Hump Day Hunks!Lets be real, its only Wednesday, but this week already feels like its somehow been going on for a month. Were tired and stressed and could use a good distraction. And whats the best way to make time fly and inject some much-needed Serotonin into our lives? Thats right, hot hunky celebrity men. So sit back, relax, and let us treat you to the sexiest boys on the internet who will make you very thirsty.Keep scrolling for some hump day hunk eye candy that will dissolve your stress in no time flat!Chad Michael Murray (@) The One Tree Hill star is aging like fine wine!Rose (@) RuPaul's Drag Race alum Ros is making us say yee-haw! Isn't the saying, save a horse, ride a drag queen?Lil Nas X (@) This is why mesh tanks were invented!More Lil Nas XSee on InstagramThis new song announcement has us all hot and bothered!Jkab Ethan DaleSee on InstagramFunny, hot, and the star of gay porn? He's a triple threat!Colman DomingoSee on InstagramHas Colman Domingo ever looked sexier?Brandon Flynn (@) We know Brandon is off the market now, but a girl can still dream!Dawson Bacon and Chase ParkerSee on InstagramWith these twink adult film stars we hope we never have to choose!Timothee Chalamet (@) We're loving this sassy version of Timothee Chalamet.Jonathan Bailey and Josh O'ConnorSee on InstagramJonathan Bailey and Josh O'Connor are even cuter together than apart!Tom Holland (@) Zendaya is a lucky woman!Jonathan BennettSee on InstagramJonathan Bennett and his husband soaking up the sun has us missing shirtless summer weather!Shawn MendesSee on InstagramShawn Mendes has brothers? Why didn't anyone tell us?!Joe JonasSee on InstagramJoe Jonas looking hot and quoting the Devil Wears Prada is our new favorite thing.Tom DaleySee on InstagramWe love that even though Tom Daley has retired from professional swimming, he's still allergic to wearing shirts!

Coachella 2025: Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Post Malone Headline the Deserts Biggest PartyDust off your flower crowns and charge those phonesCoachella 2025 is coming, and its shaping up to be an unforgettable music marathon in the California desert. With a lineup that blends legendary icons, chart-topping superstars, and rising talent, this years festival promises the perfect mix of nostalgia and fresh energy.The Headliners: Legends, Icons, and Party StartersLady Gaga Returns to Dominate the StageMother Monster is back! Lady Gaga will headline Coachella for the second time, bringing a new level of spectacle to the festival. Fans still rave about her 2017 set when she stepped in for Beyonc, and this time, Gaga promises to go even bigger. With her highly anticipated album LG6 on the horizon, expect jaw-dropping visuals, killer choreography, and maybe even a sneak peek of her newest tracks.I have long dreamed of throwing a massive night of chaos in the desert, Gaga wrote on X. Ive had a vision Ive never been able to fully realize at Coachella for reasons beyond our control but I wanted to come through for music fans. I have been wanting to go back and to do it right, and I am. Im headlining and starting the weekend off at Coachella. Cant wait to hear you all singalong and dance dance DANCE till we drop.Green Day Brings Punk Rock EnergyPunk rock royalty Green Day is set to crank up the volume, delivering their signature blend of rebellion and hits like Boulevard of Broken Dreams. After decades in the music scene, Billie Joe Armstrong and company continue to prove why theyre a cornerstone of rock.Post Malone Gets the Party StartedWhether hes singing heartfelt ballads or hyping the crowd with chart-topping anthems, Post Malone knows how to throw a party. His Coachella debut promises a genre-defying mix of hip-hop, rock, and pop vibes thatll have everyone dancing from sundown to sunrise.Beyond the Headliners: A Star-Studded LineupMissy Elliott, Megan Thee Stallion, and Charli XCXMissy Elliott, a living legend in hip-hop, will bring her groundbreaking beats to the desert. Megan Thee Stallion is set to make her mark with her powerhouse presence, while Charli XCX, pop musics fearless innovator, promises a high-energy performance.BLACKPINKs Jennie and Lisa Take Solo SpotlightK-pop fans, rejoice! BLACKPINKs Jennie and Lisa will perform solo sets, showing off their individual artistry and proving why theyre global sensations.Rising Stars and SurprisesCoachella isnt just about the big names. Rising stars and unique acts will keep the crowd buzzing, ensuring theres always something new to discover.More Than Music: Coachellas ImpactCoachella has become more than a music festivalits a cultural event. Expect trendsetting fashion, unforgettable moments, and a spotlight on inclusivity as fans from around the world unite to celebrate creativity. Beyond the glitter, Coachellas economic impact on Indio, California, continues to grow, boosting local businesses and bringing millions to the community.Get Ready for the Desert MagicCoachella 2025 is where music legends, pop icons, and fresh talent collide. Whether youre a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, this years lineup has something for everyone. Mark your calendar, pack your sunscreen, and prepare for a weekend of unforgettable performances under the desert sky.See you at the Empire Polo Club! Tickets go on sale this Fridaydont miss your chance to be part of the magic.More Stories: Lady Gaga to Headline Coachella 2025 Charlie XCX, Green Day, and More!Chappell Roan & Sabrina Carpenter to Sing a Duet for Netflixs A Nonsense ChristmasSusan Sarandon Says Love Has No Limits Is Open to Dating All GendersMeet Cooper Kochs Gay Twin Brother: Our New Fav Power DuoChris Jones Remembers That Time His D*ck Fell Out of His ShortsThe post Lady Gaga to Headline Coachella 2025 Charlie XCX, Green Day, and More! appeared first on Gayety.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) made an appearance on NBCs Meet the Press, defending Donald Trumps appointments of unqualified people to powerful positions by attacking LGBTQ+ people who worked in the Biden administration.Speaking about Robert Kennedy Jr.s anti-vaccine views Kennedy has been nominated for secretary of health and human services Mullin called him extremely intelligent when it comes to this stuff before attacking Admiral Rachel Levine and Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Related The right is outraged that Bernie Sanders stopped a fight in the Senate A GOP senator challenged a witness to a fight and Bernie Sanders had to break it up. Now hes getting called dirty, bum, socialist, Karl Marx. Democrats are spending so much time talking about the scrutiny of President Trumps picks, and yet we didnt spend this time scrutinizing Bidens picks. You can talk about Rachel, the assistant secretary of HHS. I think thats a pretty controversial pick from whatever pronoun he or he, he or she decides to use, he said on his appearance. 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 Levine is a doctor, a professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and the former physician general of Pennsylvania. Kennedy has no qualifications in medicine and has said that HIV doesnt cause AIDS and questions whether germs cause diseases at all.Mullin then brought up Sam Brinton, a nonbinary nuclear engineer who worked at the Department of Interior until they were fired two years ago, less than a year after they started working at Interior. They were a staffer who was hired to work at the department; they were not appointed by Biden. Then Mullin said that out Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was unqualified, not explaining how he made that assessment.And I didnt see this same type of scrutiny that Democrats used on these individuals picks. Theres been a lot of picks. I mean, we can talk about Pete Buttigieg. Is he really qualified to be at the Department of Transportation? I dont see the same people giving scrutiny here, Mullin said. this is gross asked about RFK Jr's nomination, Markwayne Mullin deflects by bringing up a number of LGBT people Biden put in his administration, including Pete Buttigieg pic.twitter.com/exaOEEgnam Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 17, 2024Gaetz has been accused of sexual misconduct and resigned as the House Ethics Committee prepared to release findings of their investigation into his allegations.Mullin also defended Trumps appointment of Fox News host Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense. Hegseth has faced sexual misconduct allegations as well he paid off a woman who accused him of sexual assault and opposes trans people joining the military and women serving in combat roles.Mullin defended Kennedys anti-vaccine stance despite the fact that vaccines are safe and effective and are estimated to have saved over 154 million lives over the past five decades. President Trump has the ability to pick some really, really good people, Mullin said. You can see why hes been successful in businesshe surrounds himself with the right people.Mullin has not yet stated whether he plans to vote for Gaetz. The two have clashed previously, with Mullin calling for the House Ethics Committee report to be released to the public.No, I never said I was going to vote for Gaetz, that is absolutely not true, he said to a Daily Beast reporter on Tuesday. I said Id keep an open mind, but I have not saidthere was a report that came out because of the interview I had on Squawk Box this morning, and I never, theres nowhere in there that said I said I was voting for him. Brandon Wolf, national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, criticized Mullins remarks in a statement to The Advocate.Senator Mullin is trying to use anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and attacks on Senate-confirmed, exceptionally qualified public servants like Admiral Levine and Secretary Buttigieg to distract from the truth: Donald Trump is nominating dangerous and unqualified people to powerful positions in the United States government. But the American people can see through the smoke and mirrors, which is why the Trump cabinet picks have been met with the national alarm they deserve.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has been on a warpath this week to ban Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-DE) from using the restroom at the Capitol, posting about it over a hundred times this week on social media, making multiple TV appearances to support her position, and eventually getting Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to agree with her and ban McBride.And for some reason, Im seeing a lot of people claim on social media and in news media that she used to be a staunch proponent of trans rights and a fierce LGBTQ+ ally. Related GOP Congresswoman snaps at conservative who accused her of supporting trans people by wearing a tux The conservative troll struck a nerve. She was never any such thing. She has been a transphobic extremist ever since her first campaign for Congress. She has made a few, very limited concessions on rights for cis queer people, but she has always been what she currently says she is: a TERF. 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 quote above about how Mace was a staunch proponent of trans rights comes from the X account of MeidasTouch, a left-leaning news-and-views website, promoting an article where they claimed that Mace co-sponsored a transgender rights bill in 2021. Nancy Mace has now tweeted hundreds of times about her anti-trans bathroom bill designed to target Rep.-elect Sarah McBride.But not too long ago, Mace was a staunch proponent of trans rights and a fierce LGBTQ+ ally.Now, she has sold out an entire community for political gain.[image or embed] MeidasTouch (@meidastouch.bsky.social) November 20, 2024 at 11:09 PMTheres a lot to unpack here, and its helpful to lay out some facts before going into the thin case for Mace as an LGBTQ+ ally. First, Mace has an abysmal score on HRCs Congressional Scorecard, which tracks Congressmembers actions on LGBTQ+ legislation. She got scores of 15 and 14 out of 100 for her first two sessions of Congress. While thats not as bad as zeroes, even Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) got a score over zero (eight) this past session of Congress.Mace has opposed pretty much every piece of LGBTQ+ legislation introduced in Congress for the past four years, including the Equality Act, which would add LGBTQ+ people to existing federal civil rights legislation; supported several anti-LGBTQ+ amendments added to larger spending bills that rolled back LGBTQ+ rights; and even voted against the LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act, which would add questions about LGBTQ+ identity to some federal surveys. She voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act because it would give some protections to transgender inmates. Then theres Maces campaign tactics, which have been particularly depraved and transphobic, even when compared to other House Republicans. Mace was first elected to Congress in 2020. Her campaign marked her first mention on LGBTQ Nation, when she ran an ad accusing her opponent, then-incumbent Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-SC), of working with Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to pass a law requiring transgender equality in the military, a law that Mace claimed led to a local Marine Corps base almost getting shut down. Cunningham and Pelosi passed a law requiring transgendered [sic] equality in the military, a liberal mandate that will close Parris Island, the ad said.There is no law requiring transgender equality in the military, much less one that was passed by Cunningham and Pelosi that led to the Marine base getting closed. Mace made that up for votes and cited an article in her ad to back her claim, but that article wasnt about trans rights at all. But since most people who see a TV ad arent going to look up its citations, her lie worked. She was voted into Congress. Keep in mind that she told this absurdly transphobic lie before she was ever elected to Congress; if its true that Mace was ever a staunch proponent of trans rights, it would have to be well before she was in Congress. Her first reelection campaign in 2022 was even more transphobic. She was facing Democratic challenger Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician. Mace accused Dr. Andrews of giving SEX CHANGE SURGERY. PUBERTY BLOCKERS. GENDER CHANGING HORMONES. FOR CHILDREN?! in one ad and pushing hospitals to administer gender-changing hormones to children as young as four years old in another ad.Except Dr. Andrews did no such thing. She worked for a hospital that didnt provide gender-affirming care to anyone under 18. Her hospital came under fire, though, and she was later forced to resign. As a Mother and a human being, If you have even a shred of dignity left, I ask that you stop these desperate attacks and start behaving like someone our kids can look up to, Dr. Andrews said to Mace in a statement, adding that Mace was running the most shameful, dishonest, and pathetic gutter-style campaign I have ever witnessed. OK, so whats the case that Mace used to be a staunch proponent of trans rights? Well, she voted for the Respect for Marriage Act, which requires the federal and state governments to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where marriage equality is legal. Its great that she was one of the Republicans who crossed the aisle and voted for that bill in 2022 in the face of a Supreme Court that indicated it might consider overturning its marriage equality rulings, but thats not great evidence of allyship when it comes to trans people.The other piece of legislation thats being cited, the one that is the focus of the MeidasTouch article, is the Fairness For All Act (FFAA), a bill that LGBTQ+ activists opposed because it was introduced as a way to take support away from the Equality Act. This was in 2021, just after the House passed the Equality Act, which was going to face an uphill battle in the Senate to overcome the upper chambers 60-vote requirement to end the filibuster, but still, people had some hope that it would pass.The FFAA had expansive religious exemptions that only would apply to anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, basically sending the message that if someone says that they dont want gay people to work for them or they dont want to serve trans people because of their religion, well then they dont have to follow the law because LGBTQ+ rights are less important. The same religious exemptions wouldnt apply to race or religion-based discrimination, showing that the protections were less about religious freedom and more about protecting anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes. Additionally, the FFAA exempted more businesses from the Equality Acts requirements. It also gave adoption agencies a license to discriminate, effectively allowing them to take state funds while refusing to place children in LGBTQ+ homes. No Democrats supported the FFAA. HRC didnt include it in their scorecard for that session of Congress. LGBTQ+ people understood it as an attack it was meant to be something that the Senate could pass instead of the Equality Act, thwarting the anti-discrimination measure. Mace caught some limited flak for supporting the FFAA from far-right activists, the ones who apparently didnt understand what was going on. But the criticism was nowhere near loud enough to threaten her reelection bid. Other than the FFAA, the other piece of evidence of Mace being an LGBTQ+ ally in the past is a Pride tweet she sent out in 2021. Ill leave it up to readers to decide if this outweighs everything else. The pandemic kept all of us from fully celebrating Pride here in the Lowcountry in 2020. But hopefully, as we finally begin to open back up, we can all come together to celebrate the challenges our LGBTQ+ has overcome, and the bright future ahead. #PrideMonth #Pride2021 pic.twitter.com/bJ86bmMSoA Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) June 4, 2021Mace is exactly what she says she is: Full TERF. She believes in strong gender roles, opposes trans equality, insists that respecting trans peoples identities is an assault on women, completely ignores the existence of trans men, and sometimes uses the language of the left to support the rights goals. When it comes to the rights of cis queer people, she is willing to accept that the ship has sailed when it comes to marriage rights but shes against full equality she still wants us to know that our rights are less important than the whims of straight people. While Mace isnt as over-the-top transphobic as, say, Congresswoman Greene, she is obsessed (seriously, over 100 tweets in two days about one trans persons future bathroom usage) with the idea that people can just be whatever gender they feel they are without her express permission. And she has been for years.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC)has tripled down on her transphobic hysteria on cable television, misgendering Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-DE), discussing her genitals, and claiming that McBride will assault her if she ever enters a womens bathroom in the Capitol. Her former communications director has said Maces hysteria is simply a ploy to gain media notoriety.Numerous web commenters have noted that, despite her worries about assault, Mace hasnt spoken as passionately against President-elect Donald Trump, who was found liable of sexually abusing a woman in a womens changing room, or of former-Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Trumps attorney general pick who has been accused of raping an underage girl at a drug-fueled sex party. Related Republicans to parents: Let us peep at your kids vagina before we let them play sports Conservatives are bullying kids who dont look boyish or girlish enough for their tastes even if it kills them. On Wednesday, Macehad a meltdown on Scripps News after anchorwoman Liz Landers told Mace, The congresswoman-elect does identify as a woman. I will be referring to her in that way. 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 Shes not a woman! Its a man! Mace said, referring to McBride as it. She was born a man! Shes a man! She is biologically a male. That is science.When asked whether she believed McBride poses some kind of danger to Mace and other women in Congress, Mace replied, Absolutely! 100%. This is an assault on women, a man being a biological man, a man with a penis, male genitalia being in a womens locker room is an assault on women. Hes got a mental illness and this is why hes doing this.On Wednesday, Mace introduced a resolution to ban trans people from using bathrooms matching their gender identity in federal buildings nationwide. On the same day, Natalie Johnson, Maces former communications director, pointed out that, in March 2021, Mace posted a comment on X (then-Twitter)declaring, I strongly support LGBTQ rights. No one should be discriminated against. Religious liberty, gay rights, and transgender equality can all coexist. Johnson wrote, If you think [Maces] bill is about protecting women and not simply a ploy to get on Fox News, youve been fooled, and added, I dont want to see your botched, cheap hooker-inspired boob job on my television. Can we introduce a bill to bar that?True to Johnsons prediction, Mace did appear on Fox News last night where she thanked House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) for publicly announcingthat all single-sex restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms in the Capitol buildings are reserved for individuals whose biological sex matches them. His announcement followed threats from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) to beat up McBride if she tried toaccess womens spaces in the Capitol.I am proud to be a woman and today women won, Mace said on Fox. This is a huge womens rights issue, and I am eternally grateful to Speaker Johnson for coming to our defense and making the right call, making the right decision and my concern is making it cemented. At the end of the day there has to be a line in the sand, Mace added. You cant allow penises in the locker room, she said, despite not knowing anything about McBrides genitals. Men cant watch women change clothes. Like thats just never going to be a thing and women have rights. So, look, at what point do mens rights trample on womens rights? They cant, they wont, they never will. In a statement issued Wednesday, McBride wrote, I will follow the rules as outlined by Speaker Johnson, even if I disagree with them. Three LGBTQ+ Congress members blasted Johnson and Mace on Wednesday, calling Johnsons rule cruel and unnecessary and calling Maces rhetoric vile and disgusting.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary year, Tom of Finland Foundation is presenting the Tom of Finland Art & Culture Festival 2024 - Art Speaks Through UsArt Speaks Through Us, sponsored by Diesel. This year, the Festival touches down in Berlin, London, and Los Angeles. The Festival in Los Angeles will take place from November 29 to December 1 and, for the first time, is being held concurrently with CLAWs Leather Thanksgiving celebration.At the milestone of our 40th anniversary, the Foundation is more focused than ever on extending Tom of Finland's legacy by advocating for the creative freedoms of LGBTQ+ artists everywhere, says Edward Cella, Tom of Finland Foundations Chief Executive Officer.The worlds largest erotic art fair, the Tom of Finland Art & Culture Festival will take over the Hotel Indigo for its latest stop in Los Angeles. Over 30 artists, galleries, and vendors will present their offerings within a socially-friendly setting to socialize and buy and sell works of art, design objects, books, and other specialty items. The Festival will be open to the public Friday, November 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 30, from 10:00 a.m. to- 6:00 p.m.; and Sunday, December 1, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown (899 Francisco St 90017).This years Tom of Finland Art & Culture Festival is lining up to be uniquely special in that we are teaming up with CLAW to offer the public more diversity in the social activities being held under one big tent at the Hotel Indigo, says Tom of Finland Foundation President & Cofounder Durk Dehner. courtesyAttendees of the Tom of Finland Art & Culture Festival Los Angeles will have access to various programming from both the Tom of Finland Foundation and CLAW. Events on offer include a screening of and panel about the new feature-length documentary House of Leather, Sticky Pages: Inside Stroke magazine moderated by Mark Timothy Hayward, Linda Simpsons Drag Explosion, a reading from I Didnt See It Coming by William E. Jones, a talk from Taschen book editor Dian Hanson on Tom of Finland, and the keynote address From The Studio by Paul Mpagi Sepuya.We are excited to be back for another Festival and a new venue celebrating our 40th Anniversary, said Festival Lead and Foundation Creative Director Richard Villani. Each year we work to change and grow the experience for the artists and attendees.Weve had a close relationship with the Tom of Finland Foundation for many years, and they are one of the beneficiaries of CLAW, said CLAW President Bob Miller. Were thrilled to be able to bring these two great events together in the same place. For the attendees its a lot to be thankful for.Finally, the Foundation will offer an exclusive limited edition fine art print commissioned especially for its 40th anniversary. The print is limited to an edition of 40 pieces, and they will be available for purchase at the Festival.A special room rate at the Hotel Indigo is available to CLAW and the Tom of Finland Art & Culture Festival attendees and can be booked through the CLAW LA Leather Getaway website.For more information and ticketing, please visit tomoffinland.org/artfair.

Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have reportedly moved to England in response to Donald Trumps victory. The couple has moved to the Cotswolds in Southwest England, an area popular among celebrities, sources told TMZ, adding that while they had already purchased the home there before the election, the results spurred them to get the hell out of the country immediately. They are also putting their Montecito, California, home on the market. Related GOP senator argues that Biden nominated LGBTQ+ people so no one can criticize Trumps picks The senator brought up Bidens nomination of Pete Buttigieg as comparable to picking an anti-vaxxer to lead Health and Human Services. DeGeneres was all in for Kamala Harris, posting on social media when her campaign began that theres nothing more powerful than a woman whose time has come!! and saying she cant wait for Harris to be our next president. 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 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ellen DeGeneres (@ellendegeneres)When Taylor Swift endorsed Harris, calling herself a childless cat lady in reference to Vice President-elect JD Vances derogatory remarks about women, DeGeneres reposted the endorsement and wrote, This childless cat lady couldnt agree more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ellen DeGeneres (@ellendegeneres)She also posted a 2018 interview she did with Harris on her show, as well as a clip from Michelle Obamas speech in Kalamazoo, Michigan encouraging people to vote for Harris. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ellen DeGeneres (@ellendegeneres) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ellen DeGeneres (@ellendegeneres) Sources say she and De Rossi are very disillusioned with the United States. The comedian recently released what she said was her final performance, a stand-up special on Netflix Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval in which she addresses the allegations against her by former employees as creating a toxic work environment. The Ellen DeGeneres Showbegan to unravel late in its 19-year run when allegations of rampant abuse began to surface. Two explosive stories about the toxic work environment published byBuzzfeed Newsled to an investigation by Warner Bros., producer of the program along with DeGeneres own Very Good Productions. Three top producers got the axe.But the house-cleaning and a poorly received on-air apology from the host werent enough to salvage the multiple Emmy-winning show. DeGeneres signed off for the last time in May 2022 with her signature Be kind goodbye.And despite her attempts to redeem herself in the Netflix special, former employees have said it is a case study in evasion and self-deception.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

During his first campaign for the White House that began in 2015, Donald Trump promised the American people that he was committed to bringing only the bestand brightest into his administration to serve the interests of We the People.Unfortunately, it didnt quite work out as he wished. Among his virtual rogues gallery of cabinet officials, several resigned in disgrace, while others were referred to the Department of Justice on criminal charges of corruption or misconduct. Related Donald Trump names Project 2025 author to oversee the internet & media Brendan Carr has signaled that hes willing to use the Federal Communications Commission to further Trumps agenda. These included Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie, and Secretary of Energy Rick Perry. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today With the Department of Justice firmly under Trumps thumb, however, no indictments were issued to these officials.So here we are again, waiting with bated breath for the full range of Trumps nominees for his second term. If the past is prelude, then we already have a clear understanding that while Trump again has promised the bestand brightest to fill his second regime, he has already served up his appointed delicacies on a silver platter for the eating frenzy of the press and political pundits.Yum yum!Looking at a representative morsel of nominees, there is Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida for National Security Advisor. This is the sameMike Waltzwho garnered Trumps favor by trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election and by calling for Dulles Airport outside of Washington, DC to be renamed Donald John Trump International Airport. Then there is Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, who has reported ties to Syria in downplaying its governments use of chemical weapons and has stated that Putins invasion of Ukraine was due to legitimate security concerns by the Russian government.South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been nominated for Secretary of Homeland Security, though she has virtually no experience in the field. A warning has already been sent out nationwide to all dogs and goats to move to higher ground if they dont want Noem to shoot them in the head.Regarding nominee Lee Zeldin for Director of the Environmental Protection Agency,Trumppromised on Truth Social: He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet. Wow, that sounds awesome: deregulating environmental standards to maintain the highest environmental standards. That is like the old saying, Throwing out the baby with the bathwater. But with Zeldins magic, we come out with a really clean baby plus water to grow thousands of atmospheric carbon-eating trees. What could go wrong?And we will see Tom Homan returning with his ever-popular child separation policy in his capacity of Border Czar, a position that does not require Senate confirmation. He will be aided by Steven Miller, former Trump advisor and nominee for Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.Miller follows the dictates of Machiavelli, who famously said, It is better to be feared than to be loved, if one cannot be both. Miller was a longtime apprentice of Attila the Hun, who taught him well the art of the scorched Earth policy. And we cant forget Trumps insightful judgment in nominating former Representative from Florida Matt Gaetz as the nations top Attorney General to lead the Department of Justice. Gaetz is well aware of the process of ethical and criminal investigations since he has been the target of some disturbing misconduct allegations. I suppose experience always helps.Trumps first choice for DA was Roy Cohn, but he had a prior commitment underground.So, for the appointments yet to be announced by the incoming autocrat, I have some recommendations for him to consider. For Chief Press Secretary, I nominate Joseph Goebbels, who has experience as Adolf Hitlers Reich Minister of Propaganda. I understand that he is dead, but since Trump is seen as the Second Coming by his acolytes, Im sure the incoming 47thPresident can rush along the resurrection process.I understand that Trump has already placed Elon Musk (along with Vivek Ramaswamy) to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. However, I believe that Musk would be better served as the Secretary of Labor since he places so much care and sensitivity in treating and paying his employees fairly and equitably while respecting their right to form unions and bargain in good faith.Besides, why would Trump need two people to run an Agency on Government Efficiency? That doesnt sound very efficient to me. For the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the perfect fit in a Trump administration is most certainly Hibatullah Akhundzada, the current Supreme Leader of the Taliban. Im certain he will be able to keep our nation completely safe alongside Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence andKristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security.And let us not forget the all-important Secretary of Energy. For this job, I nominate Murray Auchincloss, who is the current CEO of Standard Oil. The companys founder and CEO when it was established in 1870, John D. Rockefeller, would be very proud indeed. Hey, we could return to a time of the Gilded Age when the wealth and income gap became ever more profound, leading to the unfathomable inequities that exist today.Oh goodie! I read that the great Betsy DeVos, former Trump Secretary of Education, has volunteered to return to that position if Trump does not axe the entire department. Maybe this time, she will accomplish her goal of thoroughly destroying public education by privatizing it and by providing vouchers paid through taxpayer funds to go to private religious schools. It is too bad that Trump cannot cover the role of Commander in Chief, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and top generals of all the military branches after demonstrating his utter commitment to, confidence in, and respect for the military personnel of the United States. But alas, his bone spurs prevented him from serving his country during the Vietnam era, while all of his fellow suckers and losers had either been taken captive or died in combat.There are so many additional agencies that will need new directors, as Trump intends to purge hundreds of thousands of government and military personnel who have sworn allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America rather than bend a knee and kiss the ring of this would-be dictator.We all are looking forward to good times ahead.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In an impassioned diatribe to reporters on Wednesday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) destroyed Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) for her tirade against trans Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-DE) and explained how it would put all women and girls in danger. Ocasio-Cortez repeatedly called Maces vicious vendetta to ban McBride (and all trans women) from using womens bathrooms at the Capitol disgusting. Related Nancy Mace was never an LGBTQ+ ally. She was always a transphobic extremist. Mace has been a nasty piece of work since before she was elected to Congress. She is showing us exactly who she is. The idea that Nancy Mace wants little girls and women to drop trou in front of who? An investigator? Who would that be? she told reporters. Because she wants to suspect and point fingers at who she thinks is trans is disgusting. It is disgusting. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today And frankly, all it does is allow these Republicans to go around and bully any woman who isnt wearing a skirt because they think she might not look woman enough. Mace has been on an anti-trans tear since she introduced a billseeking to ban trans people from using bathrooms matching their gender identity in federal buildings nationwide.On Wednesday, Mace alsohad a meltdown on Scripps News, misgendering McBride, discussing her genitals and claiming that McBride would assault her.In response to Maces crusade, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnsonannouncedthat all single-sex restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms in the Capitol buildings are reserved for individuals whose biological sex matches them. His announcement followed threats from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Maceto beat upand intimidate McBride if she tried toaccess womens spaces in the Capitol.People have a right to express themselves, to dress how they want, and to be who they are, said Ocasio-Cortez, and if a woman doesnt look woman enough to a Republican, they want to be able to inspect her genitals to use a bathroom? Its disgusting. And everybody, no matter how you feel on this issue, should reject it completely. What are they doing? Theyre doing this so Nancy Mace can make a buck and send a text and fundraise off an email. Theyre not doing this to protect people, theyre endangering women, theyre endangering girls of all kinds, and everybody should reject it. Its gross. In a statement issued Wednesday, McBride wrote, I will follow the rules as outlined by Speaker Johnson, even if I disagree with them. Three LGBTQ+ Congress membersblasted Johnson and Mace on Wednesday, calling Johnsons rule cruel and unnecessary and calling Maces rhetoric vile and disgusting. "If a woman doesn't look woman enough to a Republican, they want to be able to inspect your genitals to use a bathroom? It's disgusting.Everyone should reject it completely they're endangering women, they're endangering girls of all kind, and everyone should reject it. It's gross." AOC[image or embed] Erin Reed (@erininthemorning.bsky.social) November 20, 2024 at 8:44 PMSubscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

As the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people, our job is to ensure every LGBTQ+ young person has access to safe and affirming spaces in every aspect of their daily lives, especially if they experience a crisis.To every young person out there who is wondering if the outcome of Novembers election impacts whether they can live the lives they were born to live, Trevor is here for you.Trevors mission is about people, not politics. Our commitment will never change no matter who occupies the White House. We will work with anyone, including elected and government leaders, who share our goal of ending LGBTQ+ youth suicide, regardless of their political party.During this election cycle, nearly $215 million in television advertisements targeting the transgender community flooded airwaves across the country. It is no wonder that in the 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, the majority (90%) of LGBTQ+ young people reported that their wellbeing was negatively impacted due to recent politics. For example, the day after the election, contacts to Trevors crisis line shot up by 700%, with 40% of those contacts coming from transgender and nonbinary youth.That is why the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line is so important right now. Thankfully, this federally-funded, lifeserving service has received strong bipartisan support from its beginning. For example, the incoming Administration signed legislation enhancing 988 and creating 988 LGBTQ+ youth specialized services. In addition, Congress is filled with bipartisan champions for 988, including incoming Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine). We look forward to working with all elected officials who believe that LGBTQ+ youth mental health should be an opportunity for bipartisan agreement and support.Federal ElectionsDespite the ads hostile to transgender people, important LGBTQ+ champions were re-elected on Election Night. For example, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin, a key architect of important policies like 988 LGBTQ+ youth specialized services, the codification of federal and interstate recognition of LGBTQ+ marriage equality, and protections against domestic violence, won reelection despite millions of dollars of anti-LGBTQ+ attacks.Similarly, the newly-elected House of Representatives includes newly elected and re-elected bipartisan champions for LGBTQ+ issues. The House also saw historic representational victories, expanding the Congressional Equality Caucus to its largest membership ever through the election of both the first openly LGBTQ+ Latina in Rep.-Elect Emily Randall of Washington state and the first openly transgender Member of Congress with our strong ally, Rep.-Elect Sarah McBride of Delaware.State ElectionsState elections play a critical role in determining how successful LGBTQ+ advocates and lawmakers will be in advancing state protections for LGBTQ+ young people. A recent study by The Trevor Project published in Nature Human Behaviour found that anti-transgender state-level laws directly cause up to a 72% increase in suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary young people, underscoring the urgent need for our elected state officials to advance initiatives to make our communities safer and more affirming for LGBTQ+ young people.Notable shifts took place nationwide during this months election, including a few states with new opportunities to protect LGBTQ+ youth legislatively. In addition, 37 state legislatures will include LGBTQ elected officials this year, including several historic firsts. That includes three state legislatures those of Hawaii, Iowa and Missouri which will welcome their first out transgender members. These representational victories are important not only because they allow all elected officials to better familiarize themselves with LGBTQ+ issues through their out colleagues, but also because we know that being able to see themselves represented in their elected officials gives young LGBTQ+ people hope.Finally, California, Colorado, and Hawaii all passed ballot initiatives adding protections for marriage equality at the state level. The successful initiatives amended each state constitution to repeal language that defined marriage as between one man and one woman or opposite sex couples. While the 2015 Supreme Court ruling Obergefell v. Hodges legalized marriage equality nationwide, these measures will safeguard marriage equality for generations to come.Looking ahead: 2025 State Legislative Sessions and Federal InitiativesThe Trevor Projects mission remains the same for 2025 and years to come: to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning young people. To achieve this, The Trevor Project will continue to advocate for key initiatives at the state and federal level that will make our schools, communities, and country a place where LGBTQ+ young people feel safe, seen, and accepted exactly as they are.Beginning in January, state legislatures will begin considering new legislation that has the potential to either advance affirming policies and spaces for LGBTQ+ young people or further discriminatory requirements. The Trevor Project will advocate for policies that safeguard access to medical care for transgender young people, ban the discredited practice of conversion therapy, and ensure LGBTQ+ young people nationwide can access TrevorSpace and our lifesaving services.At the federal level, after the new President and Congress are sworn in, the first order of business will likely be to fund the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year, including vital funding for 988, and start the process for funding the government for the next fiscal year by releasing a proposed budget. The Trevor Project will continue to advocate for increased funding for 988 LGBTQ+ youth specialized services and vital protections for LGBTQ+ young people, applauding leaders when they deliver and raising the alarm when they threaten the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people.Whether at the local, state, or federal level, the most important tool in Trevors Advocacy Toolbox is YOU, our strong allies for LGBTQ+ young people. Your voice, and the voices of those who support you, remains incredibly powerful in the months and years ahead. Text TREVOR to 50457 to become a Trevor Advocate and receive action alerts for your region.The post 2024 Election Outcomes and LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health appeared first on The Trevor Project.

Almost eight years later we did it, yall. We banned conversion therapy for minors in Kentucky.In September, Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order protecting LGBTQ+ young people from conversion therapy, making Kentucky the latest state to take a stand against this abusive and dangerous practice. As I stood there at the signing ceremony, surrounded by fellow advocates, survivors, and supporters, it felt like the culmination of years of hard work, heartache, and hope. This executive order wasnt just a piece of paper it was a lifeline. A declaration that LGBTQ+ young people in Kentucky are no longer invisible, and they will never again be subjected to the trauma of trying to fix who they are.As a proud queer man from Bullitt County, Kentucky, and a survivor of LGBTQ+ change efforts, this victory is deeply personal. Growing up, the messages I absorbed at school and in church taught me that my homosexual thoughts were not just wrong but sinful. Desperate to reconcile my faith with who I was, I sought out a Catholic priest on my own, hoping for support. Instead, I was told to confess and repent and for months, I returned to confession, hoping I could be fixed. Id sometimes pray upwards of 10 times per day begging God to rid me of these feelings.That experience left me trapped in a cycle of shame and guilt, scars Ive spent my adult life working to heal. Its those wounds that have fueled my fight to end this harmful practice, so no young person ever has to carry that same burden.Its why I founded Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky in 2017 as a young adult, which marked the beginning of a larger movement. This victory was the result of hundreds of people advocates, students, mental health professionals, and legislators joining together, united by a common goal. This is what grassroots advocacy looks like at its finest: building relationships, shifting hearts and minds, and working through setbacks, all while keeping the people we serve at the center of everything. Special thanks to our local partner, the Kentucky Fairness Campaign, for partnering with us every step of the way.The High Stakes of Heart: Why We Fought So HardConversion therapy isnt just dangerous its deadly. Research tells us that LGBTQ+ youth who experience this harmful practice are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide. Ive seen the devastating effects firsthand. Enduring change efforts in my own life deepened my understanding of the harm this practice inflicts. And now, in my role at The Trevor Project, as the Manager of State Advocacy and Conversion Therapy Campaigns, I hear from young people every day who are struggling, scared, and exhausted by the hate and rejection they face.But Kentucky just sent a powerful message: You matter. You are seen. And we will fight for you.There were moments when this fight felt impossible. But then something shifted. After a Baptist Sunday school teacher and longtime conservative state senator who had previously led the anti-LGBTQ rights movement in Kentucky watched Boy Erased, a movie about the harmful impact of conversion therapy, she was moved to action. As a mother of a gay son, her perspective changed, and she decided to sponsor the bill that would end this dangerous practice. Her commitment opened the floodgates; suddenly, Republicans began pouring in to support the cause.This momentum showed that the tide was indeed turning. Two veteran legislators shared that they received more emails and held more meetings about this issue than any other bill in their ten-plus years in office. By 2021, we had gained traction, attracting more bipartisan cosponsors than any other pro-LGBTQ+ bill in the nation. It was a testament to how change can transcend party lines when people come together with a shared purpose.Gratitude and GritThis movement has been defined by perseverance. Its taken nearly a decade of showing up over and over whether at rallies, coffee meetings, or legislative hearings. Each step along the way, the people I met gave me hope. The survivors who bravely told their stories. The legislators who listened. This wasnt just about passing policy it was about building a community rooted in love and justice.In 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with The Trevor Project after working with them as a partner on local initiatives. That summer was transformative; it shaped me not just as an advocate but as a person. I learned that advocacy isnt solely about winning its about being with people through their struggles. Trevor equipped me with invaluable tools and support, encouraging me to dream bigger and envision a future where every LGBTQ+ young person is celebrated.Fast forward to 2024, and I am proud to be a manager on Trevors advocacy team, where I had the privilege of helping push the executive order banning conversion therapy over the finish line.A Lifeline for Our Youth: What This Executive Order MeansThis executive order is a promise to every young LGBTQ+ person in Kentucky: You belong here, just as you are. I know many LGBTQ+ youth feel like the world is stacked against you right now. I know the political climate feels toxic and overwhelming. But this victory shows that change is possible even in places where it seems out of reach.To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. To the organizers and volunteers who believed in this movement from day one: You made this happen. And to every young person watching, wondering if things will get better: They already are. The tide is turning, and we are winning in places people thought were unwinnable.Lets Keep This Momentum Going!This fight isnt over. Conversion therapy still occurs in too many places, and we have more work to do to enforce protections and ensure every child grows up knowing they are loved for exactly who they are. But today, we celebrate. Today, we honor the community that got us here.This victory shows the power of community, perseverance, and daring to dream big, even when the odds are stacked against you. Its about finding hope in one anotherthrough every setback, victory, and moment of doubt and knowing that together, we can create a future where love and justice always win.Lets keep building, believing, and fighting because every young person, no matter where they live, deserves to grow up knowing they are perfect just as they are.Sign up here to help us ban these dangerous practices in every state.Lets go. Weve got work to do.The post 8 Years of Advocacy: How We Made Strides in Banning Conversion Therapy in Kentucky appeared first on The Trevor Project.

As the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people, our job is to ensure every LGBTQ+ young person has access to safe and affirming spaces in every aspect of their daily lives, especially if they experience a crisis.To every young person out there who is wondering if the outcome of Novembers election impacts whether they can live the lives they were born to live, Trevor is here for you.Trevors mission is about people, not politics. Our commitment will never change no matter who occupies the White House. We will work with anyone, including elected and government leaders, who share our goal of ending LGBTQ+ youth suicide, regardless of their political party.During this election cycle, nearly $215 million in television advertisements targeting the transgender community flooded airwaves across the country. It is no wonder that in the 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, the majority (90%) of LGBTQ+ young people reported that their wellbeing was negatively impacted due to recent politics. For example, the day after the election, contacts to Trevors crisis line shot up by 700%, with 40% of those contacts coming from transgender and nonbinary youth.That is why the 988 Suicide and Crisis Line is so important right now. Thankfully, this federally-funded, lifeserving service has received strong bipartisan support from its beginning. For example, the incoming Administration signed legislation enhancing 988 and creating 988 LGBTQ+ youth specialized services. In addition, Congress is filled with bipartisan champions for 988, including incoming Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine). We look forward to working with all elected officials who believe that LGBTQ+ youth mental health should be an opportunity for bipartisan agreement and support.Federal ElectionsDespite the ads hostile to transgender people, important LGBTQ+ champions were re-elected on Election Night. For example, Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin, a key architect of important policies like 988 LGBTQ+ youth specialized services, the codification of federal and interstate recognition of LGBTQ+ marriage equality, and protections against domestic violence, won reelection despite millions of dollars of anti-LGBTQ+ attacks.Similarly, the newly-elected House of Representatives includes newly elected and re-elected bipartisan champions for LGBTQ+ issues. The House also saw historic representational victories, expanding the Congressional Equality Caucus to its largest membership ever through the election of both the first openly LGBTQ+ Latina in Rep.-Elect Emily Randall of Washington state and the first openly transgender Member of Congress with our strong ally, Rep.-Elect Sarah McBride of Delaware.State ElectionsState elections play a critical role in determining how successful LGBTQ+ advocates and lawmakers will be in advancing state protections for LGBTQ+ young people. A recent study by The Trevor Project published in Nature Human Behaviour found that anti-transgender state-level laws directly cause up to a 72% increase in suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary young people, underscoring the urgent need for our elected state officials to advance initiatives to make our communities safer and more affirming for LGBTQ+ young people.Notable shifts took place nationwide during this months election, including a few states with new opportunities to protect LGBTQ+ youth legislatively. In addition, 37 state legislatures will include LGBTQ elected officials this year, including several historic firsts. That includes three state legislatures those of Hawaii, Iowa and Missouri which will welcome their first out transgender members. These representational victories are important not only because they allow all elected officials to better familiarize themselves with LGBTQ+ issues through their out colleagues, but also because we know that being able to see themselves represented in their elected officials gives young LGBTQ+ people hope.Finally, California, Colorado, and Hawaii all passed ballot initiatives adding protections for marriage equality at the state level. The successful initiatives amended each state constitution to repeal language that defined marriage as between one man and one woman or opposite sex couples. While the 2015 Supreme Court ruling Obergefell v. Hodges legalized marriage equality nationwide, these measures will safeguard marriage equality for generations to come.Looking ahead: 2025 State Legislative Sessions and Federal InitiativesThe Trevor Projects mission remains the same for 2025 and years to come: to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning young people. To achieve this, The Trevor Project will continue to advocate for key initiatives at the state and federal level that will make our schools, communities, and country a place where LGBTQ+ young people feel safe, seen, and accepted exactly as they are.Beginning in January, state legislatures will begin considering new legislation that has the potential to either advance affirming policies and spaces for LGBTQ+ young people or further discriminatory requirements. The Trevor Project will advocate for policies that safeguard access to medical care for transgender young people, ban the discredited practice of conversion therapy, and ensure LGBTQ+ young people nationwide can access TrevorSpace and our lifesaving services.At the federal level, after the new President and Congress are sworn in, the first order of business will likely be to fund the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year, including vital funding for 988, and start the process for funding the government for the next fiscal year by releasing a proposed budget. The Trevor Project will continue to advocate for increased funding for 988 LGBTQ+ youth specialized services and vital protections for LGBTQ+ young people, applauding leaders when they deliver and raising the alarm when they threaten the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people.Whether at the local, state, or federal level, the most important tool in Trevors Advocacy Toolbox is YOU, our strong allies for LGBTQ+ young people. Your voice, and the voices of those who support you, remains incredibly powerful in the months and years ahead. Text TREVOR to 50457 to become a Trevor Advocate and receive action alerts for your region.The post 2024 Election Outcomes and LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health appeared first on The Trevor Project.

Almost eight years later we did it, yall. We banned conversion therapy for minors in Kentucky.In September, Governor Andy Beshear signed an executive order protecting LGBTQ+ young people from conversion therapy, making Kentucky the latest state to take a stand against this abusive and dangerous practice. As I stood there at the signing ceremony, surrounded by fellow advocates, survivors, and supporters, it felt like the culmination of years of hard work, heartache, and hope. This executive order wasnt just a piece of paper it was a lifeline. A declaration that LGBTQ+ young people in Kentucky are no longer invisible, and they will never again be subjected to the trauma of trying to fix who they are.As a proud queer man from Bullitt County, Kentucky, and a survivor of LGBTQ+ change efforts, this victory is deeply personal. Growing up, the messages I absorbed at school and in church taught me that my homosexual thoughts were not just wrong but sinful. Desperate to reconcile my faith with who I was, I sought out a Catholic priest on my own, hoping for support. Instead, I was told to confess and repent and for months, I returned to confession, hoping I could be fixed. Id sometimes pray upwards of 10 times per day begging God to rid me of these feelings.That experience left me trapped in a cycle of shame and guilt, scars Ive spent my adult life working to heal. Its those wounds that have fueled my fight to end this harmful practice, so no young person ever has to carry that same burden.Its why I founded Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky in 2017 as a young adult, which marked the beginning of a larger movement. This victory was the result of hundreds of people advocates, students, mental health professionals, and legislators joining together, united by a common goal. This is what grassroots advocacy looks like at its finest: building relationships, shifting hearts and minds, and working through setbacks, all while keeping the people we serve at the center of everything. Special thanks to our local partner, the Kentucky Fairness Campaign, for partnering with us every step of the way.The High Stakes of Heart: Why We Fought So HardConversion therapy isnt just dangerous its deadly. Research tells us that LGBTQ+ youth who experience this harmful practice are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide. Ive seen the devastating effects firsthand. Enduring change efforts in my own life deepened my understanding of the harm this practice inflicts. And now, in my role at The Trevor Project, as the Manager of State Advocacy and Conversion Therapy Campaigns, I hear from young people every day who are struggling, scared, and exhausted by the hate and rejection they face.But Kentucky just sent a powerful message: You matter. You are seen. And we will fight for you.There were moments when this fight felt impossible. But then something shifted. After a Baptist Sunday school teacher and longtime conservative state senator who had previously led the anti-LGBTQ rights movement in Kentucky watched Boy Erased, a movie about the harmful impact of conversion therapy, she was moved to action. As a mother of a gay son, her perspective changed, and she decided to sponsor the bill that would end this dangerous practice. Her commitment opened the floodgates; suddenly, Republicans began pouring in to support the cause.This momentum showed that the tide was indeed turning. Two veteran legislators shared that they received more emails and held more meetings about this issue than any other bill in their ten-plus years in office. By 2021, we had gained traction, attracting more bipartisan cosponsors than any other pro-LGBTQ+ bill in the nation. It was a testament to how change can transcend party lines when people come together with a shared purpose.Gratitude and GritThis movement has been defined by perseverance. Its taken nearly a decade of showing up over and over whether at rallies, coffee meetings, or legislative hearings. Each step along the way, the people I met gave me hope. The survivors who bravely told their stories. The legislators who listened. This wasnt just about passing policy it was about building a community rooted in love and justice.In 2019, I had the incredible opportunity to intern with The Trevor Project after working with them as a partner on local initiatives. That summer was transformative; it shaped me not just as an advocate but as a person. I learned that advocacy isnt solely about winning its about being with people through their struggles. Trevor equipped me with invaluable tools and support, encouraging me to dream bigger and envision a future where every LGBTQ+ young person is celebrated.Fast forward to 2024, and I am proud to be a manager on Trevors advocacy team, where I had the privilege of helping push the executive order banning conversion therapy over the finish line.A Lifeline for Our Youth: What This Executive Order MeansThis executive order is a promise to every young LGBTQ+ person in Kentucky: You belong here, just as you are. I know many LGBTQ+ youth feel like the world is stacked against you right now. I know the political climate feels toxic and overwhelming. But this victory shows that change is possible even in places where it seems out of reach.To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. To the organizers and volunteers who believed in this movement from day one: You made this happen. And to every young person watching, wondering if things will get better: They already are. The tide is turning, and we are winning in places people thought were unwinnable.Lets Keep This Momentum Going!This fight isnt over. Conversion therapy still occurs in too many places, and we have more work to do to enforce protections and ensure every child grows up knowing they are loved for exactly who they are. But today, we celebrate. Today, we honor the community that got us here.This victory shows the power of community, perseverance, and daring to dream big, even when the odds are stacked against you. Its about finding hope in one anotherthrough every setback, victory, and moment of doubt and knowing that together, we can create a future where love and justice always win.Lets keep building, believing, and fighting because every young person, no matter where they live, deserves to grow up knowing they are perfect just as they are.Sign up here to help us ban these dangerous practices in every state.Lets go. Weve got work to do.The post 8 Years of Advocacy: How We Made Strides in Banning Conversion Therapy in Kentucky appeared first on The Trevor Project.

In the 80s, HIV devastated the public, particularly the gay community, and a positive test often rendered a death sentence. Society treated HIV-positive people as outcasts, shunned by the stigma that came with the virus and fueled fears about casual contact.Fast-forward to today, and the landscape has shifted. On the brink of 2025, HIV prevention and treatment options like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which include oral pills or bi-monthly shots, have reduced HIV risk by 99% sexually and 74% through drug exposure.Even if someone contracts HIV today, antiretroviral therapy (ART) offers a way to bring viral levels down to an undetectable level, meaning the virus becomes untransmittable. This concept, known as Undetectable equals Untransmittable or U=U, has emerged as a rallying cry for change. At the forefront of this movement is Bruce Richman, founder of the Prevention Access Campaign (PAC), whose work has transformed U=U into a global movement thats changed millions of lives and challenged decades of stigma and fear.A lifelong commitment to social justiceRichmans mother shaped his values and passion for advocacy during his upbringing. Prior to founding PAC, he dedicated his career to developing social solutions and impact-driven projects, working with prominent public figures and corporations to create positive change.But in 2003, Richmans life took a sharp turn when he, himself, contracted HIV. I thought Id never have a future where I could experience love and intimacy without fear, he admits. His outlook changed in 2012 when his doctor informed him that because his HIV was undetectable, he couldnt transmit the virus to anyone else. It was life-changing, he says. I realized I could have a future filled with love and connection, free from the stigma and fear Id carried for years.Bruce Richman. Photo: Prevention AccessAlong with this revelation, Richman was frustrated by medical and public health establishments professionals hesitancy to share the information publiclydespite the growing scientific evidencedue to concern about potential confusion or a rise in other STIs. Richman recognized the disconnect between what science had proven and what people living with HIV were being told, which sparked the fire that led to the U=U campaign.Mobilizing a movement for changeIn 2015, Richman took a leap of faith and left his work with clients to create PAC and develop U=U into a global campaign. I used my white male privilege to get in the door, he says. The science was there, but there was a real hesitancy to share it with people. He made it his mission to make U=U a widely recognized reality that could empower people with HIV to live free of the stigma they had carried for too long.Medical experts remained cautious, often only sharing U=U with patients they deemed responsible or able to understand. They also withheld the information from marginalized communities. I really got to see discrimination in our field, especially the way that people of color and other marginalized communities were being treated, he says.Over the last decade, Richman and PAC have worked to educate and mobilize, partnering with researchers, clinicians, and activists to create a 2016 consensus statement confirming that undetectable viral loads cannot transmit HIV. This breakthrough moment led to a surge in advocacy, with PAC and activists pressuring major health organizations like the CDC, UNAIDS, and the World Health Organization to adopt U=U as part of their public health messaging.A global movementToday, U=U has become a global movement, with people around the world embracing the message. From soccer tournaments in Nigeria to musical performances in Myanmar, U=U has transcended borders and become a symbol of hope and empowerment. People are tattooing U=U on their bodies, hosting U=U summer camps, dancing and marching in the streets Its become a real movement, says Richman.Despite the campaigns successes, challenges remain. In the US, only around 57% of people with HIV are at U=U, and only 54% of people with HIV understand or believe in U=U.The disparities become more pronounced in marginalized communities, where access to healthcare and education remains a barrier. Richman highlights the disproportionate impact on Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities which are often overlooked due to systemic inequities.The power of communityThe resilience and strength of the HIV-positive community keep Richman fighting for change. The power of our community when we mobilize and work together is extraordinary, he says. He emphasizes that it was the community that pushed for change, not just scientists and policymakers. We changed the way public health communication got out to the world. We confirmed the science, and then we pushed all these agencies to change their messaging.As the world moves closer to 2025, Richman remains hopeful but realistic about the work ahead. Were not on track to eliminate new transmissions by 2030, but we could be, he says. The key, he believes, is ensuring that people with HIV have access to the treatment and care they need to achieve undetectable status. Its a win-win for everyone. When people with HIV are on treatment, we stay healthy, and no ones going to get HIV from us.For those fearful of the future, Richman offers a message of resilience: We are a strong community. Weve overcome so much, and this is just a speed bump on a long journey. We just have to stay in it together Theres nothing we cant do when we unite.U=U stands as a story of transformation for individuals and the global community rallying around hope and empowerment. Its a movement built on love, truth, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves access to accurate information and compassionate care. As Richman and the Prevention Access Campaign look toward the future, they hope that by continuing to spread the message, more people will come to understand that HIV is no longer a barrier to living a full and fulfilling life.The post How U=U is transforming HIV stigma and empowering a global movement appeared first on News Is Out.

Looking to make your holiday shopping more meaningful and delicious this year? The Queer Food Foundation (QFF) has just come out with their 2024 Gift Guide, featuring over 90 queer-owned brands in the food and beverage world. This guide created by LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, offers everything from artisanal snacks and beverages to foodie experiences and cookbooks.QFFs mission is to spotlight the innovative LGBTQ+ individuals who make up every layer of the food systemchefs, cookbook authors, farmworkers, and hospitality experts alike. According to Vanessa Parish, QFFs co-founder, the guide isnt just about giftsits about creating space and visibility for a community that often goes underappreciated. We created this guide to spotlight the incredible work of queer food and beverage makers, which often goes unrecognized in mainstream gift guides. Our mission is to provide a space that values the contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals and creates meaningful connections within the food industry.The QFF Gift Guide is packed with delicious options for gifting (or filling your own stocking). Here are a few of the brands and creators featured:Ashley Christensen, James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Pooles Diner in Raleigh, NC.Dominique Leach, the BBQ queen behind Lexington Betty Smokehouse in Chicago.Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks, co-founded by Jennifer Martin and loved for its innovative flavors and sustainable ingredients.Couplet Coffee, a brand founded by Gefen Skolnick thats all about great coffee and uplifting marginalized voices.The Queer Food Foundation isnt just about tasty gifts; its part of a larger movement to uplift trans and queer voices in the food world. Since its founding in 2020, QFF has distributed over $40,000 to Black queer and trans individuals experiencing food insecurity and awarded $12,000 in community grants. The foundation also partners with organizations like the James Beard Foundation and OpenTable to push for equity and inclusion in the industry. By shopping the Gift Guide, youre directly supporting these efforts and helping to create a more inclusive food system.The post Celebrate the holidays by supporting queer-owned food brands appeared first on News Is Out.

President-elect Donald Trump has selected South Dakota Gov.Kristi Noem(R) as his next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Noem is a self-confessed puppy murderer who once lied about meeting North Korean dictator Kim Jung Un. She has also championed lots of anti-transgender policies while serving as governor.In addition to harming her states own LGBTQ+ citizens, she opposed COVID-19 prevention measures during pandemic, leading to several massive outbreaks in her state. In 2024, all nine tribes of South Dakota banned Noem from entering any tribal lands (consisting of 20% of South Dakotas total land) after she baselessly claimed that Native American leaders are personally benefiting from Mexican drug cartels operating on tribal lands. She provided no evidence to support her claim. Related Gov. Kristi Noem issues threat to trans students just in time for Christmas Gov. Kristi Noem vetoed an anti-trans bill earlier this year. Now she wants it to become law. Kristi Noem 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: Pierre, South DakotaParty Affiliation: RepublicanRace/Ethnicity: Norwegian-AmericanGender Identity: FemaleOrientation: HeterosexualPronouns: She/her/hersLGBTQ+ Ally: No Social mediaFacebook:Kristi.NoemX:@KristiNoemInstagram:KristiNoemYouTube:GovernorKristiNoem/KristiNoemSDWebsite:KristiNoem.comKristi Noems stance on LGBTQ+ issues Same-sex marriageNoem disagrees with the U.S. Supreme Courts 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, her spokeswoman Brittany Comins told The Argus Leader.Trans children in sportsIn March 2021, Noem signed executive orders banning ban transgender girls and women from participating in public school and university sports. The orders said, Current policies that allow males to participate in womens athletics threaten to diminish opportunities for women, due to the inherent physical differences between men and women.The orders required people to play on sports teams matching the biological sex they were assigned at birth.In February 2022, Noem signed S.B. 46, a law that bans transgender girls and women from participating in public school and university sports teams that match their gender identities. Noem said that the bill would protect a level playing field for girls. She bragged about this in a January 2022 campaign ad. In South Dakota, only girls play girls sports. Watch my new ad that debuts during prime time news programs across the country tonight about my bill that will give South Dakota the strongest law protecting female sports in the nation! pic.twitter.com/0bREmXz8eh Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) January 13, 2022In November 2023, she was one of nine Republican governors who signeda letterto the NCAA asking the organization to ban trans women from competing in womens sports. Transgender access to public bathroomsNoem supportedH.B. 1005, a bill that would have restricted trans youth from accessing multi-occupancy bathrooms, locker rooms, and shower rooms. The bill would have also allowed students who witness trans classmates violating the law to sue their school districts. The bill died in the state legislature.Dont say gay/LGBTQ+ discussions in schoolsWhile Noem hasnt specifically commented on school policies that forbid LGBTQ+ content in schools, in 2021, she signed The 1776 Pledge, a Christian Nationalist pledge that calls on lawmakers to promote a curriculum that teaches that all children are created equal, have equal moral value under God, our Constitution, and the law, and are members of a national community united by our founding principles, prohibit any curriculum that pits students against one another on the basis of race or sex, and prevent schools from politicizing education by prohibiting any curriculum that requires students to protest and lobby during or after school.The originators of the pledge, the 1776 Action Committee, said that it formed to stopthe far Lefts advance into K-12 classrooms. The language in its pledge and its website echo that of other right-wing activists who have claimed that the presentation of LGBTQ+ issues in schools is divisive and distracting. Gender-affirming care for trans youthIn February 2023, Noem signed H.B. 1080, a law that forbids doctors from validating any minor persons transgender identity. It also forbids them from providing puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), any sterilizing surgery, any surgery that constructs genitalia differing from the gender a person was assigned at birth, and any removal of healthy or non-diseased body part or tissue.The procedures are only banned in the context of transitioning. That is, state lawmakers didnt ban these medical treatments because they believe theyre too dangerous; they only banned a class of people from getting the procedures for a specific purpose. Discrimination protectionsIn June 2022, she threatened to sue the administration of President Joe Biden over its threats to withhold federal educational funding from schools that roll back protections for LGBTQ+ students.In March 2021, Noem signed S.B. 124, a so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act that allowed potential exemptions to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people across a wide range of goods and services in the state. Other LGBTQ+ issuesNoem has called for a ban on drag shows and any mention of preferred pronouns on public college campuses in order to protect free speech. While announcing her support of these policies, she blamed safe spaces and diversity initiatives for low graduation rates and post-grad underemployment. She also established a whistleblower hotline where citizens can report concerns at institutions of higher education in the state.The policies have affected state university workers.In February 12024, South Dakota was forced to issue an apology letter and pay $300,000 to the transgender advocacy group the Transformation Project after the states Department of Health under Noem discriminatorily terminated its contract with the organization after Noem was questioned about it by theright-wing media outletThe Daily Signal. The group sued, leading to the apology and payment. Noems careerAttended Northern State University from 1990 to 1994, didnt graduateWorked on her familys farm, adding a hunting lodge and restaurant to its businessesGraduated from South Dakota State University with Bachelor of Arts in 2012Elected to South Dakotas House of Representatives in 2006Elected to U.S. House of Representatives in 2010, re-elected in 2012, 2014, and 2016Elected as South Dakotas governor in 2018, re-elected in 2022 Noem doesnt think about how her policies harm othersIn February 2022, a journalist notified Noem that87% of the states LGBTQ+ population had reported feeling depressed in a then-recent survey. When asked why she thought that was, she replied I dont know. That makes me sad, and we should figure it out.In response, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierrewrote on Twitter (now X), Heres a start for you, Governor. 1. Dont advance policies that attack trans youth, 2. Dont fund ads attacking LGBT youth, 3. support @POTUS agenda to enhance support for youth mental health needs, with funding made available through the American Rescue Plan, The Human Rights Campaign responded, You not only signed an anti-trans bill into law, but also authored it yourself. If youre looking for a reason why LGBTQ+ youth are struggling in South Dakota, look in the mirror. Related Kristi Noems puppy murder mirrors the brutality of the entire MAGA universe One of the litmus tests by which a society can be judged is the way it treats its animals & Noems litmus paper has turned a deep and acidic red. GOP governor calls for ban on drag shows & pronouns preferences to protect free speech She also established a whistleblower hotline where concerned citizens can report colleges and universities. South Dakotas anti-LGBTQ governor had a fake Mt. Rushmore made to please Donald Trump Trump was once seriously interested in getting himself etched onto Mount Rushmore. Kristi Noem couldnt do that, but she sought out and gifted him a mini version of the monument with his head right next to Lincolns. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

George Santos showed up on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to lobby for embattled former Rep. Matt Gaetz, whose nomination for attorney general in a second Trump administration was imperiled over accusations of drug use and sex trafficking when Santos showed up and over just minutes ago.Like Gaetz, Santos was also under investigation by the House Ethics Committee. A report from the committee last year detailing Santos crimes resulted in his expulsion from the House in an overwhelming vote. Related George Santos sobs during apology for crimes he has spent months denying After calling the case against him a witch hunt, Santos is now apologizing for not doing his job with honor. How that history helps Gaetz is unclear. 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 Asked who his message was for, Santos replied, Anybody who wants to hear it.No one in specific, he added. Everyone.In a brief interview on a deserted Capitol building veranda, Santos looked and sounded winded from his walk up the stairs. His Congressional pin was affixed to his lapel.Santos offered technicalities in support of Gaetzs confirmation. Just asked George Santos what brings him back to the Capitol this evening. Matt Gaetz, he said, has been through enough. pic.twitter.com/L6AMXviBSl Pablo Manrquez (@PabloReports) November 20, 2024The Florida reps alleged crimes are no longer within the purview or jurisdiction of the Ethics Committee after Gaetz resigned from his seat this week following his nomination to be AG, Santos said.Its a witch hunt, he added.In an interview with Raw Story yesterday, Santos described the work of the Ethics Committee as bulls**t.One can make as many allegations as they want. OK, and be wrong, yeah. Thats plain and simple.Santos remained confident Gaetz would prevail during the interview.I believe he can. I believe he has the stamina to do it.It turns out he didnt. Gaetz posted a message to social media saying that his nomination had become a distraction to Donald Trumps transition.There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus Ill be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General, he said. Gaetzs confirmation faced increasingly long odds as details of investigations by both the Ethics Committee and the Department of Justice surface.A document prepared by federal investigators bolstering claims by women who say they were hired for sex by Gaetz was published by The New York Times on Wednesday. They show a web of payments from Gaetz and dozens of friends and associates who are said to have taken part with him in drug-fueled sex parties.The lawyer for two women who testified before the Ethics Committee said Gaetz paid them both for sex. One of the them was underage 17 at the time.In August, Santos pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft as part of a plea deal with the Justice Department. Hes scheduled for sentencing on February 7, 2025, just days after Trump is inaugurated and regains his presidential pardon power.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Bisexual singer-songwriter Kali Uchis reveals she was "shocked" after seeing a particular gay sex scene in Luca Guadagnino's new movie Queer.In a red carpet interview about her Latin Grammy nomination, Rolling Stone journalist Toms Mier asked if the "Melting" singer had seen Queer yet, and her answer is too funny.She said that while she hadn't seen the movie, she knew about a sex scene between Daniel Craig and her friend Omar Apollo."I heard that he was getting his dick suckedlike from James Bond," Uchis said with a giant smile on her face. (@) Queer, an adaptation of William S. Burroughs' semi-autobiographical novel of the same name, is set in 1940s Mexico City and follows expat Lee (Craig), who becomes infatuated with a much younger man (Drew Starkey). In the film, Lee picks up Apollo's character at a bar and takes him back to a seedy motel where the two men have sex.Like many gay hookups, Apollo's debut acting role started in his Instagram DMs when someone from Guadagnino's team messaged him about the role. "We're on a Facetime call with my manager, and then, he tells me about the role, about the scene, and what I would have to do," Apollo told Indie Wire.While Uchis said she has yet to see the whole movie, her friend showed her the infamous scene that Apollo told Interview magazine he felt like he had to get in shape for. "Luca did not tell me to lose weight, but when you're about to have a sex scene with Daniel Craig, you're like, 'Oh, dude, I can't be looking off,'" he explained."That was shocking. That's all I saw; I don't know anything about the movie," Uchis said.She was especially "proud" of Apollo for scoring on screen with the hunky 007 actor. "I'm very proud of him. James Bond is a big deal," she quipped.Queer is in select theaters starting on November 27, 2024.

Now listen, we are the first to admit when we were wrong, and when the hunky Charlie Hunnam was announced to be starring as notorious serial killer Ed Gein in thew new season of Ryan Murphy's Monster anthology series, we were struggling to see how. Well, folks, the first-look is here, honestly, we get it now. For those unfamiliar Ed Gein, also known as the Butcher of Plainfield or the Plainfield Ghoul, he was a serial killer who was apprehended in Plainfield, Wisc. in 1957. Upon his arrest it was revealed that Gein not only been exhuming corpses from local graveyards and using them to create taxidermy and skeletal decorations for his home, he also killed two women. He was suspected of several more murders. If this sounds like it's ripped directly from the pages of a horror film script, that is because Gein would go on to serve as the inspiration for several of the most iconic killers in cinematic history, including Psychos Norman Bates, The Texas Chainsaw Massacres Leatherface, and Silence of the Lambs Buffalo Bill just to name a few. Ryan Murphy was also previously inspired by Gein in the writing of his character of Dr. Oliver Thredson in American Horror Story: Asylum.This new season of Monster which costars Laurie Metcalf as Geins mother, Augusta Gein, Tom Hollander as Alfred Hitchcock, and Olivia Williams as Alma Hitchcock comes hot on the heels of the two controversial but hugely popular seasons of DAHMER Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. But back to those first look images, where Hunnam, our forever crush ever since his turn as twink Nathan Maloney in the original series of Queer as Folk, has transformed into the Plainfield Ghoul in those first look images from the set of the series. (@) (@) Wild, right? There's no word yet when this series will land on Netflix, but whenever it does, we will be seated.

This week, The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative hosted its second annual Brick Awards Gala (SIGBI) in New York City! SIGBI is the official and only nonprofit of The Stonewall Inn bar which aims to spread the legacy of the historic LGBTQ landmark and promote safe spaces and housing for members of the community. The [...]The post At 2nd Annual Stonewall Gala, Black, Brown, Queer, Trans Activists Remind Us Of Our Fight: This Is Not New first appeared on GLAAD.

Oklahomas Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has said he will absolutely penalize schools that refuse to follow his order to show students a video of him praying for President-elect Donald Trump. At least eight school districts have refused to follow his order and the states Republican attorney general called Walterss order unenforceable.Rogue superintendents that have been pushing books like Gender Queer and Flamer on kids, Walters told the right-wing media outlet Real Americas Voice on Wednesday, naming two LGBTQ+-inclusive books that right-wing activists repeatedly include on book ban lists. So they want to include pornography, but they dont want to include the Bible and they dont want to allow a prayer, were not going to tolerate it here in the state of Oklahoma, he added. Related Parent arrested at state meeting after calling GOP education head a bigot & a bully You make a fool out of yourself. You are an embarrassment to Oklahoma. At least eight school districts, including some of the states largest, have refused to show Walters prayer. In the video, Walters blames the radical left for attacking religious liberty in schools, discusses the goals of his new Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism and prays for the former and future president. 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 In a message to parents, Edmond School District Superintendent Angela Grunewald wrote, Earlier this year, the Oklahoma Supreme Court unanimously ruled that we have the authority to make these decisions at the local level and we will continue to do so.A spokesperson for Walters office, Dan Isett, didnt answer The Journal Records inquiry about Walters authority to issue such an order nor what penalty schools would face for ignoring his order. Supt. Walters is ending the ongoing attacks on President Donald Trump and his agenda to get prayer back in schools, Isett replied.Oklahomas Republican Attorney General Scott Pruittsaid in a statement, There is no statutory authority for the state schools superintendent to require all students to watch a specific video. Not only is this edict unenforceable, it is contrary to parents rights, local control and individual free-exercise rights. State Sen. Mark Mann (D), a former Education Department official, advised schools not to comply with Walters order, saying that Walters department lacks the legal authority to make such an order.This isnt the first time schools have defied Walters attempt to insert religion into public schools. In autumn, Walters mandated that public schools teach about the Bible and provide a copy of the text and The 10 Commandments in all classrooms. At least 46 school districts across the state said they wouldnt comply.Most of the schools cited Oklahoma law, which grants school districts discretion over instructional materials. Others cited concerns that spending funds on religious material may violate state law, while some simply said they didnt have the funds to purchase Bibles for every classroom. Earlier this year, Walters office spent just under $25,000 to purchase 532 copies of the God Bless the USA Bible which contains a copy of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence and were advertised by Trump spending nearly $47 on each one. Standard bibles run between $3 and $17 on Amazon, and Bibles can be custom-printed to include the aforementioned government documents at costs far less than $47 each.Walters has said hes willing to spend up to $6 million in taxpayer funds to provide Bibles to statewide classrooms.Walters, who wants toban LGBTQ+ books but teach the Bible in public school history classes, has previouslypushed the transphobic lie about schools providing litterboxes to studentswho identify as cats. He alsoreferred to teachers unions as terrorist organizationsandillegally tried to make rulesbanning LGBTQ+ books and transgender bathroom access in schools. He has appeared at events hosted by Moms for Liberty, a right-wing anti-LGBTQ+ parents rights group that has been calledan extremist hate groupby the Southern Poverty Law Center. He appointed Christian Nationalists to help re-write the states social studies curriculum. He also appointed Chaya Raichik, an anti-LGBTQ+ activist who goes by Libs of Tik Tok online,as a Library Media Advisor for the state(even though she has no educational experience, doesnt reside in Oklahoma, and has made posts that have led to bomb threats against students).Followingthe death of 16-year-old Nex Benedictin February, Walterss anti-LGBTQ+ policies came under intense scrutiny, with many allies and advocatesaccusing him of fostering the environment of hostility toward LGBTQ+ studentsthat contributed to the trans teens tragic death. The Human Rights Campaign and over 350 LGBTQ+ rights organizations, civil rights groups, and leaders sent anopen letterto the Oklahoma state legislature demanding Walters be removed from office.More recently, 21 Oklahoma Republican lawmakers havecalled for an impeachment investigationinto Walters handling of the Education Department.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Ellen DeGeneres is apparently fleeing the country in anticipation of Donald Trump's second term as president of the United States.According to The Wrap, DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, purchased property in England and are putting their home in Montecito, Calif., up for sale. The two had only owned the property one of several they own in the state since 2019.The former talk show host has yet to confirm any of this herself, but a source told TMZ that the couple was "very disillusioned" with Trump's victory.Their decision to move to the United Kingdom may not be all that surprising. DeGeneres became the subject of derision following an expos in 2020 in which a number of crew members alleged that her talk show was a toxic environment. A comedy tour and Netflix special earlier this year, which DeGeneres claimed would be her last, failed to rehabilitate her image.The alleged reasoning for the move, however, likely deserves a side-eye. DeGeneres openly supported Kamala Harris during her campaign for the presidency, but previously came under fire for her public friendship with former President George W. Bush."I'm friends with a lot of people who don't share the same beliefs that I have," she said at the time. "We're all different, and I think we've forgotten that's okay that we're different."Perhaps the comedian has finally realized the error of that train of thought, as she shared a post to Instagram in October pointing out that "'Agree to disagree' is reserved for things like 'I don't like coffee,'" rather than "common decency" or "human rights."Unfortunately, the years spent pretending that a difference in political beliefs isn't a big deal helped us get to a point where plenty of folks were happy to vote for a party that consistently works to undermine the rights of LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized groups for a shot at lower gas prices.Hopefully DeGeneres and de Rossi enjoy their lives in the UK. It's certainly a lot easier to be flippant about the ripple effect of your choices when you have the luxury to pick up and leave when everything starts falling apart.

While those interested in LGBTQ+ history are becoming more aware of important figures in transgender history (like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Lili Elbe) through films that chronicle their lives, there were so many trans women who fought for their rights and happiness but who were never covered in history class. Here are five women who broke major ground and deserve a spot in the curriculum.Today we are correcting this oversight by highlighting 10 such trans women. Lucy Hicks AndersonLucy Hicks Anderson hosted elaborate parties for the rich and ran a brothel that provided liquor during Prohibition. Her connections to wealthy and powerful residents helped her skirt the law. When residents found out she was a trans woman, her marriage was challenged, and Anderson became an early pioneer in the fight for marriage equality when she became the first trans person to go to court to fight for her rights. In a time when trans people were nearly invisible, Anderson came out in childhood, and her parents raised her as a girl.Jacqueline Charlotte Dufresnoy (Coccinelle)Best known by her stage name, Coccinelle, Jaqueline Charlotte Dufresnoy was a French actress, club singer, and activist. Her transition was one of the first widely publicized gender confirmation cases in Europe. After a career as an entertainer and appearing in the films Los Viciosos in 1962, and Das de Viejo Color in 1968, Coccinelle became an activist and founded Devenir Femme (To Become Woman), which provided support for those seeking gender confirmation surgery, and helped establish the Center for Aid, Research, and Information for Transsexuality and Gender Identity. Tracy "Africa" NormanTracey Norman, who often went by Tracey Africa, is best known for being the first Black trans model. Norman appeared on a box of Clairol hair dye in the 1970s and landed a contract with Avon for a skincare line. In 1971, renowned photographer Irving Penn photographed Norman for Italian Vogue. She was also photographed for Essence in 1980, but when her transgender identity was discovered she was blacklisted in the United States.She then moved to Paris and signed a six-month contract with Balenciaga. When it became more difficult to find modeling work, Norman began appearing in a burlesque peep show for trans women and became active in the ball community. Rene RichardsThis professional US tennis player was breaking ground for trans rights in the 1970s. Richards, who prefers the label transsexual to transgender, was ranked sixth out of the top 20 male tennis players over 35 before she transitioned in 1975. When she was denied entry into the 1976 U.S. Open by the United States Tennis Association, she took her case to the New York Supreme Court, which ruled in her favor. After Judge Alfred M. Ascione ruled in Richards favor, she went on to the finals in doubles in her first U.S. Open in 1977. Richards also defeated Nancy Richey for the 35 and over singles title at the 1979 U.S. Open.In addition to being a success on the court, Richards was a doctor who returned to her medical practice after retiring from tennis. She became the surgery director of ophthalmology and head of the eye-muscle clinic at the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. She also published two autobiographies. Her first autobiography, Second Serve, became the basis for the documentary film Rene.Miss MajorMiss Major is a trans activist who has done everything from participating in the 1969 Stonewall riots to serving as the Executive Director for the Transgender Gender Variant Intersex Justice Project, which helps transgender people who are disproportionately incarcerated.Miss Major was born in Chicago and became involved in the drag ball scene. She came out as a teenager in the 1950s. Miss Major also worked as an activist and caretaker in the San Francisco Bay Area during the AIDS epidemic, and later went on to work at the TGIJP.ElegabulusElagabalus, Roman emperor and high priest of the sun god Elagabal, is one of history's earliest recorded trans women. Known for their love of makeup, jewelry, and feminine attire, they reportedly sought gender-affirming surgeries, asking physicians if it was possible to transition physically. Only recently, in 2023, a British museum reclassified the Roman emperor as a trans woman, updating pronouns and reflecting on the ancient rulers unapologetic queerness that makes them compelling in the conversation on historical trans identities.Kalonymus ben KalonymusA Jewish philosopher and poet of the Middle Ages, Kalonymus ben Kalonymus left a poignant account of gender dysphoria in the poem Even Boan ("The Touchstone"). In this deeply personal text, they lament being born male and expressing a yearning to live as a woman. While societal constraints of the era prevented them from transitioning, Kalonymus's words resonate as an early testament to the existence of trans experiences.Eleanor RykenerEleanor Ryekener, a trans woman in 14th-century England, is one of the few individuals whose gender identity is documented in medieval court records. Arrested in 1395 for "cross-dressing" and sex work, Eleanor's testimony revealed her adeptness at navigating life as a woman in a society hostile to her existence. Her story highlights the resilience of medieval trans people and offers a rare glimpse into a trans life lived centuries ago.Chevalier d'EonThe Chevalier don, a French diplomat, soldier, and spy, lived openly as a woman for the latter half of their life. Dons gender identity caused a sensation in 18th-century Europe, challenging societal norms of gender and performance. While some viewed their identity as a strategic disguise, don consistently asserted themselves as female, even securing royal recognition of their womanhood. Mary JonesMary Jones, a Black trans woman in 19th-century New York, lived unapologetically true to herself despite systemic racism and transphobia. Her story became public attention in 1836 when she was arrested for alleged theft while living as a woman. The press sensationalized her case, describing her attire and gender expression in lurid detail, but Mary proudly defended her identity. Marys resilience in the face of hostility marks her as a powerful figure in trans history.

To date, nearly half of all states (24) in the U.S. have banned essential health care for transgender young people. For the first time, the Supreme Court will hear a challenge to one of these bans. On December 4, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti on whether it is illegal discrimination for Tennessee to ban certain medications for transgender youth that they allow for all other young people. The decision may determine whether other bans like Tennessees can stand, or whether they must also be struck down as unconstitutional.This case before the Supreme Court is simple: the Justices must decide whether discriminatory health care bans like the one passed in Tennessee are constitutional or not. The answer is clear: These bans violate the equal protection clause of the Constitution, as they blatantly discriminate against transgender young people solely because they are transgender.If Tennessees ban is upheld, a young person who is not transgender would be able to receive the same ordinary medication that is denied to another young person simply because they are transgender.The medication in question is essential for many transgender young people. However, it is also regularly and routinely administered to young people who are not transgender for a variety of potential reasons. While there are many reasons why a young person might need this care, the point is according to this ban the care in question only becomes an issue when the young person seeking it happens to be transgender. That is blatant discrimination.Essential health care for transgender youth may have been discussed more widely in the media recently, but it is nothing new. Its based on more than four decades of scientific research and medical expert guidance, and backed by every major medical and mental health association in the United States. As The Trevor Project argues in our amicus (friend of the court) brief to the U.S. Supreme Court, alongside other youth-serving organizations, research shows that access to health care is significantly associated with better mental health outcomes among transgender and nonbinary young people, a group that faces disproportionate suicide risk compared to their peers. In fact, a 2022 peer-reviewed study published in The Journal of Adolescent Health by researchers at The Trevor Project found that gender affirming hormone therapy was significantly related to lower rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary young people.Conversely, research has found policies that restrict the rights of transgender youth negatively impact mental health among transgender and nonbinary young people. A 2024 peer-reviewed study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that anti-transgender state laws, such as the Tennessee law in this case, directly caused an increase in suicide attempts among transgender youth by up to 72%. A 2023 poll found 86% of transgender and nonbinary youth said recent debates about state laws restricting the rights of transgender people have negatively impacted their mental health.Due to the record wave of anti-transgender legislation considered in states across the country, this essential health care has become increasingly politicized and misinformation, stereotypes, and animus have been enshrined into unconstitutional laws. The reality is this care has been recommended and routinely offered by health care providers treating transgender patients for decades. And the overwhelming majority (95%+) of people who receive this type of care report being satisfied with treatment.Young peoples health care decisions should be made between young people, their parents, and their providers not by the government. Neither the courts nor the legislature should make personal health care decisions for any patients, let alone strip transgender youth of ordinary, essential health care that their non-transgender peers will still be able to receive. The Trevor Project urges the Court to follow science and fairness by striking Tennessees ban and others like it.The post A Landmark Transgender Discrimination Case at the Supreme Court appeared first on The Trevor Project.

To date, nearly half of all states (24) in the U.S. have banned essential health care for transgender young people. For the first time, the Supreme Court will hear a challenge to one of these bans. On December 4, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear arguments in U.S. v. Skrmetti on whether it is illegal discrimination for Tennessee to ban certain medications for transgender youth that they allow for all other young people. The decision may determine whether other bans like Tennessees can stand, or whether they must also be struck down as unconstitutional.This case before the Supreme Court is simple: the Justices must decide whether discriminatory health care bans like the one passed in Tennessee are constitutional or not. The answer is clear: These bans violate the equal protection clause of the Constitution, as they blatantly discriminate against transgender young people solely because they are transgender.If Tennessees ban is upheld, a young person who is not transgender would be able to receive the same ordinary medication that is denied to another young person simply because they are transgender.The medication in question is essential for many transgender young people. However, it is also regularly and routinely administered to young people who are not transgender for a variety of potential reasons. While there are many reasons why a young person might need this care, the point is according to this ban the care in question only becomes an issue when the young person seeking it happens to be transgender. That is blatant discrimination.Essential health care for transgender youth may have been discussed more widely in the media recently, but it is nothing new. Its based on more than four decades of scientific research and medical expert guidance, and backed by every major medical and mental health association in the United States. As The Trevor Project argues in our amicus (friend of the court) brief to the U.S. Supreme Court, alongside other youth-serving organizations, research shows that access to health care is significantly associated with better mental health outcomes among transgender and nonbinary young people, a group that faces disproportionate suicide risk compared to their peers. In fact, a 2022 peer-reviewed study published in The Journal of Adolescent Health by researchers at The Trevor Project found that gender affirming hormone therapy was significantly related to lower rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary young people.Conversely, research has found policies that restrict the rights of transgender youth negatively impact mental health among transgender and nonbinary young people. A 2024 peer-reviewed study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that anti-transgender state laws, such as the Tennessee law in this case, directly caused an increase in suicide attempts among transgender youth by up to 72%. A 2023 poll found 86% of transgender and nonbinary youth said recent debates about state laws restricting the rights of transgender people have negatively impacted their mental health.Due to the record wave of anti-transgender legislation considered in states across the country, this essential health care has become increasingly politicized and misinformation, stereotypes, and animus have been enshrined into unconstitutional laws. The reality is this care has been recommended and routinely offered by health care providers treating transgender patients for decades. And the overwhelming majority (95%+) of people who receive this type of care report being satisfied with treatment.Young peoples health care decisions should be made between young people, their parents, and their providers not by the government. Neither the courts nor the legislature should make personal health care decisions for any patients, let alone strip transgender youth of ordinary, essential health care that their non-transgender peers will still be able to receive. The Trevor Project urges the Court to follow science and fairness by striking Tennessees ban and others like it.The post A Landmark Transgender Discrimination Case at the Supreme Court appeared first on The Trevor Project.

Talks at the United Nations climate summit in Azerbaijan this week stalled as representatives from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, Egypt, and the Vatican balked at language that could include support for LGBTQ+ women in the fight against global warming.Countries at this years COP29 climate summit were slated to update a U.N. action plan that addressed inequities faced by women and would direct more financial support to them. Related LGBTQ+ people are more at risk of adverse effects of climate change A new report sheds some light on how climate change will affect LGBTQ+ people. The initiative, called the Lima Work Programme on Gender, has already been in place for 10 years and never encountered opposition. This year, the term gender has inspired a backlash among conservative representatives. 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 four conservative countries along with the Vatican are now objecting to the term over concerns that it could include transgender women, the BBC reports. They also want any references to gay women removed.Its been a working assumption at successive climate summits that climate changes places a greater burden on women than on men. By 2050, nearly 240 million more women and girls will face food insecurity caused by climate change compared to 131 million more men and boys, according to U.N. Women, who say women are more prone to disruption in their roles as caregivers and suffer from a lack of access to reproductive services during climate disasters.New language submitted to the policy by African and European Union representatives stated womens experiences with climate change can differ depending on their gender, sex, age and race. Mwanahamisi Singano, director of policy for the Womens Environment and Development Organization, told the BBC the representatives blocking the revised text are very concerned they are code words to allow sexual expression.She said that during negotiations she attended, countries like Iran argued that such expression was illegal under their laws and therefore they wouldnt allow its inclusion in the text.One country negotiator said the objections were part of a broader global backlash against womens rights and LGBTQ+ rights.A Vatican spokesperson would only say that the pursuit of text recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls was important. The Holy See hopes that consensus will be reached, with respect for the sensitivities of each participating State and in a language acceptable to all, the spokesperson said.I was shocked when the Vatican raised their flag and opposed the human rights language, said Sostina Takure, from the Christian charity ACT Alliance. My heart shattered into a million pieces.The Vatican during Francis papacy has been more welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community than in years past, allowing priests to bless same-sex couples under certain circumstances and welcoming transgender people for baptism. The Vatican drew a line in support, however, in April with the publication of their Dignitas Infinita declaration, reiterating that marriage is between a man and a woman, and the Catholic Churchs opposition to changes in sex, gender theory and surrogate parenthood.Homosexual behavior is outlawed to varying degrees in Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Egypt. The LGBTQ+ community is subject to growing legal attacks in Russia.The assault on gender at COP29 comes just days before the summits conclusion.I think if things continue the way they are it is not looking good for womens rights in the negotiations, said Zahra Hdidou, senior climate adviser at ActionAid.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In the upcoming Supreme Court case US v. Skrmetti, the state of Tennessee is submitting expert testimonies from four doctors who have previously been disregarded for bias, conspiratorial beliefs, and who deserve very little weight, according to an investigation from The Guardian.The four doctors in question Paul Hruz, James Cantor, Michael Laidlaw, and Stephen B. Levine have been beloved by anti-trans lawyers and activists since they emerged with alleged professional critiques of the state of gender affirming care and transgender medicine. Related Chase Strangio to be the first openly trans lawyer to present to the Supreme Court Strangio has worked on many milestone cases that have gone to SCOTUS Their amicus briefs were sent in early October, along with a slew of others on both the sides of transgender rights and on behalf of Tennessee. Other briefs seen include those from America First Legal, the Florida House of Representatives, Womens Liberation Front, and the Manhattan Institute. 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 They have consistently advocated against gender-affirming care, especially for minors, with little evidence to support their claims, and they have ties to powerful far-right legal organizations like the Alliance Defending Freedom.Hruz, for instance, has no history of treating transgender patients. He said in a 2017 deposition that he intentionally [does] not treat transgender patients, and said yes to a lawyers question that he has not treated any transgender patients for gender dysphoria. Additionally, when asked whether he has published any peer-reviewed research on gender dysphoria or transgender youth, he said, The answer is no.He only bases his expert status on his reading of studies, despite having no mental health credentials to diagnose conditions like gender dysphoria. While these reviews are peer-reviewed, he has not contributed any direct research himself. Hruz has ties to numerous anti-trans groups. Hes linked to the conservative organization American College of Pediatricians, which, contrary to its name, is not a leading organization of pediatricians but rather is a conservative advocacy organization that also opposes vaccine mandates and abortion rights. Hruz has also worked with numerous members of the anti-trans pseudoscience organization Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine.In a 2023 opinion, U.S. District Judge James Moody Jr. accused him of testifying from a religious doctrinal standpoint, something backed by his numerous contributions to religious organizations, including those by the Catholic Medical Association. In the same 2017 deposition, he suggested that in response to a claim that treating gender dysphoria reduces suicide, Some children are born in this world to suffer and die. He denies saying this in an email to The Guardian, additionally claiming he does not have a fringe position and instead has one that aligns with European countries.No European country has completely banned gender-affirming care for minors, with the United Kingdom coming closest in having heavy restrictions on puberty blockers.According to The Guardian, he has been accused by other judges of conspiratorial intimations, political hyperbole, and being a deeply biased advocate. Laidlaw has also been found to have minimal experience in the field of gender-affirming care. When asked in a 2022 deposition whether he has performed any primary research regarding gender dysphoria, he simply said no. He had a similar answer when asked if he published research on transgender people and gender identity. All he had published were reviews or opinion pieces, most of which were Letters to the Editor.In this same deposition, he admitted to providing one trans patient a prescription of estrogen, but besides that he said he has not provided any patient with gender-affirming care. He similarly admitted hes not treating any patient himself for gender dysphoria, nor has he ever conducted a review of medical necessity as an insurance company employee or as an external reviewer.He previously was a member of the American College of Pediatricians, as well as the now-defunct group called the Pediatric and Adolescent Gender Dysphoria Working Group. This group was an organization of medical professionals aiming to defend a paper by Lisa Littman on Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria, a pseudoscientific concept that says gender dysphoria is a social contagion obtained rapidly. He worked alongside anti-trans doctors like Ray Blanchard and J. Michael Bailey. In 2023, he was found to have been working alongside anti-trans advocates, medical professionals, and politicians in a secretive group that was drafting anti-trans legislation, according to leaked emails.Laidlaw has made statements that have baffled judges. He has compared gender dysphoria treatments to eugenicist experiments from the Nazis and has been found by a judge to have a perspective that is far off from the accepted view.Cantor has a similar record. In 2022, U.S. District Judge Liles C. Burke, a Trump appointee, found that he has never provided care to a transgender minor under the age of sixteen, he has never diagnosed a child or adolescent with gender dysphoria or treated one for gender dysphoria, has no personal experience monitoring patients receiving transitioning medications nor does he have personal knowledge of the assessments or treatment methodologies used at any Alabama gender clinic. Due to this, his testimony was given very little weight.While Cantor has published peer-reviewed research on transgender patients, the bulk of his work is in pedophilia research, specifically in advocacy for the pro-pedophile group Prostasia. He believes pedophilia is a sexual orientation that should be added to the LGBTQ+ acronym. During his time serving as an advisor for Prostasia, the group opposed legislation outlawing sex dolls that look like children.He has defended J.K Rowlings transphobia and regularly engages with the anti-LGBTQ+ LGB Alliance. In spite of his status as a gay Jewish atheist Canadian citizen, which he identified himself to The Guardian, he has been repeatedly paid by the Alliance Defending Freedom to serve as an expert to testify in court, something that he claims doubled his income. Levine stands in contrast to the other three. While he is also funded by the Alliance Defending Freedom to serve as expert testimony in court cases, he has actual experience working with transgender people, as he co-founded a gender identity clinic at Case Western Reserve University.However, his work is not without bias. He has worked with discredited conversion therapist Kenneth Zucker as well as Blanchard, who founded the pseudoscientific concept of autogynephilia, which suggests that trans women transition due to a fetish for femininity.He also has promoted Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria and believes that one can discover the causes of being transgender through psychotherapy, which he suggests is because of bad parental relationships. He is also a member of anti-trans organizations Genspect and the Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine. In a 2015 case, U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar said that Levine has relied on at least one false anecdote to advocate against gender-affirming care and that he misrepresents the standards of care and thus deserves very little weight. In a phone call with The Guardian, he denied fabricating this story, blaming instead the people who told it to him.These four are some of the many influential individuals who will affect the future of transgender rights in this country. TheSkrmettiwill determine whether states have any right to restrict gender-affirming care for minors, with the potential to even impact how states can regulate gender-affirming care for adults as well.Many hold anxiety about the way the Supreme Court will rule. Legislative researcher and activist Allison Chapman told LGBTQ Nation: There is fear that losing Skrmetti could signal an end for all transgender rights. At minimum, it will legitimize a national attack on gender-affirming care for minors, and most likely adults. The impact will be long lasting. This decision is unlikely to be overturned for 50+ years, she said. The outcome of the Skrmetti case will likely affect me for the rest of my life as a transgender person in the United States.Currently, members of the Supreme Court have not given any indication on how they will rule, though due to the prominent conservative leanings of the court, many suspect they will rule against transgender rights.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

House Republicans have spent the past week arguing about restrooms, but it really has nothing to do with restrooms. Its about respect. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a resolution to ban Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-DE) from using womens facilities on the Hill on Tuesday, and by Wednesday Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) issued a rule requiring people to only use restrooms that align with their sex assigned at birth. Related Nancy Mace was never an LGBTQ+ ally. She was always a transphobic extremist. Mace has been a nasty piece of work since before she was elected to Congress. She is showing us exactly who she is. With all the attention Republicans have been drawing to this Mace herself posted over a hundred times about the matter on social media one has to ask: Is this the welcome the first transgender person elected to Congress in U.S. history gets? Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today For many on the right, to be LGBTQ+ is to be unworthy of respect. Queer and trans people especially trans people at the moment arent accorded the same deference that other people take for granted. Humanity, to those heavily invested in gender roles, is determined by ones gender, and existing outside of the boundaries set by heteronormative culture the expectation that ones sex assigned at birth, gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression should all align in one of two set ways means that a gender non-conforming person simply doesnt have the same humanity that everyone else has.On the other hand, an elected official is, by their nature, someone who is afforded respect. They are addressed with formal, proscribed titles. They are given an office, a staff, and resources to do their work. They have power and a platform, and those were given to them because the people of their home district wanted them to have those things.So its important to remember that the immediate issue at hand wasnt an issue for years. It only became an issue literally on Tuesday of this week. There have been transgender people in Congress before. Trans people have visited the Capitol to sightsee and lobby Congress on various issues. Trans people have been interns and worked on congressional staffs. Trans reporters have interviewed members of Congress or attended hearings, along with trans witnesses at those hearings. A few members of Congress have trans family members and children who have visited them at work. Mace never said anything in all the years she was in Congress about any of these people using the restroom. What happened in the past two weeks was the contradiction between Maces belief that trans people are not to be respected and her knowledge that society respects elected officials. The contradiction created a tension that Mace tried to resolve by reducing McBrides humanity to her trans identity and reducing her trans identity to her genitalia. So she lashed out by making sure that the first thing most Americans know about McBride will be which bathroom shes being told to use. Broadly speaking, there are only two kinds of people who get told when and where they have to use the restroom: children and inmates. Neither is seen as worthy of deference in our culture.Moreover, human waste and genitalia are private matters, but both of those topics have been discussed in connection to McBride this week on national television. The point was to degrade her and associate her with human waste.All this while all-but-accusing her of being a sexual deviant for no reason other than her identity. Maces disrespect is meant to dehumanize all trans peopleRespect can be thought of as the collective opinion group members hold of an individual, and feeling respected is a human need, it lends itself to a sense of having a place in society. Respect serves a critical function by communicating information about a persons inclusion within a social group, Yuen Huo and Kevin Binning of the University of California, Los Angeles wrote, reviewing studies on respect. These findings are consistent with the idea that respect is rooted in a fundamental need for acknowledgment that one is an accepted member of the group and that one belongs.Mace went further than just trying to control McBrides bathroom use. She deadnamed McBride. Not using someones preferred name is, for everyone, cis or trans, a sign of disrespect. She discussed what she thinks McBrides genitalia are in public, making the private a matter of public discussion, another sign of disrespect. She has referred to McBride with it, dehumanizing her. The message is that McBride doesnt belong in Congress and, more broadly, that trans people dont belong in society.So its no wonder that McBride is refusing to engage in this discussion and trying to bring the focus off of her body and back to her work. She hasnt had a chance to make a name for herself in Congress yet and, already, people she has never met are discussing her body in degrading ways. That is, she doesnt want to be known as Congresswoman Potty, and the more she responds to Mace, the more likely it is that people will associate her with the bathroom. But this issue is now bigger than McBride. While its not seen as respectable to discuss bathroom usage at length, that doesnt make it any less real of a physical need. Whenever people are asked to spend a few hours in a certain place, restrooms are going to be a practical concern.This is the case with the Capitol, which isnt just a huge office building but several huge office buildings that have the same size footprint as some neighborhoods. Off-campus restrooms are a long walk away from the Capitol and just not a practical solution for everyone who has business in Congress. Not having access to Capitol restrooms means not having access to the Capitol. McBride (like all Congress members) will have a private bathroom in her office, so shell be fine, for the most part. Trans people who want to talk to their members of Congress are going to be denied their right to petition their elected officials. And for trans staff, this creates a labor issue.But Republicans hold a majority in the House and they elected a hyper-religious transphobe to lead them. McBrides Democratic colleagues should be standing up, vocally, for her humanity, and many already have. In doing so, theyre also standing up for the trans people in the Capitol who dont have access to private bathrooms.As for now maybe one day Johnson and Mace can learn that if they refuse to treat all people with respect, they will be the ones denied respect.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

MAGA is at it yet again and making themselves look like utter fools. From claiming that female Olympic boxer Imane Khelif is actually a man (she's not) to believing that actor John Krasinski is trans (I'm sorry, what?) to Joe Rogan's tinfoil hat theory that the Statue of Liberty is a man in drag (yes, even a statue isn't immune), Republicans have been running wild with their absurd and harmful "tranvestigations."Now, they've moved on to Danish model Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday based on a photo from the swimsuit portion of the international beauty pageant that showed her hip bone and mons pubis. Apparently, the Right has no idea what either of those are because they were alternately calling her incredibly normal mons pubis a bulge and her visible hip bone a hidden dick you know, because every trans woman has a detachable penis that can be placed in a built-in hip pocket for safekeeping. Make it make sense. On X (formerly Twitter), someone who goes by Maverick X posted the photo of the stunning winner in a bikini with the caption, "She forgot to hide it," and then posted a photo of her winning with arrows pointing to her neck, writing, "'Miss' Universe from Denmark is another dude in a wig!" The "reader added context" attached to the post shows just how wrong the Republican transvestigator was, "That is the outer edge of the Ilium, part of the hip bones." People in the comments also hilariously pointed out that this is just further proof that Republicans haven't "seen female privates since they were born" and have no clue what a mons pubis is, joking, "Gotta love when posters expose their inexperience with the female body."Keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to a Republican proving why sex ed and anatomy classes are so important! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

As part of its education and advocacy programming across the country, the GLAAD Media Institute, GLAADs training, research and consulting division, convened meetings with local leaders and community advocates throughout the nation. Attendees who complete a program or session with the GLAAD Media Institute are immediately deemed GLAAD Media Institute Alumni, who are equipped to [...]The post Post-Election, LGBTQ Leaders Across the U.S. Are Joining Together Prepare to Meet a New Crop of Activists first appeared on GLAAD.

So you've met someone new and you're ready to get frisky. First of all, congrats. But secondly, now it's time to negotiate what exactly that is going to look like. For instance, if sex toys are going to be in the mix, if so which ones, how will they be used, who will use them, and, well, will they be used?In other words, particularly when it comes to strap-ons, does every new partner require a fresh out of the packaged toy? Or can you reuse your sex with a new partner? Right now you're probably asking, a new strap-on every time? In this economy? Listen, we get it, a good strap-on and harness combo is not cheap and its a quandry that has plagued Sapphics for time immemorial. To finally get to the bottom (or we guess, technically, the top) of this question PRIDE reached out to the experts, Sofie Roos, a licensed sexologist and relationship therapist and author at Passionerad, and Vicki Lyons, a sexual wellness expert & chief editor at Bodyjoys for their take on if its safe to share sex toys; if its ethical to do so; and what other strap-on related pitfalls we should all avoid. Finally, for once and for all, let's get some post-strap-on clarity!Is it safe to use your old strap-on with a new partner?Before we got into the ethics of it all we first wanted to know the answer to the most important question: Is it safe to reuse strap-ons with new partners?Its safe, Roos assures PRIDE, adding, but requires good hygiene routines, and that you wear a condom on the strap-on every time you use it. Good hygiene, she explains, means not only using a condom but both washing it carefully after use and again before you use it with a new partner. if not doing it right away youll have a growth of bacteria on the material that can be tricky to get rid of, she says. When cleaning the strap-on, start with lukewarm water and wash the surface by rubbing it with your hands in the running water then apply a disinfecting spray thats made especially for sex toys, also called a sex toy cleaner, or a very mild soap and make sure it reaches all the small nooks and crannies such as under the balls, in the urethra, etc. Roos says you should spend about 30-60 applying the disinfecting soap and then rinsing it off with more lukewarm water, before repeating the whole procedure a second time. Before you engage with a new partner Roos emphasizes washing it again. Yes, again. Since you most likely have missed washing away some of the bacteria and this can lead to it spreading, she warns.Lyons agrees, adding that along with cleanliness, transparency, and consent are essential if you intend to use the same strap-on with someone new. They should be made aware that you use your toys with other partners too so that they can make an informed decision and give consent. Using a toy with multiple people without their knowledge isn't okay. It may be that they would prefer to use a different toy or to buy a new one altogether and you should always be open to this idea, she tells PRIDE.What about the harness?So, youve scrubbed and rinsed your strap-on the prescribed number of times, now what?Many people only think about the strap-on dildo itself and forget about the harness, but you need to wash that too as it gets unclean, as well, says Roos. The easiest is to clean the harness with some sex toy disinfectant and a clean towel by just wiping it off after each time youve used it.However, if you're using it with a new partner there are extra steps to consider, says Roos. Make sure to clean it properly before using it with someone new, especially the O-Ring where you connect the strap-on with the harness since this part has been in most contact with bodily fluids!Ok, but is it ethical to use the same strap-on with a new partner?Now to the trickier question, is it ethical to use the same sex toy you've used with a former lover with your new one?Even though youre able to re-use your strap-on and harness with someone new if keeping a high hygiene standard, I think its inappropriate, says Roos. Its such a private thing, and its emotionally loaded since its been a thing between you and your ex-partner, and in my eyes does it belong to the past.Roos continues, Bringing an old strap-on into the new relationship is like bringing a part of your ex back when you have sex!Though Roos concedes not everyone feels this way, Its up to every person to decide, but I truly think its fair to be honest with your new partner and tell them that youve used this set in a previous relationship, and ask if theyre okay with you using it together now, she advises. If not, just invest in a new set its totally worth it. Strap-ons and harnesses are made to be replaced anyway!How to broach the sex toy subject with your new partner.If rather than buying a new set you want to see how your partner would feel about using the one you have, the best way to approach it, Lyons says, is to do so directly. Honesty is the key to a good sexual relationship and it will also open up the conversation to other things too, making you closer as a couple and giving you the ability to be more intimate and adventurous, she explains. Broaching the subject can be a natural part of the conversation you have about sex toys more generally, adds Roos. Thats the perfect time to bring up that you have a strap-on kit thats been used with your previous partner [and to ask if] your partner feels comfortable using it if you wash it again very carefully, or if they prefer the two of you investing in a completely new set! If youre in a relationship with the goal of being long-term, more people tend to feel uncomfortable using the old strap-on, while people generally feel more okay about it if you're in a more casual relationship, Roos adds.What else should you talk to your partner about when it comes to using a strap-on together?Aside from simply discussing the history of your strap-om on Roos says it is good practice to have clear communication about the entire experience. Its extremely important to have good communication since the one penetrating can have a hard time feeling how it is for the other person. For example, if the angle is too sharp or if its too intense. she explains.She offers a simple system of communication that will allow you both to stay in the moment. In the beginning, I suggest making use of the traffic light system where green means I love it, it feels great and just keep on the same way. Yellow means that things are heading somewhere uncomfortable and that its time to cool down a bit, maybe by changing sex position, the angle or the tempo. And red is the same as saying a stop, meaning the sex stops immediately without any delay, says Roos. And of course, both the one penetrating and the one being penetrated can use this system to communicate how they feel a common misunderstanding is that only the one receiving the strap-on can feel bad or uncomfortable, she adds. Besides that, you should also talk about who penetrates, what sex positions you prefer, if its something youre not comfortable with, and if the one penetrating should receive any direct pleasure at the same time, such as being stimulated on any other erogenous zones such as the nipples, or if they would like to use a couples vibrator, etc.What other common strap-on mistakes can you avoid?While we're on the subject, Roos shared a few quick tips on how we can elevate our strap-on game and avoid these common pitfalls. 1. Don't skip the pre-sex chat. The biggest mistake people make is not talking about the basics beforehand. Just because its obvious to you what you think everyone wants, that doesn't guarantee to align with your partner's preferences.2. Do get into the nitty gritty about desires and boundaries. Things such as sex positions that don't feel great, who wears the harness, and if you like to switch who wears it during the sex. I also recommend doing a check in the beginning together to make sure everything feels good and not take for granted that its ready to go. This includes checking that the harness is placed correctly, that the dildo is stable, and that both of you are in a comfortable position!3. Dont skip the sexual aftercare.Sexual aftercare is also extra important and something that needs to be a part of your strap-on etiquette since its an experience that can create a lot of feelings afterward. So show your love for your partner and that youre there for them and talk through the experience together.Experts cited: Sofie Roos, Licensed sexologist and relationship therapist, and author at PassioneradVicki Lyons, Sexual wellness expert & chief editor at Bodyjoys

NBCs Brilliant Minds is earning accolades for its captivating blend of medical drama and groundbreaking storytelling, and upcoming episodes are set to raise the bar. Creator and showrunner Michael Grassi sat down with us to tease the latest developments, including the shows bold focus on LGBTQ+ narratives and the budding romance between Dr. Oliver Wolf (Zachary Quinto) and Dr. Josh Nichols (Teddy Sears).Inspired by the life and work of neurologist Oliver Sacks, Brilliant Minds follows the brilliant but enigmatic Dr. Oliver Wolf and his team of interns as they navigate the uncharted frontier of the human mind. Alongside medical marvels and ethical dilemmas, the series dives into the characters personal lives, tackling issues of identity, relationships, and mental health. (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBCUniversal)Related | Zachary Quinto on Breaking Ground as TVs First Gay Lead Doctor in Brilliant MindsLGBTQ+ Representation Takes Center StageGrassi, who has a long history of championing LGBTQ+ representation in shows like Riverdale and Degrassi, expressed his passion for creating a lead character who is both openly gay and multi-dimensional.Ive always loved medical dramas, but I imagined how much more powerful they couldve been if they had a gay lead, Grassi said. With Oliver Wolf, we get to see him as a hero, a son, a mentor, and now, a romantic lead. Thats something I wish I had growing up.The latest episodes, which aired November 11 and 18, showcase these themes prominently.Episode 107: The Man from Grozny sees Dr. Wolf leading his team through an experimental brain-computer interface surgery while opening up emotionally in unexpected ways.Episode 108: The Lovesick Widow explores a case that challenges societal norms, as Dr. Pierce (Tamberla Perry) faces a haunting discovery and Dr. Wolf continues to let his guard down in his budding relationship with Dr. Nichols.Grassi teased the on-screen chemistry between Quinto and Sears: Their dynamic is electric. Watching Olivers walls come down as he navigates this new relationship is one of my favorite parts of the season.(Photo by Chris Polk/WBTVG)A Show with HeartGrassi shared his personal connection to the series, particularly in a scene where Oliver confronts his mother about past struggles with acceptance. Its a moment of healing, not just for Oliver, but for anyone whos ever felt othered. I think it speaks to the queer community and beyond.For a deeper dive into Grassis creative vision and whats next for Brilliant Minds, check out our full interview with him. He dishes on everything from his inspiration to the powerful messages behind these upcoming episodes.Watch the full interview below! How to Watch Brilliant MindsBrilliant Minds airs Mondays at 10/9c on NBC, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock. The show has become a must-watch for viewers who crave thought-provoking stories and authentic representation.More Stories: Michael Grassi Dives Into Brilliant Minds LGBTQ+ Stories Medical Drama + Budding RomancesLady Gaga to Headline Coachella 2025 Charlie XCX, Green Day, and More!Chappell Roan & Sabrina Carpenter to Sing a Duet for Netflixs A Nonsense ChristmasSusan Sarandon Says Love Has No Limits Is Open to Dating All GendersMeet Cooper Kochs Gay Twin Brother: Our New Fav Power DuoThe post Michael Grassi Dives Into Brilliant Minds LGBTQ+ Stories Medical Drama + Budding Romances appeared first on Gayety.

So far, all of Donald Trump's Cabinet picks have been either terrible or bizarre less of a Cabinet and more of a TEMU shelving unit with nonsensical instructions that instantly falls apart and while this has made us want to pull out our hair, we can't stop laughing now that former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name for consideration to serve as attorney general and is now VERY unemployed.In a burst of confidence, Gaetz quit his job on Capitol Hill after Trump made him his AG pick, but then today, after starring down the barrel of his sexual assault allegations coming to light, he took his name out of the running for Trump's Cabinet, too. The schadenfreude is delicious!"There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trump's [justice department] must be in place and ready on Day 1," Gaetz wrote on X (formerly Twitter). And by "Washington scuffle," he means CNN confirming that the woman he allegedly had sex with when she was just 17 told the House ethics committee that there was a second sexual encounter and the New York Times reporting that Venmo transactions link Gaetz to women who allege he paid them for sex. (@) Not only did Gaetz quit his job as a Florida representative, but he preemptively withdrew from his term in the next Congress, which he just won in the November election. So now that he won't be attorney general, he can't even backtrack and try to get his old job back unless Florida Governor Ron DeSantis gives him the green light. Oops.Now, the internet is brutally roasting Gaetz for his creepy past and poor decision-making that has left him without a job. From the MeidasTouch Network joking that "Matt Gaetz had to drop out because the number of days since his nomination was quickly approaching 18" to someone quipping that "Attorney General Matt Gaetz has brought down his first and last sex criminal, Attorney General Matt Gaetz, we can't stop laughing!Keep scrolling to see the funniest reactions to Matt Gaetz ruining his own life! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Anti-LGBTQ+MAGA diehards are upset that former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) withdrew his nomination to be attorney general. Though President-elect Donald Trump has named his former impeachment lawyer and formerFlorida attorney general Pam Bondi as Gaetzs replacement, some Trump supporters still think Gaetz wouldve been a good pick to lead the Department of Justice (DOJ), despite the accusations of statutory rape and child sex trafficking against him.While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition, Gaetz wrote in a Thursday social media post announcing his resignation. There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus Ill be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General. Trumps [Department of Justice] must be in place and ready on Day 1. I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. Related Sen. Ron Johnson compares Rachel Levine being trans to Matt Gaetzs sex trafficking allegations Look over there! MAGA Republicans are likely to continue using trans people to distract from their own actions. His withdrawal is one of the quickest ever for a presidential Cabinet nomination, and its not entirely clear if he can get his House seat back seeing as he resigned from the chamber after Trump nominated him, promising not to take his oath of office for the seat again in 2025. Nonetheless, MAGA diehards are lamenting his withdrawal. 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 Right-wing pundit Matt Wallace commented, Super disappointed Matt Gaetz was forced by the elites to drop out. They probably threatened his life because most of them have done crimes so graphic I cant even describe them here. They cant have someone like Matt investigating them. He got the callSuper disappointed Matt Gaetz was forced by the elites to drop out.They probably threatened his life because most of them have done crimes so graphic I cant even describe them here.They cant have someone like Matt investigating them. Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) November 21, 2024Valentina Gomez, a failed Missouri secretary of state candidate who used homophobic slurs and anti-queer rhetoric in her campaign wrote, Come hell or high water, I have your back Matt. God bless you and Ginger.Come hell or high water, I have your back Matt. God bless you and Ginger. Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForUSA) November 21, 2024 Right-wing pundit Kevin Smith wrote, As a friend It kills me to hear this As an American, we as a nation will miss out on your leadership at the DOJ.As a friend It kills me to hear this As an American, we as a nation will miss out on your leadership at the DOJ kevin smith (@kevin_smith45) November 21, 2024George a conservative influencer who has spread election misinformation, according tothe media watchdog group Snopes wrote to Gaetz, What the swamp has done to you is truly sickening. What the swamp has done to you is truly sickening. George (@BehizyTweets) November 21, 2024Conservative commenter Paul A. Szypula wrote, Gaetz wouldve been an amazing AG. Hes 100% MAGA.Gaetz wouldve been an amazing AG. Hes 100% MAGA. Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) November 21, 2024 Kylie Jane Kremer, Executive Director for the Woman for America First, wrote, WTF?! We want YOU, Matt Gaetz to lead the DOJ! We gave [Donald J. Trump] a mandate and he chose you!Despite her claim about Trumps mandate, Trump margin of victory in the 2024 presidential election just 1.6 percentage points is one of the tiniest in history.WTF?! We want YOU, Matt Gaetz to lead the DOJ! We gave DJT a mandate and he chose you! Kylie Jane Kremer (@KylieJaneKremer) November 21, 2024 Numerous left-wing commenters gleefully mocked Gaetz for dropping out, calling him a pedophile over reports that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl (and possibly a second minor) at drug-fueled sex parties. But Republicans expressed relief that theyll no longer have to decide whether to oppose Trumps nomination in a Senate confirmation battle.Even Republican Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) wrote, Justice has been served after Gaetzs withdrawal, posting an image of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) holding up the speakers gavel with red shining eyes. Gaetz infamously led the successful effort to kick out McCarthy from the speakership in late 2023.After his ouster, McCarthy said, Ill give you the truth why Im not speaker. Its because one person, a member of Congress, wanted me to stop an ethics complaint because he slept with a 17-year-old, an ethics complaint that started before I ever became speaker, and thats illegal and Im not going to get in the middle. Did he do it or not? I dont know. But ethics is looking at it and he wanted me to influence it. Justice has been served. pic.twitter.com/b5Aq5yQZfz Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) November 21, 2024Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The Besties Brunch collection at this years NewFest: The 36th Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival offered an inspiring and thought-provoking lineup of short films that highlight the diversity, resilience, and vibrancy of queer life. Through humor, depth, and heart, each film explored the complexities of love, identity, and community from the perspective of LGBTQ+ [...]The post Besties Brunch at NewFest: Celebrating Queer Life, Love, and Resistance at the 36th Annual LGBTQ+ Film Festival first appeared on GLAAD.

As I read Congressional Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-LA) comments about transgender people, the lyrics of the song Easy to Be Hard from the Broadway musical Hair came to mind:How can people be so heartless?How can people be so cruel?Easy to be hardEasy to be coldHow can people have no feelingsHow can they ignore their friendsEasy to be proudEasy to say no Related AOC eviscerates Nancy Mace for disgusting anti-trans crusade that will hurt all women & girls If a woman doesnt look woman enough to a Republican, they want to be able to inspect her genitals to use a bathroom? Its disgusting. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today Since the historic election of state senator,Sarah McBride(D-DE), as the first out transgender woman to win a seat in Congress, Mace announced she is proposing a resolution to amend the rules of the US House of Representatives to bar transgender women from using womens restrooms in the Capitol.Asked about whether such a change of rules would affect Representative-elect McBride, Mace told reporters: Sarah McBride doesnt get a say. I mean, this is a biological man, adding that McBride does not belong in womens spaces, womens bathrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, period, full stop.In front of a pool of reporters at the Capitol, Speaker Johnson stated that he is attempting to provide accommodations for every member of Congress. He refused to comment on any proposed actions, and he said: This is an issue Congress has never addressed before.It seemed clear by his additional comments where his vote on the rule change would fall: For anyone who doesnt know my established record on this issue, let me be unequivocally clear, he said with a sense of solemn reserve, a man is a man, and a woman is a woman, and a man cannot become a woman. That said, I also believe thats what scripture teaches, what I just said.The Speaker then spoke from the other side of his mouth:But I also believe we treat everybody with dignity. We can do and believe all those things at the same time.Oh really? Can one ban a person from public facilities aligning with their gender identity while simultaneously treating everybody with dignity? Let me see if I can articulate what they are saying.They can support a man for the highest office in the land who publicly admitted to grabbing womens genitals, someone who was charged and convicted of raping a woman, someone who was convicted of violating federal election laws by paying a porn star for her silence, but its transgender women who are the stalkers and predators of women.They can support the nomination of a former congressman to head the Department of Justice as the Attorney General of the United States who has been credibly charged with paying an underage woman for sex, and who gloats upon the floor of the House of Representatives about his sexual exploits, but the problem is transgender women who are the stalkers and predators of women. They can support the nomination of a former Fox News host to head the Department of Defense who is alleged to have paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault to remain quiet, but the problem is transgender women who are the stalkers and predators of women.The Republicans have further marginalized, stereotyped, and demonized trans people in their march to the White House and Congress. During the past year, the Republican Party spent approximately$215 millionin TV network ads, some of which they broadcast during NFL games, targeting trans people as a national threat to womens sports and claiming they consume taxpayer funds to undergo gender affirmation procedures when incarcerated.Is this, Mr. Speaker, treating everyone with dignity? And since you claim so often to follow what scripture teaches, then evidently, you have little respect for women and girls, whether trans or not. Christian Testaments: On Women1 Timothy 2:9I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes.1 Timothy 2:11-12Let a woman learn in silence with all submissiveness. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over men; she is to keep silent.1 Corinthians 11:3But I would have you know, that the head of everyman is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.1 Corinthians 11:5And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head it is just as though her head were shaved.1 Corinthians 14:33-35, 37As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silence in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. If there is anything they desire to know, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. . . what I am writing to you is a command of the Lord.Ephesians 5:22Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.Colossians 3:18Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.And so, Mike Johnson and Nancy Mace, I ask you:How can [you] be so heartless?How can [you] be so cruel?The only person with dignity here is Sarah McBride, who lives her life authentically with self-respect and serves as a heroic role model among people like Mace and Johnson who shame themselves, their Party, and their nation.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced a bill this week to legally erase transgender people, entitled the Defining Male and Female Act of 2024. He claimed that the bill will stop what he called the Biden administrations attempt to replace biological sex with dangerous radical gender ideology.The bill is a long list of terms and definitions, where words like father and girl are defined with the words male and female. Those two words are then defined as an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for a congenital anomaly or intentional or unintentional disruption, the reproductive system that at some point produces, transports and utilizes [sperm or eggs for male or female, respectively] for fertilization. Related AOC eviscerates Nancy Mace for disgusting anti-trans crusade that will hurt all women & girls If a woman doesnt look woman enough to a Republican, they want to be able to inspect her genitals to use a bathroom? Its disgusting. Marshall claims that this would prevent transgender people from participating in school sports and would ensure that restrooms, locker and dorm rooms, prisons and shelters for victims of sexual assault would have sex separation. 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 As a physician who has delivered over 5,000 babies, I can confidently say that politicizing childrens gender to use them as pawns in their radical woke agenda is not only wrong, it is extremely dangerous, he said, even though being a former OB/GYN who delivered over 5,000 babies does not make him an expert on transgender people. We must codify the legal definition of sex to be based on science rather than feelings. With our legislation, we can fight back against the Biden-Harris Administrations assault on our children.Marshall is wrong that the Biden administration is behind the existence of transgender people; transgender people existed long before President Joe Biden was elected in 2020 and will exist long after his term in office finishes. Transgender people are not an ideology; they are human beings.A similar bill was introduced this past July in the House of Representatives by Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL). She too claimed that her bill would make sure that Title IX doesnt protect the rights of transgender people, even though the idea that trans people have protections under Title IX is based on the idea that trans people face discrimination because of their sex assigned at birth. That is, if a school allows cis girls to compete on a sports team but not trans girls, thats discrimination on the basis of sex because the only difference between cis and trans girls is their sex assigned at birth. Title IX bans discrimination in education on the basis of sex.Marshalls bill is unlikely to pass as Democrats still control the Senate. But introducing the bill now could be a sign that he plans to introduce it next session when Republicans will control the chamber.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

When people talk about non-alcoholic queer spaces in Chicago, one of the first places mentioned is often Elis Tea Bar. And although owner Eli Majid didnt initially open the store with that vision in mind, hes glad its grown into its community role.Elis Tea Bar opened nearly three years ago in Chicagos Andersonville neighborhood and has evolved into a community staple. While the queer community can head to Northalsted for a night of bar hopping, they can come to the tea bar during the day or in the evening for a variety of promoted activities.The original Elis Tea Bar in Birmingham, Michigan will be 10 years old this December. Before the shops inception, Majid simply sold teas as a side business at local farmers markets.It was definitely to create a job that I couldnt find, he said. It was to create a space I didnt see, but also Ive always kept in mind that this business Im creating has to be sustainable for myself and as a company.Majid graduated from Loyola with an undergraduate degree in plant biology, and has always been interested in both tea and business. He views his shop as a cross between a wine bar and a coffee shop, since teas also lend themselves to discussing blends, regions, cultures and more. He said he gravitated towards running a business around tea because its a beverage that more easily extends into the evening, unlike coffee.Eli Majid (right) with silent disco host Niah Whitley. Photo: Eli Majid Outside of the shops themselves, Elis Tea Bar supplies tea to establishments such as cafes, restaurants and hotels. Many of the teas are house blends, but some of them are also direct imports. In the near future, Majid said theyll be launching canned non-alcoholic tonics, as well.Although he didnt intend to make the shop a well-known non-alcoholicthough he did envision it as queerspace, he said its been fun to see it grow in that direction. Over the past ten years, he said both shops have become this type of needed space.It was something that happened, but it was something where I could see the customers raising their hands, if that makes sense, Majid said. At some point, I think I had the initial idea, and then I think over time I actually gained the confidence to really run with the idea.Those ideasespecially those involving his evening eventshave been the crux of the Chicago business. Elis Tea Bar boasts a variety of activities from open mics to writing groups to art creation nights and more. And theyre a big hitMajid said the business is often hitting capacity.Melissa Erikson has been doing stand up comedy for two years and began hosting the Friday open-mic nights at Elis for around a year ago. She became interested in Elis after seeing it was not only a queer place but owned by a queer person, which are to her as a trans woman.Queer spaces are so important to me to feel safe, to see myself reflected in my story, reflected in other people, to know that Im less alone, she said. Im turning 30 this year, but especially when I was younger, being in spaces like that [was] probably a little life-saving for me I can say in many ways. And now theyre just life-affirming.Even when shes tired after long weeks, Erikson said her mood does a total 180 after attending the Friday events and spending time with the community. She said every week, she sees people exchanging art and numbers, complimenting each other and forming relationships.Open-mic nights are one of Eli Tea Bars signature events, drawing in a variety of patrons to watch or perform. Photo courtesy of Eli Majid Open-mic nights are one of Eli Tea Bars signature events, drawing in a variety of patrons to watch or perform. Photo: Eli Majid The Chicago shop has been growing, gaining more business and revenue every year, Majid said. He also thinks that the rise of people becoming sober-curious during and post-peak pandemic has added to the desire for non-alcoholic spaces. Theyre also looking to have more dynamic social lives with nighttime options besides going to bars.What were doing did not exist when I was in college, he said. What were doing did not exist 10 years ago, five years ago and whatnot I think the bars will always have a place in the queer community, and I love going out too. But what people are seeking now is theyre seeking more quiet spaces. Theyre seeking introvert-friendly spaces. Theyre really interested in being nerds.Hes also open to ideas from the communitytarot events, writing fun PowerPoints, anything slow fun, living room fun. He said theyre always looking for new events to cater to different parts of the community.Although Majid said he doesnt have any sort of metrics he uses to gauge success, hes busy every night. And while other Chicago business owners he knew were telling him about down in sales this past winter, Elis Tea Shop surpassed all its sales goals. Theres no expansion plans currently in place, but he said the team is always keeping [its] eyes open.We are proof of the concept that a sober space is needed, he said. We have lots of programming. We have a diverse amount of customersevery age, every cultural background. And its authentically forming.///For my fellowship between Comcast NBCUniversal and Windy City Times, I often focus on queer entrepreneurs and creatives here in Chicago. This month, I got to speak to the lovely Eli Majid, owner of Andersonvilles Elis Tea Bar.The shop has quickly become a bit of a non-alcoholic queer haven during its nearly three yearsalthough this wasnt something Majid predicted when he opened in Chicago, hes happy to see it grow in this way.Over time, hes added in community-driven or suggested events, which have become some of the driving forces of his business. Whether thats open mic nightsI also speak to trans open mic host Melisa Erikson about her experience performing in a safe queer spaceto writing groups and more, theres something for everyone. And theyre always looking for community input on future events.One of the main themes throughout Elis Tea Bars story is how its become the much-needed spot for slower-paced queer activities. During our interview, Majid asked me if I had a place like that to go to in collegeI didnt, my first real experience in the queer community in the city was going to the bars when I was 21, and he felt similarly.Bars will always have a place in the queer community, but the tea bar is, in Majids words, carving out a niche that didnt exist years ago.If youre looking to visit, Elis Tea Bar hosts weekly trivia nights Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., art nights Thursdays at 8 p.m. and open mic nights Fridays at 8 p.m. You can also check out their events page to find other specific activities coming up, or just head up to Andersonville to sample their wide variety of teas.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post Elis Tea Bar continues to grow as a Chicago non-alcoholic queer haven appeared first on News Is Out.

Trans/genderqueer digital rights activist Evan Greer protested anti-LGBTQ+ Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) during Maces discussion at The Summit of the Future of the Internet, a two-day event that began Thursday. Mace who has recently become infamous for demonizing Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-DC), the first trans person ever elected to Congress spoke at the summit alongside Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) who said onstage that he profoundly disagreed with Maces transphobia.Greer who is director of Fight for the Future, a nonprofit that protects human rights in the digital age unfurled a progress Pride flag during the discussion and shouted at Mace, saying, This is ridiculous. It is the day after Trans Day of [Remembrance]. We have had dozens of trans people die this year because of the hate and lies you are spreading. Audience members began applauding in response. Related The GOPs obsession with Congress first trans member has a much uglier purpose The humiliation ritual Republicans put Sarah McBride through is meant to shame all trans Americans and their allies. Security guards quickly escorted Greer out of the conference room as she asked, Are we building an Internet with free speech and safety for all people? Or just the privileged few? 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 In response, Mace misgendered Greer, saying, God loves him, I love him, but his penis isnt gonna be in my bathroom. The crowd booed Maces response.The discussion, entitled At a Digital Crossroads: Bipartisan Tech Solutions to Unite a Nation, was ostensibly to explore how policymakers and citizens can come together to create a better online experience for all Americans, according to the website of the summits organizers, Project Freedom. In a statement to LGBTQ Nation, Greer said, I spoke up not just because Rep. Maces rhetoric is vile and dangerous, but also to prompt a conversation with the tech policy community. Are we going to cozy up to bigots and authoritarians just because they claim to also be against Big Tech?As a seasoned tech justice advocate, I am familiar with how things work in DC, she said. Ive often worked across the aisle with lawmakers and organizations that I profoundly disagree with when we have shared goals around protecting privacy and free expression. But Rep. Mace has no significant background on these issues. She has nothing meaningful or substantive to add to the conversation. It seems that she was invited to the Project Liberty conference for the sole purpose of throwing a bone to far-right extremists.We are at a crossroads where technology will either be a force for justice, liberation and resistance to authoritarianism, or it will be a tool for the automation of tyranny, exploitation and greed, Greer added. I know which side Im on. Im asking other tech advocates to figure out where they stand. Greer noted that her organization is advocating for strong privacy legislation and privacy-enhancing technologies like end-to-end encryption, and opposing surveillance tech like facial recognition and legislation like the Kids Online Safety Act and the EARN IT Act, which could lead to online censorship of LGBTQ+ content. These efforts, Greer said, will be essential for keeping queer and trans people safe during Trumps hostile administration.LGBTQ Nation contacted Project Liberty to ask why the organization invited Mace to its summit and if it had any response to Greers protest. This article will be updated if the organization responds.Mace has spent the week demonizing Rep.-elect McBride. Mace has misgendered and deadnamed McBride; claimed that McBride, trans people, and their allies are a threat to the safety of women and girls; repeatedly discussed McBrides genitals on national television; and called her mentally ill.Mace also persuaded House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to introduce a rule banning all trans people from using restrooms in the Capitol that match their gender identity. Numerous LGBTQ+-allied Congress people have criticized Maces vile and disgusting rhetoric. McBride has called Maces attacks a distraction but said she will abide by Johnsons bathroom rule, even though she personally disagrees with it.After Greer was escorted from the room, Khanna said, Rep. Mace, on the issue of transgender rights, we just have a profound disagreement. I think Rep. McBride deserves dignity.Mace responded, Im not going to allow you or any other man to erase women, period. Youre not going to erase me or my rights. At all.Khanna continued, We have worked together on a lot of legislation but on that, we have a very profound disagreement. While he was speaking, Mace said, And youre wrong. Youre on the wrong side of history on that. She then said its not okay for men to watch her undress in a changing room or bathroom.As Mace continued, the conversations moderator, Charlamagne Tha God co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Breakfast Club said, Hey, we came here to talk about tech. The audience applauded his remark.Khanna then mentioned that he went on the broadcast of right-wing broadcaster Megyn Kelly to talk about trans rights. The audience began to groan as Mace said, Youre anti-women. The audience began to shout, Move on!As the moderator tried to steer the conversation back to tech, Khanna said, That just shows that the divisions in this country arent just caused by tech, theyre caused by a fundamental difference in values.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Akkai Padmashali has just won the right to get a passport issued for her five-year-old son that didnt include a fathers name and listed her as the mother, a victory for both trans women and single mothers in the country. In 2018, Padmashali became the first trans woman in the state of Karnataka to register a marriage, and a year later she adopted her son, Avin. She later divorced her husband. Related How this trans person used Instagram to build a life after leaving a male-dominated working world Ive found my new voice, and I dont need validation from anyone. She said that getting a passport for her son without her ex-husbands name on it was difficult. 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 Getting his passport was a huge struggle, she told the Time of India. For Avins passport, I had to visit the Regional Passport Office in Koramangala. There, a transphobic woman kept asking for details of Avins father, despite me showing her the divorce papers and the deed of adoption. She even said, I am going to put your childs adopted fathers name. Otherwise, Ill not issue the passport. But I questioned her logic and got the higher-ups involved. Finally, he got his passport, with just my name onit.Transphobia is a huge issue, she continued. Otherwise, I wouldnt have been in such a situation. I may not look like a cis-het woman but I identify as a woman and thats that. That should be enough.The Washington Blade points out that 2016 reforms to the nations passport laws allowed single parents to get a passport for their child without listing the other parents name on it.Padmashali said that the national passport authority in India is very sensitive to the needs of transgender people.I got my passport as a female, andAvinsalso getting the passport without naming the father, I thinkitsa national issue, she said. From the transgenderpersonspoint of view, I am happy that my Supreme Court has recognized the community and the parliament has recognized the Transgender Protection Act. India is in process of progressing, I would say. Padmashali made headlines in 2019 when she adopted her child. It has been my dream and desire, she said at the time. Our families have accepted the baby.Itsheart-warming to seethe little one playing on mymotherslap.I just hope that he does not face any kind of discrimination and social stigma when he grows up.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

On the off chance you've been living under a rock, social media app BlueSky has completely dominated the conversation over the last few weeks as massive numbers of users continue to flee the Elon Musk-led platform X (formerly Twitter) and gave it up for a place that offers, for lack of a better term, much bluer skies than its competitors.Since the election, the app, which started as an invite-only service in 2022 and was initially backed by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, has gained upward of 20 million new users, and it is very much still counting.One of the biggest reasons people, particularly gay men, have flocked to the platform for is its lack of censorship. Like X and unlike Instagram's attempt at competition with Threads, BlueSky allows users to post NSFW content, which helps OnlyFans creators and the general public share unfiltered content. To make things better, users are allowed to toggle on and off whether they want to show adult content, which makes it easier to keep that hidden when you're at work without having to worry as much about muting profiles, monitoring your scroll, or creating an entirely separate profile.Whether you're new to the platform and, quite frankly, whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community or not, you've more than likely seen the terms "skeet," "skeeting," "reskeet," and "reskeeting" flying around. You may also see people using these terms in many different ways, and if you click on any of the hashtags associated, you'll very quickly find you'll have to enable your "safe" mode if you don't want people peeking over your shoulder and seeing a bunch of sex.Keep reading to find out what reskeeting is, what the slang is for it, and what the true definition of "skeeting" actually is.What does "reskeet" or "reskeeting" mean?Firstly, with all jokes and connotations aside, with specific regard to the platform BlueSky, a "skeet" or a "reskeet" is the app's officially unofficial replacement for the term "tweet" off of X. This also didn't just happen overnight, as the term has seen some evolution and is still, as of now, only the popularized term versus the official. The term is a combination of "sky" for the platform and "tweet" to replace Twitter, thus creating "skeet" for "sky tweet."It's also worth noting that BlueSky's CEO, Jay Graber, addressed an early variation of the term in January 2023 over the suggested term "skoots." At the time, Graber responded by saying it sounded fun, but she feared it "might sound a bit dirty."Gays were like, 'hold my White Claw.'Skoots is fun, catchy, and easy to meme off, but we wonder if its like an inside joke that wont translate to a wider audience. New people have to ask or infer what it is, because theres no semantic relation to posts. And it might sound a bit dirty! Jay (@jay.bsky.team) January 31, 2023 at 11:31 PMAccording to Know Your Meme and as is evidenced now, the conversation continued anyway.The earliest example of "skeet" happening in March 2023 from the user @soutside. Following that, the user @chatsworth officially ignited the trend on April 20, 2023, which led to an article on The Verge about how "they're 'skeets' now" and the need to page Lil Jon.nah.bluesky users skeet.you heard it from Chatsworth first. Chatsworth (@chatsworth.bsky.social) April 19, 2023 at 2:05 PMWhat is "skeet" slang for?This then begs the question, for those who don't know, about what "skeet" means, and why "skoot" might have sounded a little "too dirty" for the general population (who has, for all intents and purposes, very much embraced "skeet" after all.) For what it's worth, especially after The Verge article, Graber also really tried to make it stop.Guys, please don't let "skeets" stickThe experiment in decentralized naming decisions has resulted in the worst possible termHow about skoots? Can we bring back skoots? Bluesky OGs, help me out here, remember skoots? Jay (@jay.bsky.team) April 27, 2023 at 7:45 PM from BlueskySocialIn the slang world, skeeting is, for all intents and purposes, ejaculating, usually all over someone else and often on their face. It was popularized in the early 2000s in hip-hop music, largely through the song "Get Low" by Lil Jon and the East Side Boys. While both the explicit and edited variations of the song include "y'all skeet skeet" in the lyrics, the radio edit replaces all of the additional curse words included with that from the original to just repeat "y'all skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet skeet."While none of this has a direct correlation with the queer community, over time, as the word has gone on to embrace its NSFW meaning, a lot of the gays especially those who have utilized BlueSky as a soft form of OnlyFans have totally gotten on board.This also doesn't mean that "skeeting" and "reskeeting" on the platform are exclusively utilized by the gays, but all I'm saying is to make sure you have safe mode enabled if you're trying to scroll that hashtag at work, and if you don't like any form of gay adult content, you'll want to avoid it at all costs.Let me get this straight. Skeet also means cum and you think that's not awesome? eve6 (@eve6.bsky.social) November 18, 2024 at 11:53 AMima just start reskeeting gay shit from now on sorry for any flashbangs just ellie (@doejob.bsky.social) November 14, 2024 at 6:59 PMreskeeting this for gay reasons[image or embed] StealthIntel (@stealthintel.bsky.social) November 15, 2024 at 9:36 AMThe internets hottest new club Bluesky has everything Skeeting and reskeeting, the menswear guy, thousands of gay men posting thirst traps And just when you think the funs over, knock knock whos there? Its Dionne Warwick![image or embed] ish | Free (@ishmaelsail.bsky.social) November 18, 2024 at 7:32 PMWhat does "skeet" actually mean?Believe it or not, all "dirtiness" aside, "skeeting" actually has a pretty boring definition -- it's a form of trapshooting where the shooter uses clay pigeons as targets that are shot into the air at height and speeds similar to the angles of flight taken by game birds to practice hunting.A secondary definition for the word relates to poker, defining a hand that consists of a nine, five, two, and two other cards that have denominations below nine, but are not the same denomination themselves.However, a third definition for the word popularized in the late 1800s means to "spit from the mouth," which is also a kink and fetish commonly explored in the queer community, and is the most closely connected definition to the popularized slang.The future of skeetingMuch to the dismay of Graber, it very much seems as though skeets are here to stay -- with and without the double entendre and genuine meaning behind the platform. To be fair, she may actually owe a lot of the platform's rapid growth to the queer community, who flocked to the app in droves following the election and have enjoyed the freedom the app provides to share whatever content you'd like. The censorship is an area where Threads lacked after people gave it a fair shot in 2023, but the added bonus on BlueSky about being able to toggle the adult content moderation on and off definitely adds some points to the up and comer.Regardless, BlueSky has become a safe haven for people of the LGBTQ+ community who use it to escape the toxic associations of X and the people who run it. To "skeet" and to "reskeet" is just to be part of a platform shaped by its users to be irreverent, playful, and cheeky as they come.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) has been obsessed with denigrating incoming Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-DE) the first out transgender member of Congress this week, getting Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to ban all trans women at the Capitol from using the womens facilities. Mace recently laid out the heart of her problem with McBride.It is offensive that a man in a skirt thinks that hes my equal, she said on the right-wing channel Newsmax. Like his challenges are the same as mine! Theyre not! And hes forcing his genitals into womens restrooms, into dressing rooms, into locker rooms. Its sick, its twisted. Related The GOPs obsession with Congress first trans member has a much uglier purpose The humiliation ritual Republicans put Sarah McBride through is meant to shame all trans Americans and their allies. Nancy Mace: "It is offensive that a man in a skirt thinks that he's my equal. He's forcing his genitals into women's restrooms." pic.twitter.com/KoFBnBZEk7 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 21, 2024Mace, who has posted on X over 300 times about McBride this week, introduced a resolution to ban trans people from using the facilities associated with their gender at the Capitol. She said that the resolution was a reaction to McBrides historic election. Trans people have been working at the Capitol and visiting it for years.Mace has called McBride it and misgendered her in televised interviews on the subject.

In a rare moment of candor, stand-up comic Anthony Jeselnik spoke about his sexuality in a new interview, which has us wondering if he just came out as bisexual.During a long interview with Vulture to promote his upcoming Netflix special Bones and All, the 45-year-old comedian opened up about the reason he quit a project about bisexuality and gave an honest, if vague, window into his own sexuality. In the past, Jeselnik who at one point dated fellow comedian, Amy Schumer has tried to keep his private life out of the spotlight but has spoken about women hes dated in past interviews and even in his stand-up routines, Queerty reports.Back in 2014, Jeselnik was developing a show for FX, which he described in the Vulture profile as being like a bisexual Louie. But he had second thoughts about his involvement and ultimately decided to walk away and gave back the money even after the network told him he could write the scripts without having to star in the show.I said, You know what? I dont even want to work on this anymore. I dont want to do a narrative, I dont want to talk about sexuality. It doesnt really benefit my comedy. Writing the story, writing all the characters, it was like, This is too much, Jeselnik explained. (@) When interviewer Kathryn VanArendonk asked if the character in the show was based on his own life or someone he created, he replied, A little of both. It wouldve been someone figuring out their sexuality later. Jeselnik didnt seem ready to elaborate, but when pushed about whether this was an experience he was familiar with, he said, Sure. Yeah.VanArendonk then asks if the reason he left the project was because he didnt his sexuality to be part of his identity as a comedian. I didnt really have a comedic angle on it, Jeselnik answered. It was like, Oh, maybe Im gonna try this out. Then I was like, No, I dont really have anything to say about it, so maybe its someone elses story to tell. Or just Yeah, it never really came together, and no one really gave a sht. Jeselnik posted a link to the profile on his Instagram stories, so he clearly approves of the article, but it looks like we may have to keep waiting for him to be more frank about his sexuality. Bones and All premieres on Netflix on November 26, 2024.

As attacks on LGBTQ+ rights intensify nationwide, the 2024 Municipal Equality Index offers a beacon of hope, showcasing significant advancements in city-level policies even as state legislatures continue to push anti-LGBTQ+ agendas. Released by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation in partnership with the Equality Federation, the MEI evaluates 506 cities across the United States, examining their laws, policies, and services to gauge their commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.This years report notes that 130 cities earned perfect scoresa record high. According to HRC, these cities, representing over 25 percent of those surveyed, have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to inclusivity despite challenges posed by discriminatory state laws.For LGBTQ+ people, building community isnt just a phrase, its a way of life, HRC president Kelley Robinson said in a press release. Local politics shapes our lives just as much as state or national politics does. Mayors and city councilors who take LGBTQ+ inclusion seriously build stronger communities, and in turn, their cities thrive.The 2024 MEI release coincides with a turbulent political landscape for LGBTQ+ rights. The American Civil Liberties Union reports that 558 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across state legislatures this year alone. These bills include measures restricting gender-affirming care, redefining sex to exclude transgender people, and implementing curriculum censorship.While not all these bills became law, their introduction and debate have tangible effects, creating a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ people. For instance, over 85 cities that provide transgender-inclusive health benefits for municipal employees have been unable to offer these benefits to minors due to restrictive state laws, the report found.Speaking at the MEI launch event in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday afternoon, Robinson highlighted how local governments are leading the charge for equality even in states lacking non-discrimination protections. She pointed to the 130 cities achieving perfect scores as evidence of progress, emphasizing the importance of creating spaces where everyone can thrivewhether in schools, workplaces, or broader communities. Robinson noted that despite Arizonas lack of statewide protections, cities like Tempe have enacted measures that foster inclusivity, drive economic growth, and create more welcoming environments. This is the perfect example of the work we will continue doing, she said.Fran Hutchins, executive director of the Equality Federation, emphasized the importance of finding opportunities to protect LGBTQ+ rights. Local advocates are tirelessly working to shield their communities and affirm the power and strength of queer and trans individuals, even in the face of discriminatory state laws, Hutchins said in a press release.Despite these challenges, cities across the nation continue to defy the odds. The MEI recognized 76 All-Star Cities for scoring above 85 points despite being in states without LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections.The index also noted significant increases in average scores in states like Oregon, Maine, and Minnesota. According to the report, 121 cities now have more comprehensive transgender-inclusive non-discrimination laws than their respective states.

If you thought the Wicked press tour couldn't get any gayer, think again!In a recent interview with Gay Times, stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were asked about the resurgence of fans who ship their characters together romantically. Erivo answered that she doesn't "think there's anything wrong with celebrating the deep connection the both of them have," calling it "true love." Meanwhile, Grande, who had previously referred to the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba as "one of the greatest platonic love stories" in conversation with Out, was even more blunt about her character."Glinda might be a little in the closet," she said. "You never know. Give it a little more time." (@) As if that wasn't already enough to have Wicked fans screaming, Kristin Chenoweth left heads spinning when she commented on a clip of the interview with her own thoughts on the matter."I thought so too way back when..." she wrote, clearly referencing her time originating the role of Galinda on Broadway. (@) Now, Glinda being more than a little bit fruity is not exactly breaking news to queer Wicked fans who have paid the slightest bit of attention over the years. Anyone who thinks otherwise might also be shocked to learn that Wicked started out as a book and even its author, Gregory Maguire, has expressed thoughts on the subject. Namely, "Gelphie is real." (@) (@) And the subtext in that source material suggests even more, well, closeting. (@) (@) That said, Grande and Chenoweth sharing their own thoughts on the matter has been more than welcome. Anything that moves the queer coding of beloved characters from deep lore to something more public can only be a good thing! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) Now if only we could move from subtext to text in one of these adaptations. Maybe some day...

Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBTQ-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend. 1.) Fresh off of being named to BAFTA Breakthroughs 2024 cohort, trans Baby Reindeer star Nava Nau joined comedic thriller The Dregs. Set in Tuscany, the pic centers [...]The post The GLAAD Wrap: Premiere Dates for Yellowjackets and XO, Kitty, Trailers for Laid and The Dragon Prince, New Music by Omar Apollo, Kesha, and More! first appeared on GLAAD.

A Seattle man has been arrested and faces up to ten years in prison for burning out over a Pride mural in nearby Bellevue.Ivan Barzul, 21, was taken into custody last Tuesday at his home inRenton after allegedly speeding over the mural in three consecutive acts of vandalism over the summer, endangering pedestrians and other drivers in at least one of the incidents. Related Republicans terrorized a gay couples home. What happened next surprised the couple. Haters yelled obscenties, sent a threatening letter, and vandalized their Pride flag and political signs. But the reaction has emboldened the targeted men. Barzul was charged with three counts of malicious mischief, or first-degree vandalism, and three counts of reckless driving. He was booked into King County Jail. 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 suspect returned to the scene of his crimes twice after the first incident on July 14, driving a silver BMW sedan without license plates. Cameras caught him just after 10:00 p.m. that night conducting a 720-degree burnout in a counterclockwise motion over the Pride art piece, police said in a statement.Barzul drove to the scene again on September 7 around 4:30 for another 720-degree burnout at the three-way intersection next to a park. For this incident, the suspect had his windows rolled down and completed the burnout in the middle of traffic and while pedestrians were crossing the crosswalk, police said.In video of the vandalism, two pedestrians can be seen just feet from Barzuls car as he spins the vehicle dangerously close to them. He nearly loses control of the car as he exits the intersection. Barzul can be seen clearly through the open driver-side window in a still frame provided by police.Another act of vandalism occurred on September 15 when Barzul returned for his third burnout at about 8:00 p.m.TheCity of Bellevues Transportation Department estimated the total amount of damage to the mural in the three incidents at $15,000.Police say witnesses called into the Crime Stoppers tip line to identify Barzul as the suspect.Officers often preach, See something, say something. Its without a doubt Bellevue residents helped law enforcement hold this individual accountable, Bellevue Police Department ChiefWendell Shirley said.This arrest is a testament to the teamwork a community and law enforcement can achieve together, she added.Its unclear if Barzul was motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias in commission of the vandalism on the Pride mural, a local landmark in Bellevue. He hasnt been charged with a hate crime, authorities say. He does have a criminal history of reckless driving, said Major Ellen Inman with the Bellevue Police Department, who shared Barzul has received traffic violations in other jurisdictions in the past.The Bellevue Police Department wants to extend their thanks to the community for partnering with us to help us identify this subject and bring him into custody, she added. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Thats how Pam Bondi, Donald Trumps latest pick to be his attorney general in a second Trump administration, described her support for the LGBTQ+ community in an interview with CNNs Anderson Copper in 2016 as Different color rainbow hands, referring to an illustration of clasped hands posted on her Florida Attorney General website following the mass shooting at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. Related MAGA cries over Matt Gaetzs withdrawal as Donald Trumps attorney general pick But not all Republicans are sad to see him go. Her history with the LGBTQ+ community in the state tells a different story. 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 Bondi, 59 who hopes to be confirmed as the nations top law enforcement official in the wake of fellow Floridian Matt Gaetzs abrupt withdrawal from consideration on Thursday is on the record as a staunch opponent of marriage equality. At the height of the marriage equality battle in the courts leading to the landmark Obergefell v Hodges decision by the Supreme Court in 2015, Bondi was a vocal opponent of same-sex unions.In 2014, Bondi filed a response asking a federal judge to throw out a marriage equality case in Florida, arguing that recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states wouldresult in what she called significant public harm.Bondis declaration was part of a protracted, and ultimately unsuccessful, legal fight to preserve Floridas constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Her office incurred hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal costs as she continued to fight same-sex marriage in the state, even after bans in nearly 20 states had been struck down, according to CNN.A court filing from Bondi asserted that an injunction to block the ban in her state, effectively allowing same-sex marriage, would irreparably harm the State of Florida.Bondi persisted with a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court to take up Floridas gay marriage prohibition.Equality Florida described Bondis response at the time as deplorable. The only Florida families suffering harm are the LGBT families who continue to be discriminated against. Pam Bondi is on the wrong side of history and on the wrong side of Florida public opinion, which shows 57% of Floridians now favor marriage equality, Nadine Smith, CEO of the advocacy organization, wrote at the time.Unlike Bondi, Attorneys General in states across the country have upheld their duty to the U.S. Constitution by refusing to defend a law that so clearly violates basic rights, Smith added.After the Pulse shooting in June of 2016, the longtime Trump supporter tried to rewrite history and hold herself up as a staunch defender of LGBTQ+ rights. Bondi endorsed Trump for president the same year. Shortly after the massacre, CNNs Anderson Cooper asked Bondi, Do you really think you are a champion of the gay community? He shared that a large portion of the LGBTQ+ community in Orlando had told him she was being a hypocrite.Bondi claimed she was seeking to uphold the state constitution.Thats what I was defending, she said. It had nothing to do Ive never said I dont like gay people. Thats ridiculous.Asking about her opposition to marriage equality, Cooper continued, Are you saying you do not believe it would do harm to Florida?Of course not, of course not, Bondi replied. Gay people no, Ive never said that. Those words have never come out of my mouth.But they had. Bondi comes to her nomination for U.S. attorney general with close ties to Trumpworld.As Floridas attorney general, Bondi sat on the fence when a multi-state lawsuit was filed against Trump University, brought on behalf of students who claimed theyd been cheated. Following a $25,000 donation from a Trump-funded nonprofit, Bondis office declined to join the suit.After leaving her Florida attorney general post, Bondi joined Trumps first impeachment trial team and was later recruited to the MAGA-affiliated nonprofit America First Policy Institute, chaired by Trumps pick for secretary of education, Linda McMahon. Like Trumps first attorney general nominee Gaetz, McMahon is facing legal troubles after an indictment in October, alleging she was complicit in the sexual abuse of teenage ring boys at the WWE during her tenure.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.