After losing her primary, Texas state Rep. Shawn Thierry, who formerly ran as a Democrat but suffered a massive loss in her primary, has switched parties. Thierry made the announcement at a Moms for Liberty rally in Washington, D.C. Moms for Liberty is an SPLC-designated extremist group that opposes LGBTQ+ rights. Related Texas denies trans people the ability to change the sex on their birth certificates The change occurred quietly with no official announcement, but trans advocates are blasting the hateful policy. In a press release provided to The Texan, Thierry said, The Democratic Party has veered so far left, so deep into the progressive abyss, that it now champions policies I cannot, in good conscience, support policies like promoting sex changes for vulnerable children and dismantling Title IX protections for women in sports. Thats why I am leaving the left and joining the party of family, faith, and freedom. 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 I now stand with colleagues, friends, neighbors, women, and mothers in the Republican Party, she continued.Thierry switched parties after her progressive opponent, Lauren Simmons, beat her in the Democratic primary. Thierry lost to Simmons with a wide margin: Simmons got 65 percent of the vote out of over 6,500 ballots cast. Gov. Greg Abbott (R), who once extolled school vouchers as a means of avoiding LGBTQ+ teachers in public schools, welcomed her with open arms. Today, I am proud to welcome Representative Shawn Thierry to the Republican Party the party of opportunity, individual liberty, and economic prosperity, he said.Representative Thierry served in the Texas Legislature for four terms until the Democrat Party abandoned her after she delivered a 12-minute speech from the House floor in favor of a law I signed to protect Texas children. Her decision to switch parties demonstrates that the radical leftist agenda of the Democrat Party does not align with a majority of Americans. I look forward to continuing to work with Representative Thierry to build a bigger, better Texas for generations to come.During her tenure as a Democrat representative, Thierry voted for an anti-LGBTQ+ book ban and a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. She also once called gender-affirming care for trans people Black genocide. Following Thierrys voting for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, she was censured by a Democratic organization, the Meyerland Area Democrats Club of Houston.Her former party members were not sad to see her go. Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair Trey Martinez Fischer said, As Chair of the Caucus, I do not get involved in primaries, but here is the honest truth: Shawn Thierry didnt lose her seat because of a stance on a particular issue. She was fired by the voters of House District 146 because she didnt respect their will and what they wanted for their community. After receiving thousands of dollars from right-wing interests, they knew like we all did in the Capitol that she now served special interests and not their own. If Thierry looks at a party taking away the freedom for women to control their bodies, cutting healthcare for millions, and led by a racist, petty convict and says I want in on that mess, I think that says more about Shawn Thierry than about the Democratic Party. Adios.

Out White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed an insane question about Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris, asked by Fox News reporter Peter Doocy at a recent White House press briefing.Since when does the vice president have what sounds like a Southern accent? Doocy asked. Related Karine Jean-Pierre dismisses Fox reporter arguing about SCOTUS justices right to privacy KJP is channeling her inner Psaki when it comes to Peter Doocy. Jean-Pierre responded by leaning on the lectern, shaking her head, and saying, I have no idea what youre talking about. She then laughed and said, I mean, this is 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 Doocy then explained, She was talking about unions in Detroit using one tone of voice. During his explanation, Jean-Pierre audibly said, Ugh, and added, Is this something you think?Doocy continued, saying, Then she used the same line in Pittsburg, and it sounded like she at least had some kind of a Southern drawl.Jean-Pierre replied, Do you hear the question that youre Do you think Americans seriously think this is an important question? Do you know what they care about? They care about the economy. They care about lowering costs. They care about healthcare. Thats what Americans care about.Doocy then said, So, okay, well this is somethingBut Jean-Pierre spoke over him, noting that another reporter had just asked a question about democracy and freedom. Im not even going to entertain some question about the presi its just, hearing it, it sounds so ridiculous. The question is just insane.Undeterred, Doocy asked, Is that how she talks in meetings?Jean-Pierre said, I just, Peter, were moving on. Were so moving on, before calling on another reporter to ask a question.Fox News then cut away to talk to former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. DOOCY: Since when does the vice president have what sounds like a southern accent?KJP: I have no idea what you're talking about. Do you think Americans seriously think this is an important question? The question is insane. I'm moving on.FOX NEWS: *cuts away* pic.twitter.com/6NaKok212h Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 3, 2024Doocys question echoes a right-wing claim that Kameleon Harris changes her racial and ethnic identity whenever it benefits her. Black social media commenters have noted that her changes in speaking style are a form of code-switching, the common practice of changing languages, dialects, or accents in a conversation or situation based on social context.Jean-Pierre has regularly scolded Doocy for his questions during press briefings. In previous exchanges, she scolded Doocy for diminutively referring to American political prisoner Brittney Griner as a professional athlete, for falsely claiming that President Joe Biden wants to ban beer, for repeatedly interrupting her, for his repeated dramatics, and for citing billionaire Jeff Bezos as an economic expert.Bidens former White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, also used to regularly spar with Doocy. Their exchanges spawned the popular #PsakiBomb memeon social media. Even President Biden has scolded Doocy for asking a garbage question and once referred to the reporter as a stupid son of a b**ch.

Ellen DeGeneres allegedly last-ever comedy special, Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, finally has a release date. September 24th.The special will address how DeGeneres was canceled in Hollywood after accusations about her beloved talk show came out, accusing her of creating a hostile workplace for her staff. Related Mean, old & gay Ellen DeGeneres is still bitter years after ending her show I just thought, Well, this is not the way I wanted to end my career, but this is the way its ending. DeGeneres previously released a statement on Instagram, saying, To answer the questions everyone is asking me Yes, Im going to talk about it. Yes this is my last special. Yes, Portia really is that pretty in real life. 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 logline reads For the first time in six years, Ellen DeGeneres returns to the stage in her new comedy specialEllen Degeneres: For Your Approval.The final comedy special of her historic career, Ellen gets personal and reveals what shes been doing since being kicked out of show business. From the mundane world of raising chickens and parallel parking to the harsh reality of becoming a brand-name celebrity, she goes deep into her stand-up roots and brings the laughs through lifes most real and absurd realities, it says.In 2020, staffers told Buzzfeed News that The Ellen Degeneres Show, known for the hosts seemingly constant positivity and be kind catchphrase, was actually a toxic work environment, and alleged racist comments and sexual misconduct. The report led to an internal investigation in which three producers were fired and DeGeneres publically apologized to staff. It also led to the show losing almost half of its viewers. In April of this year, she reflected on the cancellation (both of herself and her show), saying, Eventually, theyre going to kick me out for a third time because Im mean, old, and gay. Its been such a toll on my ego and my self-esteem.DeGeneres announced that she was leaving her show in May 2022, saying that her show was not creatively challenging enough anymore. At one of her standup performances, she told the crowd, I got kicked out of show business for being mean.Ellen Degeneres: For Your Approval is set to come out on September 24th on Netflix.

A lesbian couple was shot to death in Edendale, South Africa, in an act of violence being investigated as a hate crime. Nombulelo Bhixa, 28, and Minenhle Ngcobo, 22, both worked together at a store in the city center. Related Candace Owens says TikTok is socially engineering men to be gay The far-right hosts latest conspiracy theory says the Chinese app is forcing Americans into unnatural behaviors. On August 27, the pair was shot as they were getting into a taxi. The suspect is one of the womens ex-partners and the father of her child. He apparently did not accept that his former partner was now in a relationship with a woman, Newzroom Africa reports. Global perspectives delivered right to your inbox Our newsletter bridges borders to bring you LGBTQ+ news from around the world. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The alleged perpetrator had harassed the couple in the past. One of the victims reportedly filed a protection order against him after he continuously harassed the couple.A friend of the two,Bongekile Mkhize, told The Witness, All I know is that they were very much in love with each other. Mkhize also said she was shocked and heartbroken by the senseless tragedy.I am hurt about what has happened. What hurts the most is that no one is giving us proper answers as to what happened.Uthingo Network, an LGBTQ+ group based in the region, called the killing horrific in a statement posted on Facebook. This brutal act highlights the deep-seated homophobia and violence that persists in South Africa, especially in rural areas where LGBTI+ individuals are often marginalized and under-protected. The systematic lack of awareness and understanding in these communities contributes to an environment where such hate crimes can occur frequently and with little consequence, the statement said.Thefear of further victimizationoften silences those who seek justice, perpetuating a dangerous cycle of violence and impunity. Uthingo Network said that the government, community, and individuals should stand together against all forms of hatred and violence, working towards a future where no one is targeted for who they are or who they love.A council member from the city where the shooting took place, Councilor Sanele Zuma, also condemned the deaths. What has happened is not something we take lightly as a community. It is shocking to us that there are people who still lose their lives just because of their sexual orientation. Zuma also noted the tragic irony of the shooting occurring during Womens Month. A police spokesperson, Sergeant Sifiso Gwala, confirmed to Witness that the case is under investigation, but no arrests have been made.We are following up on leads and appealing to the community to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation, Gwala said.

Virginias Sweet Briar College became one of the few womens colleges in the nation to ban transgender people, sidelining the academic norm of allowing trans women into womens colleges. And their reasoning has a lot of people calling out the schools administration, including most of the colleges faculty.An applicant is qualified for admission if she confirms that her sex assigned at birth is female and that she consistently lives and identifies as a woman, says the colleges admissions website. Related Angry ex-frat boys raid LGBTQ college house, urinate on building & knock down Pride flag Campus cops shook the frat bros hands and called them handsome young men instead of helping the overwhelmed LGBTQ students. They say this policy stems from the will of Indiana Fletcher Williams, who died in 1900 and whose estate was used to found Sweet Briar College in 1901. Williams will says it is to be a place of girls and young women, which the college now interprets as excluding trans women. She outlined that the school was to be for the education of white girls and young women, according to the Associated Press. The college only accepted Black students after getting permission from a federal judge after the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 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 Williams word must be interpreted as it was understood at the time the Will was written, according to university leadership in a letter earlier this month.Sweet Briar College believes that single-sex education is not only our tradition, but also a unique cultural and social resource, President Mary Pope Hutson said in a statement.The university faced immense backlash for this decision, particularly out of concerns that this decision could repel more students including those who meet the criteria. The university nearly shut down in 2015, and it currently has 460 students.John Gregory Brown, an English professor and faculty senate chair, called the policy absurd and morally repugnant. Williams also wouldnt have entertained the notion that somebody who was disabled would be a potential student, he said.The faculty at the college voted 48-4 to ask the board to rescind the policy. One member abstained. A member of the board resigned over this new policy. Additionally, the Student Government Association said the policy is alienating, unnecessary, and it reflects the rise of transphobia in our country. The president, Isabella Paul, is nonbinary and told AP that over 10% of students are transgender to some degree and dont meet the policys requirements.And there are allies here who may identify as women but have friends and lovers and family members who are nonbinary, genderqueer, and transgender. So this is also affecting their pride in their institution, said Paul.There is no information on how this will affect current students. This policy was reportedly made in backlash to Common Application, a nonprofit that helps students apply to schools, adding an X marker to their applications. Sweet Briar called this confusing.The school is exempt from recent Title IX rules from the Biden administration, which do not apply to college admission policies. Only two other womens colleges do not allow trans people, with 23 explicitly allowing trans women.We do not agree with these terms and we will continue to support, grow, and advocate for the LGBTQIA community on Sweet Briars campus regardless of these new terms, the Gay, Lesbian, Or Whoever (GLOW) student group said on Instagram. We also would like to thank our amazing student body, Alumni ,and our surrounding LGBTQIA community for all the love and support we have been receiving. We hope the love and support continues during this time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sweet Briar GLOW (@sbc_glow)

Is it Nehellenia vs. the world?Fans are RuPaul's Drag Race are defending Drag Race Italia alum Nehellenia as she continues to slay on Global All Stars.Last week, the queen stood her ground against her competitors after they predicted she'd be in the bottom for the Girl Group challenge, even though she ended up securing a top placement.PRIDE has an exclusive sneak peek at this week's episode which sees the drama escalate before the queens read each other down in front of RuPaul.You can the clip below and don't forget to watch new episodes of RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars on Paramount+.

Throughout former President Donald Trumps 2024 presidential campaign, several different outlets have claimed he supports marriage equality. One Newsweek column by Brad Polumbo from July of this year states, Trump made history as the first president to take office accepting gay marriage, and a separate PolitiFact fact check claims that Trump and Biden had evolved on the issue of marriage equality before arriving at a similar stance that supports gay rights. However, the article gives no indication that Trump has shifted his views on marriage equality since 2016, referencing past interviews in which he opposed marriage rights for same-sex couples.LGBTQ Nation evaluated the claim for its truthfulness. The Trump-Vance campaign was reached out to for comment; however, they did not respond before publication. Trumps past statements on marriage equality 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 From 2000 to 2016, Trump publicly opposed same-sex marriage. Im probably as conservative as anybody on your show, and thats going a pretty strong step. Im Republican, a very conservative Republican. I believe strongly in just about all conservative principles, just about. Im not in favor of gay marriage. No. Im just not in favor of gay marriage, he said to Fox News in 2011.I just dont feel good about it, Trump told Bill OReilly in 2011. I dont feel right about it. Im against it, and I take a lot of heat because I come from New York. You know, for New York its like, how can you be against gay marriage? But Im opposed to gay marriage.In 2011, he also said to the Des Moines Register, They should not be able to marry. He was then asked if gay people should have the same marriage benefits as straight people, to which he said that his attitude on it has not been fully formed. After a moment, Trump said on marriage and civil benefits, As of this moment, I would say no andno. Im just for traditional marriage, he told CNN in 2015.Additionally, during the 2016 election, PolitiFact rated gay former Rep. Sean Patrick Maloneys (D-NY) statement that Trump is against same-sex marriage as true. At around this time, he stated that he would strongly consider appointing conservative Supreme Court Justices who oppose same-sex marriage and would try to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2015 that legalized gay marriage.If Im elected, I would be very strong on putting certain judges on the bench that I think maybe could change things, Trump toldFox News. I dont like the way they ruled. I disagree with the Supreme Court from the standpoint they should have given the state it should be a states rights issue.However, he congratulatedElton John on his civil partnership in 2005, making it feasible that he believed in civil partnerships over marriage equality.Shortly after he was elected in 2016, The Economist wrote of an interview he did with 60 Minutes: Trump told Ms. Stahl that his personal views on same-sex marriage are irrelevant because the issue is already settled by Obergefell. Its law. It was settled in the Supreme Court, Mr. Trump said. I mean its done. And not to be mistaken, Mr. Trump has left behind his campaign-trail paeans to traditional marriage and the wish that same-sex nuptials be determined state by state. The law is settled, he said, and Im fine with that. Trumps actions as presidentSince his election in 2016, Trump has not spoken directly about same-sex marriage. Instead, surrogates have at times said that hes in favor of gay marriage. Kellyanne Conway, his former counselor, was quoted in 2019 as saying, Hes the first president to start as president for approving of gay marriage. This occurred in 2019 and 2020, especially with his Trump Pride campaign. This campaign featured no directacknowledgmentfrom Trump; however, it featured a website that said he supports marriage equality. Trump Pride is a diverse coalition dedicated to re-electing President Trump, the first president to begin his presidency in support of marriage equality, it said.Advocates criticized this era of the Trump administration for attempting to win LGBTQ+ votes while opposing LGBTQ+ equality, including restrictions on people with HIV entering the military, restrictions on LGBTQ+ health policies, and anti-trans policies in the country. However, gay Republicans say Trump is among the most pro-LGBTQ+ presidents in history, who themselves have been fact-checked by the Washington Post, who rated this claim four Pinnochios for being extremely misleading and mostly false. The Washington Post concluded that Trump backed numerous anti-gay policies and that his administration was generally anti-gay.He specifically opposed policies to recognize same-sex marriages as equal to opposite-sex marriages while he was in the White House. Heasked federal courts including the Supreme Court to make it legaltotreat same-sex couples worsethan opposite-sex married couples. His administrationrefused to recognize same-sex marriagesfor the purposes of U.S. citizenship for children born abroad as it recognized opposite-sex marriages.Nevertheless, since 2016 Trump has made no public statements about marriage equality. Trumps current campaign and Project 2025Project 2025 is the far-right plan by the Heritage Foundation to implement socially conservative policies in the U.S. from the federal level. This includes a push for policies that will help overturn marriage equality in the United States, as well as pushing Supreme Court justices to overturn it as well.Project 2025 says that children raised in homes with heterosexual, intact marriage fare better than all other family forms and that same-sex marriages are unstable. It says that the Respect for Marriage Act, which protects same-sex marriage at the federal level, redefine[d] marriage to be the union between any two individuals.It also says that the Department of Health and Human Services should promote heterosexual marriages that consist of a married mother, father, and their children in a paragraph that denounces the LGBTQ+ equality of President Joe Bidens HHS policies. I know nothing about Project 2025, Trump wrote in a post on his right-wing social media platform Truth Social. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things theyre saying and some of the things theyre saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.Trump has instead backed his Agenda 47 plan, which contains much of the same policies as Project 2025, but softens up on social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. There is no mention of a stance on marriage equality in Agenda 47. The distance of Trump to Project 2025 and the disparities between the conservative plan and Article 47 are smaller than they may initially appear, however. The RNCs platform policy director, Russ Vough, actively contributed to Project 2025s development. His VP pick, J.D. Vance, wrote a foreword to a book by Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts, which is explicitly about Project 2025. Vance wrote positively of the book, calling the ideas within an essential weapon. Other Trump officials were found to have created a strange training video for federal employees seeking to implement Project 2025, and at least 140 officials who worked for Trump have contributed to Project 2025.Additionally, a video from 2022 shows Trump at a Heritage Foundation dinner when the group was working on Project 2025. He called Heritage a great group and theyre going to lay the groundwork and detail plans for exactly what our movement will do. Additionally, there are many similarities between Agenda 47 and Project 2025 in regards to transgender issues.In short, it is unlikely that Trump does not know about Project 2025. It is unclear to what degree his policies are directly influenced by Project 2025, but some believe that he is using Agenda 47s more moderate language to appeal to swing voters while still aiming to implement Project 2025. However, this is only speculation, and there is no direct evidence for this. Nevertheless, there are definite ties between the agenda and both his administration and campaign. LGBTQ+ equality advocates believe he still opposes same-sex marriageLGBTQ Nation asked GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign whether Trump supports marriage equality. GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a statement:Donald Trumps anti-LGBTQ record is clear and comprehensive. Trump is backed by anti-LGBTQ groups including Heritage Foundation, whose Project 2025 takes direct aim at LGBTQ people. He has nominated anti-LGBTQ Supreme Court justices who went on to overturn Roe and write harmful decisions including 303 Creative, a phony case brought by the anti-LGBTQ extremist legal group Alliance Defending Freedom, the same group that created another failed case to eliminate abortion medication.Anyone claiming to know where Trump stands on issues important to LGBTQ people should look first to where he stands with anti-LGBTQ extremists who are fighting a losing battle against rising acceptance for LGBTQ people and our marriages. A supermajority of Americans support LGBTQ people and our freedoms to be ourselves and free from discrimination.Human Rights Campaign National Press Secretary Brandon Wolf said in an email: Donald Trump has not been shy: he opposes LGBTQ+ rights and would not hesitate to upend marriage equality if he thought it would score him political points. As a 2016 candidate, Trump lashed out at the Supreme Court for the ruling that legalized same-sex marriages and said he would strongly consider nominating future justices who oppose marriage equality.As President, Trump led an administration that refused to sign a statement in support of an Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruling on marriage equality and hired former Florida Attorney General and infamous opponent to marriage equality Pam Bondi to defend him in his first impeachment trial. And his Project 2025 agenda calls for a US government that promotes heterosexuality above all other communities. Dont let the MAGA propaganda machine fool you: Donald Trump is no friend to LGBTQ+ people would light our rights ablaze in service to his own ambition.Considering the evidence, it appears likely that former President Donald Trump is opposed to marriage equality. While there have been conflicting accounts since 2016 from his staff and supporters, direct evidence from what he has said and policies he has enacted, along with people he has appointed, suggests that he is opposed to marriage equality. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that Trump has ties to Project 2025, although he has publicly distanced himself from the agenda.LGBTQ Nation rates this claim as false Trump most likely does not support marriage equality.

Olympic rugby star and total smoke show Ilona Maher is getting ready to dance her heart out!Maher has had an amazing year. She shot to fame with millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram, she lead Team USA to its first bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, just last week she showed off her incredible athletic build on the cover of Sports illustrated Swimsuit Edition, and now she's putting on her dance shoes and joining the new cast of Dancing with the Stars.Maher will be joining an all-star cast for season 33 of the iconic show and has been paired with pro dancer Alan Bersten.She's not the only Olympic medalist to join the celebrity lineup. Stephen Nedoroscik, who the internet dubbed the "Pommel horse guy," is also competing with pro Rylee Arnold as his partner, Deadline reports. Also joining the cast are former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks, Model Brook Mader, Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight), actress and reality TV veteran Tori Spelling, Reginald VelJohnson (Die Hard), and the newest BacheloretteJenn Tran.Co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will return alongside judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.Maher uses her social media platforms (she has 3.8 million followers on Instagram and 2.3 million on TikTok) to talk about body positivity and advocate for women in sports, and she'll likely get a chance to talk about both while she's on DWTS." I love that [rugby] showed me what I can do," Maher said in her cover interview with Sports Illustrated. "It showed me how capable my body is and it's not just like a tool to be looked at and objectified."Maher is known for her motto, "Best. Beauty, Brains." and we can't wait to see her bring that energy to the glittery reality competition!Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars premieres Tuesday, Sept. 17 on ABC.

These queer-inclusive shows were gone too soon!Mainstream representation of LGBTQ+ characters on television has been steadily rising over the years. Alas, a lot of queer-inclusive shows are still victims of early cancelations from networks and streaming services after just one season.While some of these cancelations result from TV shows not reaching enough viewers, several of these projects develop significant fanbases on social media. Generally, this generates a lot of confusion and suspicion around the decision not to renew a show for a second season when there are so many campaigns, petitions, and social media uproar for the projects to keep going.On the other hand, there are obviously also LGBTQ+ shows that just completely flop from the start and never manage to please what was intended to be their target audience. Not all queer-inclusive shows are amazing, even if we love a particular character, storyline, and/or theme.So, with that in mind, its time to take a deep, deep dive into the various LGBTQ-inclusive TV shows that have been canceled after their first season.Scroll through to find out which LGBTQ+ shows were canceled after just airing for one season!Dead Boy Detective (Netflix)Dead Boy Detective is the newest LGBTQ+ show Netflix gave the axe to after one season despite being loved by fans and spending couple of weeks on the streaming services top ten list. The show was about a young (and dead) detective discovering and embracing his sexual identity and realizing he has feeling for his best friend and fellow dead boy detective.The Acolyte (Disney+)After a first season that queer fans loved but trolls on the internet hated, Disney+ canceled the Star Wars spinoff The Acolyte. The show had a coven of lesbian witches including characters Mae and Osha, both played by queer actress Amandla Stenberg and was created by the out queer executive producer behind Russian Doll and starred out stars Charlie Barnett, Rebecca Henderson, and Abigail Thorn. Viewers were bummed when it got the axe because it's probably the most queer Stars Wars has ever been. Uncoupled (Netflix)This Neil Patrick Harris-led Uncoupled was about a middle-aged gay man whose partner unexpectedly dumped him after 17 years, leaving him to pick up the pieces and start dating again in his mid-forties. Netflix canceled the show after one season, but fans were excited when Showtime subsequently picked it up. Sadly, Showtime dropped before filming started.Q-Force (Netflix)Q-Force was an adult animated series voiced by Sean Hayes, Matt Rogers, Wanda Sykes, Patti Harrison, and Gary Cole, to name a few. The show was about a group of LGBTQ+ super-spies who did their best to save the day in a very fun and queer way. After streaming for one season on Netflix, Q-Force got the ax right away.A League of Their Own (Prime Video)One of the most painful cancelations in the history of LGBTQ+ shows came when Prime Video announced that it was not renewing the A League of Their Own series for a second season. The show was pretty much beloved across the board by audiences, but even that huge hype wasnt enough for A League of Their Own season two to get a greenlight.1899 (Netflix)From the creators of Dark (Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar), Netflixs 1899 featured an international cast that included Miguel Bernardeau (ngel) and Jos Pimento (Ramiro). On the show, ngel and Ramiro had a secret gay romance despite trying to keep up appearances that they were straight. Unfortunately, despite having a reportedly high viewership, 1899 didnt even get a second season.The New Normal (NBC)After finding success with Glee and American Horror Story, Ryan Murphy landed a new NBC show titled The New Normal. This comedy series featured a gay couple, Bryan (Andrew Rannells) and David (Justin Bartha), pursuing parenthood through a surrogate. There was a lot of potential for The New Normal, and viewers actually liked the show, but it still got canceled after its first season.High Fidelity (Hulu)Hulus High Fidelity was a very queer series featuring the incredible Zo Kravitz in the lead role of Rob Brooks. While the series did receive positive reviews from viewers and critics alike, it was never picked up for a second season on the streaming service.First Kill (Netflix)First Kill was a sapphic series that combined vampires and monster hunters creating a very interesting story of forbidden queer love between two women. Starring Sarah Catherine (Juliette) and Imani Lewis (Cal) in the lead roles, this Netflix series was shockingly not picked up for a second season, which disappointed a lot of fans and even prompted showrunner Victoria Schwab to speak up.Generation (Max, formerly HBO Max)Starring Justice Smith as the fabulous Chester and a wide variety of LGBTQ+ characters in the first season, Generation premiered on HBO Max (which has since rebranded to just Max) as an incredibly promising TV show about queer people. But not only was Generation canceled after its first season, the series was also deleted from the Max catalog over time and is now only found on other streaming services.Monarch (Fox)Monarch featured queer singer Beth Ditto as Gigi, one of the main characters of this country music-based drama series on Fox. It was very cool to see LGBTQ+ representation on a TV show that could otherwise be completely devoid of any queerness, but Monarch unfortunately didnt make it past season one.AJ and the Queen (Netflix)Starring none other than RuPaul himself, with Michael Patrick King (The Comeback, And Just Like That) as showrunner, AJ and the Queen unfortunately wasnt a unanimous hit with viewers. Between catching all the cameos from Drag Race queens and watching Mama Ru flex some acting muscles, the show did have some potential to return for season two but Netflix canceled it anyway after just one season.Willow (Disney+)It was pretty rare and special! for a queer-inclusive series to be greenlit on Disney+, and that was the case with Willow, which served as a sequel to the 1988 movie of the same name. Alas, Willow was canceled after just one season, despite claims from showrunner Jonathan Kasdan that theres still hope for a second season to see the light of day.Smiley (Netflix)Based on the play of the same name by Guillem Clua, Netflixs Smiley told the love story between lex (Carlos Cuevas) and Bruno (Miki Esparb) after they meet due to a misdirected voicemail. Despite producers claiming that they had every intention to continue the story of Smiley season one, the series was never picked up for a second season.Queer As Folk (Peacock)The team behind the Queer As Folk reboot on Peacock did absolutely everything it could to make the show relevant, fun, and appropriate for 2022. Apparently, those efforts didnt necessarily land, as the show wasnt entirely well-received by viewers and critics. While one can argue that there was a lot of room for Queer As Folk to grow in season two, Peacock canceled the series after its first season.Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies (Paramount+)Listen: Grease fans can be incredibly precious about the original 1978 film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John (including yours truly!). But the Paramount+ prequel series Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies was actually entertaining, full of potential, and deliciously queer. Nonetheless, the show was ultimately canceled after just one season, which felt disappointing.Half Bad: The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself (Netflix)The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself was another queer fantasy drama from Netflix that got the ax after just airing for one season. The show followed Nathan Byrne (Jay Lycurgo) as he found himself in the middle of a modern-day witch hunt.The Real Friends of WeHo (MTV)MTVs The Real Friends of WeHo was absolutely not well-received by viewers. For one, it riled up Drag Race fans due to the shortening of season 15 episodes in order to make room for the new show. Moreover, the series never captured the target audience of The Real Housewives fans from Bravo, either. Shortly after the first season aired on MTV, it became clear that this show would not be picked up for season two.Vampire Academy (Peacock)Based on the Vampire Academy novels by Richelle Mead, this Peacock TV show featured an incredibly exciting story of forbidden queer love toward the end of its first season. Alas, the show was never picked up for a second season, which meant that this romance storyline didnt really go any further.Fire Island (Logo TV)Before the incredibly successful Hulu rom-com Fire Island came out in 2022, there was once a lifestyle reality series on Logo TV titled Fire Island that followed a group of six men spending their summer on Fire Island. Despite having an interesting concept, the Fire Island TV show only ran for one season on Logo TV.My So-Called Life (NBC)NBCs My So-Called Life premiered in 1994 and felt like an incredibly radical series. Not only was Claire Danes portrayal of teen character Angela Chase very relatable, raw, and real, but the show also featured a teen gay character, Rickie, played by Wilson Cruz. Particularly for the 1990s, featuring a young gay person of color as one of the main characters on a broadcast TV show was super-progressive. And yet, the series was canceled after its first season.Gypsy (Netflix)An aesthetically-beautiful Netflix drama about a clinical psychologist played by Naomi Watts who explored her sexuality with a female client literally what could go wrong?! Well, Gypsy did have its fair share of fans, but the show also received some negative feedback for being a bit too soapy. In the end, Gypsy was not picked up for season two.Paper Girls (Prime Video)A queer-inclusive sci-fi series with teen characters: it worked for Netflixs Stranger Things, but apparently not for Prime Videos Paper Girls! Created by Stephany Folsom, the first season of Paper Girls came out on streaming in July 2022. A few months later, the series was promptly canceled.Finding Prince Charming (Logo TV)Another pretty significant flop for Logo TV was the gay dating show Finding Prince Charming, which was inundated by controversies when it aired in 2016. The show followed a very similar format as The Bachelor, was hosted by Lance Bass, and featured Robert Seplveda Jr. as the leading man. Logo TV did not pick up Finding Prince Charming for a second season.I Am Not Okay With This (Netflix)Netflixs I Am Not Okay With This series was based on the graphic novel of the same name by Charles Forsman. This was a pretty popular and successful show that actually did get renewed for a second season originally. However, as the 2020-2021 lockdown intensified and shut down multiple productions, Netflix decided to cancel its plans for a second season of I Am Not Okay With This and lets just say that we were not okay with this!The Ellen Show (NBC)In 2001, NBC aired a sitcom starring Ellen DeGeneres called The Ellen Show. This was a history-making project due to the character played by Ellen (also called Ellen) coming out as gay on broadcast television. But lets just say that conservatives werent obsessed with a lesbian comedian leading a sitcom on primetime TV in 2001, which led to The Ellen Show being canceled right after its first season.Super Drags (Netflix)RuPauls Drag Race stars Shangela, Ginger Minj, Trixie Mattel, and Willam were some of the voice actors involved in the Super Drags animated series on Netflix. This show had some fans, but also some haters, and that divisiveness contributed to it not getting renewed for a second season.Naomi (The CW)In recent years, The CW has gone through a purge of original content due to a change in ownership. One of the victims of this programming purge was Naomi, a 2022 superhero drama series by Ava DuVernay that featured main characters who identified as queer.I Love Dick (Prime Video)I Love Dick featured the incredible butch Latine character Devon (played by Roberta Colindrez), with a cast that also included A-listers like Kathryn Hahn and Kevin Bacon in the lead roles. But even those compelling characters and a star-studded cast didnt save I Love Dick from getting the chop after just streaming for one season on Prime Video.Doubt (CBS)In 2017, CBS made history by casting Laverne Cox, a trans actress, as one of the main characters of its new drama series Doubt. It was even more exciting and radical that Coxs character, Cam, didnt even have her gender as a main plot point on the show. While LGBTQ+ viewers were very excited for this landmark casting choice, Doubt was never renewed for season two.Astrid & Lilly Save The World (Syfy)CTV and Syfys Astrid & Lilly Save the World featured Samantha Aucoin as Lilly, a character who had a queer romance with a popular girl at school. While the series had a lot of potential for subsequent seasons, it ultimately didnt make it past the first season.Abbys (NBC)Premiering in 2019, Abbys featured a bisexual Latina ex-Marine (played by Natalie Morales) as the protagonist, which is a super-badass premise as it is. Unfortunately, NBC didnt love the ratings of Abbys and promptly canceled the show just two months after it premiered.Queen of Drags (ProSieben)Heidi Klum hosted a German drag competition series called Queen of Drags, which also featured Conchita Wurst and Bill Kaulitz as main judges. The show aired for six episodes on ProSieben, but never got the greenlit for return for a second season.

Queer dancer Ezra Sosa is set to make a splash on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars!Sosa, previously a troupe member on the iconic reality competition series, has been promoted to a pro dancer for season 33, where hell be paired up with a celebrity dance partner who hell coach and perform with.The 23-year-old dancer may be out and proud now, but when he first joined the cast of DWTS as a troupe member, he still hadnt made his sexuality public.When I first joined the show, I had a huge sense of imposter syndrome because at the time, I wasnt out and it wasnt until this year when I realized the power, the power of being fruity and the power of just truly just being yourself, Sosa said in an interview with GLAAD.Joining the reality TV show turned out to be a blessing in more ways than one because he felt truly accepted on the show. When I first joined the show, it was the first time I was in an environment where I truly felt accepted, later explaining, That has a huge sense of me becoming the person I am today.He also revealed that he got support from a surprising place when deciding whether or not to come out. Sosa credits queerreality TV veteran turned pop star JoJo Siwa, who he met when she was on season 30 of the show for helping him get up the courage to finally be open and honest about his sexuality.When I first met (JoJo Siwa) on the show, she knew I was in the closet, she knew I was gay, but she also knew how uncomfortable I was in my own skin, he explained.Sosa even posted a sweet video on Instagram showing him telling his sister, mom, and Siwa the news about getting a full-time spot on DWTS.See on InstagramThis season, the Latin dancer will be paired with Anna Delvey Sorokin, also known as the fake heiress whose financial crimes inspired the Netflix show Inventing Anna.Sosas promotion on the show comes after pro dancer Artem Chigvintsez was arrested on August 29 after being accused of corporal injury to a spouse in Napa, Calif.Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars premieres Tuesday, Sept. 17 on ABC.

North Carolinas anti-LGBTQ+ Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R)who is running for governor and considers LGBTQ+ people as filthy demons who mentally rape childrenis reportedly turning off so many moderate Republicans that he could risk harming former President Donald Trumps ability to win the state in November, recent polling shows. Trump endorsed Robinson last March, calling him Martin Luther King on steroids. Trump is being weighed down by a very unpopular Republican candidate for governor, Mick Mulvaney, Trumps former chief of staff,told News Nationon August 17. So Trump is going to have some difficulty in this state, in North Carolina, that he may not have in others. Related GOP governor candidate calls to kill the left: Kill them! He also considers LGBTQ+ people as filthy demons who mentally rape children. Robinsonwho was recently accused of regularly patronizing state porn shopshas called King a inferior pastor and communist who wanted to subvert America. Among his many anti-LGBTQ+ statements, he has called homosexuality an abominable sin, hascompared LGBTQ+ people to cow dung, and Satanic demons, and said trans peopleshould defecate on public street corners outsiderather than using bathrooms matching their gender identity. He has also made numerous racist and antisemitic comments. 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 Recent polls suggest that voters disapprove of him. One showed Robinson running 14 points behind his Democratic opponent, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, and most polls show Stein beating Robinson anywhere from 6% to 10% a significant gap, as the states 2020 and 2016 gubernatorial races were decided by less than 5%. A recent Elon University poll found that one in six state Republican voters plan to ticket-split by choosing one party for president but another party for governor comparatively, only one in 20 Democratic voters plan to do the same.Another recentBloomberg/Morning Consult poll showed the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, leading Trump in the state by 1%. While that might sound small, Trump had been leading in the state by 8% in July, before President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential race. Also, Trump won the state by a margin of just 1.34% in 2020, winning its 16 electoral votes in the process. In other words, Harris 1% lead could prove key to her winning the Electoral College. Steve Kornaki, NBC News out gay national political correspondent, told WRAL, Democrats say they hope that theres an issue there with an unpopular Republican gubernatorial candidate sort of making the entire Republican ticket, the Republican brand in the state, less appealing. Honestly, I think the Republicans are simply hoping that Trump is able to carry the state and, ultimately, that maybe lifts Robinson up a little bit.David Plouffe, a senior advisor for the Harris campaign,told Axios on August 20 that Robinsons unpopularity can help her win North Carolina. Plouffe, who served as a campaign manager for then-candidate Barack Obama in 2008, helped make him the first and only Democrat to win the state since Jimmy Carter in 1976.Mark Robinson, the gubernatorial candidate, is, you know, even more MAGA than Trump, which is saying something, Plouffe said. Theres a bunch of people who right now are voting Democrat for governor who arent yet Democrat for president. So we need to run a campaign to them. Huge opportunity. Dan Kanninen, the Harris campaigns battleground state director, called Robinson the embodiment of MAGA extremism during anAugust 27 Pod Save America podcast, adding, Were going to link those two guys, meaning Trump and Robinson.Eager to win over Republicans who dislike Trump, the Harris campaign has started a state chapter of Republicans for Harris. The never Trump Republican group Lincoln Project has also added North Carolina to its planned ad campaign to woo moderates who are tired of Trumps MAGA movement. Stein and Harris are also both outspending Robinson and Trump by millions of dollars in the state.Steins campaign ads have highlighted Robinsons past statements opposing abortions as murdereven when needed to protect the pregnant parents lifeand saying that only slutty women want them. Polls have shown that voters largely oppose total abortion bans. Robinson recently said he supported a 12-week abortion ban with common sense exceptions for rape and incest. Yesterday, Louis Money, a man who worked in a Greensboro porn shop, was one of six men who claimed that Robinson regularly patronized pornographic video stores two decades ago. Money claimed that Robinson regularly purchased bootleg pornographic video tapes from him for $25 each.We developed a friendship, Money told WRAL. He would bring pizza every night and hed hang out for a few hours. Many people remember him. Im not the only one.Robinsons campaign denied the accusation and said that the men only recognized Robinson because he worked at a nearby Papa Johns pizza store at the time. The accusation is notable considering Robinsons repeated claims that LGBTQ+ people and allies are promoting pornography in school libraries.In 2021, Robinsoncreated an education task forceto investigate and pull LGBTQ+ literature from public schools, as well as report instances of LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools. He has called public schools indoctrination centers.

Numerous anti-LGBTQ+ right-wing broadcasters including Tim Pool and Dave Rubin have been unwittingly working for a Russian government-funded media company established to push Russian propaganda and disinformation to American audiences, according to an indictment from the Department of Justice (DOJ). Theres no indication whether the broadcasters knew about the companys Russian origins.The FBI is now actively investigating the case which somewhat mirrors the Russian troll farms that flooded social media with anti-Democratic messaging during the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections. Related Russia forces adult content creator & hook-up app user to help entrap gay men Russia reaches a new low in its continued persecution of gay adults. The DOJ indictment alleges that two employees of RT (formerly Russia Today), a state-controlled media outlet funded and directed by the Russian government, spent nearly $10 million over the last year to covertly finance and direct Tenet Media, a Tennessee-based online content creation company. The company, which platforms the aforementioned broadcasters, has published over 2,000 videos posted in the last 10 months on TikTok, Instagram, X and YouTube. Their videos have been collectively viewed over 20 million times, according to the DOJ. 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 While the indictment doesnt specifically mention Tenet Media by name, referring to it only as U.S. Company 1, the indictment mentioned that the company describes itself as a network of heterodox commentators that focus on Western political and cultural issues. That description matches the same one that Tenet Media uses on YouTube, according to New York Times reporter Aric Toler. A new DoJ indictment alleges that RT employees "covertly fund[ed] and direct[ed]" a US company with $10m in order to push pro-Russia content. The company is based in Tennessee. There is one media company based in Tennessee with the same phrase listed in the indictment pic.twitter.com/omGqEmwTLW Aric Toler (@AricToler) September 4, 2024The RT employees Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva worked under the pseudonyms Helena Shudra and Victoria Pesti, and oversaw the companys funding and hiring as well as the editing of its content.Tenet Medias YouTube channel features numerous anti-LGBTQ+ videos including ones titled, Fellas, Is It Gay To Date A Trans Woman?, The TRUTH About Gender Ideology, videos claiming that Pride parades regularly expose children to nudity and another falsely accusing the drag queen segment of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies for mocking Christianity. (The segments artistic director said it depicted a Dionysian feast.) In a similar vein, Russias President Vladimir Putin has accused the U.S. of pushing gender perversions on Russian schoolchildren. Putin has used this reasoning to justify attacks on LGBTQ+ citizens and his ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Tenet Media has published numerous videos attacking Ukraine for spreading violence and unrest in Russia. While the views expressed in the videos are not uniform, most are directed to the publicly stated goals of the Government of Russia and RT to amplify domestic divisions in the United States, the DOJ said. Tenet Medias webpage listing its talent includes Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, Tayler Hansen, and Turning Point USA chief creative officer Benny Johnson all of them have shared anti-LGBTQ+ views on social media. Tenet Media has also featured talks between disgraced former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and conservative gay commentator Glenn Greenwald. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TENET Media (@watchtenet)Numerous media studies have shown that Russian government-funded troll farms disseminated Russian state propaganda designed to fuel political divisions between Americans during the 2016 and 2020 elections. The exposure of Tenet Media is just the latest iteration of the same ploy and it apparently is using anti-LGBTQ+ media figures as part of its anti-American campaign.

Self-loathing ex-gay conservative Milo Yiannopoulos, white supremacist Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnis and a cohort of fellow racist and antisemitic MAGA provocateurs are polishing their pitchforks for a scheduled roast of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, scheduled for September 18 at the University of South Carolina (USC).Yiannopoulos and McInnis will serve as roast masters, Ms. Harris will not be in attendance, and nearly 24,000 USC students, faculty and alumnae are calling for its cancellation. Related Milo Yiannopoulos is having a hard time being an ex-gay The antisemites sodomy-free pledge is mired in misogyny. The evening event, scheduled in the ballroom at Russell House on the USC campus, is sponsored by a student chapter of Uncensored America, a group claiming to be a nonpartisan organization fighting for freedom of speech. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today But beyond inviting two humorless and far-right extremists to host a comedy roast, the group tipped their malign hand with a promotional flier for the event that pictured Harris between Yiannopoulos and McGinnis with her name spelled Cumalot and semen dripping from her mouth. MILO (@Nero) & GAVIN McINNES (@censoreddottv) will be roasting @KamalaHarris at the University of South Carolina on September 18th!Get your tickets now!Use promo code WILLIEBROWN for 20% off (one week only).https://t.co/0cM3RwWy11 Uncensored America (@UncensoredAm) August 20, 2024While the school community has expressed disgust with the implied endorsement of the roast by the university, the schools administration is holding fast to its free speech defense of the partisan political gathering cloaked as comedy.University President Michael Amiridis and chairman of the universitys Board of Trustees Thad Westbrook said in a statement that USC is steadfast in safeguarding the First Amendment rights of our students, even when we may be offended by their choices and statements.We do not know what the speakers plan to say during the event, but they have used vulgar language in promotional material, and they have said troubling and offensive things in the past. As a university, we denounce hate and bigotry, the men said.Hate speech has long served as a weapon to undermine the progress of our nation, they added, even as they planned to enable it on the South Carolina campus.In aletter to Amiridis, Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, was adamant the roast had no place in civil political discourse on a college campus. [The NAACP was] compelled to write this letter because of the blatant sexist and racist nature of the event, the advertisement for it, and the potential for violence on campus because of the proposed event, Johnson wrote. If South Carolina Universitys leadership values their Black students, its only right they shut this event down, Johnson continued. Our nations schools must remain havens for learning, not platforms for hate. It is imperative that the university takes swift action in this matter and protects the campus community from patterns of divisiveness and degradation.

Ben Platt and Noah Galvin are newly married. Platt shared a picture of him and his now-husband taken for Vogue on Instagram on Wednesday. "For their wedding weekend across Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, the couple threw a Shabbat welcome dinner, a garden ceremony in Red Hook, and an after-party with musical theater singalongs," the caption read. The two were engaged in November 2022. They first met in 2014 but didn't start dating until years later. Gavin also said, We couldnt have asked for anything more. We are still floating. And mostly were happy we get to keep hanging out forever," he added. Platt said the two felt "all missions were accomplished" in the wedding. Our greatest hope was to give everyone a joyful, low-stress weekend full of warmth and a window into our relationship and the life that we are building, adds Ben. And we wanted the dancing to go off."See on Instagram

Yesterday, nearly 200 Democrats and Republicans wrote amicus briefs asking the Supreme Court to rule in favor of transgender rights in the upcoming L.W. v. Skrmetti case, which challenges Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. It is the first such case that the Supreme Court is hearing.While the government has a role in keeping kids safe, that role is limited, and it does not justify the State second-guessing the judgments of parents acting in good faith who are best positioned to know what their children need, the Republican signatories wrote in their brief. States have no business overruling the decisions of fit parents who make an informed medical choice for their children that is supported by their doctors, by the medical profession more generally, by the children themselves, and by their conscience. Related Republican AGs ask Supreme Court to let states ban trans people from sports They say the Constitution protects a states right to discriminate against trans people. The Republican brief was signed by numerous former and current Republican politicians and notable officials like Kentucky state Rep. Kim Banta; former U.S. Reps. Barbara Comstock (R-VA), Denver Riggleman (R-VA), and Deborah Price (R-OH); former Republican National Committee National Press Secretary Kirsten Kukowski; Republican campaign manager Colin Reed; and the late Sen. John McCains chief of staff and advisor Mark Salter. It was also notably signed by former Rep. Ilena Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), the mother of Advocates for Trans Equality executive director Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today It is imperative that we come together as Republicans, conservatives, parents, and advocates to stand in support of individual liberties and non-discrimination protections while preserving limited government and parental rights, said Ros-Lehtinen to NBC News.The Republican lawmakers relied on an argument of parental rights, stating that the government has no business interfering in private medical decisions with trans youths families. They drew on prior legislation and the Constitution to argue that government meddling in medical decisions constitutes a violation of parental rights, essentially arguing that the state itself is supplanting itself as the caretaker for these children. This is notable since Republicans often argue about parental rights to oppose transgender equality.This brief says that while the State may prefer to override certain choices parents make about the care of their children, the authority it claims would open Pandoras box. They use their position on parental rights to argue against trans rights in the brief as well, saying that policies like those in Maine and California that allow trans children to get hormone replacement therapy without parental consent under specific medical circumstances or that allow them to talk to school faculty without telling their parents are other examples of state interference with parental rights.Additionally, they argue that these policies can be used to justify other actions, including governments jumping into decisions on what food their kids can eat. They argue that the Tennessee gender-affirming care ban constitutes a violation of the Equal Protection Clause. 164 Democratic legislators signed their brief. The group was made up of 11 U.S. senators and 153 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and their brief stressed the discriminatory nature of Tennessees gender-affirming care ban.The current rash of bills targeting transgender people is merely the latest round of discrimination faced by transgender individuals. Lower courts have cataloged the widespread private opprobrium and governmental discrimination faced by transgender individuals, they wrote in their brief. But amici believe enough is enough. Tennessee has no proper legislative end but to make [transgender adolescents] unequal to everyone else. This [Tennessee] cannot do.so the Court should reverse.The politicians seen in this brief include Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI), and Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), among others. They also argue that animosity towards trans people played a large role in passing Tennessees bill. They note that Tennessee is a hotbed for such animosity, having nearly twice as many anti-LGBTQ+ laws as any other state. They refer to hateful rhetoric from Tennessee politicians.The core argument in this brief is that there is a medical consensus that gender-affirming care is safe, medically necessary, and backed by numerous reputable organizations across the United States and the world. They argue Tennessee is discriminating against transgender individuals by blocking them from accessing safe and effective health care.The American Civil Liberties Union and the Human Rights Campaign both supported the brief. Thank you to the many members of Congress for standing with transgender and nonbinary youth across our country in asking the Supreme Court to find bans on lifesaving gender-affirming care to be unconstitutional, HRCs vice president of government affairs David Stacy said.The government should not be able to interfere in decisions that are best made between families and doctors, particularly when that care is necessary and best practice. These bans are dangerous, animated purely by anti-transgender bias, and have forced families to make heartbreaking decisions to support their children.L.W. vs. Skrmetti concerns a Nashville family and their transgender daughter who had their care restricted as a result of Tennessees 2023 gender-affirming care ban, Public Chapter No. 1. The American Civil Liberties Union helped represent the family in the case, and it was previously taken to a federal court, where the ban was blocked. However, an appeals court ruled against the family and in favor of the state government, which led the ACLU to appeal to the Supreme Court. SCOTUS announced that they would hear the case in June of this year. House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler said of the brief in a statement: Tennessees discriminatory ban on transgender minors access to necessary healthcare is an illegitimate law enacted as part of a nationwide movement to villainize trans people for political gain.Transgender people deserve the same access to healthcare as everyone else. There is no constitutionally sound justification to strip from families with transgender children, and their doctors, the decision to seek medical care and give it to politicians sitting in the state capitol. I trust parents, not politicians, to decide what is best for their transgender children.

It's all in the familyFans of RuPaul's Drag Race know the focus is always on the family. That said, anyone in the queer community knows that family is oftentimes chosen and not blood, but the bond can be equally if not more fierce.With hundreds of queens who have come from the show, there's bound to be some family tree relations with queens creating other queens. Outside of some of the more common-knowledge mother-daughter relationships like Alexis and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, here's a look at 10 other queen family tree relationships you may not have heard of before.Dax ExclamationPoint and Violet ChachkiViolet Chachki took us all by storm when she came in hard for the Season 7 crown and snatched it away from all the other contenders. Seriously, how can anybody function in a corset that tight? On the next season, we met Chachkis drag mom, Dax ExlamationPoint, who didn't fare as well. You also might not have known about the relationship between the two due to their lack of interaction in the season premiere photoshoot.Miz Cracker and Bob the Drag QueenWhile Dax didnt go on to claim the Season 8 throne, the eventual winner, Bob the Drag Queen, is also the drag mother to Season 10 and All Stars 5 contestant, Miz Cracker. Although most of us know about Bobs connection with All Stars 4 twinner Mont X Change, not all of us are aware of Miz Crackers status within the Haus of Davenport. Honestly, considering Cracker's insanely hilarious humor, this one isn't as surprising when you really stop to think about it.Morgan McMichaels and Chad MichaelsAnyone who has watched the show knows all about the legendary Morgan MicMichaels, especially those who tuned into the first season of Untucked and watched her battle it out with fellow contestant Mystique. We equally fell in love with Chad Michaels during Season 4 and subsequently when she went on to take the crown in the first run of All Stars. While each queen is a legend in their own right, not many know that Chad is Morgans mother, so we may have never had that Untucked fight that has gone down in Drag Race herstory without her.Mayhem Miller and RavenI think we can all agree that Raven was definitely robbed on the crown twice (no offense, Chad), but did you know that Raven and Mayhem Miller are drag sisters? Miller also has the status of drag mother to a number of queens, including Buzzfeeds Try Guys Eugene Lee Yang, whom she transformed into Cheyenne Pepper. Although Pepper has yet to compete on an official Drag Race stage, shes in the hall of fame on the fan-made version called Kaikos Drag Race. As for Raven, well... Anytime you've seen RuPaul in makeup since the third episode of Season 9, you've had Raven to thank for how flawless she looks.Scarlet Envy and PearlDo I have something on my face? will forever be Drag Race canon, and we have Season 7s Pearl to thank for it. Pearl is also the drag mother to Scarlet Envy. While well probably never see Pearl on the show again, we can always hope Scarlet Envy comes back for another run on All Stars one day.Robin Fierce, Luxx Noir London, Black Peppa, and Mo HeartMo Heart, formerly known as Monique Heart, is a legend in the Drag Race community through and through. Although much attention in Season 15 went to the eventual winner, Sasha Colby, Heart is also the drag mother to the Season 15 contestants Robin Fierce and Luxx Noir London, who wound up making it all the way to the finale. Shes also the drag mother for Black Peppa, whos most known for RuPauls Drag Race UK Season 4.Willow Pill and Yvie OddlyDing ding, we have a pair of winners in the house! Season 11 winner Yvie Oddly is the drag mother to Season 14 winner, Willow Pill. Honestly, that makes sense, considering the finale look each of them donned when they took the crown. Although similar in idea, the two showed their ability to pull off the unique looks and each fully deserved their wins.Aja and Kandy MuseKandy Muse made a huge name for herself when she burst onto the scene in Season 13. While most of us know that Kandys the drag mother of Season 16s Xunami Muse, not as many people know (or remember) that Season 9 and All Stars 3 contestant Aja is the drag mother of Kandy. Were amused by this little family if we do say so ourselves.Alexis Michelle and JanJan was robbed in the Madonna Rusical in Season 12, and youre never going to change our minds. Even though the win was snatched, the face crack it brought upon us will forever go down in Drag Race herstory. Apart from Jans iconic losers mug, fans may or may not know that shes the drag daughter of the s=Season 9 contestant, Alexis Michelle.Phi Phi OHara and Asia OHaraAlthough the OHara name gives away the family connection between Phi Phi and Asia, its not as common for us to talk about the fact that Asia is Phi Phi OHaras drag mother. Both are iconic, so really is it any suprise?Tia Kofi, Victoria Scone, and MarmaladeDrag Race UK is about to kick off its 6th season and in doing so adds a third generation to one drag family. Tia Kofi competed in season 2. She was followed by her daughter Victoria Scone in season in season 3. This season sees the third generation(Victoria's daughter and Tia's grandaughter) Marmalade vying for the crown.

15 Really Tall Tree Men We'd Happily ClimbThere are so many types of attractive men in the world, and for some people, size really matters (and we're not talking below the belt, either).These Insta-hunks (who seem to defy conventional heights) all measure in above 63 and all the way up to 7'6, so Crane your neck, look up, and enjoy these 16 guys wed totally climb the hell out.1. @FlemShow (6'5")See on Instagram2. @n__fleming (66)See on Instagram4. @jeffit_msp (6'4")See on Instagram5.flamk1994(6'8")See on Instagram6. @therealbrendanhall(6'9")See on Instagram7. @valentexltallSee on Instagram8. @coll.jj (6'9")See on Instagram9. @bigboy2.10 (6'9")See on Instagram10. @naomismalls (6'5" [7" with heels on])See on Instagram11. @thebelgiangiant (6'8")See on Instagram12. @laurent.xiv (6'3")See on Instagram13. @abdulgarciag (7')See on Instagram14. @brunocalcantara (63)See on Instagram15. @caniaskyouhowtallyouareSee on Instagram16. @sunny_jatt_8181 (7'6")See on Instagram

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has criticized companies like Molson Coors, Ford, and others for abandoning their values and backtracking from commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) following right-wing pressure campaigns.The HRC concurrently released new survey data showing that rollbacks on DEI from large corporations in recent years are wildly unpopular with LGBTQ+ individuals and alienating many consumers. This data comes in response to far-right activist and conspiracy theorist Robby Starbuck allegedly causing numerous prominent companies including Ford, Lowes, and Harley-Davidson to significantly scale back their DEI efforts via public pressure campaigns. Starbuck, who reportedly believes that chemicals in tap water are turning kids gay, has over half a million followers on X. Related Brands that bend to anti-LGBTQ+ pressure lose more customers, study says Bud Light called its trans-inclusive marketing campaign a misstep. But that may prove an even bigger misstep. The LGBTQ+ community is an economic powerhouse, and we want to work for and support companies who support us. Attacks on DEI initiatives are shortsighted and make our workplaces less safe and less inclusive for hard-working Americans of all demographics and backgrounds, Orlando Gonzales, Senior Vice President of Programs, Research, and Training at the HRC, wrote in an emailed statement. This new data confirms that companies like Molson Coors, Ford, and others that abandon their values and backtrack from commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion risk losing both top employee talent and consumer dollars. 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 According to the data, 80.1% of LGBTQ+ adults said that they would boycott a company that rolled back DEI measures, with 75.7% of LGBTQ+ adults having a less favorable view of such a company. Additionally, over half (52.5%) said they would try to get others to join the boycott, and similar numbers (51.7%) would remove any profile, credit card, or app they had with the company. Nearly 28% of respondents said they would join a protest or sign a petition against the company too.Additionally, 72.4% of LGBTQ+ adults said theyd feel less supported by their company if their workplace rolled back inclusion efforts for the community, 66.6% said theyd feel less safe, and 54% said theyd experience a decline in their mental health. A third of participants said theyd be less productive, and 19.6% said theyd look for a different job entirely.Meanwhile, over 95% of LGBTQ+ adults said that their company scoring high on HRCs Corporate Equality Index (CEI) a measure of LGBTQ+-inclusive company policies would mean they feel their company supports the community. Half said that a CEI score of 100% would mean theres strong support for the community. The data similarly reflected that LGBTQ+ community members feel supported by companies that sponsor Pride parades, hire out leadership, donate to LGBTQ+ nonprofits, make community outreach efforts, and feature queer representation in their marketing and product development.The President of the Human Rights Campaign, Kelley Robinson, said that Starbuck is a MAGA bully and Republican-reject whose only business experience is hawking vitamins marketed by people profiting off of COVID disinformation.The HRC also referenced data from a Washington Post-Ipsos poll that found that most Americans support DEI measures and feel that these measures better support marginalized people while helping guarantee significant outreach to the public.The survey was done in collaboration with Community Marketing & Insights (CMI) between August 8-18. Respondents were gathered from their broader LGBTQ+ Research Panel, a representative dataset of over 50,000 LGBTQ+ individuals. 2,490 individuals from all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C., were surveyed, with 2,432 being eligible for participation in the data. The data was weighted by the HRC to represent the total United States population based on age, race/ethnicity, gender identity, educational attainment, and geographic region in comparison to data from the Census, and political affiliation from the PRRI 2023 American Values Atlas. Weighting was done with a Stata program and was verified with hand calculations. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 4.6%.

Ooooh Pit Crew!RuPaul's Drag Race is known for turning drag queens into superstars, but there's no denying the fact that many of the show's passionate fans are in love with the sexy men that make up the Pit Crew.Bruno Alcantara has made audiences swoon over the years and he's proven to become an integral part in Drag Race's makeup today.Now, the star is going beyond his sexy physique by showing off his charming personality in his new talk show In Bed With Bruno."Come on now! I feel very comfortable in bed and that's why I'm inviting everybody to get in bed with me. There is so much more of Bruno than we can see on Drag Race. It gives me the opportunity to show something different," Alcantara tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Besides having thoughtful conversations with his guests, the star is also bringing the heat by playing some sexy games in every episode."You never really know what to expect. We get to spice it up! It wouldn't be Bruno if it's not spicy. C'mon now!"Since the show is all about hopping in bed with Bruno, the model exclusively dished on his own favorite spicy bedroom positions."I would say I am verse. I'm mostly a top, but I love affection. I love the touch. I think that's very special. I love kissing and I think a good kiss starts everything right. It becomes hotter and hotter. Don't you think so?"Fans will thoroughly enjoy getting to know more about Alcantara's personal life by watching the series. He's also hoping secret admirers will take a moment to eventually slide into his DMs after binging an episode or two."I am very single, by the way. I'm very available! You guys have a chance to see that my bed is a very hot spot. I hope by sharing my bed with the world, maybe a man [will] want to be in bed too! Send me the DMs. My bed's the new hotspot! Get ready to get in bed with me."In Bed With Bruno is streaming now on Bruno's official YouTube page. To see the full interview, check out the video above.

Short men are hot, and I'm tired of anyone pretending otherwise. At 5'7" myself, I think "tall, dark, and handsome" is overrated -- I like my men sexy, stocky, and eye level or less. I like them as wide as they are tall. I want a man you can't knock over with a pail of water. If you've never considered having a short king summer, here are 25 of our best and brightest to tempt you into shallower waters.Daniel Radcliffe- 5'5"See on InstagramRiz Ahmed- 5'8"See on InstagramBarry Keoghan- 5'8"See on InstagramMatty Matheson- 5'6"See on InstagramElijah Wood- 5'6"See on InstagramBruno Mars- 5'5"See on InstagramZac Efron- 5'8"See on InstagramElliot Page- 5'1"See on InstagramHanif Abdurraqib- 5'7"See on InstagramKe Huy Quan- 5'4"See on InstagramJeremy Allen White- 5'7"See on InstagramSam Reich- 5'6"See on InstagramNcuti Gatwa- 5'8"See on InstagramRami Malek- 5'7"See on InstagramGottmik- 5'7"See on InstagramBowen Yang- 5'8"See on InstagramJack Black- 5'6"See on InstagramBrian Michael Smith- 5'8"See on InstagramNathan Lane- 5'5"See on InstagramBappie Kortram- 5'2"See on InstagramTom Holland- 5'7"See on InstagramMarcello Hernandez- 5'6"See on InstagramThomas Page McBee- 5'6"See on InstagramMark Ruffalo- 5'8"See on InstagramAndrew Scott- 5'8"See on InstagramTroye Sivan - 5'8"See on InstagramNoah Galvin -5 6See on InstagramBruno Mars - 5'5"See on InstagramJames McAvoy - 5'7"See on InstagramDave Franco - 5'7"See on Instagram

We can't get enough of these Sapphic love scenes!Oh Netflix, how we love you! In fact, were not even sure what we love most. It might be the endless hours of exciting, often original programming at our fingertips. Perhaps its the collective years of our lives weve dedicated to binging strange, new TV shows alone in the dark avoiding human contact. Or maybe its that, when browsing for a spontaneous movie night, Netflix for some reason seems to offer so many great lesbian films. Thats right, for better or for worse (occasionally much worse), Netflix is a queer ladies free for all, and were loving every moment of it!And so, because we love cinema, weve shamelessly ranked the best of Netflixs most sapphic sex scenes for your upcoming movie night enjoyment. And even better, Netflix switches out movies all the time, so as soon as you've gone through these, we may have a brand new list waiting for you. Happy viewing, and try to remember to leave your house every once in a while!Duck ButterIf youre looking for hot Sapphic sex scenes, then look no further than this lesbian mumblecore movie starring Alia Shawkat. In it, Shawkat plays a struggling actress who hooks up with a woman, and then the two decide to spend 24 hours together, having sex every hour. Talk about hot! Plus, the steamy scenes are nothing like the lesbian sex scenes of the past that were usually created for the male gaze.Loving AnnabelleWhen a bad girl student meets a by-the-book teacher at a Catholic boarding school, a classic lesbian film is made. Annabelle, the titular Buddhist badass charms strait-laced Simone in all sorts of ways, including a public serenade session during a school dance. And we all know that no matter how unconventional the relationship may be, once someone gets up and sings you a song at the school dance, theres a pretty good chance sex will soon be involved. And it totally is. Next thing we know, Annabelle and Simone have released their inhibitions and share one sexy, sensual night together in Simones room. When? you may ask specifically. Just about an hour and 2 minutes in. You can thank us later!CarolBased on a Patricia Highsmith novel, this Todd Haynes-directed film is about a socialite housewife who falls in love with a young shop clerk. Its a beautifully shot period piece, but youre really watching for the lesbian age-gap romance between Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara and their intimate and steamy sex scene. Plus, Blanchett admitted to reading erotic fiction from the period to prepare for the role!Anne+: The FilmWe love a romantic, sensual sex scene as much as the next person, but sometimes you want something really hot. Thats where Anne+: The Film comes in. In it, a 20-year-old lesbian is trying to finish her novel and has plans to move to Montreal to meet her girlfriend there, but ends up having her head turned by a drag king named Lou. The two go on a date and end up back at Lous place, where they end up having sex. The scene is so hot you wont want to miss it!Orange is the New BlackWhen Orange is the New Black dropped on Netflix, it became an instant hit and queer sensation. The seven-season-long show was full of heartbreak, angst, and lots and lots of lesbian sex. In fact, there are so many steamy Sapphic sex scenes in the show that we ranked all 50 of them!Elisa & MarcelaIf youre looking for hot lesbian sex scenes, Elisa & Marcela is the perfect movie to put on because by the time you get halfway through the film, there is one steamy sex scene after the other! Based on. Based on a true story, Elisa & Marcela is a Spanish film about two women in the early 1900s who posed as a heterosexual couple in order to become the first same-sex marriage recorded in Spain. The Ultimatum: Queer LoveThis queer version of the popular Netflix dating show was one of the messiest things weve ever seen, and we loved every minute of the drama-filled first season! On the show, couples who are getting close to marriage decide whether they want to tie the knot or split up by choosing new partners from the group and moving in with them for three weeks. And since the show aired on Netflix and not network TV, when the newly formed couples smashed, the cameras didnt cut away!She's Gotta Have It (series)Spike Lees She Gotta Have It was groundbreaking in 1986, and his series of the same name is doing the same thing by portraying lesbian sex between two Black leads on screen. The second season of the show follows Nola Darling (DeWanda Wise) as she kicks three men she used to date to the curb and spends the summer with single mom Opal (Ilfenesh Hadera). The show may be funny and heartfelt, but lets be honest, were really watching because the second season kicks off with a montage of Sapphic sex between the two women that lasts for two and a half minutes!The PerfectionThe Perfection is one of the most bonkers, over-the-top movies youll ever watch, but between the body horror and the hot lesbians, it is well worth your time. Allison Williams (The Girls, Get Out) stars as musical prodigy Charlotte, who returns to her prestigious music school to find a new girl. Lizzie, played by Logan Browning (Dear White People), has taken her place. The two end up in bed together before embarking on a sinister path that will lead the women in directions you never could have guessed. Not only will the plot keep your head spinning, but the two women have incredible chemistry, and there is an oral sex scene that were still thinking about.The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls In LoveIn the 90s, we were desperate for even a hint of queer content in the movie and television shows we watched and really got any, but The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love was the Sapphic movie of our baby gay dreams. While the movie may not be as hot and heavy as some of the others on this list, let's just say that this film was a lesbian awakening for many young women for a reason!

The superintendents of nearly five dozen Oklahoma school districts say they do not plan to change their districts curricula to comply with anti-LGBTQ+ Republican State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters mandate that the Bible be taught at the states public schools.In June, Walters issued a memo directing all school districts in the state to incorporate the Bible and the Ten Commandments into their curricula for grades five through 12. The following month, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) issued guidelines on how schools should incorporate the Bible into lessons beginning in the 20242025 school year. Related Oklahomas anti-LGBTQ+ education chief told schools to teach the Bible. Theyre refusing. Even the states Republican attorney general thinks Walters demands are illegal. In late July, The Oklahoman reported that some of the states largest school districts had already said they would not comply with the directive, citing concerns that it may violate state laws. By early August, KGOU reported that at least 17 school districts across the state had said they would not change their curricula to incorporate the Bible. 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 tally has apparently only grown over the past month. On Tuesday, KGOU reported on the findings from a recent survey of every school district in the state by Oklahoma public radios StateImpact. Of approximately 540 public school districts and charter schools, 54 superintendents responded, with 46 saying that their districts would not be requiring teachers to incorporate the Bible into their social studies or English and Language Arts curriculum.I have talked to my teachers, my board, and many community members, one respondent wrote. At best, they are uncomfortable with the mandate. At worst, they feel it is an infringement on personal religious beliefs and is subject to opening Pandoras box.Of the 36 superintendents who said their districts would not be providing a copy of the Bible and the Ten Commandments in every classroom, most cited Oklahoma law which, as KGOU notes, grants school districts discretion over instructional materials. Others cited concerns that spending funds on religious material may violate state law, while some simply said they did not have the funds to purchase Bibles for every classroom.Meanwhile, of the 46 who said they would not require the Bible to be taught in school, 35 said that they feared retaliation from the OSDE. Walters has indeed threatened to target schools that refuse to comply with his directive. Youve seen some rogue administrators making comments to the press and so I wanted to address those, Walters said during a July 31 State Board of Education meeting. Some of our worst acting districts come out and say they are not going to teach history. They said they are not going to teach the Bible because they dont want that. Just because they are offended by it doesnt mean they wont do it. We will enforce the law and they will be held accountable.Oklahoma school districts are required by state law to teach the historical significance of the Bible, a spokesperson from Walters office told The Hill. Superintendent Walters will hold teachers and administrators accountable.In fact, current academic standards approved by the Oklahoma Legislature give schools the option to incorporate the Bible into their lessons but do not require them to do so. Noting that the states academic standards have not changed, StateImpact Oklahoma asked OSDE spokesperson Dan Isett whether schools that defy Walters directive would be out of compliance with those standards. Isett did not respond.Some respondents to StateImpact Oklahoma included blistering critiques of Walters. One wrote that Walters mandate appears to be more of a personal political gimmick.This directive is purely political and has no intentions of improving the education of students in Oklahoma, another wrote. It has done what it was intended to do and that was to cause controversy and get interviews on the national stage. Walters has indeed gained national media attention over the past year. In January, he was criticized by both Republican and Democratic state lawmakers for appointing Chaya Raichik, the anti-LGBTQ+ hate influencer behind Libs of TikTok, to Oklahomas library advisory committee. Following the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict in February, Walterss anti-LGBTQ+ policies came under intense scrutiny, with many allies and advocates accusing him of fostering the environment of hostility toward LGBTQ+ students that contributed to the trans teens tragic death. The Human Rights Campaign and over 350 LGBTQ+ rights organizations, civil rights groups, and leaders sent an open letter to the Oklahoma state legislature demanding Walters be removed from office.More recently, 21 Oklahoma Republican lawmakers have called for an impeachment investigation into Walters handling of the OSED.

Out White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre isnt done mocking Fox News reporter Peter Doocy about his ridiculous question where he insinuated that Vice President Kamala Harris fakes a Southern accent, joking about it at a later White House press briefing.Doocy first asked about Harris speaking style at Tuesdays White House press briefing: Since when does the vice president have what sounds like a Southern accent? Related Karine Jean-Pierreslams Republicans anti-trans attacks during Pride She contrasted what Biden has done to aid trans people versus what the GOP has done to hurt them. Jean-Pierre refused to even entertain the question: Im not even going to entertain some question about the presi its just, hearing it, it sounds so ridiculous. The question is just insane. 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 She moved on to another reporter fairly brusquely. But she didnt forget about Doocys insane question by Wednesday.President Bidens approval rating is soaring, Doocy said at Wednesdays briefing. Does it bother the president that people are so pleased that he is retiring?Am I hearing a little twang in your voice, Peter? Jean-Pierre responded as other members of the White House press corps laughed. A little something in yourShe then discussed President Joe Bidens accomplishments. Doocy: President Bidens approval rating is soaring.. Does it bother him that people are so pleased that he is retiring?KJP: Am I hearing a little twang in your voice? pic.twitter.com/tAIpNv8y0A Acyn (@Acyn) September 4, 2024Doocys question echoes a right-wing claim that Kameleon Harris changes her racial and ethnic identity whenever it benefits her. Black social media commenters have noted that her changes in speaking style are a form of code-switching, the common practice of changing languages, dialects, or accents in a conversation or situation based on social context.Jean-Pierre has regularly scolded Doocy for his questions during press briefings. In previous exchanges, shescolded Doocyfor diminutively referring to American political prisoner Brittney Griner as a professional athlete, for falsely claiming that President Joe Bidenwants to ban beer, forrepeatedly interrupting her, forhis repeated dramatics,and forciting billionaire Jeff Bezos as an economic expert.Bidens former White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, also used to regularly spar with Doocy. Their exchangesspawned the popular #PsakiBomb memeon social media. Even President Biden has scolded Doocy forasking a garbage questionand once referred to the reporter asa stupid son of a b**ch.

On Tuesday, a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction to stop an Idaho bill that banned gender-affirming care in state prisons, effectively allowing incarcerated trans Idahoans to receive hormone therapy once again.Plaintiffs Motion for Temporary Restraining Order, Provisional Class Certification, and Preliminary Injunction is hereby GRANTED. The court certifies the protected class of all incarcerated persons in custody of the [Idaho Department of Corrections] who are, or will be diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria, and are receiving, or would receive hormone therapy, wrote Judge David Nye of the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho for Robinson v. Labrador. The Court enjoins enforcement of [H.B. 668]s prohibition on the use of state funds for purposes of providing hormone therapy as against the class while this lawsuit is pending. Related Supreme Court will hear gender-affirming care ban case. It could change everything for trans rights. A ruling in this case could have wide-ranging effects on legal issues concerning trans people for years to come. The bill, H.B. 668, banned the use of public funds for any gender-affirming procedure, which includes hormones and surgeries. Republican state lawmakers in the House State Affairs Committee sponsored the bill. It was signed into law in March of this year by Gov. Brad Little (R). 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 injunction only affects the use of public funds for prisons and does not extend to non-incarcerated trans people. This also does not extend to gender-affirming surgery.In support of the injunction, Judge Nye argues that the plaintiffs in the case made substantial arguments in favor of the importance of gender-affirming care, the social impact that this type of restriction will have, and the effect it will have on transgender individuals across the state. While he does detail some areas in which the plaintiffs fell short in their arguments, he nevertheless argued that the evidence presented supports the need for an injunction.Nye initially denied the request to make this lawsuit a class action. It was only after receiving further data from the plaintiffs indicating that there are 54 incarcerated individuals on gender-affirming care and 70 diagnosed with gender dysphoria was Nye convinced.The lawsuit centers around two incarcerated transgender women who were diagnosed with gender dysphoria and who were receiving hormone replacement therapy and would have had their care placed at risk because of H.B. 668. The case was made into a class action lawsuit to represent all of Idahos known trans prisoners, which the ACLU of Idaho argues faced an Eighth Amendment violation. The plaintiffs in this case are Katie Heredia and Rose Mills, the two transgender women in question. They are represented by the ACLU of Idaho and local attorneys. The defendants are Attorney General Raul Labrador, Governor Brad Little, IDOC director Josh Tewalt, IDOC Chief of Staff Bree Derrick, and Centurion Health of Idaho.ACLU of Idaho legal director Paul Carlos Southwick said of this ruling in a statement, We are grateful that this class action lawsuit will protect the rights of both our plaintiffs and all incarcerated people diagnosed with gender dysphoria. People who are serving time have a right to access health care, adequate food, and housing conditions while in the states care, and we are grateful those rights were upheld today.LGBTQ Nation reached out to the ACLU of Idaho and the office of the Attorney General for comment. Neither responded before publication. This article will be updated accordingly.

Shortly after a 14-year-old mass shooter killed two teachers and two children and injured nine more victims at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, anti-LGBTQ+ Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) issued a statement saying that people should be praying for the victims and their families. The father of a child killed in a school shooting criticized her reaction. Greene is well-known for her love of guns, history of harassing school shooting survivors, and accusations that school shootings are fake. Yesterday, Greene wrote on X, Let us join together in prayer for the victims of the school shooting at Apalachee High School and their families just as these students of AHS circled together in prayer today. Numerous Republican politicians expressed similar messages calling for prayer. Related Marjorie Taylor Greene accused a DNC speaker of pedophilia. It didnt go well for her. Numerous commenters pointed out her hypocrisy and her love of sexually explicit material. Let us join together in prayer for the victims of the school shooting at Apalachee High School and their families just as these students of AHS circled together in prayer today. pic.twitter.com/AsxLl25ZV0 Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) September 4, 2024 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 However, Manuel Oliver, the father of a child slain during the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, criticized their reaction, telling Scripps News, Shame on anyone that is praying today instead of reacting.Oliver, an anti-gun violence activist, said, Im just listening to the quotes from members of Congress, and theyre praying? he said. Then, referencing Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R), Oliver added, You have a governor in that place that is asking us to pray, to join his family and pray. That is not enough, and that is not working.Oliver then predicted that pro-gun politicians would start recommending putting metal detectors and armed teachers in schools to make them more secure. Greene describes herself as 100% Pro-Life Pro-Gun Pro-Trump in her bio on X. In a 2018 Facebook post, she claimed that the 2012Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and the 2018Stoneman Douglas shooting were both false flag operations. I am told that [then-Democratic House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi tells Hillary Clinton several times a month that we need another school shooting in order to persuade the public to want strict gun control,' Greene wrote, furthering a common right-wing conspiracy theory that has inspired harassment and death threats against the families of school shooting victims.In 2019,Greene filmed herselfharassing gun safety activist andParkland school shootingsurvivorDavid Hogg. She has called Hogg#littleHitler, an idiot who is trained like a dog, a coward, and baselessly claimed Jewish billionaire philanthropist George Soros funds him.Greene has also shot guns in several of her own campaign ads and social media posts.

Fox host Jesse Watters is back to attacking Democratic mens masculinity for not meeting his exacting standards, and this time its vice presidential candidate and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walzs use of a straw.Women love masculinity, and women do not love Tim Walz, so that should just tell you about how masculine Tim Walz is, Watters proclaimed incorrectly. According to a recent AP-NORC poll, 37% of women have a favorable opinion of Walz, while only 19% have an unfavorable opinion. The GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) is viewed much less favorably by women: 25% viewed him favorably, while a whopping 42% had an unfavorable view of him. Related Fox News fool Jesse Watters says Tim Walz is gay for Kamala Harriss husband The funny primetime host fixated on how Walz hugged Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff at a recent rally. But that didnt stop Watters from positing his theory about why women dont like Walz: he used a straw. 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 The other day you saw him with a vanilla ice cream shake. Had a straw in it. Again, that tells you everything, Watters said. Watters: Women love masculinity, and women do not love Tim Walz, so that should just tell you about how masculine Tim Walz is. The other day you saw him with a vanilla ice cream shake. Had a straw in it. Again, that tells you everything. pic.twitter.com/scb9oNanf9 Acyn (@Acyn) September 4, 2024Watters has been fixated on men using straws and eating ice cream for a while. Last November, he said that President Joe Biden isnt manly because he drank a milkshake with a straw.Some things we just cant let slide, Watters said at the time. Joe Biden used a straw.I recommend that all men refrain from using straws, he continued. Its unbecoming, the way a mans lips purse, the size of the straws is too dainty, the way your fingers clasp on it, no, come on.In February, Watters attacked Biden for eating ice cream, saying its just not a good look.You should save that for vacation. A grown man especially the president should not be licking ice cream in public.If I were Biden and my party wanted to put me out to pasture and swap me out for a younger, better-looking liberal, the Mideast and Europe are at war, and migrants are murdering our women, the last thing I would do? Go out for ice cream with a comedian and lick it when they ask about the border, Watters continued.On X, people made fun of Watters for being so fixated on Walzs ice cream shake consumption. NARRATOR: Jesse Watters was wearing liquid foundation, eyeliner, and face powder when he mocked Tim Walzs lack of masculinity for using a straw. Mrs. Betty Bowers (@BettyBowers) September 4, 2024..are you supposed to lap it up like a dog? https://t.co/LJnh9s2Gbv nikki mccann ramrez (@NikkiMcR) September 4, 2024Gentlemen, is it gay to use a straw? https://t.co/vtP2RXaDSb Anthony Michael Kreis (@AnthonyMKreis) September 5, 2024lol ok https://t.co/QQTHE0rZIS pic.twitter.com/WTaq9THHnZ Sarah Rumpf (@rumpfshaker) September 4, 2024The alphas sure love talking about other mens masculinity. Kinda weird imo Jon Evans (@jonevnz) September 4, 2024Waters is such a clown. How can anyone take him seriously? He says ridiculous, stupid stuff and nothing else. StrictlyKamala (@StrictlyChristo) September 4, 2024Next up on Fox News: "Real Men Drink Motor Oil: A Jesse Watters Special" Lemon Sturgis! (@LemonSturgis) September 4, 2024Imagine being this fragile, like a sickly baby deer, struggling to stand up for the first time. Jay Black (@jayblackisfunny) September 4, 2024If Watters is an expert on masculinity then Id like to share my thoughts on Aeronautical Engineering. (@ChidiNwatu) September 4, 2024Of all the times they have had nothing, they've rarely had more nothing than this. Tom MullalyLife Expansion (@wagefreedom) September 4, 2024Now I'm curious how he drinks a milkshake Thomas Paine's Ghost (@Rdsaucier) September 4, 2024Making those hand gestures with those sculpted brows and that $300 haircut is basically a strawberry milkshake with a neon crazy straw, buddy. Clue Heywood (@ClueHeywood) September 4, 2024His boss O'Reilly and Trump used to sit at Yankee stadium wordlessly chain drinking vanilla milk shakes Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) September 5, 2024Real men use crazy straws. They don't give a fuck. Only weak pathetic excuses for men try to think of stupid ways of performing for other men. If you're worried about what other men think of you, that's not manly. It's weak. It's pathetic. Scott Santens (@scottsantens) September 5, 2024

Pope Francis embrace of transgender Catholics has extended from the Vatican around the world to Indonesia, where hes on a four-day official visit to the Southeast Asian island nation.But trans women on a pilgrimage there to see the pontiff in person were left with only dreams of an audience with him after local bishops refused their request to meet him. Related How a trans sex worker from Paraguay became friends with the Pope The pontiff has been welcoming transwomen to the Vatican. The Pope, who famously asked, Who am I to judge? in response to a question about gay priests, has openly engaged with the trans community in Rome, inviting the women to dine at the Vatican and donating Vatican funds to house and feed them. Global perspectives delivered right to your inbox Our newsletter bridges borders to bring you LGBTQ+ news from around the world. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The Popes reputation for tolerance preceded him as a group of trans women in South Jakarta assembled their best outfits for his visit to a stadium in Jakarta where he appeared for a service addressing the Muslim-majority countrys small but vocal Catholic community.When we got Francis as the Pope, I realized that God was really listening, Mami Yuli, a leader of the trans community in South Jakarta, told The New York Times. The devout Catholic has an image of the rosary tattooed on her chest.This is not the Pope but God himself visiting us, she said.Francis has encouraged local bishops in Indonesia to show tolerance for the trans community for years.Pope Francis has called for us several times not to judge them, said the Rev. Agustinus Kelik Pribadi, the priest of Saint Stephen Catholic Church in South Jakarta. We must listen. The newly extended Catholic embrace has welcomed dozens of trans converts to the Church in recent years, according to Rev. Adrianus Suyadi, a Jesuit priest at Jakartas Cathedral. Many have been baptized in the countrys capital, per an official policy formalized by Pope Francis for trans and LGBTQ+ people last year.Fr. Suyadi and other priests also credit the citys archbishop, Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, for the welcoming attitude. They say the cardinal instructed priests to welcome transgender people into their parishes as part of a push to respect all human dignity.When I go to the church nobody judges me, said trans Catholic Ms. Gondhoadjmodjo, 40, who was baptized in 2022. That makes me more sure I want to be a Catholic.But for the South Jakarta trans community that made the pilgrimage to see the pope in person dressed to the nines and loaded into a collection of cars for their trip north the welcome did not extend inside the stadium or even near the entrance where they hoped to get a glimpse of Francis. They didnt have tickets, they said, and their hoped-for invitation for an audience with the pope didnt materialize.Police kept the group, dressed in their sequined Sunday best and carrying a colorful banner, at a distance.They cannot receive us here, said Devine Selviana Siahaan, one of the trans women. ButI still can talk to Francis in my dreams.

Quaker, our golden Rhodesian Ridgeback, was nearly 12 years old when we adopted him to be a companion for my husband, who had been feeling lonely after working from home for three years and struggling to make friends in Dallas post-pandemic. Quakers affectionate nature was a perfect counterbalance to Barnabas, our grumpy 14-year-old Lancashire Heeler, whom we brought home just two months later. We chose to adopt senior dogs because theyre often passed over and dont deserve to be left behind just because theyre older. Having experienced rejection ourselves, we understand how important it is to give them the love and care they deserve. Related James Baldwin was my crush when I was a lonely Black queer teen I tore an image of him from one of his books and carried it with me everywhere, imagining our Paris romance. Quakers adoption papers described him as dainty and gentle, a description he lived up to perfectly. Quaker naively believed that every snarling dog just wanted to be his friend, so hed whine and wag his tail, hoping theyd come aroundand naturally, every family member and friend who visited instantly fell in love with him. Quiet and clumsy, Quaker was my husbands shadow, following him from room to room, often knocking things over in the most unintentionally hilarious waysand then scaring himself in the cutest way whenever something toppled. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Although we knew rescuing a senior dog meant facing their limited time, Quakers passing still came as a shock. This loss underscored how deeply pets become woven into our lives, offering profound and unexpected sources of joy and comfort.Fall is my favorite time of year, and sharing it with Quaker was a joy. We took him on walks through the leaves, visited pumpkin patches, and tried to dress him in cozy sweaters. Despite his reluctance to wear costumeshe only tolerated a human-sized sweater onceSpirit Halloweens pet costume section and Dallass Halloween parade, with its Best Pet Costume contest, let pets join in on the fun. Our dog-friendly, gay neighborhood made Halloween extra special by giving out treats to pets in costume. Dressing up was about creating happy moments with our pets, not just making them look cute. Even though Quaker and Barnabas wouldnt wear matching flannel sweaters for winter photos, these moments became treasured memories.For Quakers adoption anniversary, which we celebrated as his birthday, we threw a small party with juicy burgers and sang Happy Birthday to him. Quaker was so thrilled by the burgers that he trembled with excitement. We laughed together as a family, grateful to celebrate the day that marked our start as a pack. Seeing him enjoy his special treat and his happy, wagging tail was a joyful reminder of our bond. Now, looking back, those moments are bittersweet, especially with Quakers recent passing, which has left a significant void in our lives. Queer people often face rejection from their families of origin, and for many who are child-free, pets become beloved members of their chosen families. This bond is reflected in how we include them in our daily lives, like taking them to dog-friendly cafs and restaurants. Ill never forget the first time we took Quaker to a caf. He sat in a chair with a plate of bacon and eggs, eagerly ate it, then threw it up and cheerfully ate it again before we could stop him. Moments like this show how we embrace our pets as part of the family, deserving of the same experiences we enjoy. This sentiment also appears in queer weddings, where pets often serve as flower girls, ring bearers, or even best men, decked out in bow ties or floral collars. I once attended a wedding that was entirely dog-friendly, with a special food spread just for canine guests. Whether sharing a Puppuccino, attending Pride events in rainbow gear, or being part of wedding ceremonies, pets hold a special place in our lives, celebrated as true family members.The morning of Quakers passing was a whirlwind. We knew he had serious heart troubles, but nothing prepared us for what happened. I woke up to my husbands frantic calls to come to the living room, where Quaker lay conscious but unmoving, his heart racing uncontrollably. I comforted him on the floor and called an Uber to rush us to the emergency vet. My husband carried him downstairs, and although Quaker seemed surprisingly calm, I could see he was struggling to breathe, with his enlarged heart visibly pounding beneath his fur. At the vet, we learned that his heart was the size of a softball, had a tumor, and his lungs were filled with fluid. Faced with the choice of letting him suffer or choosing euthanasia, we decided to end his suffering. We surrounded Quaker with love, holding and kissing him as the doctor administered the medication, and I thanked him for his presence in our lives, promising that Id look for him in our next lifetimes as he peacefully trekked off to the Rainbow Bridge. Leaving his body behind was painful, and though I knew he was no longer on this plane of existence, I felt a profound sense that we were abandoning him. It was a heart-wrenching experience.Before we left the vets office, we had to decide what would happen to Quakers remains, a decision I hadnt anticipated. We were given the option between public and private cremation, and thankfully, we could afford private cremation to ensure his remains would be handled with care. We also had the choice between a metal urn or an elegant pine box. Inspired by a friend who kept his Great Danes remains in beautiful wooden boxes, we chose the pine box for Quaker. The $500 cost for the cremation and box made me reflect on our privilege to give him a dignified farewell. Although we didnt hold a ceremony, picking up his ashes a week later left me overwhelmed with the grief of his absence, yet comforted by knowing his remains were housed in such a thoughtful vessel.Its been a real emotional rollercoaster without Quaker. I miss the sound of his little feet tapping when he was about to get a cookie, his excitement before a walk, and how hed stop to sniff every flower. The special bond he had with my husband is something I deeply miss, along with the joy on my husbands face when Quaker gave him kisses. Were finding our way with just me, my husband, and Barnabas, who now cuddles between us and sleeps with us each night. Quakers ashes in the pine box serve as a reminder of his absence, but his spirit feels very much with us. Weve placed his ashes next to photos of our grandmothers, and we think of him with the same reverence as our ancestors. We miss him as the person he was to us, not just as a pet. Creating a ritual for him, similar to how we celebrated birthdays and holidays together, helps us find closure. Now, as part of our nightly routine, I say, I love you, I love Barnabas, and my Heaven dog Quaker.Losing a pet can be as tough as losing a loved one because the love we have for them is just as profound. To keep their memory alive, make them a central part of your life every day. Spend quality time together, take them on walks in their favorite park, and give them a few extra treats now and then. You might even plan a special dinner date just for the two of you. Capture their presence in photos, include them in the yearly Hanukkah card, or take them on a trip to Bali. You could let them carry the flowers at your wedding or give them your grandfathers middle name. Go overboard in your love for them. Pets leave paw prints on our hearts, and honoring them every day helps us hold onto their memory and the joy they brought into our lives.

Charli XCX and Troye Sivan are having a very sweaty summer!Charli and Sivan are making the internet feral today after releasing a video from a cover shoot the pair did for i-D Magazine to promote their upcoming joint tour.In the video, posted to TikTok by Charli, the pop stars stand in the middle of a flurry of foam while they smolder at the camera to the sound of a Rush/Club Classic remix. Sivan is wearing nothing but a low-slung pair of jeans, while Charlie is in tiny jean shorts and a pink lacy bra, standing with her arm over Sivans shoulder.And they are both glistening with sweat, which is fitting considering the pair is set to co-headline their Sweat concert tour starting on Sept.14!@charlixcx@Troye Sivan see u soon :)Both Charli and Sivan have released albums in the past year, with Sivans Something to Give Each Other celebrating queer joy after feeling isolated because of Covid and Charlis Brat inspiring everyone to embrace Brat Summer including Vice President Kamala Harris campaign.In the video, which already had more than 800,000 views at the time of publication, Charli and Sivans chemistry is palpable, and the internet loves it! From commenters talking about their intense sexual tension inspiring a bi awakening to people dying for the duo to collaborate on a new song, people are loving this pop girlie combo.In the cover interview with i-D Magazine, Charli talked about being part of a new wave of pop stars that are thriving in mainstream culture despite being part of queer culture which has historically been left out of mainstream popularity. (@) (@) And I think thats myself, thats Troye, thats Chappell [Roan]. When I think about the three of us, thats a lot of music that either is inherently a part of queer culture or is very much inspired by it and thats super cool, Charli explained. When you were doing Bloom you shot this video with Bardia [Zeinali] and I remember at the time being like, Oh my God, this pop star is owning his gayness in a really outward confident way. That was pretty rare for an artist of that level at that time. What was that, 2018?Sivan agreed before Charli talked about how great it is that gay culture being a part of music is so accepted today. Were eight years on and now you have so many artists being outwardly gay and talking about drag culture. Its cool that this is not an anomaly anymore, she said. (@) While touring for his album Something to Give Each Other, Sivan brought Ross Lynch on stage for a lap dance, so we cant wait to see what these two pop icons do on their tour!The Sweaty tour is a joint North American tour that will start on September 14, 2024 and continue until October 23, 2024. (@) (@) (@)

Activists across the United States are preparing both election poll workers and transgender voters on the laws behind voting when ones ID gender marker doesnt match their gender expression, reports The 19th. This comes after some trans voters have expressed confusion and worry about how to best vote after states enacted harmful laws targeting trans adults legal identification.Trans people, just like everyone else, want to be able to travel, start new jobs, open bank accounts, enroll in school, vote all of those things require some form of ID. And so when a state goes out of its way to enforce its message about its belief about sex and gender on a license, and transgender people then have to publicize that when they show other people, it creates a dangerous environment, said Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, an attorney for the ACLU of Tennessee. Related Trans people are more likely to vote than cis people despite barriers to voting Despite facing barriers to voting, trans people show up. This becomes especially important as states like Tennessee and Nebraska issue laws restricting the definition of legal gender to sex assigned at birth. Additionally, states like Florida are restricting trans peoples ability to change their gender markers at all. Voter ID laws enact similar barriers, especially as not only trans people but also Black and Hispanic individuals continue to be less likely to have a valid drivers license, including one that contains up-to-date information, like gender markers. 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 The states with the anti-trans laws are also the ones that are more likely to be passing anti-voter laws, full stop, said Lauren Kunis, the CEO and executive director of VoteRiders, an organization that helps voters get government identification.Quinn Diaz, public policy associate at Equality Florida, is one such person who is affected by this. They previously lived in Massachusetts, where they had an X marker on their license to signify that theyre nonbinary. However, since they didnt have all the documents necessary nor a provider to help set things up, they had to forfeit this marker and instead go with the one associated with their sex assigned at birth. While they didnt have a problem voting in the 2022 midterms, they nevertheless plan to vote by mail.I can imagine that a lot of trans folks in Florida who might not have access to an accurate and affirming ID might not want to engage in that process at all, especially in such a heightened political environment, they said. Other trans people have had similar experiences, and its impossible to predict what exactly will happen when they vote. Many may choose not to vote at all because of worries about their ID matching their gender, which can lead to a significantly dwindled impact of trans votes in the upcoming election. This can be an especially notable issue as trans people are more likely to vote than cisgender people.These worries are accelerated in states with a significant far-right presence. Members of the far-right are trying to infiltrate polling places in these states, as states like Florida give temporary authority to poll workers to stop someone from voting under the guise of stopping election fraud, something that has been debunked as being widespread time and time again.Something thats very frustrating for us at VoteRiders is you will never be able to capture the number of people who do not feel safe voting, and who therefore stay home. And you also wont be able to capture the people who are trans and show up to try and vote and are turned away. Kunis said. And we know that is happening, but it is difficult to quantify.Some advocates are taking more proactive measures. Lawyers for the ACLU in Kansas have written a letter to remind election workers that the gender marker on a persons ID doesnt have to match their gender expression. The organization is also hosting clinics in other states to help trans people understand the legal landscape when it comes to voting. They wont stop me, but I can see how it would stop others, said Hazel Krebs, a trans woman in Kansas who went to vote in the primary in March. She was prepared to explain to election workers that gender is not required information in her state for voting.Theres nothing these laws will do to stop me from living my best life, she said. It just puts my energy and passion towards making this place better for me and other trans people.

Making the world a better place for future generations is no small task, but big change often starts with little actions.For people looking to impact the planet positively, it can be as simple as remembering a reusable grocery bag, ditching single-use water bottles, or considering the vehicle you get behind the wheel of.However, being eco-conscious doesnt have to be restrictive or dull, thanks to Toyota, whose range of electrified powertrains is as diverse as the LGBTQ+ community.With its Beyond Zero vision which aims to reach carbon neutrality and help customers reduce their carbon footprint with more low and zero-emission vehicles than any other automakerToyota is helping drivers feel confident in their choices and their effect on future generations. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today In Season 4 of On the Road, LGBTQ Nation and Toyota explore the ways that queer people are making a significant impact. We journeyed to Portland, where eco-consciousness and personal responsibility for nature are as engrained into the bustling community as gay bars, glitter, and Pride flags. Michael Lindsay & Matthew SchuellerAlthough Oregon has proven to be their most incredible adventure yet, Michael Lindsay and Matthew Schuellers love story started long-distance. After meeting in 2014, Schueller left his home in Seattle for Nebraska, where Lindsay was finishing dental school, with a single condition: theyd ultimately return to the West Coast.Not a tough sell!Since moving to Portland, the couple engulfed themselves in the experimental food scene, where buzzy, cutting-edge cuisines and trends transform from food carts to brick-and-mortar restaurants.Still, their must-see spot aside from signature gay bar Scandalous, which they dubbed the citys queer living room is Powells Books. Its a historic staple to downtown Portland, Schueller explained. Its been there since Portland existed. Of course, they get around thanks to the Toyota RAV4 Prime, featuring an advanced gas and electric powertrain and a smooth, comfortable ride. I love Toyotas Beyond Zero initiative because I feel like theyve been innovating in low-emission electric vehicles for so long that its just part of their brand at this point, Lindsay added.Most importantly, its a choice they feel confident in as they begin planning their own family amidst the citys cozy community. Its a fact of life: you have to be environmentally conscious, Schueller explained. We have to take care of the world for our kids and future generations.Jenny NguyenSports Bra owner Jenny Nguyen stands before Toyotas Bz4X all-electric powertrain. Photo by David Zimmerman for LGBTQ Nation. If anyone understands the power of small but powerful actions, its Jenny Nguyen, CEO and founder of The Sports Bra, a Portland-based bar that broadcasts female sports. [At a sports bar], theres this warmth, camaraderie, space for fandom and spectatorship to build community around sports, she explained. What if we just change the channel?After an ACL injury in college threw off her professional basketball aspirations, Nguyen found a new passion in an unlikely place: the kitchen next to her dorm room. Later on, that knowledge allowed her to create The Sports Bra, where she married her love for food and sports while supporting local women-led businesses, including signature distillery Freeland Spirits. [Were able to] promote women in the industry that are often overlooked, underrepresented, underinvested in, and underfunded all of the same things that are happening to female athletes on TV and in sports, Nguyen addedDuring its first weekend, The Sports Bra attracted thousands of visitors, proving the impact of a small change much like Nguyens decision to drive the all-electric Toyota bZ4X. I think that the reason I bought an electric car, to begin with, fully aligns with Toyotas Beyond Zero Vision of achieving carbon neutrality by reducing our carbon footprint and taking the steps necessary to create a positive impact, especially for our environment, she said.Now, Nguyen and this essential queer space have become the face of something a lot larger than just a bar and restaurant, paving a path for the next generation. As she told us, Those tiny changes add up, and thats just part of the ethos of Portland. Were surrounded by incredible nature, and to care for that has to be a part of every decision.Toyotas Beyond Zero vision captures Toyotas approach to carbon reduction by offering consumers a wide range of options. Photo provided by Toyota. Learn more about Beyond Zero and Toyotas vision for a carbon-neutral future.

The anti-LGBTQ+ hate group Family Research Council (FRC) is outraged that Donald Trump said not only that he supports in vitro fertilization (IVF) but that he wants the government or insurers to provide it for free. FRC was particularly outraged that the procedure is often used by same-sex couples, which they called disturbing.The Southern Poverty Law Center-designated hate group published an article on their news website in which they condemned Trumps recent statement in favor of IVF. Related Donald Trump scrambles to make voters think he supports abortion & IVF rights Hes using a promise of free IVF to distract from how Republican fetal personhood laws are threatening the procedure. Im announcing today in a major statement that under the Trump administration, your government will pay for, or your insurance company will be mandated to pay for, all costs associated with IVF treatment, the former president said in Potterville last week. And for this same reason, we will also allow new parents to deduct major newborn expenses from their taxes so that parents that have a beautiful baby will be able, so were pro-family. Ive been in favor of IVF right from the beginning. 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 The FRC didnt like this, however, and they interviewed the founder of the anti-LGBTQ+ group Them Before Us, Katy Fausty, for their The Washington Stand website. Faust and Them Before Us oppose gay marriage and gay adoption.She first claimed that 93% to 97% of children lose their lives due to IVF, something that is not true as the process only results in the loss of embryos. This view, however, is popular among religious advocates who believe that life begins at fertilization.She then went on to compare the practice to eugenics, the practice in which marginalized individuals were sterilized or murdered to prevent them from reproducing due to being deemed genetically undesirable. Eugenics is applied to these kids when it comes to deciding which ones live or die, which ones are implanted, which ones are frozen, which ones are discarded, which ones are donated to research. The point of eugenics is to pick who gets to reproduce in order to make certain traits more prevalent, so its unclear how this relates to IVF.Faust also claims that IVF is virtually regulation-free, a common claim from anti-IVF activists. However, as Vox reports, this claim is untrue as the field, according to experts, is deeply regulated, with restrictions ranging from who can conduct such procedures to the exact processes underlying it.Fausts last reason to oppose IVF is that the procedure is often used by same-sex couples in order to build their families. She claimed children need a mother and father and called same-sex couples turning to IVF a disturbing trend. This is not a child-friendly industry, no matter how you splice it, she said. In reality, research shows that children of gay couples fare just as well as children of straight couples. She concluded by recommending NaPro technologies, a Catholic Church-backed fertility treatment that ishighlycontroversialfor the lack of evidence backing its effectiveness.

Greek gods for the win...Over the last few years, you may have become more familiar with the term sapphic as an umbrella term for women loving women (WLW). However, this goes deeper than the term lesbian to encompass women who identify as bisexual, pansexual, transgender, or nonbinary. Of course, the term goes much deeper than that, but weve already delved into what sapphic means.Today, were going to talk about a more recent term gaining traction that brings in the male perspective: Achillean.Read on to figure out what Achillean means, the Greek god it was inspired by, and how you can best support your Achillean friends.What is Achillean?According to the Equity & Inclusion Office of the University of British Columbia, Achillean is an umbrella term for men or men-aligned individuals who are generally attracted to other men and men-aligned people.This doesnt mean that Achilleans are only attracted to men, since bisexual men can also identify as Achillean. Its based on the Greek god Achilles, who most people know because of the tendon in your calf and foot or the Achilles heel thats meant to be your kryptonite. Since the Achilles heel is meant to expose your most weak and vulnerable points, the term Achillean is an endearing term that reminds us of Achilles strength at all times.How is being Achillean different than being gay?Just as sapphic is different than being a lesbian, Achillean is different than being gay. Being gay means you are a man who is exclusively attracted to other men. If you dont identify as a cis man but still define yourself as male-aligning, youd be an Achillean. The same goes if youre attracted to people who arent cis men but also align with being a man.Achillean is also referred to as men loving men, or MLM. It is a broader term that acts as a way to reject more specific labels and is a non-exclusive counterpart to being gay. Who is Achilles?Achilles is one of the most prominent and memorable figures in Greek mythology. He also played a key role in the Trojan War and was well known for his strength. The story behind his heel traces back to his mother, Thetis. Unlike Thetis, Achilles was born mortal, so she made an attempt to make him immortal by dipping him in the River Styx in the underworld, holding him only by his heel.Said heel became the only part of Achilles not immortal, which thus became his biggest source of weakness. However, whether the arrow that killed him actually went through his heel or his torso is still up for debate.Achilles also plays the central character in Homers Iliad, which acts as the biggest source of information and myth.Was Achilles gay?So, what does any of this have to do with gay men, apart from Achilles being a sexy warrior?Although nothing was ever confirmed nor was Achilles actual existence many believe that Achilles had a secret and important relationship with Patroclus, another hero of the Trojan War and an additionally vital character in the Iliad. Regardless if the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus was romantic or not, it still plays a crucial role in the story. With Achilles describing Patroclus as the man I loved beyond all other comrades, loved as my own life, many have speculated that Homers iteration eludes to the two having a love affair.When did the Achillean term start?This relationship between Achilles and Patroclus is central to the origin of the Achillean term. Greek poet Theocritus also seems to have bought into the rumor that the duo were lovers in his Idyll XXIX poem titled Loves, where he wrote, Mindful of this, be gentle, is my prayer/And love me, guileless, evn as I loved thee/So when thou has a beard, such friends as were/Achilles and Patroclus we may be. Considering this is a poem from a man to a boy addressing their future once he gets older, its another nod to the truth behind the relationship of Achilles and Patroclus.As to the actual term Achillean, the earliest recording comes from John Addington Symonds 1883 book A Problem in Greek Ethics. Although using a different spelling, Symond hones in on the Achilleian friends that encompassed not luxury or the delights which feminine attractions offered. He makes multiple mentions of Achilleian friends throughout the text.Additionally, the term popped up again in 1959 in A.C. Hamiltons article Spensers Treatment of Myth. In it, he examines the character Guyon, saying he subdues these Achillean affections through his own power; but they break out again as Cymochles lapses into lust and Pyrochles burns in the idle lake.While the term is hundreds of years old, it didn't start gaining popularity as a sexual identity until around 2016 when an Achillean flag was created on Tumblr.What does the Achillean flag look like?The Achillean flag gained popularity on Tumblr just as the sapphic flag did. The original design is credited to the pridenpositivity-blog, but the Pride-Flags account on DeviantArt gave it some modifications.The flag is comprised of two light blue strips on the top and bottom of the flag, with an off-white cream color in the center and a green flower in the middle. Green indicated gay affiliations in ancient Rome, and Victorian men would pin a green carnation on their lapels. Where can I find resources or support for myself or my Achillean friend?If you feel overwhelmed these days with sexual identities, youre not alone. However, its also important to remember that all of these identities have always existed. Now that we move toward a broader space of inclusivity, its just become easier for people to be open about who they actually are and how they feel.There are plenty of Facebook groups for Achilleans, such as the Achillean Trans Guy Archives. You can also partake in weekly meetings on Tuesday evenings with the GBTQ+ mens peer support group through The Loft Community Center. You can also search for nearby events and meetups to surround yourself with more like-minded people.Just remember you are not alone, and youre not the only one who thinks or feels the way you do. Stay strong, be confident, be you, and whenever you need it, call on Achilles strength.

Katy Perry fans have been demanding answers about her continued collaboration with disgraced producer Dr. Luke ever since the release of her "female empowerment" single, "WOMAN'S WORLD," in July. Well, she finally spoke up but her response has left a lot to be desired.Dr. Luke has been a controversial figure following the prolonged legal battle between him and former collaborator Kesha, who accused him of sexual assault and other abusive behavior (allegations Dr. Luke has denied). Artists who have continued to work with him have been side-eyed by fans at best, if not actively called out online. With Perry having such a high profile, her decision to bring him onto her upcoming album has been met with frustration, criticism, and the loss of hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. (@) Up until recently, she had declined to respond to fans demanding to know what was behind this baffling choice. But host Alex Cooper cautiously approached the topic during a recent appearance by Perry on the Call Her Daddy podcast."I know a lot of people have expressed disappointment and were really upset that you decided to involve Dr. Luke on this album," Cooper said. "Why did you choose to work with him?""I understand that it started a lot of conversations, and he was one of the many collaborators that I collaborated with. But the reality is, it comes from me," Perry began.From there, the "Teenage Dream" singer launched into a total tangent, addressing her inspiration behind the album and essentially sidestepping the question entirely. Possibly the kindest interpretation is that she was trying to drive home the idea that the album is about her personal experiences rather than creatively driven by her collaborators although that still has nothing to do with why fans are upset about Dr. Luke's involvement. (@) (@) To say Perry's rambling failed to pacify fans who expected better from her is an understatement. (@) (@) (@) It also didn't take long for fans to pivot to downright mocking Perry for how she "addressed" the situation. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) But as at least one person pointed out, technically, it could have gone worse. (@)

Actors Ben Platt and Noah Galvin got married over Labor Day weekend in a days-long celebration in Manhattan and Brooklyn that earned a Vogue magazine shoot and an inside look with the pair of Broadway royalty. One celebrity observer described the wedding festivities as very gay and very Jewish. Related Brides tie the knot at fairytale Bridgerton-themed regal wedding We felt like royalty, the couple says. The dress to dance theme played out across several venues, beginning on Friday with a Shabbat welcome and rehearsal dinner at the Angel Orensanz Foundation on the Lower East Side, a restored synagogue thats now an art gallery and performance space. 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 couple wore matching Thom Browne, with Noah donning a suit jacket and pants, and Ben in a blazer and skirt.For our Shabbat rehearsal dinner, I wanted to be a bride, so I wore a skirt, Platt stated. The meal was catered by Brooklyn hotspot Laser Wolf, where the pair got engaged.Platt and Galvin, both creatures of the New York theater world, have known each other since 2015, but only got together in 2020. Platt, famous for his Tony Award-winning performance in Dear Evan Hanson, was replaced in the titular role by Galvin in 2017.The party continued on Saturday with cocktails at Cellar Dog in the West Village before the nuptials on Sunday at Pioneer Works in Brooklyns Red Hook neighborhood.The couple went creamsicle for their wedding day outfits, with Galvin sporting a French workwear-inspired set with lace button-down and Platt in a 70s-styled cream suit and button-down to match his spouse. Cream-colored skull caps with navy trim topped off the pretty ensembles. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vogue Weddings (@vogueweddings) The pair exchanged matching diamond and birthstone wedding bands by Grace Lee; Ben added an heirloom gold ring that once belonged to his gay grand-uncle Gary.Our moms are terrible secret-keepers, but somehow managed to surprise us by singing their first ever duet to us at the end of the ceremony, a classic Jewish wedding song in beautiful harmony, Ben wrote on Insta, accompanying a pic of the women singing.With the ceremony behind them the couple stomped their glasses, and they broke, thank god! Galvin said a raging hora commenced.During the hora comes shtick, which is when groups of family and friends do a series of personalized bits replete with props and costumes Judaism is inherently gay, Platt explained.The weekend finally ended at Sunnys Bar in Brooklyn, with a Shake Shack truck parked out front and a requisite musical theatre sing-along with the couples besties Beanie Feldstein, Zoey Deutch, Micaela Diamond, Cynthia Erivo, and Lena Waithe joining family and more friends to sing out what will surely be the gay-Jewish-New York theatre world wedding of the year.

Republican vice presidential candidate and Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) recently suggested that American families struggling with childcare costs should simply ask grandparents, aunts, and uncles to help raise their kids. In response, Chasten Buttigieg, a gay dad himself and the husband of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, shut down Vances suggestion using just ten words.Vance made his comments during his recent talk with far-right Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk at the Generation Church in Mesa, Arizona. During their conversation, Kirk asked Vance, What can we do about lowering the cost of daycare? Its very hard for working families to get by. Related Pete Buttigieg is an amazing dad these 10 instances prove it Pete isnt just a leader on the political stage but also a hero at home. Vance nodded and said, One of the ways you might be able to relieve a little bit of pressure on people who are paying so much for daycare is to make it so that, maybe grandma and grandpa want to help out a little bit more. Or maybe theres an aunt or uncle that wants to help out a little bit more. 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 Vance then said that for those who dont have somebody who can provide that extra set of hands, the U.S. should encourage people whod like to take care of children to get trained in the skills that they need for the 21st century.Weve got a lot of people who love kids who would love to take care of kids, but they cant either because they dont have access to the education that they need or, maybe more importantly, because the state government says Youre not allowed to take care of children unless you have some ridiculous certification that has nothing to do with taking care of kids,' he said.Vance didnt explain how he would expand educational options for people interested in careers in childcare, nor did he specify what certifications he considers ridiculous for childcare workers, though he did say, Dont force every early childcare specialist to go and get a six-year college degree where theyve got a whole lot of debt.Criticizing Vances response, Chasten Buttigieg wrote a pithy response on X, Ask grandma to watch them for free is not policy. Ask grandma to watch them for free is not policy. https://t.co/fVrBqHbQdZ Chasten Glezman Buttigieg (@Chasten) September 5, 2024The national average cost of childcare in 2023 was around $11,582, according to Child Care Aware of America.While the necessary certifications for childcare workers differ between states, the most commonly required ones educate workers about the legal issues involved in childcare centers, the basics of child education and care, as well as certifications in CPR and first aid. Workers can also get additional certifications for child, mental health, special needs, and behavioral issues.Many of the certifications can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars including educational fees as well as additional hours of applied and supervised practice. While this might seem unnecessarily burdensome, the certifications help ensure that childcare workers can handle a childs many physical, intellectual, and emotional needs. The Biden-Harris administration issued a more detailed plan for dealing with the high costs of childcare earlier this year, which included limiting co-payments for people receiving government assistance for childcare and making subsidies more accessible.Vances comments are just the latest of many that show how out of touch he is with modern families and their needs. Vance has previously said that adoptive parents and stepparents are actuallychildless cat ladieswho are determined the country miserable. Hehas saidthat people without children have no physical commitment to the future of this country and that postmenopausal females (that is, women above the age of 50)exist mostly to help raise other peoples children.Chasten Buttigieg is raising three-year-old twins with his husband and recently wrote a childrens picture book called Daddys Coming Home.

The U.S. Census Bureau has begun testing its sexual orientation and gender identity questions in preparation for its American Community Survey (ACS). The White Houses Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved the August survey, and the results will be published in early 2026.President Joe Biden issued a directive for federal agencies to improve their collection methods of LGBTQ+ demographic data, andOMB officials signed off on the new questions on July 11. Related Exploring Kamala Harris progressive stances: Equity, justice, and change Kamala Harris has a vision for a fairer future! From taxing the wealthy to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, learn how shes championing change. As planned, the 2024 American Community Survey SOGI [sexual orientation and gender identity data]. Test is underway. The test began earlier this month [August] and will continue through late 2024. The Census Bureau will publish the results of the test roughly 18 months later, a spokesperson for the federal agency told the Bay Area Reporter last week. 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 ACS is a federal questionnaire sent monthly to 295,000 households in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. It allows the government to collect housing and socioeconomic data, which the Census Bureau says allows them to provide timely and relevant housing and socioeconomic statistics, even for low levels of geography.Nancy Bates, a lesbian and former Census Bureau official, said that the testing ofSOGIquestions is a major development that will allow the organization to better understand the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the United States and how to better them.I am heartened to hear that testing of both gender identity and sexual orientation are underway in the American Community Survey. This is a watershed moment for both the Census Bureau and the entire US federal statistical system. I eagerly await the findings and ultimate implications this will have for the LGBTQI+ community, Bates told the Bay Area Reporter. The ACS currently collects data on same-sex households, much like the decennial census forms. However, it has yet to gather individual SOGI data for every person residing at the 3.5 million addresses that receive the survey annually. The decision to permanently include LGBTQ+ demographic questions in the survey remains years away and will depend on the outcomes of the testing phase.Meeta Anand, senior director of the conferences census and data equity program, and Whitman-Walker Institute director of policy Caroline Medina both say that adding the questions is crucial.Ensuring inclusive and responsible SOGI data collection on the ACS would provide a more comprehensive picture of the needs and experiences of LGBTQI+ communities so they can be better reflected in policies, programs, funding investments, and enforcement of civil rights laws including those to protect LGBTQI+ people from discrimination and ensure equal opportunity, their blog post reads.

Molson Coors, the beverage company behind numerous beer and adult drink brands, is ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) employee trainings and also ending its participation with the Human Rights Campaigns (HRC) Corporate Equality Index (CEI) which ranks companies based on corporate equality measures for LGBTQ+ individuals. Before doing so, Molson Coors had a perfect score of 100 points.The company is also eliminating supplier diversity quotas because they can be complicated and influenced by factors outside of [the companys] control, CNBC Business reported, according to an internal memo sent on Wednesday and obtained by the news outlet. The companys policy changes occurred amid a recent trend of several other large U.S. companies like Lowes, Jack Daniels, John Deere, and Harley Davidson ending their own DEI and LGBTQ+-inclusive commitments. Related Abandoning LGBTQ+ diversity hurts the bottom line, according to new HRC survey Major brands are dropping their commitments to diversity and HRCs Corporate Equality Index. So HRC is hitting back, with data. We are ensuring our executive incentives are tied to business performance and do not include aspirational representation goals beginning next year, company executives wrote in the memo. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Coors Light has sponsored Pride events, supported its LGBTQ+ employees, and marketed to LGBTQ+ consumers. In past years, Molson Coors has raised money for LGBTQ+-focused organizations through its Tap Into Change program.Meanwhile, the HRC has hit back at the companies ending their DEI policies. An HRC statement accused the companies of abandoning their values and backtracking from commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).The HRC pointed to survey data saying that 80% of LGBTQ+ individuals would boycott a company that slashed their DEI initiatives. The new data confirms that companies like Molson Coors, Ford, and others that abandon their values and backtrack from commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion risk losing both top employee talent and consumer dollars, Orlando Gonzales, Senior Vice President of Programs, Research, and Training at the HRC, wrote in an emailed statement. A spokesperson from Molson Coors said in an email to LGBTQ Nation, In March, our [human resources] team began rolling out the next steps of our culture journey, centered on an evolution from our work focused on DEI to a broader view in which all our employees know they are welcome. The driving force behind this shift was the understanding that when all our people know they are welcome, they are more engaged, motivated and committed to our companys collective success. Since then, we have reviewed all our policies and practices to ensure our work is aligned with this renewed focus.The spokesperson said that a team is auditing the charitable giving program to ensure funds are focused on supporting our hometown communities and our core business goals, such as alcohol responsibility, disaster relief efforts, and promoting access to higher education and job training for positions in our industry. Despite cutting DEI programs, the statement from Molson Coors added, We will continue to welcome everyone at our bar. In the polarized world in which we are living, lets ensure that we stay united as a team as well. Respect each other, take care of each other and work together to ensure the best beers in the world are backed by the best culture in the world. Predictably, conservative activist and COVID scammer Robby Starbuck has once again declared victory for the policy change. 4 years ago Coors was giving $1,000,000 to the HRC. Today Coors wants no association with them. Our movement is creating change on a massive scale. Sanity is making a comeback, he wrote on X.In late June, the Tractor Supply Co. was also the subject of a Starbuck campaign. The company announced that it would end DEI programs, stop sponsoring Pride events, and withdraw from carbon emission goals. Just a couple of weeks later, John Deere said it would no longer participate in social or cultural awareness parades and remove all socially motivated messages from its training materials and workplace policies after Starbuck took aim at the company.Jack Daniels, Harley Davidson, and Lowes followed suit last week and the week before. With Coors Light altering its policies, the number of companies caving to far-right fervor is up to six.

Pucker up!Dannii Minogue is bringing more spicy LGBTQ+ representation to the mainstream on the sapphic show I Kissed a Girl.As the title suggests, contestants kick off their quest for love with a smooch the second they meet each other. I Kissed a Girl serves as the second season to the popular UK gay dating show I Kissed a Boy.It may be the same premise, but women now get a chance at love! Plus, Minogue returns as the host, so what's not to love?"More than ever, we've got to stick together. It doesn't matter if we're in different countries. We have to learn from each other. This is where I'm meant to be! I'm a very happy student," Minogue tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Minogue has embraced her status as a gay icon for many years now. In fact, the star even joined her sister Kylie Minogue in a surprise performance last year at World Pride in Sydney."Performing at World Pride with Kylie was fun. I'm just doing what I love doing. It's a real time capsule of what's going on in the world."The singer and TV host is beyond grateful to give back to the LGBTQ+ community, as her career is about to hit an incredible five decades.Down in Australia, dedicated fans have even created a petition to have a street in Melbourne named "Minogue Lane" for her and her sister's undeniable impact."Myself and my sister... we're very proud of our name and what that means to people. I don't know if it's going to happen, but we'd have very proud parents if it did."I Kissed a Girl is streaming now on Hulu. To see the full interview with Dannii Minogue, check out the video at the top of the page.

This story is brought to you by our partners at Easterseals. Photo Courtesy of Runway of Dreams Photo Courtesy of Runway of DreamsThe category is: fashion! Not just any fashion, though The Runway of Dreams Foundation is also serving Adaptive and accessible.Next Monday during New York Fashion Week (NYFW), more than 60 models with a diverse range of disabilities will model the runway at the foundations 10th anniversary event, FASHION REVOLUTION, at Powerhouse Arts in Brooklyn, NY. Accessible and Adaptive fashion clothing and footwear specifically designed for people with varying degrees of disability and accessibility needs will take center stage at the fashion show.Being a queer disabled individual with a facial difference, I have never seen anyone like me represented in the media, Austin Halls, American songwriter and vocalist born with Moebius Syndrome, tells Pride.com. To be showcased in FASHION REVOLUTION, I'm showing the world that the future of disabilities is having a seat at, or owning, the table. Photo Courtesy of Runway of Dreams Photo Courtesy of Runway of DreamsMadison Tevlin, Canadian actor, model and advocate, will host the fashion show and model the runway. In 2024, Tevlin led the viral campaign Assume That I Can for World Down Syndrome Day, garnering more than 150 million views in under a week. Prior to the success of the campaign, Tevlin also starred in the 2023 groundbreaking American drama-comedy Champions that tells the story of a team of basketball players with different learning disabilities.Runway of Dreams and NYFW are everything that I love, says Tevlin. New York, fashion, advocacy, and a big party! Walking the runway and hosting FASHION REVOLUTION are what dreams are made of. Photo Courtesy of Runway of Dreams Photo Courtesy of Runway of DreamsThe annual NYFW fashion event will unite more than 500 influential diversity, equity and inclusion advocates and exhibit the pioneering efforts of leading companies in Adaptive and Universal design, including Victoria's Secret & PINK, Kohl's, Target, JCPenney, Tommy Hilfiger, with footwear provided by Zappos.The show celebrates people with disabilities at many cross sections and will continue to be a premier platform advocating for self expression through fashion in the disability space, says Mindy Scheier, Founder of the Runway of Dreams Foundation. This is an exciting next chapter for Adaptive and Universal Design, and we cannot wait for more brands to join the FASHION REVOLUTION. Photo Courtesy of Runway of Dreams Photo Courtesy of Runway of DreamsScheiers son, Oliver, has a rare form of muscular dystrophy a degenerative disease that impacts his ability to do various daily tasks on his own. In helping her son figure out how to modify a pair of jeans to fit over his leg braces, Scheier was inspired to start Runway of Dreams. The foundation aims to create modifications to help people with disabilities get dressed independently, and wear clothes that reflect their personality and style. Scheier is eager to empower people with disabilities to have confidence and self-expression through inclusion in fashion and beauty. I am energized about the future of fashion as it pertains to the intersection between disability and queerness, says Oliver, who was recently a guest on Easterseals podcast Everything You Know About Disability is Wrong. In many ways, I see them as very similar. To see the fashion industry and culture as a whole celebrate the two, empowers me and brings me hope for the future.In addition to the Adaptive runway show, the Runway of Dreams Foundation has also partnered with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in a collaborative project called Next Gen. The collaboration will pair six student designers from FIT with models who have varying disabilities. The project tasks the participants to create runway-ready looks that address the models specific dressing challenges in three categories: intimates, athleisure and pajamas. The final pieces from this partnership will close the runway show as the grand finale. Scheier and executives from VS&Co. have worked closely with students to ensure the design is both functional and stylish while prioritizing the models comfort and mobility.Join FASHION REVOLUTION and learn more about Adaptive fashion at Powerhouse Arts in Brooklyn, NY, or tune in HERE next Monday, September 9th at 8:30 p.m.!

Out Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has launched a Department of Transportation (DOT) inquiry into the frequent flier rewards programs of the four largest U.S. airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.The inquiry has asked the airlines for detailed information so that the DOT can examine how participating consumers are impacted by the devaluation of earned rewards, hidden or dynamic pricing, extra fees, and reduced competition and choice, the DOT wrote in a statement. Related 10 times Pete Buttigieg proved he is a great Transportation Secretary Petes tenure has been marked by significant achievements and innovative leadership. While the DOT is investigating and can take action against airlines for unfair or deceptive business practices, the DOT hasnt accused any of the aforementioned airlines of such dealings. 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 Points systems like frequent flyer miles and credit card rewards have become such a meaningful part of our economy that many Americans view their rewards points balances as part of their savings. These programs bring real value to consumers, with families often counting on airline rewards to fund a vacation or to pay for a trip to visit loved ones, Buttigieg said. But unlike a traditional savings account, these rewards are controlled by a company that can unilaterally change their value. Our goal is to ensure consumers are getting the value that was promised to them, which means validating that these programs are transparent and fair.Airline rewards programs typically reward customers who frequently use a particular airline or make purchases with an airline-branded credit card. These earned miles or points can typically be redeemed for free or discounted travel, upgrades, airport lounge access or third-party goods and services.The problem with such programs is that airlines can impose new restrictions, like blackout and expiration dates, additional purchase requirements, and other limitations on who can redeem the rewards, how and when. Airlines can also devalue the rewards systems essentially requiring consumers to pay more or receive less for their earned benefits or also tack on extra fees for redeeming them. Similar changes can also affect many consumers when airlines merge, causing two different rewards programs to combine into a single new system. As part of the DOTs inquiry, it has asked airlines to describe any changes to its rewards programs over the last six years, the average dollar value of each programs accrued points or miles, and a side-by-side comparison of any customer fees compared to business costs that the airlines use the fees to cover.This isnt the first time that the DOT has examined airline practices under Buttigieg. In April, the DOT began requiring airlines to disclose extra costs for baggage, canceling tickets as well as for canceled or severely delayed flights. Last December, the DOT) secured enforceable commitments from the 10 largest U.S. airlines to cover travelers expenses for things like rebooking, meals and other costs connected to flight delays and cancellations.In November 2022, the DOT required six airlines to pay $600 million in refunds to hundreds of thousands of customers who had been denied them.

These celebs have gone from red to blue!There are a shocking number of celebrities who are Republicans. Everyone from Kelsey Grammar and James Wood to Amber Rose and 50 Cent, but lucky for us some famous people who once supported the GOP have had second thoughts.This presidential election cycle has been especially fraught because the LGBTQ+ community has so much to lose if Donald Trump wins and the Republicans get a majority in the House and the Senate. And while it can feel hopeless to try to change the minds of conservatives, these celebrities prove its possible to the MAGA party in your rearview mirror.While you might expect celebs like Chuck Norris and Kid Rock to swing right, there are other actors and performers who you never would have guessed would have even dipped their tow in the conservative pound.So, lets check out the famous people who once loved the GOP and are now riding the blue wave!Kelly ClarksonPop star turned talk show host Kelly Clarkson endorsed Ron Paul when he was running for the Republican nomination back in 2012 and said she was a Republican but had voted for a Democrat in the last election.Since then Clarkson has become much more liberal. She performed at Obamas second inauguration and tweeted, I am legitimately frightened for our nation, in response to Trump saying that she could shoot someone on 5th Avenue and not lose any votes. And in 2022, she had Hilary Clinton on her eponymous talk show and said that Arizonas abortion ban was insane and that the country is going backward, The Hill reported. Ricky MartinWay back in 2001, Ricky Martin headlined President George W. Bushs inauguration alongside Beyonc, but he quickly became outspoken in his criticism of the Iraq War. The Independent reports that in 2020, the pop star endorsed President Joe Biden and called out his fellow Latinos who were supporting Trump, calling it scary and adding, Trumpeters make a lot of noise. And its scary to see their enthusiasm but us, were doing whats right, the right way and well see what happens in November.Sarah Michelle GellarWhile Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar reportedly used to be a registered Republican, in 2016, she endorsed Hilary Clinton for president. Gellar gave an impassioned speech about why she was voting for Clinton at the BlogHer conference leading up to the election.I am incredibly honored that my daughter lives in a time where she sees that a woman can possibly be President, she said. I think thats really important for daughters to understand that, she explained. Look its hard, both parties buy my products, you know what I mean? That being said, Im with her. I have known that family for a very long time. I believe that, you know, that theres a lot of change that can be made and like I said, Im incredibly proud to be able to look at my 7-year-old daughter and when she says, Mommy, one day can I be president? I can honestly say to her, Yeah, theres a chance that you could, which is not something that my mother could say to me when I was that age.BeyonceBack in 2001, when Beyonc was still part of Destinys Child, she performed at George W Bushs inauguration, singing both Independent Women, Part 1 and Jumpin, Jumpin. At the time, this sparked a backlash, but Beyonc assured fans she only did it for the kids.They really, really wanted us to do it, and hes our president, Beyonc said at the time, according to Cheat Sheet. He told us that we have a bigger influence on kids than he does a lot of the time, and he appreciates that were positive role models.Since then, Beyonc has kept mostly quiet about her political beliefs, and although the rumor that she was set to perform at this years Democratic National Convention turned out to be false, she did give Kamala Harris permission to use her Lemonade song, Freedom, during her campaign.Jon CryerIn 2008, Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer attended a fundraiser for Sen. John McCains presidential run, but in recent years, hes been outspoken in his opposition to Trump and got into a social media spat with Matt Gaetz where he called the congressman a white supremacist.In 2020, when then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy claimed that Trump denounced white supremacists, Cryer took to X to call him out, writing, Im a registered independent voter. Ive voted for and supported both Republicans and Democrats in the past. But the GOPs conversion to the cult of Trump has made it clear...I will never vote for another Republican ever again. Period. Then, earlier this year, Cryer posted that Republicans who are loyal to Trump are in a personality cult.Adam SandlerThe Billy Madison star reportedly donated money to a GOP candidate in 2007 and gave $2,100 to Rudy Giulianis failed presidential bid, and he performed at George W. Bushs second inauguration. His friendship with Rob Schneider, who has become increasingly more conservative over the years, has also raised eyebrows among his fans, Newsweek reports.Since then, Sandler has kept quiet about his political beliefs, so we dont know for sure that hes a Democrat now, but in 2019, he reprised his role as Opera Man, where a stanza in his song hilariously mocked Trump. Trumpa, Dumpa/They afraid to impeach/I get to makea the wall/Putin make me his beetch, Sandler said.

Soon the weather will get cooler, and the leaves will start changing, which means we're much closer to a new season of The Boulet Brothers' Dragula!Today, horror streaming service Shudder announced that a brand new season of your favorite creepy drag competition will drop on Tuesday, October 1, and the six-episode season will be full of fantastic celebrity judges.The fabulous Dragula hosts Dracmorda and Swanthula Boulet will judge a whole new batch of drag stars alongside Dragula winners Landon Cider and Niohuru X, as well as Drag Race legends Violet Chachki and Alaska Thunderfck.They will also be joined by a bevy of horror icons like Jennifer Tilly (Bride of Chucky), Mike Flanagan (House of Usher), Jamie Clayton (Hellraiser, Don Mancini (creator of Chucky), David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil), Justin Simien (director of Haunted Mansion), Amelia Cooper (write of M3gan), Joe Bob Briggs & Darcy (Hosts Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs), Tananarive Due (author of Horror Historian), Darren Stein (director of Jawbreaker), Mathieu Cote (creator of Dead By Daylight), and Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black).While we don't know which queens and kings will be competing this season, they'll all be battling it out to see who can win the $100,000 grand prize and the headlining spot on the Dragula world tour.Unlike Drag Race, contestants on Dragula contestants must create "stunning looks and special effects makeup inspired by themes like horror, sci-fi, the supernatural, and fantasy," and those who fail will have to "face their deepest fears in terrifying physical challenges" that include nightmare fuel like being "buried alive" or "enduring swarms of spiders," the press statement reads.We can't wait for spooky season to start so we can cheer on our favorite creepy drag monsters!The Boulet Brothers' Dragula premieres on October 1, 2024, on Shudder and AMC+.

A late-night party in a wooded area frequented by teens in Gloucester, Massachusetts, was the scene of a brutal beating over the Labor Day weekend that left a trans high school junior with bone fractures and nerve damage.Sixteen-year-old Jayden Tkaczyk was transported to a local hospital emergency room after police responded to the area known as Dogtown. Related JK Rowling attacks visually impaired trans Paralympic athlete: Shes a cheater! Italian runner Valentina Petrillo responded with words of hope, calling on the world to treat trans people better. One second, I was having fun. The next minute, I was on the ground getting my face stomped and beat, said Tkaczyk after his release from the hospital. 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 Tkaczyk told reporters hes dealt with being bullied for years over his trans identity and is sure it played a part in why he was targeted on Friday night.They were saying the F-slur over and over and over as they were punching me and stomping me, he recalled.As of Wednesday, Gloucester Police Chief Edward Conley had yet to declare the assault a hate crime.We are treating these allegations with the utmost seriousness, Conley said in a statement. We ask the public to allow the investigation to proceed without rushing to judgment.Tkaczyk was reported missing before police responded to the area around 10:45 p.m. Cops say they learned that there had been a dispute among teens at the gathering and that one had been assaulted. Authorities said the people involved are known to one another. Adding to the familys distress: social media posts justifying the attack.This has always been my worst fear as a mom of a trans teen, said Jasmine Tkaczyk, Jaydens mother. A lot of them are proud of what they did, and its wrong.Hes been bullied by these children for years, she added.Chief Conley said hes assigned a detective trained in civil rights investigations to lead the case and is in contact with the Essex County District Attorneys office for additional support and resources. In the aftermath of the brutal beating, the 16-year-old displayed a level of grace beyond his years.They had clearly mentioned in the past that they dont like me because Im trans, Tkaczyk said, but he added, I hope that the people that have hate in their heart find and seek inner happiness within themselves and inner peace.

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin shared a touching moment on stage with a trans fan during the bands Music of the Spheres World Tour in Dublin, Ireland.It started when Martin spotted a fan in the crowd holding a sign that said, Trans fan. Coldplay saved my life. Its my dream to come on stage. He brought the fan on stage, a young trans man named James, according to his sister. Related Coldplay frontman Chris Martin says he was homophobic & thought he might be gay Elton John helped the singer eventually come to terms with his budding teenage sexuality. This is my brother, James, he got taken on stage at the Coldplay show last night in Dublin, with the trans sign If anyone has any videos/pictures of his incredible and well deserved moment wed love them! Thank you so much, the sister Hannah posted to X. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today This is my brother, James, he got taken on stage at the Coldplay show last night in Dublin, with the trans sign If anyone has any videos/pictures of his incredible and well deserved moment wed love them! Thank you so much #onebigband #coldplay #ColdplayDublin @coldplay pic.twitter.com/WwjK5LI1Ki hannah. (@hwalls_) September 2, 2024There, the two had a wonderful exchange about the impact that theyve had on each others lives.Its the first time someone has ever brought us a sign like this, so Im going to say thank you for giving us this honor, Martin said.James detailed how the band saved his life through their music, to which Martin said, You saved my life, its the same. It works both ways, Im afraid. We need you as much as you need us.James then requested that they play their 2014 hit, Magic. A beautiful video shows him on stage with Martin as the two sing together. Special moment this evening for this young lad from Cornwall wishing you only good things @coldplay #ColdplayDublin pic.twitter.com/8cmt6eOG9H Hilda McEvoy (She/Her/Hers) (@HildaMcevoy) September 1, 2024An X account by the name of Protect Trans Kids shared the love and support with their followers, detailing the support from fans.Chris Martin calls a trans man on stage at a @coldplay concert and reads out his sign: Trans Fan. Coldplay saved my life and a stadium full of people get all the feels and go wild in support! Chris Martin calls a trans man on stage at a @coldplay concert and reads out his sign: Trans Fan. Coldplay saved my life.and a stadium full of people get all the feels and go wild in support! #ColdplaySaysTransRights https://t.co/sVe0myg8qM Protect Trans Kids (@mimmymum) September 4, 2024Martin, and Coldplay as a whole, have expressed their support for LGBTQ+ people previously. Theyve been spotted waving the LGBTQ+ flag at public events, and during the song People of the Pride, Martin was draped in a rainbow Pride flag. The song has been adopted by some as an anthem for gay rights.

Gay conservative influencer Dave Rubin says he was the victim of a Russian scheme, as the Department of Justice (DOJ) says that Moscow allegedly used him as part of a disinformation campaign to influence the results of the 2024 elections in the U.S.The DOJ announced Wednesday that two Russian nationals affiliated with RT, previously known as Russia Today, have been charged in connection with an alleged scheme to covertly finance and direct a media company based in Tennessee. The company reportedly promoted Russian interests online through approximately $10 million in payments, which made up nearly 90% of its total funds. Related Russia hired anti-LGBTQ+ rightwingers to push propaganda to U.S. audiences The Department of Justice revealed that Tenet Media was mostly funded buy Russian state media. It regularly platforms anti-LGBTQ+ broadcasters. The indictment alleges that the media companies were aware that their benefactors were Russian and that they did not register as foreign agents, which is what the law requires. 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 media company was not named in the DOJ indictment. It does say it is based in Tennesse, has six commentators, and is a website that bills itself as a network of heterodox commentators that focus on western political and cultural issues.The Guardian notes that the description is an exact match for Tenet Media, where Rubin works. Donald Trumps daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, has been featured on their podcast, as has former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.Dave Rubin seems to match the description of Commentator-1 in the indictment, as he has the exact same number of YouTube subscribers.Rubin wrote on his X account, @TheRubinReport, that he knew absolutely nothing about any of this fraudulent activity.He added, I and other commentators were the victims of this scheme.The DoJ has never contacted me regarding this matter and I have no intention to comment further.The indictment says that Commentator-1 agreed to produce four weekly videos that he would host and would be livestreamed by Tenet Media in exchange for $400,000 per month and a $100,000 signing bonus. Rubin is an out gay man who famously advocates for anti-LGBTQ+ policies while talking to his conservative guests. He once said, I get nothing but love from conservatives and said he likes hanging out conservatives.In an interview with Candance Owens, who has made many homophobic comments of her own, Rubin even said it was fine with him if people wanted to pray for him to stop being gay.By the way, some people did come up to me and say, Im praying for you, and I dont know if they meant that, Im praying for you, meaning Im trying to pray the gay away or Im just praying for your continued success, or whatever, he said.In 2019, Rubin told Donald Trump Jr. that its OK to call him a slur.You can call me whatever you want, he said at the time. You could call me a f** right now and it wouldnt mean anything to me.In 2022, when Karine Jean-Pierre became the first out White House press secretary, Rubin said that she only got her job because shes Black and gay.Shes a Black lesbo, and for that shes got the gig, he said.

The Washington Commanders, a D.C.-based football team, dismissed one of its executives after he was secretly recorded by an undercover reporter making comments suggesting the teams Black players were homophobic and describing some NFL players as dumb as hell.The executive was identified by several news outlets, such as The Washington Post, as Rael Enteen, who held the title of vice president of content for the Commanders organization. Related The Washington Redskins owner is Jewish. He should know how racist symbols hurt. I asked the owner about the picture, Is that a Jew? He responded, Yes, it is. An employee with a broad smile said, Yes, money, money, rubbing together the thumb and index finger of her right hand. Enteen was recorded with a hidden camera on two different dates with an undercover reporter from OKeefe Media Group. The reporter did not tell Enteen she was a reporter during the dates. 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 On the recording, Enteen said, A big chunk [of the Commanders roster] is very low-income African American that comes from a community that is inherently very homophobic, the Daily Mail reports Enteen as saying in the recording. I love hip-hop, hip-hop is very homophobic, he reportedly stated in the video. Its a cultural thing that I hope gets better.Enteen called NFL fans high school-educated alcoholics and mouth breathers.He also claimed that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones really runs the NFL and expressed his belief that Jones hates gay people and Black people. He referred to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as a $50 million puppet and criticized the leagues social justice initiatives as merely performative.While discussing his role, Enteen mentioned a 2021 incident when pipes leaked at FedEx Field during a game, causing fans to complain about a sewage-like smell. He said he was tasked with tweeting on behalf of the team, insisting the leaks were only water, and described the tweet as state-run media. According to The Athletic, the reporter from OKeefe Media was not named. She matched with Enteen on a dating app and can be heard speaking in an 11-minute video that contains the recordings of the homophobic and racist comments.OKeefe Media is a conservative media organization that uses citizen journalists who secretly record conversations, which are then edited, often in misrepresentative ways.The Commanders condemned Enteens comments in a statement, saying, The language used in the video runs counter to our values at the Commanders organization. It is also conducting an internal investigation.

Veteran Oakland County Probate Judge Kathleen Ryan was relieved of her duties on Thursday after recordings of her saying racist and anti-gay slurs came to light.The recordings were sent to key public officials, including a county executive named Dave Coulter, who is gay. Some of the slurs that Ryan used were about Coulter. Related Judge busted in secret recordings using racist & homophobic slurs She has been relieved of her duties. In a statement to the Detroit Free Press, Coulter said that Ryans words were abhorrent and said they justified her removal from the countys probate court pending further investigation. 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 There is absolutely no place for harassment of any kind or racist or homophobic language by anyone at Oakland County, especially by someone the public must be confident will act fairly and impartially. I have confidence that the agencies reviewing this matter will treat it with the seriousness it deserves and will take further action if warranted, Coulter said.According to county officials, Ryan was removed from her docket last week. The tapes, obtained by the Free Press on Thursday, not only capture Ryans crude remarks about Coulter but also record her calling the average Black American a f**king lazy piece of sh*t and labeling herself as a new racist. Ryan also called Coulter and other elected officials little fa***t.Dave Woodward, chair of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, confirmed that he also received copies of the recordings.I was appalled. Theres simply no justification for it, Woodward said. He noted that such language disgraces the judicial position, undermines the integrity of the judiciary, and destroys public trust in our legal system. Woodward also expressed hope that if it is indeed the judge making these comments, an investigation would lead to her permanent removal from the bench. Oakland County Probate Court Administrator Ed Hutton recorded the former judge in secret, he told WXYZ News. Hutton told WXYZ-TV that he had recorded Ryan for the last two years after hearing her hate and contempt for various protected groups.Hutton also submitted a notice of sexual harassment involving Ryan in May to Oakland County Probate Court Chief Judge Linda Hallmark but didnt hear any follow-up about it. Hutton took matters into his own hands, sending the recordings to Coulter, Woodward, and Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement.Judge Hallmark removed Ryan from her courtroom duties and forwarded information about the recordings to the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission, the state agency responsible for recommending disciplinary actions against judges. These recommendations can include removal from office, though the final decision rests with the state Supreme Court. Ryan had domestic violence charges against her that were dropped four months later, in November 2021. A police report from the Wixom Police Department detailed that Ryan, after drinking, repeatedly hit a male companion during an argument. Although Ryan was unharmed, she was taken to Ascension Providence Hospital for evaluation. At the hospital, she allegedly shouted obscenities at police officers and hospital staff, attempted to leave custody, and warned them that she was a judge and would be coming after them, according to the report.The police later spoke with the victim, who stated that he wanted to pick up his girlfriend (Ryan) as soon as possible and added that aside from her hitting me in the face four or five times, nothing else really happened. Ryan was instead taken to the Oakland County Jail. The following day, she was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence, granted a personal recognizance bond, and released from jail. The charge was dropped in March 2022.

With the election barely 60 days away, now is the time to stock up on some high-quality Trump merch! Haha, thats obviously a joke because most of it looks like low-quality garbage. But collectors of election memorabilia or racist keepsakes will surely treasure this collection of increasingly bizarre Trump merch.Whether the MAGA chud in your life likes flags, sneakers, stickers, or virtual trading cards, this list of Trump merch will help them Make America Great Again or something. Related Donald Trump is selling Christmas wrapping paper & stockings featuring his mugshot Nothing says tidings of comfort and joy to the MAGA faithful like the scowling face of a fame-hungry real estate con man turned proto-fascist. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today MAGA HatTrumpStore.com What better way to alarm others and proclaim your love of Trump and his cronies than with this now-iconic bit of Trump merch? Thisred hat is sure to make others wonder, Wow, how racist are they, exactly? And for balding MAGA maniacs, theres also a visor version thats topped by a Trump comb-over wig.Trump 2024 FlagsOfficialTrumpStore.com U.S. flags are so 1777. Modernize your flagpole with a 2024 red, white, and blue featuring the surname of your favorite wannabe dictator! And for those who like a little irony in their Trump merch, some versions mention Jesus or the now-outdated phrase Lets Go Brandon, back when Trump was still running against President Joe Biden.Never Surrender sneakersTrump Sneaker Website Hate all those pesky stars and stripes on the U.S. flag? These shiny gold high-top sneakers feature a modified U.S. flag with only three stripes and five stars simple! At the low cost of $400, you cant afford not to buy them.Trump-Vance 2024 Election Supporter MAGA MugOfficialTrump2024Store.com Drink up some delicious liberal snowflake tears with this black mug. Its also one of the only pieces of campaign merchandise that features the name of Trumps running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH). Of course, even Vance himself said that running mates dont really matter so maybe he doesnt mind.God Bless the USA BibleGodBlessTheUSABible.com Lets Make America Pray Again with this $60 Bible that smashes church and state together so close together that even Jesus himself would blush. The King James Bible contains a copy of the Declaration of Independence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the first 10 amendments of the Constitution (though not the amendments that abolished slavery and granted women the right to vote).Trump digital trading cardsCollectTrumpCards.com If youve outgrown Pokemon and baseball cards and dont like the inconvenience of carrying around actual cards you may love these completely virtual NFT cards that feature superheroic renderings of Trump wearing boxing gloves and literally holding onto a bolt of lightning. Theyre only $99 each, though you could always just screenshot the ones above right now for free.Trump Freedom CoolerGetTrumpSneakers.com Dont be like those suckers and losers who pass out in the over 100-degree weather while waiting for Trump to show up at his latest outdoor rally. For a measly $399, you can get this 55-quart cooler with an idealized rendering of Trump pointing at you, his latest mark.Victory Cologne by President Trump @therecount Subtle, not too fruity #fyp #news #politics #political #politicalnews #politicaltiktok #rnc #rnc2024 #trump #donaldtrump #trumpcologne #cologne #perfume #republican original sound therecount This Trump merch is advertised as more than a fragrance for the movers, the shakers, and the history makers. Theres also a perfume for women that allegedly captures the essence of feminine strength and elegance. Sadly, the website selling them notes that the colognes gold-plated bottle and Trump-headed topper are shown for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product. SighTrump Assassination T-ShirtAmazon.com Relive one of the most horrifying moments of this election cycle with a cotton t-shirt commemorating the moment that some right-wing weirdo tried to kill Trump but ended up only grazing his ear (and killing a firefighter) instead. At least Trump had the foresight to stand up and pump his fist for this now-iconic photo instead of immediately ducking for cover with Secret Service agents. This bit of Trump merch screams, Someone tried to kill Trump and all I got was this lousy t-shirt.Make America Great Again 45-47 Pet HoodieOfficialTrump2024Store.com If your house pet hates immigrants and transgender people as much as Trump does, you can dress them in a white hood err, we mean hoodie. (Tiki torches not included.)Trump 2024 SweatshirtWalmart.com Whoops! Come to think of it, maybe this Trump for Prison 2024 sweatshirt isnt actually the best Trump merch for supporting the former president, but it does mark his historic campaign as the first president ever convicted of criminal charges.Trump Pickleball SetTrumpStore.com Now you too can pretend like youre playing Pickleball at Mar-a-Lago or Trump Tower with this $119 set of Pickleball gear. It also contains a carrying case and two balls filled with as many holes as Trumps financial records.Yes Im A Trump Girl Get Over It Beach TowelAmazon.com Trump is never one to forget the ladies (even though he continually alienates female voters and his own wife refuses to campaign alongside him.) This beach towel is perfect for covering up whenever an adjudicated sexual assaulter tries to grab you.Terminator Trump Ill Be Back StickersOfficialTrump2024Store.com If Trump and the Terminator had a baby, the unfortunate child would probably grow up to look like these Trumpinator stickers. But while it might seem cool for Trump merchto depict him as the time-traveling child-stalking cyborg from the Terminator films, one should remember that the Terminator actually dies at the end of almost every one.Trump 2024 U.S. Flag socksFor those who like repeatedly stepping on the U.S. flag, these Trump 2024 socks will let any 10-toed freedom fighter trample all over the stars and stripes forever. Getting cold feet on voting for Trump? Not with this cottony Trump merch. Trump Ultimate Charm BraceletHamiltonCollection.comPut a little bling in your swing with this gaudy bit of Trump merch featuring nine handcrafted charms just dont call them good luck charms. Trump Rubber DuckiesOfficialTrump2024Store.comNow bathtime can be wrath-time with these yellow rubber duckies of Trump. Just like his campaign, these will float lifelessly on the scummy surface of any swamp, and there are also versions of him making the possibly white supremacist OK symbol or holding a golden assault rifle oh my. Donald Trump Authentic $100 BillOfficialTrump2024Store.comWeirdly, this authentic $100 bill only costs $20 and features Trumps face instead of Benjamin Franklins. Just like Trump, it offers nothing of value. This worthless bit of Trump merch can also be used to bilk lawyers, rally venue owners, or anyone you owe millions in court settlements. Donald J. Trump To My Haters Edition BobbleheadEtsy.comNothing embodies the Trump campaign better than this figurine of the teeny man flipping the bird while using his trademark golden toilet. This Trump merch also captures the wattle hanging from his neck with unsettling accuracy. Trumpy TroutRemember Big Mouth Billy Bass, the mounted singing fish that moves its tailfin and mouth? Well, now theres a more politically divisive version of that kitschy item featuring a creepy fish-man hybrid of Trump. This disturbing piece of Trump merchmakes a perfect Halloween gift for anyone with fishy tastes in home decor. Trump merch isnt just trash, its okay, its just trashWhether youre considering grabbing some Trump merch as a gag gift or because you lost a bet to your local bigot, may we suggest giving your money to a transgender or immigrant charity instead?

There may be a 23-year-age gap between former NFL player Jeff Rohrer and his celebrity aesthetician husband, Josh Ross, but the pair of lovebirds have managed to build a fantastic life together.The couple couldn't be more different on paper. Rohrer, 65, was a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys who was divorcee after having been married for 17 years, had two teenage kids, and was still living in the closet, while Josh, 42, was living his life out and proud in West Hollywood where he was dating a "roster" of men.But when they met at a WeHo restaurant, their lives changed."We met in West Hollywood at a restaurant that was not traditionally a gay restaurant," Ross explained in a new interview with Queerty. "It's hard for Jeff to go back to that time sometimes, but I think he was trying to dip his toe into the gay pool, but not necessarily like going to the Abbey. He was like, 'Let me go to the nice Mexican restaurant in West Hollywood, and maybe there will be a gay person there.'"See on InstagramThe fact that Rohrer was older, still mostly in the closet, and had an ex-wife and two kids should have been red flags, but instead, Ross was drawn to him."I was never a football fan, of course, but living in Texas, the Dallas Cowboys, that's America's Team. There was something about that," he said. "The coincidence for him to have played football in my home state, it just felt like there was something kinetic and magic about that."Not only were Rohrer and Ross in a gay age-gap relationship, but when they got married in 2018, they made history, becoming the first-known NFL player, past or present, to enter into a same-sex marriage. Their whole family was featured in People as "redefining the term blended family" because they chose to live together with Rohrer's ex-wife and kids all under one roof."Jeff and Josh are my family, and we're a better team together than apart," ex-wife Heather Rohrer told People back in 2019.See on InstagramWhen Rohrer finally came out to his family and the public, he was pleasantly surprised by the reception he got, telling Queerty that he was "honestly shocked" by how well people reacted."I did not expect I knew I would get props from the gay community or at least I hoped I would," he explained. "I did not expect the amount of people, friends of mine on the right, on the left, married, unmarried, all colors, giving me their support. This says nothing about me, but I think it says something about our community. When you live your life well, when your handshake means something, when words come out of your mouth, they mean something. When you work, people appreciate what you do. That matters a lot more than your sexuality."As for the attraction between the two men, "The good news is, he likes daddies, so that worked out pretty good," Rohrer quipped.