Starting in January, the leader of every committee in the House of Representatives will be a straight, cis, white man for the first time in several decades.House Appropriations Committee Chairperson Tom Cole (R-OK) announced the Republican partys recommendations for committee chairs for next year, and the list is getting attention on social media for its uniformity. Related Donald Trumps Pentagon nominee said gays ruined the military in rant from just this year Pete Hegseth said repealing Dont Ask, Dont Tell marked the beginning of the end of the militarys tough looking, go get em culture. Here are the House Republicans' new committee chairs.Gosh, if only we could find some kind of theme here pic.twitter.com/49cikbQyrv Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) December 14, 2024Currently, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) is the chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) is the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Both are women. McMorris Rodgers did not seek reelection this past year, while Foxx has reached her six-year term limit as a committee chair, a rule imposed by Republican leadership. They will both be replaced by men. There are no out LGBTQ+ Republican members of Congress. There are 34 Republican women in the House. Republicans celebrated the list. From securing our southern border, to unleashing American energy, to fighting to lower Bidenflation, and making our communities safe again, our Committee Chairs are ready to get to work fulfilling the American peoples mandate and enacting President Trumps America-First agenda, said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) in a statement. ABC News says that the last time there were no women leading a standing committee was 2006, which was also when Republicans controlled the House. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) will be the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and he has two grandparents who are from Mexico.

Among Donald Trumps Cabinet nominees, its hard to choose who is the most dangerous to LGBTQ+ rights. But its easy to pick out who is the most dangerous to LGBTQ+ health: Robert Kennedy Jr. As the nominee to run the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Kennedy has the potential to make literal life-and-death decisions about the nations health. But his crackpot ideas are a direct threat to the very issues that can matter most to the LGBTQ+ community. Much has been made of Kennedys conspiracy-ridden, fringe beliefs. He believes that vaccines cause autism, even though abundant evidence has shown no link. He has said that COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people and the people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese. He thinks fluoride in the water supply, which is proven to reduce dental disease, can cause everything from arthritis to bone cancer. He believes that Prozac is a reason for the outbreak of school shootings. Related Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reveals plans to fire 600 federal health workers The Trump ally and anti-vax conspiracist takes aim at the agencies he loathes. But not as much has been made about how Kennedys ideas have dire implications for the health of LGBTQ+ Americans. For one thing, the would-be secretary of HHS is an AIDS denialist. In his 2021 book blasting former public health official Anthony Fauci, Kennedy sneers at the theology that HIV is the sole cause of AIDS. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today No one has been able to point to a study that demonstrates their hypothesis using accepted scientific proofs, he says of the thousands of scientists who have demonstrated beyond a doubt the connection between the virus and the disease. Perhaps just as disturbing as the stench of homophobia that underpins what Kennedy thinks is the reason for AIDS. He cites lifestyle exposures, including poppers, a popular drug among promiscuous gays. All in all, it wasnt the virus killing people but compulsive homosexual behavior, Kennedy told podcaster Joe Rogan just last year.That was the argument that the right wing used during the Reagan administration to delay and deny helping the thousands of gay men who were dying. Kennedy seems happy to revisit it, which is a chilling hint at what he might do as secretary. For example, if MPOX comes back with a roar, what would Kennedy do? Hes already suggested that its emergency was a conspiracy among the WHO, Big Pharma, and Bill Gates. He already hates vaccines. Would he mobilize the force of the government to stop the spread of the disease in the gay community, when he seems prone to blame the victim to begin with?Meanwhile, you can forget about federal help for an AIDS vaccine. Kennedy doesnt believe in the virus and he doesnt believe in vaccines, so hes never going to support more funding for that effort. Worse still, he will be spreading doubt about HIV, potentially leading to unsafe behavior and an increase in infections.Then theres transgender health care. Kennedy is blatantly anti-trans. I am against people participating in womens sports who are biologically male,Kennedy said on CNN. Moreover, his ideas about gender dysphoria are every bit as bizarre as most of his other beliefs. He thinks chemicals in the water are making kids trans. Theres atrazine throughout our water supply, Kennedy insists. If you, in a lab, put atrazine in a tank full of frogs, it will chemically castrate and forcibly feminize every frog in there. And 10 percent of the frogs, the male frogs, will turn into fully viable females able to produce viable eggs. If its doing that to frogs, theres a lot of other evidence that its doing it to human beings as well.Kennedy shares this scientific theory with that well-known medical researcher, Alex Jones. Its one thing for your crazy uncle to share his looney theories with you at the family dinner table. Its entirely enough for him to have control of the federal apparatus where he can do something about them. Kennedy has said that youth experiencing gender dysphoria should not be allowed medical treatment until they are adults. We must protect our children, he said last May. That puts Kennedy squarely on the side of the rightwing effort to put legal restrictions in place around care for transgender youth. As secretary of HHS, he will be in a powerful position to issue guidelines that will make it harder if not impossible for trans youth to get medical care. He could take his beliefs a step further and push for even broader restrictions regardless of age. This is the man that Donald Trump wants to go wild on health. Even the servile Republicans in the Senate are having a hard time with Kennedys nomination. But that doesnt mean that his nomination wont be approved. If Trump decides to make a show of his power, Republicans will buckle. Americans, especially LGBTQ+ Americans, will be the ones to suffer the consequences. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

This article originally appeared on Out. RuPaul's Drag Race season 6 and All Stars 6 alum Trinity K. Bonet has come out as trans. After posting a series of social media photos and videos that prompted speculation within the Drag Race fandom, Trinity has now shared a statement with Out confirming that this is a coming-out moment indeed.Fans started speculating about Trinity K. Bonet coming out as trans after the Drag Race alum shared a picture on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, December 15 with a caption that included three emojis: the two hearts emoji, the transgender flag emoji, and the squinting face with tongue emoji.Out reached out for comment, and Trinity wrote the following response:"Hey, how are you doing? Yeah, I did come out. Lol but I'm not trying to do interviews and make a big deal about it. I've always been Trinity. I'm just keeping wig on. Lol." (@) Best known as a Lip Sync Assassin on Drag Race season 6, a top 5 semifinalist on All Stars 6, and a competitor at the 2024 Miss Continental pageant, Trinity had been dropping hints about coming out as trans in other posts shared over the weekend.For instance, Trinity who is an Aquarius shared an Instagram story on Saturday, December 14 that described "the Aquarius woman," as you can see below.On Sunday, December 15, the Drag Race alum shared an Instagram story with a Snapchat handle (@buttercup202425) accompanying the name Trinity Jones.It's always lovely to see people in the LGBTQ+ community living as their most authentic selves. Congratulations are in order to Trinity!Past seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race and All Stars are streaming on Paramount+ and tune in to watch season 17 when it premieres Friday, January 3, 2025 on MTV.See on Instagram

Three more men stepped forward on Thursday to accuse rapper and music producer Sean P. Diddy Combs of drugging and raping them. The civil lawsuits follow four others filed by men last month, including one victim who was 16 at the time of his alleged assault.It was a usual thing. Come for a meeting, have a drink, you get woozy, you wake up to Sean Combs raping you, you get ushered out the door, the mens attorneyThomas Giuffra toldABC News last Thursday. I was struck by the similarity, he said. Related Sean Diddy Combs accused of sexually assaulting four men as new suits are filed Several of the alleged victims say they were drugged and then raped by Combs. The incidents allegedly took place between 2019 and 2022. All three men say they were served drugged drinks and then sexually assaulted by Combs and his associates. 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 Each is seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages from Combs, the 55-year-old founder of Bad Boy Records.One man claims he met Combs in 2019 at a Manhattan nightclub and was invited to an afterparty at the singers suite at the Park Hyatt Hotel. He said he tried to resist before the laced drink left him unconscious. One of Combs associates, who recorded the incident in a hotel bedroom, paid him $2,500 after the assault, the man said. Another claims Combs drugged and raped him in 2020 when the two met at Combs suite at the Times Square InterContinental hotel to settle debts the man was owed as a longtime employee of Combs. The third individual claims he was drugged and raped by Combs and his record label associates during a summertime party at Combs East Hampton mansion. That mansion is the site of several alleged assaults at the singers now-infamous annual White Party.The three new suits bring the total number of sexual assault accusations leveled at Combs to 21. Guiffra claims more than 60 individuals have contacted him over similar allegations.I only chose to file these three so far because I vetted them out. Theyre very consistent with the pattern that Sean Combs followed, Giuffra said.In October, four men came forward with accusations similar to those filed Thursday. Two of those alleged victims accuse Combs of assaulting them at his star-studded White Party, including a 16-year-old boy who says that, in 1998, Combs told him to drop his pants and then proceeded to fondle his genitals. Combs told the boy, who was trying to break into the music industry, that the assault was a rite of passage.Another victim said he became extremely ill after drinking a beverage laced with narcotics at a White Party in 2006. Combs allegedly pushed him into van and raped him, the filing states.In February this year, music producer Rodney Lil Rod Jones Jr., who worked on Combs 2023 recordThe Love Album: Off the Grid, filed suit against the rapper, claiming, Throughout his time living with Mr. Combs, Mr. Jones was the victim of constant unsolicited and unauthorized groping and touching of his anus, among other indiscretions. Combs attorneys denied the latest charges.These complaints are full of lies, the lawyers wrote in a statement. We will prove them false and seek sanctions against every unethical lawyer who filed fictional claims against him.Combs is currently in custody at Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting trial on federal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. He was denied release pending trial in May for the third time last week.Those charges allege Combs coerced and abused female victims over a period of several years. Among other venues, assaults occurred at drug-fueled, elaborately produced sexual performances Combs called Freak Offs. The sex parties also recruited male sex workers as part of the entertainment, according to the indictment.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Over the course of two-plus seasons of For the Love of DILFs, weve had some incredibly dramatic episodes but last weeks topped them all. Not only did we see Davids love trapezoid blow up and the shocking return of fan-favorite Daddy Tony shook up the mansion, but we also saw our sweetest Daddy Robert take a terrifying fall and get taken away in an ambulance. And honestly, that was just the beginning! This week kicks off with the return of Robert, sporting a new bandage, and with a new respect for his connection with the entire cast. Everybody was actually at the front door waiting. I just felt that really legitimate sense of concern and care from people Ive only known for like days at this point, recalled Robert. It was real and I felt it.While that sweet reunion is just one of the reasons were so hooked on the show, we also get to see the romance between Dani and Victor move to the next level, after the two joined forces in confronting a very shocked David about his alleged himbo hopping.Yes, romance is blooming in DILF Mansion! We cant wait to read his poem about this moment. But it cant all be kisses and prose in the mansion, so yes the drama unfolds, too. Injuries or not, in DILF Mansion evictions must continue and this time it's the Himbos who are taking control, and we see a couple of Daddies shaking in their boots well, sneakers but you get the point.Whew, this show just won't let us breathe and we love it! 'For the Love of DILFs' is streaming now on OUTtv. Scroll up to watch the first 10 minutes of season 3 episode 3 now.

Bisexual rapper Doechii is on her way to the Grammy Awards in 2025 as a three-time nominee and has exploded onto the scene in 2024 as one of the hottest new acts around.Her 2024 album, Alligator Bites Never Heal, firmly established the What It Is singer into the limelight. Known for being bold, brazen, and willing to tell it like it is, its clear she has her sights set on Megan thee Stallion-type fame, and shes well on her way.See on InstagramApart from being an incredible talent, Doechii is also part of the queer fam, as she openly identifies as bi and is currently in a relationship with a woman. In a recent interview with The Breakfast Club, both Doechiis girlfriend and her bisexuality came up during a conversation about on of the tracks from Alligator Bites, Denial is a River.While discussing her journey to sobriety, Doechii said of the track, I dont think I was ever lying to myself. I titled it that because I was dealing with somebody who was lying to themselves, but anywaysThough she initially drifted, Doechii eluded the reference to that quote from Wendy Williams, where shed said at one point on her show, Denial is a river in Egypt Your husband is gay!From there, Doechii went on to detail how a former boyfriend of hers had cheated on her with another man, with focus on the problem being that he cheated and not who he cheated with after host Charlemagne tha God asked her how she dealt with finding out.See on InstagramYou also could have let me know upfront what your style was, she said. Im bisexual. Thats cool. Ive dated a bisexual men. No problem. Let me know what it is upfront. Ill accept you for who you are, it doesnt matter. I think its, like, the cheating on top of lying and secrecy about just who you are as a person.When fellow host DJ Envy noted society thought it was different when it was a man with another man, saying, In this world, its OK for a woman to be with another woman, but for a man to be with another man, people look at that differently in a bisexual relationship."Doechii interrupted and put him in his place. Absolutely not, she said. I dont see it that way, I really dont. I think sexuality is fluid, and I really dont give a damn.See on InstagramBecause then thats contradicting, agreed host Jess Hilarious.It is, said Doechii. How could I sit up here and be bisexual and then be like, Oh, no, he cant be. Girl, whatever.This opened up Jess Hilarious to ask about Doechiis girlfriend, saying it was wonderful to be in the relationship.Tune into the Grammys on February 2, 2025, to see if Doechii takes home the Best New Act Award over Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, or if she wins in either the Best Rap Performance or Best Rap Album categories.In the meantime, check out the full interview below:

My gosh, I cant believe that the Holiday Season is upon us? It feels like I just said until next year to the man with bag from the North Pole!? But low and behold, we are less than 25 days away. The holidays are a time of JOY and making special memories. I so enjoy []The post The Holidays are HERE and its time for a Hootenanny! appeared first on GEDmagazine.

A notorious book ban advocate disrupted a city school board meeting in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, forcing the meeting to enter recess as the stacked audience cheered for him.John Amanchukwu, a North Carolina pastor who has made a career out of campaigning against transgender rights, abortion, and so-called critical race theory, spoke during a meeting on December 10 about what he claimed would be October revenue. Related School district bans 400 books in response to anti-LGBTQ state law The list includes Dr. Seuss childrens books and graphic novels that appeal to the prurient interest, according to school officials. Instead, he held up the picture book It Feels Good to Be Yourself, which aims to talk about gender identity to young readers. 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 How we use these funds matters because we want to put the best things before children, he said. When you open the book it says, Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both. Neither are somewhere in between.'Amanchukwu had an audience packed with people backing him and was supported by Rutherford County Board of Education member Caleb Tidwell, who led the countys efforts to ban books in the region.He was immediately gaveled and told off by board Chairman Butch Campbell, with a member of the audience agreeing with the chairman and shouting, Out of order. Amanchukwu cited the Bible, attacking the concept of nonbinary identities, before saying, This book talks about transgenderism. What 4-year-old can spell the word transgender?This all happened while he was being shouted at for disrupting the meeting.You are declared out of order, Campbell said. I ask you to return to your seat and refrain from further disruption of the meeting. He openly admitted to wanting to ban books as well, claiming that pro-LGBTQ+ books pervert the hearts and minds of children. He then tried to insult board member Jimmy Richardson III, who was wearing a shirt that said Ban Fascists. Save Books, by saying he is probably a white dude for Harris.Richardson, who also worked as a child welfare attorney and is a devout Roman Catholic, said, It is far more important that if an out-of-state fella claiming to be a pastor is coming all the way to Murfreesboro that he should visit with the poor, the sick, the immigrant and the imprisoned rather than worrying about what clothes I wear.Amanchukwu was escorted out by police as the audience applauded. According to Campbells interview with The Daily News Journal after the meeting, the book Amanchukwu campaigned against has never been checked out. He said he was obeying state law regarding speaking on relevant subjects established before the meeting, the agenda of which did not include book bans.The person speaking did not follow the process. He didnt quit talking. I had to tell him again he was out of order We cant just pull a book off the shelf. State law says you cant do that.School district spokeswoman Lisa Trail added,Prior to this meeting, MCS had not received any formal request, phone calls, or emails from parents, staff or community members regarding concerns about library materials. Trail said that a request to remove the book has since been made and will be discussed in the future. To the best of my knowledge, our district has not faced a formal complaint to any book in our school libraries. We have a clear process in place to ensure that parents, employees or students can request a review of any book. If a request arises, we will follow a review process outlined in our Library Materials Policy to determine whether the book remains appropriate for our school library. The policy can be found on our website.Amanchukwu is notorious for speaking in localities across the nation. He began his career advocating for book bans in his home state of North Carolina and announced last year that he was embarking on a cross-country campaign to establish book bans in every school district as possible. The hope of Christ will not be defeated. Im going to go to every school board that I can and share the true simple message of protecting our children, making sure that we rid our schools of these gender theory ideologies and critical race theory, he said in a video announcement.His book ban advocacy has been backed by Turning Point USA and has also taken him to Nevada, where he worked to rally people to vote for Donald Trump. His tour also took him to New Jersey, where he was kicked out of a meeting for disruption.Board member Tidwell says he supports Amanchukwu. I believe that John was courteous and respectful, Tidwell said. I dont think John was out of line. Book bans are in place in many localities across the country and often exist because of Republican pressure campaigns fed by a moral outrage over LGBTQ+ individuals being featured in works of fiction or works mentioning that systemic racism exists. This has led to legislation known as book ban bans, which prevent book bans from being instituted in several states.A new law in Tennessee known as House Bill 843 took effect July 1 and expands the 2022 Age-Appropriate Materials Act by prohibiting public school libraries from having books with nudity, or descriptions or depictions of sexual excitement, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sadomasochistic abuse, or any book that is patently offensive or appeals to the prurient interest. This has been used as justification for banning upwards of 400 books in the state.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Jane Wickline isn't just Saturday Night Live's breakout newcomer this season, she's also a hard hitting journalist trying to get to the bottom of this year's greatest mystery: Why is no one speculating about Sabrina Carpenter's sexuality?"I'm a huge Sabrina Carpenter fan, so I'll be doing a song as her," introduced Wickline to 'Weekend Update' cohost Colin Jost. Is she in lingerie and a big blonde wig? No. Is the song reminiscent of any of Carpenter's music? Well, also no. It's much closer to Wickline's other 'Weekend Update' hit about overstaying your welcome at a party by magnitudes. While it's missing any of Carpenter's visual or auditory trademarks, make no mistake, Wickline is Sabrina Carpenter."Well, a lot of people like to start these juicy gay rumors about whether pop stars are gay, and this is a new song that I, Sabrina Carpenter, wrote called 'When Will Even One Person Do That About Me?'" said Wickline. Cue keyboard!The song makes some excellent points! Lyrical highlights include the opener, stating, "Taylor Swift sings about a crush on her best friend/ And you all cry 'lesbian' 'cause she didn't phrase it 'my boy best friend'" and "Harry [Styles] wears rainbow pants/ You write 50 articles about it." But what kind of treatment does Carpenter get? "I make out with Jenna Ortega passionately and everyone's like 'I heard this song is about Shawn Mendes.'" (@) Wickline also brings up that Carpenter's Christmas album is called what? That's right, Fruitcake. Pretty suspect. And! Carpenter's sapphic smooching didn't stop at Ortega: "I also made out with a girl alien at the VMAs/ NOTHING!" she sings.@nowShe kissed an alien and she liked it #sabrinacarpenter #sabrinacarpenteredit #sabrinacarpentermusic #sabrinacarpentertaste #taste #espresso #sabrinacarpenterespresso #carpenters #sabrinacarpenterfan #shortnsweet #shortnsweetlyrics #vmas #vmas2024 #vmasperformance #vmas2024sabrina #sabrinacarpenterliveBut it's not really about actually being gay, Wickline points out, it's about seeming mysterious and unknowable while in the public eye. She delivered the thesis of the song, singing, Help me/ Just tell me what Im doing wrong/ Why am I the only straight pop star/ Taken at their word?/ Its lonely/ I do gay stuff and you dont get mad/ I just want the same treatment/ I want to have mystique/ Why dont you think Im either bi or pretending that I might be/ Im not bi or pretending, but why does no one think Im lying/ I just want you to think I might have secrets."While it hasn't worked yet, the best way to get fans to think Carpenter might have secrets is to keep doing gay stuff. I think Carpenter should up the ante. If Carpenter's sultry "Last Christmas" duet with Chappell Roan wasn't enough, maybe they'll kiss during the ball drop on New Year's Eve. Then again, my professional advice in most circumstances is "do more gay stuff," so maybe Carpenter should get a second opinion.Enjoy Wickline's full performance below.See on Instagram

In the words of Hollywood icon Denzel Washington himself, he's putting his dress on, those rings, and he's goin' crazy in Paramount Pictures' newest blockbuster Gladiator II.The two-time Oscar winner, who is very much expected to be leading the Best Supporting Actor pack this upcoming awards season, currently stars in Ridley Scott's long-awaited Gladiator sequel. And while Paul Mescal is a worthy successor to lead the star-studded cast, it's Washington who steals the show as the duplicitous (and bisexual) businessman Macrinus. (L-R) Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington in 'Gladiator II.'Paramount PicturesOut got the chance to speak to Washington about stepping into the immersive world of Gladiator and live out the ancient Roman fantasy to play a deliciously evil villain who some viewers might relate to, and maybe even root for."It was fun," Washington said. "Everything we saw looked like what it would be. You always felt like you were in the streets of Rome. That made the make-believe of it all, the imaginary part of it all easier to do.""Day after day you start getting used to it," Washington continued. "You're comfortable with it, and everyone's walking around, but then a truck would pull through and take you out of it. But it was fun."On playing Macrinus, Washington says simply, "He was willing to do whatever it took man, woman, child, or animal to get what he wanted."Watch Out's full interview with Denzel Washington in the video above. Gladiator II is now playing in theaters.

Look out, music! Theres a new powerhouse on the scene and this trio is raising the roof around the globe. Aptly titled CelloVoci, though they are young, they are true music veterans with extensive credits as separate, consummate performers. Married couple Branden and James make up the internationally renowned cello/vocal duo. Branden has continued to []The post CelloVoci is a Queer Powerhouse Trio appeared first on GEDmagazine.

She walks into a room, and all at once, this tall drink of water exudes a spark in the air, she is glamorous, plain and simple. As one of the shows that she has hosted says, shes got the lips, looks, and lashes. You never know where she is going to show up next, whether []The post Mind, Body, and Art: Aurora Forte appeared first on GEDmagazine.

Police in Santa Cruz, California, have charged James Eason, a 45-year-old man, with allegedly defacing The Neighbors, a queer bar, just days after it opened. He now faces charges of vandalism, arson, and a hate crime.In the early hours of last Tuesday morning, a vandal burned a button panel outside the bars front door which helps open the entrance for disabled patrons. The vandal also reportedly tried inserting burning napkins through the cracks of the front door and also carved a homophobic slur into the glass on the front door, bar owner Frankie Farr told Lookout. Related A church responded with love after a hateful vandal tore down its LGBTQ+-affirming banner Were not sure if you intended to keep it or destroy it, but either way, were concerned because you looked really angry and awfully anxious. I was like, Youre kidding, were not even open a week, Farr said. [We are] a little in shock that it happened so fast There are a lot of people who clearly do not want us to exist. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today They contacted the police, and detectives identified the suspect after looking at surveillance video from nearby businesses. Eason was already in custody at the county jail for an unrelated offense at the time that he became a suspect in the vandalism. The bar opened in early December after a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley, City Councilmember Sonja Brunner, and over 100 patrons excited to enter.While the city has LGBTQ+-inclusive businesses, Farr felt there was no dedicated spaces for queer people to meet, socialize, have fun, and enjoy a sense of community, they said. In addition to offering food and a performance venue for regional DJs, queer performers, and drag artists, Farr wants the bar to help fund environmental and social movements and attract LGBTQ+ tourists to the city.Its pretty depressing to think of all these people driving over the hill or all the way up to San Francisco just to find [queer] community when we have it right here, Farr said.Months before the bars opening, Farr said, I really want [the bar] to be a way for people who either arent out or in an unsafe situation where they cant disclose to their family members or whoever theyre living with that theyre queer to give a sly little wave, you know, Im just going to go hang out at The Neighbors. The bar resumed its normal business hours immediately after the attack, and Farr is grateful that the attack on the bar wasnt worse.Were very fortunate that nobody was inside, Farr said. However, there are apartments above and those residents dont deserve this either. They could have been seriously injured.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Calling all drag kings at long, long, long last a drag king reality competition series is in the works. Today LGBTQ+ streaming service Revry announced that the show, King of Drag has been greenlit and will be hosted by none other than comedian, actor, and trailblazer Murray Hill. For the uninitiated Hill is an international drag legend who has starred in Somebody Somewhere, hosted the competition show Drag Me To Dinner, featured on Life & Beth, Welcome to Flatch, JACKPOT, and way too many more to mention. All of which make him perfect to host this landmark queer series. King of Drag will be blazing a new trail by exclusively featuring drag king performers who represent a diverse number of identities including trans masc, cisgender women, non-binary and more. The show will follow the journey of eight of Americas top drag king performers as they compete for the title of King of Drag but aside from the obvious comparison, this show is carving out its fresh identity by avoiding the typical format of other drag competition shows instead focusing instead on comedy, unconventional performances, and timely commentary on masculinity, which has been part of the drag king subculture for decades, according to the press release. In each episode, we will learn more about the individual kings backstory, what motivates them, and their goals for kinging. We absolutely love to see it. Speaking of which, the show is slated to air on Revry this coming spring!Im so excited to be working with Revry as the host of King of Drag, said Hill in the press release. I started performing in 1995, so its long overdue for the kings to take center stage. This vibrant community deserves to be in the spotlight, and Ill be their biggest hype man. I cant wait to work with the kings and introduce them to the biggest audience possible, thanks to Revry. Thats showbiz.While the host is locked, the producers are still on the lookout for the kings who will compete for the title as casting is still ongoing. For kings looking to join the show, auditions for the series first season run through January 5, 2025, and contestants can apply now by completing an application. We could not be more excited to see how this all turns out. For far too long drag kings have been left behind as despite the art of drag blowing up in mainstream popularity. While shows like The Boulet Brothers Dragula have featured kings and RuPauls Drag Race has become ever-so-slightly more inclusive a show dedicated to the art of kinging is long overdue. Needless to say, we will be watching for and reporting further developments with great interest!

Welcome to Curaao, a stunning island in the southern Caribbean with a population of over 185,000, where the capital, Willemstad (population: 150,000), sits on the island's southern coast. Known for its vibrant pastel-colored buildings, Willemstad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a gateway to exploring Curaao's unique blend of culture and history. Since 2010, Curaao has been an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, continuing to evolve while acknowledging its past, which includes a complex history of colonization and slavery. Today, the island celebrates its cultural diversity with open arms. Visitors are welcomed by not only turquoise waters and white sandy beaches but also lively street art, stunning architecture, and a dynamic culinary scene, perfect for all types of travelers. With temperatures ranging from 78F to 88F (26C to 31C) year-round and over eight hours of sunshine daily, Curaao offers the perfect antidote to winter blues ideal for travelers seeking a dose of vitamin D and endless summer vibes.At 40 miles long, Curaao is best explored by car, making it easy to discover hidden beaches and vibrant local spots. The island is frequently recognized as one of the Caribbean's most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations, with a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. Curaao boasts the highest membership rate of businesses in the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association in the region, and since the first Pride Festival in 2012held annually in the fallits inclusive community has only flourished. This year, on July 12th, the island even celebrated the legalization of same-sex marriage. For LGBTQ+ travelers, Curaao offers peace of mind, with numerous gay-friendly businesses and a broad, open-minded population. Whether you're soaking up the sun or diving into the island's rich history and colorful culture, Curaao's "dushi" spiritderived from the Papiamento language, meaning sweet, lovely, or delightfulwill leave you enchanted and eager to return.Getting ThereGetting to Curaao from the U.S. is relatively easy, with several direct flight options that make reaching the island a breeze. Depending on where youre flying from, you could be basking in the islands warmth in just over three hours from Miami or under five from New York. Delta Air Lines is expanding its non-stop service from Atlanta (ATL) this winter, increasing to daily flights by mid-December. JetBlue currently offers daily flights from JFK, and American Airlines provides daily service from Charlotte (CLT) and Miami (MIA). Newark (EWR) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) also have seasonal options with United and Azul Airlines, making Curaao more accessible than ever.Where to StayBijBlauw Boutique HotelBijBlauw is an intimate boutique hotel in historic Willemstads vibrant Pietermaai district. Opened in 2013, this charming property offers guests a perfect blend of European and Caribbean flair, combining comfort, style, and affordability. The hotel is set within two beautifully colored buildings, offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and a cozy plunge pool to cool off after a day of exploring.Owned by Dutch couple Titia and Ruud van Dijk, BijBlauw gets its name from the Dutch word for blue, reflecting the vibrant hues of the Caribbean Sea that surround Curaao an inspiration meant to bring positivity and happiness to every guest. With a homely yet sophisticated atmosphere, it truly feels like a home away from home, making it easy to relax and enjoy your stay.The hotel offers uniquely designed rooms in various sizes, from cozy standard rooms to the spacious penthouse. During my stay, I chose the Yellow Brick Suite, which was perfect for my friend and me, as I didn't have to endure sleepless nights listening to their snoring! The suite, which is also perfectly sized for two couples, offers both front-facing street views and back-facing sea views, providing ample space and privacy. With two separate bedrooms, each featuring a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy living area, it truly feels like a home away from home.BijBlauws oceanfront restaurant offers a delightful blend of European and Caribbean cuisine, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast here, served from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., is a delightful way to start your day, with healthy options like smoothie bowls and fresh fruit alongside indulgent choices like pancakes, waffles, and croissants.For a special treat during your stay, book the Chefs Table and enjoy a multi-course menu with wine pairings, perfect for marking milestones or celebrating special occasions. However, I must say, every table at BijBlauw feels intimate and welcoming, but this dining experience adds an extra touch of exclusivity.Where to Stay Baoase Luxury ResortBaoase Luxury Resort is Curaaos premier five-star escape, offering high-end travelers an exclusive, serene retreat. Tucked away on a private beach just minutes from downtown, the resort features 23 luxurious rooms, suites, and villas, 12 of which include private plunge pools. Designed with a Balinese-inspired aesthetic, Baoase blends elegant Asian dcor with tropical Caribbean charm. Guests can unwind in the resorts beachfront infinity pool, explore the nearby coral reef, or enjoy the ultimate relaxation with personalized service from beach butlers. Known for hosting celebrity clientele, Baoase ensures privacy with its no photographs policy, creating an intimate, stress-free environment for all guests. The Superior Beachfront Pool Suites stand out, featuring private gardens, pools, and outdoor bathtubs imported from Indonesia. Whether for a honeymoon or a special anniversary, Baoase is an oasis of barefoot luxury, meticulously crafted to transport guests into a magical world of comfort and calmness.Where to Eat and Drink Grand Caf De GouverneurIn the heart of Willemstad, Restaurant & Caf Gouverneur de Rouville is a must-visit for those looking to savor both local and international flavors. Just a short stroll from the vibrant Pietermaai and the colorful streets of Punda, this popular spot offers a picturesque view of the historic waterfront Handelskade from its terrace, where diners can also enjoy the parade of large ships passing by. For a more intimate setting, their cozy courtyard awaits. Open daily from morning to late night, Gouverneur serves up fresh, flavorful dishes, with a menu ranging from Caribbean seafood to European classics. Dont miss their fresh poke bowl, a local favorite. With its blend of ambiance and flavor, Gouverneur de Rouville is the perfect place to kick off a memorable dining experience in Curaao.Where to Eat and Drink Grand Caf De GouverneurWhere to Eat and Drink BKLYNAt BKLYN, the cool Curaao crowd gathers for expertly crafted cocktails and shareable bites in a laid-back, chic setting. This Brooklyn-inspired spot offers a unique blend of big-city vibes and Caribbean charm, with a fresh, contemporary interior and attention to detail that creates a cozy yet stylish ambiance. Their award-winning Panao cocktail a smoky, clove-infused mix of gin, pandan, lime, and coconut foam is a must-try, presented with flair as the smoky aroma escapes its glass enclosure. Just be sure to have your camera ready! Whether youre in the mood to sip elegant wines, enjoy, in my humble opinion, the best cocktails on the island, or share a table filled with delightful treats, BKLYN is the perfect spot to relax with company. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., BKLYN sets the mood with classic 90s hip-hop and a welcoming, mellow atmosphere, embracing its Notorious B.I.G.-inspired motto: Spread love, its the Brooklyn way!Where to Eat and Drink - Koraal RooftopNestled atop Coral Estate, Koraal Rooftop is an upscale haven offering breathtaking ocean views, a saltwater pool, and a chic bar and restaurant. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Koraal provides a luxury poolside experience during the day, complete with refreshing cocktails, fresh fruit drinks, and an array of lunch dishes perfect for sharing. Plush loungers, shaded lounge corners, and friendly staff make it easy to spend a relaxing day soaking in the scenery. By evening, Koraal transforms into a stylish spot to enjoy elevated bar bites and creative cocktails, with the option to dine on the ocean-view terrace or under the spacious palapa.Discover Local Flavors at Bario Urban Street FoodNestled in Otrobanda, Bario Urban Street Food is a lively outdoor food court that captures the spirit of Curaao with its artsy, laid-back atmosphere. With multiple food windows, a cocktail bar, and a traditional snek (snack bar), Bario is perfect for groups where everyone can choose their own dish while enjoying the communal, yard-party vibe. Each window serves a specialty, from fresh seafood and vegetarian/vegan bites to traditional piskechi (small fish dishes), international street food, and indulgent desserts all at affordable prices. Their craft cocktails are made from scratch with fresh, local fruits, adding a refreshing island twist. Of all the fabulous places I dined at during my visit, it was here that I enjoyed the food the most. Combining local flavors with an international flair, Bario is a must-visit to experience Curaaos unique blend of food, history, music, and art all in one setting.Mood BeachSet along Curaaos beautiful coastline on Seaquarium Beach, Mood Beach is an upscale beach club and restaurant that delivers on every front. Whether youre in the mood to relax with a cocktail, enjoy a romantic dinner, or party with friends, this chic spot is perfect for any occasion. On Wednesday nights, Mood Beach hosts Cabana Nights, featuring local DJ talent, nightclub vibes, and even VIP tables.I had dinner here on my last night in Curaao, which was the perfect ending to my trip. Romantic vibes fill the air, so youll see plenty of couples, but its also a fantastic spot for groups of friends. The friendly staff ensures a seamless experience from entre to dessert, and the beachfront location offers a stunning backdrop, especially during sunset. Keep in mind that Mood Beach is cashless, but they accept all major credit cards.A Cozy Lunch at Serka TanchiSerka Tanchi, in Willemstad, offers a welcoming escape from the bustling streets and Curaao's radiant sunshine, making it perfect for a leisurely lunch or a quick sightseeing respite, with delicious meals served with the warmth and care of a family-prepared meal. With a cozy ambiance and smooth jazz music setting the mood, this restaurant has a homely feel to it. Whether youre in the mood for a toasted sandwich, a hearty burger, or classic comfort foods like omelets, pancakes, and mozzarella sticks, Serka Tanchis extensive menu has something for everyone. For a more substantial meal, their selection of chicken, steak, salmon, and shrimp dishes is sure to satisfy. They also offer vegan options!Gay Bars in CuraaoWhile Curaaos gay bar scene is small, the island is certainly lively and welcoming. Gaze Bar & Lounge, the islands sole gay bar, is the go-to spot for LGBTQ+ nightlife. Open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Gaze hosts vibrant drag shows, themed parties, karaoke, and ample dancing opportunities that run into the wee hours. Attire here is casual, and bags are checked by security at the door, ensuring peace of mindespecially as its the one spot on the island where the LGBTQ+ community comes together to celebrate. The friendly staff enjoy chatting with visitors as much as they do with regulars, creating a warm, inclusive vibe.Caffeine FixVan Gogh Specialty Coffee and City Roastery was my go-to spot for a mid-day pick-me-up while visiting Curaao and they just so happen to have some of the best coffee on the island. With both a sit-down area and drive-through, this caf in Willemstad serves freshly roasted, high-quality coffees made in-house, from espresso to iced lattes, and offers delicious alt milks like oat and almond. Alongside your coffee, try one of their unique pastechi flavors curry lentils and roasted pumpkin are highly recommended! Pastechi, a traditional breakfast or snack from the ABC islands, is a savory pastry filled with a variety of ingredients. Van Gogh also offers croissants, ice cream, and a great breakfast and brunch menu. Just remember, like many places on the island, they run on island time, so relax and enjoy. For more coffee options, BijBlauw and La Bohme CuraaoWhat to See and Do Explore Curaao's Free AttractionsNo trip to Curaao is complete without snapping a memorable photo at the iconic Curaao and Dushi signs, located conveniently near each other in Willemstad. To get the best shot, visit during daylight hours when the vibrant colors truly stand out, and be patient for a solo moment, even with other tourists trying to pose next to the letters. The Queen Emma Bridge, known as the "Swinging Old Lady," is one of the island's most famous attractions. This pedestrian pontoon bridge connects the Punda and Otrobanda districts, sporadically swinging open throughout the day to allow ships to pass. Right next to it, the towering Queen Juliana Bridge, painted in Curaaos bright flag colors, offers breathtaking panoramic views of St. Anna Bay and both sides of Willemstad. As you stroll through Willemstads streets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citys stunning Dutch colonial architecture will captivate you with its bright Caribbean colors. Don't forget to stop by the Punda Love Hearts. These three metal heart structures are covered in padlocks that visitors attach to symbolize their love. Since the entire island is picturesque AF, make sure your phone storage is cleared out to make room for all the shots you'll be taking!Where To SwimWith water temperatures ranging from 77-86 F (25-30 C), Curaao offers the perfect conditions for swimming year-round. For those looking to snorkel alongside sea turtles, Playa Piskado on the northwest coast is unbeatable. This serene spot is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. Just up the coast, Kenepa Beach (Grote Knip) consistently ranks among the worlds most stunning beaches, offering white sand and turquoise waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Divers will love Playa Kalki at the islands west end, where vibrant coral reefs and an old airplane wreck await exploration. Its also one of the most photogenic beaches on the island perfect for capturing postcard-worthy shots aka IG grid shots! While theres no official gay beach, Moomba Beach near Pietermaai District is popular with LGBTQ+ visitors for its relaxed, inclusive vibe. For a more secluded experience, Playa Santa Cruz provides a peaceful escape where you can enjoy Curaaos natural beauty in tranquility.Shete Boka National Park - A Natural WonderShete Boka National Park, located along Curaaos rugged north coast, offers an unforgettable experience of nature's raw beauty. Stretching along approximately 6 miles (about 10 kilometers) of rugged coastline, the park is home to around ten picturesque pocket bays, or bokas, where three species of sea turtles come to nest. The dramatic limestone cliffs and crashing waves create a mesmerizing backdrop, perfect for capturing breathtaking photos. Beyond the stunning visuals, the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the rocks adds to the sensory experience, making it a must-visit. The park draws over 100,000 visitors annually, a testament to its breathtaking beauty and natural wonders.Kas di Pal'I Maishi: A Window into Afro-Curaaoan HeritageFor a unique and meaningful glimpse into Curaaos rich history, a visit to Kas di PalI Maishi (Kunuku House) is a must. This traditional adobe house, built over 130 years ago, offers insight into the everyday lives of the islands Afro-Curaaoan rural population, who lived in similar homes until about 1950. The construction method, dating back to the 1700s, reflects the arrival of enslaved Africans, adding depth to this important piece of heritage. Inside, the small museum showcases authentic household objects, giving visitors a tangible connection to Curaaos past. The guided tour is informative yet perfectly timed, lasting about 35-45 minutes, and provides fascinating details, such as how cactus fences and everyday tools helped shape their lives. With its rich collection of artifacts, the UNESCO-recognized Community Museum provides a captivating narrative of the islands history, making it a uniquely memorable and educational stop.Where To ShopMambo Beach BLVD is a beachfront shopping paradise, offering something for every kind of shopper. Whether youre searching for beachwear, unique brands, sustainable clothing, or locally crafted souvenirs, the two-level shopping area has it all. From diving gear, resort wear, jewelry, and even a tattoo parlor, Mambo Beach BLVD is a must-visit for shopaholics.For a different vibe, head to the Punda District. Stroll along its waterfront lined with European-style architecture and vibrant facades, then explore the cobblestone streets where a mix of local boutiques and international shops await, whether youre looking for fashion, art, or handcrafted treasures.Ultimate Relaxation at 8, The ExperienceFor a day of pure relaxation, 8, The Experience is the go-to destination, whether youre looking for a solo escape, a day out with a friend, or a couples retreat. Nestled in an exclusive, serene setting with stunning ocean views, this wellness haven draws inspiration from the ancient healing practices of Ayurveda. The thoughtfully designed treatment menu offers a range of options, from rejuvenating massages and facials to manicures, pedicures, and hair styling/coloring services. Before or after treatments, guests can enjoy time in the private pool and hot tubs, adding an extra layer of tranquility to their visit. Known for their exceptional service and attention to detail, 8 provides an intimate, uncrowded atmosphere where you can truly unwind. Locals rave that no other spa on the island matches the ambiance and expertise of their team. Whether you indulge in a treatment or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings, 8, The Experience is the perfect place to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.Tourrific Curaao: Jet Ski & E-Sea Scooter AdventuresLooking for the ultimate way to experience Curaaos stunning coastline and vibrant marine life? Tourrific Curaao offers just that, with a fleet of jet skis and e-sea scooters ready to take your island adventure to the next level. Whether you're craving the thrill of speeding across the waves on a jet ski or prefer the eco-friendly, serene exploration of underwater life on an e-sea scooter, Tourrific Curaao has you covered. Glide along the crystal-clear waters, discover hidden beaches, and even swim alongside the islands famous sea turtlesjust remember to keep a respectful distance for their safety. A nice bonus? You can sync your own music to the jet ski speakers via Bluetooth, adding a personalized soundtrack to your adventure. With flexible options ranging from 30-minute rides to full-day charters, its perfect for both adrenaline seekers and those looking for a more relaxed day on the water. Their friendly and knowledgeable guides ensure you get the most out of your experience, making it an unforgettable way to see the island from a fresh perspective.Explore Willemstad via Scooter with Iguana Ride CuraaoTurn Willemstad into your personal playground with an electrifying e-scooter tour from Iguana Ride Curaao. Whether youre cruising through the colorful murals of Punda, Scharloo, Pietermaai, and Otrobanda or exploring the scenic Jan Thiel Peninsula, these guided tours offer a fun and eco-friendly way to discover the islands most vibrant spots. With no drivers license required, riders 15 and up can easily hop on and zip through the UNESCO World Heritage Site (after a quick training session, of course). Comfortable clothes, sneakers, sunscreen, and sunglasses are all you need to bring as you ride through Willemstads iconic districts, uncovering hidden gems and learning fascinating local tales from your guide. Perfect for solo adventurers or groups of up to 15, this tour is a thrilling way to experience the islands rich culture and history on two wheels.Discover the Home of Genuine Curaao Liqueur: Landhuis ChoboloboA visit to Landhuis Chobolobo offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and local flavor. This iconic 19th-century country mansion, known as the Home of Genuine Curaao Liqueur, is a must-see attraction. Take a guided tour through the Curaao Liqueur Distillery, where youll learn about the production process that has been in place since 1896 and sample the famous liqueur thats been delighting visitors for over a century. For a hands-on experience, join the Cocktail Workshop and master the art of mixing dazzling drinks with the help of local bartenders. Beyond the tours, you can relax in the cozy courtyard, indulge in local bites and ice cream, and explore the souvenir shop for authentic Curaaoan treasures. The vibrant colors of the mansion provide a perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy shots, making it a picturesque stop as well as an educational one.Major Annual EventsTumba Festival (February): A vibrant 4-day music competition where singers compete for the title of Tumba King or Queen. The winning song becomes the anthem of the Carnival season, bringing the community together in a celebration of music and dance.Carnival (February-March): One of the island's biggest events, Carnival is a festive explosion of parades, colorful floats, and dazzling costumes. Locals and visitors alike join the celebration, dancing to the rhythmic beats of Tumba music.Curaao North Sea Jazz Festival (August): A premier jazz festival held at Piscadera Bay, featuring global artists. Soul, hip-hop, and R&B performances lead up to the main event, so its a good time for all.Curaao Pride (September - October): Curaao Pride is the islands largest LGBTQ+ event, attracting visitors from around the globe for a vibrant, week-long celebration of love, diversity, and inclusivity. Held from late September through the first weekend in October, Curaao Pride features a packed schedule of lively parties and cultural activities. The festivities start with the colorful Pride Walk and continue with Pride Happy Hours, the famous White Party, and various events hosted by local LGBTQ+-friendly businesses. The NaviGAYtion Boat Party is a must-attend, typically held on the final Sunday. Attendees sail along turquoise waters, enjoying an all-inclusive experience with an open bar and upbeat music. The boat stops at stunning beaches, offering the chance to swim, sunbathe, and soak in Curaaos breathtaking scenery. The celebration wraps up at Pirate Bay with a beach party that closes Curaao Pride in style.Punda Vibes (Weekly, Thursdays): Every Thursday, Punda Vibes light up Willemstad with local music, dance, and art, offering a lively celebration of Curaao's culture from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.Other Important InformationAlcohol Consumption: The legal drinking age in Curaao is 18.Cannabis Consumption: Cannabis is illegal in Curaao, and possession or use of it can result in legal consequences. Be mindful of local laws and avoid bringing cannabis to the island.Tipping Culture: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Curaao. In restaurants, a 10-15 percent service charge is sometimes included in the bill, but if not, its customary to leave a tip of 10-15 percent for good service. For taxis, rounding up the fare or offering a small tip is also appreciated.Water Consumption: Curaaos tap water is safe to drink, though it has a distinct taste. I suggest bringing a reusable water bottlemy go-to is the LARQ bottle, which uses PureVis technology to eliminate up to 99 percent of bio-contaminants from the water (and from the bottle itself).Clothing and Weather: Curaao's warm, tropical climate means you can pack mostly light, breathable summer clothing, as daytime temperatures range from 78F to 88F (26C to 31C) year-round. Be sure to bring reef-safe SPF! While daytime is consistently warm, its a good idea to pack a light jacket for cooler evenings or air-conditioned indoor spots. Loose, long-sleeve shirts and trousers can also come in handy for mosquito protection, and some upscale restaurants or nightclubs enforce dress codes, so avoid flip-flops, shorts, and sportswear when heading out for a more formal night. A rash guard is also advisable for watersports. My go-to is Solbari.Transportation: There is no Uber or Lyft on the island, and taxis can be pretty expensive. Renting a car is highly recommended for getting around, especially if you want to explore Curaaos many beautiful beaches and hidden gems at your own pace, many of which are outside of Willemstad. Fortunately for American drivers, Curaao also drives on the right-hand side of the road.LGBTQ+ Rights: Known for being LGBTQ+ friendly, Curaao has strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights and a welcoming atmosphere for all travelers.Before Departure: All international travelers to Curaao must complete the mandatory Digital Immigration Card (DI card) online within 7 days before departure. This is required to clear immigration upon arrival.

Pete Buttigieg, the outgoing Secretary of Transportation and the first out Cabinet secretary in U.S. history, had some advice, self-criticism, and a couple of mild rebukes for his political opponents in an interview with Rolling Stone published Monday.Buttigieg is a great admirer of incoming Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE), he said, and the way she handled the overt transphobia from soon-to-be Republican congressional colleagues, including Reps. Nancy Mace (R- SC) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), as well as Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Related Governor Pete? Democrats turn to Buttigieg to keep Governors Mansion blue Democrats are worried about how theyll keep the governorship in Michigan in a possible 3-way race in 2026. Theres a lot to be learned from Sarah McBrides masterful handling of this on her way into Congress, Buttigieg offered. Because what she said was: What the speakers doing is wrong. But I didnt come here to fight over that. I came here to make life easier for people in Delaware who elected me. 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 It immediately demonstrated, he said, that Republicans should be dealing with issues of utmost world-historical importance but are instead consumed with regulating where colleagues get to go to the bathroom.Buttigieg acknowledged McBride took some heat from activists for not taking a stand on the issue, but called it instructive, not so much because of the position she struck, but because of the importance of reminding everybody what it means when people in power, or people seeking power, try to get there by stepping on the faces of some disfavored group. This is not some modern phenomenon of the 2020s, but one of the oldest and ugliest tricks in the book.McBrides strategy, Buttigieg said, let the ugly fact of her future colleagues intolerance speak for itself.I think the reality is, almost everything that we have talked about or campaigned on commands about 60-plus-percent support, Buttigieg said of Democrats. And when you do see people getting political traction by going after some group, thats telling you a lot more than anything about one group.Buttigieg also looked to history for answers when it comes to Elon Musks influence in the upcoming administration. Its not unusual for the richest person in a country to be very powerful in that country, the onetime candidate for president said. Its a little more unusual for them to have a government or quasi-government role.What I think hasnt happened in a while is the concentration of so much wealth and so much power in the hands of so few people, Buttigieg said. And weve talked about that generically as a problem in our politics and economy for the last 20, 30, 40 years.But in the last three, four, five years, weve seen whole new forms of it that I think will require us to change and think differently about how we manage the access that some people, who havent been elected to anything, get to power over everybodys life, he added. Those are the questions that are at stake when you have very powerful, wealthy people given sweeping, undefined roles in or around government. As he steps off the national stage with a planned return home to his adopted state of Michigan, with his two 3-year-olds and husband Chasten, its the demands of everyday life that keep him grounded, Buttigieg told an audience at one of his last public functions in a speech to the City Club in Cleveland, Ohio.Nothing has helped me maintain my humanity more than having kids, Buttigieg said. Ive been at the house and I get off the phone, and the phone conversation ends with something along the lines of Let us know any more data you need, sir, before you go to the White House tomorrow. This is immediately followed by Papa, come wipe my butt. And you know what? Thats what Im going to do. Because that cant wait. The memo can wait. The White House will still be exactly where it is the next day.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Chappell Roan's parents have weighed in on one of her most popular songs in an emotional Carpool Karaoke moment.The "Good Luck, Babe!" singer is one of three pop divas to appear in A Carpool Karaoke Christmas, with Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa each taking a turn in the passenger seat during the surprise hour-long release on Apple TV+ Monday morning.We're all familiar with the Carpool Karaoke format by now. A host drives a celebrity around, casually interviewing them in between singing along to familiar tunes. When the celeb is a singer, that often includes or even centers around songs of their own.In Roan's case, this took a particularly meaningful turn. Her parents, Kara and Dwight, were in the backseat for the singalong including "Pink Pony Club," a song about finding a sense of belonging among the dancers and weirdos in Los Angeles no matter how much it upsets her mother back home.Roan's parents sang along to the song, holding hands. When it was over, host Zane Lowe asked them how they feel about it."I started to tear up just listening to her sing it just now. We love her so much and we're so proud of what she does and who she is and what she stands for that that song. I love singing it with her at her shows," Kara said. "You can just see the people just respond to that song so much." Dwight got emotional as well, having to take a moment before responding.@allthingschappellliterally crying @chappell roan #chappellroan #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #pinkponyclub"What she stands for is a lot of hope," he said. "But what she has taught me as a father is respect for other people, and all people. And that's what I want people to understand. Everything that is about her is about loving everybody. And she has taught me that.""We could never not be proud of her, honestly," her mom added.A Carpool Karaoke Christmas is available to watch now on Apple TV+. Watch Chappel sing 'Pink Pony Club' with her parents below.Chappell Pink Pony Club - A Carpool Karaoke ChristmasNone

Jockstraps are multipurpose!If you've never worn a jockstrap, be warned: one pair will quickly turn into a dozen.Jocks are underrated for many reasons, but a lot of men still seem hesitant to wear them and make them part of their wardrobe.Let's take a look at 15 reasons every gay guy should own and wear AT LEAST one pair. 1. Everyone can wear themThe straight boys, the gay boys, the muscly boys, the bigger boys, and everybody in between can and does wear jock straps. We'll delve more into the why coming up, but everyone can rock a jock.2. Everyone looks good in themJust like everyone being able to wear one if they choose, I reiterate: Everyone can rock a jock. The way it makes everything look and feel is a major reason people buy them, but the fact that no one can look bad in one plays a big part, too.3. Theyre shockingly comfortableBriefs can ride up in the front and back, but jockstraps dont. Theyre surprisingly more comfortable than briefs (if you get the correct size). 4. BreathabilityHonestly, wearing a jock really helps with breathability down there. Sometimes boxers or briefs or other underwear can feel more constricting and cause chaffing if you sweat a lot, but jock straps help prevent the athletes itch.5. Makes exercising easierJockstraps were initially created to help athletes and theyre designed to help minimize any shifting you may experience during exercise, so wearing one when youre lifting, doing cardio, or yoga, a jock will make the exercise easier.6. You will feel confidentFact: wearing sexy underwear boosts your confidence. Im not sure the science behind it, but theres no doubt about it. You feel like a million bucks when you wear something a little more risque down there.7. It keeps everything in the upright and locked positionIts like a sports bra for men. Jock straps keep everything from moving around when theres some turbulence. 8. They accentuate your assetsEnhancing both the front and back parts you perhaps want to look a little larger or firmer.9. Its a kink/fetish for many menSexy underwear is a kink for many gay men. So if youre hooking up with someone new and surprise them with your undies, theyll be very aroused. 10. They come in various styles fitting all your JS needsI cannot tell you how many types there are. Anything and everything you could possibly imagine from colors, to fabrics, to cuts, to doesigns. You can never have enough.11. They can be affordable (if you know where to look)So if you go online to the actual store themselves, jockstraps can be between 20 and 40 bucks (sometimes even more)! This is ridiculous and a complete waste of money. Last week, the 8 pairs of jockstraps and thongs I bought were less than $40 total. (Still, I may have gone a little bit overboard...Im aware...) I use these two websites. They have daily deals and are super cheap. Cheapundies and aliexpress.12. Its fabulous foreplayDont take them off right away as youre getting intimate with your partner or casual encounter. Wear them. Play with them. They make for incredible foreplay.13. Makes laundry less workJust throw them in. Theyre done quickly. You can hang them to dry and it only takes only a few hours. No folding afterward. They dont take much space in your dresser. They're the ideal article of clothing.14. Spices up your boring attireKnowing you have something sexy and fun underneath your boring suit can make you feel a little naughty, spicing up your mundane work attire (and life).15. Its sexy AFIf you dont think so by now, I dont know what else I can say. Just yes.

Gay Gen-Z New York City Council member Chi Oss has successfully done something that has failed in past attempts ending the longtime practices of having apartment-seekers pay expensive brokers fees and he did it, in part, by using social media videos.Oss, an anti-police brutality activist who was elected to the city council in November 2021, helped successfully pass the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act. The law, which passed with a veto-proof majority in November, will require brokers fees to be paid by whoever hired the broker (usually landlords looking to promote their vacancies). Previously, apartment-seekers had to pay the fee, adding thousands of dollars to the already expensive relocation process. Related That time when Moms for Liberty came to deep-blue NYC They were met with chants of worst moms ever! And I met disgraced former congressman George Santos. Past council members had tried to pass the law in 2019, but reportedly failed after intense lobbying efforts from the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY). New York State tried a similar measure in 2020, but its attempt was thwarted barely a month later due to a REBNY lawsuit. Oss tried passing the measure last year, but couldnt even get the ordinance a hearing in a committee. 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 However, Oss began using videos posted on TikTok and Instagram accounts to help raise awareness about the issue and mobilize constituents in favor of his bill. He began posting videos about his bill in 2023, but he wasnt able to bring it to a vote last year. @chi4nyc I just introduced the Fairness in Apartment Rentals (FARE) Act. It mandates that when renting a new home, you dont have to pay a broker fee unless you hire the broker. Follow along to stay involved lets get this passed! #nyc #newyork #politics #brooklyn #les #soho #rent #chiosse original sound Council Member Chi Oss This year, he got stakeholders in real estate and big labor unions to help organize in support of his bill. Before its final city council vote, he posted a video encouraging New Yorkers to show up for a rally in support of it. It ended up passing with 42 of 51 city council votes.https://www.tiktok.com/@chi4nyc/video/7429054967102655786?lang=en We had a very packed hearing, with enormous turnout at the hearing on both sides of the issue, Council Member Julie Menin told City & State New York. Julie, who is chair of the Consumer and Worker Protection Committee, added, [Oss] and his team did a great job with the social media to get people to know about the issue, to get involved in the issue, to come to the hearing and rallies.An anonymous city council source told the publication, I think he was able to generate attention around the bill in a way that made the bill synonymous with himself. People know this bill is a Chi Oss bill. This is a Chi Oss-led victory, and I think that theres lots of benefits to that, not only as a council member delivering for New Yorkers, but also as a candidate whos going to run for reelection next year. While the videos alone arent responsible for ending the deeply unpopular practice, Osss social media influence certainly helped. He has over 68,900 Instagram followers and over 34,400 TikTok followers.His communications director and social media maven, Elijah Fox, Osss said that, in 2021, the council members social media got 2 million unique page impressions every month.There must be some political power tied to that fact, Fox said, adding that algorithms have helped his videos reach far beyond just his followers, making him recognizable to everyday people on the citys streets. Two million pageviews in a city with 1 million voters is relevant at minimum.Last year, Oss was honored by LGBTQ Nations sibling publication INTO as one of the 25 under 25 queer people to look out for. He swept the Democratic primary and general election and became the co-Chair of the Brooklyn Delegation and the Chair of the NYC Council Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations. He also focused his political capital on developing human-centered public safety solutions (like community alternatives to police) and creating innovative ways to combat the citys housing crisis.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

It's the photo shoot that broke the internet.Orville Peck stripped all the way down for the cover of Paper Magazine this past June, and the gays were going absolutely feral.Although the country singer received a lot of love (and lust) from people all over the world, Peck's own mother may have been the most surprised over the revealing pics."You know who was really gagged? My mother. Everyone was very proud. It was really fun to do," Peck tells Out. See on Instagram While appearing at the Out100 event this week in Los Angeles, Peck also opened up on just how much skin he was showing behind the scenes."It was crazy. I was walking around set essentially completely naked. It was a wild experience, for sure."To see the full interview with Orville Peck, check out the video at the top of the page.

That's a wrap on the OG cast members of Vanderpump Rules.After eleven seasons of heartbreak, drama, and West Hollywood shenanigans, the popular Bravo show is looking to usher in an all-new cast.The last couple of years undeniably shook up the dynamics as Tom Sandoval cheated on his longtime girlfriend Ariana Madix, which led to the explosive season ten finale.Since then, Madix has done a 180 and lived her life to the fullest by hosting the latest season of Love Island, coming in third place on Dancing With the Stars, and making her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago. It's safe to say this bisexual reality star has plenty on her plate as she bids farewell to Bravo."If you think about it, it makes sense for them to revamp it. When you look back at where the show started, I think it all makes sense looking at where all the OG cast is now in their lives. I think it's a good way forward for the show," Madix tells PRIDE. See on Instagram While attending the Out100 event in Los Angeles, Madix also teased an eventual return to Broadway as she gears up for an exciting year ahead away from the reality TV cameras."I am manifesting a return to Broadway! I'm manifesting more creative collaborations in my life. It's what makes me the most happy and the most fulfilled. I love to be involved on a creative level with other creative minds, so that's what I'm manifesting."Already feeling nostalgic? Binge Vanderpump Rules now on Peacock. To see the full interview with Ariana Madix, check out the video at the top of the page.

Doechii, the chart-topping rapper and three-time Grammy nominee, didnt hold back during her recent appearance on The Breakfast Club. The conversation, sparked by questions about a past relationship, dove deep into bisexuality, infidelity, and societys double standards. Hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne tha God set the stage, but it was Doechiis sharp and heartfelt insights that stole the show.Related | Chappell Roan Claps Back at Stalking Fans: Im Allowed to Say NoDoechii Keeping It RealWhen discussing Doechiis song Denial is a River in Egypt, the artist admitted that the song title is referencing the iconic Wendy Williams quoteDenial is a river in Egypt your husband is gay! I titled it that because I was dealing with somebody who was lying to themselves, but anywaysThe hosts followed up with questions about her ex-boyfriend who cheated with another man. Doechii didnt mince words: the problem wasnt his sexualityit was the betrayal. Im bisexual. Thats cool. Ive dated bisexual men. Let me know what it is up front, she said, emphasizing that honesty is the foundation of any relationship.The rapper also didnt shy away from calling out the stigma surrounding male bisexuality. DJ Envy noted how society views male and female bisexuality differently. Doechiis response? Blunt and perfect: Absolutely not, I dont. I dont see it that way. I think that sexuality is fluid, and I really dont give a damn. Her words challenged outdated stereotypes and encouraged a more open-minded perspective.Related | Rene Rapp Struggled to Come Out as Bisexual While Filming TSLOCGChanging the Conversation Around BisexualityDoechiis fearless take on bisexuality pushes back against misconceptions and bisexual erasure. By sharing her personal experiences, shes helping normalize discussions about sexual fluidity while giving a much-needed voice to the bisexual community. Her openness inspires fans to embrace their authentic selves and sparks conversations about acceptance in a way only Doechii can.Living Her TruthCurrently in a wonderful relationship with a woman, Doechii continues to lead by example. Whether through her music, interviews, or activism, shes proving that representation matters. Her unapologetic advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights not only uplifts her community but also challenges society to rethink what inclusion really means.Doechii isnt just making musicshes making waves.More Stories: Doechii Schools on Bisexuality with Honesty and Grace I think that sexuality is fluidTikToker Reveals Surprising Grindr Wrapped Results, Opens Up About Hookup CultureIs Luigi Mangione Bisexual or Gay? New Details on the CEO Murder SuspectLGBTQ+ Stars and Stories Shine Bright at the 2025 Golden GlobesThese Disney Stars Are Dominating the 2025 Golden Globes NominationsThe post Doechii Schools on Bisexuality with Honesty and Grace I think that sexuality is fluid appeared first on Gayety.

Last-minute Christmas shopping can be both exhilarating and stressful, especially for LGBTQ+ shoppers in a vibrant destination like Palm Springs. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse community, Palm Springs offers a unique shopping experience that celebrates individuality and inclusivity. With the holiday season in full swing, many LGBTQ+ shoppers find themselves navigating the bustling []The post Your Last Minute LGBTQ+ Shopping Spots in Palm Springs California appeared first on GEDmagazine.

Police in Madison, Wisconsin, told people to stop speculating about whether the person who committed the Abundant Life Christian School shooting on Monday is transgender. The shooting killed three people (including the suspected shooter) and injured six others, and gay U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and lesbian Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) both released statements expressing sympathy for the victims.The suspected shooter, 15-year-old student Natalie Rupnow, pulled out a handgun around 11 a.m. local time and began shooting students in a study hall, CNN reported. She killed herself along with a teacher and a student and injured six other people, including two students who remain in critical condition in the hospital. Police havent released any information about the shooters gender identity or motive. Transphobes have increasingly and falsely accused school shooters of being trans as a way to vilify trans people as dangerous. Related Victims of the Club Q mass shooting are suing the nightclub & the sheriffs office for negligence The surviving victims and the mothers of those killed believe the shooting could have been prevented if county officials had followed the law. I dont know whether [the shooter] was transgender or not, police chief Shone Barnes told reporters during a Monday evening press conference. I dont think that whatever happened today has anything to do with how she or he or they may have wanted to identify. 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 I wish people would leave their own personal biases out of this, Barnes continued. Whether or not she was, he was, they were, transgender is something that may come out later. But for what were doing right now, eight hours after a mass shooting, it is of no consequence.Rupnow may have left behind writings that were later posted online by someone claiming to have ties to her, but police have not verified anything about the writings. The suspected shooters parents are reportedly cooperating with investigators and are not facing any legal charges at this time, police said.In a statement, Rep. Pocan wrote, Thoughts and prayers offer comfort to the families and communities affected but have not changed our unique reality as Americans.Its time for action. I am a co-sponsor of several gun violence prevention and youth mental health bills that will help prevent future tragedies like this. Its time for my Republican colleagues to grow a backbone and put our children above the gun lobby by passing commonsense gun safety laws that will save countless lives. Thoughts and prayers without action means more school shootings, more dead kids.More ACTION is needed by our elected officials.And more BACKBONE to stand up to gun manufacturers.This is uniquely a United States problem that doesn't have to happen. Rep. Mark Pocan (@RepMarkPocan) December 16, 2024He added, My heart goes out to the victims of the Abundant Life Christian School shooting, their loved ones, and our entire community. He also thanked police and first responders who aided the school.In a statement posted on X, Sen. Baldwin wrote that her heart breaks for the community that has been scarred forever, adding, My thoughts are with the families mourning, the injured, the teachers and staff, and the entire Madison community that has been traumatized by this senseless gun violence.No one in America should have to suffer like this let along kids in school, she wrote. I refuse to sit idly by and am committed to being part of the solution to end the scourge of gun violence. While we continue to learn more, my statement on the tragic gun violence at Abundant Life Christian School: pic.twitter.com/Vmh9JhbLK4 Sen. Tammy Baldwin (@SenatorBaldwin) December 17, 2024There have been at least 83 school shootings in the U.S. so far this year, according to CNN. Following recent school shootings in early January, transphobic billionaire Elon Musk, anti-LGBTQ+ activist Chaya Raichik, and other right-wingers began spreading misinformation about recent mass shooters identifying as trans.At the time, Raichik also posted misinformation claiming that five recent school shooters have identified as nonbinary or trans. Her image claimed that the 2022 Uvalde, Texas school shooter was trans they were not, and the supposed shooter posing with a trans flag in Raichiks image wasnt the actual shooter.Musk boosted Raichiks misinformed image, writing !!Right-wing figures like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson repeatedly claimed thattrans people are dangerousbecausethey are mentally ill.Transphobes like them claim that trans people are mentally unstable and seek to groom and sexualize kids with gender ideology that will confuse and coerce children into irreversible medical procedures that will mutilate them for life. Boebert has even gone so far as to say thataffirming trans peoples identities leads to school shootings. However, the truth is thatthe vast majority of mass shooters in the U.S. are cisgender males. The right-wing focus on gun-toting queers and shooters mental illness is often a way to stigmatize queer people while also drawing attention away from gun control regulations that could help stop mass shootings in the first place.A CNN analystcalled out conservatives for blaming school shootings on trans people. Instead of focusing on the suspected shooters gender identity, the analyst said its important to look at the larger issues contributing to school shootings, such as mental health, protecting children, fortifying schools, and firearm safety reforms.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Get ready for another luxurious, sexy, and to-die-for vacation at The White Lotus resort!The official teaser for The White Lotus season 3 is here, and we're dying to return to this world of uber-rich resort guests wearing beautiful clothes, visiting stunning locations, and eating mouth-watering food. This season is taking place in Thailand.The first two seasons of The White Lotus earned countless nominations at the Emmy Awards, which included wins in the Outstanding Limited Series, Writing, and Directing category going to bicon creator Mike White for season 1, as well as acting Emmy Awards for Murray Bartlett and Jennifer Coolidge.Keep scrolling to check out the five things we're most excited about from HBO's The White Lotus season 3, which premieres February 16 on Max.1. Lisa's acting debut!See on InstagramLisa, a Thai singer from the K-pop group Blackpink, is making her acting debut in the third season as a White Lotus hotel receptionist. We've previously seen Murray Bartlett's character (Armond) and Sabrina Impacciatore's character (Valentina) welcoming the guests to the resort, and they both had very gay storylines in their respective seasons! Will Lisa get the same treatment? We're going to tune in.2. The gorgeous locations.See on InstagramPrevious seasons of The White Lotus were set at White Lotus resorts in Hawaii and Italy two of the most gorgeous locations in the world. Well, this third season won't be any less beautiful!Season 3 of the HBO series is set in Thailand, and this first-look trailer already features incredible beaches, temples, jungles, and even the resort itself.3. Belinda is back, baby!See on InstagramWhile our beloved Tanya McQuoid-Hunt (played by Jennifer Coolidge) sadly won't be returning this season, one familiar face is: Belinda (played by Natasha Rothwell) is returning and makes a splashy appearance in the new trailer.According to this initial footage, Belinda is "on an exchange program" and seems to be making eyes with a very handsome new stranger. We're getting excited!4. Sexy people having sex.See on InstagramThe White Lotus is one of the sexiest shows on TV, and we don't expect this season to be any different!With a super hot cast that includes Leslie Bibb, Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Lisa, Parker Posey, Michelle Monaghan, Aimee Lou Wood, and Patrick Schwarzenegger, this season is sure to have plenty of its own sexy scenes.At one point, one character says, "If everybody gives into base instincts, it'd be total depravity," and we can't wait to see what that means!5. The murder(s)!See on InstagramIt wouldn't be a White Lotus vacation without a little murder! We're all still reeling over season 2's shocking gay murder, so we're firmly sat for the new season.Watch the official first trailer of The White Lotus season 3 below.

James Corden has passed the carpool karaoke baton to Apple Music's Zane Lowe for a new holiday special! A Carpool Karaoke Christmas premiered on both Apple TV+ and Apple Music this Monday, December 16, boasting appearances from none other than Mother Monster herself Lady Gaga, pop hitmaker Dua Lipa, and Best New Artist Grammy-nominee Chappell Roan. Lowe chats with the stars, their families, and sings along to their beloved tunes, of course!We even get a couple of holiday surprises as well, like Lady Gaga singing a cover of "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town.""I'm delighted Carpool Karaoke is back to celebrate the holidays in true style," Corden wrote in a statement. "I've entrusted Apple Music's very own, the brilliant Zane Lowe, to drive our superstars to work and reminded him it's so important to keep his eyes open while he sings. We can't wait for everyone to see it." "This was hands-down the most fun I have ever had in a car," Lowe added. "I'm very grateful to James for trusting me behind the wheel of a very expensive car with three of music's most exciting artists and I'm honored to be part of bringing this special A Carpool Karaoke Christmas to fans all over the world."Even though this holiday special has just been released, certain moments are already going viral. For instance, Roan's family joins in on the carpool and her father, Dwight Amstutz, who starts crying after they sing "Pink Pony Club." (@) "What she stands for is a lot of hope," reflects Amstutz. "But what she has taught me as a father is respect for other people and all people. And thats what I want people to understand. Everything that is about her is about loving everybody. She has taught me that."Gaga, Chappell, and Dua an iconic trio to add more excitement to this holiday season!Watch the trailer for A Carpool Karaoke Christmas hosted by Zane Lowe; featuring Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, and Dua Lipa which is now streaming on Apple TV+ and Apple Music.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) says he does not believe transgender inmates in the states prison system should be provided with gender-affirming surgeries funded by tax dollars.During a December 12 press conference, Beshear was asked to comment on the transition treatments being done in the states prisons after Kentucky Republicans blasted a recent draft regulation from the states Department of Corrections concerning policies and procedures related to the treatment of incarcerated individuals. Related Trans inmates are being forced to cut their hair short & undergo breast exams in Florida One ACLU lawyer compared Floridas new prison policy to conversion therapy. I recognize that LGBTQ inmates may be at a higher risk for violence than other inmates, Beshear said. However, convicted felons do not have the right to have any and all medical surgeries paid for entirely by tax dollars, especially when it would exceed the type of coverage available to law-abiding citizens in the private sector. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Beshear noted that many of the practices in the draft regulation are required under the Federal Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). As The Hill reported, clarifications to the Kentucky Department of Corrections own regulations made in recent years also state that trans inmates should receive access to gender-affirming surgeries after all other avenues to alleviate their gender dysphoria have been attempted. Earlier this month, the department sent a letter to Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman (R) seeking clarification on those regulations.After Kentucky Department of Corrections Commissioner Cookie Crews appeared before the states Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee last week to discuss the draft regulation, the Kentucky Republican Party issued a blistering December 11 press release accusing the Beshear administration of trying to force Kentucky taxpayers to pay for transgender surgeries. Crews, however, told the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee last Monday that the state has not provided a single taxpayer-funded gender-affirming surgical procedure to an incarcerated person.At last Thursdays press conference, Beshear said that he does not support all of what is in the draft regulation and that it has been pulled for review. He also echoed concerns in the Corrections Departments letter to Coleman citing conflicting circuit court decisions around the country as to whether state prison systems are required under federal law to provide gender-affirming surgeries. I dont believe that that should be provided, because again, that would mean that an inmate was receiving better coverage and healthcare than a law-abiding citizen, Beshear reiterated.Its unclear whether this was a statement of personal opinion or a matter of policy. Beshear added that the Department of Corrections was just trying to get this right under federal law, and it appears at least a little unclear to me whats required under federal law. But as The Hill notes, the Supreme Courts 1976 decision in Estelle v. Gamble established that denying an incarcerated individuals medical needs violates the Eighth Amendments prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment, and as The Advocate points out, while gender-affirming surgeries may seem cosmetic, they can be crucial in treating gender dysphoria.For Republican lawmakers to get upset that were going to a Republican attorney general to try to get an opinion there on what is required, that seems a little silly and it seems like just wanting to pick a fight and argue instead of to say, Lets work together, lets figure out whats required, lets figure out whats reasonable. Its trying to find common ground, middle of the road, common sense approach to an issue that were talking about, Beshear said.The gender-affirming healthcare provided to incarcerated individuals has become that latest front in the GOPs anti-trans culture war in recent months, after Donald Trump targeted Democratic nominee Kamala Harris with ads claiming the vice president supports taxpayer-funded sex changes for prisoners during the 2024 presidential campaign.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

All these years later, we're still holding space for Glee.As the Wicked movie continues to soar in the box office and smash records worldwide, the movie's rendition of "Defying Gravity" has also taken over everyone's playlists.However, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande aren't the only musicians who have slayed Elphaba's showstopping number originally performed by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway! It turns out that the Glee version of "Defying Gravity" has kept fans singing this beautiful track for years.In fact, the "Defying Gravity" covers from Glee stars Lea Michele, Amber Riley, and Chris Colfer have invaded music charts around the world since Wicked opened in theaters last month. While attending the Out100 event in Los Angeles, Kevin McHale who played Artie Abrams in the Fox TV series expressed his surprise that those Glee versions of Wicked continue to make such an impact despite the show ending back in 2015."It was a different time! It was early Glee," McHale told Out. "I can't explain to you why they were charting, but I have plaques! Thank you to those people who bought them. I don't know why. That does not mean one is better than the other. We say thank you, Cynthia Erivo. Thank you, Ariana [Grande]."Watch Out's full interview with Kevin McHale at the 2024 Out100 red carpet in the video at the top of this article. Wicked is now playing in theaters. See on Instagram

Student Jacktone Odhiambo who was found guilty of killing his housemate and friend, Kenyan LGBTQ+ rights activist and fashion designer Edwin Chiloba has been sentenced to 50 years in prison, the BBC reports. Odhiambo, who denies the charges, was found guilty earlier this month of the gruesome killing of Chiloba, which involved suffocating him with socks, putting his body in a metal box, and dumping the box by the side of a road. Prosecutors said that Odhiambo stole and spent Chilobas money after killing him, which happened sometime between December 31, 2022, and January 3, 2023. Related Kenya is denying asylum to LGBTQ+ refugees Conservative lawmakers want them out, but the government wont acknowledge their existence. Eldoret, Kenya, High Court Justice Reuben Nyakundi said that Odhiambo showed no remorse for his actions. 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 I have considered all factors and found that Odhiambo was a vengeful person who committed the killing of his close friend, Nyakundi said. The trial involved 23 witnesses testifying as well as DNA evidence tying Odhiambo to the crime. A forensic pathologist detailed that Chilobas mouth had been stuffed with socks and his face wrapped in denim from a pair of jeans. Defensive wounds on Chilobas hands indicated he had struggled to defend himself, and forensic evidence showed Odhiambo had raped Chiloba prior to his murder.Chiloba who also went by Kiprotich Kiptoo and Odhiambo have been described alternately as friends and boyfriends in the media, with some reports of them being in a relationship. Homosexuality is illegal in Kenya, punishable by up to 21 years in prison. The court did not make any findings about the motive for the murder.The brutal killing shocked the countrys LGBTQ+ population. It is justice that took a long time to get there, Ivy Werimba, communications and advocacy officer at galck+,a coalition of 16 LGBTQ+ organizations in Kenya, said of the verdict.We are also Kenyan citizens living our own lives and going through things wed like our institutions to help us with,she told news siteDW. This ruling is an indication of progress, showing that queer people are being seen by various institutions, especially the judiciary.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Voters in Odessa, Texas, have overwhelmingly rebuked the citys anti-trans reputation by replacing the three city council members who supported its infamous bathroom ban and also by electing Odessas first-ever gay council member. Craig Stoker, executive director for the local Meals on Wheels, campaigned on improving the citys infrastructure, while his opponent incumbent Denise Swanner campaigned on homophobia. Related This newly elected gay lawmaker explains what its like to win the same day that Donald Trump did Christian Phelps explains how the fight for fair pay for teachers was his political awakening. Swanners campaign sent out political mailers declaring that the only similarity between her and Stoker is that they are both in relationships with men. The race was nonpartisan, and this was part of Swanners attempt to connect Stoker with the Democratic party. 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 But Stoker wasnt phased. None of it was truly about me, he told the Texas Tribune. It was their fear of losing a seat, losing an election, losing the title. I came into this campaign with the mindset that Im going to have to rely on the work Ive done in the community and the reputation Ive built preceding me. Thats all I got. I understood the outcome was too important, he added. If I could pull this off, what I would have the ability to do completely outweighed whatever they were slinging at me. And the ability to represent people who have probably never had a voice in the City Council chamber became too important to me.And clearly, his strategy worked. Stoker won the at-large seat with 56% of the vote in a county where Donald Trump earned 76% of the vote. Swanner and the other two candidates who lost Javier Joven (also the mayor) and Mark Matta were part of a majority on the six-member council pushing a staunchly conservative agenda, including placing a $10,000 bounty on trans people who use bathrooms and locker rooms that do not align with their sex assigned at birth. Voters said this is not how we want our city run I agree and we have to do a better job for the people, Cal Hendrick, who beat Joven, told the Odessa American, which referred to the three incumbents as The Squad. The results have made residents hopeful that city leadership will stop focusing on social issues and instead tackle infrastructure and other key needs. Odessa became a national name after its strict anti-trans bathroom ban that allows individual citizens (whether or not they are Odessa or even Texas residents) to sue a trans person for a minimum of $10,000 in damages if they violate it (there is no cap on how large the bounty can be). Last month, the city council approved an expansion of the law so that it would apply to private facilities as well as public ones. In addition to granting the right to sue, the ordinance also invokes criminal penalties for individuals who use bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The provisionstatesthat a person violating the provisions of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a Class C misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars and that anyone who refuses to use a bathroom aligned with what the city perceives as their biological sex, even after being asked to leave by a building owner, may be guilty of misdemeanor trespassing.The bounty defines biological sex based on birth certificates, either at the time of birth or corrected if there was a clerical error. This means that any transgender individual who gets their birth certificate updated to reflect their gender identity would still be violating the law if they used bathrooms that align with their gender.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A few weeks ago, I attended the Supreme Courts oral arguments inUnited States v. Skrmetti, a landmark transgender discrimination case that could have lasting impacts on the personal freedoms of transgender people and our families nationwide. The energy outside the Court was intense, as the grounds were filled with hundreds of advocates. I saw reporters conducting interviews, and parents holding signs pleading for the ability to care for their transgender children. As the head of a nonprofit working to end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth I was especially moved to see so many young people who showed up with handwritten signs to defend their own rights Related Trans teen at center of Supreme Court case speaks out day before landmark hearing begins Its not very comfortable being trapped in (your body) because it just doesnt feel like you, she said. The courtroom was surprisingly quiet but just as intense. The lawyers and justices exchanged arguments back and forth like a tennis match. After more than two hours of argument, the one thing I cant stop thinking about is Ryan one of the young plaintiffs in the case. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar began and ended her argument with the story of Ryan, a young transgender man living in Tennessee who struggled withgender dysphoriabefore he had access to the medication at issue in this case. He threw up most mornings before school and considered becoming mute because hearing the sound of his own voice was so distressing.After lengthy, careful evaluation and consultation with Ryans doctor, his parents determined that they would start him on medication to affirm his gender. The results were life-changing. This medication saved Ryans life, allowed him to feel comfortable in his skin, and gave him the chance to thrive. But now, the Tennessee law before the Court threatens young people like Ryan from accessing this essential care.As a parent of twin boys, I couldnt help but think of my own children when I heard Ryans story. I cant imagine what it would be like to see my boys struggle like that or to find treatments that are proven to work and that the doctors know from experience are tried and true only to later see those life-saving medications taken away. Sadly, this is exactly what many parents of transgender youth across the country are facing today, asroughly halfof all U.S. states have banned essential health care for transgender young people.For the past several years, peoples lack of familiarity with transgender people has been weaponized for political purposes.Fewer than one in threeAmericans say they personally know someone who is transgender, so it is understandable when people have questions or are even skeptical of treatments they think are new.But while politicians have turned private, individual medical decisions into a slew of national news headlines over the past few years, this type of care is nothing new. The medical care for transgender people being argued about before the Supreme Court is based on more than four decades of scientific research and medical expert guidance, and it isbacked by every major medical and mental health associationin the U.S. This care has been recommended and routinely offered to transgender patients for decades, and the overwhelmingmajorityof people who receive it are satisfied with it and go on to lead happy, healthy lives. Its also critical to note that this care can be, quite literally, life-saving. Transgender and nonbinary youth facehigher ratesof suicide risk compared to their peers. This is not because they are inherently prone to suicide risk but rather because they continue to be mistreated and discriminated against by other people and by policies like the one in this case that threaten the very medication that is consistently associated withsignificantly lower rates of depression and suicideamong transgender and nonbinary youth.Lets say you know absolutely nothing about transgender and nonbinary people or the health care that some of us need. Its reasonable to want more information about these treatments and to confirm there are reasonable guardrails. But banning life-saving health care outright isnt about medicine or young peoples health. Its discrimination, plain and simple. Young people like Ryan deserve better. While Ryans story was heartbreaking, there were moments during todays arguments that gave me hope. Seeing the first openly transgender lawyer address the Court was a transformative moment. The Justices were parrying with someone impacted by the consequences of this case. There is no better way to demonstrate that, for all the abstract legal arguments, this case is about real lives and real people. Its about our friends, family members, and neighbors. For the first time in the history of the Supreme Court, the legal discussion waswithus and not justaboutus. There is nothing more powerful than that. Jaymes Black (they/she/he) is the Chief Executive Officer of The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people.Editors note: This article mentions suicide. If you need to talk to someone now, call the Trans Lifeline at1-877-565-8860. Its staffed by trans people, for trans people. The Trevor Project provides a safe, judgement-free place to talk for LGBTQ+ youth at1-866-488-7386. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at1-800-273-8255.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Want a cozy activity with a riotous spirit? Join a book club. No wait, stay with us because these book clubs are all about turning the page on censorship and homophobia. Today trans actress Dylan Mulvaney and out Olympian Gus Kenworthy announced they are partnering with RuPauls book store Allstora and launching book clubs, which support the distribution of 2,500 banned books to LGBTQ+ organizations across the country with the help of the company's affiliated charity, The Rainbow Book Bus.Not sure which club to join? Well both! But here are the deets on each stars club. Dylan Mulvaney will lead The Dylan Mulvaney Book Club, which focuses on pop culture, empowerment, and creativity, according to the press release. Known for her vibrant energy and unapologetic authenticity, Mulvaneys book club will inspire readers to embrace their unique stories while championing narratives that amplify individuality and joy. She will also be releasing her first-ever book Paper Doll: Notes from a Late Bloomer on March 11, 2025, all about her life both pre- and post-transition. Having a book club was on my vision board for 2024, and Im so excited to be able to fulfill this dream with a company like Allstora, which champions all voices, said Mulvaney.As for Kenworthy, he will be leaning into his identity as both an Olympic medalist and style icon with his club, Gus Kenworthy's Coffee Table Book Club. The focus of his book club will be highlighting visually stunning coffee table books, offering a unique lens into the worlds of art, fashion, and design. Members will explore creative works that inspire and challenge conventional thinking about beauty and culture. "I love what The Rainbow Book Bus is doing, and would have loved to have these books when I was going up, said Kenworthy. Everyone should have access to books that make them feel seen, loved, and supported."While both clubs are exciting all on their own, even more important is that the membership subscription fees for the program will also fund the distribution of 2,500 banned books this holiday season to make sure that everyone has access to the queer stories that represent and speak to them. "We're not just connecting readers to books; we're fighting for the right to read them," said Allstora CEO Eric Cervini. "With the help of these incredible hosts, we're shining a spotlight on vital stories while standing up to censorship."So, if you've been looking for an excuse to pick up a book or already are a bonafide worm, this is a great way to celebrate our stories and do some good in the process.

All these years later, we're still holding space for Glee.As the Wicked movie continues to soar in the box office and smash records worldwide, the movie's rendition of "Defying Gravity" has also taken over everyone's playlists.However, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande aren't the only musicians who have slayed Elphaba's showstopping number originally performed by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway! It turns out that the Glee version of "Defying Gravity" has kept fans singing this beautiful track for years.In fact, the "Defying Gravity" covers from Glee stars Lea Michele, Amber Riley, and Chris Colfer have invaded music charts around the world since Wicked opened in theaters last month. While attending the Out100 event in Los Angeles, Kevin McHale who played Artie Abrams in the Fox TV series expressed his surprise that those Glee versions of Wicked continue to make such an impact despite the show ending back in 2015."It was a different time! It was early Glee," McHale told Out. "I can't explain to you why they were charting, but I have plaques! Thank you to those people who bought them. I don't know why. That does not mean one is better than the other. We say thank you, Cynthia Erivo. Thank you, Ariana [Grande]."Watch Out's full interview with Kevin McHale at the 2024 Out100 red carpet in the video at the top of this article. Wicked is now playing in theaters. See on Instagram

Audible is giving music fans everywhere the opportunity to get to know their favorite artists on a deeper level than ever before. Earlier this month, Audible released four new installments of its music storytelling series, Origins. The series offers fans an intimate glimpse into the influences that shaped some of the biggest names in music [...]The post Audible Drops LGBTQ Inclusive Origins Music Storytelling Series with Troye Sivan, Victoria Mont, Kali Uchis, and More first appeared on GLAAD.

By: Anne Marshall-ChalmersThis story was originally published by The War Horse, a nonprofit newsroom educating the public on the military.Photo illustration by Hrisanthi PickettSubscribe nowOn weekends, Staff Sgt. Todd VanCantfort, an armed forces police officer in San Antonio, Texas, targeted gay bars in search of anyone in the military. One time, at the direction of his supervisor, he ditched his light blue and navy uniform to dress gay. He chose tight jeans, cowboy boots, and an open button-down shirt, advertising a burst of chest hair.It was 1985. San Antonio was dotted with several military installations and even more bars, many of them rowdy dance clubs where VanCantfort would break up fights or drive slurring servicemembers back to base.At the gay clubs, though, his orders were clearround up anyone in the military and turn them in, so leadership could kick them out.Victimizing the people for no reason, is how VanCantfort now describes it.Todd VanCantfort was a member of the San Antonio Armed Forces Police Department in the mid-80s. (Photo courtesy of Todd VanCantfort)Forty years later, those witch hunts sound archaic. But they cast a long shadow over a military still struggling to make amendsand now serve as a reminder of a disturbing legacy as Donald Trump returns to the White House next year. His now-embattled choice to lead the defense department, Fox News host and former National Guard soldier Pete Hegseth, has declared a war on woke.Hes railed against women in combat, transgender rights, and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that he insists have demoralized troops and weakened our fighting forces. Whether the controversial Hegseth is confirmed or not, his nomination has rekindled the question of who is welcome to serve in the United States military. And Trumps ties to the authors of Project 2025, a conservative and controversial blueprint for his second term, adds to the uncertainty.For those caught up in the witch hunts that rooted out LGBTQ service members, the disgrace is everlasting.I dont know how to explain to somebody what it feels like when your own military that you volunteered to fight for your country doesnt want you, says Elaine Rodriguez, who was outed as a lesbian and kicked out of the Navy in 1991. She still mourns the military career taken from her and the self-worth that never fully rebounded.Elaine Rodriguezpictured with her mother, Maria,was 23 when she left their Florida home for Navy boot camp. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Rodriguez)Stories like Rodriguezs have recently inspired pardons and other actions by the White House and the Defense Department. But, as The War Horse has reported, those efforts have benefitted only a fraction of the tens of thousands of gay and lesbian veterans who were kicked out. Still, advocates hoped that the small gains made under President Biden would lead to more sweeping action. That now seems unlikely.Its not exactly deja vu, said Rodriguez, now 58 and living in Jacksonville, Florida, but it is scary that once again people who want to serve may be forbidden from doing so, much like in the 1980s.She and VanCantfort are sharing their stories with The War Horsefrom opposite sides of the witch huntsto shed light on a painful and calculating discriminatory past that they say must not be forgotten.Uncloseted Media is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.How The Raids Went DownVanCantfort, now retired and living outside Washington, D.C., was among a cadre of police officers, criminal investigators, commanders, and JAGs across the globe who executed the militarys anti-gay policies that stretched from the 1950s through the repeal of dont ask, dont tell in 2011 and resulted in the dismissal of about 100,000 servicemembers.In those days, when the staff sergeant pulled up to a gay club, it often would unfold like this:Intimidate the crowd just by walking in, ask for the military IDs of people they recognized or suspected were in the military, and haul those folks back to their base, outing them to their commander. License plates with military decals in the parking lot were jotted down and reported.On occasion, though, things went sideways. One night, he remembers arriving with two or three other officers at a smoke-filled country western lesbian bar on the outskirts of San Antonio. When they entered, the twangy band stopped playing. The lights popped on.Someonethe bar ownerbarked into the mic, telling her patrons to protect their friends in uniform.The women stood shoulder to shoulder, forming a wall, allowing any scared service member to flee through a back exit. Because most of the women in the bar were civilians, they knew the armed forces police wouldnt arrest them. They inched so close to VanCantfort, he could feel their anger and their message was clearget the fuck out; leave us alone.Making Her Family ProudIn December 1989, Elaine Rodriguez joined the Navy, following in the footsteps of her Navy veteran father and her older brother, a Marine.Elaine Rodriguez appears serious and focused in her official boot camp photo. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Rodriguez)She was 23 when she left her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, to begin boot camp in Orlando, Florida.In her official boot camp photo, she appears so serious that she almost scowls. The militarys strict rules, she says, were a shock to the system. But she enduredIm not a quitteronly landing in trouble once for giggling with a friend during physical training.When boot camp graduation day finally arrived, her family came to Orlando to celebrate. Rodriguezs father beamed in the family photos. It was the proudest Rodriguez had ever seen him. From Orlando, Rodriguez went to Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois to train as an electricians mate.Having grown up in a protective, Catholic, Puerto Rican family, Rodriguez was on her own in the Navy for the first time and loved the independence. I was doing my own thing, she says. I was happy. I guess I could compare it to going to college but getting paid.The Rodriguez family celebrated with Elaine during her boot camp graduation in Orlando. Left photo, Elaine, center, with her dad, Pablo, and older brother, Paul. It was the proudest shed ever seen her father, she said. Right photo, from left to right, her younger brother, Philip, their mother, Maria, and her older brother, Paul. (Photos courtesy of Elaine Rodriguez)She made friends easily. She studied when she had to and stayed out late at bars when she wanted. Before the military, she had imagined that at some point, shed find a husband and have kids.In Great Lakes, away from her home state of Florida, unexpected feelings found the space to emerge. Am I gay? shed wonder.Origins of the Militarys Witch HuntsWhen VanCantfort gets going on his military career, hes a fast talker, and on a humid September day in Washington, D.C., hes a conveyor belt of memories. He starts in the early 80s when he was a military dog handler (13 dogs, many bites) and winds up in Germany and then Greece during the first Gulf War when hes helping secure military facilities and receiving slaps on the wrist for his hard-charging, eff-the-bureaucracy-and-get-it-done attitude.Staff Sgt. Todd VanCantfort sometime in the late 80s. (Photo courtesy of Todd VanCantfort)His tales, however, lose color and momentum when the era of anti-gay stuff in San Antonio surfaces. His manner becomes careful, even procedural. The 80s were the era of the new AIDS epidemic and a conservative, Reagan-era Defense Department. In 1981, Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger made discharge mandatory for gay service members, solidifying a practice that had already been established but was inconsistent among the branches.The militarys anti-gay policy dates back to World War Is Articles of War, which implemented a ban that prohibited gay sex. And in 1951, the Uniform Code of Military Justice outlawed sodomy with Article 125a ban on oral and anal sexwhich resulted in gay and lesbian service members being pushed out and occasionally prosecuted. Its unclear how many gay service members were court-martialed, and in September, The War Horse filed a lawsuit to compel the branches to turn over those records.In the years after World War II, the military sought to expel some of the hundreds of thousands of women who had enlisted as part of The Womens Army Corps or WAC (originally the Womens Army Auxiliary Corps or WAAC) and the term witch hunt emerged.Wartime posters promoted the role of women in the Army Auxiliary Corps (Courtesy of U.S. Army)Details of a few of those witch hunts are spelled out in formerly classified documents from 1950-1951 that The War Horse learned had been anonymously surrendered to a museum in Hawaii.In a December 1950 memo, for instance, a military investigator focuses on an insidious female ring that military leaders believed was introducing homosexuality to new WAC trainees at Fort Lee, Virginia. The homosexual road is not only down, it is always a continuous road from the first homosexual act to the end of the roadthe brutal sex crime, a different investigator later wrote.A modus operandi document described how investigators compiled allegations and rumors, secured and maintained an informant system, inspected mail, and interrogated and polygraph-tested women in the ranks.Women soldiers admitted under interrogation to letting loose just like their male counterpartsdrunken nights, parties. A few reported suspicions of certain women being that way. Others reported that they had witnessed women petting or kissing or involved in a lovers quarrel.Nobody got off easy. In a document that included notes from a meeting between an Army colonel and a general, a colonel wrote: The Army would build a case against the guilty that will STICK.Once classified documents spell out the examples of witch hunts in the early 1950s with the Armys Womens Auxiliary Corps. (Courtesy of Honokaa Heritage Center)Sticky Note Waiting on Her DoorWithin a year of enlisting, Rodriguez was on track to become an electricians mate. One afternoon, right before Labor Day weekend in 1990, she was heading to a night class when a lieutenant commander came into a common area of the barracks with an order: If the women knew of any homosexual activity, they better report it.This visit came a few years after a notorious witch hunt involving Marines at Parris Island. Almost half of the 246 women in a unit were questioned. Sixty-five of them subsequently were pushed out of the Marines.Elaine Rodriguez studies in the barracks at Naval Station Great Lakes. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Rodriguez)But Rodriguez wasnt too worried. She wasnt going to narc on anyone. A few weeks passed and she assumed the whole thing would blow over.However, one night, when she returned from a class, she was told she had to go to the Navys on-base legal department. A stern superior in uniform was waiting for her. He grilled her about alleged homosexual activity that he had heard about.He said, This isnt a witch hunt, Rodriguez recalls. And in my mind, I said, Well, I didnt say it was. So it must be. It was the first time she had ever even heard that phrase.Rodriguez denied going out to gay bars and being attracted to women, and he let her go. She put the ordeal behind her and looked forward to shipping out to her first duty station in Hawaii.A few weeks later, though, a sticky note on her door told her to go to the Naval Investigative Service. She headed to the NIS building. The walk was short, but dread warped time into a long and withering few minutes.When she got there, two Naval investigators knew everything. Her girlfriend? A civilian named Marty. Her favorite gay bar? Rivers Edge. Overwhelmed and crying, Rodriguez confessed.I was in shock. The only thing that had ever happened to me prior to this was a speeding ticket, she says. I literally felt like a criminal.The Navy kicked her out with an other than honorable dischargea common practice that not only marred the records of thousands of service members but denied them access to veterans benefits such as health care and the G.I. Bill. Rodriguezs commander wrote in her exit paperwork that her behavior is not compatible with the lifestyle of a service member and will not be tolerated. The governing body that determines whether a servicemember deserves being kicked out, decided she had committed a serious offense. And with that, the Navy emptied out her plan for the future.Silence Proves the Safest BetRodriguez isnt sure how investigators gathered intimate details about her. This was before cell phones and social media. She suspects either someone in her unit ratted her out or someone spotted her at Rivers Edge, the gay club outside Chicago.VanCantfort knows that both scenarios are probable. In the early 1980s, in San Antonio, the Armed Forces disciplinary control board would create the list of bars he and his fellow officers had to scope out on weekends.He also remembers times when service members who were in trouble would offer intel (with or without evidence) on gays and lesbians in uniform in exchange for a lighter punishment.It creates a whole class of people that are victimized with no way to get help, he says, because the system is so secured against them.Its why gay people in the military lived quiet, closeted lives, the sword of Damocles hanging above them should they share the truth even with close friends. In a system built entirely on power imbalance, silence proved the safest bet.VanCantfort said he learned all of this a few months into his enlistment at 19 years old.One night after a barracks party, with a few beers in him, he crawled into bed. At some point, he stirred awake and found someone standing in the dark beside his bed. The man, who VanCantfort recognized as living in the barracks, was naked.Shocked, VanCantfort recalls stammeringHow did you get in my room? Get the fuck out.He had honed scrappy fighting skills as a kid growing up poor in Texas and Massachusetts. He attended a dozen schools and didnt flinch at throwing a punch or insult to defend himself.As the man moved toward the bed, VanCantfort said he fought him off. For weeks, though, the man taunted VanCantfort, daring him to report the attempted assault. Making sure I understood, he would flip the story and claim I was a fag and was trying to hit on him, VanCantfort recalls. So he stayed quiet.A couple of years later, as an armed forces police officer engaging in witch hunts, VanCantfort stepped into a role that gave him all the power.Little Changes Under Dont Ask, Dont TellAfter Rodriguez learned in late 1990 that she was getting kicked out with an other than honorable discharge, the news spread around Great Lakes. Stares and slurs followed her for the 45 days it took to process her discharge. Sailors taunted her with catcalls. Take her out back, theyd say. She was assigned to clean the barracks.One day, a female sailor in the barracks called outRodriguez!and demanded that she repair something in her room. Rodriguez walked in, and the woman shut the door and sexually assaulted her.Rodriguez never told anyone. Who would believe her?Homophobia was rampant in the early 90s and continued into the dont ask, dont tell era, which ended in 2011. President Obama repealed the policy, which was intended as a compromise to an outright ban on gays in uniform, allowing them to serve as long as they kept it hidden. Witch hunts slowed, but did not disappear.Flanked by members of Congress and then-Vice President Joe Biden, President Obama signs the act repealing dont ask, dont tell. (Photo by Chuck Kennedy of the White House)Since then, the Pentagon has invited gay and lesbian service members who were discriminated against to apply for a discharge upgrade, an often cumbersome process that only about 1,700 service members have pursued, according to the Defense Department. Most have received an upgrade.In October, the Pentagon announced that it had identified 820 veterans who were kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation under dont ask, dont tell, and that those veterans would now receive honorable discharges.And over the summer, President Biden announced pardons for gay and lesbian veterans who were convicted in a military court for consensual sex. But as The War Horse has reported, the narrow confines of the pardon exclude thousands of gay and lesbian veterans who were forced out of the military but didnt wind up in court. As of November, only 14 veterans had applied.Dixon Osburn, an attorney who helped orchestrate the repeal of dont ask, dont tell in 2011 supports all this federal action, but says gay service members who were kicked out in the 90s and earlier, like Rodriguez, often dont have records that clearly indicate the true nature of their dismissal from the military.This leaves the Department of Defense with a tricky choice. Are you just going to carte blanche, get rid of all the derogatory records, because the system is so flawed? Osburn says. That might be the easiest thing to do, but the military, I think, is trying to be exacting and making sure that they dont overturn appropriately recorded bad conduct.Osburn and other advocates dont know what to expect from President-elect Trump when it comes to reparations for veterans kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation.Hegseth provided some clues during an interview that aired just two days after the election on The Shawn Ryan Show, a podcast hosted by a former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor. The dumbest phrase on planet Earth in the military is our diversity is our strength, Hegseth said, pumping his book The War on Warriors.He lamented the militarys slide into wokeness, beginning, he said, under President Clinton with the tinkering of dont ask, dont tell and really accelerating, he said, under President Obama. He talked about frequent conversations with veterans and active-duty service members complaining that standards are dropping, the woke stuff is everywhere, and telling him, I feel like Im walking on eggshells.About a week later, Trump announced he was tapping Hegseth to lead the military. But as controversy swirled around Hegseths character, reports surfaced Wednesday that Trump is considering another veteran with a well-established track record of policies decried by the LGBTQ communities: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.Didnt Want to Be GayAccording to Department of Defense statistics, a majority of gay and lesbian servicemembers who were kicked out before 2011 were quietly discharged with an honorable or general discharge.Rodriguez wasnt as lucky.After the Navy booted her with an other than honorable discharge, she returned home to Jacksonville and lied to her family, telling them a fistfight led to her dismissal. I didnt want to be gay, she says. I started dating a guy. I would hide my paperwork, my DD 214, and everything, I would hide it under my mattress.She tried to become a detective. But a police academy wouldnt accept her because of the commission of a serious offense on her record. She eventually got work at a medical supply company, which shes grateful for, but its not the career she wanted. She also, eventually, confessed to her family that she was gay, and thats the reason the Navy disposed of her.For three decades she largely kept her past military service to herself, ashamed of her short time in uniform and her unceremonious exit. About 21 years ago, though, at the urging of her family, she decided shed try to get her discharge upgraded. Military review boards denied her upgrade application three times for various reasons, including her admission of lying all those years ago. But with the help of a lawyer, earlier this year Rodriguez finally received an honorable discharge.Its bittersweet, she says.Her parents have died, and she cant share her victory with them. Rodriguez turned 58 in November. Her childhood dream of becoming a cop after religiously watching the tough New York female officers on Cagney and Lacey is long gone.In the last two years, her fight to get that honorable discharge has revived old memories she thought she had wiped away, like the sexual assault. In the last year, she has had trouble falling asleep. She started relying on alcohol to doze off and is now on medication to cut that craving.In the middle of the night, her wife will occasionally find her in the fetal position with blankets over her head.I dont like to say they screwed up my life, Rodriguez says, referring to the Navy. But they screwed up my life.Whats Next After Trumps Victory?Rodriguez and VanCantfort have never met. But when The War Horse told her about the former military police officer who participated in witch hunts, she was taken aback. Why would he do it? She wondered.I just cant even imagine having that type of job, Rodriguez said. I actually feel bad for him.At the time, VanCantfort was young and following orders. Even back then, he said, he disagreed, but disobeying was not an option.Thats insubordination, he says. And thats grounds for getting kicked out of AFPD [Armed Forces Police Department] as well as not getting any other good assignments.After a year with the San Antonio Armed Forces Police, VanCantfort left the witch hunts behind for a new assignment. He ascended in the military, eventually retiring as a master sergeant. His license plate reads USAF 23, honoring the 23 years he spent in the Air Force. And outside of the military, he compiled nearly two decades as a cop and intelligence expert.After retiring from the Department of Homeland Security in 2018, VanCantfort now volunteers his time with organizations to build safe neighborhoods and investigate cold cases. (Photo courtesy of Todd VanCantfort)VanCantfort, 61, is not a big feelings guy and speaks matter-of-factly. When asked how he believes a Trump presidency will impact a woke, more inclusive service, he offers a belief he repeats often: Anyone who is mentally and physically fit to commit themselves to their country should have the chance. And the military should stick to being nonpartisan.The Trump transition team did not respond to questions about whether the new administration plans to keep Bidens pardons for convicted gay veterans intact, or eliminate policies it considers woke. It also failed to respond on whether the Trump White House will reinstate a ban on trans servicemembers enlisting. According to a recent Newsweek article no decision has been made on a potential trans ban.On the day after Trumps victory, Rodriguez decided to display her honorable discharge for the first time on Facebook. In the post, she congratulated Trump voters while thanking Presidents Biden and Obama for trying to right the wrongs of the past. If it werent for them, I would not be getting what I deserve as well as many others, she wrote.Elaine Rodriguez shared her Honorable Discharge on Facebook the day after the election. (Facebook)Some of her Trump-voting friends liked the post, and perhaps that shouldve heartened her that the chorus of anti-woke talk will soften now that the election is over.She cant help but worry, though, for one of her male cousins who is in the Army and married to a man. And when her wife wants to hold her hand or kiss in public, she still looks around, paranoid, worried that the affection is somehow wrong. Something to be punished.This War Horse investigation was reported by Anne Marshall-Chalmers, edited by Mike Frankel, fact-checked by Jess Rohan, and copy-edited by Mitchell Hansen-Dewar. Hrisanthi Pickett wrote the headlines.If objective, nonpartisan, rigorous, LGBTQ-focused journalism is important to you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our fiscal sponsor, Resource Impact, by clicking this button:Donate to Uncloseted Media

The Senate voted 83-12 on Tuesday to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for a final vote on Wednesday. The $895.2 billion military bill contains a provision restricting gender-affirming care for the trans children of military members covered by Tricare, the militarys medical insurance. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has led efforts to eliminate the provision.The NDAA contains a provision banning any medical treatment for gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization for those under 18. Its unclear if the current legislation would ban puberty blockers (which dont affect fertility), hormone replacement therapies (whichcan), or mastectomies (which are rarely ever performed on minors). Related Families consider leaving the military after House votes yes on anti-trans spending bill The NDAA would remove gender-affirming care coverage for servicemembers trans children. Baldwin introduced an amendment to eliminate the provision; 20 other Democratic senators supported her amendment. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Lets be clear: were talking about parents who are in uniform serving our country who have earned the right to make the best decisions for their families, Baldwin said in a statement. I trust our servicemembers and their doctors to make the best healthcare decisions for their kids, not politicians.Every major medicaland mental health association in the U.S., representing more than 1.3 million U.S. doctors, supports youth access to gender-affirming care, calling it safe, essential, and effective for trans minors overall well-being.Currently, the restriction on gender-affirming care remains in the bill. Last week, the House passed the NDAA in a 281-140 vote. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) was among the 81 Democratswho supported the bill and was the only out gay House member to do so. Pappas said he supported the bill because it contains pay raises for junior servicemembers and Pentagon childcare workers, addresses staffing shortages at Veterans Affairs centers in rural areas, and funds projects that generate $1.5 billion to his home state of New Hampshire. Pappas wrote that he remains incredibly frustrated that this process was politicized in the worst way and blamed House Speaker Johnson (R-CA) for adding unnecessary riders to limit care for some LGBTQ+ individuals. Johnson may have allowed the Tricare restriction into the bill to buffet conservative support for the upcoming 2025 vote to keep him as House Speaker.The current version of the NDAA still needs a final Senate vote and the signature of President Joe Biden to become law. The Democrat-controlled Senate could potentially remove the provision before passing its own version of the NDAA, and Biden has previously pledged to veto any legislation that harms the LGBTQ+ community.In addition to the trans healthcare restriction, the bill also contains provisions blocking the Defense Department from teaching about critical race theory in its academic institutions or military trainings, and freezes any military hiring on positions related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts. It also didnt contain a provision to expand access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) services to service members whose infertility wasnt caused by service-related illnesses or injuries.I hope we can find a path to pass an NDAA as soon as tomorrow, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said in a floor speech, adding that its not a perfect bill but has very good things that Democrats wanted. To be sure, the NDAA has some bad provisions Democrats would not have included, Schumer said. And there are other provisions that were left out of NDAA which we still hope can get done elsewhere.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Not all sex looks like it does in porn but does that mean porn can't look like real sex?Electra Rayne, an adult content creator and queer woman herself, recently made a TikTok dispelling some of the most common myths about one of the most divisive sex practices: Scissoring. As the founder of QueerCrush, an adult content site that boasts about producing "lesbian content from an all-sapphic team," Rayne is an expert on the topic.Rayne said that as a lesbian content creator and someone married to another woman, "Is scissoring real?" is one of the most common questions she gets asked.A brief introduction: Scissoring is a form of tribadism or "tribbing." Tribbing is when you rub your genitals against your partner for pleasure, and scissoring is specifically genital-on-genital tribbing. If you're looking for a deeper dive, we have a great explainer all about tribbing here.See on Instagram"As we all know, the vast majority of lesbian [pornographic] content out there was actually created by and for straight men, and has nothing to do with queer women or Sapphism at all," introduced Rayne. "Often we see scissoring in those types of videos and it's so forced, it's for the camera. Just like most things you're doing like, weird special angles that look good but don't necessarily feel good."But just because that's the industry standard in porn doesn't mean real queer women aren't scissoring for their pleasure. "I think that has kind of created this myth that it's just simply not real at all," said Rayne, but "The reality is that everybody's different, and so there are certainly going to be some people for scissoring is not appealing at all and that's totally okay. But I've gotta tell you, there are tons and tons of people who actually do it and really enjoy it," including Rayne herself.See on Instagram"While the types of positions you see in mainstream videos might not be super common in most people's personal lives," Rayne continued, "there are tons of ways people do scissor that actually feel really awesome. Many people are actually even able to finish this way sometimes multiples times.'But sex isn't just about orgasming. It can also be a great way to connect physically and emotionally with a partner. In Rayne's experience, scissoring is perfect for that, too."The other nice thing about it is it can be a really nice form of closeness and intimacy that can still be a safer intimacy practice." Rayne explained the best safer sex practices to use while scissoring, like "Leaving underwear on one person, or using something like a dental dam or even a toy between you can create a barrier so there's not direct fluid exchange, but you're still getting as close as you can."See Rayne's full video about scissoring down below. For more info on scissoring, check out Rayne's content on QueerCrush, and this article with all the lesbian sex tips that adult content won't teach you.@queerxcrushxLet's answer one of the biggest questions we get asked: is real?? Ft @Electra Rayne #wlw #sapphic #qna #lesbian #scissors #lgbt #queer #education

A Chinese musician putting a traditional spin on modern pop music and looking extremely gay while doing it has lesbians everywhere thirsting for her. Same, girl!Chu Qi Guizi has been making a name for herself on TikTok (@guizi_521) by dressing in a traditional Hanfu and playing pop hits like Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" using a Sanxian, which is a traditional three-stringed Chinese lute.But it's her rendition of Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy" that really has Sapphics going feral.Earlier this month, she posted a video of her playing "Bad Buy," dressed in her traditional garb, wearing sunglasses and headphones and a lollipop stick between her teeth.@guizi_521Today I will be the bad guy. Be sure to watch until the end!!! #musica #moonlute #piano #guitar #musictok #funny #fyp #fypage #fyp #fypviral #musical #dance #dancer #girlAs she plays and bops to the music, a gorgeous woman dances around her seductively with a fan.Basically, it's a whole vibe, and queer women can't get enough!The video was so popular with the ladies that it ended up on the "Actual Lesbians" subreddit with the caption, "This made me feel all the feelings."Combining her musical talent with a cool vibe and snake-skin instrument has women lusting after her."I can't believe I thought I was straight for 40 years," someone commented on her TikTok video."I didn't know that I was missing this from my life. I am now complete," one person wrote, while other people were hoping the two women were secretly a Sapphic couple. "Please let them be a couple," another fan wrote.We can't blame them! This is one of those "Do I want to be with her or be her" kind of situation.

Montana state Rep. Zooey Zephyr (D) and journalist Erin Reed were married over the weekend in the wooden main hall of the Missoula County Fairgrounds in their home state.The ceremony was officiated by Sarah Kate Ellis, President of the LGBTQ+ rights advocacy nonprofit GLAAD, and attended by family and friends from childhood, sitting congressmen, dance partners, and transgender icons, Reed describes in a heartfelt post about the event published Tuesday. Related Trans fiancees Zooey Zephyr & Erin Reed discuss their love amid anti-LGBTQ hate Wed spend every night falling asleep with one another on video calls and wake up next to one another and say Good morning.' The trans power couple, both 36, were engaged last year in May at a queer prom in Missoula, but they already knew a wedding was in store the day the Respect for Marriage Act was signed by President Biden in a ceremony on the White House lawn in 2022. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Tonight I asked Erin to marry me.A year ago, I told Erin that I was looking for a love that felt like home.I have found that and so much more. I have found my future, my family, and my forever. pic.twitter.com/ntLayGwGJo Rep. Zooey Zephyr (@ZoAndBehold) May 6, 2023As we stood together, wrapped in the weight of that moment, Zooey leaned into my ear and whispered that she would marry me someday, Reed writes. Between then and now, there was so much more for us to experience, endure, and build together to arrive at this magical morning.That time included enduring Zephyrs censure in the Montana House after she accused Republicans of having blood on your hands for supporting a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors. Zephyr was barred from the chamber and forced to stand in the hall outside at a makeshift desk and vote remotely all while a group of Republican Karens occupied the only bench available and openly mocked her.But on their wedding day, it was only good vibes at the altar.When it came time for my vows, Reed says, I opened my book and let my heart spill out. I spoke of all the reasons I love Zooey the way her love deepens in adversity, how her beautiful eyes subtly shift color with her emotions, her playfulness and sincerity, and the way her feet instinctively find the rhythm to every song. What a perfect wedding, my love. Every second of that day is etched into my heart forever. And every vow I madefrom promising you a gentle love to promising to be a good mom to our sonwill be at the center of all I do.As I said at the closing of my vows, I am your I am yours I am yours.[image or embed] Rep. Zooey Zephyr (@zoandbehold.bsky.social) December 17, 2024 at 11:47 AMI shared how my son has grown to love her too, how she transforms everyday moments into magical adventures for him, and how much that means to me. I promised her a love that feels like home, a love that feels like family. I promised her forever, in every sense of the word.After dancing the night away You Cant Hurry Loveby The Supremes accompanied the couples first dance the couple is now enjoying every other first they experience together, Reed shares.First coffee as wives, first morning beside each other as wives, first sneeze as wives. Our son would laugh in feigned annoyance on the drive home as we celebrated our first left turn in the rain as wives. We shared in the laughter as a family.We both know this next chapter will bring its share of joy and adversity, Reed says. Our wedding is set against the backdrop of an uncertain time and the work we do for the people we care about a fitting reflection of a relationship that grew from the same environment. But in moments like this, Zooey and I do what we do best: we plant our flag together, for those we care about, and face the future side by side, grounded in an unimaginable love.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Out Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) had some choice words for his former colleague, the disgraced Matt Gaetz, after the former Florida Republican congressman baselessly suggested that the Wisconsin school shooter was transgender.Gaetz was responding to a statement from President Joe Biden calling for Congress to enact gun safety laws in the wake of so many school shootings. Anti-LGBTQ+ hate influencer Chaya Raichik posted the statement and said Biden wanted gun control. Related Mark Pocan slams Christian organization that refused to condemn Ugandas Anti-Homosexuality Act Former organizers of National Prayer Breakfast wont disavow the murderous legislation that they may have been involved in getting passed. What about trans control instead? Gaetz responded. Many on the right on social media as often happens after school shootings now have baselessly claimed that the shooter was transgender. She was not, there is no reason to believe that she was, and local police have asked people to stop saying that. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today This set off Pocan, who chairs the LGBTQ+ Congress Equality Caucus. The shooting in Madison occurred in his congressional district. To all the idiots who claimed the shooter was trans with no information whatsoever to believe that, f**k off, Pocan wrote. Your ignorance speaks volumes. Your hate is consuming your brains (or whats left of them). To all the idiots who claimed the shooter was trans with no information whatsoever to believe that, f**k off.Your ignorance speaks volumes. Your hate is consuming your brains (or whats left of them). https://t.co/nBVDbtvEKW Mark Pocan (@MarkPocan) December 17, 2024Gaetz resigned from the House of Representatives last month just days before the House Ethics Committee was scheduled to release the findings from its investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use which included accusations of child sex trafficking against Gaetz. Since he quit the House, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has said that the committee will not release its report.Gaetz was announced as the nominee for attorney general for the next administration, but he withdrew from the nomination process, saying that his nomination had become a distraction to the incoming administration.The Wisconsin shooter has been identified as 15-year-old student Natalie Rupnow, who allegedly pulled out a handgun around 11 a.m. local time and began shooting students in a study hall. She killed herself along with a teacher and a student and injured six other people, including two students who remain hospitalized in critical condition. There have been at least 83 school shootings in the U.S. so far this year, according to CNN. Following recent school shootings in early January, transphobic billionaire Elon Musk, Raichik, and other right-wingersbegan spreading misinformation about recent mass shooters identifying as trans.At the time, Raichik also posted misinformation claiming that five recent school shooters have identified as nonbinary or trans. Her image claimed that the 2022 Uvalde, Texas school shooter was trans they were not, and the supposed shooter posing with a trans flag in Raichiks image wasnt the actual shooter.Musk boosted Raichiks misinformed image, writing !!Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Linda Cardellini, Abbi Jacobson, Luke Wilson, and Liz Feldman talk about their newest project and its deeper themes.If youre looking for a series that blends laugh-out-loud comedy, mystery, and emotional gut punches, No Good Deed is about to become your next obsession. Helmed by Dead to Me creator Liz Feldman, the show doesnt just deliver jaw-dropping twistsit also weaves in beautifully authentic queer representation that feels long overdue.Home Is Where the Secrets AreFor Feldman, the concept of No Good Deed was born during the pandemic, when the idea of home became more meaningful than ever. Our homes were really the only place we were safe, Feldman shared. I thought, theres a show here in the buying and selling of a house in the aspirations and determination it takes to get what you want.But beneath that premise lies a series packed with layerseach house and each character holds secrets, ambitions, and messy relationships that reflect real, complicated lives.Abbi Jacobsons Leslie: Queer, Determined, and RawAbbi Jacobson, beloved by queer audiences for Broad City, plays Leslie, a driven woman navigating fertility struggles with her wife. Shes so determined to get this house, but shes also figuring out her partnership and what building a family looks like, Jacobson explained. Feldmans writing dives headfirst into the challenges of IVF and loss, experiences drawn from her own life.Im always interested in exploring stories that feel undertold, Feldman said. It was really important to me to show that story in the context of just a show about a bunch of people. Leslies journey grounds the series, offering tender and relatable moments for queer couples who rarely see themselves represented in such nuanced ways.Linda Cardellini: A Queer Icon Back in ActionLinda Cardellinis Margo is, well, a little chaoticand we wouldnt have it any other way. Cardellinis long-standing status as a queer icon was celebrated in the interview, where she graciously acknowledged her role as a gay awakening for many fans. Thank you My pleasure, she smiled.With Margos unpredictable antics and her biting wit, Cardellini delivers the kind of character the queer community cant get enough of: complex, messy, and endlessly entertaining.Found Families, Hot Tubs, and LA DreamsThe series thrives on its diverse ensemble cast, which feels like a slice of Los Angeles life. Whether its Jacobson and her on-screen wife navigating fertility challenges, Ray Romanos everyman contractor, or Lisa Kudrows unexpected comedic magic, No Good Deed crafts a world where every character feels real and resonant.Theyre comedy giants, and they make such a great onscreen couple, Cardellini raved. Its these momentsfunny, awkward, and heartfeltthat elevate the show from a mystery series to something truly special.Why No Good Deed Is for the Queer CommunityBeyond its campy twists and gasp-worthy reveals, the heart of No Good Deed lies in its representation. Feldman, Jacobson, and Cardellini deliver stories that feel deeply relatableespecially to queer audiences. From fertility struggles to the complexities of relationships and chosen families, the show honors LGBTQ+ experiences without ever tokenizing them.As Liz Feldman puts it, No Good Deed has everything: laughs, tears, mystery, and most importantly, a reflection of the queer community that feels authentic and full of heart.No Good Deed is streaming now on Netflix. Watch full interviews with the cast below. More Stories: Linda Cardellini and Liz Feldman on Crafting Complex Queer Characters in No Good DeedDoechii Schools on Bisexuality with Honesty and Grace I think that sexuality is fluidTikToker Reveals Surprising Grindr Wrapped Results, Opens Up About Hookup CultureIs Luigi Mangione Bisexual or Gay? New Details on the CEO Murder SuspectLGBTQ+ Stars and Stories Shine Bright at the 2025 Golden GlobesThe post Linda Cardellini and Liz Feldman on Crafting Complex Queer Characters in No Good Deed appeared first on Gayety.

When Jocelyn was stuck inside during most of 2020, they did what any high school senior would do: scrolled through TikTok. They found themself on the hashtag #tiktokmademegay a lot. (To protect privacy,the Blade is opting to only use Jocelyns first name).At the time, I didnt give it a lot of thought, they say, acknowledging that most users viewed it as more of a joke.Now a senior in college, where Jocelyn will graduate with a degree in Womens, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Computer Science this spring, they have a more nuanced perspective. Nuanced enough to embark on a year-long independent thesis on the topic.They still get that the hashtag is a joke, but probe into what lies behind it, noting a tension between the the born-this-way narrative of sexuality essentialism to the idea that sexuality is socially constructed. They also question the power this narrative gives to TikTok in its ability to surveil user data and identity.What got Jocelyn so interested in it in the first place was the fact it was a conservative talking point being replicated by the queer community. Because, what amounts to a joke or an intellectual query for some, is a point of anxiety and fear-mongering for others.The conservative think tank known for writingProject 2025, the Heritage Foundation wroteHow Big Tech Turns Kids Transarguing that Digital spaces are ever more designed to promote sexual and transgender content. This argument has incredible staying power and has been echoed by numerous far-right pundits likeOli LondonandCharlie Kirk.It has also been referenced by lawmakers. Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R) stated theKids Online Safety Act(KOSA), bi-partisan legislation she co-sponsored restricting youth access to social media, was meant to protect minor children from the transgender [sic] in our culture.TikTok has faced numerous challenges over the years. From Montanascurrently unsuccessfulban on use in its state to thedivest-or-ban billsigned by President Joe Biden in April or thelawsuitbrought by more than a dozen attorneys general in Octoberit is clear there is a broad coalition of U.S. lawmakers concerned about the app.These actswhich cite both national security and youth mental healthcome in conjunction with a larger movement to limit youth access to social medialocally,nationally, andinternationally.Data security experts and some legislators state that the national security risk of the app is onlyhypotheticaldue to the fact TikTok houses U.S. user data in the states. There are pressing concerns about the safety of user data, explains Shae Gardner, the policy director at LGBT Tech. Focusing those concerns entirely on one platform due to a hypothetical risk rather than the widespread, real risks across multiple platforms is disingenuous.Proponents [of this ban] have been saying that this is urgent and necessary to protect the data of Americans, says Gardner, But we have been asking for years for nationwide data privacy protections, and watching the efforts die over and over again on the legislative vine.In fact, Gardner argues, Regulating one application is both legally dubious and will ultimately be ineffective in doing so. Gardner explains that though LGBT Tech is not involved in any legislation against the ban, which other tech policy groups are, they hold the shared belief that it is unconstitutional to target a single platform rather than the wider ecosystem.The risk to youth mental health, which has also been cited as a major concern, is more complicated. Best sellers like thehighly critiquedThe Anxious Generation argue that all youth mental illness is linked to social media. The data doesnt back this up,arguenumerous experts.Amid the panic,LGBTQ+ advocateshave passionately argued that queer youths access to technology is uniquely beneficial due to a lack of education and community in the physical world. The Trevor Project identified TikTok as the platform whereLGBTQ youthfelt most safe and understood.Data largely backs this up. Asystematic reviewfrom 2022 found that social media may support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ youths through peer connection, identity management, and social support. The review noted that more research is needed, noting that their results may be limited by weak evidence due to factors like small sample sizes.Celia B. Fisher, the Marie Ward Doty University Chair in Ethics at Fordham University, was able to gather a larger sample by conducting a national survey of more than 500 on Instagram. With that reach, explains Fisher, youre more likely to get a fuller view of whats going on nationally.Theres an anonymity with national surveys, adds Fisher, [It] brings different people to answer questions that they may not want to talk about to somebody in person.In March 2024, she published the peer-reviewed article Social media: A double-edged sword for LGBTQ+ youth in the Journal Computers in Human Behavior. Many results agreed with the larger narrative of online spaces as refuges and community-building spaces. Its a wonderful place when they can find the appropriate sites, says Fisher.Jocelyn, the student researcher, echoes this. Many of the videos I have come across discuss how the comfortability of the queer spaces on TikTok was part of the reason they felt comfortable enough to come out and explore their sexuality.When youth drift into non-welcoming territory, the story is different.Fishers research finds that more than 80% of youth are exposed to discrimination either directly or vicariously (watching others being discriminated against) in the last month. Fisher wrote, between 40% and 63% of all youth met the criteria for moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder (SUD). Youth who described high exposure to discrimination had higher levels of depression, anxiety, and SUD.The hate does not simply come from the run-of-the-mill bully finding a classmate online. Algorithms expose them to these things, says Fisher.If an algorithm sees that youre interested in RuPaul Then it begins its work on figuring out other sites that may be attached to similar interests. But as it moves on, it begins to add the heterosexist and transphobic types of posts.The fact that the algorithms that govern our tech can be sexist, racist, and homophobic isold newsandhighly studied, but it continues to have compounding impacts. Media Matters for America found in 2021 thatTikToks algorithmspecifically promotes homophobia and anti-trans violence.Jocelyn also worries about handing over the power of identification and community to an algorithm. In addition to the #tiktokmademegay, other users promote theideathat TikTok knows things about themself before they know it. This rhetoric is scary says Jocelyn, because handing over the keys of self-identification to an algorithm that we have no idea how it works is not something that feels right.Gardner echoes the complex views on the state of social media. Outside of her day job as a policy maven, Gardner is a TikToker under the handle @shaeitaintsoo, where she shares educational content about LGBTQ+ issues.These spaces also allow for a lot of queer joy and a lot of authenticity in a way that makes me proud to be a part of this community, she says. At the same time, backlash is part of the job. The success of TikToks moderation has ebbed and flowed during her four years as a public figure on the app.Gardner emphasizes that hatred and harassment do not live in algorithms. The discrimination faced online is replicated bigotry from offline spaces. Social media can amplify and distribute the bigotry in new ways. It is the responsibility of the platforms to be making significant efforts to ensure that the replication is not then also multiplied and made ten times worse.Gardner sees the backlash as a tale as old as time that has been replicated without much evidenceonto emerging technology. Im not saying that tale is not rooted in some element of truth. But this, this didnt start with TikTok, I would push back against language that seems to think it will end with TikTok.In the meantime, Gardner implores those worried to not lose sight of the most important concerns.If your concern is that [kids and teens] are spending too much time in online spaces. What are you doing to create safe, physical ones for them? Gardner asks.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship Lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post LGBTQ+ youth love TikTok. Does TikTok love them back? appeared first on News Is Out.

On Saturday, Donald Trump announced his selection of Bill White a gay businessperson and Republican donor who dropped Hillary Clinton the night she lost the 2016 election as Ambassador to Belgium.White, 57, along with his husband, Bryan Eure, were once fixtures among Manhattans liberal elite; now White is one of a tiny coterie of gay supporters that the president-elect has recruited to the second Trump administration as evidence of his LGBTQ+ bona fides. Related Donald Trump just created a special new job for gay diplomat Richard Grenell Grenell reportedly wanted to be Secretary of State, but Trump has other plans for him. Trumps pick for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, is another. 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 White is the founder and CEO of Constellations Group, a Manhattan-based consulting firm. He previously served as president of the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York. He was forced to resign that post in 2010 after his alleged involvementin a New York State pension fund pay-to-play scandal he was allegedly lining his own pockets, in the words of then-New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. He paid a $1 million fine and avoided prosecution.The power couple has helped raise millions in support of the once and future president and are regulars at Mar-a-Lago. They describe their pet causes as fighting for veterans and gay rights.Bill has worked tirelessly to support Great American Patriots who have given everything for our Country by raising over $1.5 Billion Dollars for our fallen heroes, catastrophically wounded, and severely burned Service Members, Trump said Saturday in apost on Truth Social. He is a twice recipient of the Meritorious Public Service Award for extraordinary service from the U.S. Coast Guard, and for outstanding support from the U.S. Navy. This fall, White joined a gay barnstorming tour at several sparsely attended Trump UNITY events organized by the Log Cabin Republicans, who are on their own search for proximity to power and cocktail parties among the MAGA faithful.Speakers included White and Richard Grenell, Trumps gay Ambassador to Germany in his first administration, who lost his campaign for Secretary of State this year to Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (R). Trump handed Grennell an at large post, instead, as envoy for special missionsoverseas.White and Eures allegiance switched quickly to Trump, despite years supporting Democrats President Obama was the guest of honor at a $39,500-a-plate truffle risotto fundraising dinner the couple hosted in their Chelsea townhouse. On Election Night in 2016, White and Eure were with Clinton supporters at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as the returns came in and Trumps victory looked ever more likely.White got in his Chevrolet Suburban, he told The New York Times, and drove to the New York Hilton in Midtown, where Mr. Trump was celebrating his win.I didnt want to be part of that misery pie; Im not a wallower in self-pity, White said. I really believe that once that decision is made, you have to get behind your president.The couple has dismissed accusations that theyve betrayed the LGBTQ+ community with a president and party openly hostile to it.I dont like identity politics, Whites husband says.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Excuse me but we're going to need a moment. A recent Reddit thread on the r/ActualLesbians subreddit about why lesbians love giving strap is so hot we may require a fainting couch. Ok, were back. Where were we, oh yes. Recently on Reddit asked, To people who give strap, what do you like most about it?? And the answers were amazing. From appreciating the sights and sounds, to how it affirmed their gender, to the simple pleasures of getting their partner off, these Sapphics did not hold back about their passion for strapping it on. God bless them. Sure, sometimes strapping can be an awkward struggle, its hard work and you need to know the etiquette particularly if you are using one with more than one partner but these reactions are a perfect reminder of why persevere in spite of the learning curve. One thing this thread made very clear is that its not only the receiving partners who are having a great time when the strap comes out to play. Those who don the strap are getting off just as much it seems. What can we say? Sapphic sex just stays winning like that. But what exactly are those who strap getting out of the experience? We'll let them explain it. But trust us you're going to want to sit down for this because it's about to get hawt in here.The view from the top is the best view in the house."It's the imagery, fucking her into the mattress just does it for me " Mysterious_Habit_673"I'm relatively new to things and recently did doggy for the first time, and jfc I haven't been able to get the image of her ass up in the air out of my mind (nor do I want to)" neurosquidThe sounds are everything."The heavy breaths, the moans, the whimpering, the begging, eyes rolling back into her head as she digs her nails into my back to pull me closer, the inability to form a proper sentence or walk normally afterwards, i decide what shes allowed to feel, whats not to love.edit: is this a good time to mention im single...?" Open_Ad_1201"I love laying on my back with a girl riding my strap. Seeing her facial expressions, hearing her moan and breathe heavy and tell me how good it feels, seeing her titties moving, her tummy, her thighs ugh I havent strapped anyone in maybe 10 months I need a thick brat in my bed asa"p tr4nsm4sc"The moans are GREAT. Like, I can make her melt with it, and the way she sounds is just... chefs kiss" Darkerfalz"There's a feeling of dominance to it. Pinning them down, looking them in the eye, slowly pushing my hips forward and listening to the sounds they make. I also have a crazy breeding kink which squirting straps in particular are amazing for." BigTiddyMobBossGFGiving their partner pleasure."The sounds she makes, how good it makes her feel, the feeling of her skin on mine as we move together, plus there's just something very satisfying about putting your whole body into it and making someone else completely melt also just feels kinda good on its own, more in a tease way for me but my gf cums when shes the one wearing the strap usually. I'm a giver, making someone else feel good is as good as getting off for me" Inevitable_Evening38"leaves my hands free to do other things..." Sung-Sumin"Giving her pleasure with my whole body feels amazing, and also, grinding against the dildo makes me come and it's really hot to basically come inside her " GingerPeach33"I love feeling really big and powerful when i'm wearing it but also super cool for being able to change the size if the current one is getting a little monotone and then taking it off and not having to think about it at all. i love not having to ever wonder if she's had bigger cause girl if it isn't the biggest it can be if that's even what they want LOL being a lesbian is great, all hail the strap" snowpapiIt gets them off, too!"I come mentally when fucking girls with strap, I even feel sleepy afterwards this is weird but true" Housi"This is exactly how I feel and its pretty common, according to tumblr. I get a deep whole-body satisfaction from making her come, and afterwards I dont need anything else. Im not stone, so I dont think its entirely a stone thing, but it does feel like her pleasure makes my pleasure complete!" aspidities_87"I always cum when I strap my girlfriend. Literally the best ever " veronicaarrIts not just sexy, its gender-affirming."Im nonbinary with a splash of demiboy, so for me its gender affirming! But also hearing my partner enjoy themselves is a huge turn on because I know Im the reason for it " mightthxnktwice"gender affirmation, the feeling of domming her, and the absolute pleasure it gives her. I dont particularly like penetration but I found a strap that stimulates the wearer in a diff way so its amazing for both of us :)" MMK395They feel so close to their partner."Having her legs wrapped around me while Im making love to her in missionary." Papaverpalpitations"Id have to say the best thing about it for me is feeling is satisfaction at how completely connected we can be even if the strap isnt physically doing anything for me. Its the intimate connection of being wrapped up and providing the amount t of pleasure that everyone else has described." Rightkindof

The season two trailer for Netflix's surprisingly queer series XO, Kitty has just hit the internet today!XO, Kitty, which premiered last May, is a spin-off of To All the Boys I've Loved Before. It follows Kitty Song Covey (Anna Cathcart), the younger sister of TAtBILB's protagonist, as she heads off to the Korean Independent School of Seoul on a scholarship.Over the course of season one, fans were delighted to see Kitty discover her own bisexuality, getting caught in a love triangle of sorts between her formerly long-distance boyfriend Dae (Minyeong Choi) and his fake girlfriend, Yuri (Gia Kim).The upcoming season is bound to be at least as eventful as Kitty tries to work out her feelings, avoid getting kicked out of school, and deal with the bombshell her frenemy Min Ho (Sang Heon Lee) dropped in the finale.New episodes of XO, Kitty are only weeks away, scheduled to premiere on Netflix January 16, 2025. In the meantime, here are the moments from the trailer that have us counting down the days!1. More Kitty crushing on Yuri (@) Fans got a good chuckle out of Yuri's cluelessness holding strong in this trailer clip. But it's pretty obvious Kitty isn't over this crush yet.2. Kitty wanting to date girls (@) In the trailer, Kitty specifically notes that she wants to make an effort to date girls rather than just pining over Yuri. From the looks of it, this is where new cast member Sasha Bhasin will be stepping in as Praveena. We're ready.3. Okay, just all the queer kissing (@) Thankfully, XO, Kitty is among the shows that have realized a world can have multiple queer characters, and we've got our choice of couples (and potential couples) to root for here!4. K-pop! (@) K-pop has been heavily featured in the show's soundtrack, and there was a little storyline in season one that briefly flirted with the world of pop stars, but the show is dropping some hints that there may be more coming up in season two.5. A wild Noah Centineo appears! (@) Fan fave Centineo was integral to the original film trilogy, but this marks his first appearance as Peter in XO, Kitty. Yep, there is plenty here to have our queer hearts fluttering while we wait for season 2 to hit Netflix next month! In the meantime, you can watch the trailer below!

We should all be concerned about the environment, but between the stress of figuring out how to dispose of old laptops and cell phones and what to do with the insane amount of packaging that everything comes in these days, there might be one thing you havent even considered: The environmental impact of your sex toy collection.From toys breaking to needing to replace them because your new paramour doesnt want to use the same toys you used with your last partner, the spicy devices we use during sex can be an environmental disaster. But what can you do about it?Should you use new sex toys with every partner?First of all, who can really afford to buy new toys every time you hook up with someone new? In this economy? Not us! But a lot of people feel squeamish about reusing old toys. Some are worried about sanitary issues, and others are concerned about the emotional baggage that come along with sex toys you used with an ex.Sofie Roos, a licensed sexologist, relationship therapist and author at Passionerad tells PRIDE that bringing an old sex toy, like a strap-on, into a new relationship can feel like having your ex in the room with you while youre having sex. Its up to every person to decide, but I truly think its fair to be honest with your new partner and tell them that youve used this set in a previous relationship and ask if theyre okay with you using it together now, she advises. If not, just invest in a new set its totally worth it. Strap-ons and harnesses are made to be replaced anyway!But does buying new sex toys every time youre in a new relationship impact the environment? The short answer is yes, big time. What environmental impact does buying new sex toys have?The problem with throwing out your drawer full of sex toys and replacing them every time you enter a new relationship is that many cant be recycled for instance, Fleshlights cant be recycled because theyre made out of porous plastics that can never be fully cleaned which turns them into a biohazard and those that can be are often thrown away because people arent sure how to recycle them properly. Many of these toys leach phthalates into the ground and water and remain in the environment for a long time because the chemical doesnt creak down naturally, the Sexual Health Alliance reports.It can also be time-consuming and expensive to break sex toys apart and recycle them correctly, so many recycling facilities end up sending them to landfills instead. Battery-powered sex toys are especially bad for the environment because most used batteries end up in landfills, but even the rechargeable kind have a negative impact if you throw them out every time you start dating someone new.So what are your optionsInstead of replacing old toys for a new partner, try disinfecting the ones you have.Using a condom with toys like dildos, vibrators, and strap-ons is a good hygiene policy and makes using them with new sex partners a breeze. You should also wash all of your sex toys with disinfecting soap and lukewarm water, and then follow that up with a disinfecting spray made specifically for sex toys. But Vicki Lyons, a sexual wellness expert & chief editor at Bodyjoys, tells PRIDE that even if you're doing all of this, you still owe it to your new partner to tell them you've used these toys with other people. "They should be made aware that you use your toys with other partners too so that they can make an informed decision and give consent. Using a toy with multiple people without their knowledge isn't okay. It may be that they would prefer to use a different toy or to buy a new one altogether and you should always be open to this idea," she explains.BYOT aka Bring Your Own ToysIf your new lover refuses to use your old sex toys, tell them youll wield but not supply. This means that instead of going on a shopping spree that will hurt the planet, theyll need to bring their own sex toys that they want you to use on them into the new relationship.Recycle old toysSo your partner says using toys you shared with an ex is a no-go? That means its time to recycle ones that you know youll never use again. Whether your toys are broken or are just connected to bad vibes, the company Sex Toy Recycling will take them off of your hands. After you send them your used toys, they sterilize and recycle them, even reprocessing the rubber and silicone parts and turning them into brand-new sex toys.Shop sustainablyIf you have to buy new sex toys because yours broke or your new bed mate demands it, try to buy from companies that focus on sustainability, but do your research first because companies love to use greenwashing to get your money.

Fearing a backlash from parents, Disney has cut a transgender storyline from Pixars upcoming original animated sports series Win or Lose, a show about a co-ed middle school softball team. Pixar employees have previously accused Disney of censoring LGBTQ+ content from its animated projects. LGBTQ Nation contacted Disney and Pixar for comment and will update this story if they respond.The storylines removal from the series occurs as Republicans increasingly block trans childrens access to gender-affirming healthcare and their participation on sports teams matching their gender identity. Attacks on trans rights are expected to intensify under the coming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Related Rightwingers lose their minds over sick Disneys Agatha All Along: Its a gay recruiting video! One commentator claimed that Disney is targeting the kids to turn them gay with the series. The eight-episode series, which premieres on February 19, 2025, follows the off-field experiences of different characters associated with the team. The 14-year-old character that wouldve identified as trans will remain in the show, but the lines of dialogue referencing gender identity have been removed, The Hollywood Reporter wrote. The decision was made several months ago. 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 When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline, a Disney spokesperson told the publication. Disney has censored LGBTQ+ content before from Pixars workIn November, Disney shelved an episode of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaurthat focused on a trans classmate who receives support from her teammates after her coach removes her from a girls volleyball team.A Disney spokesperson said, In this case, this decision was based on this specific episode, not because of the character being trans, adding that the episode wasnt banned per se, but rather was being held.In March 2022, a letter written by the LGBTQIA+ employees of Pixar, and their allies alleged that Disney cut nearly every moment of overtly gay affection regardless of when there is protest from both the creative teams and executive leadership at Pixar. The letter, which criticized then-Disney CEO Bob Chapeks refusal to speak out publicly against Floridas Dont Say Gay bill banning LGBTQ+ instruction from public school classrooms.Even if creating LGBTQIA+ content was the answer to fixing the discriminatory legislation in the world, we are being barred from creating it, the Pixar employees wrote.Disney had cut a same-sex kiss in the Toy Story prequel, Lightyear, but restored the kiss shortly after the Pixar employees released their letter. Pixars films have never featured an explicitly trans character, however its 2023 film Elemental featured a nonbinary character named Lake Ripple, a water elemental whose slim body is made of blue translucent fluid.In 2020, the Disney+ streaming platform featured a Pixar short, Out, about a closeted man who is outed to his parents when he accidentally switches bodies with his dog. Transphobia will worsen under Trump 2.0 how will Disney react?The issues of transgender children accessing gender-affirming care and playing sports have become politically charged over the last few years. As of December, 26 states have banned gender-affirming care for trans minors and banned trans children from playing on sports teams matching their gender identity.President-elect Trump has promised to do more to restrict trans rights during his second presidency. In addition to re-banning trans people from the military on day one, Trump haspromised to ban gender-affirming care for minors nationwideand prohibit federal agencies from promot[ing] the concept of sex and gender transition at any age.His Department of Justice told the Supreme Courtit is legal to discriminate against transgender employees. His administration will alsoseek religious exemptions for employers who discriminatebased on LGBTQ+ identities.He has also promised toreverse Obama-era guidelinesprotecting transgender students access to bathrooms matching their gender identity and to repeal other trans-inclusive education policies. Disneys now-former CEO Chapek said he would meet Florida Gov.Ron DeSantis(R) to discuss somehow preventing the Dont Say Gay bill from being weaponized against LGBTQ+ people. Chapelk also noted that Disney joined more than 150 other companies ona national business statement opposing anti-LGBTQ state legislationorganized by the Human Rights Campaign and Freedom for All Americans. Disney then said it would donate $5 million to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and other LGBTQ rights organizations.HRC rejected its donationand said Disney needed to take more direct action to combat the bill. Chapek eventuallyapologized to employees for not denouncing the bill.You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry, Chapek said in a follow-up message to staffers. Disney has since resumed giving donations to politicians who supported Dont Say Gay. Disney has taken other steps in favor of the LGBTQ+ community The company began offering health care coverage to the domestic partners of LGBTQ+ employees in 1996 and its Disney World theme park has hosted the unofficial annual Gay Days event in which LGBTQ+ fans visit in red t-shirts.In 2019, Disney launched its first-ever official Pride event, Disneyland Paris Pride, and in 2023, Disney announced its first US-based Pride event at its Disneyland California park called Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite. Both events featured Pride-themed events, parades, and merchandise.In 2022, Disney reported that a portion of the proceeds of its sales of Pride gear would go towards numerous LGBTQ+ organizations including GLSEN,PFLAG,The Trevor Project,Zebra Coalition,Los Angeles LGBT Center,LGBT Center Orange County,San Francisco LGBT CenterandAli Forney Center.Its Pride gear sold in other parts of the world had their proceeds benefit local LGBTQ+ organizations. While numerous villains in Disneys earliest animated films were queer-coded, many have since been reclaimed as campy LGBTQ+ icons of disruptive and subversive power. Disneys animated films have only ever once featured an explicitly LGBTQ+ character, gay environmentalist teenager Ethan Clade in its 2022 film Strange Worlds. During the film, Clade admits his attraction to another boy. Disneys TV offerings have been generally more LGBTQ+ inclusive. A 2014 episode of Disney Channels Good Luck Charlie featured a lesbian couple as minor characters, and a 2017 episode of Disney Juniors Doc McStuffins introduced a pair of lesbian mothers. The 2016 finale of the supernatural adventure series Gravity Falls revealed that two overzealous policemen were a couple, but the series creator Alex Hirschaccused Disney of repeatedly removing LGBTQ+ content from the series throughout its creation.A 2019 episode of Star vs. the Forces of Evil featured a same-sex kiss in the background of one scene. That same year, Michael Collins, a character in the animated series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, came out as gay and gender non-conforming.In May 2022, Disneys animated series The Owl House featured a same-sex kiss between Luz Noceda and Amity Blight and a romantic attraction between female witch Eda Clawthorne and nonbinary bard Rain Whispers. The shows bisexual female Dana Terrace said she had to fight for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the show.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Actress and singer Ariana DeBose says that discovering she was queer happen at a very young age and has a origin story those of us who grew up making our dolls kiss can relate to.In a recent episode of Kerry Washingtons YouTube show Street You Grew Up On, DuBose opened up about how the doll that inspired a hit blockbuster movie helped her figure out she was queer.When were you aware of your sexuality? Washington asked. I remember I loved Barbie, couldnt tell you much about Ken, DuBose answered. Sorry you are Kenough, but See on InstagramNot Kenough for me, Washington jokingly interjected.The 33-year-old West Side Story actress said she has always had an affinity for women because they are so beautiful.And I would probably venture to say, like if we were watching movies, I was looking at the females and not the guy, DuBose explained before quipping that the one exception would be for a certain hunky rom-com star.Unless it was Richard Gere, and then I would split my time between Richard and Julia, she said.There are exceptions, Washington agreed.But I am proudly queer, long may we reign, DuBose said.Listen, some of didn't realize we were queer until well into adulthood, but for others all if took was playing with Barbies!

One thing about Johnny Sibilly? He always spills the tea.The gorgeous actor and Sip or Spill host is known for asking all of the hard questions on his popular Logo YouTube show, but he's now opening up on his own personal life.Earlier this year, Sibilly hard-launched his relationship with OnlyFans star Phillip Davis after the duo attended the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars Viewing Party in Los Angeles.The couple also isn't afraid to pack on the PDA online as Davis slays the OF game, so this is the sex-positive representation we can't help but love."I'm really happy to be having so much fun and to be with someone I think is so damn hot. I applaud it! I think it's freeing and progressive. I'm all for it. I'm part of the change I wish to see in the world," Sibilly tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Sibilly has hinted at starting his own OnlyFans page in the past, but he hasn't come around to creating an account just yet. However, that could change at any moment.As of now, the star is supporting his boyfriend behind the scenes and is constantly debating on posting a spicy collaboration."Sometimes, it's like... let me take them pics! [I think about it] all the time, [but] I recognize the world that I live in. Who knows? It's always in the back of my mind."Watch new episodes of Sip or Spill on Logo's YouTube channel. To see the full interview with Johnny Sibilly, check out the video at the top of the page.