Mike Jeffries, the gay 80-year-old embattled former CEO of clothing brand Abercrombie & Fitch, has dementia and Alzheimers disease, his lawyers have said in court documents filed this week. They are requesting a hearing to determine if Jefferies is fit to stand trial for federal criminal charges in connection to sex trafficking.Jeffries lawyers said that a neuropsychologist diagnosed the businessman after his legal team questioned his health and concentration, according to the documents, NBC News reports."The Michael Jeffries who presented himself did not even come close to resembling a masters degree-educated individual, who was just nine years earlier, the chief executive officer of a publicly traded company," the new filing states.Police arrested Jeffries earlier this year in Florida on one charge of sex trafficking and 15 counts of interstate prostitution. Jeffries pleaded not guilty after posting a $10 million bond and being ordered by a judge to home detention.Authorities allege that Jeffries and his boyfriend Matthew Smith along with associate James Jacobson operated the trafficking scheme, with Jacobson acting as a recruiter.The men were indicted one year after Abercrombie & Fitch announced it would be hiring an independent law firm to investigate allegations against Jeffries and Smith, revealed in a report by the BBC, claiming that the pair sexually exploited young men during Jeffriess time as CEO, which spanned 1992 to 2014. Company officials have said current leadership was not previously aware of the allegations.Authorities said in an indictment that the men allegedly "employed coercive, fraudulent and deceptive tactics in connection with the recruitment, hiring, transportation, obtaining, maintaining, solicitation and payment of the men to engage in commercial sex."Prosecutors said that the men were told not doing certain sexual acts would harm their careers. Many of the men allegedly targeted by Jeffries and the others were also in precarious financial situations.The doctor concluded that Mr. Jeffries currently suffers from dementia with behavioral disturbance ... Alzheimers disease with late onset (probable) ... and Lewy body dementia," the recent filing says, according to NBC News.The outlet reports that a competency hearing has been set for June.Heather Cucolo, a New York Law School professor who specializes in mental disability and criminal law, told the BBC that there is limited data on how the U.S. justice system treats those with dementia."If Mike Jeffries is found competent, the case will move forward," she told the outlet. "But if he's deemed incompetent, and it's found there's no reasonable likelihood that his competency will be restored, then the charges would have to be dropped."

The Ohio Senate and House have now both passed a bill that would forcibly out LGBTQ+ students to their parents and also allow parents to opt their child out of sexuality content at school. House Bill 8 defines sexuality content as any oral or written instruction, presentation, image, or description of sexual concepts or gender ideology provided in a classroom setting, with exceptions granted for STI and abuse discussion, as well as incidental references to sexual concepts or gender ideology. Related Ohio Senate passes cruel transgender bathroom ban The bill applies to all students in the state and will restrict the rights of thousands of trans people if the governor signs it. There is also a total ban on sexuality content in grades three and below, with all other grades facing a requirement for parental review of the content. It additionally requires notification of any substantial change in student services, defined as including changes to ones gender identity in the school system. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The bill was introduced by State Reps. D.J. Swearingen (R) and Sara Carruthers (R).If people are out and they dont have supportive parents there is an epidemic of LGBTQ youth homelessness, Dara Atkinson, an activist with TransOhio, told News 5 Cleveland. [There are] parents who dont affirm their children and then decide that they would like them to not be their children.For students that have queer families, it is then not OK in early childhood curriculum to discuss queer families as part of the community, they added.Carruthers claims, however, that there is no hidden agenda and that this is about advocating for parental rights. She claims it is not anti-LGBTQ and that nothing can be done these days without offending others.The bill is now on its way to the desk of Republican Governor Mike DeWine as advocacy groups call for him to veto it. We are deeply disappointed that the legislature decided once again to attack LGBTQIA+ youth by passing yet another bill that will make schools less safe and inclusive for queer and transgender people, said a statement from Kaleidoscope Youth Center, an LGBTQ+ youth center.Equality Ohio Executive Director Dwayne Steward added, Overnight when most school-age children are asleep, the legislature rushed through another shameful attack on LGBTQ+ youth.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Drag is under attack. And given the increasing queerphobia following last months disastrous election, it can be a scary time. But the Normal Anomaly Initiative is fighting back with Drag University, a Houston-based program that will teach students not just the nuts and bolts of drag, but how to be an effective voice on behalf of the queer community. Related Call Me Mother: 4 drag queens discuss the love they have for their drag daughters Drag queens sometimes mentor fledgling performers to become truly dazzling entertainers. Drag University is open to anyone who wants to learn drag, be they straight or gay; queen or king; cis, trans, or nonbinary. There are eight sessions every other week, along with a project meant to empower the community, and of course, students will strut their stuff and show off everything theyve learned in an on-stage finale. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today At its core, Drag University is more than a program; it is a movement, Joelle Bayaa-Uzuri Espeut, Advocacy Director of The Normal Anomaly Initiative told LGBTQ Nation. We are bringing together art, education, creativity, activism, and healthcare to nurture a new generation of drag performers in the South.Drag University | Normal Anomaly Initiative Team/Used with permission Drag University isnt a brand-new idea. Espeut said that the program is based on a 2011 program by MSociety. However, the Normal Anomaly Initiative is expanding on what MSociety started, not just teaching drag, but how to become important figures in their local community. HIV education is also a key element of the program.The previous iteration of Drag University centered mostly on the drag entertainment component, where participants participated in a pageant. The Normal Anomalys upcoming Drag University cohort will combine the drag component with an added advocacy and leadership development component, Espeut said. Aside from learning skills to enhance themselves as drag entertainers/performers (i.e. hair, make-up application, performance, and sustainability), cohort participants will also learn about advocacy and outreach, and how to advocate using their drag, she added.Drag University is funded by Gilead Sciences, the manufacturer of the PrEP regimen drug Truvada, though the Normal Anomaly Initiative is clear that aside from providing a grant, the company has no input on the content of the program. Another partner of the program is Montrose Grace Place, a local nonprofit providing food, care, and community for unhoused youth between the ages of 13 and 24.In addition to learning great skills that are useful in and out of drag, participants who graduate from the program will receive $250. Not just that, but one winner will get a grand prize package worth up to $5,000, and two runners-up will get $1,000 prize packages.Drag University comes at a time when Republicans are ramping up their attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. Two states Montana and Tennessee have laws explicitly restricting drag performances. Four more states Texas, Arkansas, Florida, and North Dakota have language in laws regarding adult performances that could be used to block drag acts, according to the LGBT Movement Advancement Project.Drag University | Normal Anomaly Initiative Team/Used with permission In Texas alone, gender-affirming care for trans youthincluding completely safe puberty blockershas been outlawed, and trans kids cant join sports teams based on their gender. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) says hes working to ban woke agendas in schools, according to the Texas Tribune.After this years elections, the Texas legislature has shifted even further right. This year, the Texas GOP focused its advertising on anti-LGBTQ+ measures. And even Democrats have signaled that theyre willing to abandon the queer community both in Texas and nationally. Earlier this month, 81 Democrats in the House joined Republicans in voting to ban children of military service members from receiving transgender healthcare. Quisling Democrats who voted in favor of the bill included House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and four of Texas 13 Democratic representatives: Colin Allred from Dallas, Henry Cuellar from Laredo, Veronica Escobar from El Paso and Vicente Gonzalez from McAllen.Drag in particular has been targeted in Texas. The state even briefly banned drag shows with children present, though that law was struck down last year by a federal judge. Undeterred, Texas Republicans vowed to try again and threatened to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.Setbacks like this make programs like Drag University all the more essential to the LGBTQ+ community. Drag University is the manifestation of liberation, which is especially important in the time and place this program is set, Ian L. Haddock, founder of The Normal Anomaly Initiative, said. As drag and gender expression become more and more politicized, we are here to protect this historic art form and uplift drag for what it is: a powerful platform to celebrate individuality and break boundaries. At the same time, this program offers an opportunity to build a career and a strong network of support.Those interested in signing up can fill out the application before January 5. Participants must be in Houston, Texas and be able to attend in-person to all the sessions at the Normal Anomaly Initiatives drop-in center in the Third Ward neighborhood.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Knit the Rainbow, a nonprofit dedicated to providing colorful handmade knitwear to unhoused LGBTQ+ youth, is in high gear this holiday season as temperatures drop and their clientele seeks shelter from the cold.The group was formed by New Yorker Austin Riversafter he discovered his passion for knitting during the pandemic. Related Bakery turns homophobic messages into delicious fundraiser for LGBTQ+ charities Great way to deal with narrow-mindedness and tasty too! I dont have the capacity to build a shelter, the network or the connections to help in that way, but what I can do is knit, Rivers NBC News. And I know that New York City is cold, so I decided I would start knitting and create this nonprofit. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The groups focus is on LGBTQ+ youth, which make up 40% of New Yorks unhoused youth population.A lot of the times, the reason theyre unhoused is because they were kicked out by their families, so were not just providing warmth, were also providing that love and compassion that they so often dont have.Rivers has recruited 550 knitters across the country to his cause.Volunteers from 45 states and three countries are mailing donations from across the United States to my apartment here in New York. We have local volunteers here in New York that come to my apartment and unbox donations, sort them, inventory them, tag them. The group has given away over 25,000 colorful knitted garments like hats, gloves, scarves and sweaters, Rivers shared. Volunteer teams in New Jersey, Chicago and Detroit are distributing garments to local nonprofits in those areas, as well.Knit the Rainbow has partnerships with 22 different community-based organizations around the country and a long list of financial supporters whove donated funds in lieu of needle skills. A large donation from Kelly Clarkson accompanied Rivers appearance on her talk show in 2022.The groups founder had a message for unhoused youth during the holiday season this year.There are thousands of people out here that are constantly thinking of you and using their hands to make things for you, Rivers said. So dont give up. Keep going.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk is addressing criticism over the shows casting of a cisgender man to play a trans woman in its highly anticipated second season.In an interview with TVGuide.com published on December 17, the writer and director said that while he initially hoped to cast a trans actor for the role, it was near impossible to find an out trans performer in South Korea. Related Netflixs Squid Game cast a cis man to play a trans woman Critics on social media have blasted the series for not giving the role to a transgender actress. Netflixs hit South Korean thriller series sparked controversy earlier this month when the streamer released a Meet the Cast video featuring new cast members introducing fans to their characters. In one clip, South Korean actor Park Sung-hoon confirmed that his character, Hyun-ju, is a former special forces soldier and a transgender woman. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Apart from denying a trans actress a high-profile job, casting a cisgender man to play a trans woman reinforces the insidious, anti-trans perception that trans women are really men. In recent years, actors and advocates like Jen Richards and GLAADs Nick Adams have drawn a direct link between audiences seeing cis men playing trans woman on TV and in films and the epidemic of violence directed at trans women particularly Black trans women.Following the release of the Squid Game cast featurette, critics on social media blasted Parks casting as a transgender woman, with many questioning why the shows creators didnt hire an actual trans actress to play the role.In response, Hwang told TVGuide.com that he did anticipate such discussions to arise from the first moment I began creating the character.In the beginning we were doing our research, and I was thinking of doing an authentic casting of a trans actor, he explained. When we researched in Korea, there are close to no actors that are openly trans, let alone openly gay, because unfortunately in the Korean society currently the LGBTQ community is rather still marginalized and more neglected, which is heartbreaking.South Korea does not recognize same-sex marriage under the law, though earlier this year, the countrys top court ruled that people in same-sex relationships are entitled to the same benefits under South Koreas National Health Insurance Service as heterosexual couples.But as Hwang explained, given the countrys climate for LGBTQ+ people, finding an out trans actress to play Hyun-ju proved a challenge. It was near impossible to find someone who we could cast authentically, he said. And that led us to the decision to cast Sung-hoon.Still, as U.K. outlet the Independent noted earlier this month, simply including a transgender character in a South Korean production like Squid Game is a big deal. Despite the problematic nature of Parks casting, TVGuide.coms Kat Moon suggests that his character could nonetheless move the needle on trans representation in the country.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A long-running dispute between factions of the Methodist church in Nigeria erupted into violence on Sunday when an unidentified individual shot and killed the sister of a Methodist minister and two young children died when their home was set ablaze.The shooting ignited clashes between members of The United Methodist Church (UMC) of Nigeria and the breakaway Global Methodist Church (GMC) in Munga Dosso, Taraba State, according to United Methodist News. 12 homes were destroyed in the fighting. Related United Methodist Church ends ban on LGBTQ+ clergy in historic vote Delegates voted 692-51 to remove the ban. The breakaway group withdrew from the larger United Methodist Church in 2022, accelerating the separation of thousands of Methodist churches around the world from the UMC over LGBTQ+ policy. 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 After the UMCs General Conference voted in North Carolina in May to overturn a 40-year ban on self-avowed homosexuals becoming members of the clergy and ease restrictions on clergy performing same-sex marriages, the defection of popular Nigeria bishop John Wesley Yohannato the GMC further heightened tensions among Methodists in the country.An estimated 30% of Methodists in Nigeria broke from the UMC.The government closed both denominations churches in September, citing the growing conflict between two as a threat to the regions stability.A dispute over church property has inflamed tensions as the breakaway group claimed ownership of church buildings and assets despite past rulings under Nigerian law that church property stays with the original denomination, according to Methodist Bishop John R. Schol, one of a team of bishops enlisted to oversee the episcopal area as tensions have risen.To counter this, the GMC created the ruse that rather than them leaving the UMC, this was a simple name change from UMC to GMC because the UMC was a gay church and trying to bring same-gender marriage to Nigeria. This prejudiced many government officials against the UMC because Nigerias constitution forbids same-gender marriage. The UMCs new policy also included a measure that explicitly allows current central conferences to set their own standards forclergy ordination and church marriage rites, as long as those standards follow local law and the UMCs doctrinal statements.A conference of West African UMC members earlier this month codified those rules, including a statement that marriage in Nigeria is a union between one man and one woman. That declaration mollified many members who earlier abandoned the UMC.A group of 400,000 United Methodists who left during Bishop Yohannas tenure have now returned, strengthening the United Methodist witness and mission, Schol said.Those circumstances have put pressure on the GMC and called the nature of the groups existence into question. With each successive step, the GMC has become more concerned that they will lose the battle to maintain their standing in Nigeria and the property and funds of The United Methodist Church, Schol said. The outbreak in violence on Sunday was one symptom of the breakaway groups existential crisis. Twelve homes were set on fire in melee, and ten UMC members were injured, in addition to the three reported deaths.The United Methodist Council of Bishops called for peace in Nigeria following the tragedy.The Council of Bishops offers its condolences to the families whose loved ones died and to the members of the congregation where the incident took place. We condemn the violence and plead with all United Methodists to bear witness to the prince of peace, Jesus Christ, in word and deed. We know that violence never resolves conflict or meaningfully addresses injustice,Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone said in a statement.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Just in time for the holidays, the Church Lady Dana Carveys iconic character from Saturday Night Live reemerged from her crypt earlier this month to declare 2024 the most Satanic year in history.Backing up her claim: the state Capitol in Minnesota. Related Satanic Temple applies to fly flag in front of Boston City Hall after Christian Supreme Court win Boston has to let people fly the Christian flag in front of its city hall because of free speech. So why not let the Satanic flag fly too? Thats where visitors can now take in the sight of a holiday display dedicated to the Master of Hell set up by The Satanic Temple, a group established in 2012 to defend religious plurality and draw a line between church and state. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The muted display features an inverted pentagram hanging over a phoenix and text from the Satanic ritual The Mass of the Phoenix. Kraken and other underworld figures associated with the Prince of Darkness are nowhere to be found.Thanks to all the hard work from our Congregation, especially Calcifer, for helping us set up Minnesota Satanists first-ever holiday display at the state Capitol in Saint Paul! HAIL RELIGIOUS PLURALITY!!! HAIL SATAN!!! the group wrote in a Facebook post Saturday celebrating the Mephistophelean anti-creche.The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits the government from establishing a state religion. Courts have consistently interpreted that fact to mean the government cant favor one faith over another. The Satanic Temple was purpose-built to test that conclusion and has pushed courts to confirm it in provocations, including displays like Minnesotas and another in Concord, New Hampshire this year, and previously in Illinois and Iowa. Last year at Christmas, the group sponsored a student-launched Satan Club at a high school in Kansas.Christian Republicans are predictably red-faced over the religious provocation.During the holidays what a disgrace. Only in Walzs Minnesota, the states Republican U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber posted. Is there anything Tim Walz wont do to insult Minnesotans? asked his House MAGA colleague, Rep. Tom Emmer.It was wrong when Iowa Satanists did this and it is wrong when Minnesota Satanists do this, too. This obscenity is not what our founders envisioned for religious liberty protections, posted Andrew T. Walker, associate professor of Christian ethics and public theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary who promotes Biblical truth.It was wrong when Iowa satanists did this and it is wrong when Minnesota satanists do this, too. This obscenity is not what our Founders envisioned for religious liberty protections. https://t.co/DgH5f8XxrY https://t.co/qrBMyN7xKY Andrew T. Walker (@andrewtwalk) December 16, 2024As the states top elected official, recent VP nominee and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) is taking the heat for the provocative display. His office issued a statement on Tuesday.The Governor does not agree with the display and did not approve it. But the First Amendment means that he does not police speech in the State Capitol. Thats true whether its a religious display, a political protest, or a Minnesotan advocating for a policy. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Photo by Canva.Subscribe now2024 has proven to be another turbulent year for LGBTQ communities in the U.S. and around the globe. In the last 12 months, transgender Americans and queer kids have been the targets of relentless attacks that have come in the form of hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills, transphobic rhetoric by politicians, and threats from far-right influencers and average Joes on social media. Despite this, there was great progress: more young people are feeling confident enough to come out and more denominations of Christianity are allowing gay marriage. Here are the most noteworthy moments and events that shaped 2024.Jan. 23 Nearly 30% of Gen Z adults identify as LGBTQA report by the Public Religion Research Institute finds that more than 1 in 4 Gen Z adults in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ, dwarfing the percentages of queer-identifying Americans in older age groups.Feb. 8 Nex Benedict diesNex Benedict, a nonbinary 16-year-old from Oklahoma, dies the day after being beaten unconscious by fellow students in their high schools girls bathroom. A partial autopsy report by the states Chief Medical Examiner suggests the cause of their death was suicide.Later in 2024, an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education that began after Benedicts death found that Owasso Public Schools had repeatedly failed to respond to sexual harassment allegations over three years.Benedict lived in Oklahoma, a state that introduced 55 anti-LGBTQ bills in 2024. March 22 Russia and the LGBT MovementRussia adds the LGBT movement to its list of terrorist and extremist organizations. This is the latest move in a years-long campaign of restrictive anti-LGBTQ laws spearheaded by the Putin Regime.April 3 Uganda upholds the Anti-Homosexuality ActScreenshot via NBC NewsUgandas Constitutional Court upholds the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act, which prohibits any form of sexual relations between persons of the same sex as well as the promotion or recognition of sexual relations between persons of the same sex.April 8 Transgender rights and sportsThe National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) bans trans women from competing in womens sports at 241 colleges across the country. The NAIA, which oversees some 83,000 athletes competing in more than 25 sports, is believed to be the first college sports organization to take such a step.April 10 The Cass Review publishesThe United Kingdoms National Health Service publishes The Cass Review, which outlines recommendations for gender identity services for minors.The report, which is supported by both the Conservative and Labor Parties, calls for the holistic treatment for transgender youth and adults alike. Its findings say too little is known about hormones or puberty blockers to recommend them for trans youth.The reviews conclusions have been criticized by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and pediatric health organizations in the U.S. and Canada, which have raised concerns about bias in the reviews methodology and recommendations.April 19 - Biden-Harris Administration finalize the Pro-Equality Title IX RuleFollowing years of advocacy by the Human Rights Campaign to help LGBTQ students combat sexual assault and harassment, the U.S. Department of Education announces it has finalized a Title IX rule that clarifies nondiscrimination protections should apply to LGBTQ people throughout educational activities and programs.April 19 Eight LGBTQ activists and artists are featured on Times Most Influential list The coveted list includes actor Elliot Page, activist Nadine Smith and Apple CEO Tim Cook.April 23 Planet Fitness Bomb Threatsvia Wikimedia CommonsOver 50 Planet Fitness locations across the country report receiving bomb threats following a series of tweets by far-right account Libs of TikTok that targeted the gym franchise for its trans-inclusive policies.Uncloseted Media is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.May 1 United Methodist Church ends anti-gay policiesPhoto by Joe MabelThe Methodist church ends its ban on officiating gay marriages and on gay people becoming clergy, the latter of which had been in place since 1984. "With the approvals and acceptance of the things today ... we're beginning to see the unwinding, unraveling, dismantling of the heterosexism, the homophobia, the hurt and the harm of the United Methodist Church," Rev. David Meredith said to United Methodist News.June 21 Braidwood v. Becerra: PrEP Access reported unconstitutionalA conservative federal appeals court in Texas finds a cornerstone of the Affordable Care Act that requires insurers to cover preventive health services like HIV prevention medication such as PrEP to be unconstitutional. The plaintiffs use religious objections to claim that providing coverage of PrEP facilitates and encourages homosexual behavior. The Supreme Court has not decided if it will take up the case. PrEP has been integral to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.June 28 Tractor Supply ends DEI, other companies followPhoto: Sherman40336Tractor Supply ends its efforts and programs aimed at diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company says it will stop sponsoring pride endorsements and stop sending data to the Human Rights Campaign. Other major companies like Ford, Walmart, John-Deere, Harley-Davidson, Brown-Foreman Corp, and Molson Coors follow suit.July 15 Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric plays a large role at the RNCPhoto: Gage SkidmoreOn the first night of the Republican National Convention, speakers lean into anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. Let me state this clearly: There are only two genders, far-right Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene says in her speech. Rep. John James criticizes trans womens participation in womens sports, and Sen. Ron Johnson remarks, [The Democrats] fringe agenda includes the sexualization and indoctrination of our children.July 22 HIV progressA new report by UNAIDS finds that HIV rates have fallen globally by 39% since 2010 and more than 75% of the 39.9 million people with HIV are receiving treatment. Global efforts to combat HIV and AIDS continue to make slow, steady progress. UNAIDS predicts AIDS could cease to be a public health threat by 2030.July 27 JD Vances political pivot Sofia Nelson, a former transgender classmate of Vice President-elect JD Vance, releases emails of past experiences between she and Vance that differ greatly from Vances embrace of Trump and the GOPs anti-trans rhetoric.I recognize now that this may not accurately reflect how you think of yourself, and for that I am really sorry, Vance wrote in an email, apologizing for calling her a lesbian instead of transgender in his book. I hope youre not offended, but if you are, Im sorry! Love you, JD.Nelson forgave him at the time, but released the email exchange to The New York Times in response to Vances conflicting policies toward the trans community.He achieved great success and became very rich by being a Never Trumper who explained the white working class to the liberal elite, Nelson said, referring to Mr. Vances successful 2016 book. Now hes amassing even more power by expressing the exact opposite.Aug. 1 New Title IX rulesAs Title IX rules which include explicit protections for transgender students go into effect, 26 states issue court orders that prevent these protections from being enforced.Aug. 2 Controversy at the OlympicsPhoto by Algeria Press ServiceAlgerian boxer Imane Khelif, who is a cisgender woman, becomes the center of a heated debate about her participation in the female boxing competition at the Paris Olympics. Trump, J.K. Rowling and Elon Musk complain that Khelif has higher levels of testosterone and they falsely say she is transgender. In response, Khelif, who took home a gold medal, files a criminal complaint against Musk and Rowling over alleged acts of aggravated cyber harassment.Subscribe nowSept. 4 Trump lies about trans youthTrump with Moms for Liberty Founder Tiffany Justice (C-SPAN)Trump falsely claims that schools in the U.S. are sending students to receive gender-affirming surgeries behind the backs of parents.Sept. 18 Beshear bans some conversion therapy practices in KentuckyPhoto: Office of Gov. Andy BeshearDemocratic Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky signs an executive order banning conversion therapy for minors. The ban is the result of an eight-year-long effort by the group Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky. However, the ban does not apply to religious pastors, who administer the majority of conversion therapy in the U.S. Sept. 19 CNN exposes Mark Robinsons comments on porn forumBy Citizen Media NewsCNN uncovers disturbing comments on a porn forum by Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina Mark Robinson, who has described LGBTQ people as maggots and filth. Despite Robinsons history of anti-trans rhetoric, the investigation finds posts that indicate he has an affinity for transgender porn.Sept. 24 Thailand legalizes same-sex marriagePhoto by Tanson Si LomThailand becomes the first country in Southeast Asia to recognize same-sex marriage after its marriage equality bill is endorsed by the monarchy.Oct. 10 The CDC Releases Youth Risk ReportThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention releases a report that finds that roughly 40% of transgender and questioning students are bullied at school and approximately 26% of transgender and questioning students attempted suicide in the past year.Nov 1 JD Vance and Normal GaysOn Joe Rogans podcast, Vance says, I wouldnt be surprised if me and Trump won, just, the normal gay guy vote, because they just wanted to be left the hell alone.Nov. 5 Sarah McBride Elected to HouseBy Ted EytenDelaware State Senator Sarah McBride wins her election and becomes the first transgender member of Congress.Nov. 5 Trump Wins After Spending Big on Anti-Trans AdsDonald Trump wins the Presidential election after he and the GOP spend more than $215 million dollars on anti-trans attack ads.Nov. 6 Harris breaks records amongst LGBTQ VotersThe LGBTQ community overwhelmingly vote in favor of Kamala Harris at 86%, compared to the 13% of queer people who voted for Trump. This marks Trumps worst performance among the LGBTQ community.Nov. 17 FBI investigates wave of offensive anti-LGBTQ text messagesFollowing Donald Trumps election, a wave of texts are sent instructing LGBTQ recipients to report to a re-education camp. These texts come after a series of racist texts were sent to Black people and crisis calls from LGBTQ youth spiked by 700% after election day.Uncloseted Media is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support LGBTQ-focused accountability journalism, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Nov. 18 Rep. Nancy Mace introduces trans bathroom ban in the CapitolWeeks before transgender Congresswoman-elect Sarah McBride is set to arrive in Washington, South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace introduces a resolution that would prohibit any lawmakers and House employees from using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex.House Speaker Mike Johnson backs the bill, saying, A man is a man and a woman is a woman, and a man cannot become a woman.Nov. 22 First Openly Gay Treasury Secretary NomineePhoto by Senator Tim ScottTrump nominates hedge fund billionaire Scott Bessent to his cabinet as Treasury Secretary. If confirmed, Bessent will be the first openly gay man to hold that position and the fourth gay man to be elected to a cabinet position.Nov. 23 Khalid comes outPhoto by MTV UKGrammy-nominated singer Khalid comes out as gay. I got outted and the world still continues to turn, he wrote in a tweet. Lets get this straight (lmao) I am not ashamed of my sexuality! In reality it aint nobodies business! But I am okay with me.Nov. 25 Walmart pulls back on DEI effortsWalmart confirms that its ending some of its diversity initiatives, removing some LGBTQ-related merchandise from its website and winding down a nonprofit that funded programs for minorities.The nations largest big-box retailer joins a list of companies that caved to pressure from far-right influencers.Dec. 4th SCOTUS hears arguments on gender-affirming care for trans youthSCOTUS hears oral arguments related to U.S. v. Skrmetti, a case that looks at whether a ban on gender-affirming healthcare for minors under the age of 18 would violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The case looks at healthcare treatments, including hormone therapy and puberty blockers, for transgender minors and would impose civil penalties on doctors who violate the prohibitions. Some two dozen similar laws have been enacted in recent years in Republican-led states. Chase Strangio, an attorney for the ACLU who argued for the plaintiffs, makes history as the first openly transgender person to argue before the US Supreme Court.Dec. 11 UK hormone blocker ban made indefiniteThe UK government indefinitely extends a ban on prescribing puberty blockers to minors. They restrict care while claiming that all-around holistic support is the goal of the countrys National Health Service for childrens gender service.Dec. 12 Trump avoids trans bathroom discussion in TIME interviewAfter being named TIMEs Person of the Year, Trump says he does not want to focus on which bathroom trans people can use. I dont want to get into the bathroom issue. Because it's a very small number of people we're talking about, and it's ripped apart our country, so they'll have to settle whatever the law finally agrees, he said, after having aggressively attacked the trans community throughout his campaign.Dec. 18 U.S. Senate blocks healthcare for trans kids with parents in the militaryThe Senate passes the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act, including a provision to block healthcare coverage for the transgender children of service members seeking gender-affirming care. The bill has yet to be signed into law.Dec. 18 More than 570 Anti-LGBTQ BillsAs the year closes, the ACLU tallies 574 anti-LGBTQ bills across the U.S. from 2024 alone. 62 are advancing, 46 have passed into law, and 396 have been defeated.Dec. 22 Trump Speaks at AmericaFest Conference in ArizonaAt the far right rally, Trump says, "With the stroke of my pen on day one we are gonna stop the transgender lunacy, and I will sign executive orders to end child sexual mutilation, get transgender out of the military and out of our elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools."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

In a recent interview, Ariana Grande said she sees her Wicked character, Glinda, as a little bit in the closet. Since both Kristen Chenowith, the originator of the role on Broadway, and Gregory Maguire, the author of the original Wicked novel, agreed, it was canon: Modern Glinda is queer.Obviously, we have to clarify that were not speaking about the original Glinda who first shows up in L. Frank Baums The Wizard of Oz as Glinda the Good Witch of the South. After all, could a character who was first created in 1900 be LGBTQ+? Surprisingly, the answer is yesin a couple of different ways. Related Candace Owens thinks Munchkins performed satanic ritual in The Wizard of Oz Its the only reason youd have a dead person and dance around them. Lets start with arguably the most famous iteration of the character, Glinda from the massively popular 1939 film adaptation of the novel. Admittedly theres not much in the film itself that hints at her romantic lifewe honestly dont get a whole lot of Glinda in that film at all. But theres evidence Billie Burke, the actress that played her, was queer and had a relationship with the lesbian director Dorothy Arzner. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Though shes an American, born in Washington D.C., Burke started her career in 1903 as a West End actress. After a few years, she moved back to the States and became a film and Broadway star, marrying the big-name producer Florenz Ziegfeld in 1914. In 1932, they moved to Hollywood so she could resume her film career.In 1933, Ziegfeld died. That same year, Burke and Arzner first worked together on the film Christopher Strong. The couple made two more films together between 1933 to 1937, Craigs Wife in 1936 and The Bride Wore Red the following year.In 1936, the Hollywood Reporter said the two were living together while the home Arzner shared with her longtime partner Marion Morgan was being renovated. At this time, Morgan was frequently on the East Coast, according to Behind the Screen by William J. Mann.While Arzner was an out lesbiansomething rare in the pre-Stonewall eraBurke was not. Rumors had swirled that Burke was into women, and Mann writes that another Paramount director, Andrew Stone, told him the two were having an affair. Arzner and Burke were photographed together at a movie premiere and appeared in a short newsreel. Mann says that Burke hastily retreats from Arzners side when she spies the camera, however. Arzner and Burkes love affair didnt last, and Arzner stayed with Morgan until Morgans death in 1971. They were together for over 40 years.Burke, despite being a mainstay in film and television until the late 1950s, kept her romantic life private. She never married after Ziegfelds death, and any other affairs she may have had were kept secret from the public. She mentions no other romantic partners in her second autobiography, With Powder On My Nose, which covers her post-Ziegfeld life.Beyond Billie Burkes personal life, theres a surprising amount of queerness and playing with gender in Ozthough any self-respecting Friend of Dorothy doesnt need to be told that. The queer community has embraced The Wizard of Oz as a coming out allegory for about as long as theres been a queer community. But its not just the filmqueerness can be found throughout Baums original books. The central plot of 1904s The Marvelous Land of Oz is about a young effeminate boy named Tipwho is actually Princess Ozma disguised as a young boy. (For a modern take, trans cartoonist Daisy McGuires Yellow Brick Ramble follows Ozmas coming out story.) That book also hints at a deeper connection between the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman than just friendship, according to an Oz expert.As for Glinda, in Baums later books, its revealed that as leader of the Quadling Country, she has an female-only army, and men are rare in her court. And in the final book Baum wrote, 1920s Glinda of Oz, we find out that Glinda lives in her castle with 100 amazingly beautiful women. What lesbian doesnt want to live together as part of a huge polycule?The queer fandom of Oz in all its forms has continued for decades. Its worth pointing out that Maguire, Wickeds author, is also gay, and the film version of The Wizard of Oz meant a lot to him. When I was a child, I used to get the neighborhood kids together, and we would do a reenactment of the movie the day after it was on television I always had to play the Scarecrow, because obviously I couldnt be Dorothy, Maguire told an Oz fan convention in 2019.Finally, while Glindas current actress doesnt identify as LGBTQ+ herself, Grande is an outspoken advocate for queer rights and has proven herself to be a good ally.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Clay Aiken is looking back at how coming out publicly as gay in the late aughts affected his career, speculating that the disclosure cost him about half of his audience.Back then it was a big deal, the American Idol alum recently told People. Related Out American Idol singer Clay Aiken announces second bid for Congress Whoever wins the primary is expected to win the general election in the strongly-Democratic district. Aiken, who came in second place in the Fox musical competition shows second season in 2003, eventually came out in a 2008 People cover story after the birth of his son. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today It was the first decision I made as a father, he said at the time. I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things. I wasnt raised that way, and Im not going to raise a child to do that.Over a decade and a half later, Aiken told People that he noticed a dramatic decrease in ticket sales for Spamalot the Broadway show in which he was appearing at the time after the 2008 cover story was published.The first four months that I was in [Spamalot], the show was selling out, standing room only, he said. You can actually look at the ticket sales the week after that cover came out. It went from selling very well to the week after the cover came out, the ticket sales dropped. Spamalot ended up closing a few months after that.I lost maybe 50 percent of the fan base, he added.But Aiken, whose holiday album Christmas Bells Are Ringing came out late last month, said that hes pleased that we now live in a very different time.A lot of people who come out now end up having boosts in popularity because of it, he said. Thats mind-blowing to me because its the opposite of what happened when I came out. But it means that theres progress and it means that as a country, were headed in the right direction.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.