scenario would play out. In essence, it assumes Republicans control both the House and the Senate. They call a joint session of Congress and argue that the waters are too muddy due to their lies about election fraud, as well as the tsunami of lawsuits, by then still unresolved, that Republicans will have unleashed immediately after the election. As a result, no one is certified the winner. That throws the election back into the House for what is called a contingent election. Each state delegation gets to cast a single vote for the president. Republicans currently control 26 of the state delegations, compared to 22 for Democrats. A lot of pieces have to fall into place for Trump and his followers to subvert the election. But its not impossible. Congress passed a bipartisan bill to close some of the loopholes that Trump tried to exploit in 2021, but there are still plenty of others left. Moreover, all of this drama will be playing out against a background of violence and chaos nurtured by the extremists in the MAGA mix. Whatever happens on November 5 will be just the beginning of the test for democracy in America. The best outcome would be a resounding defeat for Trump. But no matter what happens, Trump will proclaim himself the winner and use every power he can to claim the presidency. He and his followers are more than willing to ignore the will of the people if thats what it takes to succeed.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

When the Alabama Supreme Court announced its decision that embryos have the same legal rights as children placing IVF access in jeopardy nationwide the future of LGBTQ+ families instantly became uncertain. LGBTQ+ couples overwhelmingly rely on fertility treatments to build their families, and IVF is the most common method of assisted reproduction.LGBTQ+ people have long endured obstacles when it comes to family building from exorbitant costs to bureaucratic roadblocks to discrimination and bias but the GOPs outright hostility toward LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights has fostered increasingly nasty attitudes toward queer families.But queer people are resilient, and in the face of all this hate, out Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) has a clear answer for how to maintain pride in our families and avoid letting extremists bring us down: Vote them out of office, and vote people who will stand with us and protect us into office. Share your opinion View the article on LGBTQ Nation to participate in our reader poll. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today I meet so many people who are using surrogacy and IVF and assisted reproduction because of the rights and freedoms theyre afforded under Massachusetts law, Healey told LGBTQ Nation. Im proud of who I am and what I get to do every day and the freedoms that I get to stand up for and the policies we get to advance, and people should take pride in that and not let the bullies and the haters defeat our spirit.Healeys administration is the antithesis of hostility.In the year and a half since she shattered the lavender ceiling and was sworn in as one of the countrys first out lesbian governors, Healey has signed a landmark parentage act to protect LGBTQ+ families, introduced and signed legislation to guarantee IVF coverage for LGBTQ+ veterans, signed a critical maternal health bill, passed an executive order to protect access to emergency abortion care, and expanded state spending benchmarks to support LGBTQ+-owned businesses.The governor has also hit the campaign trail hard for Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking at the Democratic National Convention, participating in Zoom rallies, and campaigning with other governors. Shes ready to get stuff done for the American people and so are we. Weve got your back, @KamalaHarris. Lets go! pic.twitter.com/A5JcYyFy7S Gretchen Whitmer (@gretchenwhitmer) October 18, 2024People who believe in and want to protect civil rights and freedoms need to go vote, she said, and they need to go vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.Healey praised Harris and Gov. Tim Walz as champions of women and the freedom that women should have to make decisions for themselves. They are also champions for the LGBTQ community, she added, highlighting Harris longstanding commitment to LGBTQ+ rights.People who believe in and want to protect civil rights and freedoms need to go vote.Massachusetts Governor Maura HealeyHealey and Harris had overlapping terms as attorneys general for their respective states. While Healey was suing then-President Donald Trumps administration nearly 100 times, she said Harris was equally busy fighting for LGBTQ+ people.She praised Harris for establishing a hate crimes unit to investigate anti-LGBTQ+ violence, as well as for her advocacy in helping end the gay and trans panic defense in California.She famously refused to defend Prop 8 [which sought to outlaw same-sex marriage in the state], Healey added, and later, [became known for] her advocacy as senator, co-sponsoring the Equality Act, defending the ACA [the Affordable Care Act], and [then as vice president] helping Joe Biden with probably the most pro-equality administration in history. The governor didnt hesitate when asked what most worries her about a second term for Donald Trump when it comes to bodily autonomy and the rights of families: Everything.Its really, really scary I mean, [Trump] probably led the most anti-LGBTQ administration in American history, and taking away freedoms and protections, you know, banning transgender people from serving in the military, arguing in courts that businesses should be allowed to refuse to serve LGBTQ people, taking away medically necessary care for young people, and we know based on Project 2025 and his own statements, it will be so much worse They want to go after marriage equality. They want to implement a national abortion ban. They want to restrict contraception.She expressed deep concern about the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth as lawmakers across the nation propose hundreds of bills trying to roll back their rights, and in some cases, eliminate their right to exist at all. Related The election could push LGBTQ+ mental health to the edge. Queer activists are fighting for a lifeline. Pro-LGBTQ+ legislation, at its core, is mental health legislation. Voters are acutely aware of the potential fallout of a Trump reelection. According to the Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers, and in the organizations 2024 national mental health survey, 90% of LGBTQ+ young people said their well-being has been negatively impacted by recent politics.Rates of suicide are up, Healey said. Add to that, since Trump overturned Roe and I mean that, Trump did overturn Roe he made good on that now we have one in three women in America living in a state with an abortion ban. So, these are the things that are very real and under threat. The Trump campaign has continuously tried to distance itself from the dystopian vision painted by the Heritage Foundations Project 2025, which offers a chilling blueprint for what a second Trump term might look like. But Trump has many connections to the project, and as Healey has told the press, Dont believe anything that Donald Trump says because hell say anything and everything depending on where the wind is blowing.But there is one thing Healey absolutely trusts Trump to do, and thats carry out his partys threats to the American people. Just like he overturned Roe v. Wade, Healey warns he is more than capable of achieving the goals laid out in Project 2025, which essentially calls to completely eliminate LGBTQ+ rights and literally states, Only heterosexual, two-parent families are safe for children.These things hes going to make good on, warned Healey, who herself is the stepmother to two children. Its very dangerous right now. Trump and Project 2025 would undoubtedly upend the lives of LGBTQ+ families, but there are also economic reasons the policies would be catastrophic.Theres a reason that Massachusetts is ranked number one for our schools, for healthcare as the best place to have a baby, the best place to live if youre a woman, Healey said.Part of the reason is were a state that has long protected civil rights and freedoms I think its a critical piece of our economic competitiveness We want colleges and universities and our businesses to have the opportunity to attract the very best talent to Massachusetts. And we want people to come and succeed and thrive here and grow families here and grow businesses here, grow careers here. And one of the ways we do that successfully is being a state that not just through government policy, but also through the actions of our businesses and corporate stakeholders has been a state about respecting and supporting civil rights and freedoms.Healey recalled her time as the attorney generals offices civil rights chief when she successfully challenged the Defense of Marriage Act and helped lay the groundwork for nationwide marriage equality.One of the briefs that we put together for the first circuit and then later for the first court was an amicus brief signed by businesses in support of equality, she explained, and a reason they did that was because they understood the economic imperative. Companies do better when theres more representation on their boards and in their C suites. Thats been proven. Youre going to get better policies, better ideas, better results and outcomes when you promote an inclusive and open environment.Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images. She touted her states diverse elected officials as a driving force behind the progress theyve made to protect the rights of marginalized communities. Healey is not only the nations first out lesbian governor, along with Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D), but she and Kim Driscoll also make up the countrys first all-woman governor/lieutenant governor team.I know that well get better policies and outcomes, most importantly, for people when we have more representation, she said.But Healey is quick to share the credit, emphasizing that increased government representation is only part of the story.We owe so much to families and advocates whove come forward and told their stories over the years, she said, members of the community with lived experience whove told their stories, whove gone to the state legislature, whove testified in hearings, whove talked to the media. They deserve the real credit here. She added that LGBTQ+ families must continue to speak out and speak up against the lies and the vile misinformation thats out there, which is something both Trump and Vance spew regularly.I mean, if you look at the arc of history in this realm, look at the progress that has been made for our community. Lets build on that. Lets draw upon that in what is, Ill acknowledge, a really challenging time, but people need to hang together and vote for equality leaders like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Puerto Rican celebrities have come out strong for Kamala Harris after a comedian made a racist joke about the island while speaking at a rally for Donald Trump. Theres a lot going on, Tony Hinchcliffe, whose stage name is Kill Tony, told the crowd at New York Citys Madison Square Garden. I dont know if you know this but theres literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think its called Puerto Rico. Related Kamala Harris says Donald Trump is a fascist for the first time. She didnt hesitate a second. Harris said those who know Trump best are putting out a 911 call to the American people. Among the many enraged Puerto Rican celebrities to speak out against this racism was out gay pop star Ricky Martin, who shared a video from the Harris campaign to his Instagram story in which the vice president discussed her plans to support Puerto Rico. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Harris posted the video the same day of the rally but did so before it took place. Throughout my career, Ive always fought for the people of Puerto Rico. Every chance he got, Donald Trump abandoned and insulted them.As president, I will invest in Puerto Rico's future so that Puerto Ricans can not just get by, but get ahead. pic.twitter.com/jkqOPWBhIy Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 27, 2024Martin also included a post in his story with the clip of Hinchcliffes comments before accusing Instagram of shadow-banning it. The Harris video Martin shared with his 18.6 million followers depicts the Democratic presidential candidate praising the talent, innovation, and ambition coming from Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricans deserve a president who sees and invests in that strength, Harris said, sharing the details of her plan to boost the islands economy, which includes the creation of a Puerto Rico Opportunity Economy Task Force to bring community leaders, nonprofits, private businesses, and the federal government together to bring thousands of jobs. She also promised to cut red tape to rebuild and modernize the islands energy grid to ensure all Puerto Ricans have access to reliable, affordable electricity. Harris also said she would never forget what Donald Trump did and what he did not do when he was president and Puerto Rico was hit by two devastating hurricanes in a row. She said he abandoned the island, tried to block aid, and offered nothing more than paper towels and insults, referring to the infamous video of Trump throwing paper towels into a crowd of people seeking hurricane relief. Puerto Ricans deserve better, Harris said. Share your opinion View the article on LGBTQ Nation to participate in our reader poll. Joining Martin in rallying for Harris is Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Despacito singer Luis Fonsi. Bad Bunny posted the same videos Martin did, as did Fonsi, who wrote of the hateful comments that he loves comedy and roasts but that this is far from comedy. Not now, not against my island, my people, he continued, adding that he respects people with different views but is not ok with this constant hate. Its been abundantly clear that these people have no respect for us and yet they want our vote. Jennifer Lopez reposted a series from Harris own Instagram account outlining her plans to revitalize Puerto Ricos economy. The Harris team happened to have unveiled her plans for the island the same day Hinchcliffe made his hateful comment. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris)Same day pic.twitter.com/G5Th5TWDp0 Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) October 27, 2024Harris campaign staffer Brian McBride posted that the simultaneous endorsements from Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez, and Ricky Martin is the Puerto Rican version of the Avengers joining forces to support Kamala Harris, noting that the stars have a combined more than 315 million followers on Instagram alone. Bad Bunny, J. Lo and Ricky Martin have over 315 million followers on Instagram alone. This is the Puerto Rican version of the Avengers joining forces to support Kamala Harris. pic.twitter.com/MjRoMkD6YI Brian McBride (@BrianDMcBride) October 27, 2024Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), whose mother was born and raised in Puerto Rico, also joined the chorus of voices condemning the racist comment at the Trump rally. She encouraged every Puerto Rican person reading her post to take that rally clip and drop it in your family WhatsApps and group chats, especially if they have family members in swing states. And give them the link to http://IWillVote.com while youre at it.Organizing ask: I need every Boricua on here to take that rally clip and drop it in your family WhatsApps and group chats. ESPECIALLY if you have family in these states. And give them the link to https://t.co/0UX182dJe5 while youre at it.Ya tu sabes https://t.co/QYmwMIGT9E Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) October 27, 2024 Harris also posted a series of headlines calling out Trumps rally for not only insulting Puerto Ricans but also for insulting Arab, Latino, Black, and Jewish Americans. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kamala HQ (@kamalahq)The New York Times called the rally a closing carnival of grievances, misogyny and racism. Trumps friend David Rem called Harris the devil and the Antichrist. Businessman Grant Cardone referred to Harriss staff as pimp handlers, saying they would help her destroy our country. And Hinchcliffe said of Latinos, They love making babies too, just know that. They do, they do. Theres no pulling out. They dont do that. They come inside, just like they did to our country.The Trump campaign has attempted to distance itself from Hinchcliffes comments.This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign, said senior campaign adviser Danielle Alvarez in a statement. Your Vote is a step toward Equality for All Make sure youre ready to vote! Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

What is BUM?BUM (Bottoms Up Movement) is a small business making a big impact on LGBTQ+ families in the United States. Founded by gay dads Carlos and Pat Dolan, BUM combines their love of the LGBTQ+ community with their personal experience of starting a family. They are also on a mission to support other same-sex couples on similar journeys. All while talking about sex!What Does It Offer?BUM offers a range of high-quality products tailored for gay men, including lubricants, coffee body scrubs, and their signature fiber supplement. These products are designed to promote sexual health and wellness. By pairing their family-focused mission with products that cater to gay mens intimate needs, BUM aims to destigmatize anal sex and break down taboos surrounding the subject. Anal sex is nothing to be ashamed of and BUM is making sure everyone knows it!How Does It Help LGBTQ+ Couples?At the heart of BUMs mission is the recognition that same-sex couples face significant challenges when starting a family. These obstacles are not only legal and political but also financial. The costs associated with assisted reproductive technologies can be staggering, with IVF and surrogacy expenses often exceeding $100,000.To address these challenges, Bottoms Up Movement donates a portion of its revenue to non-profit partners who share their mission. Organizations like Men Having Babies and HelpUsAdopt.Org provide crucial support to gay couples navigating the complex and expensive surrogacy process. They do this by offering grants and financial assistance.A Mission We Can Get BehindBy offering products that customers love while supporting a cause they can feel good about, Bottoms Up Movement is making a meaningful difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ families across the United States. Their work not only helps same-sex couples achieve their dreams of parenthood but also contributes to greater acceptance and understanding of diverse family structures in society.How Can I Support BUM?If you want to learn more about BUM and would like to support its mission, head over to Bottoms Up Movement and grab some of its award-winning products. Make sure to keep up with founders and gay dads Carlos and Pat by following BUM on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.The post These Gay Dads Are Helping LGBTQ+ Couples Have Babies appeared first on Gayety.

On at least four separate occasions in remarks and on social over the weekend, Donald Trump referred to gay CNN anchor Anderson Cooper as Allison Cooper.The overtly homophobic name-calling comes as part of the former presidents closing message to conservative young men that Democrats are weak and gay, in the words of one prominent supporter, with an appeal for them to get out and vote. Related Trump rally insults Puerto Rico as floating garbage. Now PR stars are rallying for Harris. Kamala Harris posted her plans to uplift Puerto Ricos economy the same day team MAGA bashed the island. Cooper has called Trumps previous use of the sobriquet a 3rd grade taunt. Your LGBTQ+ guide to Election 2024 Stay ahead of the 2024 Election with our newsletter that covers candidates, issues, and perspectives that matter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today On Friday morning, Trump posted to his Truth Social platform, calling the anchor Allison. Later that day, during a rally in Traverse City, Michigan, Trump again taunted Cooper with the name as he criticized the anchors performance in a town hall CNN hosted with Vice President Kamala Harris.If you watched her being interviewed by Allison Cooper the other night hes a nice person. You know Allison Cooper? CNN fake news, Trump said before taking a beat to add in a mocking tone, Oh, she said no. His name is Anderson. Oh, no.He may as well have said it with a lisp.On Saturday, Trump returned to the name-calling during another Michigan rally, then followed it up once more that night in Pennsylvania.They had a town hall, Trump said at the Michigan event. Even Allison Cooper was embarrassed by it. He was embarrassed by it.Trump is charging hard at young men in his effort to tilt the polls in his favor. Last week, he spent three hours in a rambling mostly-monologue with podcast host Joe Rogan, the iconoclastic former host ofFear Factor, whos earned a following among anti-vaxxers and other conspiracy theorists looking for confirmation of their views. Trumps appearance pulled the convicted felon over 20 million views among the historically low-propensity voting bloc of men ages 18 to 34. Ten days ago, Trump went on a minutes-long riff describing legendary golfer Arnold Palmers junk, and on Sunday, he held what one speaker called a Nazi rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the Republican nominee and his MAGA clown show cast variously disparaged immigrants, Jews, Puerto Ricans, and Harris, while pumping fists and flexing for the alphas they hope to motivate to vote.Cooper hasnt responded to the latest taunts, but in May, after Trump invoked the same slur on social when he accused the anchor of coaching writer E. Jean Carroll during an interview about her successful sexual assault lawsuit against him, Cooper dismissed it as 3rd-grade gay taunt. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

As Kamala Harris aims to become Americas first woman president, the GOP could not be acting as a greater foil. The issue of traditional heterosexual masculinity and its necessity as a component of a strong president has never featured so prominently in an election campaign as it has from team Trump. And when it comes to voters, it can be argued that America has never before faced such a large male/female divide.Republicans view Trumps masculinity as a clear advantage, with many supporters believing that America is a mans country that needs an alpha like Trump to protect it. Related Lessons in resistance: How AIDS activism can teach us to save ourselves from hate Community-centered support is helping queer people take back control. Trumps supporters believe he is strong enough to fight and protect women and that men who take on softer female characteristics like childcare are not man enough to lead. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Trumpers like former Fox host Tucker Carlson have raised alarm bells about the end of traditional masculinity, and current Fox host Jesse Watters spends his time on air denigrating Democratic men as embarrassingly feminine for doing basic things like drinking out of straws.The right has even mocked Democratic vice presidential candidate Gov. Tim Walz as Tampon Tim because he signed a bill to make free menstrual product available in Minnesotas school bathrooms. The nickname is a clear attempt to associate his support for menstruating people with being soft. Walz is a former football coach, a former National Guardsman, and a hunter, but his willingness to stand firmly behind women makes him weak in the eyes of Trumpers. This embrace of traditional masculinity is, in part, what has fueled the GOPs all-out attacks on queer people and the continued dismantling of their rights.The Democrats, meanwhile, are running completely opposite campaigns. Actor Sam Elliot, for example, told voters to be a man and vote fora woman. Experts and Democratic insiders have argued that the Republican idea that traditional masculinity ever historically existed or that traditional heterosexual values are necessary for a president is simply not the case. Those involved in this cultural debate have been known to cite President James Buchanan as an example. A bachelor in the oval office The scholar Gail Bederman has defined American masculinity not as an unchanging essence inherent to all male bodied humans but instead as a historical and ideological process which has evolved throughout the twentieth century. As such, by the end of the twentieth century, according to historian Kevin Murphy, a red blooded Rosseveltian model of masculinity proved ascendant and functioned as a prescriptive ideal for American men. Parallel with this was the political weaponization of such an image, which also sought to contrast it by creating a powerful correlation of weakness and effeminacy with homosexuality, thus stigmatizing the LGBTQ+ population. This means that to many, the idea of a gay president is an anathema.This is the context in which the debate surrounding the sexuality of President James Buchanan continues, and perhaps it has never been more relevant.James Buchanan is the only American president never to marry. He remained a bachelor his entire life, and his sexuality has long been questioned. Buchanan was the fifteenth president of the United States and was in office from 1857 until 1861. Born in 1791 in Pennsylvania, he was the son of an Irishman, James Buchanan Senior, and his wife Elizabeth Speer. James Buchanan Senior was a merchant investor who rose to prominence in the town of Mercersburg. Buchanans mother was interested in politics, and the future president credited her with supervising his education. Fiercely ambitious, the young Buchanan sought to pursue a career first in law and then in politics, opposing James Madison in the War of 1812. By 1820 he was elected to the House of Representatives. He was made ambassador to Russia in 1832 and was elected to the Senate upon his return. Buchanan had greater ambitions, but his lifestyle and reputation came under constant scrutiny and criticism, specifically the fact that he was not married.Buchanan had been engaged to a woman, Anne Coleman, who he met in 1818, but she suspected him of being unfaithful or of marrying her for her money. So the engagement came to nothing. Never again would he make any serious move towards marriage, but as Aaron Venerable Brown, a political rival of Buchanans from Tennessee, made perfectly clear in a letter, there was nonetheless a better half or wife in Buchanans life. The man Brown sarcastically described as Buchanans better half was William Rufus King. King was himself a politician who had been elected to the House of Representatives in 1810, where the two had met, and by 1834 they were serving together in the Senate.On the surface, they seemed very different, with Buchanan being at the time a Federalist and King a Democrat, but they shared similar views on the most important and divisive issue of the day: slavery. Soon, both were allied with Jackson and his Democrats in favor of slavery, Buchanan having been convinced that the economy of the South depended on slavery, something which King, as a Southerner, also believed. The two eternal bachelors became firm friends. Although King claimed to have lost his heart in Russia, he never had a serious romantic relationship with a woman. The pair were frequently required to be in Washington, and they began to live together in a boarding house, sharing a room at times, something of which Washington society soon took notice.Such a living arrangement was not unusual at the time, but the fact that the two men were so often seen out together and that they continued to room together once other boarders had moved out was. References to Mr Buchanan and his wife or even to Aunt Nancy and Aunt Fancy as they were called, began to abound in the papers and letters of the time. They were also referred to as the Siamese twins, all of which were derogatory terms implying homosexuality.There is no disputing that the two men were extremely close, and Kings letters attest to a high level of emotional intimacy. Sixty letters survive, but unfortunately, they only offer us Kings perspective, as Buchanan is famous for asking that all his letters be destroyed if they were marked either private or personal. Kings letters, however, sent when the two men were apart, are littered with phrases like, I hope you will find no one to replace me in affection, or I am lonely in the midst of Paris[I have]no friend [here] with whom I can commune as with my own thoughts. While only one tiny paragraph survives from Buchanan regarding his relationship with King, it is a revealing one. It was written as part of a letter Buchanan wrote to Cornelia Roosevelt, with whose family King was staying. He writes, I envy Colonel King the pleasure of meeting you & would give any thing in reason to be of the party for a single week. I am now solitary & alone, having no companion in the house with me. I have gone a wooing to several gentlemen, but have not succeeded with any one of them. I feel that it is not good for man to be alone; and should not be astonished to find myself married to some old maid who can nurse me when I am sick, provide good dinners for me when I am well & not expect from me any very ardent or romantic affection. This paragraph is said by some to imply sexual intimacy between Buchanan and King.Whatever the true nature of the two mens relationship, Buchanans lack of a wife was used to attack him politically, Browns thinly veiled criticism was one of many leveled at him.Challenging the status quo King died in 1853, and Buchanan was devastated, writing that King was the best, the purest and most consistent public [man] I have known. 4 years later, Buchanan became president, where his steadfast and unpopular alliance with the southern slave states, as well as the growing strength of the abolition movement, meant that he was unable to prevent his country from hurtling toward civil war. Buchanan died in 1868 and is generally remembered as one of the weakest presidents in history.The two mens relationship caused rumors and speculation during their lifetime, something which has continued ever since. By the 1980s, the idea that America once had a gay president had taken root.Some today regard the possibility as a good thing, a face for the numerous repressed LGBTQ+ people in history, inciting people to ask difficult questions and challenge the historical status quo. Others think it is nothing more than an attempt to inflict modern values upon historical figures.What is clear is that masculinity has never been what Trump and the Republicans claim it has been: It is far more complex than that. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is largely expected to win his race for Arizonas U.S. Senate seat. He has a consistent track record of supporting equality and opposing discrimination, making himself a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. Congress. As vice-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and an opponent of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, he has positioned himself as a key ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Ruben Gallego at a glance Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Location: Phoenix, ArizonaParty Affiliation: DemocratRace/Ethnicity: Colombian/Mexican-AmericanGender Identity: MaleOrientation: HeterosexualPronouns: He/him/hisLGBTQ+ Ally: Yes Social mediaFacebook:RepRubenGallegoTwitter:@RubenGallegoInstagram: RepRubenGallegoTikTok: @rubengallegoazWebsite: GallegoForArizona.com Ruben Gallegos stance on LGBTQ+ issuesThroughout his political career, Gallego has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to his vice-chairmanship of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, he has aperfect 100 scoreon the Human Rights Campaigns Congressional Scorecard, which measures legislators support for the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex marriageGallego has been a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage rights. He voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which provides federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. Prior to his time in Congress, Gallego actively opposed anti-same-sex marriage initiatives: He worked as a campaign manager for the effort to defeat Arizonas anti-same-sex marriage ballot measure Proposition 107. Trans children in sportsOn April 20, 2023, Rep. Gallego voted against H.R. 734, the so-called Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, a federal bill seeking to ban trans women and girls from participating in womens sports. Transgender access to public bathroomsIn 2015, Rep. Gallego signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act, a comprehensive federal anti-discrimination bill that, among other things, would allow people to use bathrooms, locker rooms, and other facilities matching their gender identity.Gallego has been listed as a Trans Equality Champion by Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), a national pro-trans organization, for defending trans rights in Congress. Dont say gay/LGBTQ+ discussions in schoolsOn February 22, 2022, Gallego co-signed a letter from the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus opposing Floridas Parental Rights in Educationlaw, also known as the Dont Say Gay bill. The legislation forbids LGBTQ+ instruction in the states public schools.The letter pointed out that the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists recommend that K-12 schools acknowledge sexual and gender diversity and create policies that directly improve, affirm, and support the health and wellbeing of gender and sexual diverse children and adolescents of all ages.LGBTQ+ kids must not be a pawn exploited in todays political discourse not in Florida, nor any other state in our nation, the letter added. We ask that you consider the harmful toll this legislation would have on LGBTQ+ childrens mental health and individual liberties in education. Discrimination protectionsIn 2015, Rep. Gallego signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act, a comprehensive anti-discrimination bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to pre-existing federal civil rights laws covering housing, work, jury service, credit, education, federal funding, and public accommodations.In 31 states across the nation, LGBT Americans dont have protections from discrimination meaning that they can be fired from their jobs, kicked out of their homes and even denied a loan because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, Ruben said in July 2015. This is unacceptable, no person should suffer from discrimination because of who they are or who they love.The Equality Act will provide LGBT Americans with the safety that all Americans in our nation enjoy, and it will bring stability to the lives of many by eliminating our current patchwork of laws, he added. It is time for full LGBT equality and protections under the law. In 2014, while serving in the Arizona House of Represenatatives, Gallego also spoke out against Arizonas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a bill that would allow individuals to cite religious beliefs as a defense against discrimination lawsuits. Gallego and other opponents of the bill said it would allow widespread discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.The message [of the bill] thats interpreted is, We want you to work here, but we are not going to go out of our way to protect you, to protect your rights, to protect your family,' Gallego said at the time. God forbid should someone come to the Super Bowl and come to a restaurant that is not going to allow them in.Other LGBTQ+ issuesWhile serving as a Marine, Gallego was a member of Voices of Honor, a group of military members that spoke out against Dont Ask, Dont Tell (DADT), the national ban on out gay and bisexual military service members. In an interview, Gallego said that DADT put a shadow across the whole military, adding, Men and women had to lie to themselves, to their country, to their local team members and thats never a good environment to put anybody in.Having gays in the military [and] allowing gays to be more honest with themselves only improves the force, he said. Youre able to tap into a new population of people to bring all their brain power to the battlefield. And that creates a stronger military.Gallegosupportsensuring that LGBTQ+ veterans who were discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identity receive full veteran benefits for their service. Many of them had no problem purging Marines through Dont Ask Dont Tell. But please talk more about a political purge https://t.co/sH3m4n74E6 Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) December 31, 2021Gallego has also supported legislation that would protect national access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), a method of child conception often used by LGBTQ+ people.I understand a bit of the pain, frustration, and sadness that comes with the struggles trying to grow your family, and I cant imagine facing these struggles and not having an option like IVF available, Gallego said. Gallegos careerGraduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations in 2004Enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Iraq from 2005 to 2006Worked as a public affairs consultant after returning from military serviceElected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2010, served until 2014Became Assistant Minority Leader in the Arizona House of Representatives in 2012Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, representing Arizonas 7th congressional districtServes on the House Armed Services Committee and Natural Resources CommitteeBecame Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United StatesAppointed as an Assistant Whip for the Democratic CaucusServes as First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic CaucusServes as Vice Chair and Tribal Liaison of the Congressional Progressive CaucusServes as Vice Chair of the LGBT Equality CaucusIntroduced the Teachers LEAD Act in 2022 to support teachers and improve retentionAnnounced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2023, running for the seat currently held by Kyrsten Sinema Shaping a more inclusive futureRep. Gallegos support for comprehensive legislation like the Equality Act and his opposition to discriminatory policies demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.His commitment to LGBTQ+ rights is summed up in his statement, Discrimination has no place in our society and [I am] unwaveringly committed to fostering a future where everyone can live authentically and without fear. Related links: Related Ruben Gallegos battle against Kari Lake could decide the fate of the Senate. And our democracy. The battle for American democracy continues, and Gallego is attempting to hold the line. Twitter is celebrating Rep. Ruben Gallegos campaign against out-of-touch Sen. Kyrsten Sinema Sinema is immensely disliked among Democrats. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Melania Trump has spent the majority of this election cycle seemingly trying to avoid joining her husband, Donald Trump, on the campaign trail, but on Sunday, she spoke at his rally, leading to the internet roasting the couple because she looked like she didnt want to touch the MAGA leader with a ten-foot pole.Melania has been largely absent during he husband's presidential campaign, only showing up for events like the Republican National Convention and some paid gigs with the Log Cabin Republicans, but on October 27, she gave a speech introducing her husband at his Madison Square Garden rally, where she said that New York City and America needs their magic back.But its what happened when Trump joined her on stage that has everyone on social media roasting them. When Trump greeted her on stage, the pair shared a painfully awkward kiss as it looked like he was going in for a kiss on the lips, but Melania kept giving him her cheek instead. Then, when the couple left the stage, Melania appeared to be trying to pull her hand away from Trump, who seemed to be holding onto her hand for dear life. (@) (@) People on social media frequently make fun of Trump because of Melanias absence and how frequently she looks like she doesnt want her husband touching her in video footage of the couple. Whether thats how she actually feels or not, her seeming indifference and disdain for Trump is the most relatable thing about her.While the rally was unwatchable because of the celebrities gushing over Trump and the racist jokes about Puerto Rico spewed by right-wing comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, it and these two cringe-inducing moments between Melania and Trump that has everyone questioning whether she even likes her husband and writing hilarious jokes on X (formerly Twitter).Keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to Melania looking like she feels the same way we do about Trump! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

The queer community always goes all out on Halloween, but this year we really showed up and showed out with a hilarious meme!All of the best Halloween costumes this year were gathered up and packaged into a singular trend. It started on X (formerly Twitter) last year with this tweet: (@) From dressing up like Mercutio in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet to donning a "Melissa Mccarthy in the 2011 hidden valley ranch taste test SNL skit" costume, everyone took this format and ran with it, posting all of their highly niche costumes in posts formatted to start with "I hate gay Halloween, what do you mean you're..."None of them disappointed. They were all spectacular. Here are 35 of our favorites to keep you chuckling all the way through Halloweekend Part II. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

A middle school community in Virginia is fighting back after their principal was fired for starting an LGBTQ+ Kindness flex-time class to provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ students.Dr. Jerry Putt,Frederick County Middle Schools principal since 2017, has been removed from his role after a divisive debate at the school board over his actions, The Winchester Gazette reports. Related Gay student assaulted in notoriously anti-LGBTQ+ school district A far-right school board has created a climate of fear for LGBTQ+ kids in the district. The controversy erupted on Tuesday at the Frederick County School Board meeting, where a conservative faction of parents and board members argued that the LGBTQ+ Kindness class deviated from state-approved curricula and called it inappropriate. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The leader of the group in opposition to the class was a Back Creek District resident named Chris Davey, who claimed the optional class was perverted.He faulted Putt for permitting it without parental notice and took his frustrations to the school board, where he found a sympathetic audience.The board put school staff on notice that unsanctioned curriculum additions wouldnt be tolerated and could be grounds for termination.Two days later, they made beloved principal Putt an example.On Thursday, the school community received notice from district superintendent Dr. George Hummer announcing Dr. Putts removal without explanation, along with an introduction to an interim principal.Wendy Werner, a former counselor at the school, described the events as appalling and criticized parents at the board meeting as hateful and uninformed.Now she and other community members are fighting back with a grassroots campaign to reinstate Putt, starting with an online petition that has already gathered nearly 1300 signatures in the small town and has served as a forum to describe how the board and parents rights advocates have done a disservice to the community with their campaign of anti-LGBTQ+ hate.One local resident called the boards decision misguided.The principal is out because he created opportunities for ALL students during the school day and that was off script, Luke Mason wrote, questioning whether other extracurricular activities, like the four-wheeler club or pep rallies, would face similar scrutiny.Sonia Marfatia-Goode raised the issue of discrimination, explaining one parent wanted the LGBTQ+ flex canceled but to keep all of flex for everyone else.I wouldnt be surprised if the division was sued over this,she said with a warning of repercussions.Marfatia-Goode said the divisive environment at recent school board meetings was having an effect on kids.Children pay attention, and they are finding out that if you dont want something, you yell and yell until you get your way, she wrote.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

We thought it was awesome when Kamala Harris and Beyonc finally teamed up at Harriss rally in Houston on October 25, but it turns out they werent the only ones out there turning lewks.A video started circulating this weekend of none other than Rupauls Drag Races Silky Nutmeg Ganache, who did everything from twirl to twirk to dance on a security fence for whoever would pay her any mind while the crowd went wild.Everything about the video is, as described by the X account that posted it, @MeidasTouch, was a celebration of democracy and pure joy.Personally, I think this is a great audition for Nutmeg Ganache to join in with the Drag PAC. For whatever its worth, Id also pay good money to see her do the solo performance of Barbie Girl as seen in the Rudemption Lip Sync Smackdown in All Stars 6.More importantly, its great to see people of our community still out there popping and locking it in the name of politics, because this is truthfully the biggest election of our time, and there is so much at stake here.Its sad to see that the comments for the original post are filled with hatred from the right who think anything about being either queer, a drag queen, Black, or big is a means to marginalize and put you into a box that has nothing to do with who or what you actually are.Apart from that, were just as happy to see the outpouring of love from fans who love just watching her do her thing and, as one person put it, is just simply doing the lordts work. (@) Apart from the video that started circulating, another video from Shea Jordan Smith saw a more vivid and clear shot of Nutmeg Ganache living her best life as she lip synced to "Water" by Tyla. In it, you could almost see Nutmeg Ganache envision the main stage she's performed on so many times, like this was a true lip sync for her life.And, if things go the way they're headed, it might have actually been just that. (@) And we want to ban drag queens why, again?Make sure you get out an vote next Tuesday, November 5, if you havent taken advantage of the early voting process.Meanwhile, check out some of our favorite responses to the video. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)