Motherhood brings endless joy, but the postpartum phase also comes with physical changes that need care and support. One key nutrient that plays a crucial role in this recovery process is collagen for postpartum recovery. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and helps heal tissues, restore skin elasticity, and support joint strength.For new moms, taking collagen can be a gentle, natural way to help the body heal and regain strength after childbirth. In addition, following practical Fitness Momentum Hacks can make it easier to stay active, boost energy, and maintain consistency during postpartum recovery. Keep reading to discover how combining collagen with the effective tips can help you regain strength and vitality faster.Understanding Collagen and Its RoleCollagen is like the glue that holds the body together. It supports skin, muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. During pregnancy and childbirth, collagen levels drop, leading to loose skin, joint discomfort, and sometimes hair loss. Replenishing collagen through food or supplements can help the body rebuild whats been lost. This is why experts often recommend collagen as part of a postpartum recovery plan, it helps restore balance, strength, and confidence.Benefits Of CollagenBelow are some of the major benefits of collagen that you can gain by incorporating it into your daily routine:1. Improves Skin ElasticityAfter giving birth, many women experience sagging skin around the stomach or stretch marks. Collagen for postpartum recovery can help improve skin elasticity, making the skin firmer and smoother. Collagen peptides stimulate the body to produce new collagen and elastin fibers, which tighten the skin naturally. When combined with proper hydration and balanced nutrition, collagen helps new moms regain their pre-pregnancy glow without harsh chemicals or procedures.2. Reduces Hair LossHair loss after childbirth is very common due to hormonal changes. Collagen contains amino acids like proline, which are essential for keratin production, the main protein in hair. Supplementing with collagen for postpartum recovery helps strengthen hair follicles, reduce breakage, and promote healthier growth. For new moms, this means fewer strands falling out and a fuller, more vibrant head of hair over time.3. Supports Joints and BonesCarrying a baby for nine months and then lifting and caring for the newborn can put extra strain on a mothers joints and bones. Joint support becomes crucial during postpartum recovery. Collagen helps by maintaining cartilage health, reducing stiffness, and promoting flexibility. This allows new moms to move more comfortably while performing daily activities or exercising to regain fitness.Moreover, collagen can support bone density, which sometimes decreases during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to changes in calcium levels.4. Aids in Muscle and Tissue RepairChildbirth, whether natural or surgical, can strain muscles and tissues. Collagen helps rebuild these tissues faster by providing the amino acids needed for repair. Taking collagen for postpartum recovery promotes faster healing of skin, muscles, and even internal tissues, helping the body bounce back more effectively.For new moms, this can mean less discomfort, improved strength, and a quicker return to regular routines.5. Boosts Energy and Overall Well-beingThe postpartum period can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. Collagen supports gut health, which improves nutrient absorption and overall energy levels. When digestion works better, the body feels stronger and more balanced. For new moms, better energy and mood can make a huge difference in adjusting to life with a newborn.Natural Sources of CollagenTo boost collagen for postpartum recovery, you can include collagen-rich foods like:Bone brothChicken skin and fishEgg whitesBerries and citrus fruitsLeafy greens and beansCollagen supplements, such as powders or gummies, can also be helpful, especially for new moms who find it hard to prepare complex meals while caring for a baby.Choose the Right SupplementWhen it comes to postpartum recovery, finding a supplement that truly delivers can be overwhelming. Among the many options available, Vitauthoritys Multi Collagen Burn has proven to be a reliable choice, backed by real results from users like Amanda Young.Amanda, a full-time parent and triathlete, shares how this supplement has fit seamlessly into her demanding schedule. Between full-time work, parenting, and over 14 hours of weekly training, convenience and effectiveness are crucial. She noticed results within the first 30 days, experiencing relief in joints and muscles while also seeing improvements in her hair, skin, and nails.Over the past year of consistent training, Amanda emphasizes that Multi Collagen Burn has significantly enhanced her muscle recovery. On days she misses her supplement, she feels the difference, less energy, slower recovery, and increased fatigue. Beyond physical recovery, she has also enjoyed clearer skin, even during intense workouts, which she describes as an added perk.Amandas experience highlights how Multi Collagen Burn supports overall postpartum wellness, from faster recovery and boosted energy to healthier hair, skin, and nails.ConclusionIn the journey of motherhood, self-care is not a luxury, its a necessity. Taking collagen for postpartum recovery helps new moms rebuild their strength from the inside out. It supports skin elasticity, reduces hair loss, and provides joint support to make everyday life smoother.By adding collagen to your routine, youre not only healing your body but also investing in long-term wellness. Whether through food or Vitauthority supplements, collagen can be a trusted supplement for your postpartum recovery, helping you look and feel like yourself again, strong, confident, and radiant.The post Collagen for Postpartum Recovery: Benefits for New Moms appeared first on LGBTQ and ALL.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy the anti-LGBTQ+ former congressman, reality TV personality, and Fox host who replaced former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is now saying that he will direct Department of Transportation funds to areas with higher marriage and birth rates.In a series of orders on Wednesday intended to rescind woke policies, roll back burdensome and costly regulations, restore economic growth, Duffy said that communities with marriage and birth rates higher than the national average would be given preference when asking for federal grant money and contracts for transportation projects. Related Donald Trump picks anti-LGBTQ+ Fox host to replace Pete Buttigieg The memo says that families with young children have more of a need for transportation. 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 memo also bans grant recipients from implementing mask mandates and requires recipients to help federal authorities identify undocumented immigrants, according to the HuffPost. The American people deserve an efficient, safe and pro-growth transportation system based on sound decision-making, not political ideologies, Duffy said of the memo, which explicitly pushes several ideological positions. Same-sex couples are less likely to have children than opposite-sex couples, which means that areas with large LGBTQ+ populations could face funding cuts.The memo came just hours before American Eagle Flight 5342 crashed after colliding with a military helicopter as it was landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night. My focus is on those who are impacted on this flight and again, Ive been secretary for a little over a day, he said at a press conference after the crash, which killed 67 people. The head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is in charge of air safety, was pushed out of his job a week earlier by Trump ally Elon Musk after he proposed imposing $600,000 in fines on Musks company SpaceX over safety concerns. The FAA, which is part of the Department of Transportation, still does not have a director.Moreover, the New York Times reports that the air traffic control tower at the Reagan Airport was understaffed on Wednesday night. Usually, separate controllers work with helicopters and airplanes, but that night there was only one controller handling both helicopters and planes. A preliminary FAA report on the crash said it was not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic to have only one controller working.Republicans have been attacking the FAAs hiring practices for years, claiming that the FAA is too woke and promotes LGBTQ initiatives and policies. Duffy himself voted against a transportation appropriations bill when he was in Congress in 2019 that included funding for the FAA. Duffy was the co-host of The Bottom Line on Fox Business prior to his appointment to lead the Department of Transportation. Prior to that, he was a member of the House of Representatives, representing Wisconsins Seventh Congressional District. He first got national attention in the late 1990s when he appeared on The Real World: Boston and Road Rules: All Stars. Wisconsin has a declining birth rate and a low marriage rate. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel is already speculating about how Duffys new policy could cost his home state transportation dollars. Duffy was a vocal opponent of marriage equality and earned a score of zero several times on the HRC Congressional Scorecard during his tenure in Congress, showing his staunch opposition to LGBTQ+ equality. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The Liberty Hotel a five-star Boston hotel that lied about removing a lesbian couple from a womens restroom after mistaking one of the women for a man reached a settlement with the couple by guaranteeing to update its nondiscrimination training and policies and donate $10,000 to an LGBTQ+ organization.In early May, a security guardentered one of the hotels womens restrooms and demanded that Ansley Baker exit a stall, accusing her of being a man and forcing her to show ID to prove her gender. While escorting Baker and her partner out of the restroom, other women waiting in line for the facilitiescalled Baker a creep and demanded that she be ejected from the hotel, which the guard did. The hotel later lied, claiming that Baker and her partner had used the same stall together the couple denied the accusation. Related Trans man uses womens restroom to follow the law. Police detained him for it anyway. On Monday, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) announced a settlement, requiring the hotel to donate $10,000 to an LGBTQ+ organization, update its nondiscrimination training and policies, and post a nondiscrimination statement in its lobby, GO MAG reported.In a statement, MCAD said the couple were stereotyped, harassed, and removed. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today This outrageous incident at the Liberty Hotel left these two women emotionally shaken, humiliated, and deeply distressed, MCAD Chairwoman Sunila Thomas George said. They were denied services, subjected to demeaning treatment in front of other patrons of the hotel, and falsely accused of actions they did not commit, which is not only degrading, but unjust according to Massachusetts civil rights law.Liberty Hotel General Manager Mark Fischer issued an apology to the couple on Monday, stating. On behalf of the Liberty Hotel, I want to offer another apology to Ansley Baker and Liz Victor for the incident that occurred. We deeply regret that our initial statement may have created unintended impressions about the actions of Ansley and Liz. That was not our intent. Baker and Victor plan to move forward with a civil lawsuit against the hotel for publishing a false and defamatory statement about them, which implied that they were involved in some lewd behavior while allegedly sharing a restroom stall.In an interview with WBZ-TV, Baker said the hotels apology doesnt personally mean much to her or her partner, even though it likely means a lot to other people. Bakers partner, Liz Victor,said she wants to hold the hotel responsible for its actions and guarantee that such falsehoods arent spread about the hotels patrons again in the future.Since 2016, Massachusetts state law has allowedall people to use restrooms and locker rooms that are most aligned with their gender identity. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WBZ News | CBS News Boston (@wbztv) Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Director Craig Baldwin doesn't see his version of Richard II as a revisionist look at the Shakespeare play, but rather as a reclamation of the queer history already embedded in the material. Being able to shift queerness to the forefront of a play like this, he says, is one of his proudest achievements because it doesn't distort the show's meaning. Rather, it enhances it to emphasize an issue queer people grapple with daily: power. How does one wield power? Who do you have to step on to gain it? And how do you lose power? These are the sorts of topics that Baldwin set out to examine in his new show, which opened at Astor Place Theater on Monday.Many of Shakespeare's works are about the monarchy, but more specifically about how terrible it is to be a king. Richard II is no different; Michael Urie of Ugly Betty and Shrinking fame plays the titular role. The Once Upon a Mattress star was ecstatic to take the helm of this project as the lead because Shakespearean works present epic opportunities for an actor. "Every time I do a Shakespeare play, I think All I wanna do is Shakespeare because its so rich," Urie says. "Theres so much going on, the stakes are so much higher than most other kinds of plays, and you get this incredible work. And with Shakespeare, he creates an engine for you with the language, so if you're in the pocket doing it, it's like you're flying. Its really like a drug." Michael Urie as Richard II in "Richard II" Carol Rosegg To Urie, Richard II is a beautiful role to play because the character is riddled with flaws but eloquent like many gay personas today but this production is set in the 1980s. Baldwin explained that the decision to ground this show in that decade came from a thought experiment: trying to piece together how the world reached today's fraught political moment and he immediately thought of the '80s. "Reagan politics, trickle-down economics, aggressive privatization, deregulation of financial institutions, and the selling off of public housing to real estate developers it was all this leadership that really only served the ruling class or the wealthy," he explains. "The 80s seemed like the perfect place to put this play to talk historically about America and the prequel to now." In this version of the show, with rewrites by Baldwin, Richard II surrounds himself with a sort of "chosen family" of queer entourage. His queen (played by Lux Pascal, who is transgender) is, as Urie describes, one of the most divine and fabulous women in the kingdom a role that Pascal herself deemed a bit uncomfortable to play. When asked where that discomfort is coming from, she said, "I think it comes from my ability to feel worthy of things, I think I'm battling with my imposter syndrome."Pascal is working her way into the entertainment industry, shortly after her brother, Pedro Pascal, found success and ballooned in popularity with big-budget projects like The Mandalorian, The Last of Us, Gladiator II, and Fantastic Four: The First Steps. Around the time that Pedro became a household name in 2023, she finished her MFA program at Juilliard, but she'd already had a few acting projects under her belt on Spanish-language shows in Chile as well as her international debut in Narcos, alongside her brother.But getting to pull on different threads as the queen has been a rewarding process for Lux, she explains. "She's a young queen and was put in that position as a child [similar to her husband]... and the complexity of the circumstances of this character is still there... She was raised with that privilege, but there is a lack of consciousness of what that means." Lux Pascal and Ryan Spahn in "Richard II"Carol RoseggLux empathizes with the character; she recognizes that she is trying to find her footing amidst the chaos of the story and doesn't judge her if she finds herself staying silent or not speaking in some moments throughout the show. "When a character is silent, but it's in the scene, it's not because they don't care. They're silent because there's a choice to be silent," she says.As is with any Shakespeare show, the show is dense and there is a lot to follow, but Urie and Baldwin give the audience grace if they struggle with the material. Urie offers a word of advice: Shakespeare is not meant to be read. It's meant to be spoken or heard. So I always tell people, don't be hard on yourself if you read it and didn't get it. He continues, I absolve you, audience, of understanding every word of it. If you have a thought in your head of I'm not following this, let it go and re-engage. Because if you're thinking, I'm not getting this, you're missing something else."One recommendation he has for audience members who may find themselves a bit lost is to look at him while he's onstage because his character rarely leaves. "They can just look at me," he explains, because while his character is not technically in the scene, his reactions will tell audiences everything they need to know.

Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE) believes that Democrats need to act more bisexual.During an appearance at Crooked Medias inaugural convention, Crooked Con, the out trans congresswoman spoke to a comment she made over the summer that voters feel Democrats have sort of been a**holes to them. Related A Person With Parents: How Sarah McBride and her family stay strong in the face of transphobia She explained that the party tends to be quite judgmental and that it needs to be more welcoming to folks with diverse viewpoints. A big tent is bisexual, McBride said, as the crowd laughed and applauded. It goes to the left and the right, and that starts with us being kind to one another, being respectful to one another, and being welcoming to one another.McBride said voters essentially asked two critical questions when considering a party or a candidate: Do they like me, and what do they think? If you cant answer that first question to a voters satisfaction, they never get to that second question, she 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 Voters across the country, she said, clearly feel that our party as a coalition have looked down upon them, dont like them You cant build the diverse, working class coalition necessary to win, the diverse working class coalition that we are fighting for when we do win, if people dont feel like you like them and by extension care for them and respect them.She then emphasized a point she often makes, focused on trying to meet voters where they are and help guide them toward more progressive views, rather than judging them for not being there yet. It also means not being a**holes to our own base, she continued. It means not employing identity politics and purity politics from the center toward the left We have to internalize that to build a big tent, we have to be the most welcoming coalition to everyone from our left to the center, because at the end of the day, a big tent it goes both ways. A big tent is bisexual.McBrides point mirrors what she has said about how she feels Democrats should engage the public on trans rights. During an appearance on Ezra Kleins podcast in June, McBride said she thinks the trans rights movement may have gone to Trans 201 or Trans 301 when people were still at a very much Trans 101 stage. Being expected to suddenly introduce yourself withpronounsand proactively support blurring the gender binary was simply too much too fast for a lot of people, she explained.We became absolutist not just on trans rights but across the progressive movement and we forgot that in a democracy we have to grapple with where the public authentically is and actually engage with it, she said. Politicians, she continued, have a duty of walking people to a place, rather than forcing them to catapult there.We should be ahead of public opinion, but we have to be within arms reach. If we get too far out ahead, we lose our grip on public opinion, and we can no longer bring it with us. And I think a lot of the conversations around sports and also some of the cultural changes that we saw in expected workplace behavior, etc., was the byproduct of maybe just getting too far out ahead and not actually engaging in the art of social change-making.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) said that the federal government should pass her bill to throw doctors in jail for providing gender-affirming care to trans kids and joked about cutting off a wiener, while discussing gay state lawmaker Scott Wiener of California.Greene appeared on Megyn Kellys podcast in a live appearance in Georgia after Kelly talked about California state Sen. Scott Wiener (D) with her previous guests and played a clip of him supporting Californias trans sanctuary bill, which allows families of trans kids to move to California and get certain protections from prosecution. Related Gay lawmaker Scott Wiener speaks out after rights groomer slur led to threat against him You were just showing Scott Wiener? Greene told Kelly while they discussed how the House has not been in session since September, even though the shutdown does not require the House to go into recess. Greene discussed her bill, the Protect Childrens Innocence Act, which would make it a felony to provide gender-affirming care to trans youth, would make it harder for trans adults to access gender-affirming care, and would even ban medical schools from teaching about gender-affirming care. That bill needs a vote, she said. That bill needs a vote. 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 And honestly, Californians, you need to defeat the Wiener, Kelly said. Wiener, who is both gay and Jewish, has been the subject of rightwing conspiracy theories for years.You may love it, its gotta go, Kelly continued.I agree, Greene responded, smiling. Thats the only one well cut off. Kelly laughed. Im ready for the government to reopen so we can finally bring my Protect Childrens Innocence Act to the floor for a vote!!My bill codifies President Trumps executive order, making it a FELONY for doctors to perform genital mutilation or chemical castration on children. pic.twitter.com/TmUAScP3GD Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) November 10, 2025Greene was referring to Kellys discussion of Wiener with her previous guests, in which Kelly called Wiener very, very pro transing your child, an aggressive, bad guy, and a dangerous dude.She played a clip of Wiener defending S.B. 107, a 2022 law that protected trans kids and their families from out-of-state prosecutions for gender-affirming care. Wiener introduced the bill in the state senate.What S.B. 107 says is that if you have a family, parents, and children that are in a state like Texas and they feel unsafe because they feel like theyre going to be criminalized and attacked, and they need to leave that state, they can come to California and we will protect them, Wiener said in the clip. We will do everything in our power not to send them back to Texas or Alabama or any of these other states for criminal prosecution, and were not going to honor subpoenas from those states for medical records, and that these parents and these kids, these families, can be safe here. But the opponents who are trying to attack trans kids, trying to drive them to suicide, pretend they dont exist and then criminalize the parents who are supporting their trans kids? These opponents are lying about the bill and claiming that it somehow undermines parental rights. Its the exact opposite, it supports parents.Kellys previous guests claimed that Wiener supports legalizing child sex abuse, which isnt true. Their claim is based on a bill from 2020 that had to do with sex offender registries in the state and equalizing how same-sex and opposite-sex sexual relationships are treated. Prior to 2020, judges had discretion to keep some adults off the sex offender registry if they were similar in age to the person they had sex with, e.g., an 18-year-old and a 17-year-old, but only for straight couples. Wieners law just took that discretion and applied it to all couples of similar ages, regardless of gender.Wiener received death threats at the time, with many on the right accusing him of legalizing child sex abuse, even though conservatives did not advocate for taking away judges discretion regarding opposite-sex couples. Republicans generally do not favor banning adult men from being able to marry underage girls.Wiener is currently running for Congress in Californias 11th Congressional District, which is entirely in San Francisco.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

These divas have disappointed fans.Above all, the LGBTQ+ community loves a diva.The queer community has long been drawn to powerful, talented, and beautiful women. From icons like Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe, to legends like Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand, these women have a special place in the hearts of many queer fans.Unfortunately, sometimes, when a diva is chosen, she struggles to live up to expectations. And sometimes, it's a full-scale Diva Down situation!These are the divas who made headlines for upsetting LGBTQ+ fans in 2025.Nicki MinajNicki Minaj is one of the most successful rappers of all time, but lately, her political and personal life has overshadowed her artistry. Many fans abandoned her after she married a man accused of sexual assault and stood by her brother, who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for child rape.Minaj lost much of the goodwill she had left in November 2025, when she shared a post from Donald Trump on Truth Social. The post talked about how Christians in Nigeria are "facing an existential threat," and Trump said he is making the nation a "country of particular concern.""Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude," Minaj wrote. "We live in a country where we can freely worship God."After the negative response from fans, Minaj dug in deeper."Imagine hearing that Christians are being MURDERED & making it about you being gay" she wrote. "I'll advocate for you the same way that I'm advocating for MURDERED CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA. Like I always have."Sydney SweeneySydney Sweeney is known for starring in Euphoria, but now, she's become something of a symbol for the right's idea of what a celebrity should be like.Sweeney's flirtation with the right goes back to 2023 when her family members were spotted wearing MAGA hats at a party, but in 2025, she's taken things into her own hands.The Christy star appeared in an ad for American Eagle jeans, declaring that she has "great jeans," with a pun on "genes," which sparked some accusations that the ad was promoting eugenics. Soon, President Donald Trump praised the ad.When she was asked by GQ how it felt to have the president comment on the ad, she said it was "surreal" but declined to comment on the politics of the issue. When asked directly whether she wanted to say anything about the ad, Sweeney told the interviewer, "I think that when I have an issue that I want to speak about, people will hear."To make matters worse, media outlets reported that she registered to vote in Florida as a Republican in 2024.Carrie UnderwoodCountry singer and American Idol winner Carrie Underwood had long declared herself a gay ally. In 2012, three years before gay marriage became legal in the United States, she said she "definitely" thinks "we should all have the right to love, and love publicly, the people that we want to love."When she performed at Donald Trump's 2025 inauguration, many fans felt betrayed."I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event," Underwood said of her decision to perform. "I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future."Debra MessingWill & Grace star Debra Messing earned her spot as a queer icon by starring in the game-changing TV show and showing love to her queer fans. However, in 2025, she had a "social media crash-out" during Zohran Mamdani's NYC mayoral campaign.Messing endorsed Andrew Cuomo for mayor, but didn't stop there. On her Instagram Stories, the actress shared memes and videos with Islamophobic and xenophobic messages. This includes posts calling Mamdani, "Osama bin Mamdani" and an "America-hating jihadist" and urging New Yorkers to "vote no to terrorism."Cheryl HinesCheryl Hines is a comedy legend known and loved for playing Larry David's wife on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Nowadays, she's mostly known as the wife of Health and Human Services secretary and anti-vax conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Recently, her longtime friend, queer comedian Tig Notaro, spoke about the growing distance between them."My friendship with Cheryl predated her marriage to Bobby. He was in environmental law. And, again, other beliefs he had were like a gnat on my arm," the comedian said. "But then it started to grow, and Cheryl wanted me to hear Bobby out. They had these good ideas, and I was like, 'I can't, I can't, I can't.' I just didn't trust it. And then he endorsed Trump, and then it just got hard."Nicole ScherzingerNicole Scherzinger first became a beloved diva as the lead singer of the girl group Pussycat Dolls. When she became a certified Broadway Diva, starring in musicals like Sunset Boulevard, the community embraced her further.Unfortunately, while starring in Sunset Boulevard, she commented on an Instagram post of Russell Brand showing off a red MAGA-style hat that says "MAKE JESUS FIRST AGAIN" with the caption, "God Bless America." Scherzinger wrote, "Where do I get this hat!!!?" on the post, shocking her gay fans.Amber RoseModel, video vixen, and LA SlutWalk founder Amber Rose was beloved for her badass style and proud sexuality throughout the 2000s through 2010s. She was even immortalized in fellow disgraced diva Nicki Minaj's iconic verse in "Monster." Now, however, she's most known for her shift to the right, which included speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where she endorsed Donald Trump.Azealia BanksQueer people around the world still go off when "212" comes on in the club, but the rapper behind the iconic song has been in a downward spiral for several years. Back in 2015, she compared the LGBTQ+ community to "the gay white KKK's" and was filmed using homophobic slurs toward a flight attendant.In July, Banks shared a post on X, writing that "being gay and transgender is not actually a natural thing. At all, it's a trauma response. Science lied to you all and told you, you were normal but being homosexual and on the more extreme end -- transgender in any regard is in fact a trauma response."More recently, she became an ardent supporter of Israel and started to share anti-Muslim sentiments on social media.One recent post shows a picture of queer Jewish activist Matt Bernstein with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, under which Banks wrote, "These communist fggots went and got the Muslims. Gay white people are chaotic."Kristin ChenowethChenoweth's actions certainly pale in comparison to most of the divas on this list, but still, her recent comments about the death of far-right commentator Charlie Kirk left many of her LGBTQ+ fans feeling hurt.After the antigay and anti-trans activist was shot and killed while speaking at a college in September, the Wicked and The Queen of Versailles star commented on his social media. "Didn't always agree but appreciated some perspectives," she wrote about Kirk, who was staunchly anti-LGBTQ+ and once called stoning gay people "God's perfect law." "What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven."Chenoweth later said that she "had a human moment of reflection" and that she is both "a person of faith" and "an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community."Emma HernanFans cheered on the friendship between Selling Sunset stars Chrishell Stause and Emma Hernan for many seasons, including in moments where Hernan would stand up as a fierce ally to her queer friend.Now, however, Stause and Hernan are feuding as Hernan started dating Blake Davis, who has repeatedly made homophobic and racist comments. Stause has called out Hernan and Davis several times on social media, saying Davis shared posts on social media "inciting hate speech towards the LGBTQ community along with proudly telling myself and Chelsea he feels entitled to using the N word.""Emma chooses to date him, that's on her. She doesn't mind the hate speech. She just minded me drawing attention to his page where he was doing it," she wrote on Instagram. "All of which she knew about for the year and half before I ever said anything."Now, Stause is leaving Selling Sunset, saying that "I don't want to be bitter about it, even though I'm leaving not in the way that I would've loved."Gloria GaynorGloria Gaynor's hit "I Will Survive" has been considered a gay anthem since its 1978 release.While queer fans have embraced Gaynor, the singer has long been vague when asked about whether or not she supports gay rights. She said in a 2007 interview that her purpose is to "bring the love of Christ to all my fans," including her gay fans. When asked if she had a "religious opposition to homosexuality," Gaynor said, "I want to lead them to Christ and what he has for them. I want to lead them to him, I want to lead them to truth."Again in 2019, Gaynor said that she loves the gay people in her life, but she also agrees "with the word of God from Genesis to Revelations [sic].""So none of what I feel about homosexuality or my faith in God and my absolute belief in the Bible, which I believe to be the word of God, has anything to do with my has none of it taints my ability to love them. And I think that is what is important," she said.In 2025, she accepted Trump's offer to be honored at the Kennedy Center Honors. She also donated to many anti-LGBTQ+ conservative politicians, including Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Mike Johnson, and Kevin McCarthy.

After weeks of speculation surrounding Blue boy band member Duncan James dating model/nightclub performer Alexander Roque, the singer has finally hard-launched their relationship officially!James was reportedly "gushing" over his new boyfriend, Roque, while speaking with the Daily Mail at an event for Children With Cancer UK over the weekend. "He is a very handsome boy. It's new and it's exciting," James told the publication. "He's a real sweetheart. He's a bit of a love bug, which is sweet. And he's showering me lots of love.The Daily Mail report also noted that Roque "won rave reviews from [James's] loved ones, having met his mother Fiona Inglis and the rest of Blue Simon Webbe, Antony Costa, and Lee Ryan." Overall, the publication added that Roque has already "gotten the seal of approval" from his mother and fellow Blue boy band mates.In the Instagram carousel below, fans can see a couple of pictures of James and Roque posing together in photos of just the two of them as a couple, but also alongside friends during a recent trip.James wrote in the caption, "A little October recap! Thanks for being a fun filled month surrounded by my family and friends. [unicorn emoji; in-love face emoji; star emoji; heart emoji; vampire emoji; Pride Flag emoji]. We also released a new song called 'wasteMyLove' by @officialblue let me know what you think in the comments." See on Instagram Besides his singing career and tenure in the Blue boy band, James is best known as an actor who's starred in projects like Hollyoaks, Doctor Who: The Eighth Doctor Adventures, Help, and Plus One, among others.The Daily Mail described Roque as a "performer who works at strip show Forbidden Nights." On his own Instagram bio, Roque describes himself as an "actor, model, and presenter." His TV credits include appearing on Britain's Got Talent and starring in Kylie Minogue and Jessie Ware's "Kiss of Life" music video.

Ricky Martin is the gift that keeps on giving.The star has had quite the exciting year. Between his viral thirst traps to receiving the first ever VMA Latin Icon Award at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, 2025 is keeping Martin booked and blessed.Now, the star is ready to show off his sexy physique and impressive acting chops as his closeted gay character, Robert, on the second season of the hit Apple TV series Palm Royale."There's a lot of kissing and a lot of nudity and a lot of good stuff! The love, the uncertainty, the fear that we would feel back in those days... that some of us still feel today. Hopefully people will identify and they will see themselves in Robert and find a way out straight deep into acceptance," Martin tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Showing plenty of skin is nothing Martin is afraid of. The star has broken the internet many times for his candid steamy pics and he has no signs of slowing down in the near future."The lighting is the bathroom is so good! You gotta take advantage of it! There's good angles everywhere!"Martin's Palm Royale costar Leslie Bibb even revealed that she also loves seeing his spicy photos pop up on her feed."I love it! I live for it. I want that lighting. You get that electrician and you back up those breakers. Let's make sure that lighting stays good baby," Bibb tells PRIDE.The second season of Palm Royale is streaming now on Apple TV. To see the full interview with Ricky Martin and Leslie Bibb, check out the video at the top of the page. - YouTube youtu.be

An 82-year-old Southern Republican in Congress was so outraged that Democrats kept pointing out that Republicans closed the House of Representatives for over 50 days something that wasnt required by the shutdown that she lashed out at a newly elected Democratic colleague.The exchange took place at a House Rules Committee meeting on Tuesday night when the committee chair, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), recognized Rep. YassaminAnsari (D-AZ) to speak. Related Sarah McBride brutally mocks GOP absence at the Capitol as shutdown loomed Thank you, Madam Chair, Ansari said. Welcome back from your eight weeks of taxpayer-funded vacation.Im gonna interrrupt you! Foxx interjected. Im sick and tired of hearing you all say we had an eight-week vacation. 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 Thats exactly what happened, Ansari started to respond.I worked every day! Foxx said sternly. I dont want to hear another soul say that!Ansari: Welcome back from your eight weeks of taxpayer funded vacation. Foxx: I am sick and tired of hearing you say we had an eight week vacation.Ansari: Thats exactly what happened pic.twitter.com/K2IRMv4nQh Acyn (@Acyn) November 12, 2025 Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) kept the House out of session since September 19 after the chamber passed a continuing resolution to keep the federal government open. The Senate did not pass a similar resolution because Democrats and Republicans couldnt agree on funding health care subsidies for working-class Americans Democrats wanted to extend the subsidies while Republicans wanted to let them expire at the end of the year which led to the shutdown. Democrats have spent the last two months hammering Republicans for not going to their D.C. offices to attempt to negotiate a new deal to reopen the government.I hope that you all enjoyed themselves, while American families looked at their letters from their health insurance companies, terrified that their insurance premiums were going to double or triple while the House was out of session for 53 days, Ansari told Foxx. That is unacceptable.The Senate voted for a bill to reopen the government on Monday, and the House is expected to vote on the measure later today.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A sequel. For spring. Groundbreaking!Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci are all reprising their respective roles as Miranda Priestly, Andy Sachs, Emily, and Nigel on The Devil Wears Prada 2, which just dropped a brand-new teaser video (along with an official poster) that has the gays shaking in their Prada boots. Official teaser poster for The Devil Wears Prada 2. 20th Century Studios Director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna are attached to this sequel, which is scheduled for May 2026. The film also "introduces an all-new runway of characters including Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak, and Conrad Ricamora."Sign up for the Out Newsletter to keep up with what's new in LGBTQ+ culture and entertainment delivered three times a week straight (well) to your inbox!That's all for now. But make sure to subscribe to the Out newsletter to get all the latest updates, deep dives, and gay vibes for the highly anticipated The Devil Wears Prada sequel.The Devil Wears Prada 2 opens in theaters on May 1, 2026.

Hello, Out readers! Did you have a favorite celebrity bulge this year?Here at Out.com, we've done our due diligence and strenuous research to bring you a list of the 14 bulges that made headlines in 2025!Do you prefer your bulges hiding behind some Calvin's? Check out Monsters star Cooper Koch and Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner Bad Bunny, who both had unforgettable campaigns with the classic company this year!If you're looking for more naturalistic bulges, may we recommend some of our favorite bulge-inducing scenes in movies and TV this year? How about Austin Butler in his recent film Caught Stealing? Or are you more partial to Jonathan Bailey with his slutty little glasses and not-so-little bulge in Jurassic World: Rebirth? For a super bulge, check out Superman star David Corenswet in the character's famous red briefs!If you're not satisfied yet, make sure you check out The White Lotus star Theo James in his sizzling Dolce & Gabbana campaign and 13 Reasons Why star Brandon Flynn's Instagram selfie.Are there any bulges we missed?Plus, keep reading to find out our Woman Crush Wednesday and all the best pop culture news!- Mey RudeFrom Messing to Minaj: 11 divas who disappointed LGBTQ+ fansBlue boy band alum Duncan James confirms new boyfriend Alexander RoqueHow Michael Urie and Lux Pascal prepared for a very queer 'Richard II'Drag Race's Plasma answers 'Is Miss Thing On?' with truth and talentThe Ali Forney Center finally owns a shelterand a witchy fundraiser helpedBeneath the Sultan's palace: A gay traveler's journey through BruneiSpanish gay power couple Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo split after 13 yearsKissy kissy! Miss Piggy is getting a moviehere's what we know and why it's long overdueBowen Yang: Ariana Grande is a better kisser than Sydney SweeneyWoman Crush WednesdayWicked: For Good star and certified good kisser Ariana Grande is our Woman Crush Wednesday! Make sure you check out this moment where she asks Bowen Yang, who was a better kisser: her or Sydney Sweeney!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!

2025 is the year of David Archuleta!The handsome singer is truly living his best life as he's releasing sexier new music, collaborating with major brands and even showing more skin than ever in his latest shows. He even went viral back in August for taking off his shirt during a steamy performance at Market Days in Chicago."I think I've had so much fun, I've exhausted myself! I have been in my flirtier era. It fits into the 2025 era for me! I may not have a six pack, but I'm still proud of who I am," Archuleta tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Archuleta has come a long way in such a short amount of time. Since coming out in 2021, the star has been very vulnerable about his journey accepting his queer sexuality in all aspects of his life."You can still feel hot and be attractive to somebody and most all, feel good in your own skin. You don't have to have a six pack to feel good about yourself. You're taking care of yourself!"The singer is embracing his playful side now more than ever as he partners with one of the fastest-growing gay dating apps: ARCHER. In the cheeky new campaign, Archuleta channels his inner Miranda Priestly as ARCHER's Chief Trophies Officer.ARCHERs new Trophies feature brings whats usually invisible on dating apps to the surface. There's no more hiding behind blank profiles as all of the necessary info for a proper first date is right on the profile.This new partnership is very representative of Archuleta's current place in life as he's growing more confident in his sexuality as navigate his own dating pool."If we want to have genuine and real connection, you have to be willing to put yourself out there. Be transparent and be yourself! You can go through a lot of s**t and still end up in a place where you rise above it and be happy."Fans can follow David Archuleta on Instagram here. To see the full interview, check out the video at the top of the page.

Gay pop star and actor Ricky Martin recently opened up about the challenges gay men face today, saying it feels like we have returned to a time decades in the past. He made the comments while speaking about the Apple TV dramedy Palm Royale, in which Martin plays a Korean War veteran and country club employee, Robert, who is also a closeted gay man. Related This supportive dad wanted to stand up for his trans kids. So he did something truly surprising. This is a story of a man, a gay man in [the] late 60s, Martin told USA Today, but unfortunately, were dealing with the same fears and the uncertainty and with the rejection today. Here in America, were having to hide again, he added. And its really sad Its crazy that were talking about this story of the 60s, but its so relevant. 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 anti-LGBTQ+ movement has endured both a political and grassroots resurgence since the current administration took office. While trans people have been at the center of the crusade, stigma against all LGBTQ+ people is rising, and their rights are in jeopardy.In fact, areportreleased last month by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) found a huge increase in anti-LGBTQ+ hate, threats, and violence in the U.S., U.K., and Europe, which researchers frame as a backlash to twenty years of positive progress. Martin has been open about his sexuality since he came out in 2010 at the age of 38. Until then, he previously said, he avoided even platonic relationships with men to try to keep fans from realizing he is gay.After the birth of his sons Matteo and Valentino, his dad had a fatherly talk with the singer and told him something important. Martins dad, a psychologist, sat him down for a heart-to-heart about parents roles with their children and pointed out a hard truth: if he stayed in the closet, he would ask his children to keep up the charade.Rick, you need to come out, his father told him. What are you going to teach your kids, to lie? Martins management team, however, wasnt as enthusiastic, telling him, You dont need to share, everybody knows around you, you dont have to tell the world your friends know, your family knows, why do you need to stand in front of the camera and talk about it?They didnt understand the importance of it, Martin said on theAndy Cohen LiveSirius XM show. Now I see it. I understood before they did how important it is, not only for me, but to be a spokesperson.I wish I could come out 20 times. It felt amazing. I started crying like a baby.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In the early 1990s, when the AIDS crisis was raging and the very concept of marriage equality seemed like a fantasy, two gay couples Rick and Robb, Dan and David quietly began something radical: building families.At a time when queer love itself was seen as defiant, they imagined something even more audacious that they could raise children, live openly, and thrive as parents. Related He is not a sin: Heres what parents wish folks knew about their trans kids Their journeys, distinct but deeply intertwined, reveal how courage and community carried many LGBTQ+ people through the darkest years of the last century and how those same values continue to matter now, as our country once again grapples with a growing backlash against LGBTQ+ people.Rick & Robb: building family, one brave conversation at a time Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Rick and Robb met in Boston in 1990 at a safer-sex workshop during the height of the AIDS crisis. The workshop was co-hosted by Robb, who worked in health education at what used to be called the Fenway Community Health Center (and is now called Fenway Health).What began as a moment of community education became something more a spark of connection in a world shadowed by fear and loss. They started seeing each other soon after, cautiously at first, and then with the quiet certainty that theyd found something worth holding onto. Reflecting on that period, Rick said, The AIDS crisis changed everything for me how I lived, what I valued, even the work I wanted to do. It made me realize that if we were going to lose people we loved, then love itself had to matter more. It made me fall in love with Robb, and eventually, it made me want to be a dad.By the early 1990s, the two had built a stable, joyful life surrounded by friends and allies who modeled what chosen family could look like. Though Rick had not seriously considered parenting as a gay man, they began discussing the possibility in earnest when Jenifer, a lesbian and one of Robbs colleagues from Fenway, approached him about co-parenting a child. | ProvidedThe guys hadnt imagined this particular path to creating a family. Still, they were open-hearted enough to say yes to embarking on this three-parent journey not just as an act of love, but as an act of quiet revolution.Their daughter, Hannah, became the heart of that shared experiment. She grew up in two homes full of laughter, music, and unwavering acceptance. Her life became proof that queer people didnt have to choose between authenticity and parenthood. | Provided And she changed more than just their lives. Robbs father, who had once struggled to accept his sons sexuality, warmed after Hannah was born. Seeing his granddaughter and the love and stability surrounding her helped him understand what acceptance really looked like. We didnt have many role models, Robb said. We just had to trust our instincts and our love for her and for each other. Dan & David: love & commitment across three marriagesAcross the country, Dan Neumann and David Richardson were charting their own parallel course. They met in 1987 at a gay bar in San Mateo, California, when the specter of AIDS loomed over every new connection.We were cautious, Dan said. You had to be, but you also had to believe love was still possible.Their relationship began with quiet steadiness rather than fireworks. Over the next few years, that steadiness grew into something powerful enough to last nearly four decades.Provided By 1996, when President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) into law, explicitly defining marriage as between one man and one woman, Dan and David decided to do something that defied the moment: They got married.Their ceremony was officiated by Mel White, an openly gay Christian activist and minister who had once ghostwritten for some of Americas most famous evangelical leaders before coming out and founding Soulforce, a nonviolent movement for LGBTQ+ equality. (Hes also the father of White Lotus creator Mike White.) Friends and family attended, a bold show of support during an era when same-sex commitment ceremonies were rare and often ridiculed.They would go on to marry two more times in 2004 during Gavin Newsoms landmark San Francisco marriages, and again in 2008 when marriage equality was briefly legalized in California. Each wedding marked another milestone in the ongoing fight for legitimacy, not just for them but for all LGBTQ+ families. | Provided Throughout their journey, Dan and David remained steadfast in their desire to become parents. They ultimately built their family through two surrogacy journeys, each with a different woman, at a time when very few clinics or agencies were open to working with gay men.It wasnt easy, David said. There were no roadmaps back then just a lot of research, persistence, and hope. But we knew we wanted to be dads, and we werent going to let anyone tell us we couldnt. Parenting through prejudice & possibilityBeyond the era they came of age in, what united both couples was their belief that love was worth building on, even in a world that refused to see their families as valid.Parenting as openly gay men in the 1990s meant enduring daily microaggressions, legal uncertainty, and the fear of losing their children should something go wrong. Hospitals, schools, and even extended families often didnt know how to process two fathers, let alone a three-parent arrangement.And yet, Rick, Robb, Dan, and David pressed forward, supported by other queer families doing the same thing quietly, courageously, and often without precedent. They relied on their communities for guidance and solidarity long before social media or legal protections, and long before Modern Family made America comfortable laughing along with two dads.Their children grew up surrounded by love, humor, and resilience. They became living testaments to what happens when LGBTQ+ people are allowed to define family on their own terms. Legacy & lessons for a new generationDecades later, both couples remain together. They are still deeply in love and continue to support one another and their communities. Their children are grown, each forging their own path in the world.Looking back, all four men express both pride and astonishment at how far things have come, and they worry about whats being lost in todays cultural climate.Its strange, said Dan. We fought so hard for progress, and now were watching people try to roll it back. It reminds us why we cant ever stop showing up. From new laws targeting LGBTQ+ rights to the dismantling of DEI programs and the sharp increase in political hostility, the present moment can feel uncomfortably familiar for those of us who lived through the 1990s. And yet, these couples stories also remind us that visibility, love, and persistence change everything even when the odds seem impossible.Rick and Robb sometimes hear from younger gay dads who thank them for paving the way. We didnt set out to be trailblazers, Rick said with a laugh. We just wanted a family. But if our story makes it a little easier for someone else, thats the best reward there is. A different kind of prideWhats most striking about both couples journeys isnt just the love theyve shared or the barriers theyve broken; its the ordinariness of their dreams. They wanted what so many others want: connection, stability, children, and community.That ordinariness was revolutionary. And its what makes their stories endure. | Provided Their paths remind us that queer family-building whether through adoption, surrogacy, co-parenting, or donor conception has always been an act of hope. Every parent who chooses to bring a child into the world, or to love one already here, participates in a quiet, ongoing rebellion against shame and invisibility.Today, their lives are peaceful and full, rich with long-term partnership, grown children, and the satisfaction of knowing they helped expand the very definition of what family means in America. Still showing upThe stories of Rick & Robb and Dan & David arent just nostalgic snapshots of a different time; theyre blueprints for endurance.They show that progress happens when people choose to live openly, love defiantly, and raise the next generation without apology. They remind us that every family built out of love queer or otherwise is a victory.And they call us, especially now, to keep building, keep fighting, and keep showing up. Because thats what love and legacy demand.VisitGWK Academytoday, and take your first step toward becoming a parent. Were with you the whole way. And dont forget to come back toLGBTQ Nationfor monthly family-building insights and support from your friends at GWK Academy.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The gays are being well fed in 2025!This year gave us Boots, a gay military series that introduced us to the hottest gay Marines in existence, and later this month, were being treated to Heated Rivalry, a super spicy gay hockey romance show. But thats not all, because Netflix just announced an upcoming gay dance movie that has the gays tapping their toes in anticipation. Based on a beloved BL (Boy Love) manga, the steamy new gay movie 10DANCE, follows two men consumed by the world of competitive dance driven by passion, rivalry, jealousy, and desire, according to Netflix.Now that you know youre going to be treated to two incredibly hot actors with insane chemistry in a rivals-to-lovers sports movie, youre probably wondering what the film is about, whos starring in it, and when it will hit streaming. So here is everything you need to know about 10DANCE.What is '10DANCE' about? (@) 10DANCE is an adaptation of a manga about two professional dancers both named Shinya who have a fierce rivalry and are ranked No. 1 and 2.Shinya Sugiki surprises his rival, Shinya Suzuki, with a challenge for the two men to join forces and enter a 10-Dance competition, where dancers compete in both Latin and Ballroom styles. Suzuki reluctantly agrees, setting the fierce rivals up for incredible tension and undeniable chemistry.Who is starring in '10DANCE'? (@) Keita Machida (Yu Yu Hakusho, Glass Heart) stars as Shinya Sugiki, and his rival-turned-lover, Shinya Suzuki, is being played by Ryoma Takeuchi (Roppongi Class, Black Pean). Shiori Doi is playing Shinya Suzuki's dance partner while Anna Ishii is starring as Shinya Sugiki's dance partner. Was it a manga first? (@) The upcoming Japanese-language film is based on an acclaimed BL manga by Satou Inoue that is still ongoing. 10DANCE has seven volumes so far, with the last one being released in September 2023. The series falls into the BL (Boys Love) subgenre, which focuses on male-male romantic relationships, but is also considered to be a yaoi.What is yaoi? (@) Yaoi is a genre of Japanese fictional media, like manga, anime, TV shows, and movies, where there are erotic, sexual relationships depicted between male characters. Yaoi is short for yama nashi, ochi nashi, imi nashi, which translates to "no climax, no fall, no meaning, and refers to the early examples of this genre that contained suggestive stories with little to no plot.Basically, its Japans take on the kind of horny gay romances we live for!Is there a poster for 10DANCE?Yes, and the poster features the two main leads with their foreheads pressed together and so much chemistry that were dying to see more.Is there a trailer for 10DANCE?The first trailer is out, and it already has fans salivating for the full movie. Not only does it give us a sneak peek at the chemistry between the two leads, but it treats the audience to shirtless scenes and a moment where the two men come so close to kissing that youll be chomping at the bit to watch it. When will it come out?10DANCE will be released on Netflix on December 18, 2025.

Trans actress Airyn De Niro says her famous dads affirming support for her should be the standard for all parents of trans kids.The 30-year-old daughter of actors Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith came out publicly as trans earlier this year in an interview with Them after The Daily Mail and other tabloids published photos of her with headlines commenting on her shock transformation. A day after Them published its profile of Airyn, her dad released a statement expressing unwavering support for his daughter. Related Trans actress Airyn De Niro thanks famous dad for support: Could not have asked for better parents I dont know what the big deal is, the Good Fellas stars statement read. I love all my children.In a more recent interview with Them, Airyn opened up about the ways her father has continued to support her. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today I told him I wanted to do some touch-ups here and there, just so I can feel more confident in myself, she recalled. The way he spoke to me about it was very affirming in a way, because he was saying things like, Youre a good-looking kid. You dont need to do anything to change yourself. And he was talking about how happy he was for me, because I have an amazing boyfriend who hes met, and [he said], You have somebody who loves you for you, and you dont need to change yourself for anybody.Airyn told Them that she explained her desire to get some work done to De Niro from the perspective of a trans woman who transitioned later in life than some.[I shared] thats why Im more interested in doing some procedures to make me feel at home in my body, she said. He understood that perspective, and he was accepting. He just really wants me to be careful and know where Im going. So, he says, like, I dont need it. But he supports me if I want to do that, which is the best thing any trans kid could ask for from their parent. At his ripe old age, hes not even setting a high bar. Its just like, that should be the standard, Airyn added.She also recalled a therapy session with her dad in which she said De Niro explained how he was feeling about her transition to their therapist. He said, Theres no other thing to do than accept your kid for who they are and where they decide to go in life. Hes very good at being a dad.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A person with a bizarre rainbow flag is allegedly spray-painting anti-Christian messages onto churches in New York City.The New York Police Departments (NYPD) Hate Crimes Task Force says that three churches in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens fell victim to anti-Christian graffiti on the night of October 5. The NYPD released an image of a suspect who approached the Refuge Church of Christ around 1:40 a.m. while carrying a rainbow flag. Related Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in the U.S. remain high even as overall crime decreases The suspect allegedly sprayed anti-gay cult onto the wall of the church before getting on a CitiBike and leaving.They then went to the City of Oasis Church of Deliverance and spray-painted another message four minutes later, before getting back on their CitiBike and heading to the St. Marys Star of the Sea Church and spraying more anti-Christian messages onto it, 15 minutes later. They painted Welcome cult members on the sidewalk there and then spray-painted the faces of two religious statues on the churchs property. 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 New York Daily News notes that St. Marys Star of the Sea is a Catholic church, while the other two churches are Pentecostal. NYPD released security camera images of the suspect, who was carrying an odd rainbow flag with at least seven stripes. The standard rainbow flag that appears at Pride events across the country has six stripes purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. But this persons flag had an extra pink stripe below the red stripe and possibly an extra dark blue stripe between the blue and purple stripes, which would make it an eight-striped flag. The original Pride flag, developed by Gilbert Baker in the 1970s, also had eight stripes before the pink stripe was dropped due to difficulty in procuring pink dye. Later, the extra blue stripe was removed to have a flag with an even number of stripes.A reward of up to $3,500 is being offered for information leading to an arrest in this case.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A trans Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent has filed a lawsuit against Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, alleging that the introduction of a policy preventing trans TSA officers from performing pat-downs constitutes sex discrimination.This is somebody who is really dedicated to her job and wants to make a career at TSA, said Johnathan Puth, one of the plaintiffs lawyers, when talking to the Associated Press. And while her gender identity was never an issue for her in the past, all of a sudden its something that has to be confronted every single day. Related The Air Force revoked trans servicemembers retirements. Theyre fighting back. The plaintiff, Danielle Mittereder, was hired by the TSA in June 2024. According to the complaint filed this week, her application included medical paperwork showing her diagnosis of gender dysphoria, and in a meeting with a Deputy Assistant Federal Security Director-Screening and an Administrative Officer on her first day of work, she clarified that she was transgender.Mittereder has presented and been identified as a woman throughout her time with the agency, and her supervisors have rated her with the highest available performance rating (Meet Standards) for all competencies and have praised her professionalism, skills, knowledge, and rapport with fellow officers and the public. 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, after the president issued his two sexes executive order, TSA officials instituted a new policy, according to internal documents obtained by the Associated Press, which massively restricted what trans Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) could do. They are prevented from performing security pat-downs, serving as a TSA-required witness for a private screening area pat-down, demonstrating pat-downs as part of their training or to train others, and from accessing TSA restrooms that match their gender identity.Mittereder was notified of this new policy the same day that it went into effect on February 7. She contacted an Equal Employment Opportunity counselor that day. A formal complaint was filed on March 13, and she received notice of a Report of Investigation on July 25. However, after months of not hearing anything further, Mittereder and her lawyers have filed a lawsuit. According to the lawsuit, Mittereder has been forced to out herself to co-workers, supervisors, and airline passengers when she has had to call on another female agent to conduct a pat-down. Without being able to fulfill a crucial part of her role due to the TSAs policy, she is now limited in her ability to progress in her career, as higher positions all require completing a pat-down.Solely because she is transgender, the complaint explains, TSA now prohibits Plaintiff from conducting core functions of her job, impedes her advancement to higher-level positions and specialized certifications, excludes her from TSA-controlled facilities, and subjects her identity to unwanted and undue scrutiny each workday.The new policy has left Mittereder uncomfortable at work, required an additional burden to be placed on her female co-workers, and led to one co-worker saying they werent comfortable working with her now that they know she is trans. Again, because of the TSAs own policy, Mittereder has been classified as limited-duty because she cant complete pat-downs. That means that she is not eligible to trade shifts with other TSOs, cannot pick up overtime, and has less scope for growth within the agency.While Mittereder is a lone plaintiff in the lawsuit, other trans TSOs have spoken about their own experiences. Kai Regan, who had been with the TSA for six years, chose to retire because of the anti-trans executive order and the TSAs February 7 policy. It made me feel inadequate at my job, not because I cant physically do it, but because they put that on me.When the AP reached the Department of Homeland Security for comment, their response was based on unfounded transphobia. Does the AP want female travelers to be subjected to pat-downs by male TSA officers? wrote Tricia McLaughlin, a DHS spokesperson. What a useless and fundamentally dangerous idea, to prioritize mental delusion over the comfort and safety of American travelers.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

After initially defending Donald Trump on social media last week, rapper Nicki Minaj has seemingly gone full MAGA.The rapper, known for hits like "Super Bass," "Beez in the Trap," and "Anaconda," as well as for her many public feuds, drew the ire of fans in early November when she shared a screenshot of a Truth Social post from Trump about Christians in Nigeria. After defending that action, Minaj has now shared a post from the White House, this time celebrating some of Trump's "achievements" in his second term.The White House shared a TikTok set to Minaj's "Va Va Voom" trumpeting some of the president's actions, including attacks on trans people. And in turn, Minaj reposted the video on her own TikTok.This list includes, "A President who prioritizes Americans, No men in women's sports, Border is closed, Our cities are safer than ever, Criminal illegals are being deported, Gas prices are low, World peace."During Trump's second term, the president has made targeting trans people a priority. In January, he signed an executive order banning schools that receive federal funding from allowing trans students to use their chosen names and bathrooms and locker rooms aligning with their gender identities. In February, Trump signed the "No Men in Women's Sports" executive order, declaring that allowing trans girls and women to participate in women's sports is a violation of Title IX.Trump's second administration has also been notable for an increase in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and detainments.On November 1, Minaj shared a screenshot of a Truth Social post where Trump said that "Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria" and that he was making Nigeria a "COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN.""Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God..." Minaj wrote, adding, "Thank you to The President & his team for taking this seriously."The right has been quick to embrace Minaj. After she shared Trump's post, Mike Waltz, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, posted on X that she should come to the U.N. and that he'd "love to speak with [Minaj] more in depth about what our administration is doing to protect Christians' freedoms all over the world."After saying she'd be "honored," Minaj shared a post bragging that she made history as the "first female rapper to receive an invitation to the United Nations." "Come on Barbz, let's make America gag again," she wrote.In other posts, she praised the White House for sharing a video of Donald and Melania Trump walking and dancing to the "Beez In The Trap/What's Up?" TikTok trend."The President & First Lady of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!," she wrote. "Barbz, idk which one of you uploaded this to the white house TikTok, but just know unlimited backstage GAG CITY FOR LIFE."

Lawmakers in Kazakhstan are following the lead of Russian President Vladimir Putin with a bill to ban so-called LGBTQ propaganda in the former Soviet republic.The lower house of Kazakhstans parliament on Wednesday approved the measure outlawing LGBT propaganda online and in the media, with fines mandated for violators, and up to 10 days in jail for repeat offenders, Reuters reports. Related Russian forces raid MILFs of Ancient Greece swingers club over LGBT propaganda The legislation now moves to the Kazakh senate, where its likely to pass.President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has expressed support for the anti-LGBTQ+ bill, which, like similar laws passed in Russia, Georgia and, Hungary, has been promoted as a bulwark against degenerate values imported from the West. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Children and teenagers are exposed to information online every day that can negatively impact their ideas about family, morality, and the future, Kazakh Education Minister Gani Beisembayev told lawmakers before the vote.Deputy Irina Smirnova citedlibrary books and cartoons featuring same-sex relationships as examples of the propaganda addressed by the bill. I saw books in the library that promote LGBT, where a prince falls in love with a prince, two boys, she told lawmakers. There are cartoons that allow this to be shown, there are magazines and comics where all this is promoted.For months, President Tokayev has lobbied hard for passage of the bill which is essentially copycat legislation of Russias own anti-LGBTQ propaganda measure stressing the need to uphold what he and Putin call their countries traditional values.Parties loyal to Tokayev dominate the lower house and voted unanimously in favor of the ban.With the fall of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, Kazakhstan legalized homosexuality as it drew politically closer to Europe and the West. But while the Muslim-majority nation is officially secular, it remains deeply conservative when it comes to social issues. With Putins prodding, far-right politicians have exploited those social fissures to push the country back into Russias sphere of influence.We live in an independent and sovereign republic. Or are we already a colony of the Russian Federation? Zhanar Sekerbayeva, co-founder of the feminist initiative, Feminita, asked at a recent LGBTQ+ rights roundtable in the country. Arj Tursynkan, an activist with the NGO Education Community, explained that language in the legislation was sweeping.Because of these amendments, people can be punished for anything jokes, drawings, hugs, he said.The activist argued that the legislation is not just a legal text, but a test of Kazakhstans commitment to international norms of dignity and freedom.Ahead of the vote, Belgium-based group International Partnership for Human Rights condemned the measure, saying it would blatantly violate Kazakhstans international human rights commitments.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

As the House gets closer to a vote on the release of the sealed government files on convicted and deceased child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, multiple sources told NBC News that the White House has been pressuring Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) to remove her name from a House petition seeking to force a vote on the issue.The outlet said the meeting took place with top White House and Justice Department officials in the hours before House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) will finally swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ). Grijalva has said she will add her name to the petition and become the final House member needed to force a vote. Related Republican congresswoman rages at Democrats for bringing up their eight-week vacation When a reporter asked Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt why White House officials are doing this, given the administrations claim to care about transparency, Leavitt gave a nonsensical response, saying there is nothing more transparent than an administration that speaks with lawmakers.She called it a defining factor of transparency that the administration is willing to sit down with members of Congress and address their concerns. She said she would not provide information about what actually took place in the conversations.Reporter: Why are white house officials then meeting with Rep. Boebert in an effort to try to get her to not sign this petition calling for the release of the files?Leavitt: Doesn't it show transparency that members of the trump administration are willing to brief members of pic.twitter.com/dOSuuM4rdd Acyn (@Acyn) November 12, 2025Many mocked her blatant hypocrisy. "transparency""transparency""transparency""the defining factor of transparency""I'm not going to give you a single detail about the conversation that took place." Jared Ryan Sears (@JaredRyanSears) November 12, 2025It does not in that they were attempting to coerce those members into withholding evidence from the public @karolineleavitt does that clear things up for ya? Lib Dunk (@libdunkmedia) November 12, 2025I wouldn't call that transparency. I think the word for it is bullying. The Great Gig in the Sky (@thegreatgig8) November 12, 2025That's not briefing that's mafia style intimidation. And Leavitt trying hard not to get hysterical isn't going to change that fact. Diana Rivera (@dianarivera481) November 12, 2025Leavitts idea of transparency is secret meetings to stop a petition for transparency. You cant brief your way out of hypocrisy. Dr.Barlin (@DrBarlin) November 12, 2025Lmfao that sure is a take on that Bill DeMayo (@BDeMayo) November 12, 2025No. It shows that youre trying to strong arm her alone! Deanna (@deanna504) November 12, 2025Her response is just like when my mom used to ask me about if I did my hw when I didnt. Rambling, flustered, defensive, repetitive and angry. Shes lying and she knows it. Kat (@KatAndromeda17) November 12, 2025Genuinely the worst spin possible here Jordan (@jordan_kent1) November 12, 2025

Everyone say thank you, Glen Powell! After going viral for his steamy birthday pics last month, the sexy actor has the entire internet in a chokehold for his revealing scene in the new movie The Running Man.The action film includes a scene where Powell is wearing just a towel, but it doesn't stay on for long. Powell's cake is on full display after the towel is ripped away, and fans naturally went berserk online.Check out the highlights below and don't forget to watch The Running Man when it hits theaters this Friday! (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Anti-LGBTQ+ Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), who is running to become South Carolinas governor, recently asked for whistleblowers help to uncover a conspiracy of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Charleston International Airport security (CHS) workers who, on October 30, subjected her to a disturbing abuse of power and a clear case of political retaliation by making her go through common airport security measures like a regular person.In a Tuesday press release, Mace accused TSA and CHS workers of allegedly wanting to revoke her TSA status and block her from using the Known Crewmember (KCM) checkpoint as is standard operating procedure for all Members of Congress, both of which she refers to as inappropriate surveillance and targeting. Related Trans TSA agent sues Kristi Noem for job discrimination Her press release doesnt mention the police report, which said she called airport workers f**king incompetent, nor the fact that the TSA blamed a miscommunication for failing to meet her curbside to escort her through security to her gate.Maces press release asked TSA and CHS workers to come forward with information about her alleged mistreatment. But she has been insinuating a TSA-CHS conspiracy on social media as well. 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 In an X post that Mace publishedlate Tuesday night, she wrote, I was allegedly randomly selected by TSA and the Charleston Airport for extra surveillance. What are the odds? It gets betterIve been told Im the ONLY elected official who got this special treatment. Totally random, Im sure. Her post included an image of herself with Establishment Enemy #1 written upon it.To whoever greenlit this amateur-hour intimidation tactic: Did you think Id be scared? Or flattered? Go ahead and make my day. Waste your time, waste taxpayer money, waste whatever credibility you had left, she added. So I was allegedly "randomly selected" by TSA and the Charleston Airport for extra surveillance. What are the odds? It gets better I've been told I'm the ONLY elected official who got this special treatment. Totally random, I'm sure.To whoever greenlit this amateur-hour pic.twitter.com/qOj9Wp1roJ Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) November 12, 2025 She has claimed that her selection for additional airport security screening was the stuff of the DEEP STATE and BIG BROTHER, and claimed that her lawsuit against the airport may bring South Carolinas Attorney General down in flames with it, and several others.However, local police, her fellow state Republicans, and at least one conservative commentator seem to think she is behaving in inappropriate and embarrassing ways, and may even be not mentally well. The official police report of the incident stated, The entire walk to gate B-8, she was cursing and complaining and often doing the same into her phone. After standing in the vicinity of B-8 for several minutes with her continuing her tirade, she finally boarded the aircraft. The report added that an American Airlines worker who witnessed the incident approached officers after Mace boarded the plane and stated he was in disbelief regarding her behavior, noting, He implied that a US Representative should not be acting the way she was.Mace denies the veracity of the incident report and says she will sue TSA for defamation. Criticizing Maces behavior, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC)wroteon Facebook, It is never acceptable to berate police officers, airport staff, and TSA agents who are simply doing their jobs, nor is it becoming of a Member of Congress to use such vulgar language when dealing with constituents. Not only are these officers sworn to protect us, but we also take an oath to represent them. We work for them, not vice versa.Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC) wrotevia X, I concur with [Scotts] statement. I have had similar personal experiences and have had nothing but positive, respectful engagements with the police officers and TSA agents who provide security for the Charleston Airport.I concur with @SenatorTimScotts statement when it comes to the men and women who provide security at the Charleston International Airport. I have had similar personal experiences and have had nothing but positive, respectful engagements with the police officers and TSA agents Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) November 5, 2025 The editorial board of South Carolina-based publication The Post and Courierwrote, Rep. Maces foul language and her attitude toward security and other airport staff were out of bounds. Most people would have apologized after such an embarrassing display, perhaps explaining that they were understandably angry or even frightened and said things they now regret. Not Nancy Mace. Nancy Mace has built her public persona around using socially unacceptable language. If I cursed at these underlings, she told a news conference last week, I should have cursed more.Right-wing radio host Erick Ericksonrecently said on his broadcast, Theres something wrong with Nancy Mace. And Im not a fan of hers, and its increasingly because shes not mentally well, and its really clear shes not mentally well, and I dont know if she has friends who can do an intervention with her, but Nancy Mace needs a real intervention.Erickson isnt the only conservative concerned about Graces mental health.The general feeling is that there is something unwell about her, an anonymous House Republican recently told CNNs anchorperson Jake Tapper. Shes really going through a crisis. Its sad. Clearly, there is something going on with her.Maces former consultant, Wesley Donehue, who has traded barbs with Mace in the past, told Tapper, Over the past two to three years,Nancy Mace has been having asharp mental decline. Im nodoctor, but thats what Ibelieve. Shewent from being a very reasonableperson to being someone whocannot control her emotions.Mace regularlyuses anti-trans slursand calls herself a proud transphobe.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The children of transgender and nonbinary parents who use effective parenting techniques demonstrate behavioral and emotional development similar to the kids of cisgender parents, according to a largest-of-its-kind study recently published in the journalInfant and Child Development.The study found that children of both kinds of parents exhibit similar psychological health outcomes. The authors say their research is a reminder that parenting quality not parental gender identity has the greatest impact on a childs well-being. But their research also had another surprising and significant finding: Even though trans and nonbinary parents experience higher depression levels due to societal discrimination, their kids dont, which suggests that non-cisgender parents use special strategies to shield their kids from their personal stress. Related Im a transgender b*tch who dont play about my kid: A trans mom on raising a resilient trans son The study, which was conducted between 2016 and 2017, examined the parents and children of 138 trans and nonbinary parents over the age of 18 who had at least one child over age 12. The parents answered questions online about their parenting techniques, stress, personal well-being, and depressive symptoms, as well as their childs well-being and externalized behaviors (like aggression and defiance) or internalized behaviors (like depression and anxiety). All of the questions came from standard surveys regularly used in these sorts of clinical assessments, MedicalXpress.com reported.Researchers then compared the survey results to those given by cisgender parents in past studies that used the same survey measures. The studys authors found that the overall well-being and emotional behaviors of the children of trans parents were indistinguishable from those of cisgender parents. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Authors noted that every childs well-being and emotional behaviors were most affected by their parents use of effective parenting techniques. Such techniques include supporting positive behavior,setting limits,proactive (rather than reactive) parenting, an authoritative (rather than permissive) style, andoverall parenting satisfaction.Overall, parents who experience higher levels of parenting stress, which can be worsened by being a poor or single parent, tend to have kids who express greater emotional and behavioral challenges. Trans and nonbinary parents reported higher levels of depression often due to the stress ofidentity disclosure, restricted healthcare access, lack of social support, lower socioeconomic standing, as well as any divorces and child-custody battles that result from one parents gender transition. The authors noted that previous research foundthat depressed parents typically have kids with higher rates of behavioral challenges and depression as well, and the absence of this pattern in trans and nonbinary parents suggests that they may be doing unique things to shield their children from discriminatory stress.We previously found that they take amore child-centered approach to gender developmentand demonstrate flexibility with traditional gender role expectations, study co-author Rachel Riskind, professor emerita of psychology at Guilford College, said. This new finding suggests they may also be protecting their children from social stressors in ways that deserve systematic study. These practices might offer insights applicable to all families navigating external challenges. The study noted that LGBTQ+ parents differ from cisgender and heterosexual parents by maintaining open family and parentchild communication, preparing children for potential stigma and bias, providing educational resources about family structure, and intentionally introducing children to peers with diverse family structures. These strategies may be among those used by trans and nonbinary parents to shield their kids from depression and stress.The researchers hope these findings can helpmore healthcare providers,legal experts, educators, and other professionals who work with families make better, evidence-based decisions to assist trans and nonbinary parents in cases of family law,healthcare,and support systems.The study also noted that approximately 20%50% of transgender people are parents, and that many others want to become parents in the future.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Everyone say thank you, Glen Powell! After going viral for his steamy birthday pics last month, the sexy actor has the entire internet in a chokehold for his revealing scene in the new movie The Running Man.The action film includes a scene where Powell is wearing just a towel, but it doesn't stay on for long. Powell's cake is on full display after the towel is ripped away, and fans naturally went berserk online.Check out the highlights below and don't forget to watch The Running Man when it hits theaters this Friday!Read More: Ricky Martin teases more 'nudity' & 'kissing' in steamy new season of Palm Royale (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

Newly released emails from convicted and deceased child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein alleged that President Donald Trump knew about the girls he was trafficking and that Trump had spent hours with one of the trafficked girls in Epsteins house, Politico reported. Trump has tried to deflect, accusing Democrats of bringing up the hoax to distract from the ongoing government shutdown.In a 2019 email from Epstein to journalist Michael Wolff, Epstein wrote, Trump said he asked me to resign [from Trumps Mar-a-Lago club], never a member ever. [O]f course he knew about the girls as he asked [my accomplice] ghislaine [Maxwell] to stop. Related Karoline Leavitt gives worst spin possible on allegations White House is coercing lawmaker In a 2011 email to Maxwell, Epstein referred to Trump as a dog that hasnt barked, suggesting that Trump didnt talk to legal authorities or the press about Epsteins activities. Epstein also said that Trump spent hours with one of Epsteins victims at Epsteins house.Trump recently relocated Maxwell to a lower-security prison where shes much happier and allegedly gets both personally delivered meals and playtime with a puppy. She has denied that the president had any involvement in Epsteins misdeeds. She is also seeking Trumps presidential pardon. 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 newly released emails were made available by Epsteins estate to congressional investigators on an Oversight panel, which has been investigating the governments files on Epstein for months. Trump accused Democrats of releasing the emails to distract from their role in the ongoing 43-day-long government shutdown.The Democrats selectively leaked emails to the liberal media to create a fake narrative to smear President Trump, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in statement. The unnamed victim referenced in these emails is the late Virginia Giuffre, who repeatedly said President Trump was not involved in any wrongdoing whatsoever and couldnt have been friendlier to her in their limited interactions.Nevertheless, Trump is likely to come under increasing fire as the House seems likely to vote soon on whether to release other files related to Epstein and his high-profile clients.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Everyone should eat ass in Paris. On a recent trip, a friend and I walked the city all day, then went home to shower and get ready for dinner. I found him lying on the bed, reading a French edition of The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. Instead of spooning him, I told him I wanted to give him a rimjob. He nodded.Later, we talked about it because its always a good idea to talk about sex: what felt good, what didnt, and what surprised us. That kind of conversation is part of aftercare, and its too often skipped.We laughed about how rimming has become an internet joke. I mentioned that viral line from Jessica Lange in The Politician: Thats what gays do munch butts and celebrate Halloween! It became a meme. But in the moment, butt munching didnt feel like something silly. It was perfect. As gay men, we grow up with poop jokes and a lot of shame about our bodies. To enjoy something like rimming means confronting that shame it takes trust, curiosity, and a willingness to let go. Thats what makes a good rim job both transgressive and tender: It challenges cultural rules about what bodies are for and where pleasure belongs. On the other side of shame is joy.A good rim job is an art. It can feel ecstatic or awkward. Like all sex acts, its part technique and part passion. Here are some tips, with support from experts and medically reviewed sources, on how to do it well.The person getting a rim job should hop in the shower firstA quick shower will probably make you and your sex partner more comfortable and washing off the outside of your butt is hygienic. There are digestive bacteria found in the anus, as well as bugs like E. coli and Salmonella, which can make you sick and if you are rimming vagina owners, take extra care to avoid spreading anything from the butt into the vaginal canal, as this can cause infection.If you choose to douche before being rimmed and some do dont overdo it, and take your time. Hold the water in for a few seconds, then release. Writing for VICE, Gina Tonic says that, in lieu of formal douching lessons, you can always watch Sex Education, series 2, episode 6. Tonic summarizes what the TV character Rahim explains about douching: Squat, squirt, hold, and release.Douching can be done with one-time disposable enemas available in many U.S. pharmacies, but many gay men invest in a sturdier douching bulb, typically made of silicone, or even a shower hose attachment use it on a low setting with lukewarm water, please.But truthfully, unless youre planning to have penetrative sex afterward and want to be clean for that, douching for rimming is unnecessary a quick rinse on the outside of your butt and hole, with soap and water, is fine.There are many articles online about douching and anal sex. I wrote this one for Out, which was sponsored by the gay mens sexual health and proctology clinic Bespoke Surgical its founder and CEO, Dr. Evan Goldstein, also started the brand Future Method, which sells medically-sanctioned douching kits and bottoming supplies that he argues are safer than products found in most sex novelty shops. (He also wrote a book on butt health, primarily for men who have sex with men.) I also wrote this bottoming and douching guide for The Advocate, along with this two-part guide for Them. But dont just ask me: This Healthline article, reviewed by a medical professional, is a good primer on safe douching and anal care. In slightly less sterile and more queer-friendly language, heres a similar safety guide from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. If you choose to douche for rimming or more dont douche too much.In my experience, a lot of guys just dont care that douching is unnecessary for an ass-eating session they need the ritual to feel clean and comfortable. Thats OK.Rectal douching shouldnt be done too often, as its linked to higher rates of HIV and STI transmission, either from injury caused by unsafe douching and enema use, or because douching can cause dryness in the rectum, leading to small tears (sometimes called fissures). Experts arent fully certain why; they observe correlation, not causality. Its clear, however, that water in the gut can upset the gut biome and cause gastrointestinal problems.This is why I recommend all bottoms and anyone who douches regularly take a daily probiotic supplement. (I recommend Dr. Ohhiras Original Formula Probiotics.)In summary: If youre just rimming, just take a shower. If youre using rimming as foreplay for further anal sex, dont rush it, and listen to your body. Discomfort, cramping, and pain are all signs to stop douching immediately. You might have to lie down on your side in the shower to release trapped water, or massage your belly to let it all out.Pro tip: If you choose to douche, dont start rimming directly afterward. Its best to wait a bit so any trapped water has time to leave your system no one wants an unexpected splash mid-session.What you eat mattersGood gut health equals good butt health. Experts agree that diet plays a massive role in how easy (and clean) sex can be. Lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and fiber all help your body do its job naturally. The food you eat determines how gassy you are, how comfortable your stomach feels, and how regular your bowel movements are. Fiber supplements like Metamucil are highly recommended.Overdouching often replaces what a balanced diet does more gently letting your body handle the cleanup first.Worse, overdouching irritates your GI system, often creating a vicious feedback loop: Irritated bowels require longer cleaning sessions to feel done, which further irritates your bowels. If you find that youre consistently struggling to get clean before anal play, its likely something in your diet (or possibly an STI). Talk to a doctor they might recommend keeping a food diary and trying a short-term elimination diet to identify the issue. And take a break from douching for a bit.Want recipes and advice on low-inflammatory, bottom-friendly foods? The Bottoms Digest by food expert Alex Hall and his husband, Mike, is a treasure trove of bottom-friendly recipes, resources, and bottoming education, primarily geared toward queer people and men who have sex with men.Hygiene is a personal choiceSome people like things fresh-out-of-the-shower clean. Others crave the natural scent and taste of a sweaty, musky butt. Theres no right way, but if rimming is on the table, talk about your preferences with your partner first.Ive served ass to guys who beg me not to douche or even shower beforehand. No problem for me, but when I rim someone else, I like him to have at least a quick rinse first. Its just personal preference. Communicating this ahead of time saves you both from awkward moments later. If you like the same thing, great. If you dont, no sweat there are plenty of other ways to have fun.Sex is best when everyone feels comfortable which means respecting preferences without judgment.Use your tongueExplore patterns, shapes, and rhythms with your tongue, and alternate between the butthole and the hypersensitive area around it. Use your breath cool exhales, warm sighs to tease and heighten sensation.Unsurprisingly, there are many articles warning readers about the risks of rimming but almost none about how to do it well. Thankfully, theres this very horny piece in LA Weekly by Sam Phillips. Phillips advises: Use your tongue. Lay it flat to lick, flick, rub, and push against the general backside region, or you can make it stiff and hard to penetrate, probe, tap, and trace the anal rim.I like to flatten my tongue and just wipe up, like Im cleaning him off like a lioness cleaning her cub.But, its not all about the tongueIts not just about licking. Variety is key. Phillips writes: Use your lips. Kiss and suck the asshole, taint, inner thighs, crack of the ass, buttocks, lower back, and the back of the legs.I second that: just like with a mouth, I like to start with gentle lip kisses and slowly work my tongue in before diving.You can involve other parts of your body, too.Just as I did in Paris: Use your hands and fingers. Probe the rectum and pull apart the butt cheeks. You also can reach around from behind and fondle the front genitals, writes Phillips.A light beard or stubble can add texture, though some partners might find it too rough. If youre unsure whether your partner likes what youre doing, ask. Its hot to be asked what feels good it shows care and attention.If your partner enjoys it, gentle suction or light pressure from teeth can add contrast, but never bite or chew. The skin around the anus is thin and delicate. Think soft, teasing movements, not aggression.Dont focus only on the butthole. The surrounding skin, taint, and cheeks are full of nerve endings that deserve attention. Rimming works best when you explore the whole area, not just one spot.Get in positionIf the missionary position is the staple of p-in-v sex, doggy style is the holy grail for rimmers. Its comfortable, you get a good view of what youre up to, and plenty of space to touch elsewhere, writes Tonic. My favorite position for rimming isnt quite doggy style: I like him to lie down fully flat, on his belly. I gently slide my arms under his groin until his hips rest on my forearms and my face is fully immersed in ass. From that position, I can reach my hands around to pull apart his cheeks if I want to get deeper and he can just lie back and enjoy it.Be risk-awareRimming carries some risk of transmitting infections like hepatitis A, gonorrhea, or herpes. Freddie, a Canadian organization committed to competent sexual health for queer people, offers helpful primers on a range of topics including a list of STIs that can be transmitted through rimming.One important thing to note: HIV is not transmitted through rimming, whether youre giving or receiving.Dental dams exist for protection, though many people skip them. The best safety measure is regular STI testing and honest communication. Men who have sex with men who have multiple sex partners should get STI screenings more often the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends every three to six months. Pleasure and responsibility can and must coexist.A little grooming goes a long wayTrimming or shaving around the area can make things smoother literally. It also prevents getting a butt hair caught in someones teeth. Trimming or shaving isnt required, but I prefer rimming a buzzed butt.Go slow, use gentle shaving cream or gel, and if possible, ask your partner to help. Just be careful: Nicks in that area are not fun. Pro tip: The Philips OneBlade trimmer has a guard for body grooming designed to prevent nicks.Another pro tip: Many guys use hair removal creams, also called depilatories. (Nair is a common brand.) These work, but they tend to burn and irritate the delicate tissue around the anus. I used to use them and dont anymore for this reason: They can actually make the rim job (or whatever comes next) painful afterward.Just let goRimming needs auditory feedback after all, the rimmer cant see the person theyre rimming very well.Dirty talk is great with rimming and, believe it or not, heres a medically reviewed guide about bringing more dirty talk into the bedroom without crossing boundaries or breaking consent.A moan, a breath, a groan, a gasp, or just a small movement tells your partner everything they need to know. Dont hold back. Get loud and enjoy it.Just a heads up!My name is Alexander Cheves. I write about sex, feelings, music, and men. You can read my column Last Call in Out Magazine, along with my digital advice column, Go Ask Alex. If you have a question, send it to askbeastly@gmail.com.My book My Love Is a Beast: Confessions is an erotic memoir told through a series of literary essays, weaving explicit personal experience with meditations on identity, intimacy, and the body. It was a bestseller and won the 2022 Geoff Mains Nonfiction Prize from NLA International. Kirkus Reviews called it not for squeamish readers. Get it everywhere books are sold.With queer sex education increasingly censored online, this piece aims to provide sex-positive, shame-free, queer-inclusive advicedrawn from my own experience and from expert input. The views expressed here are my own. The information is for general education and entertainment, and is not intended as a substitute for professional or medical guidance.

Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ)pledged to fight on behalf of LGBTQ+ Americans during a speech she made after being sworn into Congress on Wednesday. She had waited 50 days to be sworn in after winning a special election, and immediately promised to sign a discharge petition to release government files about the high-profile clients of convicted and deceased child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.Its past time for Congress to restore its role as a check and balance on this administration and fight for we the American people, Grijalva said in her speech. We need to fight for our immigrant communities and our veterans. We need to stand up for our public schools, children, and educators. We need to respect tribal sovereignty and our environment. We need to stand up for LGBTQ+ rights because thats what the American people expect us to do fight for them. Related Jeffrey Epsteins email says Trump knew of his child sex trafficking Our Democracy only works when everyone has a voice, she said, adding, This includes the millions of people across the country who have experienced violence and exploitation. She then acknowledged two survivors of Epsteins crimes, Liz Stein and Jessica Michaels, sitting in the congressional gallery.Just this morning, House Democrats released more emails showing Trump knew more about Epsteins abuses than he [has] previously acknowledged, Grijalva continued. That is why I will sign the discharge petition right now to release the Epstein files, because justice cannot wait another day. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today She then said, Adelante mi gente. Muchas gracias! which is Spanish for Forward, my people. Thanks very much!Grijalva won a special election in her state on September 23 to fill a House seat left empty due to the death of her father, longtime Rep.Ral Grijalva (D-AZ).After Adelita Grijalvas election victory, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) refused to swear her in before the start of the government shutdown, which began on September 30, claiming that he wanted to wait until her election results were certified (even though he had sworn in other Congress members before their own elections were certified).Johnson also refused to swear her in during the shutdown, even though the House Speaker retains the right to swear in new members when the House is not in session. Upon her swearing in, Rep. Grijalva immediately signed the discharge petition torelease the Epstein files, which now has the necessary 218 signatures to move to a vote on the House floor in the coming weeks.Oversight Democrats in Congress pushed for the files release and accused Republicans of delaying Rep. Grijalvas swearing in to protect the president and other high-profile people from potentially embarrassing or criminal disclosures in the Epstein files. The issue feels especially significant for the LGBTQ+ community since MAGA Republicans have repeatedly accused queer people and allies of grooming children for sexual abuse. Trump has long indulged conservative followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory who see him as a messianic figure who will expose a global child sex trafficking ring that, they believe, involves Democrats and powerful Hollywood elites.Now that congressional Republicans have an opportunity to expose the details of Epsteins actual child sex trafficking operation, Trump and other White House officials have balked at the prospect, accusing Democrats of using the hoax to distract from their partys alleged political failings. However, Johnson has promised to hold a House vote on the files release by next week.In a statement, Democratic Womens Caucus Chair, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernndez (D-NM), wrote, Rep. Grijalva is also a fierce supporter of justice and survivors. We applaud her immediate action to sign our legislative effort to release the Epstein files, which we now know Trump is in, thanks to the efforts of Oversight Democrats.Speaker Johnson has protected pedophiles by delaying this vote for far too long, Rep. Fernndez continued. He must hold the vote as soon as possible so we can find out who participated, who benefited, and where the money flowed even and especially if it includes the President. Epsteins survivors and their loved ones deserve a chance at justice and the freedom to move on.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. left even a right-wing Fox host stunned with his wild declaration about waning testosterone levels in American teenagers. During an appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime, Kennedy spoke about his efforts to eliminate food dyes and said one of the consequences of having them in our food is that a teenager today, an American teenager has less testosterone than a 68-year-old man. Related Supreme Court could let RFK decide whether your insurance company covers PrEP Watters was so shocked he needed Kennedy to repeat the claim, which he did not back up with any evidence. 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 Wait, wait, a wait, an American teenager has less testosterone than a 60-year-old man? Watters asked, looking skeptical. Thats right, Kennedy replied, because the testosterone levels have dropped 50% from historic levels. And you know and that is a problem, and its an existential problem. But its only that is only when we have obesity that is off the charts. Throughout the interaction, Watters looks like he is trying desperately to hold back from sharing his thoughts on the outlandishness of Kennedys claim. Its saying a lot, considering the anti-LGBTQ+ Watters once claimed people were starting to identify as seasons. RFK Jr: An American teenager today has less testosterone than a 68 year old man. Sperm counts are down 50 percent. WATTERS: Wait an American teenager has less testosterone than a 68 year old man? RFK JR: That's right pic.twitter.com/JKwhxikivh Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 23, 2025A 2022 study in the Human Reproduction Update journal found that sperm counts in people worldwide have dropped more than 50% over the past 50 years, but some experts disputed the findings since the way sperm is counted has changed dramatically throughout the decades.Regardless, its not clear that an overall drop in sperm count among the global population would result in teenagers having lower sperm counts than older adults. Folks on social media brutally mocked Kennedys claim, with many questioning how the secretary could possibly have this kind of private information about teenagers. Others pointed out the hypocrisy of Republicans, who accuse liberals of being obsessed with childrens genitals by supporting trans youth. One X user wrote: RFK Jr. is out here worried about young boys testosterone and sperm counts Its wild how everything conservatives say about liberals always ends up being more true about themselves. How does no one ask him for sources, or data, or studies, or science? This is all "Trust me bro" stuff. GrimmGreen (@GrimmGreen) April 23, 2025 Thats my boy!!Love me some RFJ Jr!Just spouts of nonsense on national tv.To be so comfortable with being an absolute fool.Amazing. Chris Moore (@ChrisMoore15915) April 23, 2025RFK's claim about teen testosterone being lower than a 68-year-old's is baseless. No data backs this up, and his history of spreading misinformation, like on Covid, makes him unreliable. Fox amplifying this nonsense is just reckless. We deserve better from our Health Secretary. Richard Angwin (@RichardAngwin) April 23, 2025 is that why old men are all buying viagra? LOLRFK is a total lie not even close to the truth. N (@007_nch) April 23, 2025I dont know where the data is coming from from because the clowns never actually cite real evidence.However I am very curious on why @RobertKennedyJr feels the need to collect sperm data from children to compare to 68yr old men. Im actually trying to figure out what paper he https://t.co/a1Rldx56D7 CranberryClock (@cranberryclock) April 23, 2025 stopping Walz from calling these people weird was political malpractice https://t.co/q7nyla085R Ryan Thomas (@ryanjthomas83) April 23, 2025Is there a problematic database we need to discuss? How could this information accurately exist? https://t.co/QqBS06RAuX Mike Krumrei (@MikeKrumrei) April 23, 2025 The party of don't tread on me small government is so weirdly obsessed with everybody's reproductive systems. Likeit's a fixation and it is alarming. https://t.co/cEJBhbhsAF fooler initiative (@metroadlib) April 23, 2025If RFK Jr. offered you Advil for a headache you'd get a second opinion. https://t.co/mLwJPMd9gN Mike Lupica (@MikeLupica) April 23, 2025 https://twitter.com/_MalikJohnson/status/1914973661250846949https://twitter.com/snaggle_fang/status/1915009300906246149Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The Republicans did so poorly in last weeks elections that Democrats and liberals across the country woke up to feelings of hope for the first time in a year. As the talk turned to blue waves, Donald Trumps attempts at damage control have not focused on defending the anti-trans campaigns of election losers that mimicked his own.Rather, he and his team have been spouting a series of lies to argue that hes fixed the economy. As that blue tide comes in, Trump seems to have realized that what people care about is something he has no interest in fixing: affordability. Related Republicans tried to make Virginias elections all about trans people. They lost everything. Some have called the Democratic wins last week a rebuke of anti-trans politics. That might be going a step too far. Trans issues were certainly an important point in some campaigns. In Virginia, Republicans for Winsome Earle-Sears reportedly spent as much as 57% of their budget on anti-trans ads. Earle-Sears lost by 15 points. In NYC, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani supported LGBTQ+ people and ran an ad about Silvia Rivera, and he beat out former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who was hesitant to court the LGBTQ+ vote this time.But its hard to believe that trans rights were the only issue for voters. Mamdani ran on a wide liberal platform, and his opponent has been charged with sexual harassment and previously had to resign in disgrace. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today Theres reason to believe that this was less a vote for blue and more a vote against red. People bought into Trumps promises of bringing down grocery bills and having everybody winning, and almost a year into his second term, theyre ready to show him how they feel about his performance so far in a referendum on Trump and his team.Trump seems to have finally gotten the message that polls have been showing for over a year: anti-trans ads dont change peoples minds, and most American voters would rather politicians focus on issues that affect most Americans than pursue anti-trans agendas. It would have been easy for Trump to charge out in defense of his anti-trans crusade. He could have said the elections were rigged (he loves saying that!), and he could have said that this was a terrible sign of Democrats working to indoctrinate children or whatever his latest anti-trans nonsense is. Any of that would have defended the whole line of rhetoric and supported those who followed his lead to run anti-trans ads.But we havent heard any of that. Trump has taken aim at Democratic talking points about the struggle that the average person is going through with their finances, claiming that those are lies from the con-people of the Democratic Party. He assures people that affordability isnt an issue, and everything is way down.Trump: Our energy costs are way down. Our groceries are way down. Everything is way down. And the press does not report it Thanksgiving meals 25% down. So I don't want to hear about the affordability. pic.twitter.com/hnyHp2wWRP Acyn (@Acyn) November 7, 2025The 2024 campaigns saw a lot of conversations about how the economy would improve. Kamala Harris touted various detailed plans and incentives that would be put into place in her administration. Trump just said hed make the economy better. It was clear that he had concepts of a plan and that those concepts went as far as the word tariffs.That blind confidence and lack of details to get bogged down in won him votes. But now that hes in office, its harder to believably blame everything on the party that isnt in power (much as he tries). Baseless claims about trans people might help to build a bogeyman, but when it comes to the economy, its harder to lie to people about their own bank accounts.You can tell people whatever you want, but at a certain point, when someone finishes ringing up their groceries, putting gas in their car, or evaluating their monthly budget, its not going to take long for people to go wait a minute this isnt better. But that political cliff seems to be exactly where Trump is driving his team. Either he believes the lies and fake numbers hes being fed, or he really thinks that the American people will believe that they have houses made of gold when their bank balances barely stretch from paycheck to paycheck.Hes claiming that gas is around $2 a gallon, while it was $4 or $5 under former President Joe Biden. The current average gas price is actually $3. While the average gas price did peak at $5 under Biden, it was for a very brief window in 2022. Gas prices vary wildly across states and largely depend on the taxes each state levies, not on what Trump is doingand one thing people definitely know is how much their gas costs.That ties into another of Trumps lies. Trumps team claims inflation is down, whilethe actual inflation numbers show it is rising. That comes with claims that they inherited 9% inflation from Biden, when that 9% was, once again, only for a short period in 2022, and the Biden administration reduced that to normal levels before Trump ever got back to the Oval Office. Trump wants people to believe that hes made groceries cheaper, despite eggs still being a luxury item for most families. Hes been excited to trot out an example of his cost reductions: Walmarts Thanksgiving Dinner is 25% cheaper this year! But thats because of cost-cutting measures from Walmartagain, nothing to do with Trump. Walmart has taken its meal from 21 items to just 15 and replaced many of them with store-brand items instead of brand-name products.Trumps whole pushback against Democrats affordability tactic is built on panic as he tries to win back voters who have been slipping away. An unprecedented proportion of Latino voters voted Republican in support of Trump in 2024, particularly among Latino men, but the majority of Latino voters favored Democrats last week. With a focus on anti-trans policies, price increases from his failed tariffs, and ICE agents harassing communities across the country, that might not be too surprising.Of course, Trump probably doesnt need to worry about campaigning on anti-trans rhetoric at this point. In less than a year, hes already done massive damage to our community. But that was a signature issue for him, and his willingness to drop it and the candidates he endorsed while they followed his lead shows how fickle and desperate he is.For years, weve been trying to point out that the emperor has no clothes on in the face of Republican lies. Now, Trump is telling voters they are wearing splendid finery, but those voters are starting to notice theyre still feeling the breeze.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) has reportedly refused to bend to Donald Trumps will after he brought her into the White House Situation Room to convince her to remove her name from the petition that will force a House vote on the release of the Epstein files.New York Times congressional correspondent Annie Karni posted on Wednesday on social media that Boebert is more convinced than ever that there is some sort of conspiracy taking place. Related Trump says U.S. needs immigrants because Americans are too unskilled to work certain jobs My understanding is that the relentless pressure campaign that has included carrot, stick, good cop, bad cop, has made her even more dug in, suspicious and convinced theres a conspiracy at play, Karni wrote in a reply to another post from CNN correspondent Manu Raju.I asked Rep. Lauren Boebert on Sept. 16 if there was any way she would take her name off of the Jeffrey Epstein discharge petition, Raju wrote. No, she told me. 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 understanding is that the relentless pressure campaign that has included carrot, stick, good cop, bad cop, has made her even more dug in, suspicious and convinced there's a conspiracy at play. https://t.co/n43bNJTYwC Annie Karni (@anniekarni) November 12, 2025 Earlier that day, Karni wrote she had been told that Trump himself called Boebert to try to pressure her into revoking her support for the release of the files. Trump himself called Boebert, regarding her signing onto the Epstein petition and spoke to her yesterday, I am told.Trump playing phone tag with Mace.So far, they are not planning to remove their names from the petition. Annie Karni (@anniekarni) November 12, 2025 On the same day, Boebert was reportedly called to a meeting at the White House with top administration officials. A source told CNN those officials were Attorney General Pam Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and FBI Director Kash Patel.Despite claiming to be committed to transparency, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said she wouldnt disclosewhat happened during that meeting. Boebert posted afterward to thank White House officials for meeting with me today.Together, we remain committed to ensuring transparency for the American people, she said. I want to thank White House officials for meeting with me today. Together, we remain committed to ensuring transparency for the American people Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) November 12, 2025Boebert also claimed to CNNs Raju that the president was not pressuring her to remove her name from the discharge petition. The flurry of activity stems from the fact that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) finally swore in Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) on Wednesday afternoon. Grijalva has said she will add her name to the petition and become the final House member needed to force a vote on the release of the Epstein files. Many reports suggest the White House is in a panic, and sources told Politico as many as 100 Republicans are planning to break with their party and vote in favor of releasing them. Johnson said Wednesday the House will hold a vote on releasing the entirety of the Epstein files sometime next week. The president has long been in hot water over his connections to the late child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and his administrationsrefusal to release case files that it has long promised to share. MAGA conspiracy theorists have been chomping at the bit for the Epstein files, and many have turned on Trump as a result of his refusal to release them.Epstein died in prison in 2019 during Trumps first term while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking minors. While the medical examiner determined that his death was a suicide, many people, especially on the right, do not believe that it was, instead asserting that he was killed to keep him silent about the clients for whom he found children to sexually abuse. Trump had a decades-long friendship with Epsteinand joked about how his friend was fun and terrific andliked women on the younger side. Trump has also beenfound liable for sexual abuse by a jury, hasadmitted to sexually assaulting womenin the past, and hasadmitted to walking in on underage girlsas they changed clothes. He has been accused of sexual assault or other forms of sexual improprietyby at least 27 women. Most damning of all, House Democrats released multiple emails from Epstein on Wednesday that alleged Trump knew about the girls he was trafficking and that Trump had spent hours with one of the trafficked girls in Epsteins house. In a 2019 email from Epstein to journalist Michael Wolff, Epstein wrote, Trump said he asked me to resign [from Trumps Mar-a-Lago club], never a member ever. [O]f course he knew about the girls as he asked [my accomplice] ghislaine [Maxwell] to stop.In a 2011 email to Maxwell, Epstein referred to Trump as a dog that hasnt barked, suggesting that Trump didnt talk to legal authorities or the press about Epsteins activities. Epstein also said that Trump spent hours with one of Epsteins victims at Epsteins house. The newly released emails were made available by Epsteins estate to congressional investigators on an Oversight panel, which has been investigating the governments files on Epstein for months. Trump accused Democrats of releasing the emails to distract from their role in the ongoing 43-day-long government shutdown.The Democrats selectively leaked emails to the liberal media to create a fake narrative to smear President Trump, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. The unnamed victim referenced in these emails is the late Virginia Giuffre, who repeatedly said President Trump was not involved in any wrongdoing whatsoever and couldnt have been friendlier to her in their limited interactions.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) hit back at hate influencer Chaya Raichik, the person who mocks and targets LGBTQ+ and ally teachers online under the name Libs of TikTok and calls them groomers to imply that they sexually abuse children.Raichik posted two videos of DeLauros comments regarding the shutdown. The first video showed DeLauro calling out the president for refusing to disburse emergency funds for SNAP benefits, which help poor and working-class people buy food. The second video showed DeLauro denouncing Democrats who voted with Republicans for a continuing resolution to reopen the federal government that let the health care subsidies the Democrats were fighting for expire at the end of the year (which will drastically increase health care premiums that millions of Americans pay). Related Are House Republicans targeting LGBTQ+ community projects with new funding ban? Its almost as if they dont care about hungry Americans at all Raichik wrote, as if there is something strange about Democrats supporting aid for both food and health care for lower-income Americans.DeLauro, who is frequently the target of rightwing attacks because she is an older woman with hair dyed an unnatural color, wasnt having 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 Not taking s**t from the pedophile protector, she shot back, adding a picture from February of Raichik with a copy of the Epstein files, or federal records of the investigation into notorious child sex trafficker and longtime friend of the president, Jeffrey Epstein. Not taking shit from the pedophile protector. https://t.co/XnyzydSUMr pic.twitter.com/7bxVqGEDuA Rosa DeLauro (@rosadelauro) November 12, 2025Raichik and other rightwing influencers were given access to part of the Epstein files in a visit to the White House in February, which was shortly after the president took office, when many still believed that he would release those files as he had promised on the campaign trail.The influencers left the White House with binders that said The Epstein Files: Phase 1 and The Most Transparent Administration in History. Some of the influencers later said that there was nothing that wasnt already public information in those binders and that they believed that more files would be released later.To this day, the administration is fighting the release of those files, as the House of Representatives is expected to vote soon on a measure that would force their release.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Liberty Counsel, the Christian hate group behind Kim Daviss attempt to have the Supreme Court overturn its marriage equality decision, says their fight to end LGBTQ+ equality is far from over.I have no doubt that Daviss resolve will serve as a catalyst to raise up many more challenges to the wrongly decidedObergefellopinion, wrote Liberty Counsel President Mat Staver in a message on the groups website. Until then, we must pray, fight, and contend for whenObergefellis no longer the law of the land. Related Hate group leaders bizarre rant claims same-sex marriage led to Charlie Kirks murder The Supreme Court ruled in its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that people have a fundamental right to choose who to marry, regardless of their spouses gender. The decision legalized marriage equality in all 50 states. A county clerk in Kentucky, Kim Davis, refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, which led to a lawsuit and ten years of legal fights. 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 This year, with help from the lawyers at Liberty Counsel, she filed an appeal to the Supreme Court to overturn a judgment against her that required her to pay $360,000 to a gay couple whom she had illegally denied a marriage license. In that petition, she asked the Supreme Court to end marriage equality, arguing that her case proved that LGBTQ+ equality was inherently a threat to the rights of Christians like herself.Last week, the Supreme Court rejected her appeal, leaving its decision in favor of marriage rights in place for at least another year.Anti-LGBTQ+ activists, though, arent going to give up.This time, Kim Davis is the victim of religious animus and is being deprived of her constitutional freedom of religion, Staver wrote. Tomorrow, it could be you.This may mark the end of an era in litigating Daviss case, but the fight to overturnObergefell and protect religious liberty has just begun. Stavers argument is similar to anargument that Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito made in 2020that the mere existence of married same-sex couples is a violation of Christians religious freedom because seeing married same-sex couples encourages people to judge Christians as bigots. (That opinion was delivered in the context of a different appeal filed by Davis.)SinceObergefell, parties have continually attempted to label people of good will as bigots merely for refusing to alter their religious beliefs in the wake of prevailing orthodoxy, Thomas wrote at the time.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Sydney Sweeney's performance in Christy a biopic that tells the story of out lesbian boxing athlete Christy Martin has led to one of the biggest box office failures of all time, intense negative reactions from critics and audiences alike, and a jab from Ruby Rose as an out queer actor who missed out on the part to Sweeney. And yet, the real-life Christy Martin has now come to Sweeney's defense.Martin shared a picture of herself alongside Sweeney and wrote in the Instagram caption:"I've always been a fighter. My life reflected that in every way and now I fight for others. The past few days I have seen some people attack my friend Sydney Sweeney. Syd not only worked her ass off for this film, she worked her ass off for me. For my story. For so many others suffering in silence. So I want to be clear about who Syd is. She is my friend and ally!" See on Instagram Martin's post was audio-tagged with a song titled "Resilience" by an artist under the name Lenzspot, which has been accused of being a faux artist releasing AI-generated songs across streaming platforms.The comments section under Martin's Instagram post has mostly positive comments, though those views do not reflect the film's 3.3 rating on Letterboxd,'Christy' is a historic box office bomb. Sydney Sweeney in Christy biopic.Black Bear Pictures/Anonymous ContentSweeney's latest film, Christy, is one of the biggest box office bombs of all time. Even though the Christy budget was reportedly $15 million (via IndieWire), the movie grossed a shockingly low $1.3 million on opening weekend according to Box Office Mojo. As the film approaches its first week out in theaters, it's still stuck at a total box office gross of just $1.6 million."This makes Sweeneys Christy the ninth worst opening for a movie in over 2,000 theaters," Paul Tassi writes for Forbes, "behind a number of movies you have likely never heard of, like Hitpig, The King's Daughter, Delgo, and more."Ruby Rose slams Sydney Sweeney's casting and PR rhetoric. View on ThreadsRuby Rose, an out lesbian actor best known for starring on TV shows such as Orange Is the New Black and Batwoman, reacted to Sweeney's performance and the overall box office failure of the Christy biopic."The original Christy Martin script was incredible. Life changing. I was attached to play Cherry. Everyone had experience with the core material. Most of us were actually gay. It's part of why I stayed in acting. Losing roles happens all the time.For her PR to talk about it flopping and saying SS did it for the 'people.'None of 'the people' want to see someone who hates them, parading around pretending to be us. You're a cretin and you ruined the film. Period. Christy deserved better."Rose's Threads post, shared on Tuesday, November 11, has over 4,300 likes as of this writing.Christy Martin's life story deserved better. View on ThreadsEven people who are critical of the Christy biopic and of Sweeney's performance have expressed that Christy Martin's life story as a professional boxing athlete who was outed as a lesbian deserved much better than this.A viral Threads post by @welovemisscassie reads: "One of the very sad things about this Sydney Sweeney controversy is that a film meant to highlight the life of boxer Christy Martin, a woman who hid her queer identity and suffered domestic violence (that nearly ended her life) at the hands of her husband is now being overshadowed because Sydney has made an odd decision to pander to the alt right. Turns out, right wingers don't want to watch a movie about queerness and domestic violence.Christy Martin deserves better representation than this."This story is still developing

Sam Moehlig spent three years stuck in what his family called the deep dark hole. Desperate to find a cure for his unhappiness, his mother, Kathie Moehlig, immersed herself in research. Eventually, she discovered the word transgender. Related Im a transgender b*tch who dont play about my kid: A trans mom on raising a resilient trans son When Sam Moehlig was 11, she approached him with that research and explained that transgender meant he could be a boy. Before Moehlig even finished speaking, Sam Moehlig threw himself at her, squeezing her in a hug and crying.Yes, yes, I want that, he told her. I want that, Mom. Thats me. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today It was the first time he smiled in years.Moehlig has faced many tough decisions in her life, but as she told LGBTQ Nation during a sit-down with the now-25-year-old Sam Moehlig supporting her trans son wasnt one of themAs a person whos in recovery, as a person who has been a life coach for decades, as a person whos an ordained minister, being able to show up for people and see them for who they are, its just been my history. The wrong damn mamaSam Moehlig & Kathie Moehlig | Provided by Kathie MoehligSam Moehlig describes himself as not a pusher, someone who does not stand up to authority figures. When doctors denied him treatment, he would have given up. But his mother did not accept the refusals.You just said that to the wrong damn mama, Moehlig said.She became his fiercest advocate, forcing the hand of Rady Childrens Hospital in San Diego to prescribe puberty blockers.I wouldnt have gone anywhere if it hadnt been for the support of my family, especially my mom and her dont tell me no attitude, Sam Moehlig said. Ultimately, it saved my life.Moehligs effectiveness at Rady, which opened a gender identity clinic in 2012 that sources have said still operates underground, earned her a reputation among other parents of trans children in San Diego. They began coming to her as a resource to help them navigate school, medical, and insurance settings. Moehlig recognized she needed an organization and official title to be taken seriously. So in 2015, she founded Trans Family Support Services (TFSS), formalizing her support network for trans families.Moehligs support to other parents extends well beyond teaching them to use affirming names and pronouns. She coaches them in how to navigate insurance, push recalcitrant doctors to treat gender dysphoria, and correct discrimination in schools.To Sam, a 16-year-old client at TFSS who is separate from Moehligs son, those lessons were lifesaving. When he came out at 10, mired in dysphoria with puberty looming, Sam and his mom attended a support group led by Moehlig. It was a big part of the reason why I was able to get out of the depressive funk, Sam said in a video commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the organization.Sam said the conversation was insanely valuable because it taught his mom how to manage the extensive bureaucratic barriers in place before one could obtain puberty blockers at a time when survival was Sams day-to-day concern. He credits TFSS with saving both his life and his relationship with his mom.TransFamily Support Services ensures that your family can support you, Sam said. For trans kids, sometimes its not enough to be a loving parent. Motherhood as advocacy Kathie Moehlig & Sam Moehlig | Provided by Kathie MoehligAlthough still based in San Diego with a focus on trans people under 30, the organization has grown significantly in the past decade, serving California and beyond with a majority transgender staff.TFSS has served 7,000 trans people and their families across the nation, with its youngest participant at 3 years old and its oldest 88. No matter the age, Moehlig mothers them.Theyre all my kids. I have a sense of responsibility to every single one of the trans individuals, she said.Because her public advocacy stems from motherhood, Moehlig has often been discounted.Theres been many places where Ive been looked at as just a mom, Moehlig said. Those who underestimate her quickly learn shes an effective leader who belongs at the table. In 2022, TFSS planned a queer family Halloween festival, Boo Bash, with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and a Disney villain-themed drag show. At the height of anti-drag hate, the family-friendly show caught the attention of national right-wing media and spurred a social media hate campaign.It was a tricky situation. Moehlig was torn between capitulating to the hate machine for the safety of attendees and standing firm in the conviction that all types of families should get to celebrate Halloween in an inclusive space.TFSS launched a GoFundMe to strengthen event security and organized a Wall of Love with other local LGBTQ+ nonprofits. Over a hundred volunteers surrounded the event entrance blocking views and noise from 20 protesters across the street so families could be greeted and cheered for as they entered.This October, the organization held its fourth annual Boo Bash. The road ahead A contingent from TFSS at the San Diego Pride Parade | Provided by Kathie MoehligNot every fight has been successful. An Alabama chapter of TFSS closed after the lone on-the-ground employee felt too unsafe to continue in the wake of their unsuccessful campaign against the states ban on gender-affirming medical care for trans youth. The decision to fold was heart-wrenching and took Moehlig forever, even after staff members said it was necessary.TFSS pivoted to hosting virtual support groups for parents of trans children in the South, and fortunately, locals kept up the annual Alabama Trans Pride that TFSS had started.Seeing the need for more political advocacy as other states attacked trans healthcare and trans youth in sports, Moehlig founded the Alliance for TransYouth Rights with other parents.We sit in a place where were barely hanging on to the rights, and many of them weve already lost, she said. But Im hopeful, Im extremely hopeful, that were going to get it back. Its gonna take time. Its gonna take work. Its gonna be hard, but were gonna get there.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt completely avoided answering a reporters question on whether Donald Trump spent hours at Jeffrey Epsteins house with a victim. The question came as a result of newly released emails from Epstein, a convicted and deceased child sex trafficker, in which Epstein alleged that Trump knew about the girls he was trafficking and that Trump had spent hours with one of the trafficked girls in Epsteins house. Related Karoline Leavitt gives worst spin possible on allegations White House is coercing lawmaker Leavitt did not answer the question, but instead replied, These emails prove absolutely nothing other than the fact that President Trump did nothing wrong. This email you refer to with the name of a victim that was unredacted now so I will go ahead and say it, Virginia Giuffre. 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 Echoing a statement she previously released, Leavitt said CBS had previously reported that Giuffre (a longtime Epstein accuser who died by suicide in April) said she never saw Trump act inappropriately. Weija: Did the president ever spend hours at Jeffrey Epstein's house with a victim?Leavitt: These emails prove absolutely nothing other than the fact that president trump did nothing wrong. pic.twitter.com/7iXl9PwUt6 Acyn (@Acyn) November 12, 2025In another newly released email, Epstein referred to Trump as a dog that hasnt barked, suggesting that Trump didnt talk to legal authorities or the press about Epsteins activities. Leavitt has maintained that the Democrats have selectively leaked emails to smear President Trump and distract from their role in the shutdown.Many on social media slammed Leavitts response. Classic dodge. Emails prove nothing is the go-to when the heats on. Meanwhile, the questions keep piling up. Innocent until proven guilty? Sure. But ignoring the elephant in the room doesnt make it disappear. HENRY (@sensationahenry) November 12, 2025Sure if you are illiterate https://t.co/6wuKIYkH8x Lib Dunk (@libdunkmedia) November 12, 2025Evading questions is a sign of denial. Kitty (@kkitteh) November 12, 2025They not only dont prove he did nothing wrong but suggest he lied about his relationship with Epstein and these girls. Orwells Ghost (@planterspunch7) November 12, 2025Innocent ppl don't try to hide evidence that would exonerate them. just say'n Son of Godzilla (@SonOfGodzilla_) November 12, 2025A prime example of knowing the sky is blue and saying its red. Dee (@d_oceansun) November 12, 2025Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Wicked fans are thanking Cynthia Erivo for her fast actions on a red carpet after a man rushed Ariana Grande and put his arm around her.Grande, Erivo, and their co-star Michelle Yeoh were on the carpet at Thursday's Wicked: For Good Singapore premiere when a man wearing a white shirt with the word "Jesus" on it rushed toward them, grabbing the Glinda actress. (@) Video shows the three actresses walking down the yellow carpet, interacting with fans behind a barrier, when a man jumps over and runs up to them, grabbing Grande and then putting his arm around her. (@) In a dramatic video, Erivo is seen running to Grande's aid, pushing the man away, and comforting Grande after he is removed. The clip shows Grande appearing shocked and afraid as Erivo and Yeoh check on her. (@) Fans are now praising Erivo for her quick actions in defending Grande."These security men are useless. my girl cynthia was ready to risk it all," one fan wrote."Cynthia said NOT ON MY WATCH," another commented.See on InstagramUnfortunately, it seems this kind of behavior is the norm for the person who ran at Grande. Johnson Wen, who also goes by the name Pyjama Man, has done similar stunts at concerts for artists like Katy Perry and the Weeknd, as well as sports events like the 2023 World Cup and the Olympics. (@) In a series of Instagram Stories, Wen says, "I feel like I'm in a dream. That's my best friend Ariana Grande, and I'm finally gonna meet her. Yes, I've been dreaming about that."In the following video, he laughs more and says, "Yes, finally! I dreamed about meeting Ariana Grande, and finally my dream became true. Look how cool that is."Another Story shows him being detained by security and removed from the carpet. In his final uploaded story, Wen says "I'm free after being Arrested."Wicked: For Good has been embarking on a global, multi-city set of premieres in advance of the November 21 theatrical release date. And the tour hasn't been without drama. After Grande missed a premiere in Brazil due to plane issues, she asked fans not to "wish danger" on the team due to fan backlash.

Back in 2023, I took a trip with 25 of my family members across five countries in two weeks, which was planned by a travel agency in the Dominican Republic that my mom and aunts used on a trip to Dubai two years earlier. But after this hellish trip (mainly due to my extended familys big personalities), I decided Im never traveling with them again so I needed a do-over. This solo trip back to Barcelona truly delivered everything I was craving and more.On our family vacation from hell, we stopped in Barcelona, but not for long enough, so my cousins and I decided to stay an extra day to celebrate my cousins birthday. We went to Paradiso, which is currently ranked the fourth best cocktail bar in the world by Worlds 50 Best Bars. We also did a day trip to the gayborhood of Sitges and popped around the city to grab some tapas and visit a museum or two. It was my favorite part of the experience, and I craved more, so I decided to pull the trigger and go on a solo trip to Barcelona to rediscover what I loved most about the city and its nightlife.I flew out of JFK in New York City at 11 p.m. on a Friday. While that detail may seem insignificant, its important to note that there were barely any people at the airport. I flew on LEVEL, which operates in partnership with Iberia, the airline I flew to Spain in 2023. This time, checking in was a breeze. I was given the opportunity to fly premium economy, and as someone who is 6 feet 7 inches tall, that extra legroom was necessary for the eight-hour trip to Barcelona and back. Room at the Moxy BarcelonaMoxy BarcelonaI landed in Barcelona in the afternoon and headed over to the Moxy Barcelona, the first hotel by the Moxy brand in Spain, which just celebrated its first birthday last month. The rooms were spacious and felt brand-new. But being that theres enough to do on the property and in the city, I didnt spend much time in the room other than sleeping, showering, and getting dressed. The first night in Spain, I had dinner at Bonavista, the rooftop restaurant which is owned by Grup Confiteria, the hospitality group that owns Paradiso. Even though Im not the biggest fish eater, I was served an assortment of seafood dishes because lest we forget (or at least I did), Barcelona is a coastal city. The food was phenomenal; there wasnt a single dish I didnt enjoy. After dinner, it was time to peruse the gay bars in Barcelona and get a taste of queer Barcelona nightlife. Bonavista at Moxy BarcelonaMoxy BarcelonaIm very particular about going out, and I have a list of things I enjoy especially if its a queer space. One, does it feel inclusive? This, to me, means that theres a sense of welcoming to anyone and everyone so no stank faces when a stranger approaches, please. Two, is the clientele diverse? If its all skinny, white, muscular, or conventionally attractive gays in expensive outfits, Ill pass. And three, is the music good? It doesnt have to be Top 40 hits and pop music for me to enjoy it, but if other people arent feeling the sounds and having a good time, how can I?Im proudly picky when it comes to going out, and if Im not enjoying myself, Ill leave and not think twice about it. Being that I live in New York City and theres more than enough parties to go to, Ive started to entrench myself in the bear community there. So when I started researching for this trip, I knew that I wanted to find bear-specific spaces to try. I also had a list of parties/bars that I wanted to experience, but because of time constraints, I only made it out to three. I first made my way over to Bacon, a bear bar in the Eixample neighborhood of Barcelona, which is known for its queer nightlife. For it being a Saturday night at 1 a.m., the bar wasnt that lively, and it skewed a bit older, making for a much more laid-back vibe. Which if thats what youre looking for in a night out, this is the place for you.The second place I went to isnt exactly safe for work, but just know I spent about 15 to get in, and I had a pretty decent time. I got to the second spot around 2 a.m. and stayed for about an hour. When I looked at the clock about an hour in, I noticed that the time still said 2:00 a.m. Thinking I was in the Twilight Zone for a second, I shook my watch, and realized it was Daylight Savings Time. I had an extra hour to party! So I made my way to my third and final destination: Imperial Meeting Point. The venue was still open so I decided to pop in for a quick nightcap. However, my plans were thwarted when I was met with a line that barely moved, people cutting the line, and a 25 cover for a spot that I wasnt sure Id enjoy, so I went back to the hotel and got ready for bed.Sunday was my exploring day, and I got up bright and early for a guided tour of the Fundaci Joan Mir, a modern art museum honoring the life and work of the Spanish artist Joan Mir. After the museum, my group walked over to a cable car that offered panoramic views of the city, and we ended the tour at Piscina Municipal de Montjuc, where Dua Lipa shot her Illusion music video. Besides the Dua Lipa of it all, the spot is a popular hangout for locals to enjoy and have some drinks while overlooking the city. Its definitely worth checking out if youre going to Barcelona. View from the top of Montjuc (left) and view of the city from Piscina Municipal de Montjuc (right)Moises Mendez IILunch on Sunday was at Restaurant Gala, a chic eatery in the middle of the city that had a colorful, eclectic design aesthetic and just as eclectic of a menu, providing one of my favorite meals of the trip. After lunch, there was more sightseeing to be done, and I had to stop by to check out the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia and Casa Batll, designed by the world-renowned architect Antoni Gaud. I then dined at Rabbits Bar, a glamorous tapas restaurant with a delicious selection to choose from. After dinner, I walked back to the hotel, which was about 20 minutes away. Even late at night, the streets were almost dead silent. See on Instagram I cant recommend Barcelona enough, because there was too much to see and a weekend doesnt do the city justice, especially when it comes to the queer nightlife. After trying a few spots in Spain, I came back to New York City, excited to get back into the bear spaces here in the Big Apple. I got to spend time at the Moxy in the Lower East Side and had a bit of a staycation in Manhattan (I live in Brooklyn). But the LES location has more than enough activities for solo travelers the hotel boasts the club Loosie's and the Silver Linings Piano Bar. For a sexy, solo night out, theres also the Highlight Room rooftop cocktail bar that attracts a decent crowd throughout the week, and Sake No Hana, an unbeatable modern Japanese restaurant on the lower level of hotel that creates the perfect environment for a sleek, stylish night out. The Highlight Room Bar at Moxy Lower East SideMichael KleinbergIf youre coming to New York City soon and looking for some queer nightlife activities catering to the bear community, might I suggest Goldiloxx, one of my favorite parties here in the city. Its at Red Eye in Manhattan, and its the perfect balance of fun and sexy. Theres two floors filled with hot bears dancing to tunes by the fabulous rotation of DJs, one of which includes adult film star Boomer Banks. If youre looking for a more chill vibe, on Thursdays, theres Bear Happy Hour, which circulates between a selection of gay bars in Manhattan Hush, The Dickens, Atlas Social Club, and The Eagle. My friends and I usually go to The Eagle because thats the most spacious. For the Black and brown bears, I would also suggest Bear Milk, a party that usually takes place at The Deep End on the border of Bushwick and Ridgewood. The Moxy has hotels in the city that are close to all of these parties, namely their Chelsea, Times Square, and Williamsburg locations. A room at the Moxy Lower East SideMichael KleinbergAs someone who considers themselves an extrovert, I never thought Id do a solo trip. But after doing this excursion, it definitely got me more comfortable with doing things on my own. Im used to going to parties solo (because my friends are boring and decide to stay in), so whats the big deal with going to a new country?The writer was invited by Moxy Hotel to cover the hotels in Barcelona and New York. Learn more about hotels at moxy-hotels.marriott.com

Michael Arden recently spoke with Out to talk about The Queen of Versailles, the Kristin Chenoweth-led show that he directed, which just opened on Broadway on Sunday. In that conversation, Arden addressed the backlash that the show's lead faced from the LGBTQ+ community after she showed support for the divisive slain political commentator Charlie Kirk.Arden, who is gay, defended Chenoweth, saying that he's known her for a long time and said she has been "one of the most wonderful, loving, supportive allies that I've known." The director continued, "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."Arden ended by clarifying that he finds Kirk to be an "abhorrent figure" and said, "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."A few weeks before The Queen of Versailles played its first show on Broadway, Chenoweth found herself at the center of a media firestorm after fans saw that she left a comment on Kirk's last Instagram post after videos of his assassination circulated online that read: "Im. So. Upset. Didnt always agree but appreciated some perspectives. What a heartbreak. His young family. I know where he is now. Heaven. But still." Kirk was known for spread misinformation about the LGBTQ+ community, specifically trans people and gender-affirming care, according to The Advocate. After Chenoweth's remarks, she spoke with NY1 to address disappointment that her queer fans vocalized and said, "I saw what happened online with my own eyes. And I had a human moment of reflection, just right then. I came to understand that my comment hurt some folks and that hurt me so bad. I would never..." See on Instagram Chenoweth went on to say, "It's no secret that I have been...that I'm a Christian, that I'm a person of faith. It's also no secret that I am an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. And for some, that doesn't go together. But for me, it always has, and it always will."

Nicki Minaj appeared to endorse the White Houses use of her music this week when she reposted a TikTok clip touting the Trump administrations anti-trans and anti-immigrant agenda set to her 2012 single Va Va Voom.The post, shared by the White Houses official TikTok account earlier this week, shows three slides. The first features a color photo of President Donald Trump from behind with the words 2025 will be my year! superimposed over the image. The third slide shows a black-and-white photo of Trump striding toward the camera, with a list of his priorities and accomplishments, including No men in womens sports, Criminal illegals are being deported, and World peace. Related Nicki Minaj rages at gay fan who criticized her for thanking Donald Trump 2025 has been our year, the posts caption reads, All we needed was a new president.Minaj reposted the clip to her own official TikTok account. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Notably, the White House post also appears to misuse a recently resurfaced meme. The posts second slide shows a screenshot of director Robert B. Weides credit from the closing titles of the long-running HBO sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm. TikTok users frequently post the Directed by Robert B. Weide image between an image indicating their good intentions and one showing their disastrous or disappointing outcomes.According to Entertainment Weekly, neither Minaj nor the White House has commented on her repost. The Starships rappers fans, however, are making their own disappointment known.Nicki Minaj being a transphobe was not on my 2025 bucket list, but Im actually not surprised, one X user posted. Nicki Minaj being a transphobe was not on my 2025 bucket list, but Im actually not surprised https://t.co/ZF71Bolozn Terence Christle (@ChristleTerence) November 11, 2025As Entertainment Weekly notes, others blasted the hypocrisy of Minajs seeming endorsement of Trumps immigration policies, when she herself revealed in 2018 that shed been brought to the U.S. illegally from Trinidad and Tobago when she was just 5 years old.nicki minaj [sic] being an undocumented immigrant herself with a poc and queer fanbase is shamelessly reposting xenophobic and transphobic white supremacist propaganda, another user wrote on X. Shes really going out sad.How are you an immigrant supporting this man, another X user posted. Shes weird asf. nicki minaj being an undocumented immigrant herself with a poc and queer fanbase is shamelessly reposting xenophobic and transphobic white supremacist propagandashes really going out sad pic.twitter.com/mirb7LEw4M BEY-Z (@beyzhive) November 11, 2025https://twitter.com/actsofservice3/status/1988383280069308632The Va Va Voom clip is the most recent indication of Minajs apparent support for Trump. Earlier this month, she took to X to express her gratitude that the administration had designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern due to the alleged mass slaughter of Christians at the hands of radical Islamists in the West African nation, and raged at a gay fan who criticized her.Minajs post seems to have gotten the MAGA worlds attention. On November 1, United Nations Ambassador Mike Waltz extended an invitation for the Super Bass rapper to speak with him at the U.S. Embassy to the United Nations in New York, with Minaj responding that she would be honored.On November 3, the White Houses official TikTok account posted a video featuring clips of the President and First Lady Melania Trump set to a viral mash-up of Minajs Beez in the Trap and 4 Non Blondes Whats Up. Minaj shared the post on X, writing, The President & First Lady of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Barbz, idk which one of you uploaded this to the white house TikTok but just know unlimited backstage GAG CITY FOR LIFE. The President & First Lady of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Barbz, idk which one of you uploaded this to the white house TikTok but just know unlimited backstage GAG CITY FOR LIFEIdk what timeline were on right now, Im just goin w|the flow https://t.co/hMa9hDZTbg Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) November 4, 2025Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) hit back at hate influencer Chaya Raichik, the person who mocks and targets LGBTQ+ and ally teachers online under the name Libs of TikTok and calls them groomers to imply that they sexually abuse children.Raichik posted two videos of DeLauros comments regarding the shutdown. The first video showed DeLauro calling out the president for refusing to disburse emergency funds for SNAP benefits, which help poor and working-class people buy food. The second video showed DeLauro denouncing Democrats who voted with Republicans for a continuing resolution to reopen the federal government that let the health care subsidies the Democrats were fighting for expire at the end of the year (which will drastically increase health care premiums that millions of Americans pay). Related Are House Republicans targeting LGBTQ+ community projects with new funding ban? Its almost as if they dont care about hungry Americans at all Raichik wrote, as if there is something strange about Democrats supporting aid for both food and health care for lower-income Americans.DeLauro, who is frequently the target of rightwing attacks because she is an older woman with hair dyed an unnatural color, wasnt having 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 Not taking s**t from the pedophile protector, she shot back, adding a picture from February of Raichik with a copy of the Epstein files, or federal records of the investigation into notorious child sex trafficker and longtime friend of the president, Jeffrey Epstein. Not taking shit from the pedophile protector. https://t.co/XnyzydSUMr pic.twitter.com/7bxVqGEDuA Rosa DeLauro (@rosadelauro) November 12, 2025Raichik and other rightwing influencers were given access to part of the Epstein files in a visit to the White House in February, which was shortly after the president took office, when many still believed that he would release those files as he had promised on the campaign trail.The influencers left the White House with binders that said The Epstein Files: Phase 1 and The Most Transparent Administration in History. Some of the influencers later said that there was nothing that wasnt already public information in those binders and that they believed that more files would be released later.To this day, the administration is fighting the release of those files, as the House of Representatives is expected to vote soon on a measure that would force their release.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Right-wing Newsmax correspondent Greg Kelly celebrated the Trump administrations recent strike of an alleged drug smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific and bizarrely said one of the best parts is that it has nothing to do with transgender. This is an awesome thing to do with the military, Kelly said as he showed footage of dozens of boats being blown up. According to MSN, at least 66 people have been killed since the administration began the strikes, which many Democrats and legal experts have slammed as violations of both national and international law. Related Democrat slams Libs of TikTok as a pedophile protector These are criminals, not soldiers. Criminals are civilians, former International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampotold the BBC last week. They are criminals, and we should do better at investigating them, prosecuting them and controlling them, but not killing people.Kelly, on the other hand, praised the acts as totally legal, pure, and good. 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 And it has nothing to do with transgender, he said. He then went on to baselessly blast Joe Biden for ignoring the drug crisis because he was too obsessed with trans rights.We looked it up, Kelly said. Joe Biden talked more about transgender garbage in the last year of his administration than he did about drugs and opioids, right? Its not clear what exactly Kellys team looked up, as there likely isnt data specifically comparing Bidens comments on drugs versus trans rights. Republicans have continued to accuse Democrats of being obsessed with trans rights to the detriment of other critical issues, despite the fact that it is Republicans who cant stop talking about trans people.Kelly then showed footage of Biden visiting a gay bar as proof he didnt care about the opioid crisis.I mean, talk about a pandering, strange individual to blow off the opioid crisis, to go to a bar, which I dont think, you know. I mean, do we really need more drinking in America? The Biden administration did, in fact, prioritize Americas opioid crisis. The administration launched the HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy in 2021, and on May 15, 2024, then-U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra announced landmark progress in the battle against the drugs.When President Biden took office in January 2021, the overdose death rate was increasing 31% year-over-year, Becerra said. Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that drug overdose deaths fell 3% over the past yearthe first decline in more than five years.Monthly provisional data released from the CDC shows that drug overdose deaths are continuing to fall, an administration memo explained in response to the data, The latest provisional data from the CDC released this month shows a 16.9% reduction in overdose deaths in the 12-months ending July 2024, which is the largest recorded reduction in overdose deaths and the eighth consecutive month of reported decreases in predicted 12-month total numbers of drug overdose deaths.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Jesper Duffy, known professionally as Lavish Lazuli, performed a drag story time for a willing audience in a council venue in Cumberland, Australia this week as a protest against a drag story time ban brought by the council last year.I think its misguided to believe that drag is inherently adult in nature, Duffy said, explaining his frustration with the ban. You wouldnt say that to a Disney princess performer. You wouldnt say that to someone in a Halloween costume so why are you saying it about us? Related City officials hateful tantrum leads to city banning all books on LGBTQ+ parents City officials hateful tantrum leads to city banning all books on LGBTQ+ parents In February last year, the council banned drag story times. Former mayor and current councilor Steve Christou claimed to have been contacted by concerned constituents who were concerned about drag performers effect on children. He then spearheaded an aggressive campaign to get the council to approve a ban. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rainbow Cumberland (@rainbowcumberland) 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 Rainbow Cumberland, founded and lead by Kayla Hill, has been campaigning to overturn the ban. Hill explained that it was crucial for Duffeys drag story time to be held in a council venue to show that these types of events are really beautiful.Hill called the story time a fun and creative act of civil disobedience to show the power of the community and also the demand.One Cumberland councilor who represents the Green Party, Sujan Selven, encouraged other councilors to speak with the LGBTQ+ community and attend drag story times themselves so that they could understand what they were banning. Christou has pushed back against the campaign with numerous tweets and videos, transphobic language suggesting that children are at risk from the LGBTQ+ community, and threats to event organizers.The realities are these bans were not homophobic, they were designed to let kids be kids, claimed Christou, even though drag is widely known to be a gay and queer theatrical art form. I will ensure that childrens innocence, safety, and freedoms are protected from such ideology at a young age. Christou has also said that he wants details about Duffeys event and added, Somebody will be held to account if warranted.This morning I was informed by the media that a group called Rainbow for Cumberland want to reverse the ban on Drag Story Reading at Cumberland City Council Libraries.The Labor Party Mayor & her Councillors need to come clean. They need to be honest with the community if they pic.twitter.com/QOv8q9epzP Councillor Steve Christou Libertarian Party (@ChristouSteve) November 7, 2025 This is not the first time that Councilor Christou of the Our Local Community Party has attacked the LGBTQ+ community of Cumberland in New South Wales. In 2024, he led the campaign against the inclusion of a book, Same-Sex Parents by Holly Duhig, in the childrens section of a council-run library.Again, citing claims that he was contacted by concerned constituents, Christou then led a campaign that resulted in bans for all same-sex parenting books at all of Cumberland Countys eight council-run libraries.That ban was reversed shortly after, following a backlash and concerns about censorship led to a fast petition. When civilizations turn to burning books or banning books it is a very bad sign. That is equally true for local councils, said New South Wales Arts Minister, John Graham, at the time. Rainbow Cumberland now hopes that they can launch a petition against the drag story time ban and receive a similar level of support.While Christou has touted the conservative and Christian leaning nature of the Cumberland community, Hill has rejected that reasoning, saying, I think we should fight back against the idea that because somewhere is conservative we should inherently just accept conservative policies. We deserve safety and we deserve dignity and we deserve joy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rainbow Cumberland (@rainbowcumberland)Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

U.S. Catholic bishops on Wednesday formalized a ban on gender-affirming care for transgenderpatients at the denominations hospitals across the country.The prohibition, approved overwhelmingly at a U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops meeting in Baltimore, Maryland came in the form of revisions to the ethical and religious directives that guide thousands of Catholic hospitals, clinics, and providers across the nation. Related Pope Leo will bless people in same-sex unions despite having once decried the homosexual lifestyle The updated guidance was based on previous doctrine issued by the Vatican in 2024 and U.S. bishops in 2023.In a 2023 doctrinal note titled Moral Limits to the Technological Manipulation of the Human Body, U.S. church leaders told dioceses that Catholic health care services must not perform interventions, whether surgical or chemical, that aim to transform the sexual characteristics of a human body into those of the opposite sex, or take part in the development of such procedures. 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 revised guidelines formalize that directive.While Pope Francis expressed support for transgender faithful, and Pope Leo has indicated hell follow his predecessors lead on the LGBTQ+ community, the church remains formally opposed to the act of transition and the concept of gender fluidity.With regard to the gender ideology, I think its very important the church makes a strong statement here, Bishop Robert Barron of Minnesota told his colleagues during public discussion of the revised directives, the Associated Press reports.More than one in seven patients are treated each day at Catholic hospitals in the U.S., according to the Catholic Health Association. Catholic providers will continue to welcome those who seek medical care from us and identify as transgender, the association said in a statement following the bishops vote. We will continue to treat these individuals with dignity and respect, which is consistent with Catholic social teaching and our moral obligation to serve everyone, particularly those who are marginalized. Progressive Catholics expressed regret over the move.Catholic teaching upholds the invaluable dignity of every human life, and for many trans people, gender-affirming care is what makes life livable, Michael Sennett, a trans man with LGBTQ+ advocacy group New Ways Ministry, told the Associated Press.Sennett was among a group of trans Catholics who met with Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2024.I really wanted to share with Pope Francis about the joy that I have being a transgender Catholic person,Sennett said then. New Ways executive director Francis DeBernardo said that for many transgender Catholics he knows, the transition process was not just a biological necessity, but a spiritual imperative. That if they were going to be living as authentic people in the way that they believe God made them, then transition becomes a necessary thing.The bishops vote on Wednesday coincided with an affirmation of support for trans people issued by other religious denominations in the U.S., including the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Episcopal Church, the Union for Reform Judaism and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).The group said of transgender Americans, During a time when our country is placing their lives under increasingly serious threat, there is a disgraceful misconception that all people of faith do not affirm the full spectrum of gender a great many of us do. Let it be known instead that our beloveds are created in the image of God Holy and whole, the groups statement read.Our scriptures vary, but they share a common conviction, church leaders said. We raise our voices in solidarity to unequivocally proclaim the holiness of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people, as well as the recognition of the entire spectrum of gender identity and expression. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

There's no denying that Laura Dern is a gay icon.From iconic characters over the years in Jurassic Park, Little Women, and Big Little Lies to her current hit show Palm Royale, Dern is well aware that her queer peers feel safe by her presence on their screens.The star has been very vocal of her support for the LGBTQ+ community her entire career, but to this day, fans still thank Dern for her iconic guest appearance on Ellen DeGeneres' popular 90's sitcom.DeGeneres publicly came out to Dern on the legendary "Puppy Episode," which became one of the first prominent coming out moments on television."There's nothing more incredible! I am honored to have incredible support. My origin story of really knowing the connection I was privileged to be a part of was Ellen's 'Puppy Episode.' It's so crazy that it wasn't that long ago and far more open of a time to explore story in so many ways," Dern tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Although Dern's guest spot happened back in 1997, the beloved actress still receives so much admiration from queer fans and allies around the world."My connection came through letters! What that episode meant to so many people. In fact, a letter from a grandmother who was thanking Ellen and I for helping her get closer to and understand her grandson was one of my favorite letters that I ever received."After cementing herself as a gay icon back in the '90s, Dern has continued to prioritize the LGBTQ+ community in all of her notable projects. Her current TV show, Palm Royale, is a perfect example as the show highlights queer joy with dynamic storylines and plenty of camp."We can work together to open up a sense of compassion and empathy that sadly is not there from those who live in fear. To be welcomed into community, for me, has been the greatest gift ever! For us as producers, we want you to be happy! That means the world."Palm Royale is streaming now on Apple TV. To see the full interview with Laura Dern, check out the video at the top of the page.

Did Rene Rapp just cheekily announce her engagement? Sapphic fans seem to think so!The Not My Fault singer posted a video to TikTok on Nov. 11 where she showed off the massive rock on her fingers and lesbians immediately started theorizing. With the song Playground Love by AIR playing, the video shows Rapp flashing her middle finger at the camera. This fun moment probably wouldnt have gone viral except for the eagle-eyed fans who spotted what looked like an engagement ring on her left hand.@reneerappSocial media was instantly filled with people wondering if her girlfriend, musician Towa Bird, had popped the question. (@) And sapphics were not shy about sharing their thoughts across social media. (@) One eager fan shouted in all caps, "DID RENEE JUST REALLY CASUALLY ANNOUNCE SHES ENGAGED????" (@) "why are streets saying renee and towa are engaged GUYS," another person wrote on X. (@) Rapp getting engaged wouldnt be totally out of the question, considering she hard-launched her relationship with Bird at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in 2024 and then told Cosmopolitan that she wants to marry Bird eventually.But did her girlfriend actually get on one knee?Fans are convinced, but according to TMZ, while the ring is on the traditional ring finger, its one that Rapp frequently wears and isnt an actual engagement ring. Sapphics might be disappointed now, but that doesnt mean we wont see the hot pop star couple walking down the aisle sometime in the future!PRIDE reached out to Rapp's representatives but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher launched his campaign Thursday for New Yorks 12th Congressional District, entering the 2026 Democratic primary with an argument rooted in both lived experience and political urgency.Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocates email newsletter.Bottcher, 46, is the only out gay candidate in the race. His campaign said he raised nearly $700,000 in the first 24 hours after opening an exploratory account, a powerful early fundraising signal.Bottcher represents Manhattans District 3, which includes Chelsea, Hells Kitchen, Times Square, Flatiron, and the Garment District, and has long framed his politics through the lens of his own survival.Related: Out NYC Councilman Erik Bottcher files to run for Rep. Jerry Nadler's seat, raises nearly $700k in one dayHis announcement recounts growing up in a small Adirondack town, attempting suicide multiple times as a closeted teen, and spending a month in a mental health hospital. He says New York City saved my life.His launch draws heavily on themes he shared in an interview with The Advocate last month. This congressional district has a proud tradition of representatives whove fought for LGBTQ+ rights, from Bella Abzug to Jerry Nadler, he said. But weve never actually had one of our own at the table. Our community is under attack in terrifying ways, and its time to take the gloves off. He added that the moment demands clarity: I love my country, and right now its being torn apart by Donald Trump and his neo-fascist forces.Bottcher pledged to confront what he calls GOP corruption, cruelty and chaos and to hold Democrats accountable when they fall short of the moment. His team cites his re-election last year, with 90 percent of the vote, as evidence of the trust he has earned among his constituents.With the seat open following the retirement of U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, Bottcher is entering an increasingly crowded Democratic field. Other candidates now in the mix include state Assembly Member Micah Lasher widely viewed as Nadlers protg state Assembly Member Alex Bores, nonprofit founder Liam Elkind, journalist and attorney Jami Floyd, and 32-year-old Jack Schlossberg, grandson of President John F. Kennedy, whose campaign launch on Wednesday added significant national attention.Bottcher said in a press release that he plans to campaign everywhere, every day across the East and West Sides.

Conservative broadcaster Megyn Kelly discussed whether convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein was not a pedophile because he enjoyed sex with 15-year-old children instead of 5-year-old children.In the Wednesday edition of The Megyn Kelly Show on Sirius XM satellite radio, Kelley said, Like, he liked 15-year-old girls. And I realize this is disgusting. Im definitely not trying to make an excuse for this. Im just giving you facts, that he wasnt into, like, 8-year-olds. But he liked the very young teen types that could pass for even younger than they were, but would look legal to a passerby. Related Megyn Kelly wants to fight Charlize Theron over drag queens Its unclear how Kelley knows how old all of Epsteins child rape victims mightve appeared to passersby.We have yet to see anybody come forward and say, I was under 10, I was under 14 when I first came within his purview. You can say thats a distinction without a difference. I think there is a difference between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, you know? she continued. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Holy crap, the LOOOONG silence after Megyn Kelly spends 2 minutes explaining to Batya why maybe Jeffrey Epstein is "not a pedophile":MEGYN KELLY: As for Epstein, I've said this before, but just as a reminder, I do know somebody very, very close to this case who is in a position pic.twitter.com/Uk7QiIhSoh Tommy moderna-vaX-Topher (@tommyxtopher) November 13, 2025 Kelleys musings are actually similar to a point recently made by comedian Gianmarco Soresi.Soresi noted that theres a technical difference between pedophiles, who are sexually attracted to children who have not gone through puberty; hebephiles, who are sexually attracted to children in early adolescence, between ages 11 and 14; and ephebophiles, who are sexually attracted tochildren in late adolescence, between ages 15 and 18.I think the reason we dont make those distinctions [between pedophiles, hebephiles, and ephebophiles] is because its very hard to explain the difference without sounding like a pedophile, Soresi joked in a video he recently posted to Bluesky. His comment highlights the fact that pedophile is widely used as a catch-all term for any adult sexually attracted to children below the age of 18, the national age of consent. The other terms Soresi mentioned arent well-known enough to be widely understood or used.The lowest age of consent nationwide, in 31 states, is16. Re: Epsteins emails[image or embed] Gianmarco Soresi (@gianmarcosoresi.bsky.social) November 13, 2025 at 2:21 PMSubscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The lesbians are lesbianing!While critics have reacted negatively to Ryan Murphy's new female-led legal drama All's Fair, audiences have spoken, making it the number-one show across the two streaming platforms. And it just so happens that queer women, Out100 Icon of the Year Niecy Nash-Betts and Sarah Paulson, are two of the leads.In a video for Harper's Bazaar, Nash-Betts and Paulson bonded and were "lesbianing out" as they discussed their past work with Ryan Murphy, Nash-Betts's friendships with Oprah, and Paulson's role in the classic lesbian film Carol.When Nash-Betts was asked to name the two Academy Award Best Picture-nominated movies Paulson appeared in, she struggled after naming 12 Years a Slave. Paulson offered the hint, "lesbians," to which Nash-Betts quickly and confidently replies, "Yes.""Two lesbians lesbianing," Paulson continues."The question really should be, how come I wasn't in it. I am the Out100 Icon of the Year!" Nash-Betts replies. "What movie about lesbians were you in?""It was called Carol, with Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara," Paulson answered. After Nash-Betts says she loves that movie, Paulson jokes one more time, saying she "clearly" doesn't love it enough. The All's Fair cast also stars Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, Glenn Close, and Teyana Taylor as a group of female lawyers who start their own high-powered law firm to help women.While All's Fair has a 4 percent rotten rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences are eating it up. The legal drama amassed an impressive 3.2 million views globally on Hulu after just three days, making it the streamer's biggest original scripted series premiere in three years, per Deadline. The show was number one on Hulu's Top 15 each of those days.According to FlixPatrol, All's Fair is also the number-one show on Disney+, beating out others like The Simpsons, 9-1-1: Nashville, and High Potential.