Here are this weeks most popular positive stories, with some fun social media posts tossed in too. Like seeing uplifting content like this?Sign up for our Good News email.Schools back in session and our cafeteria is serving up heaping helpings of good news! This weeks menu includes some spicy drag queens, a sweet first date between two women, a big slice of community help, and a nice cool Texas drink to wash it all down.Were always interested in hearingyourgood news as well. So if you have any uplifting stories that youd like to see onLGBTQ Nation,write me an emailand you could find your tale at the head of the class. Hows that for being teachers pet? Cougars on the prowl! Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today View this post on Instagram A post shared by Devon Poole (@itsdevonpoole) Drag queens get payback after GOP politician tries to smear their reputationA New Hampshire state Republican thought he could talk trash about two local drag performers. But they fought back and taught him an important lesson: When you come for drag queens, you best not miss!Of course, drag queens have long been the glamorous warriors for the queer community. One fictional drag queenhelped raise some very real money for a queer youth charity, the musician Lizzogot a small army of drag queens to fight Tennessees anti-drag law, and one winner ofRuPauls Drag Racemade such an impression thatthey got a tribute on in the U.S. House of Representatives!Yasssss slay ladies, slay. This award-winning community organizer could become Floridas first out trans legislatorAshley Brundage created a scholarship foundation for youth and mentored children. Now, she could make history in The Sunshine State. Gay flight attendant wins job back after mystifying dismissalThe gay Virgin Australia flight attendant was dismissed from his job for the weirdest of reasons. Thankfully, he spoke up and is flying the friendly skies again.And now, some health advice from comedian Betty White View this post on Instagram A post shared by JASON ZEFFIR (@jasonzeffir) My first date with a girl went surprisingly wellShe went for a romantic beach walk with a woman named Penny now youre invited to be a fly on the wall and see how it all went. This story is guaranteed to make you smile. Texas brewery supports LGBTQ+ veterans with Big Gay BeerThe business turned lemons into lemonade, and helped queer military members in the process.Very demure TikToker Jools Lebrons viral fame is allowing her to fund her transitionLebrons workplace beauty advice caught on with celebrities and web users, and now she has partnered with brands like Verizon and Lyft. You go, gurl! Friends help each other out before a big day View this post on Instagram A post shared by PRIDE+GROOM (@pridegroomnyc) The White House is providing HIV funding to the people who need it mostThe Biden-Harris Administration is giving a $1.4 billion grant to poorer people living with HIV and its all part of a larger strategy to keep Americans happy and healthy.Lesbian DJ carries torch in Paralympic Opening CeremoniesDJ Barbara Bush appeared in a controversial Olympic Opening Ceremony segment featuring drag queens. Now shes stepping out to show that love and inclusion win. Hundreds march for trans visibility in DC: We stand tall because that is powerThe National Trans Visibility March returned to Washington, D.C., ensuring that trans people are a part of the national conversation. Youve never seen Titanic quite like this before View this post on Instagram A post shared by CM Omega (@cmyoshiiomega)From our sibling sites:OUTSPORTS:There are at least 41 out LGBTQ+ athletes at Paris Paralympics, a recordGAYCITIES:Welcome to the most unusual modern art museum in AmericaQUEERTY:Latin pop star Johann Vera comes out of the Closet & gets Ricky Martins approvalINTOMORE:This piece of rediscovered trans history will make your day

In a victory for trans students right to privacy and autonomy, the New Hampshire Supreme Court today affirmed a lower courts ruling that upheld a school districts policy respecting students personal pronouns and maintaining student privacy when appropriate.The court concluded that the plaintiff, the mother of a student in the Manchester School District identified only as Jane Doe, failed to demonstrate that the Policy infringes a fundamental parenting right. Related The forced outing of queer students is now illegal in Californias public schools LGBTQ+ students across California can breathe a sigh of relief now that the first-of-its-kind law was passed, one LGBTQ+ org said. In their opinion, the court went much further, shutting down definitively the mothers claim that the schools policy respecting students privacy infringed on her ability to properly parent her child. 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 Policy, the court wrote, does not prevent parents from observing their childrens behavior, moods, and activities; talking to their children; providing religious or other education to their children; choosing where their children live and go to school; obtaining medical care and counseling for their children; monitoring their childrens communications on social media; choosing with whom their children may socialize; and deciding what their children may do in their free time. In short, the Policy places no limits on the plaintiffs ability to parent her child as she sees fit.School districts across the country have been battling far-right school board members and their allies in turning back privacy protections for LGBTQ+ students, and trans kids in particular.GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and the ACLU of New Hampshire represented New Hampshire parent Heather Romeri and her trans son Nico, a New Hampshire high school student, on afriend-of-the-court brieffiled in the case,Jane Doe v. Manchester School District. It was important for me to have the support of other people I could trust to help me feel ready to talk to my parents, especially people who could help make it easier for me to talk to my mom, said Nico Romeri at the time the brief was filed.Added Nicos mother, Im so grateful that Nico has the support he needs in school. Of course I want my child to feel he can talk to me about anything, but above all I want him to feel safe and happy.Following todays ruling, GLAD Senior Staff Attorney Chris Erchull said, Schools must provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. Todays decision upholds that core value and allows schools to manage the educational environment so that all students have an equal and safe opportunity to learn. Added Henry Klementowicz, Deputy Legal Director at the ACLU of New Hampshire, Removing the Manchester School Districts existing, affirming policy would have created an environment where LGBTQ+ students dont feel safe being who they are and in school, they should feel safe, cared for, and able to learn to the best of their ability.Said trans high schooler Nico, Transgender students want the same opportunity to learn and be ourselves, just like any kid, without having to worry that adults at school will violate our trust. If someone had decided to tell my mom what they thought about my gender, it would have made things so much harder for me at school and at home.

The library is always open with this diva.Miss Fiercalicious has graced everyone's TV screens since her debut on season three Canada's Drag Race back in 2022.Since then, the star has earned herself more camera time by starring on The Traitors Canada and the most recent season of Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs. the World.Known for her quick tongue and sharp reads, this queen has no problem letting all of her co-stars have it on TV or on social media. So, let's highlight some of her best reads since she's just that entertaining.Scroll below to see our favorite shady Fiercalicious moments!5. Fiercalicious says Lisa Rinna 'doesn't look real.'@missfiercaliciousGuess im changing my name to Fabalicious 4. Fiercalicious says Ricky Cornish has a face for radio.See on Instagram3. Fiercalicious says the American queens should lip sync.@missfiercaliciousDid I lieeee Tune into @Canadas Drag Race Canada Vs The World S2 Fridays on @cravecanada2. Fiercalicious says Lemon has no loyalty. (@) 1. Fiercalicious' feud withKimmy Couture. (@)

The companies turning away from DEIWith the news this week that Ford Motor Co. is scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, its clear this is becoming a trend. Right-wingers have been railing against DEI for a while now, and one of the loudest is Robby Starbuck, a failed filmmaker and failed congressional candidate. He objects to companies sponsoring Pride events, supporting transgender employees, taking action against climate change, and more. Oh, and he thinks toxic chemicals turn people queer and that the COVID-19 vaccine is what killed Matthew Perry. But the anti-DEI movement is bigger than just Starbuck. Business experts have told CNN that Starbucks activism alone does not fully explain these decisions, and some companies commitments to diversity and inclusion were thin to start, the news channel reports. Heres a look at some of the major companies turning away from DEI.Ford Motor Co.An internal memo was leaked the last week in August that said Ford, which has nearly 200,000 employees, will back away from commenting publicly on the many polarizing issues of the day, although there may be times when its necessary, and that executives had already decided not to participate in external surveys such as the Human Rights Campaigns Corporate Equality Index. The memo said the company remains committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace but has more work to do in this area. We are mindful that our employees and customers hold a wide range of beliefs, and the external and legal environment related to political and social issues continues to evolve, it stated.Starbuck tweeted a copy of the memo and celebrated it, saying, Sanity is coming for corporate America.HRC President Kelley Robinson condemned the move. Today, Ford Motor Company abandoned its commitment to hundreds of thousands of employees by cowering to internet troll Robby Starbuck, and signaling that inclusion and other core values are no longer a priority in the workplace, her statement said.After decades of commitment to inclusion and top ratings on the HRC Foundation Corporate Equality Index, the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Disability:INs Disability Equality Index as well as their longstanding philanthropic record funding scholarships for Hispanic students, the Human Rights Campaign could not be more disappointed to see Ford Motor Company shirking its responsibility to its employees, consumers, and shareholders. By failing to support women leaders, employees of color, and LGBTQ+ employees, Ford Motor Company is abandoning its financial duty to recruit and keep top talent from across the full talent pool. In making their purchasing decisions, consumers should take note that Ford Motor Company has abandoned its commitment to our communities.HRC also noted that the organization evaluates every Fortune 500 company on issues of equality, whether or not that company submits additional information to HRC about its priorities and progress.John DeereJohn Deere, one of the nations leading farm equipment manufacturers, announced in July, We will no longer participate in or support external social or cultural awareness parades, festivals, or events. Business Resource Groups will exclusively be focused on professional development, networking, mentoring, and supporting talent recruitment efforts. Auditing all company-mandated training materials and policies to ensure the absence of socially motivated messages, while being in compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Reaffirming within the business that the existence of diversity quotas and pronoun identification have never been and are not company policy.Starbuck celebrated Deeres decision, while HRC called it a direct result of a coordinated attack by far-right extremists on American business.Lowe'sAn internal memo from home improvement retailer Lowes, obtained by multiple news outlets in August, informed employees that the company will no longer participate in the HRCs Corporate Equality index and that its internal employee support resources for those belonging to minority groups will all be combined into one umbrella program. The company also said it would end its sponsorship of and participation in community events such as parades, festivals, or fairs referring to LGBTQ+ Pride parades.Again, Starbuck praised the move and HRC denounced it. "Hasty, shortsighted decisions contrary to safe and inclusive workplaces will create a snowball effect of negative long-term consequences for companies, cutting them off from top talent, turning off LGBTQ+ and other consumers, and impacting companies' bottom line," said Orlando Gonzales, HRCs senior vice president of programs, research, and training.Harley-DavidsonHarley-Davidson, the iconic motorcycle company, also issued a memo in August, saying it was pulling out of the HRC index and that it would ensure that employee training will remain "absent of socially motivated content."We are saddened by the negativity on social media over the last few weeks, designed to divide the Harley-Davidson community, company officials wrote. As a company, we take this issue very seriously, and it is our responsibility to respond with clarity, action and facts.We remain committed to listening to all members of our community as we continue on our journey together as one Harley-Davidson, they added. United We Ride."Putting politics ahead of workers and consumers only hurts the same folks that these businesses rely on," said Eric Bloem, HRC vice president of programs and corporate advocacy. "Harley-Davidsons choice to back away from the Corporate Equality Index is an impulsive decision fueled by fringe right-wing actors and MAGA extremists who believe they can bully their way into dismantling initiatives that help everyone thrive in the workplace."Brown-FormanBrown-Forman, the maker of Jack Daniels whiskey and other beverages, told its employees in an August email that it would no longer participate in initiatives like the HRC index and that it would end "quantitative workforce and supplier diversity ambitions.""We will continue to foster an inclusive work environment where everyone is welcomed, respected, and able to bring their best self to work," the message from executive leadership stated. "We know it will not be easy to navigate the road ahead, but please know our deep belief in, and respect for, each of you remains constant."Tractor Supply Co.Tractor Supply Co., the Tennessee-based animal feed and farm retailer, announced in June LGBTQ+ Pride Month that it was abandoning all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives following a barrage of pressure from far-right activists.The changes include halting data submissions to the Human Rights Campaign, refocusing Team Member Engagement Groups on mentoring and networking, eliminating DEI roles, retiring current DEI goals, and shifting environmental focus from carbon emissions to land and water conservation. The company will cease sponsoring nonbusiness activities like Pride festivals and voting campaigns.Starbuck had posted a lengthy critique of the company on X earlier in the month. Its time to expose Tractor Supply, Starbuck began, listing grievances such as LGBTQIA+ training for employees, funding pride/drag events, a DEI Council, funding sex changes, climate change activism, Pride month decorations in the office, DEI hiring practices, and LGBTQIA+ events at work. He accused the companys CEO, Hal Lawton, of promoting woke priorities that do not align with Tractor Supplys customer base.Tractor Supply Co. is turning its back on their own neighbors with this shortsighted decision, HRCs Bloem said. LGBTQ+ people live in every zip code in this country, including rural communities. Companies from every industry work closely with us to be sure their employees and customers are respected, valued and can get the job done for their workforce and shareholders. Caving to far-right extremists is only going to hurt the same folks that these businesses rely on.

Yesterday, the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina announced that they are filing a lawsuit against heavy restrictions on gender-affirming care in the state owing to a recently passed bill.A law that takes away healthcare from people, that strips away the ability of parents to make medical decisions for their children, that criminalizes doctors who follow the established standards of care isnt just mean-spirited and harmful its also unconstitutional, said Jace Woodrum, Executive Director of the ACLU of South Carolina. Transgender South Carolinians should be able to get the medical care they need without politicians coming into their doctors offices with them. Thats why were challenging this dangerous law. Related Trans-affirming medical providers face increased stress & risk as states ban trans health care The waitlist is what keeps me up at night, one doctor in Minnesota which has seen an increase in people from red states seeking care said. The lawsuit concernsH.B. 4624, a total ban on gender-affirming care for minors that also restricts care for adults by removing gender-affirming care from the state Medicaid plan and by prohibiting the use of public funds for this care. 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 This ban led to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), the only public, statewide hospital system in the state, shutting down their gender-affirming care treatments, leading to many people being forcibly removed from their gender-affirming care plans.The plaintiffs and their lawyers argue that, because the restrictions only apply to transgender peoples gender-affirmign care and are not implemented broadly, it constitutes discrimination against transgender individuals and thus is a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment, the Affordable Care Act, the American Disabilities Act, and the Rehabilitation Act. The Fourteenth Amendments Equal Protection Clause requires government impartiality, while the other three laws ban discrimination in various areas, including in health care.A primary part of the argument is that there is no legal justification for the bans and that they are the result of an ideological slant by lawmakers in the state. The complaint references how organizations like the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and the Endocrine Society back gender-affirming care. It also discusses the harms that this ban would do to those who are currently seeking out or undergoing gender-affirming care in the state, likely forcing them to move to another state.They reference the harm this would do to the plaintiffs, who include both adult and minor transgender individuals. This includes forcing them to go off of their gender-affirming care, being forcibly detransitioned, being unable to afford treatment, and being forced to undergo a puberty that they dont want to. One plaintiff even is having his surgery delayed because of MUSCs shutdown, which is causing additional financial and potentially physical harm. The ACLU is seeking out relevant temporary and permanent injunctions against the defendants and H.B. 4624, a waiving of fees for the plaintiffs, and for the costs and expenses of the plaintiffs to be covered.South Carolina House Majority Leader and bill sponsor David Hiott (R) said to Live 5 News shortly after the bill was passed, When God created us, he created us male and female, and thats it. There is no other choice, and all these other folks that want to change that from birth or change that through their life, we need to stand up against that.I feel so lucky and fortunate to be supported and affirmed by so many wonderful people who accept me for who I am, said plaintiff Sterling Misanin of Charleston, South Carolina, in a written statement.My family continues to be extremely supportive of me living as the man that I am. In Charleston, I have a wonderful community who make me feel safe and seen. But the actions by MUSC have caused me significant harm, and I am devastated that my state has interfered in my access to life-saving health care. I am an adult, and I know myself better than my state does, and I cannot stay silent about the very real harms that this law inflicts on transgender people like me. A spokesperson for the state attorney general said to The Guardian that they decline to comment but will vigorously defend the states laws.The plaintiffs in the case include Sterling Misanin, Jane Doe, Jill Ray, Nina Noe and her parent Nancy Noe, Grant Goe and his parent Gary Goe. They are represented by attorneys from the ACLU and Selendy Gay. The defendants include the state attorney general, the Department of Health and Human Services in the state, the Public Employee Benefit Authority, the President of MUSC, and the Board of MUSC.

Former President Donald Trump on Thursday scrambled to salvage any hope of earning the votes of suburban women and others opposed to Republican efforts to strip them of their bodily autonomy, even denouncing his states six-week abortion ban and promising free in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.We want more babies, to put it very nicely, Trump pandered. Related Southern Baptists just voted to oppose IVF Republicans are scrambling to combat the perception that theyll ban IVF in an election year, but many religious conservatives oppose the procedure. Fearing the impact of two years of judicial and legislative assault on reproductive freedoms in the wake of the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which ended federal protections for abortion rights, Trump went on offense Thursday, trying to soften his image on the issue. 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 At a town hall in Michigan hosted by the anti-LGBTQ+ former Democratic Congresswoman and failed presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, Trump claimed not only that he was a big supporter of IVF but that a second Trump administration would pay for thetreatments.Im announcing today in a major statement that under the Trump administration, your government will pay for, or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for, all costs associated with IVF treatment, the former president said in Potterville.And for this same reason, we will also allow new parents to deduct major newborn expenses from their taxes so that parents that have a beautiful baby will be able, so were pro-family, Trump continued.Ive been in favor of IVF right from the beginning, Trump added.He didnt specify how the free treatments which normally run into the tens of thousands of dollars and higher would be paid for or who would be eligible.IVF is a popular family-building tool for LGBTQ+ people.The Alabama Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that fertilized embryos had the same rights as children and adults, and their destruction in the process of IVF was murder. Assigning personhood to fertilized embryos is at the heart of Republicans efforts to ban abortion and hasnt changed despite Trumps efforts to paint a more moderate picture.I kept hearing that Im against it, and Im actually very much for it, Trump reiterated at an event in Wisconsin later in the day. The Harris-Walz campaign wasnt buying it.Donald Trumps own platform could effectively ban IVF and abortion nationwide, said Sarafina Chitika, a campaign spokesperson, following Trumps promises of free stuff.Trump lies as much if not more than he breathes, but voters arent stupid, she added.In another effort to gaslight the public on Republicans true intentions around reproductive freedoms, Trump prevaricated in an interview with NBC on whether he would support Amendment 4 in his home state of Florida. The ballot initiative would render moot the states draconian six-week abortion ban in favor of restrictions in line with Roe.Well, I think the six weeks is too short. It has to be more time, Trump said. And Ive told them that I want more weeks. Shortly after, the Trump campaign walked back the candidates declaration.In a statement to CNN, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, President Trump has not yet said how he will vote on the ballot initiative in Florida, he simply reiterated that he believes six weeks is too short.Both the Republican platform and Project 2025, the Heritage Foundations Christian nationalist-inspired blueprint for a second coming of the former president, redound with policy aimed at curtailing the right to choose.While the platform was watered down to avoid any mention of a national ban on abortion, both that document and Project 2025 lay the groundwork for revoking FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, using the Comstock Act to prosecute people who send abortion pills through the mail, ending an insurance mandate for other contraceptive coverage, requiring states to report where women seeking abortions live, and ending subsidies for stem cell or fetal cell research.

In and out of drag, RuPaul is one of the most notoriously stylish celebs around, and he's given us all a look into what that storing that wardrobe looks like, and it does NOT disappoint. He once said, "You want to make more money? You like money? Wear a suit." Well he's got plenty of suits, and at least enough money to buy those suits their own two bedroom in Beverly Hills.RuPaul's closet is on par with the most iconic closets of all time: Miley Stewart's secret Hannah Montana closet, Cher Horowitz's high-tech outfit matchmaker from Clueless, and of course Princess Mia Thermopolis's walk-in wardrobe from Princess Diaries 2. But RuPaul is living the fantasy in real life.The drag superstar had previously given a home tour to Architectural Digest for their "Open Door" series of his extravagant Beverly Hills mansion, but was not able to include a closet tour this in depth during the interview.See on InstagramAfter getting a taste of his home, fans have been begging for a deeper dive into the closet. Well, those who ask, receive. He begins the video tour, "Okay, here it is: the male drag closet. You've been asking to see it, and I'm going to show it to you. Come on in!" The camera pans into an area bigger than my apartment. This is not a closet, this is a department store that RuPaul has franchised. I can hear him now, "Alright ladies, for today's mini challenge, I hope you packed your Kohl's Cash!" It's a lot to take in.He explains this area wasn't initially a walk-in closet- a fact you can immediately assess with your human eyes because most closets don't have their own zip code. This was, he said, "Two bedrooms that we turned into my male drag closet to house my suits." You might recognize many of them as the suits sported while RuPaul is in boy drag on RuPaul's Drag Race. "How many suits are in here?" he wonders allowed. Answer, "I have no idea."This is lifetime's worth of love for fashion on display, with the oldest suit dating back "at least 30 years" and some so new they've yet to be worn! The closet is as practical as it is archival.RuPaul says his love of fashion comes from his mother, who he describes as "very silhouette conscious."Of course, it doesn't just end with the suits. A suit is a suit, but it's not an ensemble without accessories. There are dozens up dozens of hats, scarves, and RuPaul's eye-conic glasses. There's also a dedicated shoe closet that would make Carrie Bradshaw weep with envy.The tour is worth watching, and rewatching. There's something new to ogle at every time. Hopefully, we'll get a woman drag closet tour, but that would take well over two minutes. The man drag closet tour can be watched below!@rupaulofficialCloset Tour Part 1: Male Drag Closet

Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher is hot as hell on social media right now, and she's using her platform for a number of good things. Now, that includes an official endorsement of Kamala Harris for President of the United States.Maher skyrocketed to worldwide attention during the 2024 Olympics, where she helped the U.S. Women's Sevens team take home their first bronze medal. In the process, she became the most followed rugby player in the world on Instagram, currently boasting over 3.8 million followers.Those numbers matter, as they demonstrate the scope of Maher's reach even when she's off the field.During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, she made it clear she intends to use that reach to advocate for issues that matter to her. Specifically, she went on to mention abortion rights as something at the top of her mind, particularly when she considers others in less privileged situations."I have enough money that if I didn't need an abortion, I could raise a baby myself," Maher said. "If I wanted to get abortion, I could do that. So I have that privilege [but] it scares me about the other girls. I have options and I want to remember that, my followers don't all have that."See on InstagramAs for her interest in the upcoming presidential election, she told Sports Illustrated, "I think it's going to be cool because there is an opportunity to have female representation and to change this country in a way that I think will benefit us."When asked directly if that should be taken as an endorsement for Harris, Maher confirmed."Thats a Kamala Harris endorsement," she said.

In a rare move, two amicus briefs were filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and 16 state attorneys general plus the District of Columbia in support of a Georgia teacher who was fired from a public school for reading a book with LGBTQ+ themes to her classroom.The DOJ and States involvement reflects the significant impact of this case on the future of public education across the country, the Southern Poverty Law Centers interim deputy legal director, Michael J. Tafelski, toldLGBTQ Nation. All students deserve the freedom to learn in schools where their identities are affirmed, and clearly the DOJ and states across the country agree. Related Teacher sues school district after she was fired for reading a book about accepting others The school said it was a controversial issue to talk about acceptance. The case is Rinderle v. Cobb County School District., a lawsuit filed in February of this year after fifth-grade teacher Katherine Rinderle was fired from Cobb County School District after reading the book My Shadow is Purple to her class at Due West Elementary School in March of 2023. The book was at the schools Scholastic Book Fair and is about a child who seeks acceptance for their gender nonconformity.Rinderly is suing under Title IX, the law that bans discrimination on the basis of sex in education. The Biden administration has interpreted this to include a ban on anti-LGBTQ+ education since its impossible to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people without taking sex into account. A teacher and student are also plaintiffs in the case that alleges her firing is indicative of a hostile environment rife with sex-based discrimination against gender-nonconforming people. 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 DOJ brief states that the United States takes no position on the merits of Plaintiffs Title IX claim, or on the accuracy of the allegations in support of that claim and instead wants the court to consider the effects of the schools policies on students.The DOJ argues that the District Court for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division, which has jurisdiction in this case, has to evaluate the merit of the claims based on the totality of evidence, with particular focus on the schools policies. Moreover, the DOJ said that its interest in the case is that teachers who often possess unique and direct knowledge of discrimination experienced by students in their schools be able to speak out without facing retaliation.The school district invoked an interpretation of their Divisive Concepts policies that prohibit LGBTQ+ content in the classroom. An email from a parent who complained about the book-reading said that anything in the genre of LGBTQ and queer' counts as divisive. The principal forwarded that email to the districts central office, and Rinderle was suspended several days later and fired a few months after that.The DOJ argues that the defendants claim that Title IX doesnt apply because this is a case of LGBTQ+ discrimination. In response, the DOJ references the Department of Education, Supreme Court, and three court of appeals decisions in backing the legitimacy of citing Title IX for LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination policies.They additionally cited allegations of anti-LGBTQ+ bullying and harassment within the school district, which the DOJ believes the school policies have enabled. The brief concludes, Therefore, in assessing for purposes of Rinderles Title IX retaliation claim whether the Complaint plausibly alleges that she reasonably and in good faith believed that a hostile environment based on sex existed for LGBTQ and gender nonconforming students, this Court should consider, as part of the totality of the circumstances, the alleged effects of the Districts interpretation and enforcement of its Divisive Concepts Policies.The states and D.C.s brief includes the states of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Vermont. They all state that the school districts policies censoring LGBTQ+ content, dubbed censorship policies, are of unusual characterunique in its breadth and failure to meaningfully advance legitimate pedagogical goalsprovides an additional indication that the policies are constitutionally suspect.The core argument of the brief is that the policies within the school district harm LGBTQ+ youth. The brief cites research on the matter. They argue that the states represented in the amicus brief have more legitimate educational policies as they serve to protect LGBTQ+ youth with the aim of furthering their education.Amici States also recognize the indisputable fact that LGBTQ people are part of American life and therefore include LGBTQ experiences and contributions in history and social studies education, the states write. By statute, seven Amici States have promulgated history or social studies curricular requirements relating to LGBTQ Americans. Other Amici States have undertaken similar efforts to update curricular standards to include LGBTQ people.The research they draw from, which includes data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a systemic review from Cornell University, the Michigan Department of Education, and a GLSEN research survey, among other publications, suggests that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to be bullied than their cisgender and heterosexual peers, which leads to more negative mental health effects in the population. They conclude by arguing that the amicus brief states may need to spend additional costs addressing the potential negative effects from Georgia due to an influx of LGBTQ+ youth and their families moving to their states.The briefs are in opposition to the defendants Cobb County School District, the districts superintendent, the county Board of Education, and Chris Dowd, a former Atlanta Police Department officer and current employee of the district who was sued for acting unlawfully in a raid on a gay bar in 2009. The plaintiffs are represented by the Goodmark Law Firm, the Law Offices of Gerry Weber, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the National Education Association and the Southern Education Foundation.

A federal court upheld Alabamas ban on gender-affirming care in a 173-page decision that argued that parents do not have a right to get their kids gender-affirming care thats deeply rooted in the nations history and traditions.A three-judge panel had already sided with the state of Alabama on its ban on gender-affirming care. In this weeks decision, a majority of the 11 judges on the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appealsdeclined to reconsider the three-judge panels decision. Related A small town tried to shut down a Pride festival. The ACLU fought back and won. However, the legal battle is still ongoing, with organizers alleging mistreatment by the city Two appointees of President Donald Trump, U.S. Circuit Judges Barbara Lagoa and Andrew Brasher, participated in the ruling. Lagoa wrote the original opinion from the three-judge panel as well as a concurring opinion in the full courts decision and drew from the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Medical Center, where Justice Samuel Alito wrote that the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not protect any right not deeply rooted in the nations history and traditions. 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 Lagoa further said that there is no historical record that affirms a parental right for their children to receive gender-affirming care and that the ban did not violate the 14th Amendments Equal Protection Clause.U.S. Circuit Court Judge Robin S. Rosenbaum appointed by former President Barack Obama wrote the dissent. Rosenbaum was joined by fellow Obama appointees U.S. Circuit Court Judge Jill A. Pryor and partially joined by U.S. Circuit Court Judge Adalberto Jordan.Rosenbaum said that Lagoa used unprecedented methodology, which instructed judges to look at how the treatment was considered in 1868 when the 14th Amendment was ratified. In her dissenting opinion, Rosenbaum wrote that in the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, blistering, blood-letting, and leeches are in, but antibiotics, antivirals, and organ transplants are out.U.S. Circuit Court Judge Charles R. Wilson also dissented in a separate opinion, joined by Jordan. Jordan wrote a dissenting opinion, joined by Rosenbaum and Pryor. The 2022 ban says that it is a felony, carrying a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, for physicians to prescribe puberty blockers or hormones to transgender individuals under the age of 19. The law also prohibits genital surgeries, though genital surgeries are not performed on minors in Alabama. The Southern Poverty Law Center, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, and the Human Rights Campaign, which represented the plaintiffs in the case, were disappointed by the ruling but encouraged by the dissenting opinions, they said in a Wednesday statement.Families, not the government, should make medical decisions for children, they wrote. The evidence presented in the case overwhelmingly showed that the banned treatments provide enormous benefits to the adolescents who need them, and that parents are making responsible decisions for their own children. We will continue to challenge this harmful measure and to advocate for these young people and their parents. Laws like this have no place in a free country.

Pop music is BACK!It feels like it's been years since we've had gay bops ruling the charts, but 2024 has truly delivered with countless girly anthems taking over our playlists this summer.With so many artists dropping new projects this year, there's been a ton of songs that the gays have listened to on repeat throughout the hot months this year.Charli xcx gagged everyone with BRAT even infiltrating The White House, while Chappell Roan's rapid success has turned her into a household name overnight.Plus, who can forget powerhouses Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish who are having huge moments in their respective careers as well?Thankfully, Spotify has released the top five songs of the summer and the majority of them are thanks to the girls and gays!In no particular order, check out the top tracks that Spotify chose to represent the summer of '24.Espresso - Sabrina CarpenterUndeniably, "Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter is the song of the summer for the gays.In fact, Carpenter is the only pop girl to stay on top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart throughout the summer as men continue to dominate the industry this year.Along with "Espresso," Carpenter has another hit on her hands with "Please Please Please" and these two bops are certainly giving the gays everything they need as they take a trip to the pool.It's safe to say women are certainly working hard this year and feeding the gays like it's 2014 all over again!BIRDS OF A FEATHER - Billie EilishSpeaking of powerful women, Billie Eilish is having another incredible year in her career at just 22 years old.Not only did she drop the beautiful song "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" as part of her critically acclaimed album HIT ME HARD AND SOFT, but she also hopped on the 'brat summer' trend by collaborating with Charli xcx on the remix of "Guess."Eilish brings a queer flare to the remix, so it's quite literally a song made for the gays.HOT TO GO! - Chappell RoanSpeaking of gays, we can't forget this year's breakout LGBTQ+ artist... Chappell Roan!The out and proud singer took over the world after her viral performances throughout the year at Coachella, Governors Ball Music Festival, and Lollapalooza.People have been posting countless amounts of videos doing viral the "HOT TO GO!" dance, so that just shows Roan has made her impact in pop culture.Not Like Us - Kendrick LamarThe gays love their drama and Kendrick Lamar served some hot tea on his hit "Not Like Us."Lamar has been feuding with Drake for quite some time and the two dropped diss tracks that everyone couldn't stop talking about.It seems that Lamar may have come out on top as "Not Like Us" spent 28 consecutive days at the top spot on Spotifys US Chart.A Bar Song (Tipsy) - ShaboozeyFinally, everyone loves a catchy sing-along and Shaboozey dropped the perfect bop to stomp your feet to with "A Bar Song (Tipsy)."Even if you don't know all of the words, you've certainly heard this song at the pool, bar, or your neighborhood convenience store.The bop also took over the charts on Spotify around the world including Australia, Canada, Ireland, Norway, Sweden and the U.S.

Dont call it a Ru-demption, just call her Ru-ler of the mother pucking world. Season two of Canadas Drag Race: Canada vs the World saw some seriously heavy hitters from across the Drag Race global universe going head to head in the Great White North. Among them were iconic queens Kennedy Davenport, Alexis Mateo, and Eureka of the United States. Along with U.K. fan fave Cheryl, who truly is in her glow-up era, and the always (iconically) mouthy Miss Fiercalicious who brought the drama and a package to die for and thats just the top five well, six if you count the Canadian queen who managed to lap them in the race and snatch the crown, Lemon. This season, Lemon made it clear that she was on a mission, not just to win for the sake of winning but to prove to herself, her sisters, and the rest of the world that she really is a winner. Anyone who questioned that, stands corrected today. Lemon came correct this season with a package that made our pocketbooks hurt, incredible performance skills, and ruthless reads, and she was ready to let loose and have fun in the acting challenges. All of which made her not only one to watch but one to try and keep up with. When the dust settled and she had managed to beat Kennedy and Alexis in a lip-sync showdown no small feat she earned her spot among Drag Race royalty. Her fans cheered, while a small but oh-so-loud minority in the audience predictably started claiming rigga morris. PRIDE sat down with Lemon to talk about her meteoric season, her connection to her sisters and the drama. She dishes on whether or not there was a secret alliance among the girls, why she was determined to win by beating the fiercest competition the show had to offer, and why criticism from the fandom rolls off her back and will never make her bitter. it feel real?LEMON: It definitely doesnt. I dont think that it ever will. At the end of the day, no matter how much success we have as people, theres always going to be the imposter syndrome knocking at the back of your head saying, like, But youre just a person. But I think thats the magic of it, and I think thats what continues you pushing yourself and working hard. Im just a person, and I walk my dog and I pick up his shit, too.Do you remember in old magazines they did that, celebrities, theyre just like us, thing and it would just be shots of people getting groceries? I remember [seeing] that and being like, Wow, theyre just like us! But why wouldnt they be getting their own groceries? Thats crazy.I do! But the question is, are you now getting your groceries while wearing your crown and scepter?I havent been sent my crown and scepter yet because once they do I will not be taking them off. They always say wearing a crown is bad luck, but Ive worn 10,000 crowns in my life, and I just won Drag Race, so I feel like that cant be true, so I should just keep my crown on forever now. I agree! So, last time we spoke, we talked about how one of your reasons for coming back was to have the opportunity to redeem yourself. Did it work? Do you feel redeemed?I feel more than redeemed. I almost feel like I did too well because now people are mad that I did so well. Theyre in my comments saying, Oh, favoritism, favoritism! You win a competition by the judges picking you as your favorite. So, yes, favoritism, and its not a bad thing, diva. You wish you could get favored like me!I love that! Because Ive seen the inevitable discourse online. On the right they have COVID denial, on the left we have Drag Race delusion. I love it. I do think we have to be realistic at a certain point because there are some things that people say that Im like, Okay, thats crazy. But at the end of the day, I think Kennedy, Alexis, Cheryl, and every single queen from the season is so, so talented. In another universe, they won this season just based on preparation or something happening. If you think someone else should have won, thats amazing, because I love them, and I hope all of the queens eventually get a crown. But factually, I still won.I loved seeing some of the recent winners rally around you, like Angeria Paris Van Michaels and Tia Kofi. I saw you guys joking you needed to have a group chat. So, did that group chat happen? If so, is it poppin, and is anybody else in it?Were gonna start a group chat very soon, and put all of the winners in it, just so I can start sending memes to them!The thing that is crazy is lately, every single queen who goes home is robbed, every single queen who makes it to the end its rigged, and every single queen who wins, its rigged for them. You guys, if you say this about everyone, it doesnt mean anything anymore. You said that about Jinkx fucking Monsoon! You said it about Alaska. You said it about Shea Coule. You said it about Tia Kofi and you said it about Angeria. So if youre gonna loop me in with those girls, be my guest.Yes, that part! So lets talk about the drama that popped off with Miss Fiercalicious in the finale and Alliances! Now that the show is over, be real, were you in any alliances? I dont think I ever said word for word alliance. I dont like the word. I dont like the implications. I said from five seconds into the season that I want to win this, but I want to do it fairly. Was there an alliance? No, not at all. Not according to me. Let me ask the universe this: Do you all think that if Fiercalicious had had a chance to save me, you really fucking think that bitch would have saved me? Because I could tell you, from the bottom of my heart, that she would never. No, thats not true, she might have. Thats the whole thing about an alliance, you cant just say no matter what happens, Im going to save you. For me, I was looking at the bottom three, and my thought process was, if Kennedy Davenport goes home tonight then it doesnt matter if I win, because everyones going to say, Oh, well, Lemon purposely sent Kennedy home because its the only way she could win. So that was why I was like Kennedy has to stay, she is the toughest competition. She has two wins, and if Im going to win, it has to be against Kennedy Davenport. I do believe that and I did.That does make sense. If anything, I thought maybe you had an alliance with Alexis and Kennedy. If anyone on Earth has tried Kennedys mac and cheese, youd have an alliance with her too bitch, because the girl knows how to keep you fed and happy and healthy. Shes just as a light and such a wonderful spirit to be with. But no, there was no alliance there either. For me, there were no alliances. I didnt need an alliance. I was never in the bottom. So why would I have agreed to that? I won the first week, why would I need an alliance? Fuck you guys.I grew up as a dance competition girly and I lost every time. I never won a title. I never won Young Dancer of the Year. I never ever won it. But the point of it isnt to win, its to go and compete and its to go and try and win. Its to go and compete harder next year and then I still didnt fucking win. Did that ruin my life? No, absolutely not. Is not winning Drag Race going to ruin someones life? No, not at all. Theres room for all of us to work, be booked, and have fun. Most of these bitches dont even live in our country. So theyre fine, were all going to be fine. You dont lose Drag Race and they take you into the back and put you down with a shot like a dog. As the lyrics from one of my all-time favorite rapstresses once said, Its not that deep.It really isnt. I came into this competition so prepared and so ready to compete that it was hard to compete against me and thats a good thing. But at the same time, there were legends there that were hard to compete against, too. I personally feel that I did exactly what everyone else did, and I competed fair and square. I showed up and brought my best, and this time, it was my time.You did ultimately manifest the thing that you wanted: You faced down both Kennedy and Alexis in the finale. Starting with a lip sync against Kennedy and that moment where you both pulled the same song, you both looked plucked! I really love Kennedy, and she is one of my favorite performers. So immediately, when we were supposed to lip sync against each other in round one, I was like, no, because I wanted to have, frankly, the top two lip sync with me and Kennedy. She had done so well throughout the whole competition, I really did want to see her in that place. But to go up against her first was really scary.At the same time, as much as she is a legend, Im a legend in a lot of ways, too. So I had to let go of the idea of like, Oh, Im not blah blah, blah because at the end of the fucking day, I got called to do the same competition she did. So we were on the same level in my mind. And it was really to me about whos going to kill this lip sync.I knew every single word, I knew every single breath. There is not a shot of me in the entire lip sync, no matter how long or how edited, where I dont know the words. Im always on the music. So, yes, it was tight, but at the end of the day, someones got to win it.I would imagine its probably validating to see that she had nerves as well. She sees you in the same way that you see her.That was a huge honor for Kennedy to say she didnt want to have to lip-sync against me right away. I love Kennedy. I hope eventually she does get a drag race crown. Shes a fucking star. Even without a crown, shes still one of those legendary girls. And I hope after this season, she can really recognize that as well and see herself in that top tier of Drag Race girls because she deserves it.If theres anything thats going to happen on Drag Race, its that these girls are going to come back! You have now won a crown, whats next for you? Do you have a new dream and does it involve All Winners? I dont know. Would I ever say no to Drag Race? Im not sure. I love the show. I love to compete. I love putting together a package. And frankly, the more times you do it, the better you get at it. Now I know exactly who to call and what to ask for. So, I guess maybe thats my answer, but who knows until it happens. For me, whats next is to continue what I have been doing, which is work hard, constantly, and continue to improve my drag. Continue to make myself that bitch.The competitive dancer in me is of the mindset that a win is not the end. You don't get the win and it's like, 'Well, now I can relax.' It's actually the opposite. So, there's so much in the works. I'm going on tour internationally and I have a new album coming out. I'm working on getting myself back into television and I've been writing TV shows and pitching them. There will be lots more Lemon in the future. And the truth is, that's good for all of us, because lemon is a super fruit and it's really good for your skin.

A candidate for city council in Warren County villagesaid he was not appointed to a vacant seat because he is gay.Waynesville resident David Nation was the only candidate who met the July 10 application deadlinefor the seat. Still, the city extended the application process before selecting a person who applied after the deadline to fill the seat. Related GOP governor signs executive order telling state not to enforce Bidens Title IX rules The first state to ban trans kids from school sports is trying to block federal guidance. The council appointed Lyle Anthony in a 4-2 vote on July 31. 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 It was definitely blatant discrimination because Im gay, and theres just no beating around the bush about it, said Nation.Nation is 42 years old and has lived in Waynesville for 14 years. He works as a director for a business in Miamisburg, a nearby town. Records show that Councilman Chris Colvin said he did not support Nation, in part because his application documents included core achievements focused on diversity and inclusion. Colvin also cited the fact that Nation is a founding member of the Rainbow Alliance ERG, which advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in local government, businesses, and educational institutions.Law director Jeff Forbessaid that the villages charter does not bind the council to pick a candidate by the July 10 deadline, according to records from an August 5 meeting. Nation agreed with this. As the charter is written, it was done appropriately because there is no deadline set, he said. Mayor Isaacs said the decision was one of the hardest he has had on the council,pointing out that Nation has done much community work, including fundraising for the Museum at the Friends Home, which preserves the villages history. Nation said he is a longtime museum member and spearheaded the renovation. Mr. Nation was the only candidate who met the bar set by the village in submitting his resume, village resident Robert Bowen said in a letter he read to the council.This village has opened this selection to a civil rights violation, an EEOC complaint, and possible lawsuit, Bowen said, referencing a U.S. Supreme Court ruling and Colvins July 31 comments.Nation said, I wont disclose that information when asked what plans he has regarding the councils decision. He said, Im trying to look at all resources at this moment in time, and I just want to make sure that Im doing everything in my power to ensure that this doesnt happen to other candidates. However, I will say that I am going to continue pursuing everything I can in order to make change happen.The Dayton Daily News said that when it contacted both Waynesville Mayor Earl Issacs, who voted for Anthony, and Councilwoman Connie Miller, who voted against Anthonys appointment, both declined to comment on the issue.

Donald Trump appeared to say that his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), isnt weird because hes so straight.Trump was speaking at a town hall event in LaCross, Wisconsin, yesterday with former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii when he discussed how the Harris-Walz campaign has been calling Republicans and especially Vance weird. Related JD Vance rages at lesbian stepmom for being childless & brainwashing children Her not having biological children really disorients me, and it really disturbed me, Vance said. They picked this guy, Trump said, referring to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), who has been vocal about calling Vance and Trump weird. He is weird! Right? Im not weird, hes weird. 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 No, hes a weird guy, hes a weird dude, Trump continued. You know, they come up with soundbites, they always have soundbites, and one of the things is that J.D. and I are weird.Then Trump defended himself and Vance from the weird charges, calling Vance so straight and a top student.This guy is so straight? J.D. is so Hes doing a great job, smart, top student, great guy, hes not weird and Im not weird. I mean, were a lot of things, were not weird. Trump: I'm not weird. He's weird. He's a weird guy. He is a weird dude. They say JD and I are weird. That guy is sooo straight, JD. pic.twitter.com/YQaq8IEqK6 Acyn (@Acyn) August 30, 2024The Harris-Walz campaign started pounding Trump and Vance for being weird in July, shortly after Biden announced that he was stepping out of the race. The insult may seem like it underplays how progressives view a potential Trump second term, but it has gotten an oversized reaction from many on the right.Part of the issue is that conservatives often construct their identities around the idea that they are normal and people who are different from them LGBTQ+ people in particular are abnormal or weird. Many have responded to the weird accusations by simply stating that queer people are, to them, more weird.So perhaps its not surprising that Trump would use Vances heterosexuality as a defense against the weird accusations. Another possibility is that Trump wasnt saying much of anything when he called Vance so straight and instead was having issues with remaining coherent. Trump struggled to stick to topics at the town hall event, rambling from one subject to another without making a point. At one point in his appearance, he suggested that wind power was a reason that people arent eating much bacon anymore (which isnt true bacon consumption has increased every year except for one in the U.S. since 2011, according to the MRI-Simmons National Consumer Survey). Trump: Some people don't eat bacon anymore. This was caused by their horrible energy. Wind. They want wind all over the place. When it doesn't blow, we have a problem. pic.twitter.com/z9FnkHnYOU Acyn (@Acyn) August 30, 2024At another point in the event, Trump said that 107% of jobs created in the past several years are going to illegal immigrants. This is not only impossible, but its also far from the truth. According to Forbes, American-born people in the workforce have increased by 6% under President Joe Biden. There has also been an increase in foreign-born workers getting jobs in the U.S., but Labor Department statistics include both undocumented and documented immigrants in that number.Trump: I don't know if you heard the latest statistic that of the jobs these people created, which is very little, every single job was taken, about 107%, by illegal immigrants. There has been no job creation from them. pic.twitter.com/3SpFVhdsR2 Acyn (@Acyn) August 30, 2024 Trump also claimed that its legal in Minnesota for a mother to execute a baby after they are born. This is not true.Trump lies that in Minnesota it's legal for moms to execute their born babies. Someone wake up the fact checkers please! pic.twitter.com/to6NAyxy9S Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 30, 2024

Yes, Pornhub is sponsoring some girl-on-girl action from Stormy Daniels and Anna Delvey, but its not what youre thinking!Page Six reports that Daniels, the best-selling author, reality TV host, and former adult film star who served as a key witness in Donald Trumps hush money trial, and Delvey, the fraudulent New York socialite whose crimes served as the inspiration for Netflixs Inventing Anna, are coming together to speak on a panel. The panel is part of DigitalFutures, an event produced by Pornhub's Terms of Service podcast.The panel will be moderated by Terms of Service's cohosts, Pornhub brand ambassador and celebrated adult performer Asa Akira, and Pornhub's Head of Brand and Community Alex Kekesi. The panel will focus on the future, especially on themes of sexuality, identity, and the roles digital censorship, "algorithmic oppression", and AI will play in our lives going forward. The event serves to launch the second season of Terms of Service, and will take place on September 12 at 6 pm at NeueHouse Madison Square.See on InstagramSee on Instagram

The ever-growing lexicon of LBTQ+ terms and identities is hard to keep up with, but it's important to do so to make sure we're staying inclusive of everybody.A term you may see floating around online -- here included -- is "Sapphic," which has gained popularity on social media apps like TikTok. What you might not know, or understand, is what "Sapphic" actually is. More importantly, you might not understand how it differs from the term "lesbian," or whether the two can be used interchangeably. It's all good, we get it: We have a hard time keeping up with it all sometimes, too.Fortunately, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking to brush up your knowledge or figure out what it is for the first time, keep reading for some fun facts about the term "sapphic," including where it came from and how it got so popular.What does sapphic mean?Sapphic is an umbrella term or label thats generally used to describe a woman who is attracted to another woman. However, the umbrella term stretches further to include lesbians, bisexual/pansexual women, trans femmes, mascs, and nonbinary folks, as well as cis women instead of just catering to cis women only.However, unlike these sexualities, sapphic aims to focus more on attraction thats less about any specific gender identity and more about the potential lover themselves. Unlike being a woman who loves women (WLW), being sapphic can also mean you have an attraction to men.Whats the difference between sapphic and lesbian?As with most identities, there are a lot of nuances to figure out. Firstly, it's important to note that there is a distinction between being a lesbian and being sapphic. Its also important to remember that, although lesbians can be sapphic, not every sapphic is a lesbian. Thus, the term cannot be used interchangeably.Also, sapphic is more gender-inclusive than the WLW acronym attached to being a lesbian. Many nonbinary people, particularly those assigned female at birth, feel more aligned with cisgender sapphics in terms of dating and relationships. The umbrella term allows for this more inclusive experience for everyone.Where did the term originate?The history of the term Sapphic is a fun one, and its almost exclusively linked to the history of the term lesbian, as well. Its rooted in ancient Greece with the poet Sappho, who lived on the Island of Lesbos around 600 B.C. and was renowned for her lyrical poetry. She often expressed interest in both men and women, and her poems were always personal and captured the essence of love and passion.Although the World History Encyclopedia notes there isnt any confirmation of Sappho being gay, it does say that the little that remains of her work suggests that she was and confirms that her name inspired both the Sapphic and lesbian terms. Very little is known about her, and out of the nine volumes of her original work, only 650 lines survived.Allegedly, Sapphos work was purposefully destroyed by the medieval church to suppress lesbian love poetry.When did the term become popular?According to Merriam-Webster, the first known use of the term Sapphic was used as an adjective in 1501, then as a noun in 1586. However, many people believe the term gained popularity in the 1800s when the archives of Sapphos poetry were discovered, despite what little remained of her work.On the flip side, we have the term bisexual, which Etymology Online says didnt exist until 1824, but not in general use until the 1950s. Prior to that, terms like bisexous and bisexuous were used, particularly for intersex people known then as hermaphrodites.Since lesbian is exclusive to WLW, the term Sapphic started gaining traction around the same time the word bisexual entered into more mainstream use. Its still a little unclear if the original wave of popularity included all women who loved women or just those who exclusively did so. Either way, the term was used as a synonym for lesbian in the mid-to-late 20th century. How is sapphic used within the community today?Now, the term has branched out to be more inclusive and even become popularized on social media apps like TikTok. In 2014, there was a spike in searching for sapphic meaning, which has helped spread the word. Although the term doesn't have nearly the same reach or popularity as "lesbian," it's still gaining traction, particularly post-pandemic.@itgetsbettercanadaWelcome back to another queer history moment! Did you know the history behind the term Sapphic? #Sapphic #Sapphos #Lesbian #2SLGBTQ #Queer #lesbianvisibilityweek #isleoflesbos #QueerHistory #Poetry #WLWThe outreach has helped the growth of the term Sapphic as an umbrella label for those who dont identify with being a cisgender woman. It has become more of a safe word that reminds you when youre in the company of like-minded individuals.This is especially important for queer women who are questioning their gender or sexual identity. A term like WLW renders it more exclusive, which may feel more intimidating to ask the questions you may really need the answers to.What does the sapphic flag look like?Popularized in 2017, the sapphic flag is credited to Tumblr user lesbeux-moved in 2015. Its comprised of pink stripes surrounding a white stripe in the middle, with the white stripe housing a violet flower. The pink is meant to represent love, and the violets represents the Sapphic desire.The white stripe originally meant purity, but after some pushback to the racist connotations, the idea was removed as it gave credence to white women being the standard of beauty and innocence. How to support Sapphic peopleTrust us, we know it can be challenging to keep up with the changing times and be respectful for everyone. We learned the word "COVID" pretty quickly, so it shouldn't be hard to figure out a way to commit these identities to more memory. A 2023 Gallup LGBTQ+ Identity Poll showed that Sapphics made up around 15% of people in the queer space, so it's safe to say they're not going anywhere anytime soon.If you identify as Sapphic or think you might, check out some resources through Sapphic Visibility Day, which is celebrated every year on April 9. The website not only answers any questions you may have, but also helps link you with other Sapphics both online and in person.

An effort is underway in Detroit to create an LGBTQ+ business district.While the city used to be home to some four dozen LGBTQ+ bars in the 1970s and 80s, that number has dwindled to just eight queer spaces today, Kevin Heard, founder of the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce, told Bridge Detroit this week. As the outlet notes, Detroit lacks an obvious gayborhood like those found in cities like New York and Chicago. Related Detroits LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce is helping create a business renaissance An ambitious plan in Motor City conjures a gayborhood. Heard is looking to change that. Earlier this year, the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce partnered with the City of Detroit, LGBTQ+ research firm Community Marketing and Insights, and other organizations to develop and distribute a survey aimed at gauging which areas in the greater Detroit region are considered most LGBTQ+ friendly, where people would like to see an LGBTQ+ business district established, and what they hope it would look and feel like. 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 Its a survey that will serve multiple purposes, Heard explained. The chamber will be able to prioritize resources and services in certain areas in which a lot of the respondents live. In addition to that, well be able to hopefully move into phase two, which will be focus groups, and phase three, which would be a site selection for the area.The survey went live in June and according to Heard, its been completed by over 1,000 people so far, including 850 members of the Detroit metro areas LGBTQ+ community. The plan is to close it by Labor Day and move into the next phase of the project. Following work with the focus groups, the chamber begin the process of finding a market analysis company to help select a site.They have the ability to look at open parcels or open buildings in the area and use the survey responses to pinpoint their site selection, Heard told Bridge Detroit. When we pinpoint the top three areas the survey results statewe will be going into a capital campaign to acquire properties in that area and lease to new and existing LGBT-owned businesses within the space or whoever has a sustainable business model that is going to be friendly to the LGBT community. Ultimately, Heard said the process of building the district could take up to a decade, but he hopes the chamber will be able to purchase the first parcel of land by 2026. Heard says an LGBTQ+ business district in Detroit would be a boon for the citys economy. I believe if there was a collective area where people know that this entire area is safe for you, your family, your friends that are coming from out of town that foot traffic, that intentionality, will create a sustainable neighborhood, he explained.But he also hopes it will stem the tide of people he says hes seen leaving Detroit for other cities. They want to be built, seen, heard, and valued, and they want those spaces. So, why not create or curate several spaces within the city of Detroit? he said. We have the opportunity here with one of the largest LGBTQ legislation caucuses in any state across the nation. Its time that we do this.

The long-running sci-fi TV series Doctor Who made history in its 14th season by featuring an explicitly romantic same-sex kiss between its male hero, The Doctor (played by Ncuti Gatwa), and a male bounty hunter, Rogue (played by gay actor Jonathan Groff). The episode, entitled Rogue, took place in an early 19th-century setting reminiscent of the romantic historical fiction series Bridgerton. It featured the two men flirting, dancing, arguing, and kissing in ways that suggest The Doctors own attraction to men.The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) received at least two complaints about the episode, citing its inappropriate sexual innuendoand a concern about the quickness of The Doctors romantic connection to Rogue. The BBCs Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) disregarded the complaints, calling the innuendo mild and the quickness necessary for the episodes 44-minute length. Related Doctor Who star David Tennant takes heat for fiercely defending trans rights British politicians and media have wildly mischaracterized the actor and LGBTQ+ allys recent comments. In a statement, the ECU said, The ECU considered the sexual innuendo to be towards the mildest end of the spectrum and in any case likely to go over the heads of children, Deadline reported. 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 The development of the relationship served the needs of a fast-moving plot and was unlikely to strike viewers of any age as a model for interpersonal relationships outside this particular fictional context, the ECU added.In the episode, the time- and dimension-hopping Doctor and the bounty hunter find themselves in 1813 England, both hunting a murderous member of theChuldur, a shape-shifting alien species of bird-people. The Doctor eventually realizes that the species loves the romantic drama of the TV series Bridgerton, and so he and Rogue cause a public scandal by dancing together at an aristocratic ball, having a romantic argument in public, and then running off together.Near the end of the episode, Rogue must decide whether to separate from The Doctor to successfully trap the murderous Chuldur. In the climax, Rogue and The Doctor share a passionate kiss, and Rogue gives The Doctor a ring which he then puts on as a reminder of their bond. The kiss isnt the first same-sex kiss in the series. In a 2005 episode, pansexual Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) briefly kisses The Doctor (then played by Christopher Eccleston), but the brief and surprising kiss had no deeper romantic or sexual implications for The Doctor. Past episodes have shown same-sex kisses between supporting characters, but never has an episode hinted that The Doctor may be gay or bisexual.The current series of Doctor Who waswritten by pioneering gay TV creatorRussell T. Davies, who wrote the groundbreaking gay late 20th century TV series Queer as Folk; the interconnected queer TV series Cucumber, Banana, and Tofu; the very gay 2012 historical drama A Very English Scandal, and the heart-rending 2021 AIDS TV miniseriesIts a Sin.

We need a lemon for this tea!Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs. the World just wrapped up its second season and crowned Lemon as the winner, with RuPaul's Drag Race veteran Alexis Mateo coming in second place.Although Mateo initially showed love toward Lemon following the finale, things took a turn once Mateo threw some shade at the winner and production online.Let's break down all of the chaos that's going down on X (formerly Twitter).1. Alexis Mateo makes a shady comment about the finale. (@) Once the finale aired, Mateo and Lemon gave each other plenty of love on social media.However, soon after congratulating Lemon on her win, Mateo claimed she wasn't seen much in the final lip sync and that she was put in the bottom unfairly throughout the competition.2. Lemon responds to Mateo in a viral clip. (@) When asked about Mateo's remarks on social media, Lemon quickly threw shade right back at her fellow finalist."If I was 45 and still losing Drag Race, I'd have a lot to say too," Lemon says.In the extended video at the top of the page, the winner also clarified that the lip sync wasn't one-sided at all."Someone did a count and she was only shown eight seconds less than me. If she thinks the eight seconds could have gotten her the win... then, wow! That's a fast orgasm."3. Mateo laughs it off at first. (@) Mateo wasted no time replying to the viral clip and simply said, "She right! Lol. But I'm blessed at 45."It seemed like this was just another classic moment of two queens teasing each other, but things suddenly changed once Mateo started popping off on X (formerly Twitter).4. Mateo tells Lemon to 'not get sassy.' (@) Soon after she said Lemon was right, Mateo changed her tune and started ranting on X.In another post, the four-time competitor said, "Let's not get sassy cause we know why you won [Lemon]."Plus, in true drag queen fashion, she also plugged her upcoming appearance with Lemon at Piranha Nightclub tonight in Las Vegas.4. Lemon responds and Mateo threatens to show receipts. (@) Things seemed to escalate a bit once Lemon responded to Mateo and basically said she has nothing but love for the queen and meant no harm in her shady comment.Although Mateo said that she was in on the joke, she also threatened to release receipts about the finale now that her NDA had expired. Gay gasp!5. Mateo doubles down on her comments the next day. (@) After their spat went viral on social media and Reddit, Mateo reignited the flame by posting screenshots of Lemon in the finale.In her post, Mateo says the photos show her "favorite shots of her in the final lip sync," which basically circles back to her original statement of not being shown much in the finale.6. Mateo says she's not over it and starts responding to fans. (@) In her latest post, Mateo claims she's not over the situation and that she wants to "stay mad for a little longer."Fans were divided in her comment section with many defending the queen's feelings, while others challenged her for being immature about the whole situation.As a response, Mateo would thank her supporters for her love while also sending shady remarks to her haters.7. Miss Fiercalicious enters the chat. (@) It wouldn't be a proper Drag Race moment online if Miss Fiercalicious wasn't involved, so she posted plenty of hilarious memes to bring levity to the situation.Lemon and Alexis Mateo are scheduled to perform together at Piranha Nightclub in Las Vegas. As RuPaul famously said, we can't wait to see how this turns out.

Ah, to be young and beautiful forever...Whether you identify as gay or not, it's more than likely you've heard the term "twink" at least once.If not, a very simple definition usually includes, but is not limited to, a younger man in his late teens to twenties. He's usually very thin, often referred to as "pretty," and sometimes includes more effeminate features. He also usually lacks any facial or body hair and is more than little aware of the power he wields.It's all good if you've never heard of a twink before, and it's also okay if you're still not sure what it means. Here's a look at 10 of our favorite celebs who are the perfect example of a twink.Troye SivanSee on InstagramTroye Sivan is a classic example of what a "twink" is, especially since he has blond hair and blue eyes. Although the term has expanded to be a little more diverse, he's still a great example of the look that inspired the origination of the term.Noah SchnappSee on InstagramWe were so proud of Noah Schnapp when he came out of the closet. It made the Stranger Things scene where he admitted his feelings for his bestie hit home all the more. This little cutie also captures the youth and beauty required for the twink label. Joe LockeSee on InstagramJoe Locke is one of our favorite stars from Hearstopper, and we can't wait to see what he brings to Marvel's Agatha All Along. Although he's mentioned he'd like to break away from gay roles in the future, he's still a prime example of what a twink looks like in the community. Ian AlexanderSee on InstagramYes, trans and non-binary people can also classify as twinks, and Ian Alexander is an iconic example of what that looks like. They were the first Asian-American trans actor when they debuted on The OA in 2016. They also lent their voice to the video game for The Last of Us: Part II. Austin CruteSee on InstagramAustin Crute had some memorable appearances on shows like Atlanta and Orange is the New Black. When it comes to representing Black queer teens, he told our sister publication, Out, that it "feels like a melody from heaven." Brandon FlynnSee on InstagramBrandon Flynn came to prominence thanks to Netflix's 13 Reasons Why. Like Sivan, Flynn has the blond hair and blue eyes often associated with being a twink, and he's a great example of what that looks like. Jakub Jankto Jr.See on InstagramIn 2023, Jakub Jankto Jr. became the first international soccer player to come out of the closet. He gets points for representation, but it also helps that he's wildly easy on the eyes. Tom DaleySee on InstagramEven when Tom Daley hits 80, he'll probably still be a twink. We've watched him grow via the Olympics for over a decade, and it still looks like he hasn't aged a day. Hey, we're not complaining! We're just not-so-patiently waiting for the OnlyFans.Nico YoungSee on InstagramNico Young is another Olympian who's the perfect definition of a twink. He's young, he's tall, he's fit, and he does his country proud as a long-distance runner. What more could we ever want?Timothee ChalametSee on InstagramAlthough Timothe Chalamet identifies as straight, he's still widely considered a queer icon. Perhaps it's his allyship, perhaps it was his role in Call Me By Your Name, but either way, he's a perfect example of what a twink is, and we wouldn't have him any other way

Gay award-winning journalist and counter-cultural writer Steve Silberman, author of the influential 2015 book NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity, has died at the age of 66. His cause of death has not yet been publicly revealed.Its my very sad duty to inform you all that [Steve Silberman], my wonderful husband and best friend, passed away last night, his husband Keith wrote in a BlueSky social media post on August 29. Keith asked Silbermans friends and followers to please take a moment to remember the deceased authors kindness, humor, wisdom, and love. Related Tech legend and LGBTQ+ activist Bruce Bastian dies at 76 He was a major benefactor to the Human Rights Campaign and advocated fiercely for gay equality. Silberman was born on December 23, 1957, studied psychology and English literature, and moved to San Francisco, California in 1979 to livea gay life without fear, he said. He contributed to and grew from the citys counter-cultural movement, spending his 20s working as a teaching assistant for gay beat poet Allen Ginsberg, becoming a devoted fan and historian of the psychedelic band The Grateful Dead, establishing a friendship and podcast co-hosting with legendary musicianDavid Crosby, and helping as a gay coach to famed neurologist Oliver Sacks. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today During Silbermans 20 years contributing and editing for the science and tech magazine Wired, he wrote a 2002 profile of Sacks, author of The Man Who Mistook His Wife and Awakenings. Their conversation led to the two men becoming friends.I figured out in the course of writing the profile that he was a closeted gay man, Silberman said of Sacks. He was traumatized by a remark his mother had made when he came out to her: You are an abomination, I wish you had never been born and he hadnt had a love affair in 30 years. So I became his gay coach, talking about his work and his feelings about being gay.Silberman married his husband, a high school science teacher, in 2003. On X (formerly Twitter), Silberman posted images of him and his husband smiling with visiting friends; old photos of Sacks, Ginsburg, and Crosby; posts detailing his own recent projects and collaborations; and also numerous humorous messages trolling various MAGA Republicans for their extreme anti-LGBTQ+ views.We're those scary #LGBTQ+ people @GOP keeps telling you about, here to hijack the traditionally Christian holiday of St. Valentine's Day formerly celebrated with self-flagellation and the Denunciation of the Poor with our insidious gay-agenda message of love and compassion. pic.twitter.com/Npzxt6843F Steve Silberman (@stevesilberman) February 14, 2023 Steve Silbermans December 2012 Wired article The Geek Syndrome helped raise widespread awareness about autism, its symptoms and its prevalence among children and adults.Previous to his article, the most popular web articles about autism pondered the repeatedly debunked conspiracy theory that vaccines cause autism, Silberman told PBS NewsHour in a 2016 interview. After the publication of his article, Silberman found himself swamped with emails from individuals struggling to find healthcare, workplaces, schools, and other support for their own autism or that of their kids. He went on to write his groundbreaking 2015 book NeuroTribes, a history of the changing perceptions of autism over the past century. His history noted that the earliest researchers of autism were driven out of Germany by Nazis who also persecuted LGBTQ+ people, Jews, and clinicians researching transgender healthcare. His book also noted that many researchers consider autism to be far more widespread than realized, leading to an increase in diagnoses as more patients and doctors learn about its varied symptoms. His book became a best-seller and was named one of the best books of 2015 byThe New York Times, The Economist, The Guardian and other major publications. It is also credited with helping reduce misconceptions, shame, and stigma surrounding autistic people.Silberman himself didnt have autism; he even once described himself as hyper neuro-typical. Nevertheless, his contribution is especially important considering the increasing links between autism and the LGBTQ+ community.My very being [gay] was defined as a form of mental illness in the diagnostic manual of disorders until 1974, Silberman told The Guardian. I am not equating homosexuality and autism autism is inherently disabling in ways that homosexuality is not but I think thats why I was sensitive to the feelings of a group of people who were systematically bullied, tortured and thrown into asylums.

The town of Loogootee, Indiana (population 2,592) just announced that it will hold its annual Pride festival in September despite earlier attempts by town officials to forbid the festival from happening.The ACLU of Indiana announced its lawsuit against the town, after municipal officials rescinded approval for the towns Pride festival and gave organizers no opportunity to get re-approved, allegedly violating the festival organizers First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly. Both parties in the lawsuit agreed to cancel an injunction hearing so PrideFest can occur. Related A small town tried to shut down a Pride festival. The ACLU fought back and won. However, the legal battle is still ongoing, with organizers alleging mistreatment by the city The Loogootee City Council recently voted to approve PrideFest for September 7, and the event will take place in the Public Square as organizers previously wanted. Local streets will be closed to vehicles so attendees can freely walk the festival grounds. 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 PrideFest is about equality and acceptance, and we are thrilled that we will once again be able to host this important celebration of diversity and inclusion in the heart of our community just as we successfully did in 2023. We welcome everyone to come and celebrate Pride with us, said organizers Timothy and Tracy Brown-Salsma of Patoka Valley AIDS Community Action in a statement.The complaint against the town noted the allegedly unfair treatment PrideFest organizers faced. After initially receiving town approval on November 3, 2023 to hold the festival this coming September 7, local officials suddenly rescinded the offer, ostensibly because of a June 10 ordinance that further tightened restrictions on PrideFest.The event was first organized last year as Loogootee Pride, and the event experienced no major incidents that year which wouldve justified town officials disproportionate focus or restrictions. Other events, including religious ones from churches, were allowed to occur without meeting the citys enhanced restrictions.Organizers went to multiple city council meetings where the PrideFest festivities were on the agenda to be voted on. However, each time, the council members glossed over the PrideFest discussions without explaining why.Pride events are an important way for communities across the state to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, and we are pleased that the City Council has allowed PrideFest to move forward, Ken Falk, the legal director of the ACLU of Indiana, said in a statement.

lite actor Julin Ortega tragically died after collapsing on a beach in Spain on Sunday, August 25. He was 41.Early reporting suggested that Ortega had drowned, but authorities have since said that he went into cardiac arrest while on the shore of Zahora Beach in Barbate, Spain. After he collapsed, paramedics spent 30 minutes attempting to revive him, Decider reports.Spains national acting union announced Ortegas death in an obituary this week. From the Unin de Actores y Actrices, we send our most sincere condolences to the actors family and friends, the statement reads.Ortega was best known for his role as the manager of La Cabana restaurant on Netflixs hit Spanish teen drama. He acted in six episodes during the seasons first season in 2018. (@) One of Ortegas former co-stars, Paco Collado, posted a tribute to the actor on X, alongside a photo of the two men together, writing, It was a great pleasure @julianortega_7 to play your father in @elpuebloserie you left us with sympathy, generosity and professionalism, many hugs friend and also to your family, a real shame in the prime of your youth.Ortega acted in many Spanish TV shows, including 12 episodes of The Countryside, and his last credited role was seven episodes of 4 Estrellas last year. (@)

With the presidential election just around the corner, a lot of us are worried about who will be elected and how we make sure that isnt Donald Trump. But queer TikTok comedian Kate Hina Sabatine is using their platform to get out the vote in the most hilariously Sapphic way possible.Last month, Sabatine made a tongue-in-cheek video talking about which type of lesbian would be perfect for all of the government jobs that need to be filled, from Department of Homeland Security to President of the United States, and the results are spot on and so funny!The exhaustive list of types of lesbians seems to grow every year cottage core lesbians and Hey Mamas are newer additions and Sabatine, whose TikTok channel has over 1.7 million followers, used them all to hilarious effect.Sabatine, who identifies as a nonbinary lesbian, starts the TikTok by saying, If I had it my way, lesbians would be running this country staffs the federal government, before launching into which lesbian archetype would be perfect for each position.@hinaself appointed chief of staff at your service #lgbt #lesbian #gay #wlwThe TikToker says that Sapphademics should fill each seat of the Supreme Court, Imagine a Supreme Court full of people who have done their reading, have rational, and put women first. Were sold on this idea already!Sabatine is best known for funny skits and lesbian-centric fashion videos, but their TikTok about lesbians staffing the federal government gained over 400,000 views and is currently picking up steam on the actual lesbians subreddit, where it was reposted this week.In the video, they say that butches should run the Department of Homeland Security, high femmes should be running the military because nobody gets things done like femmes, cottage core lesbians need to be in charge of the Department of Agriculture, and Hey Mamas would be a perfect fit for vice president because they can equally bro out and appeal to femmes.They then end the video by recommending Bette Porter types who are highly educated and look great in a suit for Commander in Chief, and then remind people that for the sake of the queer community, everyone needs to vote for Kamala Harris because shes not perfect, but neither was Bette Porter. from actuallesbiansIn an interview with Vogue, Sapartine explained that they love making this kind of light-hearted content because when they were growing up, they never saw themselves represented in media.I never saw queer people doing regular things (like having a family life) on TV as a kid. I never saw an Asian, non-binary lesbian on TV or in a movie, Sabatine told Vogue in 2022. If I ever saw lesbian representation, it was always framed in this tragic, serious, or dramatic way. Making the content that I make has healed a lot in me, and it makes my inner child so happy.

Gay Brazilians have become targeted as a slew of murderers have been using dating apps to target gay men, Reuters reports.One victim, Leo Nunes, was murdered on Lovers Day in Brazil after he met someone on Hornet, a gay dating app. He was killed in a middle-class neighborhood in Sao Paulo. Related Two gay men murdered, their bodies shoved in suitcases & left on bridge Police found the bodies on Wednesday night after receiving reports of a man acting suspiciously on a suspension bridge. One suspect has been arrested, however the string of crimes has yet to stop. People report being robbed and attacked after meeting up with assailants using fake profiles.Straight men may be at risk, too, of love cons, where straight men are lured to a remote location to meet with a woman and are instead kidnapped and robbed. 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 Criminal groups are targeting LGBTQ+ people because of their known reluctance to interact with law enforcement.Because of structural homophobia, criminals know that LGBT people are vulnerable. They know they will be more easily intimidated, said Wanderley Montanholi, a lawyer for the family of Heleno Veggi Dumba, a gay doctor who was murdered in April in Sao Paulo after an attempted robbery.Three suspects have been arrested for Dumbas killing, however none are charged as of yet.Five gay men have been killed through these apps since March of 2024, although the number may be higher as deaths go unreported to police.Brazilian police declined to comment to Reuters about murders linked to gay dating apps, mentioning only the love cons.Gabriel, a gay man who did not give his surname to Reuters, was robbed by the same profile on the same street as Nunes. One man put a gun to my stomach and asked me the password of my phone, he said, which led to his bank accounts being accessed and his money and credit cards stolen. According to Gabriel, the profile remained on Hornet for weeks after it was flagged, in spite of multiple people flagging it as well. Law enforcement declined to comment on the cases of Gabriel and other individuals who had been attacked.Gerry Monaghan, head of operations at Hornet, said to Reuters that all reports are looked at and reviewed by Hornet. He also said that the company added additional staff to handle reporting and that they changed their reporting system to prioritize issues based on severity. He did not elaborate on this.A spokesperson for Grindr said that they are aware that in Brazil, digital platforms such as ours are occasionally abused to target LGBTQ+ people. He referenced security features in the app and referenced their participation with law enforcement.

A retired gay teacher who threatened a Trump-appointed judge over a Dont Say Gay ruling she issued was sentenced to five years in prison on Wednesday, double the time prosecutors were asking for.The sentence was issued by U.S. District Judge William Jung for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa. Related Florida continues its anti-LGBTQ+ crusade by deleting its LGBTQ+ tourism website The website used to give LGBTQ+ tourists ideas on what to visit in the state. Now it doesnt mention LGBTQ+ people at all. Stephen Thorn, 66, was sentenced after he pleaded guilty in May to a single threat charge for obscenity-filled voicemails he left for U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger in Orlando. 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 Berger had rejected a challenge to Gov. Ron DeSantis Dont Say Gay law restricting classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida.In the voicemails, Thorn claimed the judge had no idea what LGBTQ+ children go through and was basically giving a green light for them to be thought of as second-class citizens and bullied.Thorn said the judge and her family were very easy to track.Lets see how you would like it if somebody endangered your children in school or your grandchildren in school, he said in the messages. You are an embarrassment to the judicial system.Thorn submitted a letter of apology to the court ahead of his sentencing. I want to sincerely apologize for any emotional distress this caused this judge and/or her immediate family members or staff to experience, Thorn wrote. My intention was not to threaten her and/or her immediate family members.I spent a large portion of my teaching career advocating for LGBTQ+ public school students and volunteering for LGBTQ+ youth advocacy organizations in both Florida and in California, Thorn continued. I am also the parent of two adult sons, one of whom is gay. Consequently, this factored into my overreaction, as well.District Judge Jung seemed unmoved by Thorns words, sentencing the teacher to the maximum penalty.Over his judicial career, Jung has been appointed to different posts by Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. He was confirmed for his latest appointment in 2018.Prosecutors argued that Thorns actions were an example of a rising tide of threats to the judicial system. Serious threats against federal judges doubled over the last three years from 224 to 457, according to the U.S. Marshals Service and reported by Reuters.In March, Florida reached a settlement in litigation related to the case Judge Berger threw out, granting teachers the freedom to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity in higher grades while maintaining the prohibition in grades K-3.

Write this down!Rhyheim Shabazz has had quite a successful year in the world of adult entertainment.Earlier this year, the star took home the award for Performer of the Year at the 2024 GayVN Awards, which is considered the highest honor from Porn's Biggest Night.Shabazz began his career in adult film four years ago and has thrived in the industry since day one. In fact, he was the first porn star to reach one million followers on X (formerly Twitter) not once, but twice!"Please don't make me blush! I had to be the first. It's like when Serena went for that grand slam! It's a goal," Shabazz tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Any hole certainly is a goal for Shabazz. The star is one of the most popular models in porn today, so he naturally has some top tips to share with anyone hoping to make it big in adult film."Be sure! Once you jump in, you're in. Once your content is out there, it's permanently out there. Be sure you want to do it."Although he's been slaying the game for a hot minute, Shabazz also teases a retirement from the industry sooner than people may think."I don't think we have years. I would say months. Let the young kids take over this! Let the new guys [do it]. I've had my fun. Now I can watch everyone else succeed."It'll be interesting to see where Shabazz's career takes him next. OUTtv just announced that he'll be joining Willam as a judge on the spicy new competition series Willams Dark Room Duel.The show will feature sexy multi-talented male strippers face off against one another in a series of challenges to win an iconic prize package, including a little something from us here at PRIDE! Casting for season one is happening now and fans can learn more at the official link here.

We've never seen an insult backfire so spectacularly! (@) We were overjoyed the day Sarah Huckabee Sanders left her position as Donald Trump's White House press secretary because we hoped we'd never have to hear her open her mouth again (sorry, Arkansas, we know you're stuck with her!), but when she says something so idiotic that the internet collectively mocks we relish the feeling of schadenfreude!On Wednesday, the Arkansas governor appeared on Fox & Friends claiming that Democrats think Vice President Kamala Harris is so incompetent that she needs her vice presidential pick Tim Walz to act as her "babysitter" for her upcoming CNN interview."It's clear that her own team and her own party think she needs a babysitter," Sanders said to Fox's Ainsley Earhardt. "And that's why they're putting her vice presidential nominee on the stage with her, so that he can step in and answer questions if things go like the clips we just saw, like she has done in previous interviews."Sanders then made the rookie mistake of posting the Fox & Friends clip on X with the caption, "Team Harris thinks Kamala needs a new babysitter. I think America needs a new President." Of course, the internet immediately started dunking on her for every single part of her post being dead wrong. First off, the whole premise is faulty because vice presidential candidates frequently accompany their running mate for interviews, something people were quick to point out by posting photos of all of the times Republicans including Trump have been interviewed with their VP pick. Her comment also completely backfired when people started agreeing that we need a new President, which couldn't be Trump because he's already had the job before. "I agree. America needs a new President, not an old one like Donald Trump but someone who has never been President like Kamala Harris," someone hilariously commented. Political commentator Keith Olbermann also ruthlessly mocked her for mispronouncing Harris' name, "You're pronouncing her name wrong you useless nepo-baby."Harris' fledgling campaign has been so successful that Republicans are grasping at straws to try to insult her. See, this is why Republicans shouldn't fck around and find out!Keep scrolling to see the most hilarious reactions to Sarah Huckebee's weak attempt at an insult, epically backfiring! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Ford Motor Company is the latest company to announce they are rolling back internal policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).The company previously withdrew from external corporate culture surveys such as those administered by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). But a memo from the companys CEO Jim Farley, reveals that Ford will be extending the move to DEI. Related Lowes drops its LGBTQ+ inclusive programs as right-wingers claim victory The hardware supply retailer is the latest in a string of companies to restrict LGBTQ+ rights Before scaling back the policy, Ford scored high on external ranking systems like HRCs that measure companies commitments to inclusion by evaluating their corporate policies, practices, and benefits for historically disenfranchised groups. 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 Robby Starbuck, a conservative activist who has led a surprisingly effective charge against companies with DEI policies, leaked the document to Reuters on Wednesday.HRC president Kelley Robinson condemned the move. Today, Ford Motor Company abandoned its commitment to hundreds of thousands of employees by cowering to internet troll Robby Starbuck, and signaling that inclusion and other core values are no longer a priority in the workplace, she said.HRC could not be more disappointed to see Ford Motor Company shirking its responsibility to its employees, consumers, and shareholders, she said.By failing to support women leaders, employees of color, and LGBTQ+ employees, Ford Motor Company is abandoning its financial duty to recruit and keep top talent from across the full talent poolin making their purchasing decisions, consumers should take note that Ford Motor Company has abandoned its commitment to our communities.Robinson also called Starbuck a MAGA bully and Republican-reject whose only business experience is hawking vitamins marketed by people profiting off of COVID disinformation.In 2022, Starbuck attempted to become a Tennessee state representative as a write-in candidate and was defeated.Starbuck celebrated the move on X, saying, We are winning and one by one we WILL bring sanity back to corporate America.The memo said that Ford took a fresh look at its DEI policies and practices as external and legal environment related to political and social issues, have taken shape.LGBTQ Nation reached out to Ford for comment. Ford said that their communication to our global employees speaks for itself and that they have nothing to add. Lowes, Jack Daniels, and Harley-Davidson have also ended their companies have come under attack from Starbuck. In late June, Tractor Supply Co. also was the subject of a Starbuck campaign and announced that they would end Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) programs, stop sponsoring Pride events, and withdraw from carbon emission goals. Just a couple of weeks later, John Deere followed suit.

Organizers say a Global Black Pride conference in Atlanta was vandalized overnight Tuesday, with vendor tables in a banquet room overturned, products and educational materials strewn, and human feces smeared on a Pride flag.The attack occurred on the first day of the weeklong celebration at the Starling Atlanta Midtown, host hotel for the event. Related Anti-LGBTQ+ student thought hed get away with urinating on a familys Pride flag. He got busted. After he finished, he flipped off the house and said, F**k the gays. According to investigators, an intoxicated guest of the hotel is suspected of causing the damage, though no one has been identified. 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 This years Global Black Pride conference is the first held in the U.S. and coincides with Atlanta Black Pride Weekend. The event, started in 2020, honors and celebrates Black and Brown LGBTIQ+ communities worldwide.It was just really devastating to have to come into the room and see, one, our things flipped over and ravaged, Princess Jauan Durbin, the Youth Ambassador for Global Black Pride, told Atlanta First News.Words cant describe their feelings at the sight of the desecrated flag, Durbin said.A flag that represents the importance of our community and who we are, they added.Videos from organizers show tables flipped over, displays destroyed, and event memorabilia strewn across the floor. Im just glad we were able to pick up the pieces, put things back in order, and handle what we need to handle, said Global Black Pride panelist Toni Bryce, whose booth was ransacked.Atlanta Black Pride Weekend expressed their support in a statement.We want to send our love and unwavering support to the Global Black Pride team, with whom we are honored to collaborate with for this years Atlanta Black Pride Weekend. Together, we will continue to uplift our community and ensure that all of our events provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, a spokesperson said.A guided prayer and meditation service was led by pastor and trans activist Rahkel Henry to inspire healing following the hateful attack, Gaye Magazine reported.The Atlanta Police Department said their LGBTQ Liaison Unit is working with investigators on the case.We are not going to let this bring us down, panelist Bryce said. Were going to have a good time regardless.

It's hard being the total package and arguably no one has it harder than Ilona Maher. She's thoughtful, funny, beautiful, strong, an advocate for women's rights and women in sports, an Olympic medalist, and now a swimsuit model. She embodies her life motto, #beastbeautybrains, every day and has become the ultimate online Sapphic object of desire! But can you blame them? Maher, an Olympic rugby player, just led Team USA to its first bronze Olympic medal at the Paris Olympics. This was the first-ever medal in rugby sevens for the US. She's a social media sensation, with 3.8M followers on Instagram and 2.3M on TikTok. While Maher has always been an advocate for women's rights, her performance at the Paris Olympics has given her an even wider platform to speak out against the ludicrous standards placed on women's bodies and the importance of women and girls in sports. She's continuing that work on the cover of the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. (@) "Beast. Beauty. Brains." is displayed across the SI Swimsuit digital cover. Maher looks great, and seems to be having a blast throughout the shoot, but to her it's about more than just looking good. It's about having a deep connection with yourself and your body. She told SI Swimsuit in the cover interview, "I love that [rugby] showed me what I can do, Maher says. It showed me how capable my body is and its not just like a tool to be looked at and objectified."It's not all just fun and games, however. Maher of course uses this opportunity to talk about her experience as a pro athlete and change things not just for her, but all women competing in sports. She spoke out about pay inequalities, saying, [Men] get to play rugby and they get paid millions of dollars while we make minimum wage and this won't be a career for us. I have teammates going into the workforce now, whereas these guys are down there and rugby's it [for them]. (@) In July, Maher went viral on TikTok for a takedown of a commenter who tried to leverage Maher's projected BMI against her, as if she's not a professional athlete and as if BMI isn't total bull. Maher still takes the time to decimate the commenter, saying, "I do have a BMI of 30. Well, 29. 3 to be more exact. I am considered overweight. But alas, I'm going to the Olympics, and you're not."Maher fights so hard not just because she loves women, or now deeply and truly loves herself, but she loves rugby. She is a true athlete, dedicated to her craft. Interviewer Liz Plank notes that you can feel it radiating like an aura. Plank writes of Maher's dedication, "Her love for her sport is palpable because in rugby she didn't just find a career -- she found herself."In a world where women are so often forced to compartmentalize themselves, Maher proves that she is one whole complete being, and that the Olympic bronze medalist athlete, the red lipstick loving 28-year-old in a sleek bikini, and the intelligent, outspoken feminist are all one and the same. You can't have one without the others, and you can't separate them. You need all: beast, beauty, and brains.So is it any surprise that these photos have the sapphic online going feral? Keep scrolling for some of our favorite and most relatable reactions to Ilona being a G.O.D.D.E.S.S! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

While The Acolyte's recent cancelation may have come as a shock to some, star Amandla Stenberg was not among them.On Wednesday, the actor posted a video to Instagram Stories reflecting on her time on the show, as well as the way it was received."I'm going to be transparent and say it's not a huge shock for me," they admitted. "For those who arent aware, there has been a rampage of vitriol that we have faced... when [the show] was still just a concept and no one had even seen it. Thats when we started experiencing a rampage of hyper-conservative bigotry and vitriol, prejudice, hatred, and hateful language towards us."How much of a role that played in the show's cancelation or, more specifically, the impact it may have had on viewership is unclear. But Stenberg isn't wrong about the vitriol and complaints of "woke" that were constantly being lobbed at The Acolyte for appearing inclusive long before it aired. (@) Even just looking at Rotten Tomatoes, 78% of critics reviewed the series favorably, compared to just 18% of fans. While that certainly doesn't prove the show was either "good" or "bad," it does lend credence to the theory that negative fan response to The Acolyte was outsized relative to its subjective quality. A post from ScreenRant also suggested a staggeringly high percentage of fan reviews may have been from bots. (@) Despite admitting to being "very sad" over the cancelation, Stenberg shared her appreciation for getting to be a part of the Star Wars canon, and for the fans who loved the show."It has been an incredible honor and dream for me to be in this universe," they said. "I just want to let those people know out there who supported us... just that you were deeply loved and appreciated. And it made this job all the worthwhile for me."

Mary Trump Donald Trumps lesbian niece and a clinical psychologist excoriated her uncle over a campaign stunt he held at Arlington National Cemetary in Virginia, a military cemetery, on Monday.Former President Trump attended a wreath-laying ceremony on Monday while his campaign staff filmed and took pictures in an area of the cemetery where recent U.S. casualties were buried. This is against the cemeterys rules, and Arlington officials tried to stop Trumps campaign staff from turning the military cemetery into a campaign ad. Related Donald Trumps psychologist niece shares the origin story for his thin skin And it all has to do with mashed potatoes. NPR is even reporting that Trumps campaign staff pushed and verbally abused an Arlington official who tried to stop them. The campaign denies that the incident occurred and said the Arlington official was suffering from a mental health episode. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), Donald Trumps running mate, later confirmed that there was a disagreement with the official but that it should not have been a national news 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 Donald Trump mugged for pictures and gave a thumbs up to a camera over the graves of deceased Marines at what was meant to be a solemn ceremony honoring the dead. His campaign later shared a video on TikTok that included footage from the cemetery, possibly in violation of federal law.Why was this unpatriotic coward allowed to lay at a memorial wreath at Arlington National Cemetery? Mary Trump asked in her newsletter. His appearance there was a desecration doing the only thing he knows how to do with members of the military and their familiesuse them as props; the ridiculous grin and thumbs up made it worseas if he were attending a photo-op at a local diner.That cemetery is filled with Americans who gave everything in order to protect and defend the Constitution a document Donald has never read, has attempted at every turn to shred, and will, if given the chance, set on fire. It is filled, in other words, with Americans who gave their lives to defend this country from people like him. Mary Trump explained that her grandfather and Donald Trumps father, Fred Trump, had no respect for people who served in the military, including her own father (Donald Trumps brother), Fred Trump Jr. My grandfather, in fact, had no respect for my dads National Guard service at all. Anything that took attention and effort away from the family businesswhether serving his country or flying 707s for TWA at the height of the jet age as my dad did was beneath Fred Trump, Sr.s contempt, Mary Trump wrote. Donald, seeing the first of many openings to displace his older brother as their fathers successor, followed suit.She then brought up how her uncle avoided military service in the Vietnam War era with a false diagnosis of bone spurs engineered by his father and said that this makes him feel insecure around people who have served in the military. Donald knows that he does not in any way measure up to the men and women who have served this country, just as he knows he could never measure up to my father, she wrote. Hes a weak and insecure man who mocks his betters to compensate for his own inadequacies.I like people who dont get caught, he said about Senatore John McCain, who spent 5 and a half years being tortured in a prison camp while Donald lied about having bone spurs and received four deferments without any thought of who would go to Vietnam in his stead.Thats who he is. And any time hes allowed an opportunity to convince people otherwise is just another desecration.

This post is an excerpt from nonbinary author Ginelle Testas book Make a Home out of You, which will be released by She Writes Press on September 3, 2024. Testa spent their adolescence searching for a home in one destructive place after another and grappling with addiction to sex, love, weight loss, drugs, and alcohol before finding a way to claw themselves up from rock bottom to find a joyful home within themselves. Their triumphant new book is a riveting true story of making the slow, confusing, and surprisingly funny slog back from the brink.Three days into our texting, Penny texted me a few hours before we were supposed to meet at the beach.Im nervous. :) but excited to meet you.Are you allowed to say that? I wondered. That youre nervous? I raised my eyebrows when I read her text because I was never that open with my feelings. I kinda liked it because being vulnerable meant just being honest, and in my few experiences being honest, Id felt that saying the truth out loud was like opening a pressure-release valve. The muscles in my jaw loosened as I began to type. I guessed I could be honest, too. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Im nervous, too. And excited!The whole drive there, I wanted to jump out of my seat and do a dance. I could feel my smile overtaking my face, and I blasted Love on Top by Beyonc to help keep my mood elevated. I bopped my head as I thought, I cant wait to meet her. I hoped she wouldnt be scared away when she found out I was a baby queer. My sexual experiences with women had so far been limited to drunken kissing late at night and then never talking about it again.Penny and I met at a beach between our hometowns around 4:00 p.m. on a weekday. It was April, not quite warm enough for summer clothes, so I was bundled in a sweatshirt. When I pulled up, I saw Penny in her gold Pontiac already there and just sitting waiting for me. My stomach whirled. We both got out and had giant grins. The spring New England winds whipped around us as we leaned in for a hug.Penny smelled like Old Spice, which I knew was a scent men often wear. I liked it and noted that her appearance matched the mens cologne. She wore an orange tee that hugged her thin frame, showing off her flat stomach and almost flat boobs. Her hair was tied up with athletic wrap, and she wore loose jeans that a guy might wear. I leaned in further, and our hug lasted for a few seconds. Wanna walk on the beach? She gestured toward the ocean.Yeah. I smiled, stepped in front of her, and scrunched my face with joy when I knew she couldnt see my expression. Our feet made imprints in the sand while we walked together and started talking.You know, it surprised me that you told me you were nervous. I laughed and turned around to face her while walking backward.Yeah? Why is that? she chuckled, her soft green eyes meeting mine.Because, I dont know. Arent we supposed to be playing it cool or something? I let out a few awkward giggles before she cracked up.You dont have to do that with me. She beamed.I guess Ive always tried to play it cool, but it feels kind of good to just be me, I said. A deep breath came out of my mouth, and I chuckled. How was this happening? Penny nodded and stopped walking.My laughter settled, and I noticed that without a spot of makeup, she looked perfect. I swallowed hard. Oh my god, this girl was too good to be true.Wanna sit down? She motioned to the sand. Yeah. I was still kind of trying to be cool, but I was trembling.We planted our butts on the ground, and I let the grainy sand run through my fingertips, trying to avoid looking at her because I was nervous. Her shoulder brushed up against mine, and we let our shoulders stay connected.This is my first date with a girl, I blurted out. My shoulders tightened. I hoped she wouldnt run away. There was a pause. Ive done it, I thought. Ive scared Penny away. No worries, she said, smiling. That doesnt matter to me.My shoulders dropped, and my breathing steadied. Well, here goes nothing, I thought as I leaned my head on her shoulder. Her hand slowly glided over to mine, and she laced her fingers through mine. The softness of her skin made me want to become the ocean with her, waves kissing and flowing into one another.We chatted for a few hours, getting to know each other, then, smiling gently, she said, Tell me about what its been like coming out.Its been great for the most part. I havent told my parents yet, though. I was waiting until I met someoneGotcha. Penny hadnt stopped smiling the whole time we were together. Neither had I. We looked at each other under the moonlight when she leaned in and planted her soft lips on mine. I tried not to freak out, as I was still nervous, so I didnt use my tongue.Wow, I said, pulling away for a moment. Its really nice to do that sober.I get it, honestly. I kissed girls while drinking before I realized I was gay.No way! I felt relieved. When did you come out? Only two years ago, when I was seventeen.Penny was a year older than me, and I started to relax, knowing she had a similar history. This was miraculous. For the first time ever, I felt hope about being with someone who wasnt a guy.Penny was gentle, soft, sweet, and actually doing something with her lifegoing to school and working. Plus, she was a girl. A girl!

You can't spell "Love is Blind" without "Love is Bi."On August 28, Love is Blind season 5 contestant Stacy Snyder came out as queer through an adorable reel posted to her Instagram. In the video, Snyder sits at a bar with a glass of white wine, looking around for someone. Charli xcx's "Guess" is playing- the remix with Billie Eilish of course. Captions start popping up around Snyder reading, "She's got a boyfriend," "She's single again," and, "She's irrelevant."The final caption reading, "SHE'S HAPPY" appears as our mystery guest arrives, a woman with long hair in a taupe suit, who enters the frame and promptly gives Snyder a kiss.See on InstagramSnyder had previously been engaged while on Love is Blind to Izzy Zapata, only for Snyder to call it quits, leaving Zapata at the alter. Snyder took to Instagram Live later the same day to address the outpouring of support her coming out post had received. On live, she said Im gonna be honest, I was scared shitless to post that post today, and Im literally speechless." She was floored by people's response, she continued I was not expecting that. I was actually fully expecting hate, a lot of it. I always get a lot of hate, and Im like, 'Is it the algorithm? Is it just like hate Stacy?' But anyways, it was just really nice, a frickin nice change. So thank you. I love yall.Nothing more is known about the mystery woman or the pair's relationship, but the most important part is that Snyder is happy.

If someone told me three years ago about where I'd be today, I would have called bullshit. Like many of my fellow fellatio enthusiasts, I took the infamous plunge into the world of adult entertainment, first with an OnlyFans page and eventually graduating to studio work. My career has drastically evolved since its immodest beginnings and rerouted my path in a wildcard of a direction. For as much as this has impacted my life, I am but one drop of adult content in a pornographic ocean.I exist at a point in our country's narrative when culture and technology have accelerated the trajectory of almost every aspect of 21st-century life, including our spank banks. Pornography in our country has evolved alongside the society that creates, consumes, and condemns it.Like the Earth and moon, society, and pornography influence each other in ways that often go unnoticed.Our country's relationship with porn has always been complex, experiencing shifts that mirror changes in social mores and technological advancement. The 1800s advancements in printing technology sparked the rise of mass-produced erotica. As penny dreadfuls filled the popular imagination with sensationalized stories, the invention of photography spiked the production and consumption of erotic photographs. The onset of the 20th century saw a growing conflict between shifting societal attitudes toward sex and the obscenity laws that aimed to suppress it.The Comstock Act of 1873 aimed to ban the distribution of "obscene" materials, leading to censorship efforts for decades to follow. Silent films in the early 20th century birthed new mediums for depicting sexuality, resulting in censorship battles surrounding films like The Birth of a Nation (1915), which fueled debates regarding the boundaries of acceptable public portrayals of sex. A few decades later, the creation of sexplicit magazines like Playboy (1953) again challenged the existing norms of the time, contributing to the ever-present discussion about pornography's place in society.See on InstagramThe invention of VHS tapes (1976) and DVDs (1996) gave way to more visually engaging alternatives to the still images in magazines and literature. In 1993, the introduction of the internet massively impacted the accessibility of pornography. The ease of sharing and consuming digital content led to a massive eruption of internet pornography, turning traditional modes of censorship on its head. The gift of the internet also facilitated the creation and distribution of amateur content, further diversifying the menu of adult content available to the starved public.This sparked debates on the impacts of easily accessible online pornography, involving issues of public health and freedom of expression.Early silent films with suggestive themes paved the way for the development of production companies dedicated explicitly to adult films. To this day, the internet has quickly and understandably become the lightly guarded gateway to pornography, with infinite websites catering to all pallets, from vanilla to niche. The accessibility and anonymity provided by the internet have, in turn, impacted user behavior and consumption patterns.With the growing availability of porn comes conversations about its potential influence on broader cultural norms. Many express concerns about the normalization of specific sexual practices and the objectification of those involved. Others argue that exposure to porn contributes to a culture of hyper-sexualization and desensitization, which can impact societal views on sexuality and gender roles. Pornography's broad array of formats and niches further divides opinions and perspectives on the issue.It is not just porn that influences its viewers, however.See on InstagramWhile many claim that pornography reinforces patriarchal ideals, others, including pro-sex/sex-positive feminists, argue that porn can be a form of female empowerment. They emphasize agency, consent, and pleasure as being empowering for women, allowing them to take control of the narrative and their bodies. A booming movement championing the creation of ethical and feminist pornography highlights informed consent, proper compensation for its performers, and the portrayal of diverse bodies and sexualities in a non-exploitative manner. This trend mirrors the growing awareness of potential harms associated with traditional pornography and a stronger push for content that aligns with contemporary values focusing on consent, equality, and respect.Recently, the adult film industry has experienced a shift, moving away from traditional studio productions towards self-produced content platforms like OnlyFans. With the emergence of fan sites came the opportunity for creators to bypass traditional studios and connect directly with their audience, providing content creators with autonomy. Through the subscription model, creators can develop and maintain direct relationships between themselves and their audience.This transition has implications for all involved in the adult content ecosystem. Studios face increased competition from independent creators and may need to adapt by offering more diverse content or revenue-sharing models to retain talent. For independent content creators, fan sites provide greater creative control and continuous income while also making creators responsible for their marketing, production, and management. For consumers, subscription-based platforms offer a wider variety of content with more personalized engagement with performers.But one thing is clear: porn is not going anywhere and will continue evolving alongside a society that continues to consume it. Like the Hydra of Greek mythology, if you chop off one head, three more business-savvy ones will pop up and prosper.As for myself, I will continue to document my sexcapades for those who'd like to subscribe to it. There's something about knowing that I am providing people with momentary joy, one orgasm at a time, while paying my grad school tuition that makes me smile. Like others, I see no value in shaming any form of expression.There will inevitably always be haters, but to little surprise, some of my harshest online trolls are also my biggest tippers.See on InstagramOpen conversations on sexuality, consent, and healthy relationships are great places to fuel positive change. Fostering ethical practices within the industry is also paramount. Only through a conscious, communal effort - with a touch less judgment - can the future of pornography be navigated responsibly and positively for everyone on both sides of the screen.So hold onto your seats, or whatever rod is in reach, because people have fapped since the dawn of time and will likely not stop until the sun sets on our horny little species.AJ Sloan is an adult film actor and scriptwriter, queer sex columnist, and content creator. He has a B.A. in anthropology and sociology from Hunter College and is currently in grad school for clinical psychology at Antioch University. He has worked with top studios both stateside and abroad and has many columns under his belt as the lead porn star writer for Fleshbot, the longest-running porn blog. Keep in touch with him via Instagram.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ and Allied community. Visit pride.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists and editors, and do not directly represent the views of PRIDE.com or our parent company, equalpride.

Californias Proposition 3 puts marriage equality back on the ballot in November 2024, giving voters the chance to remove the states old ban on same-sex marriage from the states constitution. The proposition seeks to change Californias state constitution, which contains language that states marriage is between a man and a woman. Related Will Gavin Newsom sign Californias bill to license more gender-affirming doctors? The legislation would expedite the training of trans healthcare providers. But Gov. Newsom vetoed three LGBTQ+ bills last year. Though Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage, was overturned by federal courts in 2010, it still remains in the California constitution. State Assemblymember Evan Low (D)and state Sen.Scott Wiener (D) introduced Proposition 3 in 2022. 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 Proposition 3 would act as a proactive protection, according to CalMatters. It was introduced after the Supreme Court overturned abortion, and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said in his infamous concurring opinion that the court should also reconsider theconstitutionality of same-sex marriage. The measure would have no financial effects: same-sex couples are already allowed to marry in California. This means there would be no change in revenues or costs to state and local governments. Rather, it would enshrine and uphold marriage equality to protect it from recent threats against fundamental rights and update the constitution so the language matches the current definition used by federal courts. It is supported by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who said in a statement, Nearly 20 years after celebrating the historic Winter of Love in San Francisco, we must remain vigilant to protect our values of equality, freedom and acceptance from the forces of hate that seek to undo our progress. Same-sex marriage is the law of the land and Prop. 8 has no place in our constitution. Its time that our laws affirm marriage equality regardless of who you are or who you love. California stands with the LGBTQ+ community and their right to live freely, he continued. A yes vote means that Proposition 8 (2008), which defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman, would be officially repealed and establishes a right to marry is a fundamental right in the California Constitution.The California Democratic Party supports Proposition 3, as does Equality California, the Human Rights Campaign, and the American Civil Liberties Union. Conservative Christian groups such as the California Family Council and the American Council of Evangelicals oppose it on religious grounds. Californiajoins Coloradoin getting a chance to amend their states constitution, as a resolution is proposed for the fall which would change the language in its constitution from only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state to a more inclusive statement. Nevada became the first state to remove its ban from its constitution four years ago.

Philadelphia officials announced last week that it would award equal prize money for the womens, mens, and nonbinary peoples races.Organizers say that they are taking a face-value approach to monitoring all gender categories so runners can compete with the group that best aligns with their gender identity. They are not requiring supporting evidence for participants to prove what gender they belong to. Related Lesbian union boss claps back at JD Vances gross comments about her not being a real mom Vance accused her of being childless and brainwashing kids. She has two stepchildren. The nonbinary division was established in 2022, but winners did not receive prize money until this year. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today According to the officialwebsite, first-place man, woman, and nonbinary runner will each receive a prize of $4,000. Second place in the categories will each receive $2,000, while third place will be awarded $1,000. The top man, woman, and nonbinary runner in the masters category, for those aged 40 and above, will receive $1,000 each.In the half marathon and 8K, the prize amounts are lower. First-place finishers in the half marathon will receive $2,500, second place $1,500, third place $1,000, and the first-place master $500. Additionally, the course record-holder will earn $1,000.In the 8K, first-place finishers will receive $750, second place $500, third place $250, and the first-place master will also earn $250.The change only applies to the non-professional races. The Philadelphia Marathon also has an elite division in which about 100 professional runners compete. First-place winners in the mens and womens categories in the elite division receive $10,000 each, but the Philadelphia Marathon has yet to establish a nonbinary category for elite athletes. According to C.C. Tllez, a runner and LGBTQ+ advocate who has helped other race organizers develop guidelines for the inclusion of nonbinary elite athletes, the changes, while positive, are not what LGBTQ+ advocates asked for. Weve been very clear about what it is that we wanted, and it was the elite inclusion of nonbinary folks, Tllez told Philadelphia Gay News.To be able to participate as equally as the womens and mens divisions, to have access to not just the title but also to the prizes that come along with it, to be celebrated the same way, to have that platform, Tllez added.The news comes after the New York City Marathon winner wasnot given any prize moneyby the New York Road Runners Club after winning the nonbinary division in 2023.

It's a boy!Actress Mae Whitman (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Avatar: The Last Airbender) announced on Mother's Day of this year that she was expecting. And who better to make the transition into parenthood with than her Parenthood family! Whitman, who played Amber Holt on the NBC adaptation of Parenthood was joined by her onscreen mother, Lauren Graham, and brother, Miles Heizer. They look more like a family together now than they did at times as the Bravermans. She makes it official in the caption, saying "Not to make a parenthood episode out of it or anything but!!! Mothers Day looking a little different this year! cant wait to meet you, huge baby kicking my insides to filth! #ruveal".Iconic. No notes.See on InstagramSince playing siblings together, Whitman and Heizer have been incredibly close. So close that Whitman named her son after him.Whitman revealed earlier today that she had welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world. Prefacing her announcement by saying, "Not to be a Bieber about it," she continues, "but I too just gave birth to our son, Miles." She gushes over him, and what early parenthood has been like, "He is the kindest, gentlest, smartest, funniest little beebee and hes our best friend (pretty much exactly like his namesake Uncle Miles @younggoth). We are infinitely grateful he chose us as his parents."She also thanks the hospital and those present at the birth, and finally, "To everyone in our circle who has shown us such radical generosity and support. We love you! We're so happy!"We wish Mae, Guncle Miles, and baby Miles all the best! Congratulations!See on Instagram

*Fair game SPOILER ALERT for all seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race*Facts are facts, America. But opinions? Oh, those are much messier.The RuPaul's Drag Race subreddit, which serves as an online Piazza del Popolo for all things RPDR-related, recently rehashed the fandom's most controversial opinions. For example, here's one of mine: I think that when RuPaul is close to retiring, her successor should be chosen through a Willy Wonka-esque All Stars season. I'm 100% serious, I think it's the best way to do it. I may be alone in wanting to see RuPaul's Chocolate Factory Race, but the people have spoken, and their thoughts on everyone's controversial opinions have been tallied. Here are, counting down, here ate the 10 controversial Drag Race opinions that sent have the fans melting down. 10. It's not a Flip Sync, it's a LIP Sync!"Lip sync is not about jumping, splitting and reveals, it's about [lip syncing to] the song with your lips and face," said reddit user @Leonard_Snow. "I dont care if youve won 30 awards for dancing, if the dancing is good but I cant see it on your face, then sorry it was pretty bad." Controversial, yet brave! And in many cases, I think, very true. While many lip syncs with flips and tricks leave me mouth agape, Chi Chi DeVayne brings me to tears every time I rewatch her lip sync against Thorgy Thor to "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." There's a time and place for each style, but I'd love to see more queens really lean into an old-school dramatic lip sync more often.9. 'Drag Race' is for WHAT? Entertainment.Reddit user @Prestigious_Bat33 said "Drag Race is a show for entertainment. Its not meant to represent the whole of drag. If you want more variety or less polish go to a local drag show & support a local queen."Ooooh, this one's a doozy. I know it's the Olympics of Drag, but I love a low-budget queen, sue me! On my list of very niche RPDR is a season with a hard budget cap, but I guess a season with a budget minimum would be way more fun to watch too!8. Enough original IP for Snatch Game.I think Reddit user @santosdragmother makes a point when they said, "No one who invents a character for snatch game should win. Even characters who are not well known to RPDR audiences (Planes character, the golden oldies characters) are still people they have to impersonate who do have an audience and a fanbase."I think it's always a risky move. Some are smart, like Anetra, who pivoted away from Gordon Ramsey and instead played his fictional sister, Gorgena Ramsey, upon Ru's suggestion. That's a smart drag queen right there. But there are other's doing original characters who were making a much less smart move. Listen, they can't all be Yvie Oddly's Boogieman.7. Rusicals should be performed live and in color!A truly hot take, user @camellialily said, "I dont care if theyre terrible at it, I 100% prefer when the queens perform the vocals for Rusicals. Otherwise its not a Rusical to me if theyre just lip syncing."Some live Rusicals are so hard to watch I routinely skip over them. Some of them, like "Shade: The Rusical" from Season 6 are worth rewatching on their own because they're packed full of queens who sing for a living, like Courtney Act and Adore Delano. But it's true that some of the prerecorded Rusicals can feel a little lifeless. Personally, I think queens singing and recording the track and then lip syncing to their own vocals is the best middle ground.6. Impersonation is a critically endangered art.User @EdgeMe_Elmo said, "All Snatch Games are getting worse because todays queens dont need impersonation skills let alone have improv skills (unless they are the host)." You don't have to be a professional impersonator like Chad Michaels to have a singular good one ready for the Snatch Game!To me, to determine a good Snatch Game impression I usually ask myself one question: is this the impression this queen does at the bar with her friends? To me, if it has that vibe, it usually slays. Exhibit A is Adore Delano. I cannot congratulate Adore enough on her 9 months of sobriety, but I know when she was a 365 Party Girl she'd get three drinks in, turn to her friends, and let out an unclockably perfect Anna Nicole Smith. I also think Plane Jane's Jelena Karleua falls into this category.5. Let's get All Stars on a predictable schedule.See on InstagramReddit user @braunsteinerr_sb keeps it short and sweet, "All Stars should be every two years ." Hear me out, let's really turn this into the Olympics of Drag. We do All Stars every two years, but alternate between a Summer All Stars and a Winter All Stars. If there's one thing I love in a season of Drag Race, it's a hyper-specific gimmick, and I think it's about time to get SEASONAL in the Werk Room!4. There's no accounting for taste...@shantayouslayingMont sponge dress #dragqueen #drag #rupauldragrace #fyp #fyp #rupaulsdragrace #rupaul #dragrace #usa #usadrag #rpdrusa #season10 #rpdrusa #rpdrseason10 #sponge #spongequeen #spongedress #justiceforthespongedress #fypviral #for #foryou #foryoupage #foryourpage #foryoupageofficiall #drag #dragwinner #as4 #dragraceallstars4 #allstars4winnerUser @DazzlerFan is brave enough to say what we've all thought at one point or another, "All drag is valid, but it's not all good." Sure, tastes and aesthetics differ, but sometimes...sometimes it's just not good.3. Not everyone should be in the running for Miss Congeniality, and that's GOOD!Who doesn't love a little drama? User @hi_nabby said, "Drag queens dont have to be nice or politically correct. Let them be rotted and flawed. Put down the pitchforks and torches." For a fandom that loves the aesthetics of Divine, but might not appreciate her if she were to be a contemporary queen, I think this is an astute observation. I also think "Let them be rotted" is an excellent way to make this argument, it just rolls off the tongue!2. MORE design challenges!@groovymoviNymphia Winds Mother of all Balls design look. #rupaulsdragrace #dragrace #drag #lgbt #gay #nymphiawind #balls #fashion #fashiontiktok #fyp User @IrishLaaaaaaaaad wants to put these queens to WERK. They said, "There should be more design challenges per season to really separate the capable creatives from the wallet openers. ETA Min 3 per season: one near the start, one midway and then one nearing the end." I know sewing is hard, and I have a bias given that my mom was a costumer and seamstress by trade, but this one I get. RuPaul's Drag Race has had how many total seasons and spin offs now? If you get cast on Drag Race and your first step isn't to walk down to the Rec Center and take a sewing class, maybe a tap dancing lesson or two? Honey, then at this point that's on YOU!1. This is not 'RuPaul's Best Lip Syncer Race'Finale, user @Electrical-Tie-5158 hits us with the hard truth you may not be ready to hear, "Lipsyncs are the queens last chance to impress Ru and save themselves from elimination. She never said whoever performs better will get to stay."It's true. Ru says it every episode! But it still doesn't make it any easier to accept, especially in cases like Marcia Marcia Marcia and Anetra's ICONIC lip sync which should have been a double shantay. Period.

Out CNN host Anderson Cooper hammered Donald Trump for his sharing of a crude, sexist, and misogynist slur about Vice President Kamala Harris. Cooper then showed a supercut of some of the most misogynist moments from Trumps political career.Cooper discussed several of Trumps posts to social media from yesterday, including a post supporting QAnon, the absurd conspiracy theory that there is an international, Satanic cabal of pedophiles run by Hillary Clinton and Tom Hanks that is torturing children to harvest their adrenochrome. The post that Trump shared on the platform Truth Social included the QAnon phrases Nothing can stop what is coming, Hold the line, and WWG1WGA (Where we go one, we go all). Related Donald Trump asked if hes gender fluid in bizarre Laura Ingraham interview He rambled incoherently about how Christians dont vote when asked about his statement that people wont have to vote again if hes elected. In another post, Trump shared pictures of Clinton, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), President Joe Biden and his son Hunter, Harris, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Bill Gates in prison jumpsuits with the words How to actually fix the system.' 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 But one posting in particular disturbed Cooper: a picture of Harris and Clinton with the comment: Funny how blowjobs impacted both of their careers differently. Its a reference to Bill Clintons behavior in the 90s as well as the rightwing misogynist myth that Harris has only seen career success because she performed sexual favors for men. What Donald Trump's verified account on Truth Social is reposting pic.twitter.com/paMBc6HhIN Azi (@Azi) August 28, 2024He did not look at this stuff, chuckle silently to himself, if thats what he would do, and move on, Cooper said. Instead, he wanted to give it the stamp of approval of the 45th and perhaps the 47th president of the United States.This is the Republican candidate for president talking about two women who, no matter what you think of their politics, are two of the most accomplished women in American political history, Cooper said. This is what he chose to amplify.Cooper then said that the post wasnt out of character when it comes to him and women and shared a supercut of Trumps misogynist comments. Keeping them honest, the tale of two campaigns, while VP Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are on a bus tour of Georgia, former President Donald Trump goes on the attack against Harris and resorts to a crass, sexual slur. pic.twitter.com/07qtN4N1iO Anderson Cooper 360 (@AC360) August 29, 2024Later in the broadcast, Cooper discussed Trumps social media posts with fellow CNN anchor Abby Phillip. Phillip noted that Trump doesnt believe that they would ever be qualified, referring to women who challenge him. He called Kamala Harris dumb multiple times this week.He could be attacking her on a whole host of substantive things, she continued. But the thing he attacks her on is something that is very clearly false because of the fact that she- of all that shes accomplished, her education, etc This is who Trump is. Its also exactly the thing that disturbs moderate independent voters the most about him.This campaign is going to be fought now on the grounds of fitness for office.

(@) Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is not the brightest bulb in the box. Shes not the sharpest tool in the shed. The elevator doesnt go all the way to the top floor. When she opens her mouth, we all collectively get a little stupider. In short, shes a dummy.She once claimed Jewish space lasers were responsible for Californias wildfire problem, she thinks earthquakes are a weather event, she believes straight people are going extinct because everyone is turning gay or turning trans, and one time she called the Gestapo the gazpacho police. With Greenes history of saying the dumbest things imaginable, its no surprise that when a photo of the Georgia congresswoman looking like a racist, homophobic version of Winnie the Pooh thinking popped up on social media, people instantly took to the comment section to mock her.The original photo was posted on X with the headline Breaking: Marjorie Taylor Greene is thinking about leaving Congress. Sadly, there is no evidence thats true (well just have to wait until she loses the election to get rid of her!), but it gave one X user the brilliant idea to shorten the headline to Breaking: Marjorie Taylor Greene thinking, which prompted hilarious responses. From someone joking, Greenes brain starts smoking when she tries to think, writing, OhI thought I smelled something burning, to someone else asking, How is it possible for Marjorie Taylor Grene to think? Artificial intelligence, these commenters have us cackling!Keep scrolling to see the funniest response to MTG trying to use her brain for once! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

These hunks are smoking hot!Wednesday is usually a cursed day because all we can think of is how far away Friday still is, but when we have partially-clothed hot male celebs to ogle.Between the trend of men wearing tiny shorts to hunky actors starring in sexy commercials to stars showing off their ripped physique by wearing next to nothing, hump day has been made infinitely better.So whether you're hiding out during your work day to peek at our list of hot celebs or winding down after a long day, we've got you covered. Let's see those Hump Day Hunks!Antoni PorowskiSee on InstagramQueer Eye's resident food and wine expert is the newest male celeb to jump on the shortie shorts bandwagon, and we couldn't be happier about his decision!Carson TwitchellSee on InstagramGay fitness influencer Carson Twitchell was in Mykonos this week, showing off every inch of skin and his...ahem...package while wearing nothing but a colorful speedo.Jeremy Allen White (@) The Iron Claw's Jeremy Allen White is the star of the newest Calvin Klein ad campaign, and the photos and commercial are HOT. We may have played the ad a few...dozen times! In one of the photos, he's sprawled on a chair wearing just grey boxer briefs, and we think we might like this even better than slutty gray sweatpants.See on InstagramSee on InstagramMichael Cimino (@) Shirtless photos of cutie Michael Cimini, who starred in Love, Victor, popped up on social media this week, and let's just say he's aged well!Rose (@) Drag Race star Ros posted a pic on X of a mirror selfie showing off her fab butt in response to online criticism. We wholeheartedly endorse this response to internet trolls!Zane Phillips (@) Gay Fire Island star Zane Phillips posed for VMAN Magazine earlier this year, but now this supposed "outtake" photo has made its way onto social media. In the pic, Phillips is carrying a Louis Vuitton bag covering and nothing else. We think we're in love!Colman DomingoSee on InstagramIn this ad for Neiman Marcus, Colman Domingo is dressed to impress as per usual and looking sexy AF.Bill Skarsgrd (@) Reception for Bill Skarsgrd's The Crow remake has been mixed at best, but these behind-the-scenes photos of him shirtless and covered in tattoos are enough to make us head to the theater ASAP!Sexy Statue (@) We officially petition to have all future statues made this way! Also, is that what we think it is at the tip?!Ross Lynch (@) We've been obsessed with Ross Lynch ever since we saw Troye Sivan give him a lap dance in the music video for "One of Your Girls," but seeing him onstage playing his own music sans shirt is our new favorite thing!Jonathan BaileySee on InstagramFellow Travelers star Jonathan Bailey is constantly making it onto our Hump Day Hunks list because, well, look at him! This super sexy Armani ad features Bailey staring into our soul with the sexiest look imaginable.Paul Mescal (@) ALERT: The king of short shorts Paul Mescal was photographed in super small shorts again!Milo Ventimiglia (@) These photos of Milo Ventimiglia in teeny tiny shorts pop up on social media every once in a while, and we are always thankful to be reminded of thicc thighs!

The Mormon Church became increasingly bigoted towards transgender church members this week, with new anti-trans policies saying that those who have transitioned socially but not medically are not allowed to be baptized and threatening to categorize them with child abusers, the Advocate reports.The policies come from an updated church handbook which was issued Monday. The handbook states that trans people may not work with children, become clergy members, or teach. Related Christian teacher sues for the right to misgender trans students Two trans students & their families complained when the teacher just started nodding or pointing at them instead of using their first names. Church leaders counsel against pursuing surgical, medical, or social transition away from ones biological sex at birth. Leaders advise that taking these actions will result in some Church membership restrictions. These restrictions include receiving or exercising the priesthood, receiving or using a temple recommend, and serving in some Church callings, the handbook says. 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 Trans people who completely transition away from their biological sex at birth will not be denied from the church completely, but these individuals and their families are encouraged to counsel with their local leaders regarding Church participation.In 2020, the church said those who have transitioned medically would be denied baptism and has now expanded that to social transition as well. Detransitioning will make trans Mormons eligible for baptism, the handbook says.NBC News reported that Trans members will also face possible annotation on their membership records, grouping them with churchgoers who have committed incest, sexual predatory behavior, sexual violence against children, and embezzlement of church funds. The Salt Lake Tribune says that the policy changes mean that trans people cannot stay at most youth camps overnight and are urged to use single-occupancy restrooms at church meetinghouses or station a trusted person outside to keep others from entering when they use a restroom that aligns with their personal gender identity.Affirmation is an organization for LGBTQ+ Mormons that strongly condemned the decision.We mourn with ourtransgendersiblings as we wrestle with the painful impact of recent policy changes and guidelines released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said astatementfrom the group. With over 45 years of providing support to LGBTQIA+ individuals who are current and former members of the Church, we know first-hand the pain that policies like this cause. We stand with our transgender siblings.Despite the demeaning policy changes, the handbook does state that transgender people often face complex challenges and should be treated with sensitivity, kindness, compassion, and Christlike love. It stops short of granting them equality.

We all know Joe Locke has a lot more to offer than his role as Charlie Spring in Netflixs Hearstopper, and hes about to prove just how far he can flex his chops.Apart from his leading role in the series, Locke also recently made his Broadway debut as Tobias Ragg in the revival of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Ahead of Heartstoppers third season, Locke is also slated to star in Marvels Agatha All Along.While currently only credited as Teen on the cast list with many elements kept hush-hush until its September 18 release, fans theorize that Locke will take on the role of Wiccan, the out son of Wanda Maximoff who we first met in WandaVision in 2021.See on InstagramWe could be wrong, but Marvel has at least confirmed that his character is gay. Either way, Lockes presence in the MCU makes him the second out actor to play a queer superhero in that universe, which is pretty monumental in itself.That said, Locke also told Variety that thinking about how big that truly is gets a bit stressful if he dwells on it, and that being in a Marvel series is the most pinch me thing.The Marvel fandom, however, is quite the opposite of the Heartstopper fandom, as Locke is finding out the hard way. After the glimpse of the trailer dropped, Locke said fans were upset about Marvel exploring a campy gay stereotype.It really annoyed me because I was like, You cant ask for authentic casting and then be upset if you have a camp character, he said. Im fully aware that the Marvel fandom is far less nice than the Heartstopper fandom. Theres going to be a lot of people that just hate everything about the character and everything about what Ive done with it, and I just have to be okay with that.See on InstagramHe also said that he expected to get really muscly and hench getting cast in a Marvel show, but that the showrunners instead told him they wanted him to stay small and twink-y.Whether its love or hate coming his way, Locke also says he finds the pressure of being a pioneering voice in LGBTQ+ storytelling quite overwhelming in a good way, but that there are days that I never want to play a gay character again. Most of the casting I get sent are for gay characters.He also noted that he didn't know if that was a "problem with the industry, or a problem of me and my internalized homophobia."Well, whatever his future holds, we cant wait to see whats in store for it. We know were excited to finally get the full details for his Agatha All Along character, as well as whatever Heartstopper season 3 has in store for us. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Willam Belli invites you into his dark room for the sexiest duel youve ever seen! OUTtv, proving once again that theyve been reading our dream journals and know exactly what were craving, has announced a new reality series that will have you seated (and ready to make it rain): Willams Dark Room Duel hosted by drag icon Willam. The new series, from the folks who brought you For the Love of DILFs, sees the RuPauls Drag Race and A Star is Born star inviting a bevy of sexy multi-talented male strippers to face off against one another in a series of challenges as part of a battle to win a sickening prize package. What will they win? Aside from Americas hearts, we mean the amazing opportunity to open for Willam during one of his iconic live shows, and a special little bonus (to be announced; yes, this IS a tease) from PRIDE.com ourselves.One thing is certain: Willam is well-qualified for the gig! I used to book and manage strippers back in the day, and still some of my best friends are strippers, says Willam in their statement announcing the show. Trust me, when it comes to taking off clothes I know what Im talking about. Plus, I love making stuff with OUTtv. I think they really get what people want from a queer TV show: me at the top of the call sheet!While the drag diva would no doubt love to keep the cast all to himself, he wont be alone on the judging panel. Hell be joined by drag artist Meatball Queen (Dragula, Sloppy Seconds Podcast) and legendary male entertainer Rhyheim Shabazz (2024s GayVN Performer of the Year).Back to what we said at the top: Youre invited to join Willam! Do you have what it takes to snatch the title? Do you know your way around a pole and how to shake your money maker? Well, good news diva, because casting is now open for season one here.

Things havent gotten any better for Armie Hammer ever since those pesky cannibalism accusations came out in 2021.The Call Me By Your Name star shared a video on his Instagram account about his beloved truck, which hes admitted he has to get rid of because he cant afford the gas. So, Ive been back in L.A. for a couple of weeks now, he said as he pointed to his truck and defined it. I bought this for myself in 2017 as a Christmas gift for myself.Notably, 2017 was also the year Call Me By Your Name was released.I have loved this truck intensely, he continued, which is a bit of a risky word for him to use. Ive taken it camping and across the country multiple times and on long road trips. I took her for one last road trip to CarMax.After admitting this is not an ad for CarMax, he said he was selling his truck.Since being back in L.A., I have put about $4 or $500 worth of gas in it, and I cant afford it, he said. I cant afford the gas anymore.Despite not being able to afford the gas, Hammer did manage to get himself a tiny hybrid that will probably take 10 bucks of gas per month, so heres to hoping that fares him better.See on InstagramWhile Hammer may have noted that part of this decision was tied to his birthday on August 28, eagle-eyed fans may also have noticed some of the items in his truck that he had to clear out.Among those items in the center console was a bundle of rope next to a medicine bottle.Anyway, the move to sell his car and the reason why have set the internet ablaze with jokes at his expense. Keep scrolling through for some of our favorites. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Start the cameras!In just over two years, Trevor Brooks has earned himself a top spot in adult entertainment, which is no easy feat.The model has amassed millions of views on plenty of adult sites and social media platforms, so Brooks has built himself quite a strong fanbase in the world of gay porn."It's been really amazing! I've been having a really good time. [The past two years] have been super busy... a lot of traveling [and] getting to know new people," Brooks tells PRIDE. See on Instagram While celebrating his multiple nominations earlier this year at the GayVN Awards, Brooks wanted to let his fans know that he has no plans of slowing down in adult film in the near future."[I'll be doing this] as long as they'll let me! We'll see. We can stretch it out a while. I'll make my transition into daddy [or] bear sometime soon."A daddy era for Trevor Brooks? Sign us up!Until then, he's certainly filmed tons of hot content the past couple of years, including steamy collaborations with many men who've won big at the GayVN Awards the past few years.Although Brooks didn't walk away with any trophies at this year's GayVN Awards, his star is only on the rise. Thankfully, plenty of other popular adult entertainers shared their secrets to making it big in the porn industry.To see the full clip with Trevor Brooks from the GayVN Awards, check out the video at the top of the page.

Since the Democrats took over the Oval Office in the 2020 elections, national unemployment rates have fallen considerably to pre-pandemic levels, the stock market has reached record highs, and wages have risen while inflation rates have drastically dropped. And yes, still more needs to be done.Congress, with the help of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, passed landmark legislation, including comprehensive COVID relief for free vaccines, masks, and home testing kits, and payments to struggling businesses and individual households. Related How Kamala Harris stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, uses art to support trans people of color Shes using her art for good. For the first time since the Eisenhower administration, Congress passed a wide-ranging bipartisan infrastructure bill to repair outdated and crumbling highways, bridges, sewage and water systems, airports, improve mass transit and install electric charging stations, and extend internet access. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today They passed substantial funding to deal with the climate crisis, to produce computer chips in the United States, to pay for the healthcare of servicemembers exposed to toxic burn pits, to extend the cancer moon project for the purpose of finally curing this deadly disease, and also, they delivered a firearms reform package.In addition, President Biden and Vice President Harris have shown true leadership in bringing back the Western alliance of nations to counter the unwarranted and brutal invasion of Ukraine, a sovereign nation, by the Russian Federations totalitarian regime under its President Vladimir Putin, and theyre working to limit Chinas aggression against Taiwan too.And yes, still more work needs to be done, but at no other time in the history of the United States have we seen a clearer and starker choice than in the 2024 presidential sweepstakes. The Democrats truly represent the Party of Freedom and are forward-thinking, while the Republicans continue to be the Party of No in retrograde.Though I generally refrain from writing in terms of binaries, I perceive many unambiguous differences:Democrats actively support reproductive freedom of choice and continued federal funding of reproductive healthcare clinics, IVF procedures, and contraceptives; Republicans dont support reproductive choice but, instead, in many areas of the GOP, support a total or partial ban on reproductive healthcare and no funding of reproductive healthcare clinics, a ban on IVF procedures, and limiting of contraceptives. Democrats have substantial support for a single-payer national healthcare plan; Republicans only support fully privatizing healthcare insurance.Democrats have demonstrated an appropriate and quick response to public health emergencies and a trust in science; Republicans have demonstrated a slow and deadly response to public health emergencies with little or no trust in science but, rather, promotion of dangerous conspiracy theories.Democrats support paid parental leave, child tax credits, subsidized day care of children and seniors, implementation of a truly equitable and fair tax plan, and commitment to substantially narrowing the wage/wealth gaps; Republicans have offered no substantial support for paid parental leave, child tax credits, and subsidized national childcare plan and no elder care plan but they do support massive tax breaks for the already-super rich and for corporations. Democrats dont support banning books, and they encourage the age=appropriate teaching of race, gender, and sexual and gender identities, as well as the teaching of the hard history in public schools, plus additional national and state funding of our public schools; Republicans instituted book bans and the banning of much other curricular content in public schools, want to provide a voucher system of public funding to private schools, some of which are parochial, and have plans to abolish the Federal Department of Education.Democrats support a fair process in the nomination and confirmation of federal judges and justices; Republicans have virtually no support for the confirmation of judges and justices nominated by Democrats.Democrats have shown continued and firm support for marriage equality; Republicans have little support for marriage equality and want to possibly pass a Constitutional amendment defining legal marriage as only between a man and a woman. Democrats have demonstrated continued support for the civil and human rights of transgender people and personal choice in their use of public accommodations and healthcare, including gender confirmation procedures; Republicans have continually vilified and scapegoated transgender people, offering no support for transgender choice in their use of public accommodations and healthcare, including GOP-led bans on gender confirmation procedures.Democrats support a complete separation between religion and government; Republicans want no separation of Church & State by attempting to install a patriarchal internationalist Christian white supremacist theocracy.Democrats have continued and improved consumer protections on all products including prescription drugs, and have passed and enforced appropriate regulations on business and industry to protect the safety of the public and reduce exorbitant price gouging; Republicans have instituted proposals to abolish the Consumer Protections Agency. Democrats show firm and consistent support for labor unions and the process of collective bargaining, a guaranteed federal living minimum hourly and yearly wage; Republicans want to abolish all labor unions with no collective bargaining rights and no establishment of a minimum hourly or annual wage.Democrats support a real partnership between the federal, state, and local governments with final authority resting in the federal government; Republicans plan to severely restrict such partnerships and any authority of the federal government over states and locales. Democrats desire strong and continued ties with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the United Nations, and our other allies around the world to solve common problems and to serve as trading partners; Republicans promote America First isolationism by remaining resolute to retreat from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, with very little support for the work of the United Nations, and little desire to meet our current treaty obligations, depending on the day. Democrats have committed to limiting the continued disastrous climate crisis by earmarking more funding to renewable sources of clean energy while ensuring more clean energy jobs, retraining the workforce, and cleaning waterways and the air; Republicans have little commitment to clean energy sources, and repeat Drill Baby Drill with no limits on fossil fuel extractions and emissions, mining, and deforestation.Democrats want common sense firearms regulations such as banning assault rifles, universal background checks, red flag laws, and gun buyback programs; Republicans want no firearms restrictions of any kind and regularly advise residents to buy more guns.Democrats commitment to just and humane immigration policies will infuse more funding into hiring border agents to process those who wish to enter the country, and offer codified protections for Dreamers; Republicans demonize and stereotype primarily Black and Brown immigrants from our southern border, offering virtually no immigration reform except harsh penalties like family separation, arrest, and deportation. Democrats support police and prison reform, including work to ensure a working partnership between departments and the communities they serve, and instituting humaine policies such as no choke holds, the warning of officer body cameras, and other precautions; Republicans have offered virtually no suggestions for police reform other than even harsher treatment by officers on the people they are meant to serve, and also the privatization of the prison system by for-profit corporations.Democrats have continued their support of some social benefits programs, like increasing funding for public safety net programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, SNAP (food assistance) programs, reducing or eliminating student loan debt, and offering supplemental nutrition assistance such as free school breakfasts and lunches; Republicans have shown virtually no support for public safety net programs defining these as socialist, and proposing these programs be run by private for-profit corporations.Democrats negotiate with big pharmaceutical companies to reduce costs for a wide array of drug therapies for the public, Republicans have shown few actual results in lowering drug prices. Democrats have pursued continued activism to ensure fair and equitable voting rights for all qualified citizens regardless of their social identities and backgrounds; Republicans have continually worked to rig elections in its own favor by refusing to limit state gerrymandering of voting districts, reducing the number of voting days, giving confusing misinformation on which districts individuals should cast their ballots, limiting or eliminating mail-in ballots and ballot drop-off boxes, and crying about fraudulent elections unless Republicans are determined to be the winners. Democrats are dedicated to ethics in politics, to truth, facts, and decency; Republicans base ethics, lies and alternative facts show a lack of decency and a willingness to pursue petty grievances, personal attacks, and retribution.Democrats understand the potential of a government that works with the people to solve their problems; Republicans have no commitment to governing, even when it has the power to do so. Democrats are committed to democracy and establishing a more perfect union; Republicans are committed to an autocratic system to hold power for powers sake. For those who have watched both the Republican National Convention and the Democratic National Convention, it is evident that the bright and joyful faces at the DNC in Chicago represent all of the United States, while the relatively monotone homogenous faces of the GOP in Milwaukee symbolize a slim swath of what makes up the country.The Democrats must tell their story, the highlights as well of the issues they need more time to improve. They must also tell the truth that the only thing the Republicans will do and say is No.

Puerto Rican rapper and king of the thirst trap Bad Bunny just joined the cast of Darren Aronofskys upcoming thriller Caught Stealing alongside stars Austin Butler and Zo Kravitz.Adapted by Charlie Huston from his book of the same name, the film follows burned-out ex-baseball player Hank Thompson (Butler), who finds himself fighting for survival in the gritty criminal underbelly of 90s New York City.The Grammy Award-winning rapper is joining the cast that also includes Regina King (Watchmen), Matt Smith (Doctor Who), Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan), and Will Brill (Fellow Travelers), but it is unknown what role hell play, Deadline reports. (@) This wont be Bunnys first foray into acting. Last year, he hosted and performed on Saturday Night Live, where he acted alongside hunk Pedro Pascal in a hilarious skit where they played mother and son and of course he starred as Gael Garca Bernal's lover in Cassandro. Bunnys latest album, Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Maana, dropped last year and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and then went on to become 2023s most-streamed album on Spotify in both a single day and week. The 30-year-old performer also recently completed his 46-date Most Wanted Tour which broke sales records in 16 venues.While reportedly none of the characters in Caught Stealing are queer, having Butler and Bunny in one movie has our imaginations running wild!