In the 1970s, I launched a campaign to end LGBTQ invisibility on television. Years later, that mission to show the public who we were expanded to another arena wed long been written out of: American history. Just as television producers ignored us, so too had historians. Sadly, such erasure is happening again today, this time because of both the glaring absence and defamatory framing of LGBTQ people in Ken Burns new PBS documentary The American Revolution. Related GLAAD used your donations to buy a chandelier How can LGBTQ people be both omitted and defamed in the documentary? Simple: the use of age-old stereotypes.After a friend informed me a few weeks ago that Burns documentary portrayed Revolutionary War General Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben in a disingenuous and harmful way, I promptly reached out to both Terry Gross of NPR and the Museum of the American Revolution, who both had scheduled events with Burns, and soon after got a call from Burns team, led by Burns co-directors Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. We met on Zoom, they shared the relevant clip with me (which was, indeed, disingenuous and harmful), and I explained why their portrayal of von Steuben was historically thin and reinforced harmful tropes. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today It is often difficult for heterosexual historians to fully appreciate how LGBTQ people have been labeled throughout history. From my conversation with Burns team over the last month, it seems we agreed that most credible historians now accept that Baron von Steuben would be considered a gay man by todays understanding. That is never mentioned in the documentary. They risk erasing the fact that a gay man played a significant and indispensable role in founding this nation. Yet in Burns documentary, the only reference to his sexuality is a single line: he took familiarities with boys. That claim is misleading, damaging, and more harmful than if hed just kept von Steuben in the closet. It reinforces the dangerous idea that all gay people are pedophiles. That line, which the producers believe to be fact, is based on a single rumor from a religious order with whom von Steuben had political conflict. Historians have often repeated it not because it is well-founded, but because it conveniently fits the long history of how gay men have been smeared through innuendo. In my correspondence with Paul Lockheart, who authored the definitive von Steuben biography, The Drillmaster of Valley Forge, he told me he didnt believe those rumors to be true. Even more institutions, including theSmithsonian, have called the rumors unproven and based on anonymous reports.If Burns film fully accepts the allegation, made in 1777, at face value, the logic becomes absurd: it would require the viewer to believe Benjamin Franklin knowingly sent a pedophile to George Washington to train our troops. Franklin was many things, but he was not a fool. His note to George Washington reads:Sir,I beg leave to recommend to your Excellency the Baron de Steuben, a gentleman of rank and military experience, who served for many years with great reputation in the Prussian Army under the King of Prussia. His zeal for our cause has brought him from Europe at his own expense, with a desire to offer his services to the United States.I make no doubt his knowledge and discipline will be of great use in forming our troops. I therefore take the liberty to recommend him to your Excellencys attention and favorable notice.With great respect,B. FranklinFranklins letteralong with the writings of George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jeffersonall portray von Steuben as a man of extraordinary integrity and a true hero of the Revolution. None of that balance or historical nuance appears in Burns series. Sadly, Ive seen this kind of distortion before. More than fifteen years ago, during a televised debate on LGBTQ equality, an opponent leaned across the set and snarled at me: This country was not founded for people like you. I answered that one of the men who helped found this nation was like me, General von Steuben. By then, I had already spent years researching and writing about him. One of my lines has been repeated so often its practically folklore: Benjamin Franklin sending von Steuben to the Continental Congress made Franklin the father of Dont Ask, Dont Tell.In Burns portrayal of the Revolution, LGBTQ people are not only erased but defamed, reduced to a caricatured trope instead of being recognized as real participants in shaping our countrys history. And this type of omission is not new in his documentary work.In his 2014 series The Roosevelts, he faced criticism from historians and LGBTQ advocates for omitting Eleanor Roosevelts close and well-documented relationship with Lorena Hickok. In his 2017 documentary on the Vietnam War, there was no mention of Sgt. Leonard Matlovich, the most famous LGBTQ service member of that era and the poster figure for Dont Ask, Dont Tell, or any other LGBTQ veteran who served. Taken together, these choices form a troubling pattern: showing America that LGBTQ people dont exist.Burns documentary correctly highlights von Steubens crucial role in transforming Washingtons troops and helping win the war. But it ends that portrayal with the oldest, most dangerous stereotype used against gay men. That isnt history. That isnt education. Its a blatant disservice to the truth, to viewers, and to von Steubens legacy. Thats what I take away from The American Revolution. LGBTQ Americans have always been part of our nations story. Were done being erased, sidelined, or misrepresented. And as long as documentaries, museums, and classrooms continue to perpetuate old myths, we will keep demanding the accuracy our history deserves.MarkSegalis an American journalist. He is the founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News and has won numerous awards for his column MarkMy Words, including best column by The National Newspaper Association, Society of Professional Journalists, GLAAD, and The National Lesbian and GayJournalists Association.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Hello Out readers, are you excited for the 2026 Grammys? The nominees for the 2026 Grammys were announced last week, with queer artists like Lady Gaga, Doechii, Billie Eilish, Tyler, the Creator, and Katseye all earning nominations!Rapper Kendrick Lamar is this year's most nominated artist, with nine noms, while producers Cirkut and Jack Antonoff, as well as singer Lady Gaga, follow up with seven noms each.Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, fresh off his Super Bowl Halftime controversy, also earned six nominations, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. His album DeB TiRAR MS FOToS is just the second Spanish-language album to be nominated in the category. The first? Bad Bunny's 2022 album Un Verano Sin Ti.Lady Gaga is also having a great year at the Grammys, with seven nominations total for her album Mayhem her highest for a single album!One of our favorite nominations comes in the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance category, where Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were nominated for the movie version of the classic duet "Defying Gravity."While we love that they were nominated in the category, what we love even more is seeing their reaction to the nomination! Thankfully, Erivo and Grande were with director Jon M. Chu and their co-stars when they found out the good news! Make sure you watch their reaction here!Keep reading to find out our Man Crush Monday!- Mey Rude22 photos proving the 'Gilded Age' has the hottest cast on TV'Wicked: One Wonderful Night': 5 wonderfully gay momentsDamian Hardung strips down & gets drenched in sexy viral clipSupreme Court declines to revisit same-sex marriage decisionStraight Nonsense: Beware the Trumpy divasJonathan Bailey teases 'brutal and dark' Fiyero in 'Wicked: For Good'Watch 'Wicked's Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande react to Grammy noms in emotional videosMan Crush MondayHow could our Man Crush Monday be anyone other than the dashing and disturbingly talented Wicked: For Good star and People's Sexiest Man Alive, Jonathan Bailey? In a new interview with Esquire, Bailey teased that his character, Fiyero, will have a story that is "quite brutal and dark" in the upcoming sequel. We can't wait!Get Out / The Advocate in your physical mailbox, too!Get print issues of Out Magazine / The Advocate in the mail for just $9.95 a year!

A growing number of celebrities are not only revealing they have trans and nonbinary children, but are also speaking out about loving their kids for exactly who they are.Sometimes that love means vocally supporting their journey, stepping up to support LGBTQ+ charities, or moving their family to a safer place. In other cases, its as simple as normalizing trans experiences within family structures. As Robert De Niro said when his daughter, Airyn, came out earlier this year, I love and support Airyn as my daughter. I dont know what the big deal is, I love all my children. Related Trans actress Airyn De Niro thanks famous dad for support: Could not have asked for better parents Below is a small sample of the many famous parents who show unconditional love to their trans kids. Of course, those named have been open about their personal lives. For some parents, keeping their trans family members out of the media spotlight is a love all its own.Dwyane Wade & Gabrielle Union Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Hollywood, CA USA December 11, 2024: Gabrielle Union, Zaya Wade, Dwyane Wade attends the 2024 Out 100 Celebration. | ShutterstockFormer professional basketball player Dwyane Wade and actress and author Gabrielle Union are the father and stepmother to model and activist Zaya Wade. Dwyane Wade has discussed his pride in his daughter on many occasions, including during a 2020 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.When our child comes home with a question, Wade said, when our child comes home with an issue, when our child comes home with anything, its our job as parents to listen to that, to give them the best information that we can, the best feedback that we can.The couple has been loudly supportive of their daughter and even reached out to the cast ofPoseto learn more about trans identities so they could create a safe and affirming space for Zaya. In 2023, Wade revealed that they had relocated their family out of Florida because they would not be accepted there. Meet Zaya. She's compassionate, loving, whip smart and we are so proud of her. Its Ok to listen to, love & respect your children exactly as they are. Love and light good people. pic.twitter.com/G2lLVdD2VT Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) February 11, 2020Naomi Watts & Liev SchrieberSasha Schreiber, Liev Schreiber, Kai Schreiber, Taylor Schreiber attend New York premiere of Across The River And Into The Trees at Angelika Film Center in New York on August 29, 2024 | Shutterstock While the actors Liev Schrieber and Naomi Watts are no longer romantically involved, theyre still very much aligned in support of their trans daughter, Kai Schrieber. Liev Schrieber spoke about his daughters transition for the first time earlier this year, saying that she never really had to come out to him beyond changing her pronouns: Kai was always who Kai is, the actor said.He has also supported the wider community through the Ali Forney Center, which provides aid for homeless LGBTQ+ youth in NYC. This is actually a community of people who dont have great resources, who dont have access to help, who arent being protected and looked after by their families, he told Variety in May. These are people who are being rejected. These are people who are experiencing the harshest version of humanity that we can offer, and some of them are not surviving it.Watts has been very vocal in her support for her youngest daughter, which was particularly apparent in March, when Kai made her modeling debut at Valentinos autumn/winder 2025 presentation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Naomi Watts (@naomiwatts)Annette Bening & Warren BeattyNew York, NY June 09, 2019: Annette Bening and Warren Beatty attend the 73rd Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall | Shutterstock Actors Warren Beatty andAnnette Bening were ahead of the curve in supporting their trans son, Stephen Ira Beatty, who came out in 2012 at the age of 14. In 2016, when trans identities were less acknowledged in the mainstream, Beatty told Vanity Fair of his son, Hes a revolutionary, a genius, and my hero, as are all my children.Similarly, Bening praised her son in 2019 to the AARP: Hes managed something thats very challenging with great style and great intelligence. Hes an articulate, thoughtful person, and Im very, very proud of him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stephen (@supermattachine) Khary PaytonMANNHEIM, GERMANY MAR 17th 2018: Khary Payton (*1972, actor, Ezekiel on The Walking Dead) talks about his experiences in The Walking Dead | ShutterstockKhary Payton is known for his roles in The Walking Dead, Titans, and General Hospital, but he has also garnered attention for being a great dad to his trans son, Karter, who came out in 2020. Payton gushed about his son in a June Instagram post that year, writing that he is one of the most happy, well-adjusted individuals Ive ever known.There is nothing more beautiful than watching your child feel the joy of exploring what it means to be true to themselves, Payton added. This is his journey, and I am here for it. After that post, Payton made sure to follow up with an explanation of what being trans really means.Payton has worked to keep that public conversation going. Being Karters dad also inspired his transgender role-playing character, Tolo, in the Dungeons & Dragons web series Encounter Party. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khary Payton (@kharypayton)Jamie Lee CurtisLOS ANGELES, CA. October 12, 2022: Jamie Lee Curtis, husband Christopher Guest, and daughters Ruby Guest and Annie Guest at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood. Picture: Paul Smith-Featureflash | Shutterstock Jamie Lee Curtis has a long history of LGBTQ+ advocacy, and in 2021, she revealed that her daughter, Ruby, with director Christopher Guest, is a trans woman. Curtis has been loudly supportive of her daughters trans identity and has said she hopes her advocacy will help other trans kids to be more comfortable with their identities. She also has fun with the whole thing. When Curtis won an Oscar for Everything Everywhere All At Once in 2023, she held it up in an interview and said, Here they are! In support of my daughter Ruby, Im having them be a they/them.Colin Mochrie & Debra McGrath Colin and Kinley Mochrie | YouTube Screenshot, The National Colin Mochrie, the Canadian comedian of Whose Line Is It Anyway? fame, opened up in 2017 about having a trans daughter. Mochrie and his wife, Acrress Debra McGrath, have always shown support for their daughter. Mochrie told HuffPost Canada in 2017, This is my child, this is the exact same person, with a new coat. All you want when you have a child is for them to be safe, to be happy, and to be better than you.He has since been a huge defender of his daughter and the wider trans community, owning up to his own mistakes as well. He publicly apologized after he receiveda lettercalling him out for homophobic and transphobic jokes in the past, and he also onceepically defended his daughter from online trolls. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Colin Mochrie (@colinmochrie7591)Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Khalid, the singer known for his hits like "Location" and "Young, Dumb, & Broke," released his first album as an out gay man called After the Sun Goes Down in October, but it wasn't his choice to share his sexuality with the world. In November 2024, content creator Hugo Almonte, an ex-partner, was discussing who he'd had sex with on X and outed Khalid. A year later, Khalid reflected on the experience during an interview with Keke Palmer on her podcast, Baby, This is Keke Palmer.In the conversation, Khalid said that he felt people expected him "to go into hiding" after being outed. He went on to explain that he's been open about his sexuality to the people who need to know (and shared that his uncle is gay, so the subject matter is not "taboo" in his life). He also spoke about standing firm in protecting his autonomy."One thing that I will not allow is someone to weaponize my individuality against myself," the singer said. "It's way harder to break down in tears and stop everything and be like, 'I don't wanna do this anymore. I'm gonna go into hiding. I don't wanna be exposed,'" he said, adding, "I think it's easier to be like, 'Yeah, I did it, I did that, and it happened, and I am him.'" (@) The singer was forced to come out and dealt with the public scrutiny. To Palmer, he also addressed critics who say he was living in a glass closet: I wasnt hiding anything! Its just not any of your business. While in the past he's called the experience "annoying as fuck," Khalid also categorized it as "a blessing in disguise," telling People in October, "My friends listen to the new music and are like, Khalid, who is this guy? What is this side of you? Its vulnerability, in a sense; Im embracing my sexuality relentlessly, fearlessly.

Contrary to all credible reports, Donald Trump continues to claim the economy is thriving and that everyday necessities are becoming more affordable. But according to CNNs chief data analyst Harry Enten, Americans arent buying it. Enten cited a University of Michigan poll that showed consumer sentiment regarding current conditions is at its worst ever, dating back to 1951. Related Empty seats & plummeting sales have plagued Kennedy Center since Trumps takeover: Its dire This is record-breaking inthe way you dont want to bebreaking records, Enten said, adding that the number is down 30% since January, when Donald Trump took office.Data also shows that Americans blame the president for the challenges. Enten said 61 percent of Americans believe Trumps policies have worsened economic conditions, and 51 percent say they have hurt their own finances. This is double troublefor the president of the UnitedStates, he said. 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 He also assessed pure independents, which he defined as folks who do not lean toward the left or right, and he couldnt help but laugh at the staggering numbers.Im laughing becauseyou rarely ever see a numberthis high, he said. 79 percent of pureindependents disapprove of Trumpon the economy.When you put it alltogether with the approvalratings, it averages out to anet approval rating on theeconomy among pure independents of get this, minus-58 points, Enten said. Oy vey, as mymother used to say. Enten said these numbers are political nightmare fuel and that if these numbers hold, Republicans will have a very bad midterms. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg slammed the president after the president insulted and threatened air traffic controllers for not working harder during the shutdown, even though theyre not getting paid.Buttigieg was responding to a screed Trump posted to social media denouncing American air traffic controllers. Trump was angry because the FAA was forced to reduce domestic flights last week to alleviate pressure at airports due to staffing shortages. Related Pete Buttigieg leads in early state poll for 2028 Democratic primary All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesnt will be substantially docked,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didnt take ANY TIME OFF for the Democrat Shutdown Hoax, I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country.For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. 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 Air traffic controllers are essential workers and are supposed to work without pay during the shutdown. The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act says they will get back pay after the shutdown ends, but it has gone on for over a month, and many may not have the funds to wait longer. Also, there may be concerns about this administrations adherence to the law when it comes to issuing payments in accordance with laws Congress passed.Buttigieg, who used to run the Department of Transportation, which oversees the FAA, stood up for air traffic controllers.The President wouldnt last five minutes as an air traffic controller, Buttigieg pointed out about the president who has trouble staying awake during press conferences, and after everything theyve been through and the way this administration has treated them from Day One he has no business sh**ting on them now. The President wouldn't last five minutes as an air traffic controller, and after everything they've been through and the way this administration has treated them from Day One he has no business shitting on them now. https://t.co/JLi1J26dSC Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) November 10, 2025Airlines canceled 1,600 flights this morning and 1,000 scheduled for Tuesday. Moreover, many flights have been delayed at airports.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Candis Cayne has done it all. From 1995's To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar to 2007's Dirty Sexy Money to 2017's The Magicians, the actress has been a trans icon and trailblazer for several decades.In an Out interview, Cayne discusses her latest film, Witchy Ways, as her third time collaborating with filmmaker Jane Clark with whom she previously worked with in 2013's Meth Head and 2014's Crazy Bitches. Cayne plays a character named Penny in the movie, which features costars like Diora Baird (Eve), Marem Hassler (Danni), Marc Price (Robby), David Fumero (Chief Rick Toth), among others. Candis Cayne as Penny, Marem Hassler as Danni, Diora Baird as Eve in the official poster of Witchy Ways.Wolfe Video/FilmMcQueen.comOut: Hello, Candis Cayne! I clearly didn't think through the part of addressing you, by name, while speaking to you. It's a huge honor. You're an icon, you're a legend, and I think you need to hear that every single time a gay person is in front of you.Candis Cayne: I don't mind it! [Laughs.] I don't mind it. I need some.How did you get involved in this new movie, Witchy Ways, and how would you describe it?Jane Clark who's the director, creator, and writer of Witchy Ways this is my third film with her. I auditioned many moons ago for a movie, and it was kismet. We work really well together; I just love her And she does really queer-friendly content.Almost every movie she does has either a queer lead or really fierce queer supporting cast. She's just a really great example of an inclusive director who brings everybody along with her ride. So this movie was really fun, because who doesn't love a witchy, mystical, fabulous movie?The two leads are amazing actors. I'm pretty good myself. So I jumped at the chance to do this film and dabble in the mystical arts. Candis Cayne as Penny, Marc Price as Robby, Marem Hassler as Danni, Diora Baird as Eve in Witchy Ways.Wolfe Video/FilmMcQueen.com Your character, Penny, is an example of this new popular archetype in horror film: That friend on the phone serving as a vessel for the audience who advises the protagonist to get the heck out of whatever situation they're in.Yeah, and I've done so many movies where I'm that person, but then I'm never in the actual movie.Don't get me wrong, you're perfect with the reactions on phone. But that was my next point: I wanted to see you in it, too! Without spoiling too much, I was happy that Penny does join the actual story at one point.Totally. We also filmed it a couple of years ago, during those heavy rains. It was really hard getting to the location, but it also made for that spooky atmosphere. It was a lot of fun. Candis Cayne as Penny in Witchy Ways.Wolfe Video/FilmMcQueen.com So it's safe to say that the vibes were there.Yeah. And, for some reason, I decided to have my hair curly. I should've worn a wig. [Laughs.] I'm just going to say this out there now: Nobody made me!Between Wicked and Agatha All Along, there's this exciting resurgence of witches in pop culture right now. I love it whenever we get to reclaim those stories and tell them our way, because there's always been queerness there. This is our thing. This is our world. This has been a queer world all along.Totally. If you think about where witchcraft, it started with paganism where people were free. There were rules, but the rules were more our rules mystical rules, moral rules. You went with the world. You respected it. You respected each other. That's what I love about paganism, and witchcraft, and all of that kind of stuff. Candis Cayne as Penny, Diora Baird as Eve in Witchy Ways.Wolfe Video/FilmMcQueen.comIf you could have one superpower, or the ability to conjure one spell, what would it be?Oh, that's so tough.I know, there are many ways to answer this question! [Laughs.] It could be a Miss Continental pageant answer. It could be a standard celebrity answer. It could be a sassy answer.I think that if I could have a mystical power, it would be to be able to travel anywhere in the world. It could be so much fun. Like, I'm just going to Lisbon tonight to visit one of my best friends. Or I want to travel to a distant world that supports life and see what that's like. It would be really a fun thing to do.Teleportation would definitely be the power I'd pick, too.And if I wanted a power that helped other people, it would be healing. That would be a really cool thing to do also. Candis Cayne as Penny in Witchy Ways.Wolfe Video/FilmMcQueen.comSpeaking of which, our community really desperately needs some healing right now. You're a bona fide icon in our community. So many people look up to you. As someone who's seen other waves of this nonsense, do you have any words of support, or encouragement, for trans youth?Well, thank you. I think 'icon' means that you've lived this, and traveled in this world. You've had influence, and you've helped people along the way. As a young trans person, I didn't really have any icons, because we weren't seen. So to be able to be visible, to be in public, to be seen by millions of people To me, it still feels like an honor. I was so grateful that I had the platform to do that.The gay community, and the queer community We've been going through it for decades and centuries. But it came to a head in the 1990s, when we were all marching on the street during Gay Pride in New York City.We weren't doing it so much for the fun of things or, well, half of it was for the fun of things [Laughs.] But the other half was to make our voices heard, be visible, promote marriage equality, and do all of these things. Now it really feels like we're not just taking three steps back, we're taking a mile and a half back. It's really scary right now.I want to say to the queer community as a whole: It's time again for us to step up and fight. We can get distracted with our phones and getting in our Isn't that a cute little case? [Cayne shows her phone case.] Candis Cayne at the Candis Cayne's Secret Garden booth at RuPaul's DragCon Los Angeles.Chelsea Guglielmino/WireImage Yes, I love it. That's so cute. [This writer can confirm Candis Cayne's phone case was very cute.]But anyway, we can get so distracted with this kind of stuff, just like now. [Laughs.] We really need to focus. We need to band together. And this isn't just this community. This is all of our communities, all the Black and Brown communities, immigrant communities, queer communities. We're stronger together. We outnumber them together. So we need to.For my trans sisters, and brothers, and people and especially for trans kids your aunties are here, and we're going to fight for you. We're going to fight for your rights. You have to stay strong. You have to realize that this is a small percentage of hateful people that are doing this. People, a lot of times, are like sheep. They just follow along. But when it comes to seeing our faces, seeing what's happening in the world, I would like to think that allies will come forward.So hang in there. If you don't have your family, find a tribe that loves you. Hunker down. If you can't speak out, it's OK. Let us, who are in places that we can, in places of authority, in places of strength, to speak out for you.But you are not forgotten. You are not lost. We are going to get through this. I love you.Candis, thank you for speaking with us today!I had fun. I love it so much. And Witchy Ways: Go see it, stream it, love on it. It's going to be so much fun. It's such a fabulous, heartfelt, exciting movie.Witchy Ways is now available on demand. For further details, visit WitchyWays.com.

One of the nations highest-ranked transgender military officers spoke out recently about the grief she has experienced since the implementation of the current administrations anti-trans military ban.Im still grieving over the loss of what I believed my future was,Space Force Col. Bree Fram lamented during her keynote speech at the induction ceremony for The San Diego LGBT Community Centers LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor, as reported by Uptown News. Related Federal court says students can misgender trans classmates as much as they like I invested almost 23 years in the service. And I absolutely believed in what the military stood for, believed in my oath to the Constitution, and I worked on amazing things with incredible people. I loved what I did.Fram, who served in the Air Force before the Space Force, is currently on leave as a result of the current administrations purge of transgender troops. She spoke at the event in her personal capacity and was not allowed to give her speech in uniform. 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 After initially introducing a trans military ban during his first presidential term which the Biden administration then overturned the president signed an executive order in January called Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness, which banned trans people from serving in the military. In February, Defense Secretary Pete Hegsethissued a memoenforcing the ban and halting gender-affirming care for service members and their families. While the order was contested in the courts, inMay the Supreme Court ruled that it could go into effect, and trans troops were given a deadline in June to self-identify for voluntary separation. Seeing that institutional step backwards is incredibly disheartening, Fram said. This is a reversal that really is almost unprecedented in terms of re-institutionalizing discrimination.She emphasized the critical role trans people have always played in serving the country. We have been part of the military since the Revolution, Fram said. Its really that competence first that earns peoples trust in the military. And the trans folks showed that, everywhere, every rank, every service, all around the world. And that mattered.She also ridiculed the administration for messing with the livelihood of trans people, who face significantly higher unemployment rates compared to the general population. Data shows that the military is actually the largest employer of trans Americans, with trans people estimated to be two to five times as likely as cisgender people to serve. Anytime you take away economic opportunity and a pathway for people, thats problematic for any community, Fram said. Fram has long spoken proudly about her history-making service as a transgender military member and her refusal to let right-wing online attacks get her down. She has discussed trans and military issues on national and international media; served in leadership roles at SPARTA, a non-profit advocacy group for trans military service members, from 2015 to 2023; editedWith Honor and Integrity: Transgender Troops in Their Own Words; and co-wrote Forging Queer Leaders: How the LGBTQIA+ Community Creates Impact from Adversity.Fram emphasized during her keynote speech that she hasnt stopped serving her country just because she cant do it in uniform. That is our power as Americans, she said. That oath has no expiration date and we get to continue defending democracy in different ways.In the wake of the administrations ban, those who refused to voluntarily separate face the threat of a dishonorable discharge at a later date, as well as a requirement to repay any bonuses received during their military career. Whilean estimated 1,000 military memberstook the voluntary deal,its estimatedthat the majority of trans service members which could number between 4,000 and14,700 did not. The Pentagon is now conducting a witch hunt to find trans people in the ranks. If a service member is accused of being trans, then a board will hear evidence and be tasked with deciding whether that person meets the militarys definition of trans, defined by thePentagon memoas the following: All boards will only make findings about whether a respondent has a diagnosis, history of, or exhibits symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria and, if so, that the respondent should be separated in accordance with reference.Whiletrans service members can apply for a waiver to remain in service,that is only possible if they can provethat they have 36 consecutive months of stability in their sex assigned at birth without distress or impairment, have never tried to transition, and are willing to serve under their sex assigned at birth (which some would argue is simply defined as not being trans).The rules are especially cruel in the requirement that service members appear at the board hearings in a uniform that matches their gender as assigned at birth. The Pentagons newpolicy is very similar to one that the Air Force rolled out back in August, which made it the first branch of the armed forces to provide full guidance on removing trans military personnel.This isnt a policy its a shadow process,SPARTA Pride said in a statement at the time, It creates a military that is no longer built on standards and values identity over merit and paperwork over judgement, eliminating transparency along the way.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Four people are dead and more than a dozen injured after a car crashed into the outdoor seating area in front of an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Tampa, Florida during last Saturdays early morning hours.Court documents and video footage indicate that 22-year-old Silas Sampson drove his Toyota Camry into the crowded sidewalk seating area of Bradleys on 7th, an LGBTQ+ nightclub in the busy GaYbor entertainment district of Tampas Ybor City neighborhood, around 12:45am on Saturday morning, Tampa Bay Times reports. Three people died at the scene, while a fourth died after being taken to a local hospital. A fifth person remained in critical condition on Sunday, the Times reports. Related FBI arrests multiple suspects for allegedly plotting mass shooting at LGBTQ+ bars Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Police arrested Sampson, who allegedly exited his car and tried to flee the scene. Hes been charged with four counts of vehicular homicide and aggravated fleeing to elude law enforcement.The crash reportedly followed a seven-minute chase that began when a Tampa police helicopter spotted two cars allegedly racing in the citys Seminole Heights neighborhood. The chopper continued to track one car, later identified as Sampsons Camry, as it turned south onto Interstate 275 headed into downtown Tampa. Court documents allege that Sampson was driving in a reckless and erratic manner, according to the Times. Two Florida Highway Patrol cars and one Tampa police vehicle pursued the Camry at high speed, with one Highway Patrol trooper, identified in court documents as A. Carrasco, attempting to stop Sampson using a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver. The controversial technique involves a police vehicle striking the rear side of a fleeing car. Sampson managed to maintain control of the car, however, and Carrasco terminated the high-speed pursuit due to heavy pedestrian traffic further ahead, court documents state.Sampson continued into the Ybor City area where he plowed onto the sidewalk in front of Bradleys on 7th, striking a pillar.The suspect vehicle struck several pedestrians walking along the sidewalk and hurled their bodies in the direction of an outdoor seating area at Bradleys, court documents state, according to the Times. Police said Sampson who previously served a years probation after police found a handgun with a defaced serial number in his possession during a June 2024 traffic stop also appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. While in custody, the Defendant made spontaneous statements, including admitting that he made a mistake, asking how many people he killed, and saying just get me to the jail so he could go and sit for a few months, court documents state.On Sunday, a judge ordered Sampson be held without bond until a Thursday hearing on prosecutors motion for pretrial detention.In a statement posted to Facebook, Bradleys on 7th owner Bradley Nelson said that the crash had been traumatic for the bars staff. Nelson asked that the community keep those killed and injured in their prayers. Nelson also thanked local law enforcement, including the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol for responding quickly and efficiently on Saturday morning. However, as the Tampa Bay Times notes, others have criticized the state Highway Patrol for making a dangerous situation even more deadly. Over 5,000 bystanders and passengers were killed in police car chases between 1979 and 2013, with thouseands more injured, according to a 2015 USA Today analysis cited by the Tampa Bay Times. Additionally, in 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice recommended that local law enforcement agencies update their policies to only allow for pursuits under specific circumstances.As the Times reports, while Tampa Police Department policy only allows pursuits in specific situations, the state highway patrol gives individual troopers broad discretion to pursue fleeing vehicles. Bradleys regular Parker Sanchez told the outlet that he felt the highway patrol escalated the situation, while Tom Gleason, a Florida law enforcement instructor who specializes in pursuits, noted that PIT maneuvers are only meant to be used at low speeds. Gleason also questioned why the officers had engaged in a high-speed chase when a Tampa PD helicopter was already tracking the vehicle.A spokesperson for the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, however, laid the blame for Saturday mornings tragedy with Sampson.The driver was already operating recklessly and endangering lives before troopers engaged, Madison Kessler told the Times. Our troopers followed policy, disengaged prior to when the suspect entered a crowded area, and the driver lost control on his own. This tragedy rests solely on the suspects reckless actions, not law enforcement.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Swedish pop star Robyn is making her big comeback!Robyn, known for pop hits like "Show Me Love" and "Dancing On My Own," hasn't released a new album in seven years. Now, fans can get excited once again as she's announced her comeback single, "Dopamine."Not only will she be releasing a new single, but it seems like she's got a new album on the way as well. Here's everything you should know about Robyn's new music.What are Robyn's biggest hits?Swedish singer Robyn's first album was 1995's Robyn Is Here, which featured the Billboard Hot100 Top 10 songs "Do You Know (What It Takes)" and "Show Me Love."In 2010, she released a trilogy of mini-albums, known as the Body Talk series. This trilogy included her smash hit singles "Dancing On My Own" and "Call Your Girlfriend." The two songs are considered some of her signature tunes.When Was Robyn's last album?Robyn's last album was 2018's Honey. The album was released in October 2018, meaning it's been just over seven years since she released a new one. When Honey was released, it was Robyn's first new album since 2010's Body Talk Pt. 1-3.When Is Robyn releasing new music? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Robyn (@robynkonichiwa)On November 9, Robyn posted a link in her Instagram Stories that said "keep your eyes open" and encouraged fans to sign up for her mailing list.On November 10, Robyn announced on Instagram that her first single in seven years, "Dopamine," will be out this Wednesday, November 12.Her website also features the "Dopamine" single announcement with a pre-save link and a close-up photo of Robyn's eye.Is Robyn releasing a new album?Robyn's longtime collaborator and songwriter, Klas hlund, went on fellow producer Per Nordmark's podcast Nordmark Pod last week, where he said he "just finished a new Robyn album that's coming out. Super exciting! Very proud of it," per Stereogum.hlund has written songs for Robyn like "Call Your Girlfriend," "Missing U," "Hang With Me," "Honey," and "Indestructible." He's also worked with other artists, including Usher, Kesha, Katy Perry, and Britney Spears.

One thing about Shawn Mendes? His face and body cards never decline.The talented musician recently wrapped up his On the Road Again Tour where he met fans all around the world. In fact, one recent shirtless selfie that Mendes took with a fan is currently making the rounds on social media.Mendes' workout routine is clearly still working wonders for him, and fans went feral in the comments over his new pic. Check out the highlights below! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

For actor and content creator Carlis Shane, creativity is all about exploration new roles, new looks, and new possibilities.

Light spoilers of Christy ahead.Sydney Sweeney's many public faults shouldn't be the reason audiences skip Christy, a biopic based on the rise and fall (then rise again) of the celebrated female boxing champion, Christy Martin. After the movie premiered in theaters Friday, the opening weekend box-office numbers suggest that may be the case. According to Box Office Mojo, the film ranks 12th for the worst opening weekend among movies released to over 2,000 screens, sitting just above two films released in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It paints a worrying picture for the future of queer storytelling, and the bulk of the problem lies with the movie's star.The public's issues with Sweeney date back to 2023, when, at the height of her Euphoria fame, her family members uploaded photos to social media of her mom's birthday party, in which some guests wore Make America Great Again hats. She scolded the media for turning an innocent celebration into an absurd political statement. But now, she refused to denounce accusations of being a white supremacist after her American Eagle jeans ad, which received praise from President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, was said to have promoted eugenics. Christy starts with the titular character's tense relationship with her parents, after her mother learns about the rumors that she's a lesbian. She enters a local boxing tournament, where she meets a promoter who sends her to train with a coach named James Martin (Ben Foster), who doesn't initially believe in her. But once she stands her ground, the trainer goes all in to help make her a star. As As Christy rises through the ranks and racks up win after win, the two engage in a secret relationship before getting married. James becomes increasingly controlling, which later turns into abuse in some truly hard-to-watch scenes. Her mother, played by Merritt Weaver, is infuriating to watch, excusing James's misogyny and gaslighting Christy when her daughter confides in her about the abuse. But she'd rather see her daughter as a "normal" woman than happy as an out queer woman. Sydney Sweeney as Christy Martin in "Christy"Eddy Chen/Courtesy of Black Bear ProductionsI, as I imagine most people watching this movie who don't follow sports (and, more specifically, boxing), went into it completely blind to who Martin is and her story, which made for a much more emotional watch than I had anticipated. Christy's story is one of resilience, and the movie's climax proves it in one of the most stomach-churning and anxiety-inducing scenes I've seen in awhile. She returns home to James after reconnecting with her high school sweetheart, Rosie (Jess Gabor), and, upset with Christy's retaliation, he stabbed her multiple times and shot her in her torso. She lay motionless for a few seconds before opening her eyes and using whatever energy she had left to get herself to safety.It was difficult not to watch the movie through my fingers with my hand over my mouth in shock as she hobbled to the front door and grabbed her keys to make a run for it. It was astonishing to think about a woman who was shot and stabbed several times still having the strength to have a conversation with the doctors, but she did, and the first person she told them to call was Rosie, who sprang into action to be by her side. Once her family arrived, however, her mom asked Rosie to leave, and that drew a loud groan from the audience at my screening. Even though throughout her career, Christy pushed every other female boxer out of her corner after collecting accolade after accolade, the only person who stuck by her was Lisa Holewyne (Katy O'Brien), who came to visit her in the hospital, and (spoiler alert) ended up marrying Christy in 2017.This is one aspect of her life I wish we had gotten more of because O'Brien is a scene-stealer, and it would've been impactful to see the pair's love story blossom. Even so, it's awe-inspiring to watch Sweeney as Martin speak directly to her assailant and tell him that even though he tried to kill her, he failed because he couldn't even do that right. A wave of chills washed over me as she said those words this is the attitude the LGBTQ+ community is adopting in the times of political uncertainty. There was hope mixed with anger in her voice in this courtroom scene. She had so many opportunities to just give up, lie there, and bleed out as the sense of hopelessness washed over her, but something in her told her to keep fighting and gave her strength.Less than a month after getting out of the hospital, she went back to the gym she and James started and said she wanted to get back in the ring. She tried to fight again. That is what the queer community should take away from this movie, and that sort of inspiration is what we'd lose if these stories don't get told. We can hold two things to be true at once Sweeney can be a problematic celebrity, and Christy's story deserves to be heard. It's impossible to separate the art from the artist, but that doesn't mean we should let a queer story get caught in the crossfire.Moises Mendez II is a staff writer at Out magazine. Follow him on Instagram @moisesfenty.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.

As 2025 flies to an end, queer fans are already looking forward to next year! In 2025, audiences loved shows like Hacks, Mid-Century Modern, Boots, and Wayward, and movies like Kiss of the Spider Woman, The History of Sound, and Twinless, and now, are excited about what they can watch next!Here's a breakdown of some of the queer movies and shows Out is most excited for in 2026!'Soulm8te' (January 2)Not much is known about this upcoming sci-fi/horror film from Blumhouse, other than that it's a spinoff of camp classic M3GAN and stars Lily Sullivan (Evil Dead Rise) as a humanlike AI doll made to replace a man's wife after she died.'Wuthering Heights' (February 13)Director Emerald Fennell (Saltburn) is back with this new adaptation of Emily Bront's classic novel about Catherine (Margot Robbie) falling in love with Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi), the orphan her father brought home as a young boy. While not necessarily queer, LGBTQ+ audiences flocked to Fennell's last film, Saltburn, and with Robbie and Elordi starring, you know they'll see this one too.'Scream 7' (February 27)Sydney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is back in this seventh movie in the Scream franchise, along with queer actor Jasmin Savoy-Brown (who plays a lesbian character) and queer writer/director Kevin Williamson, who wrote the original. Unfortunately, star Melissa Barrera was fired from this franchise for her comments on Israel, including calling what is happening in Palestine a genocide. Shortly after she was fired, Jenna Ortega, who played her character's sister, also left the film.'Michael' (April 24)Antoine Fuqua's highly anticipated biopic of Michael Jackson stars the late music legend's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, along with Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate, and gay actor Colman Domingo as Michael's father.'The Devil Wears Prada 2' (May 1)See on InstagramThis highly anticipated sequel to the 2006 classic reunites stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Tracie Thoms, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci as the sartorially splendid gay art director Nigel Kipling in the cutthroat world of fashion to see what Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs are up to 20 years later. Patrick Brammall, Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Pauline Chalamet, Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, and Rachel Bloom also star.'Practical Magic 2' (September 18)See on InstagramNicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock are coming back as the witchy Owens sisters in this sequel to the 1998 film. Dainne Wiest and Stockard Channing also return as their aunts, with Joey King, out actor Lee Pace, Maisie Williams, and Xolo Mariduea joining the cast. The original is beloved by queer women, and this sequel is sure to be a hit too.'Street Fighter' (October 16)This movie, based on the popular fighting game franchise, has a stacked cast that includes Andrew Koji, Noah Centineo, Callina Liang, Jason Momoa, Eric Andre, David Dastmalchian, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and Orville Peck as the masked fighter Vega.'Pillion' (TBA)Already released in the United Kingdom, this romantic dramedy, written and directed by Harry Lighton, stars Harry Melling as a timid and unassuming gay man who enters into an extreme BDSM relationship with a sexy biker played by Alexander Skarsgrd.'Forbidden Fruits' (TBA)This horror movie from Meredith Alloweay stars Lola Tung, Lili Reinhart, Victoria Pedretti, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Chamberlain, and Gabrielle Union. It follows a group of coworkers Apple, Cherry, and Fig who have a witchy femme cult in the mall's basement. When they welcome a new hire named Pumpkin, their sisterhood is threatened.'Bridgerton' Season 4 (January 29)The Bridgerton family is returning to Netflix in 2026, with Part 1 of the eight-episode fourth season premiering on January 29 and Part 2 on February 26. This season will focus on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) as he meets a mysterious and enthralling woman at a masquerade ball. Jonathan Bailey will also be returning.The upcoming fourth season not only features the bisexual Benedict but also focuses on the sapphic relationship between Francesca Bridgerton (Ruby Stokes) and her husband's cousin, Michaela (Masali Baduza).'Interview With the Vampire' Season 3 (TBA)The first two seasons of this scintillating series based on Anne Rice's novels focused on Louis de Pointe du Lac (Jacob Anderson). Season three will follow the man who turned him and loved him, Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid), as he starts a rock band and goes on tour to set the record straight on their relationship. Based on the book The Vampire Lestat, the season is expected to be just as sexy as ever.'The Boys' Season 5The fifth and final season of this edgy and extreme superhero show follows the recent second season of its spinoff Gen V. The battle between Homelander, Vought, and The Boys will reach a climax, as Karl Urban, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jack Quaid, and Jensen Ackles, among others, return for an explosive finale. While bisexual supe Queen Maeve probably won't return, queer fans can be sure they'll see plenty of queer character Frenchie, and tons of the show's signature over-the-top sexcapades.'The Comeback' Season 3 (TBA)Valerie Cherish (Lisa Kudrow) is coming back one more time. Ten years after season two of the cult classic meta-satire beloved by queer audiences, HBO Max is bringing it back with series regulars Kudrow, Dan Bucatinsky, Laura Silverman, and Damian Young.'VisionQuest' (TBA)After the very queer Agatha All Along, WandaVision is getting another spinoff Disney+ series, this time following Vision (Paul Bettany). The series will also star James Spader, Todd Stashwick, T'Nia Miller, Emily Hampshire, James D'Arcy, and Ruaridh Mollica, who will be playing Tommy Maximoff, the superpowered queer twin brother of gay witch Billy Maximoff.Half ManQueer creator Richard Gadd's follow-up to his hit Netflix series Baby Reindeer is this drama about a pair of brothers (Gadd and Jamie Bell).'Good Omens' Season 3Amazon announced that the third and final season of this supernatural series, following the relationship between angel Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and demon Crowley (David Tennant), who deal with apocalypses, divine battles, and more, will be released as a single 90-minute movie sometime in 2026.'Yellowjackets' season 4 (TBA)This show, about a high school girls' soccer team that gets stranded in the Canadian wilderness and the horrors that follow them home, will end with season 4 in 2026. As more and more of the adult survivors die, the stakes are rising for Shauna (Melanie Lynskey), Taissa (Tawny Cypress), and Misty (Christina Ricci).Queer actors Jasmin Savoy Brown and Liv Hewson return as the teen versions of girlfriends Taissa and Van, and after last season revealed that Shauna is queer, who knows how many of the Yellowjackets will end up being gay!'Hacks' Season 5 (TBA)After she won her first Emmy for playing the always-stressed bisexual comedy writer Ava Daniels in Hacks, Hannah Einbinder said that the upcoming fifth season will be the last of the series."We're going to start [filming] next week, and knowing it's the last season is really bittersweet. But I think it's right. It's nice to do something as many times as it should be done," Einbinder said. "Not overstay your welcome. Rip it and do it and laugh and cry."Hacks also stars Jean Smart, Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, and Mark Indelicato.'American Horror Story' Season 13The 13th season of this long-running horror anthology from Ryan Murphy sees the return of many of the show's biggest stars. The upcoming season will star Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, Gabourey Sidibe, Leslie Grossman, and Ariana Grande.'Carrie' (TBA)Horror master Mike Flanagan (The Haunting of Hill House, The Haunting of Bly Manor) is back, this time adapting Stephen King's classic novel about a misfit teenager who develops psychic powers into a miniseries. The series stars Summer H. Howell as Carrie White, Samantha Sloyan as her mother, Matthew Lillard, Siena Agudong, Amber Midthunder, and trans actress Josie Totah.'Euphoria' Season 3See on InstagramAnother beloved queer series coming to an end in 2026 is HBO's Euphoria. The third and final season will see stars Zendaya (as troubled queer teen Rue Bennett), Colman Domingo, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi returning, along with new cast members, including Trisha Paytas.

President Donald Trumps pardon of everyone arrested during the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol kept one confessed child sex offender out of prison.Andrew Taake, age 37, pleaded guilty in September for arranging a sexual encounter with an investigator posing as a 15-year-old girl online in 2016,The Daily Beast reported.However, Taake avoided prison for it because of the time he already served for attacking a police officer during the January 2021 riot. Related Donald Trump pardoned the anti-LGBTQ+ leader who plotted his theft of the 2020 election Had Trump not pardoned Taake, he wouldve served a six-year sentence for the rioting, and then he would have received a separate prison sentence for his child exploitation charges. But since Trumps pardon essentially declared Taake as innocent of any wrongdoing, the prison time he spent while innocent got applied to his child exploitation charge instead.Multiple attorneys told the aforementioned publication that its ethically problematic and exceptionally rare to use prison time from a separate, pardoned federal rioting charge to keep someone out of prison for unrelated state child exploitation charges.Federal prosecutors said Taake used bear spray and a metal whip to assault U.S. Capitol police officers, and then bragged about it to a woman he met through an online dating app, Bumble. The woman then reported him to federal authorities, leading to his arrest and 2023 conviction.Trump has referred to the hundreds of January 6 rioters that he pardoned true patriots.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will likely implement a blanket ban blocking transgender women athletes from competing in womens competitions by the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games. Most international governing sports bodies have already banned trans women. The IOCs ban would comply with President Donald Trumps wish to ban all trans athletes from the event.The IOC will likely put a ban into effect over the next six to 12 months, multiple sources told The Guardian, following through with new IOC President Kirsty Coventrys campaign promise to do so. Trump named himself chair of a White House Task Force on the 2028 Summer Olympics in August and said, The United States will not let men steal trophies from women at the 2028Olympics. Related Dozens of women athletes would have been disqualified under a newly adopted but sketchy sex test Only a handful of out trans and nonbinary athletes have competed in womens Olympic sports, and none of them have ever won medals, despite being allowed to participate from 2004 to 2024 (and despite Trumps lies claiming otherwise). Current IOC policy allows trans women athletes to compete if they meet the qualifying criteria set by their sports governing bodies and if their testosterone levels stay below a certain threshold.Nevertheless, the IOCs probable ban has received internal pushback over whether it would also exclude athletes who were assigned female at birth but have male chromosomes and male testosterone levels, like the South African Olympic medalist, sprinter Caster Semenya. IOC insiders told The Guardian they expect a ban would block any athletes who have undergone male puberty from competing in womens events. 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 The imminent possibility of an IOC trans sports ban arose in part due to a recent presentation delivered by the IOCs director of health, medicine, and science, Dr. Jane Thornton. Her presentation reportedly included a science-based review of evidence showing permanent physical advantages for people assigned male at birth and mentioned using a cheek-swab gene test to determine athletes biological sex.Trump said he wanted to reintroduce sex testing at the 2028 Olympics, which would use physical/medical examinations and chromosome tests to prove athletes biological sex. This practice was discontinued in 2000 after decades of problematic implementation. Sex tests routinely misidentified female athletes born with relatively rare genetic abnormalities that affect the development of testes and ovaries or the expression of secondary sexual characteristics. In short, such tests will likely prove that many cisgender female athletes have biological features that make themintersex, according to Myron Genel, M.D., a pediatric endocrinologist at the Yale School of Medicine.What [an IOC gender testing] policy will do is wreak havoc on intersex women who will have had no idea they were intersex until they are forced to undergo an invasive DNA test, wrote trans civil rights lawyer Alejandra Caraballo via Bluesky. They will be disqualified and have their entire lives upended. Athletes have completed suicide over this.Since the olympics are being held in LA, this policy would violate state civil rights law and I hope trans and intersex athletes challenge such a policy, Caraballo added. In February, Trump signed an executive order banning trans female athletes from school sports. The order also promised to pressure the IOC into banning trans athletes. His order explicitly called upon numerous sports governing bodies to pass policies forbidding trans women from competing alongside cis women.When signing his executive order, Trump also directed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to deny visas to men attempting to fraudulently enter the United States while identifying themselves as women athletes. To this end, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has threatened topermanently ban any foreign trans athlete who tries to enter the United Statesunder a 1952 law that punishes individuals whofraudulently misrepresent their identities in order to enter the country.As a result, any foreign-born trans athletes who would have competed in the Olympics or any other international sports competition held in the U.S. risked having their visas revoked and getting permanently banned from the United States, even if their home countries laws allow them to change the gender listed on their birth certificates and other government-issued identification documents.Editors note: This article mentions suicide. If you need to talk to someone now, call the Trans Lifeline at1-877-565-8860. Its staffed by trans people, for trans people. The Trevor Project provides a safe, judgement-free place to talk for LGBTQ youth at1-866-488-7386. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at1-800-273-8255.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The California Supreme Court has upheld a law that protects LGBTQ+ long-term care residents from discrimination, abuse, and harassment. A lower court had claimed employees First Amendment rights meant they could deliberately misgender residents, but that ruling has been reversed.All individuals deserve to live free from harmful, disrespectful rhetoric that attacks their sense of self, especially when receiving care necessary for their continued well-being, Californias Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement after the decision. State law prohibits discrimination and harassment in the workplace. I am glad that the California Supreme Court agrees with us on the importance of these protections and has affirmed their constitutionality. Related Federal appeals court revives Texas drag ban and lifts injunction The decision is based on the LGBT Long-Term Care Residents Bill of Rights, originally authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener (D) and signed into law in 2017. The bill included various provisions for LGBTQ+ people, including making it so that trans residents had to be housed in rooms that aligned with their gender identity and what has become known as the pronoun provision.That provision, alongside other proscriptions against discrimination, aimed to prevent employees willfully and repeatedly failing to use a residents preferred name or pronouns after being clearly informed of the preferred name or pronouns. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Both of those aspects of the 2017 bill were challenged before they could go into effect, with a group called Taking Offense filing a lawsuit with a superior court to block those provisions. Court documents note that Taking Offense defines itself, in its own words, as a group with a singular anti-trans motivation: to oppose efforts to coerce society to accept [the] transgender fiction that a person can be whatever sex/gender s/he thinks s/he is, or chooses to be.In that original case, the Superior Court rejected Taking Offenses arguments. However, the case went to theCourt of Appeal,where five of the justices agreed, with concurrence from the other two, that the Pronoun Provision impinged on employees free speech protections. However, the Court of Appeals upheld the law regarding transgender residents getting rooms aligned with their gender identity, noting that Taking Offense failed to establish a violation of equal protection rights. In the California Supreme Courts decision to uphold the original pronoun provision, the court stated that it should be analyzed, and upheld, as a regulation of discriminatory conduct that incidentally affects speech. It should not be subject to First Amendment scrutiny as an abridgment of the freedom of speech.The California Supreme Court had signaled during hearings back in May that the decision would likely go this way. After hearing the arguments from both the state and Taking Offense, Justice Goodwin Liu said, To say this is censorship of speech is a bit of a stretch for me. Similarly, Justice Kelli Evans pointed to various courts history of upholding workplace harassment bans on racist slurs, saying, Im having a hard time seeing how this is different. Even the courts most conservative justice noted that there was no argument for compelled speech, as, under the law, employees could simply avoid using pronouns altogether and werent required to use the persons correct pronouns; they were simply prohibited from using the wrong ones.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

At the 2023 Tony Awards, director Michael Arden stepped on stage to accept his first-ever Tony for directing the Ben Platt-led Parade. In his speech, he spoke about being called the f slur more times than he could count as a kid. And as he wrapped his remarks, he declared, All I can say now is Im a faggot with a Tony. Since then, Arden has become one of the most in-demand theater directors on Broadway. He helmed Maybe Happy Ending, which nabbed him a second award for directing. And now, hes opening another show on Broadway this time, its about and starring a diva. For his seventh Broadway show, he is directing The Queen of Versailles, featuring Kristin Chenoweth as Jackie Siegel, an eccentric billionaire who attempted to build a replica of the Palace of Versailles in Florida in the early 2000s. The musical boasting songs by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Lindsey Ferrentino was inspired by the 2012 documentary with the same title, which followed Jackie's journey from a middle-class upbringing to marrying David Siegel, an older wealthy man known as The Timeshare King.Over the span of two hours and 40 minutes, audiences watch as the characters grapple with what Arden calls the American cancer, that is, the unquenchable thirst for more. Siegel, like the main characters in both Parade and Maybe Happy Ending, paints a cautionary tale. Parade showed how discrimination and racial bias led to the death of an innocent man. In Maybe Happy Ending, audiences were dazzled by the love story of two defunct robots, a cautionary tale of losing one's self and purpose in their jobs. Versailles is a punishing look at how capitalism rigs the system to benefit the wealthy and not the poor, despite what lawmakers today might say.Adrens two shows currently on Broadway have found themselves at the center of controversy for two different reasons. Maybe Happy Ending saw backlash from the Asian American theater community, which vocalized disappointment with the casting of a white man in a role that was originated by an Asian actor. And with Versailles, the shows lead voiced her support of the divisive slain political commentator Charlie Kirk, which drew swift backlash from the LGBTQ+ community.In this interview with Out, Arden talks about the eight-year journey to getting the show open on Broadway, facing criticism head-on, and reminding audiences that art is meant to spark constructive conversations.Out: Tell me about how The Queen of Versailles came to be and what drew you to the project.Michael Arden: I met [playwright] Lindsey Ferrentino at a dinner that was hosted by the National Theater of England, in which they invited writers and directors that they liked, and she and I happened to be seated next to each other. We got to talking, and I asked her if she had any crazy ideas for a musical, and I said, Do you have any crazy ideas for musicals? And she's like, Well, have you seen this documentary The Queen of Versailles? And I was like, Yeah, I love that documentary. It's really incredible. I had actually just watched it with my design partner and artistic collaborator, Dane Laffrey. I thought, If we could make something that, like, captures the like ridiculousness of Jackie Siegels story and life, but also craft a cautionary tale thats medicine masked as candy a little bit, then we might be able to make something that is really complex and is about the American cancer, which is this unquenchable thirst for more which I think none of us are immune to, no matter what our ideals are.Ive always been attracted to cautionary tales, and this one is certainly that. Its been interesting to create something that is both entertaining and provocative. So, making something that is surgical, nuanced, and complicated and hopefully makes people think is what we set out to do, while also having a great time. Michael Arden and Kristin Chenoweth at the opening night red carpet of "The Queen of Versailles"Emilio MadridHow do you think this show will sit with people in this political moment?What I hope to do as a theater maker is to give people a really unforgettable, exciting time while they're in the space. Then, and more importantly is the moment they walk out of the theater, I've sort of given them a mental STD... It is very easy for theater goers and theater producers, I think to say, "OK, we want to make something simple. We want people to leave saying, I feel happy, Oh, I feel sad. I feel like I laughed a lot." But I think you know what we strived for with this particular piece, and what I'm proud of is that it is, it's all of those things. I ran into a person on the street last night who didn't know I directed it, who said, "I'm gonna have to really think about that," and I thought, "Thats the best that you can ask for," art that makes you think. Imagine that, which we dont always get on Broadway, and I think [most people, if not all theater goers] want to be guaranteed an experience for your high ticket price, and with this, theres no guarantee. Everyones gonna react to it differently.Has Jackie Siegel been involved with the show at all?No, not really. She kind of had to approve the basic plot points of the shows. But the nuance, texture, and tone of the show is completely all the writers.I have no idea what it's like to be her watching this show. For all the things I disagree with politically and socially, shes always been very kind to me, and Im incredibly impressed that she was like Sure, you can tell my life story and do anything you want. I think she recognizes that maybe her story could help someone in the cautionary tale aspect.With stories like this, about complex, nuanced characters, where people want to put someone like Jackie in a black or white box of good or bad, I wonder if you and the creative team behind this show wanted to tell us whether she is a good or bad person, or if you wanted us to come to that conclusion on our own?Definitely come to that conclusion on your own. Most people arent just one thing, and I think there are many wonderful things about Jackie, and there are many things I highly and severely disagree with. To kind of like in an unbiased way show both sides of that coin, I think, is my responsibility.I hope that people come to the theater and think, "Look at this bitch, I am nothing like her, isnt she ridiculous?" And then by the end when she says the words, "Im not that different than you," I think that should ruffle some feathers.In that final image of the show, what I was trying to evoke is this idea that shes in a tomb. Shes built her own mausoleum and will be there all alone. Kristin Chenoweth in "The Queen of Versailles"Julieta CervantesI wanted to ask about Kristins comments about Charlie Kirk. And as you know, as a queer person it was a bit tough to hear. Being that you know her personally, what do you have to say about the way it was handled, and have you guys spoken about it?I know Kristin and have known her for a very long time, and she is one of the most wonderful, loving, supportive allies that I've known. She is a huge empath. I think here is a woman who sees someone who is uplifting a huge part of her life, which is her Christian faith, and so theres that connection. And I think she saw someone whose wife and child saw their spouse and father be murdered.I would just have to say that I know her heart, I know who she is, I know what her actions have shown me and countless others I have spoken with her about it, and I think certainly this has been an eye-opening experience for her, and we've had conversations we wouldn't have had otherwise.I find Charlie Kirk an abhorrent figure. I would never wish anyone murdered, and both of those things can be true at once. It's also tough when we expect artists and performers to be the bearers of opinions on really complex social matters. This is the danger were in with social media.I also did want to ask about the Maybe Happy Ending casting backlash, which also gained traction online. I wanted to know if you had a response to that as well.My job as a director is to fulfill as best I can the story and vision of the writers, and I feel like we have continued to do that beautifully and will continue to at the Belasco.My job as an artist is to interpret, and will continue to interpret, hopefully in new and exciting ways. And I guarantee that as long as I'm around, MHE will be one of the most diverse shows on Broadway. Hopefully, we will be shown a prime example that these two characters can really be played by anyone. And I'm excited to see where that takes us, so we can be more diverse and less exclusionary as we move forward. And I'm so excited for audiences to see that.The Queen of Versailles is now playing at the St. James Theatre in New York City. Find out more at queenofversaillesmusical.com.

Chinas main internet regulator andcensorship authority ordered Apple to removetwo very populargay dating apps its App Store last weekend: Blued, an app with an estimated 56 million users; and Finka, which has 2.7 million users. The apps remain functional Chinese people whove already downloaded them, but their removal is just part of Chinas ongoing crackdown and censorship campaign against its LGBTQ+ citizens.We follow the laws in the countries where we operate, an Apple spokesperson told Wired in an email. Based on an order from the Cyberspace Administration of China, we have removed these two apps from the China storefront only. Apple noted that Finka stopped being available outside of China earlier this year, while Blued was only available in China. China removed Grindr from Apples mobile app stores in 2022, citing Grindrs difficulties in complying with a new privacy law. Related TikTok secretly tracked which users viewed LGBTQ+ videos Gay dating apps arent only used for arranging adult encounters; they also provide ways for queer users to find community by providing personal conversation as well as connection to live events and social resources.Though China decriminalized homosexuality in 1997, its government agents actively surveil, harass, and imprison LGBTQ activists as subversives. China doesnt have legalized same-sex marriage. The country also allows mainland clinics touse electroshock conversion therapyto turn LGBTQ people straight (even though thats impossible). In 2016, the countrybanned all LGBTQ TVandqueer web content, calling it similar to incestandsexual abuse. 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 governments anti-LGBTQ actions come partly from viewing queer identity as a form of Western social protest meant to overturn social norms. The Chinese governments approach to queer issues and groups is roughly summarized asdont encourage, dont discourage, dont promote.In June 2017, the country also banned LGBTQ+ content from the internet, including video and audio content that displays abnormal sexual behaviors, such as homosexuality. The China Netcasting Services Association, a government agency, has unevenly enforced the ban. In April 2018, Weibo (basically Chinas Facebook) banned all LGBTQ content, stating it was pornographic. However,the company backtrackedafter users flooded the social network with images of rainbows, same-sex kisses and a hashtag that translated to #Iamgaynotapervert.China alsocut the gay relationshipsand any mention of HIV out of 2018 Freddy Mercury biopicBohemian Rhapsody, leaving the film largely incomprehensible.An estimated22% to95% of gay Chinese men stay closeted. Manymarry womento hide their homosexuality from their families. However, younger Chinese citizens support same-sex marriage, and LGBTQ+ spaces exist throughout the country, despite government attempts to suppress such places.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Aaaaaand hes back. Disgraced gay former Congressman George Santos has inserted himself in the presidential election with his expert take on hard-right, culture-warring Republicans with a drag-addled past.The onetime Republican New York representative, whos facing multiple campaign finance indictments following his expulsion from the U.S. House of Representatives, shared his reaction to the revelation that Donald Trumps vice-presidential pick, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), attended a party while he was a student at Yale Law School dressed as a woman in an interview with TMZ. Related Pic of JD Vance in drag goes viral after classmate leaks it According to Santos, the controversy surrounding Vances cross-dressing at a costume party is disingenuous and most dudes at some point have played around dressing up as a woman. 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 Its definitely not drag, Santos said of Vances amateur ensemble.Photos shared by a former Yale classmate revealed Vance posing seductively wearing a long blonde wig, black knit blouse, a colorful skirt and a chunky chain necklace. In one photo, he carries a black purse over his shoulder.Holy crap, is that bad drag, Santos commented about the photos. a second photo has hit my inbox https://t.co/JRKIE9JHRD pic.twitter.com/4wIWF28mEU matt (@mattxiv) August 12, 2024I mean, the guy went to a costume party, put on a freakin cheap wig from Party City, or something similar, the one-time Brazilian drag queen posited. To call that drag is disingenuous, and I think most dudes at some have played around with costumes that were gender-bender.Straight couples do that all the time, Santos claimed. The wife will dress up as a guy. Husband will dress up as a woman. So its not drag. Its definitely not drag.Like the self-loathing Santos, Vance has been consistently hostile to the LGBTQ+ community.Last year, along with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) in the House, Vance introduced legislation in the Senate to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth at the federal level and to make such care more difficult for trans adults to obtain.Vance has expressed his support for Dont Say Gay legislation prohibiting discussions of sexual orientation and gender identities in schools, writing, Ill stop calling people groomers when they stop freaking out about bills that prevent the sexualization of my children.Vancespoke outagainst laws protecting LGBTQ+ people from discrimination following the 2020 Supreme CourtBostock v. Clayton Countyruling, which found that anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination is a form of sex-based discrimination. He called the legal reasoning behind the decision a betrayal of social conservatives and traditionalists. Vance also opposes the Equality Act, legislation to include sexual orientation and gender identity in federal anti-discrimination laws.News of Santos own drag past in Brazil as a pageant queen named Kitara Ravache surfaced amid a tsunami of larcenous revelations about the Long Island Republican in 2023. The newly-sworn-in rep spent weeks denying the rumors before eventually owning up to his alter ego.He has even resurrected Kitara after 18 years! for hired appearances in Cameo videos to turn a quick buck.

The presidents lesbian psychologist niece, Mary Trump, recently took the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a test used to assess an adults cognitive impairmentand dysfunctions. Donald Trump bragged about acing the test in the past. But even though she did well on the MoCA too, she warned that the president displays evidence of declining mental abilities.The 79-year-old president took the MoCA earlier this year and claimed it was very hard. He then publicly insulted Democratic Reps. Jasmine Crockett (TX) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY) by suggesting that he would outscore the two progressive congresswomen of color if they took the same assessment. Related Trumps lesbian niece explains how his upbringing caused him to want Qatars luxury airplane Donald Trump also took a cognitive exam while receiving an MRI for unspecified reasons during a physical atWalter Reed National Military Medical Centerin January 2018. While he reportedly achieved a perfect score of 30, MRIs are a non-invasive imaging technique often used to assess brain activity, cognitive function, and even injury and abnormalities in the brain, the nervous system, or in other body parts.Mary Trump took the MoCA in a video that she posted online yesterday. The test involves tasks like drawing a clock, copying a cube, recalling a list of words, identifying objects, repeating sentences, and answering questions about the date and location. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today But even though Mary Trump did well on the test, which was conducted by someone offscreen, she said in just four words that the president is not a well man.I am not a neurologist or a neuropsychologist, but Ive been told that a doctor only orders that protocol [the MoCA] if theyre concerned that the patient may have suffered some kind of stroke or something, Mary Trump said.I dont know if this is true, she added, but once again, we have Donald bragging about the results not just of the MRI, which indeed he aced, but also the cognitive assessment. In all seriousness, Donald Trump is not a well man. We need to continue to focus on the ways in which he is deteriorating cognitively, psychologically, emotionally, and intellectually. This marks the second recent occasion in which a psychologist suggested that the president has demonstrated an immense cognitive decline.In October, Dr. John Gartner told The Daily Beast that the nearly 80-year-old president is exhibiting a massive increase in clinical signs of dementia, exacerbating the presidents malignant narcissism.Gartner noted the presidents disordered thinking and compared his rambling and nonsensical public speeches to dementia patients who pick up on one concrete physical detail and then free-associate away from the original topic. He also noted Trumps fabrication of nonexistent events and his forgetting of politicians and countries names.People dont make those kinds of [recurring speech errors] if theyre tired or if theyre aging, Gartner said. Its something very specific that is linked to dementia and organic, cognitive decline. This is really someone who could wake up and in a state of complete confusion and erratic irritation do something catastrophic. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

New Faithfuls. New Traitors. New season.The time has come to meet the reality TV icons and pop culture celebrities joining the cast of The Traitors season 4 for another round of banishing, murdering, backstabbing, and forging alliances on their way to the grand finale.Legendary host Alan Cumming is back for a fourth season of the Emmy-winning series, which certainly has the most exciting cast in the history of the U.S. series.Learn more about the cast of celebrities competing on The Traitors season 4 below, and make sure to watch the season premiere on Thursday, January 8, 2026 on Peacock.Yam Yam Arocho ('Survivor')Survivor 44 winner Yamil Arocho, best known as Yam Yam, has a top-tier social game and was in an alliance with Carolyn Wiger (who competed in the third season of The Traitors). Is he coming to avenge with Survivor costar? Stay tuned.Instagram: @yamilprJohnny Weir (Olympic figure skater)Olympic figure skater, actor, TV personality, and sports commentator Johnny Weir is coming to The Traitors. But will Weir give us the full Tonya Harding fantasy? One can hope!Instagram: @johnnygweirKristen Kish ('Top Chef')Kristen Kish went from being the first-ever out lesbian winner of Top Chef winner to becoming the host of the entire series following Padma Lakshmi's exit. A bona fide reality TV icon.Instagram: @kristenlkishMont X Change ('RuPaul's Drag Race')RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars 4 winner, singer, TV personality, and talk show star Mont X Change has the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to go all the way. Mont is also the drag sister of Bob the Drag Queen (who competed in season 3 of The Traitors). Soak it up, babes!Instagram: @monetxchangeColton Underwood ('The Bachelor')After appearing on shows like The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise, Colton Underwood went on to lead his own season of The Bachelor. Since then, Underwood has come out as a gay man, starred in the Netflix docuseries Coming Out Colton, and even won the reality competition series Beyond the Edge.Instagram: @coltonunderwoodCandiace Dillard BassettSinger, former Miss United States, and The Real Housewives of Potomac star Candiace Dillard Bassett will be serving vocals and drama.Instagram: @therealcandiaceCaroline Stanbury ('The Real Housewives of Dubai')A breakout star from Ladies of London, Caroline Stanbury is now best known for starring in The Real Housewives of Dubai. Expect fabulous looks and fierce clapbacks from this diva.Instagram: @carolinestanburyDonna Kelce (Travis Kelce's mother; Taylor Swift's mother-in-law)Donna Kelce yes, Travis Kelce's mother and Taylor Swift's "mother-in-law" is coming to The Traitors. We can't wait to see how this turns out.Instagram: @donnakelceDorinda Medley ('The Real Housewives of New York City')The Real Housewives of New York City star who competed in the third season of The Traitors is a reality TV star known for her memes and chaotic one-liners.Instagram: @dorindamedleyEric Nam (singer-songwriter)Korean-American singer Eric Nam is known for combining several different music genres into his own discography. With more than 4.4 million followers on Instagram, this pop star could make waves in the Traitors castle.Instagram: @ericnamIan Terry ('Big Brother')Ian Terry, the winner of Big Brother 14 and (unfortunately) early-out houseguest on Big Brother 22: All-Stars, is known for playing a fantastic game while seeming like he's an underdog.Instagram: @ianpterry14Lisa Rinna ('The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills')Reality TV superstar Lisa Rinna has, in many ways, transcended her time as a cast member of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.Instagram: @lisarinnaMark Ballas ('Dancing with the Stars')Dancing With the Stars pro is bringing ballroom to the Traitors castle. Fans are curious to see it!Instagram: @markballasMaura Higgins ('Love Island UK' / 'Aftersun: Love Island USA')Alert: A new bombshell has entered the villa. Love Island UK star Maura Higgins is gorgeous, charismatic, and competitive a perfect combo for Traitors.Instagram: @maurahigginsMichael Rapaport (actor; 'Atypical' / 'Deep Blue Sea')Michael Rapaport is a veteran actor who's been in projects like Deep Blue Sea and Atypical.Instagram: @michaelrapaportNatalie Anderson ('Survivor')Natalie Anderson proved that she's a bona fide competition beast while appearing on Survivor. She'll be a great asset for the challenges on Traitors, that's for sure.Instagram: @natalieeandPorsha Williams ('The Real Housewives of Atlanta')Porsha Williams will definitely bring her unfiltered (well) self to The Traitors. The fans love Real Housewives alumni in the series, and this RHOA icon is definitely a great choice.Instagram: @porsha4realRob Cesternino ('Survivor' / 'Rob Has a Podcast')After competing on Survivor twice, Rob Cesternino launched the Rob Has a Podcast empire he is now best known for. The mics will be on, but will the knives come out? Maybe so!Instagram: @robcesterninoRob Rausch ('Love Island USA')The snake enthusiast and Love Island USA superstar is known for creating chaos, which is precisely what the viewers want in this fourth season of Traitors.Instagram: @rob.rauschRon Funches (comedian)Ron Funches is a comedian and actor who'll certainly bring his authentic self to The Traitors.Instagram: @ronfunchStephen Colletti ('One Tree Hill')Stephen Colletti was the ultimate heartthrob on TV shows like One Tree Hill and Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County.Instagram: @stephencollettiTara Lipinski (Olympic figure skater)Tara Lipinski is an Olympic gold medalist and sports commentator. Over the years, she's also established herself as a fashion icon.Instagram: @taralipinskiTiffany Mitchell ('Big Brother')Tiffany Mitchell was a standout star on Big Brother 23 who participated in the creation of the Cookout alliance.Instagram: @absolutelygorgeous100See on InstagramThe Traitors season 4 premieres on Thursday, January 8, 2026 on Peacock.

As the Senate was voting to pass a deal to reopen the federal government without securing funding for health care subsidies, the only out LGBTQ+ U.S. senator, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), made one last-ditch effort to get Congress to fund health care for working-class Americans.On Monday night, Baldwin introduced an amendment that would have extended subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care plans for one year. The subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025 and became the central battle in the over 40-day shutdown, as Democrats demanded the subsidies be extended while Republicans sought to let them expire while passing a measure to fund the government. Related Sen. Tammy Baldwin & 44 others fight GOPs anti-LGBTQ+ provisions in must pass funding bills Without the subsidies, some peoples health care premiums are set to increase by thousands of dollars per person, according to a KFF analysis, with older Americans who are nearing retirement being disproportionately affected. This will likely result in people dropping insurance coverage, increasing health care costs for everyone as the pool of people paying into health care shrinks. Others will face severe hardship if they have a health issue without insurance to cover it.Baldwins amendment ultimately failed. Fifty-three senators all the Republicans voted against it, while the 47 Senate Democrats and independents voted for it. 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 My Republican colleagues sent a clear, unmistakable message that they are okay with jacking up health care costs on 22 million Americans, Baldwin said in a statement after the vote. Im not, and I am going to keep fighting to stop these massive health care price increases that Wisconsin families are staring down.The Senate ultimately voted for a continuing resolution to reopen the federal government without extending the ACA subsidies. Almost all Republicans voted for it Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) did not and they were joined by seven Democrats who crossed party lines, as well as one independent. Part of the deal was a promise to hold a vote on the ACA subsidies at a later date, without any guarantee that the House of Representatives would do the same. And, if the vote on Baldwins amendment is any indication, Republicans will vote against it again.The Senate started taking steps to end the shutdown on Sunday night, with just enough Democrats ready to cave to pass the Republican continuing resolution. The announcement led to massive backlash from other Democrats, including Baldwin.A wink and a nod to deal with this health care crisis later with no actual guarantees is just not enough for me or the Wisconsin families I work for, Baldwin said in a statement released Sunday night. The clock is up, families are shopping for insurance now, and I refuse to sign off on a deal that doesnt lower working families health care costs. But on Monday, it became clear that the caving Democrats would go through with their plan and pass the Republican continuing resolution, so Baldwin tried to force a vote on the ACA subsidies with Amendment 3947 to the resolution.I am doing this because my Republican colleagues are refusing to act to stop health care premiums from doubling for over 20 million Americans, Baldwin said in a Senate floor speech. I just cant stand by without a fight.Baldwin shared stories from constituents about the health care premium increases theyll face, including one family whose premium will go from $400 to just over $5,000 a month. Baldwin noted that many people just wont sign up for health insurance next year and could risk losing everything if they have major health care expenses. She accused Republicans of being the problem in this situation, saying the Democrats have tried to extend the subsidies multiple times this year and that Republicans always blocked them. For 41 days, I have been clear, I will work with anyone to reopen the government and lower Americans health care costs, and Im not throwing in the towel until we have exhausted every option to make that happen, she said.Her amendment failed,and the Senate passed the Republican continuing resolutionto reopen the government through January 30, 2026, without extending the health care subsidies, in a 60-40 vote. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who did not vote for the GOPs continuing resolution, denounced the deal, saying that Americans have now awoken to the presidents health care crisis.Democrats demanded that we find a way to fix this crisis and quickly, but Republicans have refused to move an inch, Schumer said Monday. So, I cannot support the Republican bill thats on the floor because it fails to do anything of substance to fix Americas health care crisis.Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) was one of the Democrats who voted for the deal, and she said she believes Republicans will immediately begin negotiations to extend the ACA tax credits if the government is reopened. The bill now goes back to the House, which could vote to pass it as soon as Wednesday. The president has already indicated that hell sign it.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

When Karl Schmid stood beneath the lights at the Nexus Club in Tribeca during New York Fashion Week, he wasnt just attending another runway show he was watching a vision come to life. The HIV Unwrapped showcase transformed molecular science into couture, merging research and lived experience into wearable art. Behind every design was a mission Schmid has carried for years: to change how the world sees HIV. Schmid introduces HIV Unwrapped during New York Fashion Week, blending education, creativity, and advocacy. (Photo credit: Sam Guttell for Plus Life Media) We created +Life six years ago after I disclosed my status publicly, Schmid says. At the time, I was working quite extensively on ABC on the red carpet and as a journalist and I came out about my HIV status after living with HIV for about ten years and being told, Dont talk about it you dont want to become known as the guy with AIDS on television.That moment of honesty changed everything. One day I posted something on my socials, he recalls. It went viral. I started hearing from people all over the world saying, Thank you I hope one day I can be brave enough to talk about my HIV status. It got my business partners and me thinking why is this still news? Why, in this day and age, is that kind of story still treated like a shock?The Birth of +LifeThat realization became +Life, a digital platform built to normalize conversations about living with HIV and health in general. Its an approachable way that humanizes it and aims to destigmatize it, Schmid says. We wanted to move away from fear and pity. Visibility isnt about being brave its about being real.What began as candid interviews and social storytelling has evolved into a full-scale media platform including +Talk, one of the only ongoing shows dedicated entirely to living with HIV. Science and medicine have evolved, Schmid explains, but the language people use around HIV hasnt caught up. The shame lingers. I wanted +Life to fill that gap to educate through empathy and humor.That accessibility is intentional. Youll hear a voice that sounds like yours, Schmid says. Youll see someone who looks like you, who prays like you. Thats what makes people lean in. Guests watch the HIV Unwrapped runway presentation during New York Fashion Week.(Photo credit: Sam Guttell for Plus Life Media) Unwrapping HIV Through FashionThat same inclusive spirit inspired HIV Unwrapped. What if we took fashion design students and paired them with the best HIV scientists in the world? Schmid remembers asking. The concept was part education, part creative experiment a way to turn science into something people could see, feel, and celebrate.The fashion comes first, and then the science, he says. Thats how we bring people in through beauty, through creativity.The New York edition, mentored by Tanner Fletcher, brought together nine Parsons School of Design students and HIV researchers from around the world. Every single scientist I wanted said yes, Schmid says. Parsons said yes. They helped us find incredible young designers who were eager to learn.Each team began with a simple conversation. The starting point was a lab coat or a piece of lab wear something gender non-forming, a blank canvas, Schmid explains. From there, students built symbolism into every seam, turning research into storytelling. Actor and activist Javier Muoz walked the runway with commanding presence. (Photo credit: Sam Guttell for Plus Life Media) Science Meets StyleThe results were powerful. Beaded details mirrored viral sequencing, layered fabrics hinted at cellular structure, and silhouettes explored both vulnerability and strength. The collaboration was incredible, Schmid says. You had scientists explaining molecular behavior and students translating that into texture and movement. It proved that art and science can speak the same language.Some of the pairings carried unexpected emotional weight. One designer came from a Chinese village affected by a historic HIV outbreak, he recalls. They were paired with Dr. Chris Beyrer, who helped break that story. It was complete serendipity.The projects impact rippled far beyond design. Two of our international participants said this gave them the courage to come out as HIV-positive, Schmid says. Thats when you know its bigger than a fashion show.Redefining Visibility Panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt were displayed during the event, linking modern fashion to decades of remembrance and activism. (Photo credit: Sam Guttell for Plus Life Media) The AIDS Memorial Quilt was also featured during the show, connecting the evenings creativity to decades of remembrance and activism. Its presence grounded the fashion in history and emotion a reminder that todays visibility stands on the legacy of those who came before.For Schmid, the nights meaning went far beyond the runway. That quilt represents so many lives lost, but the runway represented the life still being lived, he says. It was a conversation across generations.Seven of the nine models who walked were living with HIV, though audiences wouldnt know who was and who wasnt. Thats the point, he says. HIV doesnt have a look. Its in every community, and people living with it are thriving.The room was electric. Watching faces everyone was completely invested, Schmid says. No one was on their phone. An hour later, people were still talking about it.To see HIV celebrated in one of the most visible, glamorous spaces in the world meant everything, he adds. There was a time when fashion and HIV were linked only through loss. This time, it was through life. The HIV Unwrapped runway merged science, style, and storytelling in a bold showcase of inclusion.(Photo credit: Sam Guttell for Plus Life Media) Reframing the ConversationAs science continues to progress, Schmid wants culture to keep pace. Many students thought HIV was a thing of the past, he says. We even had a gay student who didnt know about PrEP. Thats why education like this still matters.Hes frank about why stigma persists. In a puritanical country, we dont like to talk about sex and drugs, he says. Thats why HIV is still so stigmatized. But the more you talk about it, the less frightening it becomes. Say HIV like we say cancer or diabetes we comfort cancer, but we recoil at HIV. That has to change.Even some of the scientists walked away transformed. One told me theyd never met someone living with HIV before this project, Schmid says. Thats how you break stigma by connecting real people to the research.Hope and UrgencyThe shows optimism resonated at a time when policy conversations have turned tense. With potential cuts of two billion dollars to HIV funding, it was nice to be at an event that was hopeful, Schmid says. We are on the verge of an epidemic again if we strip away access to treatment and prevention. We have all the tools to end it but were pausing trials and research. We can end HIV and AIDS by 2030, but were on the precipice of doing something stupid. On the HIV Unwrapped red carpet, guests celebrated visibility, community, and pride.(Photo credit: Sam Guttell for Plus Life Media) Where to WatchNow, the project comes to the screen. HIV Unwrapped: From Lab to Runway premieres Sunday, November 30 on Hulu, followed by a broadcast on Monday, December 1 at 8 p.m. on the ABC Owned Television Stations Localish Network.The special will educate, inform, and entertain, Schmid says. It highlights U=U, PrEP, GMHC, the Quilt, and GLAAD all the people and ideas that keep us moving forward.He adds with a smile, Its not a lecture its an invitation to see HIV differently, to see the humanity and hope behind the headlines.Looking AheadAs +Life and HIV Unwrapped expand globally, Schmid stays grounded in what started it all connection. Every time someone reaches out to say, You made me feel less alone, thats what keeps me going, he says. The future of +Life is collaboration, because the more we talk, the more we heal.His call to action is simple: Follow @PlusLifeMedia, watch +Talk, share the message. The conversation only grows when everyone joins in.Asked what gives him hope today, Schmid doesnt hesitate. Its the way younger people talk about HIV without fear, with curiosity and compassion, he says. Thats when you know progress is real.He pauses. Its not about me, he adds quietly. Its about every person whos ever felt they had to hide. Were done hiding.Schmids work from +Lifes storytelling to the runways spectacle reminds us that visibility still saves lives. And sometimes, all it takes to change the world is the courage to be seen. A model walks the HIV Unwrapped runway wearing designs inspired by science, resilience, and self-expression.(Photo credit: Sam Guttell for Plus Life Media)

Just after former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called out Donald Trump for threatening air traffic controllers, who arent being paid for their work during the government shutdown, Trump confusingly fired back at Buttigieg. Buttigieg then responded on social media, calling out Trumps stream-of-consciousness rant as not being based on reality.Yesterday, Trump raged on social media about supposedly unpatriotic air traffic controllers: For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU. Related Pete Buttigieg nails the real reason why Donald Trumps ballroom is so troubling Buttigieg responded: The President wouldnt last five minutes as an air traffic controller and after everything theyve been through and the way this administration has treated them from Day One he has no business sh**ting on them now.A reporter asked Trump about the delayed and canceled flightsa result of staffing shortages brought on by the shutdownat the Oval Office yesterday. 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 Can you guarantee to Americans that travel is going to go back to normal once the government is she asked.Travel? Trump responded. Itll be better than normal, and you know why? Itll be much better than normal because were buying the most sophisticated avionics [sic] and, you know, technology for our control towers, and we didnt have that.We had a guy named Buttigieg. Boot-edge-edge, they say, is the best way. Just say two edges like off the edge of a cliff, which is where they were taking us, by the way, he said as the people who work for him laughed at his joke. Then Trump started rambling less coherently: Boot-edge-edge was the secretary of transportation and he spent billions of dollars trying to patch together our air control, our air traffic control system, which was a conglomeration of all different sytems and all different cities, he spent- they had hundreds of countries, hundreds of companies working on it, and they spent like billions of dollars and when they turned it on it didnt work, it didnt even work a little bit, thats why you had a helicopter crashing into an airplane that if we had a great system, bells and whistles would have started going off.Its hard to evaluate Trumps claims because many arent complete thoughts. The U.S. aviation system achieved its lowest rate of flight cancellations under Buttigieg in 2023. The helicopter crash Trump referred to happened when Trump was president and Sean Duffy was the transportation secretary. It was likely caused by staffing issues and a longstanding problem with shared airspace with a nearby military airfield, not bells and whistles that should have sounded. Other than mostly pronouncing my name right, everything he said was wrong, Buttigieg said in a video responding to Trump. He just made a bunch of s**t up about air traffic control. Buttigieg explained that the air traffic control system was in pretty rough shape by the end of Trumps first term. Buttigieg said the Biden administration launched a long-term plan to update the system, which is still being implemented, and that Trump is now passing off as his idea.Buttigieg said that the biggest issue the system is facing is a shortage of air traffic controllers, which is why its disgraceful for Trump to attack those controllers during the shutdown.So why would the president be picking a fight with air traffic controllers today of all days? Buttigieg said. Probably its to change the subject from how he and Republicans are increasing your health insurance premiums on purpose, right now, and how he has totally failed on his promise to make everyday life more affordable.Buttigieg was referring to the Senate continuing resolution, which passed with almost all Republicans voting for it, along with seven Democrats and one independent. The deal seeks to reopen the federal government without extending health care subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans. The House will vote on it soon. Why is Trump going after America's air traffic controllers, today of all days? It's one more way to distract from his decision to increase your health insurance premiums." Pete Buttigieg (@petebuttigieg.bsky.social) 2025-11-11T03:45:01.483ZSubscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Noah Schnapp became a global star after playing Will Byers on Netflix's Stranger Things. As we approach the fifth and final season of the hit sci-fi series, the actors have been opening up about their respective journeys on the show and Schnapp revealed how Will's sexuality will be a "major plot point" in this final season."Seeing how the world receives Will, and embraces him, has taught me through the years to feel OK in who I am, and how I express myself," Schnapp told British GQ.The publication noted that, according to Schnapp, "Will's sexuality will come up again in the final season as a major plot point," adding that the actor "stops himself short of revealing anything further."Overall, Schnapp remarked that Strangers Things "didn't just help find my own identity sexually. As a person, it taught me that it's OK to be me, as everything that I am. And I think that's what's so special about our show, and what's so special about Will. It doesn't resonate with queer people, it resonates with all people who feel different."When did Noah Schnapp come out as gay? Noah Schnapp as Will Byers on Stranger Things season 4.NetflixThe discourse surrounding Schnapp's sexuality was a saga of its own that existed outside of the actual Stranger Things series. The speculation first surfaced in 2016, as fans theorized that his character, Will Byers, was gay. At the time, the actor dismissed the speculation right away."Stranger Things is a show about a bunch of kids who are outsiders and find each other because they have been bullied in some way or are different," Schnapp wrote in a since-deleted social media post. "Does being sensitive, or a loner, or a teenager who likes photography, or a girl with red hair and big glasses, make you gay?"That tune changed around July 2022, when Schnapp confirmed that Will Byers was gay after all. "Now that he's gotten older, they made it a very real, obvious thing. Now it's 100% clear that he is gay and he does love Mike. But before, it was a slow arc," he told Variety. I think it is done so beautifully, because it's so easy to make a character just like all of a sudden be gay."Schnapp subsequently came out as gay in a social media video that seemed playful and funny, but turned out to be true. After coming out, the actor received a flood of lovely messages from his Stranger Things costars, other celebrities, and the fans.Noah Schnapp's comments on Israel and Palestine. Noah Schnapp on a red carpet.Kathy Hutchins/ShutterstockSchnapp first commented on Israel and Palestine in a since-deleted Instagram carousel from October 2023, which read:"As a Jewish American, I am afraid. Afraid for my brothers and sisters in Israel, who have been senselessly attacked by Hamas. I am truly heartbroken to see the brutal murders of innocent children, women and soldiers fighting to defend themselves. I, like others, want peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. Let's stop the rhetoric and choosing sides. Instead we must recognize that we are all on the side of the fight against terrorism. Choose humanity over violence.""I have also noticed a silence in social media like never seen before. The same people who love to jump on fashionable causes like supporting Ukraine and combating climate change have been chillingly quiet. The Jewish people are seeing your silence and we won't forget it. 40 babies were beheaded and burned alive in front of their parents by Hamas. I hope we can agree that Hamas are a recognized terrorist organization: they don't represent the Palestinian people when they value murdering Israelis more than protecting their own. You either stand with Israel, or you stand with terrorism. It shouldn't be a difficult choice. Shame on you."The actor's first statement on Israel and Palestine can be read via @PopBase on X.A month later in November 2023 X fan-page @PopCrave re-shared a post from Schnapp in which the actor was seen "engaging with signs that read 'Zionism is sexy' in new video."The video can be watched below. (@) Schnapp shared a video of himself in January 2024 further elaborating his opinions on Israel and Palestine. The actor said (via @PopBase on X):"I just hope to one day see those two groups be able to live harmoniously together in that region. And I hope for 2024 online to see people be a little more understanding and compassionate and recognize that were all human."When does Stranger Things come out? The cast of Stranger Things season 5.NetflixStranger Things season 5 premieres on November 26, 2025.However, the hit Netflix series won't release the entire season in bulk, at once, as the streaming service is known for.What is the Stranger Things season 5 release schedule? Teaser poster for Stranger Things season 5.NetflixThis fifth and final season of Stranger Things has been divided into three parts: two batches of episodes referred to as "volumes," and then the series finale as a standalone drop. Below, check out the dates to keep in mind.Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1 (Episodes 1-4): November 26Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 2 (Episodes 5-7): December 25Stranger Things Season 5 Finale (Episodes 8): December 31Watch the first few minutes of Stranger Things season 5 below, and make sure to watch this final season once it's released on Netflix.

Elvira isnt her real name, but thats what she asked me to call her. She chose it after Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. That woman never said sorry for bein herself, she told me. Thats kinda what Im on.Shes tall about six-foot-one with dirty blonde hair thats usually tied back in a ponytail. Her lipstick, always slightly smudged, is a deep, Courtney Love red. Shes striking, though shell tell you herself she doesnt always pass. Related This mom had no resources when her trans son came out. So she launched a global support network. Folks can tell, she said with a shrug. I know they can. Whatever. I aint hidin from nobody.She speaks slowly, weighing her words as she goes. The night I texted to tell her I forgot about the interview Id planned to do, she simply replied, Come eat. I made too much. I threw on a hoodie and walked the five blocks to her house. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Elvira lives a few streets over in Dallas. We met years ago, before her transition, back when she liked to start political arguments just to keep conversations lively. She served six years in the military, steady and disciplined, with a wife and a baby at home. That marriage was already done, she said. Me comin out just made it official, you know?That baby at home was Iggy. Hes ten now funny, restless, always drawing robots. One morning, he announced, Mom, Im a boy. She looked up from her coffee and replied, Cool. You want another waffle? She laughed at the memory. I probably shoulda said somethin deeper, but I didnt wanna make it weird. He knew I was good with it. When I arrived, she was stirring a pot of spaghetti sauce, Nirvana playing on a Bluetooth speaker. Iggy ran circles around the table, the dog barking at his heels. Dinner was loud and ordinary spilled juice, noodles on the floor, the nightly bedtime argument. Stop actin like an a**hole, she told him. Its nine-thirty. He stomped off, muttering. She shook her head, smiling. Hell be fine. He just dramatic like his mama.After he went to bed, we sat on the couch. She lit a cigarette and took a long drag. HBO Max played a horror series based on It in the background. She exhaled smoke and nodded at the screen. Gurl, Id almost rather It be president than Cheeto Mussolini, she said, laughing.Then she grew quieter. Right now we okay. I mean, I guess. But I keep a bag packed, got a gun too. If sh*t go bad, we out. I aint waitin around for nobody. She flicked ash into the tray. That aint fear. Thats just thats how Im built. Texas gives her reason to stay alert. Since 2023, the state has banned gender-affirming care for minors, and the courts have upheld the law. In 2025, the Legislature passed another bill defining sex strictly by birth and penalizing schools that use a students chosen name or pronouns. They always comin with somethin new, she said. They tryna erase us on paper first. Makes it easier later.When politics came up, she sighed. Man, my parents act like its Christmas, she said. They got the hats, the flags, all that bullsh*t. And they got a trans daughter and a trans grandkid me and Iggy and still, She paused and shook her head. How the f**k you gonna vote for that motherf**ker and then call me talkin about, We miss yall? Get the hell outta here.She stubbed out her cigarette. They say they love us. Maybe they do. But you cant love somebody and vote for folks that wanna make their life hell. That dont line up. I dont know. Its messy. Her military training shows even in domestic life. You get used to orders, she said. You know whos in charge, what your job is. Parenting aint like that. Ill start yellin like Im in formation, and hell just look at me like, Girl, you trippin.She smiled, then sighed. I gotta drive him two hours to therapy cause I dont trust takin him to nobody around here, she said. People talk too damn much. Down there, she cool. She gets it. He likes her. Its worth the gas, I guess.She waved off any idea of activism. I aint out here leadin marches, she said. I just work, pay bills, make dinner, keep him safe. Thats enough. The house smelled of detergent and tomato sauce. Iggys sketchbook was still open on the table, full of crooked robots. Hes into machines, she said. I told him if the blender starts talkin, Im movin out.She looked down the hall toward his room. I tell him the worlds weird, she said. People gon say stuff. Some gon get you, some wont. You just keep goin. Dont change for em.When I asked what its like raising a trans kid as a trans parent, she took another drag and thought for a long moment. Its good, she said. Hard too. You already know whats out there the looks, the laws, the whispers. But you cant drop that on your kid. You just give em somethin better to hold on to. Thats all I can do. Before I left, she peeked into Iggys room. He was sprawled sideways across the bed, one arm hanging off the side. He sleeps wild, she said. Long as hes breathin, Im good.At the door, she leaned against the frame and smiled. People think bein strong means you dont feel nothin, she said. Nah. Strengths just gettin up, doin what you gotta do, takin care of your kid. Same sh*t any parent does. Im just a regular girl with a little extra. I work, I pay bills, I take care of mine. Who we are? Thats nobodys damn business but ours. She laughed, flicked her lighter, and added, And you better make me sound smart in the article, gurl. Tell em Im a transgender b*tch who dont play about my kid.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Many Democrats are up in arms that seven Democratic senators voted alongside Republicans on a deal to end the shutdown that does not include an extension of the health care subsidies they have been fighting for. LGBTQ+ members of the party are no exception, with many of them publicly expressing their disgust that any Democrats would cave. Related Mark Takano blasts Republicans for cruelly blaming shutdown on trans people Without the subsidies, some peoples health care premiums are set to increase by thousands of dollars per person, according to a KFF analysis, with older Americans who are nearing retirement being disproportionately affected. This will likely result in people dropping insurance coverage, increasing health care costs for everyone as the pool of people paying into health care shrinks. Others will face severe hardship if they have a health issue without insurance to cover it.The Senate ultimately voted for a continuing resolution to reopen the federal government without extending the ACA subsidies. Almost all Republicans voted for it Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) did not and they were joined by seven Democrats who crossed party lines, as well as one independent. 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 Part of the deal was a promise to hold a vote on the ACA subsidies at a later date, without any guarantee that the House of Representatives would do the same.Here are some LGBTQ+ Democrats across the country who have expressed vehement opposition to the deal. LGBTQ+ House Members LGBTQ+ Reps. Sarah McBride (D-DE), Angie Craig (D-MN), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Becca Balint (D-VT), Mark Takano (D-CA), Angie Craig (D-MN), Julie Johnson (D-TX), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Emily Randall (D-WA), Ritchie Torres (D-NY) have all condemned the deal and indicated they will not vote for it in the House. If people believe this is a deal, I have a bridge to sell you, said Craig, who is running for the U.S. Senate. Im not going to put 24 million Americans at risk of losing their health care.If people believe this is a deal, I have a bridge to sell you. Im not going to put 24 million Americans at risk of losing their health care. Im a no. https://t.co/iDnXTZUand Angie Craig (@RepAngieCraig) November 9, 2025 Garcia called it a surrender and said hell be a HELL NO in the House.This is not a deal, its a surrender to Trump. Senate Democrats should reject this plan that does nothing to prevent healthcare premiums from skyrocketing for millions of Americans. Ill be a HELL NO in the House. Congressman Robert Garcia (@RepRobertGarcia) November 10, 2025Johnson said shes a hell no and called Republicans disgusting for wanting to inflict maximum pain on the American people to suck up to a deranged President. I am a hell no on a bill that takes away health care from millions of Texans. All I have heard from my constituents is to please protect their health care. It is disgusting that Republicans are determined to inflict maximum pain on the American people to suck up to a deranged Congresswoman Julie Johnson (@RepJulieJohnson) November 10, 2025Balint said there is no reason to trust Republicans will actually be willing to negotiate on healthcare subsidies when the government is reopened since they dont act in good faith. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Representative Becca Balint (@repbeccab) McBride emphasized that the people of her state deserve so much better. We can reopen government and tackle the health care crisis all at the same time, she said. The only thing stopping us for months has been Republican cruelty. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Congresswoman Sarah McBride (@congresswomansarahmcbride) Pappas, who is running for the U.S. Senate, released a statement saying the deal fails to prevent a massive increase in health insurance costs for families and small businesses.For that reason, I cant support it, he said. Ill keep fighting to get legislation to the House floor that will extend premium tax credits, but just hoping Speaker Johnson will do the right thing isnt good enough for New Hampshire.Takano called out the Democratic defectors, who he said should not reward Republicans for their cruelty or failure to govern. I will vote NO on the Senates so-called deal. It does nothing to fix the GOPs healthcare crisis thats sending costs skyrocketing. Democrats should not reward Republicans for their cruelty or their failure to govern. Mark Takano (@RepMarkTakano) November 10, 2025Randall said the deal isnt much of a deal at all if it ignores the avoidable health care crisis facing families. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Congresswoman Emily Randall (@repemilyrandall) Torres agreed, calling it an unconditional surrender that abandons 24 million Americans who are about to see their premiums more than double, during an interview with NPR.Two out House members Sharice Davids (D-KS) and Eric Sorenson (D-IL) do not seem to have released thoughts. Sen. Tammy BaldwinSen. Tammy Baldwin not only condemned the deal, but she fought to save health care subsidies until the very end. In a last-ditch effort to fund health care for working-class Americans, Baldwin introduced an amendment Monday night that would have extended subsidies for one year. The amendment ultimately failed. Fifty-three senators all the Republicans voted against it, while the 47 Senate Democrats and independents voted for it.My Republican colleagues sent a clear, unmistakable message that they are okay with jacking up health care costs on 22 million Americans, Baldwin said in a statement after the vote. Im not, and I am going to keep fighting to stop these massive health care price increases that Wisconsin families are staring down. Pete Buttigieg Out former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg flat-out called the Senate agreement a bad deal. Everyday life making it better and more affordable must always be our bottom line, he wrote on social media. For months, Ive been hearing from people bracing for their health insurance bills to skyrocket so much that some will lose coverage altogether. Some say they simply havent even opened their letter yet, dreading the bad news. Any deal that fails to address this directly is a bad deal. It's a bad deal.Everyday life making it better and more affordable must always be our bottom line. For months, Ive been hearing from people bracing for their health insurance bills to skyrocket so much that some will lose coverage altogether. Some say they simply Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) November 10, 2025Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey Out Gov. Maura Healey slammed the fact that the government has been closed for over a month, and despite the many sacrifices the American people have been forced to make (like losing SNAP benefits, enduring layoffs, missing paychecks, and having flights cancelled), nothing has actually been accomplished.Now we have a situation where nothing has been done to prevent peoples healthcare costs from skyrocketing, Healey said. Its total dysfunction down in Washington D.C., and we need Republicans in Congress to come back to work and make sure that there is a vote to extend those healthcare subsidies for at least another year. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maura Healey (@maura_healey)California state Sen. Scott WienerCalifornia state Sen. Scott Wiener, who is currently running for Congress, slammed the Democrats who bent the knee to the president.This is a bad deal and Democrats need to be willing to fight and stand up to this authoritarian regime, no matter how painful that may be, Wiener wrote on social media. He explained in an accompanying video that when you are fighting an authoritarian regime, it is painful to win.There are costs and consequences to try to take them down and stop their agenda, he said, begging House Democrats to reject the bill. When you actually have the leverage, you have to use it. Eight Democrats just bent the knee to Trump, risking millions of Americans healthcare. This is a bad deal and Democrats need to be willing to fight and stand up to this authoritarian regime, no matter how painful that may be. Senator Scott Wiener (@scottwiener.bsky.social) 2025-11-11T02:31:50.521ZFormer Pennsylvania state Rep. Malcolm KenyattaFormer state Rep. and former DNC Vice Chair Malcolm Kenyatta, a rising star in the Democratic Party, wrote on social media that healthcare is worth fighting for.Our neighbors need Democrats to win this fight, he said. Giving in right now for a pinky promise from a Republican Party committed to making healthcare unaffordable makes no sense. This should not happen. Healthcare is worth fighting for. Our neighbors need Democrats to win this fight. Giving in right now for a pinky promise from a Republican Party committed to making healthcare unaffordable makes no sense. This should not happen. Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (@malcolmkenyatta) November 10, 2025Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Grindr is helping reduce the stigma around regularly getting tested in a few different ways on the app, but one of the most impactful has been a feature that lets users order HIV self-test kits right through the app. Through a partnership with the program Together TakeMeHome, Grindr has reached the milestone of helping distribute over 1 million kits with nearly half of the testing kits ordered through the app's link.One in four of the orders were from first-time testers, According to Mohan Sundararaj, Grindr for Equality's managing director. And at the end of September, Together TakeMeHome received funding that allows another 360,000 free HIV tests to be distributed in the following year. "Reaching this milestone is proof that digital access can close real-world health gaps and help challenge the stigma and discrimination that still surround sexual health, especially for the LGBTQ+ community," Sundararaj said in a statement. "With more than 15 million people connecting on Grindr every month, the app has the power to deliver more than just connection; it can deliver life-saving information and tools to LGBTQ+ people all over the world. By using our platform to reach users directly, were helping bridge the gap between awareness and action, and providing safer, judgment-free spaces for care." Grindr prompt to order HIV self-test kitsCourtesy of Grindr Sundararaj and Jen Hecht, cofounder of Building Healthy Online Communities, which created Together TakeMeHome, emphasize the importance of a program like this in the face of political uncertainty, as threats are made to HIV care and prevention measures. Earlier this year, the Trump administration slashed funding to programs not only in the United States but across the globe through PEPFAR.Hecht is optimistic that this 1 million milestone is just the beginning for HIV self-testing. "What this milestone demonstrates is that increasing accessibility to HIV testing by creatively engaging private sector partners benefits many," she said in a statement. "As more people have easy access to HIV testing, we also see higher engagement in other tools, whether that is PrEP for prevention or connection to early treatment and care, that lead to a healthier community overall. Theres still a wide gap between knowing about prevention tools like HIV testing and PrEP, and feeling safe or comfortable enough to seek them out. Too often, stigma and discrimination not just logistics keep people from taking that step.She continued, "By offering self-tests that are easily accessed at any time of day and delivered right to someones door, were helping break down those social and structural barriers, removing not only practical hurdles but also the silent shame and uncertainty that have long kept too many from managing their sexual health. Grindrs leadership in placing the link in a prominent location with the app is a key aspect of normalizing sexual health and de-stigmatizing testing for HIV."Order a free self-test today at together.takemehome.org.

Once again, Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme are making the yuletide gay!The iconic besties are continuing their annual tradition of bringing some holiday cheer across the United States with The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show.Although the political climate has been very volatile for the LGBTQ+ community in 2025, the duo is determined to bring some escapism and queer joy as the year comes to a close."DeLa had to pick me up off the floor the day of the election results. She told me, 'We'll be fine once get out there.' Getting on the stage that night is what helped me keep going," Monsoon tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Beyond their critically acclaimed holiday show, both Monsoon and DeLa have thrived in their individual careers all year long.Monsoon added two additional Broadway shows to her impressive resume: Oh, Mary! and Pirates! The Penzance Musical, while BenDeLaCreme returned to Chicago to perform in Teatro ZinZanni. Next year, DeLa will serve as the host of Dita Von Teese's Nocturnelle Tour."Annually, I get to see my mission statement as an artist put into practice, which is creating a safe space through art for my community. It's all I've ever wanted to do as an artist! I get to do it in my solo work and I get to do it heavy and hard in my duo work with DeLa," Monsoon says.Monsoon's incredible talents are undeniable, but the RuPaul's Drag Race two-time winner still uses her platform to defend the LGBTQ+ community against the opposing side."We need a voice and a person like Jinkx in that spotlight right now! Not only is she out there killing it as a performer, but she's being a spokesperson for our community in a really brave and important way," BenDeLaCreme says.Queer people have already faced adversity head-on, so Monsoon and DeLa are reminding everyone to come together at a time it's needed most."How do we continue to sing and dance through all of this? The answer is... we sing and dance through all of this! As horrible as the world feels, it only makes our jobs and our positions feel more important and more fulfilling," DeLa concludes.Tickets for The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show are on sale now. To see the full interview with Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme, check out the video at the top of the page.

The far-right movement of recent years has been significantly shaped by right-wing influencers -- podcasters, YouTubers, and other online pot-stirrers with increasingly extreme viewpoints. And many of these influencers regularly target LGBTQ+ people, opposing almost all aspects of queer rights. Across commentary feeds, grassroots mobilizations, and legislative initiatives, their focus on queer communities is explicit. Here is a look at 12 of the most powerful and influential anti-LGBTQ+ extremists and what you should know about them.Matt WalshA senior contributor at The Daily Wire and producer of the inflammatory documentary What Is a Woman?, Matt Walsh continues to leverage media tools to frame transgender people as a cultural threat. His work has been cited in state-level legislative efforts to restrict gender-affirming care. He remains a featured presence at conservative conferences, speaking directly to groups aligned with anti-trans activism.Chaya Raichik (Libs of TikTok)As the creator behind the social media account Libs of TikTok, Chaya Raichik continues to amplify videos of educators, drag performers, and queer youth, with inflammatory commentary and framing. Major media outlets have traced a connection between her posts and harassment campaigns directed at LGBTQ+-inclusive schools. Security experts have labeled her tactics as stochastic terrorism. Raichiks reach remains substantial in the right-wing online ecosystem, where she shapes narrative frames of indoctrination and grooming in queer youth spaces.Laura LoomerFar-right activist Laura Loomer continues to use online platforms and live events to attack LGBTQ+ equalityparticularly transgender rights and queer-inclusive education. Previously banned across many mainstream platforms, she has migrated to fringe networks, where she remains a vocal critic of Pride celebrations, LGBTQ+ corporate initiatives, and queer inclusion in schools. As a confidant of President Donald Trump, Loomer has exerted pressure on the federal government to fire individuals she has deemed insufficiently loyal to the MAGA movement.Candace OwensPolitical commentator and book author Candace Owens remains a visible figure in conservative media. Her rhetoric consistently frames transgender rights and queer representation as part of a larger ideological battle over children, education, and culture. She is currently being sued by French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife, whom Owens insists is transgender, although there is no such evidence. Through her social media channels, podcast appearances, and public speeches, Owens continues to galvanize audiences opposed to LGBTQ+ diversity initiatives in education and corporate settings.Riley GainesA former collegiate swimmer who tied for fifth place with a transgender swimmer turned anti-trans advocate, Riley Gaines has made her opposition to transgender inclusion in womens sports a national platform. She has appeared alongside legislators crafting bills to exclude trans women from female-designated athletics. While some of her legal claims were dismissed in late 2025, her advocacy remains central to the mobilization of anti-trans legislation across state capitals.Nick FuentesNick Fuentes, a white nationalist streamer so extreme that Charlie Kirk feuded with him, remains influential in extremist online communities despite platform bans. He uses alternative streaming sites to disseminate anti-LGBTQ+, antisemitic, and white supremacist messaging alongside broader conspiratorial and authoritarian themes.Benny JohnsonA digital influencer and former creative chief at Turning Point USA, Benny Johnson has shifted from meme culture into targeted political messaging. He has produced viral videos framing Pride events and LGBTQ+ inclusion as indoctrination, contributing to campaigns against corporations and schools. His messaging resonates within right-wing social media ecosystems and influences grassroots mobilizations. He has produced pro-Trump videos following Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem around on violent ICE raids where masked federal agents snatch undocumented immigrants.Scott PreslerRight-wing activist Scott Presler remains active in conservative organizing, including voter drive campaigns. He also utilizes his social media presence to amplify anti-drag and anti-trans narratives, aligning himself with grassroots foot soldiers in the cultural war over queer visibility. Presler is gay.Robby StarbuckRobby Starbuck, a filmmaker and former congressional candidate, has sustained a media presence centered on opposing LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment and education. He has publicly aligned himself with campaigns to pressure corporations over Pride marketing and supported local political candidates running on anti-trans platforms. His activities highlight the intersection of cultural production and political mobilization in the anti-LGBTQ+ pitch. Starbuck has made it a mission of his to target companies for their diversity initiatives, leading some businesses to back away from their inclusivity programs.Jack PosobiecA conspiracy theory proponent and former correspondent at One America News Network, Jack Posobiec continues to cultivate platforms where LGBTQ+ advocacy is tied to broader narratives of societal decay and moral crisis. As one of the earliest alt-right media personalities, his sustained visibility highlights how far-right media ecosystems continue to target queer communities.Michael KnowlesHost at The Daily Wire, Michael Knowles made headlines in 2023 when he declared at a major conservative conference that transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely. His ongoing commentary, speaking appearances, and media presence continue to proliferate his anti-LGBTQ+ points of view.Brandon StrakaFounder of the #WalkAway campaign and participant in the January 6 insurrection, Brandon Straka, a gay man, returned to right-wing activism after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor. He positions his movement as rescuing gay Americans from liberal ideology, using anti-LGBTQ+ framing as part of broader culture war messaging within pro-Trump circles.

In the wake of a federal appeals court ruling reviving Texass drag ban, nonbinary drag activist Brigitte Bandit took to Instagram on Monday to encourage folks to support the events that remain legal. Please be aware that this drag ban only applies to certain types of performances where minors can be present. drag storytimes are still legal. drag shows are still legal. book and support your local drag. we need it now more than ever, they wrote. Related GOP official rages at demonic Christmas drag show because kids might be near the building its in In the comments, many thanked the performer and activist for speaking up. Prohibiting performances in any capacity is such a slippery slope to banning anything vaguely uncomfortable for ppl, one person wrote. It goes hand in hand with the book bans, and the mandate to put the 10 commandments in classrooms. The rules just dont apply for these politicians and it needs to stop. 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 Appreciate the clarity, wrote another. Art is art is art. This is still an attack/control on artistic expression and rooted in misogyny, homophobia and transphobia. Such a fascist f**king state.A third simply wrote, Thank you for using your voice. Earlier this week, a U.S. Court of Appeals reversed a rulingmade by a District Court judge in 2023, overturning his permanent injunction againstTexas wide-reaching and vaguely worded drag ban, which the judge claimed infringed on First Amendment rights.Texas S.B. 12 was signed into law in June 2023 byGov. Greg Abbott (R)and was set to go into effect on September 1 of the same year. While the bill ostensibly made it a crime to provide sexually oriented performances in a commercial space, on public property, or in the presence of minors, the language of the bill and the rhetoric around it made it clear that it was intended to target drag shows in particular. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brigitte Bandit (@brigittebandit)While the intent is clear from the comments of those involved, the bills original text demonstrates the motivations that underpinned it. Anearlier version of the billhas a line under the definitions of features in sexual conduct that includes a male performer exhibiting as a female, or a female performer exhibiting as a male, who uses clothing, makeup, or other similar physical markers and who sings, lip syncs, dances, or otherwise performs before an audience. That definition would include everything fromTom HollandsLip Sync Battleappearance to cosplayers.TheHouse Committee report from May 26, 2023, shows the line removed. Instead, the definition of sexually oriented performances is edited to include exhibition of sexual gesticulations using accessories or prosthetics that exaggerate male or female sexual characteristics, which clearly targets breast forms and packers common in drag shows.This explains Bandits message that much of what drag queens do is still allowed, despite the fact that the law will no doubt cause hatred and stigma and create a slippery slope for what the law considers sexually oriented. Bandit spoke to lawmakers multiple times while the state legislature was debating the bill in 2023. In one testimony, they appeared before the committee in a dress bearing the names of the victims of the Uvalde and Allen mass shootings to argue that the real danger facing the states children is gun violence, not drag queens.After reportedly speaking 15 seconds over her allotted time, Bandit was escorted out of the hearing by security. @brigittebandit my full testimony against SB12, the Texas anti-drag bill, in solidarity with the families of Uvalde who have shown up every day this legislation session only to be actively ignored by our lawmakers. Texans deserve better. original sound brigitte bandit Before that, their testimony before the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs, in which she argued the legislation discriminated on the basis of sex, had gone viral. Why should I be able to continue the same kind of events with similar content and costumes but not my male counterparts? she asked.Noting that there are already laws preventing children from attending adult-oriented shows at venues like gay bars, she argued that the bill wrongly focused on the sex and gender of performers rather than the content of their performances.Drag is simply a form of art, and like any form of art, it can be produced by many different kinds of people and be modified for different kinds of audiences, she said. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

After having their early retirement unceremoniously revoked months after it had been approved, 17 trans servicemembers are suing the presidential administration. Each of the plaintiffs inIreland et al. v. United Stateshas served 15 to 18 years in the military and faces losing $1 to $2 million in compensation over their lifetimes.Ive done what my service and my country asked of me, said the lead plaintiff, Master Sgt. Logan Ireland, speaking to The Advocate. My gender should have no bearing on what retirement benefits Im afforded. Full stop [] Gender aside, Im a service member and Ive sacrificed for this uniform. Related The Pentagon just issued new rigged rules to humiliate & eliminate trans troops Back in May, when the presidents second trans military ban was set to go into effect, Gwen DeFilipi, the Air Forces Acting Assistant Secretary for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, issued a policy that allowed trans members of the Air Force and Space Force who had served for 15 to 18 years to apply for Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA).Under that guidance, some trans troops chose to apply before they were forced out of the armed forces. The plaintiffs in this lawsuit had those applications approved in July. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today However, in August, DeFilipi was replaced in that role by Brian L. Scarlett, who quickly issued a memo revoking those approvals. Scarletts move meant stripping those trans service members who had retirement dates of their prorated retirement benefits, including pensions, access to TRICARE, health insurance coverage, access to military housing, and disability benefits.The Air Force has said that those whose TERA approvals were rescinded had the option to apply for voluntary separation pay. However, at the time that the approved orders were taken back, the deadline for voluntary separation pay applications had already passed. There has never been an administration that has shown such open hostility to the brave men and women who have served our country, said Shannon Minter, one of the lead attorneys on the case and the Legal Director for the National Center for LGBTQ Rights.Since Scarlett took over the role in August, the Air Force has been at the forefront of punishing trans service members for being trans. In August, the Air Force also became the first branch of the military to roll out comprehensive guidelines for removing transgender military personnel. That policy was picked up by the wider military and included removing space for due process and for trans service members to properly appeal their involuntary separation.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.