Queer author and researcher Jaime Grant quite clearly remembers the day she got fired by her doctor.Following a 2012 hysterectomy, Grant, then living in Kalamazoo, Michigan, told her physician that she wished to discuss new hormone replacement treatments therapies with her male doctor. She added that she had learned about these therapies from practitioners who had worked with trans people.He abruptly closed her medical file and left the exam room. Grant recalled that his last words were, I cant help you. He had fired Grant as his patient.Queer women on the whole face unique issues in their everyday lives, including how and when they access healthcare. The overt and covert discrimination that queer women like Grant experience makes it more difficult to navigate a healthcare system that was not built for their needs.I had already been involved with womens health advocacy for 25 years at that point in my life so I was accustomed to discussing my heath and healthcare options with my medical providers in the past, said Grant. This should never have happened to me or the many other queer women who have been ignored and dismissed by medical providers over the years.Grant took a key role in efforts to address disparities in medical practices, so queer women get the healthcare they need without the fear of being marginalized and dismissed by healthcare organizations and individual providers. She co-authored theUrvashi Vaid LGBTQ Womens Survey(named after the late LGBTQ+ activist, attorney and author who partnered with Grant to create the survey in 2018), which found that queer women face significant health disparities, mental illness issues and overall barriers to healthcare due to a variety of issues that are specific to that community.The 5000queer women survey respondentscited myriad access and cost issues and anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in medical offices, healthcare facilities and hospitals as the reasons for why they put off or dont obtain medical care.With the surveys release, Grant and co-author Savy Elahian hope that the entire medical field will learn from these results and make the necessary improvements so queer women feel comfortable in healthcare settings. This includes eliminating the sexism, racism, anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry and fatphobia from the institutions that are supposed to take care of all queer womens health.Elahian said, This is powerful data that people need to listen tofrom the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to doctors offices to medical universities.Grant added, We need health spaces that are driven and determined by LGBTQ+ women. We already know what works for us which is community-based solutions, peer-based counseling and support and transformative justices approaches that have been trailblazed by queer BIPOC women. We are saving each other.Rather than culturally competent care, Grant said, queer women must advocate for culturally congruent carecare for queer women as defined by queer women.AnApril 2024 JAMA investigationillustrated the grave consequences of ignoring these needs. The study, which focused on a cohort of nurses living with chronic conditions, found that those who identified as lesbian or bisexual died 26% sooner than straight women. The study further found that lesbian women died 20% sooner and bisexual women died 37% sooner.A March 2021 Williams Institute reportadditionally showed that over half of queer women fear negative judgement by their healthcare provider and that anti-LGBTQ+ bias may impact their care. The report also found that, among other issues, nearly 29% of LBQ women described their health as fair or poor, compared to 19% of straight women.A number of LGBTQ+ focused healthcare facilities in the U.S., among them Boston-basedFenway Healthand Chicago-basedHoward Brown Health(Howard Brown), are trying to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to how they address these medical disparities as well as the facilitation of queer womens comprehensive healthcare access.Some queer women dont realize that their health care needs are different from other womens health care needs.Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H Fenway HealthsFenway InstituteCo-Chair Jennifer Potter, MD, said that the institutes focus is on research to help improve outcomes and healthcare policy to change laws and education to teach healthcare professionals to do a better job.Potter spoke about the importance of queer women being their own healthcare advocates because, Your health is important and you can find healthcare that will meet your needsbut it may take a little bit of advocacy on your part.Fenway Institutes National LGBT Health Education Center provides a brochure calledDo Ask, Do Tell: Talking to Your Healthcare Provider About Being LGBT,which has resource links and answers to frequently asked questions. Potter also pointed to GLMAsFind a Provider LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directorywhich is a free, searchable database where patients can find doctors, medical professionals and healthcare providers who are knowledgeable and sensitive to the unique health needs of LGBTQ+ people inthe United StatesandCanada.Fenway Health has hosted the annual Audre Lorde Cancer Awareness Brunch fellowship gathering for over 25 years to raise awareness of cancer diagnoses among the BIPOC and queer women populations, as well as other regular health screenings and events for women.Howard Brown Medical Director of Preventive Health Kenya Thomas, MD, said, When youre uncomfortable with your medical provider, youre far less likely to approach sensitive topics like sexual health or feel like your concerns will be heard before they become severe. In LGBTQ+ women, this can result in issues like undiagnosed chronic illness, untreated STIs, late diagnoses for cervical cancer and much more.Howard Brown joined over 30 LGBTQ+ and multi-racial organizations as a collaborative group to create the Equality Healthcare Cultural Competency Coalition, which pushed for cultural competency training requirements for licensure. That coalition emerged in response toa bill signed by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzkerrequiring that cultural competency is part of continuing medical education.According to American Medical Associations (AMA) immediate past President and Medical College of Wisconsin Professor of Anesthesiology Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H (who is gay and the first out LGBTQ+ leader of that organization), The AMA has toolkits for physicians to enhance understanding of the unique health issues of the LGBTQ+ community, including queer women, such as access to reproductive healthcare, mental health support and screenings for conditions like breast and cervical cancer.The AMA also has established aNational LGBTQ+ Fellowship Programthrough its AMA Foundation to train physicians in LGBTQ+ health that has resulted in a network of culturally competent healthcare providers. In 2024, the AMA also created theLGBTQ+ Section,whose work advocates for best-care practices for the LGBTQ+ community that is, among other things, aimed at the improvement of access and health outcomes for queer women. Ehrenfeld noted that, since there is no unified curriculum in medical schools that focuses on queer/trans peoples health needs, the AMA began working with medical schools to ensure that all doctors receive training on LGBTQ+ patients health needs.Ehrenfeld advises that medical providers use intake forms allowing patients to self-identify their sexual orientation, gender identity (and sex assigned at birth), relationship status and the pronouns they use, thereby reducing the potential stigma that queer women and LGBTQ+ people on the whole feel when they access medical care. He added that the questions should be nonjudgemental about patients sexual behavior, contraception use, STI prevention and family planning.Some queer women dont realize that their health care needs are different from other womens health care needs, Ehrenfeld said.A lot of physicians are reluctant to ask about sexual orientationso queer women may not feel like they need to disclose that information or feel uncomfortable disclosing that information. The evidence is clearthe needs of LGBTQ+ individuals are unique. Patients do better when they are able to be honest about who they are and who they love.The post Removing barriers preventing many queer women from healthcare access appeared first on News Is Out.

When Cedric Sturdevant, of Mississippi, was diagnosed with HIV in 2005, he tried to ignore his status.Sturdevant said he was concerned about what people would think of him for having HIV and afraid to talk openly about his diagnosis, which led him to avoiding addressing the condition and the kinds of care it required.Like many people, I thought I could just ignore it, Sturdevant said. So I didnt seek treatment or get on medication until a year later, and that was because I almost died with complications of HIV.With the support of his family, community and church, Sturdevant found the treatment he needed and overcame that fear of rejection due to his HIV status, he said. Now, hes made it his mission to help others like him living with HIV and affected by its stigma.A lot of people are too concerned about what people say to seek treatment or talk about their status, Sturdevant said. I was at first, but Ive learned to not be worried about what people say, and I hope that by sharing my story, other people can learn that, too.Sturdevant co-foundedCommunity Health-PIER(Prevention, Intervention, Education and Research), an organization based in Greenville, Mississippi, that focuses on raising awareness for the health disparities experienced within the Black community, primarily around HIV and AIDS.Not only is Sturdevant among an estimated 1.2 million people in the U.S. living with HIV and affected by its stigma, but hes also part of a network of organizations across the country working to overturn negative ways in which people think about the disease.While experts and research suggest these kinds of organizations are making progress in eliminating stigma around HIV, they also say that the negative attitudes and beliefs surrounding the disease are still a major issue.On Nov. 27, GLAAD released its2024 State of HIV Stigma Report, which is used to track Americans knowledge and attitudes around HIV and its stigma.The report found signs of progress, including a decrease in the belief that stigma around HIV still exists to 85% in 2024down from 89% in 2020. Additionally, nearly 90% of Americans reported knowing at least a little about HIV in 2024, and half said they felt knowledgeable about the disease.But GLAADs findings also showed areas where more work needs to be done. The report found a significant decrease in the belief that everyone should get tested for HIV from 77% in 2020 to 67% in 2024. This decline was seen in all regions of the country.Cedric Sturdevan, co-founder of Community Health-PIER. Photo: Cedric SturdevanAdditionally, there was a decrease in the belief that people living with HIV can experience long, healthy lives from 90% in 2020 to 85% in 2024, according to GLAAD.Despite the advances in treatment and prevention, GLAADs 2024 State of HIV Stigma showed that fewer Americans report knowing the fact that people living with HIV today, when on effective treatment, can live long and healthy lives and cannot transmit HIV, said Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD. Meaningful representation of HIV facts and people living with HIV is sorely needed in news and entertainment to increase education and decrease stigma.Aces Lira, manager of policy and advocacy for theAIDS Foundation of Chicago, said there are multiple factors influencing how HIV stigma manifests today, including its historical context, cultural attitudes toward the disease and how existing healthcare systems respond to it.The historical piece cannot be ignored, Lira said. Theres this initial tainted legacy in that the government was really slow to react to HIV and in fact leaving people that were impacted to die. That has consequences because people remember that.Additionally, receiving an HIV diagnosis can be isolating due to cultural attitudes toward the disease that need to be changed, Lira said.An HIV diagnosis can come with a really deep sense of shame because there are people trying to throw blame or a moral judgment on others for living with HIV, Lira said. You would think there would be more empathy and understanding, but some have these ideas that people living with HIV are seen as dirty or unclean, which only fuels this fire.And then healthcare systems can also contribute to exacerbating HIV stigma, Lira said.People dont always think of the systems and blame the individual first, but what if they didnt have access to insurance or healthcare? Lira said. Maybe they tried getting on PrEP but it fell through, or maybe it was someone who didnt know they were at risk because it wasnt something their primary care provider ever brought up.Dr. Bonnie Pete Thomas, a site medical director forHoward Brown Health, one of the countrys largest LGBTQ+-centered health providers, compared HIV stigma to a three-headed monster thats fueled by ignorance.And I say ignorance not in a way to place blame, Thomas said. Its in a sense that we didnt do our due diligence in educating the community around what HIV is, and that education is crucial to beating the stigma.One effective tactic to educate people about HIV is to partner with other organizations at the grassroots level, Thomas said.We can always work with our friends and allies, but its important that we get outside of our comfort zone and create partnerships with people who traditionally havent had partners like us, Thomas said.Many HIV organizations have found success partnering with churches and community groups who will let them go in and conduct HIV screenings, blood-pressure monitoring and education around the virus, Thomas said.Thats a big part of reducing the stigma and getting people to sit down and listen, Thomas said.Then there are the larger-scale efforts like partnering with news, television, radio and other forms of media to tell stories and share education about HIV, Thomas said. Leveraging social media is also crucial.HIV stigma is still a very persistent challenge in healthcare, and it has to be a part of every organizations strategy to invest robustly in our grassroots efforts, outreach teams and media to dismantle the stigma, Thomas said.The post Experts: HIV stigma still a persistent challenge despite signs of progress appeared first on News Is Out.

Andy Bellomos art practice sparked from a place often filled with controversy in the queer communityChristian church.Bellomos love of art blossomed while observing stained glass windows in churches she attended with a friend growing up in Boston. Now an educator and artist in Chicago, she focuses much of her creative work on queer people and underrepresented experiences such as queer parenting.For her, there was a strong juxtaposition between how she discovered the medium she created with for a large portion of her career and who she was as a person.I was really into this art form, but at the same time, the space that was housing the art form was extremely homophobic, based on my experience in the church, she said. I didnt fully come out until I moved to Chicago, which was in 2008 so I was 28 and then I slowly picked [glass] back up, reconnected to it, rediscovered it in a way.Bellomo began taking classes and workshops about stained glass once she discovered the medium, since she loved the emotional feeling of the transcending light and color. This wasnt her first experience with art, howeverwhen she was a child, Bellomos mom supported her love of drawing and would buy her supplies and enter her in little contests.In addition to her expertise in glasswork, Bellomo also works with paints. Photo: Andy BellomoShe later took up painting and drawing and went on to work in the city as the director of a Boston art center. Bellomo knew she always wanted a career in art but didnt know if it was achievable, so she decided to study education.However, she found her way back to glass after moving to Chicago to study under a mosaic artist working with tile and ceramic murals.Now in the city for over 15 years, shes focused her work more deeply on the queer community and the queer experience. One of her projects includes a queer mural series highlighting Chicago queer activists and artists, which to date has highlighted 10 individuals.The idea is to create these larger-than-life portraits, Bellomo said. So that the work that these artists are doing gets a voice, it gets heard, it gets a platform.The project had to hit a pause during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, which coincidentally was a year before Bellomo became a parent. The shift in her life moved her to begin focusing some of her work on the experience of having a queer family.Activism is a part of Bellomos life that seeps into all different sectors. With being an educator, a parent, a volunteer with HP Solidarity Network in Humboldt Park and more, she finds herself representing her community both in her activist work and her artwork.Im surrounded by an abundance of extremely talented, hardworking activists who are artists, she said. We do community events here at my house where we get together in community for food, but we also make it a donationso everyone will bring a coat or stuff that we can donate. Then were getting together, obviously, to talk and hang out and socialize and regain that energy from each other.Jenn Freeman, a Black queer choreographer in Chicago, met Bellomo when she came to take a burlesque class from Freeman. A self-proclaimed introvert, Freeman sees Bellomo as someone who takes them out of their shelloften initially in the form of a dance class.Bellomos current project is a series of textile paintings focusing on the queer birthing and family experience. Photo: Andy BellomoTheyve now been friends for about 15 years, where Freeman has seen firsthand how being a queer birthing parent has transformed Bellomos life. And when Freeman looks at Bellomos art, they said they can clearly see how important her community is to her.[One of] the things that come to mind when I think about Andys art practice is love, a deep love for not only the art, but the people that shes uplifting, Freeman said. I think especially now that shes a mom, I think a lot of her work is about understanding herself.Im surrounded by an abundance of extremely talented, hardworking activists who are artists.Andy BellomoRight now, one of Bellomos main focuses in art and in life is queer childbirth and family. Shes hosted events where shes provided free childcare and educated people on the experience of being a queer parent and artist. Shes also working on putting together a queer parenting coloring book filled with photos of 100 queer families in Chicago in order to create space to recognize these experiences.Shes also in the process of creating a series of textile paintingswith half embroidery, half paintingdepicting postpartum and childbirth trauma. Bellomo said she experienced highly homophobic environments while pregnant and giving birth, and the art will provide viewers the opportunity to engage with those experiences. One of the works is set to be displayed at the Woman Made Gallery group show in January.Its this interesting work to dig deep into and think about the world, the larger world, as well as the community and the people around you and people who are trying to give birth to create this radical new generation, she said. But you still have all these systems in place that are holding us down in many different avenues [in] many different ways.For her, her art and her queer experience are inseparable.I dont think I could ever separate that, she said. I feel like its so innately into me because Ive been practicing as an activist for so long and an educator, that what I build in an art practice, it is about the people around me always, and its about my community and its about whats happening in the community.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post Chicago queer artist Andy Bellomo highlights underrepresented queer experiences in her work appeared first on News Is Out.

According to Statista, 59% of people aged 12-34 and 55% of people aged 35-55 listen to podcasts on a monthly basis. In fact, theres a good chance that as youre reading this, youre listening to a podcast in the background.While there are several popular LGBTQ+-focused podcasts out there, like Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness and Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, there are plenty of other amazing podcasts that deserve highlighting as well. Check out our list of queer and trans-led podcasts that you should add to your rotation.Cruising: A Queer Documentary PodcastWeve featured Cruising before and for good reason. In 2021, Sarah Gabrielli, Rachel Karp, and Jen McGinity hopped in a Honda SUV for a road trip to visit and document the remaining lesbian bars in the country. In season one, the team visited 25 lesbian bars, speaking with staff and patrons, digging into the history, and looking toward the future of these spaces for queer women. Season two explores the newest bars that have opened since the COVID-19 pandemic.Slayerfest 98While Slayerfest 98 is described as A Queer Latinx Buffy the Vampire Slayer Podcast that occasionally covers Marvel stuff, the podcast actually tackles queer pop culture better than most. Host Ian Carlos Crawford delves deep into the Buffyverse and other genre shows like Agatha All Along and X-Men 97, with a lineup of pop culture critics, journalists, and actors and writers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and more. Carlos Crawford also co-hosts a queer horror podcast with Zachary Patton Garcia called My Nudie Judy.Queer Collective PodcastBased in Toronto, the Queer Collective is a nonprofit dedicated to positive LGBTQ+ representation and supporting queer and trans artists. The organizations podcast is hosted by founders and couple Karbon and Emily, who tackle LGBTQ+-related topics like being a trans woman in a mens prison, seeking asylum for being LGBTQ+, coming out at work, and more.Bad GaysThis podcast about evil and complicated queers in history is hosted by duo Huw Lemmey and Ben Miller. Lemmey and Miller explore the lives of historical figures like Franco Zeffirelli, Truman Capote and Violette Morris in this information-packed podcast. Theres even a book out now inspired by the podcast, Bad Gays: A Homosexual History.SubtextualMost movies are gay. Well prove it, is the tagline for the Subtextual podcast, hosted by Lizzie Guitreau and Samantha De La Fuente. Guitreau and De La Fuente examine movies through a queer lens, looking at subtextual elements that most viewers might miss in films like Practical Magic, Miss Congeniality, and Grease. Gone are the days when filmgoers had to search for scraps of queer subtext in mainstream movies, but subtext remains an important part of queer film criticism today.Lost SpacesHosted by K Anderson, Lost Spaces features lost queer venues and the impact they had on the people who drank, danced, and loved within them. Anderson is joined weekly by special guests to share their experiences with queer spaces in the past and how those spaces helped shape their lives. From discovering oneself at a small-town gay bar to Emo Gay Nights in Sydney, Australia, listeners will get a dose of history, heartache, and humor.TransLash Podcast with Imara JonesTranslash Media founder and and CEO Imara Jones is also the host of the official TransLash Podcast. On the pod, Jones and her guests cover critical trans-focused issues like how to prepare for the incoming Trump administration, environmental justice through a trans lens, and traveling while trans.Ghosted! By Roz HernandezComedian Roz Hernandez gets spooky in this humorous paranormal podcast produced by the Exactly Right podcast network. Joined by celebrity guests like Peppermint and Joel Kim Booster, Hernandez explores ghost stories, psychic experiences, and all things that go BUMP in the night with a serious side of laughs.The Queer Family PodcastOn The Queer Family Podcast, queer mom and host Jaimie Kelton asks the question, Whats it like to live as an LGBTQ family in a world built for the straights? The podcast celebrates LGBTQ+ families, whose stories and experiences arent often told. From sperm donation to co-parenting, C-sections, and fostering, the Queer Family Podcast shines a light on the experiences of queer and trans parents across the country.Have a favorite LGBTQ+ focused podcast you want us to know about? Email us at newsisout@localmedia.org.The post Queer and trans podcasts you may not know about yet but should put in your listening roster appeared first on News Is Out.

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

Not many 28-year-olds can say they were a professional athlete, top of their class at an elite university, an investment bank analyst, and a global business development lead and now have their own company. But Indy Sanders, founder and CEO of the tech startup Lucid, can.I dont think there are any barriers within someones being or within the world that can prevent anyone from reaching the top of anything they want to achieve. I think the only prevention or blockage is your ability to push through, Sanders, who identifies as queer and nonbinary, said during a Google Meet interview with the Bay Area Reporter.Lucid is an artificial intelligence-driven wellness and media platform featuring works by an array of creatives, artists, and filmmakers. The company seeks to turn the current entertainment-streaming model of Netflix, Prime, Hulu, and similar subscriptions on its head with its offering of tailored, advertisement-free content based on users personality, mood, and other relevant data.Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, Lucids MVP (minimal viable product) beta launch took off in July 2023. Ever since, Sanders has been steadfastly promoting their companys concept, iOS app, and intelligence-streaming model.For Sanders, its all about perseverance and an unwavering drive to succeed.If you find a way, then theres always a next move. Thats the mentality that I brought into the company, they said.Setting the stage for entrepreneurshipWhile most 13-year-olds were enrolled in school and living at home with parents or caregivers, Sanders, who hails from the United Kingdom, was playing tennis at the professional level and traveling internationally on their own for matches and tournaments. Their days consisted of training for eight to nine hours and then heading to wherever they were staying, making themself something for dinner, and getting in some study time before falling asleep and doing the same routine all over again.In terms of what Sanders gleaned from the experience, they said, I basically was taken out of the systems that other people were in, which gave me a very different perspective on life, and I was very much trained as an athlete into this obsessive, hard-working behavior where you feel so deeply that whatever you put in you get out, and you know that mistakes are just part of the positive learning experience.For them, those formative years yielded two key benefits. It was a combination of not being tied to the main structures of our world that constrain people particularly constrain their own belief in what they can achieve and do for the world and my ability to not feel deterred by problems and [instead] be like, OK, lets go. What can we do next? Sanders said.A spinal injury ended their tennis career, but it didnt lessen their ambition or self-discipline. Sanders pivoted from being a professional athlete to a conscientious student, enrolling in Loughborough University, a major sports university in England.I went there because I didnt know how to engage with normal people that didnt do sports, to be quite honest. So it was a nice transition, Sanders said.After graduating top of their class and with a first degree (the U.S. equivalent to graduating summa cum laude) in politics, they gave law school a try, only to find it wasnt the right fit.Law was too much about reading and less about practical innovation using my mind, Sanders commented.For Sanders, realizing that the career wasnt for them didnt result in giving up; instead, it prompted them to try something new: the financial-centered world of banking. Their work in the industry included joining Houlihan Lokeys mergers and acquisitions team as an investment banking analyst, going from legal books and trial practice to sourcing and making deals.They shared, I was looking at cool businesses across Europe and finding acquisition targets for our clients, and then starting off those M&A deals. So that was really good insight into looking at the later stage of a startup and going, What is an acquirable startup? What does it look like? What are the patterns of growth?The analyst job was followed by work at a small tech consulting company, State of Flux, with Fortune 100 clients but, at the time, an indiscernible sales process.I went in as their first-ever dedicated sales person, and I basically ripped their system to sh*t and built a proper global growth structure, selling into Microsoft, Google, Chevron [with] deals up to the millions, said Sanders.Their efforts resulted in the companys interest in moving Sanders from the U.K. to New York, as head of strategic growth, to run operations globally; after a few years of driving sales and business development, they were ready to branch out on their own, with the idea of Lucid in mind.Pushing the boundaries of streamingOnce downloading the free Lucid app via the Apple Store and opening it, a soon-to-be-user sees the wording Enter Lucid and registers via an email address and password. From there, the approximately 5-minute onboarding involves a personality assessment, featuring nine prompts, including If you were an emoji and selecting one of a dozen featured emoji (e.g., peach, fire, crying yellow face); You move into a new apartment Whats the first thing you buy? with paint, lights, speakers, sofa, or plants as one of the possible responses; and You have more than 30 with the five options being books, tattoos, shoes, succulents, and bottles of alcohol.We really started honing in on exactly what people wanted, and then we uncovered, Oh, its not just a content play here. Its how do you connect people to content in a more meaningful way, and how do you integrate it into their lives in a habitual way that they dont have to make an effort towards, which is where all of our AI came in, explained Sanders about the apps development.Post-personality assessment, Lucids AI ghost depicted as the traditional white bed sheet figure appears on the screen, putting together curated content based on the users selected answers to the prompts. The user can also have a conversation with the ghost, with the interactions serving as a means to further personalize their experience.You can say, Hey, Im feeling pretty low. Im a Pisces. My partner just broke up with me. Help me elevate myself this evening, and lift my mood up and show me that theres a reason to have faith in the universe today. And it will give you conversational reasoning as to what its curating for you and why, and then it presents it to you, Sanders said.Feelings such as love, calmness, and joy drive the film collections, with titles like Kinetic Motion and Quiet Contemplation, that Lucids AI ghost selects and recommends.We curate, not by genre, but by emotive. Like, Does this content deliver some kind of emotive impact? And if it does, then we like it. We typically are doing the stuff other people arent doing, and we like that. We dont want to be copycats of Netflix were very different from them, Sanders explained.The curated content art-oriented films of varying lengths comes from numerous creatives, sourced by Sanders and their team, including Asia Stewart, Lucids founding artistic director and Sanders spouse.As Indys life and business partner, I see how committed they are to Lucid firsthand, Stewart, a Black queer woman, wrote in an email to the B.A.R. It is not an exaggeration to say that from the second Indy wakes up to the moment their head hits their pillow twenty hours later, they are thinking about Lucid. On many occasions, theyve woken up during the middle of the night to do research or jot down notes for a new idea or feature. They are constantly assessing how they can refine Lucids apps to be reflective of the needs of filmmakers, artists, and audiences.Films on the Lucid app include The Man of My Dreams, written and directed by Tristan Scott-Behrends, a queer filmmaker who divides his time between New York City and Los Angeles.Scott-Behrends nearly 6-minute film centers on a romance, with two lovers eating pizza slices together at a restaurant, spending time in a laundromat, and holding and kissing each other on a subway train. How quickly strangers stares turned into smiles as they recognized the radiating love between us, the films narrator says.Scott-Behrends, whose works Only Trumpets, Suckmeoff, Princess! and Lilac Lips, Dutchess County are also part of Lucids film collection, described the platform as filling a much-needed gap for those in the film and performance industries.Curation is such an important part of any artists discovery, and Lucid is proving to be a trusted visionary connecting their audiences to compelling and provocative work that they may not otherwise be able to access. So many of the other platforms that artists working within performance or experimental film (use) have such strict censorship that work particularly work from queer artists often gets banned or pushed out of the algorithm, he wrote in an email to the B.A.R.Scott-Behrends appreciates not only Lucids hand- (or AI ghost-) picked content based on an individuals interests and preferences but also the companys willingness to pay filmmakers and other creatives for their contributions.I am really honored to be a part of this new venture, and with their financial model I anticipate that the money Lucid pays out to artists will allow us to continue to finance our work, he commented.Getting the word and content outAt the time of Sanders interview with the B.A.R., they were in Miami for Miami Art Week 2024; they had attended last year as well. The event draws myriad exhibitors and attendees and features various fairs and shows. For Sanders and their team, its an opportunity to get a firsthand look at peoples responses to Lucids content.Last year, we were in a really cool alternative show and fair where we were in this warehouse. We had projections all over the ceiling, big chairs, and I was in there 12 hours a day with my team, and it was really interesting to see people walking in and absorbing our space and our content specifically. It was like the best customer discovery experience you could possibly have, they said.Miami Art Week is also a means for Sanders and the Lucid team whose core members are Stewart; Millie Gibbons, founding AI engineer; and Max Roman, lead adviser and investor to establish cultural partnerships with those in the art world, such as with the New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA), a nonprofit arts organization and one of the biggest shows at the event.Sanders commented, We dont necessarily position ourselves as an art company; were culture[-themed], obviously, but whats really exciting, I think, is being able to literally rub our shoulders in this event next to some of the top galleries in the world.And then theres the palpable interest in Lucid from hotel groups, social clubs, and venues looking to amp up their spaces visual displays.People watch Lucid content at Lucids NADA Miami showcase 2024; featured still from smet Krolus Gate29 (2021). Photo: Dylan MekhiAs Sanders shared, They were saying, We love your content. It actually has some kind of depth and meaning and has a draw to it. The other content that weve showcased, printed artwork, or anything thats an alternative to elevate a space just hasnt hit in the same way. Are you guys going to do a corporate deal?Sanders built out the tech to deliver in that regard, adding consumer market to Lucids growing list of customers, including art museums, film festivals, and other cultural organizations, as well as a future partnership with The Donum Estate, a Sonoma, California-based vineyard.The positive reception to Lucid extends to recognitions such as a South by Southwest (SXSW) 2024 conference award that Sanders nabbed for best speed pitch in media and entertainment. Sanders and Stewart were also selected for Forbes 30 under 30 North America 2025 Art & Style list, which recognizes the business achievements of individuals under age 30. The right mentality goes a long wayThough millions of people are using Lucids app, cultural partnerships abound, and accolades are mounting up, building a business from scratch hasnt been without its challenges, noted Sanders.Its definitely harder being queer as a founder fundamentally, ridiculously harder. I thought I could beat the odds, and in some ways I do. But I like to say, if I was a cis straight white man and I had my background, I would be getting $20 million checks dropped in my lap by VCs all the time. And that, sadly, is not the case. I dont have $20 million to play with right now, but I will, said Sanders.Lucid does, however, have certain major venture capital investors including Antler, based in Singapore, and New York City-headquartered Techstars. According to Sanders, they raised $400,000 from these VCs, as well as from angel investors, including Roman, an ex-product lead at Netflix. Theyre currently involved in a fundraising round to fuel scaled growth that will carry over into 2025.Lucids investors are not only financially backing the company but also articulating support for Sanders ideas and work ethic.Indy is one of the most focused entrepreneurs Ive ever encountered in my career. That, combined with their ability to learn incredibly fast, makes them just outrageously effective and able to execute quickly, said Roman, a self-described frequent and enthusiastic ally, in an email to the B.A.R.Roman, who lives in the Bay Area, is a guest lecturer at Stanford Universitys Graduate School of Business and was elected to the Piedmont Unified School District Board of Education in November, per Alameda County election results. His sentiments about Sanders skill set and leadership qualities parallel that of Antlers general partner, Jeff Becker:Indy is a force. They are maniacal about the details that matter, an exceptional operator, and someone with top 1% resilience. This is the type of founder you always back, wrote Becker in a comment Sanders shared with the B.A.R.Lucid team members conveyed views of Sanders along the same lines as Lucids investors.As CEO Indy strikes the perfect balance. Theyve built an inclusive, energetic workplace culture where exploration and spontaneity are encouraged, while also modeling really incredible work ethic, drive, adaptability and creativity, Gibbons, who identifies as cis and straight, wrote in an Instagram message to the B.A.R.I think Indys unconventional path into this industry has made them a particularly resilient and driven founder, who also really cares about unlocking the potential of every member of their team, she added.Stewart described Sanders, her partner, as incredibly strategic, assessing it as a way of being derived from Sanders years on the court, racket in hand. They can distill any problem affecting any area of the business into simple facts and quickly outline an efficient and effective solution that aligns with wider business goals. They push the team to be nimble and always embrace continuous innovation, Stewart said.Early in the new year, Sanders plans on scheduling a trip to Mexico with the Lucid team, where they can collectively work in mild weather and also celebrate the success of Lucid thus far.For Sanders, the life lessons learned from sports carry over to their approach to running a company.Your odds of winning a race are not defined by where you start in the race and what your odds are at the starting line. The odds are going to change at every single point along the way because other people are going to drop out. So the one thing you know for certain is, if you continue and you are one of the final people, your odds are going to be better, and you will have a much higher chance of succeeding, they said.I think that that mentality kind of pulls you through every moment, Sanders added.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post Lucid, with AI, aims to push the boundaries on streaming appeared first on News Is Out.

As director Jon M Chus first instalment of the mega-musical adaptation Wicked arrives in cinemas, a new audience of fans is connecting with Stephen Schwartzs memorable score. Featuring hits including Popular The Wizard and I and For Good, the musical is particularly loved for its celebration of female characters in song.Unlike many Broadway shows, Wickeds heroes Elphaba (played in the film by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (by Ariana Grande), both women, dominate the song list. They frequently sing together, whereas other musicals typically feature duets that focus on a romance between a male and female lead.At the heart of Wicked is the anthem Defying Gravity which closes act one of the stage production and serves as the finale to Chus film. It begins as an argument between Elphaba and Glinda as they debate how to solve a mutual predicament. Elphaba explains her feelings to Glinda and asks her to leave Emerald City with her.They dream about becoming a united front but, in the end, the song climaxes with Elphaba breaking free and accepting the consequences of embracing her magic.Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.The journey of the song, which begins as a conversation and ends with a battle cry, epitomises a classic musical theatre finale, as it gains momentum and rises in key.Using similar values to Schwartzs lyrics to Go the Distance from Hercules (1997) and his song When You Believe from The Prince of Egypt (1998), Defying Gravity is particularly special because Elphaba goes on a journey with her best friend Glinda as her audience. Many musicals feature a rousing act one finale led by a female protagonist. For example, Mama Rose regathers her strength to make her daughter Louise a star during Everythings Coming Up Roses in Gypsy, which has just returned to Broadway. However, Defying Gravity transcends its context in Wicked by focusing on the theme of trusting yourself and believing in who you are without compromise.Wicked is an exploration of stigma (aimed at Elphaba in the show) and where it leads, and Defying Gravity is a watershed moment. Erivo described it as an important moment in which Elphaba resolves to not allow the things that have hurt her, that have stripped her of her humanity to keep her down.Friends of DorothyAs well as offering empowering representations of its female characters and of female friendship, Wicked is one of many queer-coded musicals. These are shows where LGBTQ+ identities or themes are unnamed but can be easily identified. Theatre professor Stacy Wolf has suggested that Wicked does more than portray women as powerful and as friends; it presents the story of a queer romance between Elphaba and Glinda.This places Defying Gravity alongside the queer anthem Somewhere Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz, another musical adaptation based on L. Frank Baums 1900 childrens novel. In fact, in Defying Gravity Schwartz quotes The Wizard of Oz composer Harold Arlens melody in a motif set to the word unlimited, which can be heard several times throughout Wicked. Defying Gravity also uses a similar structure of escalation to another queer anthem, I Am What I Am from the musical La Cage Aux Folles. It also inspired Let It Go from Disneys Frozen (also sung by Idina Menzel, the first Broadway Elphaba), which has its own queer history.If Somewhere Over the Rainbow imagines whimsical escapism from an unfriendly world and I Am What I Am is fierce about being rejected by the people you love, Defying Gravity is about the power of choosing and forging your own path, with or without help.The stirring accompaniment and building vocal line connect Defying Gravity to a tradition of classic musical theatre showstoppers. Meanwhile, the musical style and message of self actualisation recognises more modern values.As Wicked arrives in cinemas, the message of Defying Gravity feels especially timely. Its core sentiment that everyone deserves the chance to fly speaks to so many people the centre piece of a powerful musical about embracing our differences.Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins, Associate Professor in Popular Music/Director of Black Studies, University of NottinghamThis article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.The post Wickeds Defying Gravity is a musical theatre anthem and a battle cry foroutsiders appeared first on News Is Out.

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On Wednesday, Dec. 11, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the latest National Defense Authorization Act.The defense spending bill for 2025, which included a provision that would ban gender-affirming care for children of military service members, passed by a margin of 281 to 140, including support from 81 Democrats.Section 708 of the bill, titled Prohibition of coverage under Tricare program of certain medical procedures for children that could result in sterilization, states: Medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization may not be provided to a child under the age of 18.The House bill rolled back some of the original language in the Senate version, which included a ban on Tricare or government funds being used for gender-affirmation surgery for adults, stating: No medical treatment facility or other facility of the Department of Defense may be used to perform or facilitate a sex change surgery.The bill has had many detractors, including Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), who addressed the provision on the House floor. Smith referred to the provision as a partisan wedge issue and said it is denying health care to minors who clearly need it.Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) also spoke out against the provision, echoing Smiths words and calling the provision right-wing extremist dogma.If we ignore extremism now, the next time there will be another group attacked, then another and another until eventually no one will be left to defend you when you need it, said Pocan.Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released a statement about the NDAA saying: I will not support any bill that includes hateful, divisive language targeting transgender dependents of service members. The eleventh-hour addition by Speaker Johnson is not only intentionally hostile; its also dangerously vague, opening the door for future administrations to further target vulnerable children.Allen Morris, policy director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, released a statement regarding the passing of the NDAA. We are deeply disappointed with the recent House passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), said Morris. LGBTQ organizations and advocates have consistently pushed back on anti-LGBTQ amendments or riders and expressed our concerns about our trans siblings being used as leverage for political purposes at the expense of their health, safety, and rights.Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson also issued a statement following the vote.Military servicemembers and their families wake up every day and sacrifice more than most of us will ever understand, said Robinson. Those families protect our right to live freely and with dignity they deserve that same right, and the freedom to access the care their children need. Today, politicians in the House betrayed our nations promise to those who serve. Not since the Defense of Marriage Act passed almost 30 years ago has an anti-LGBTQ+ policy been enshrined into federal law. For the thousands of families impacted, this isnt about politics. Its about young people who deserve our support.The post Lawmakers approve defense bill restricting gender-affirming care for military families appeared first on News Is Out.

News Is Out, a queer media collaborative, has received $250,000 from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to launch a research project to document the status of LGBTQ+ media in the U.S.The LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project is in partnership with the MacArthur Foundation, City University of New Yorks Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism Center for Community Media, and Local Media Foundation, which hosts News Is Out.This funding is part of MacArthursLocal News Program, with $20 million in grants announced this week. MacArthur launched theprogramlast year with a commitment of at least $150 million in new grantmaking to local news over five years, and the potential of $25 million in additional impact investments. This latest round of grants brings the total committed to date to more than $90 million.Our grantmaking supports a range of organizations working to strengthen nascent and emerging local news ecosystems and their leaders, who innovate in these spaces, with tools, resources, and funding. This includes a cohort of legacy newsrooms pioneering new paths, said Silvia Rivera, MacArthurs director of local news. These investments are part of a collective effort to ensure that local communities have steady access to reliable and trustworthy information.LGBTQ+ media have often been left behind when it comes to new types of funding, in part because its difficult to quantify who and where we are, said Tracy Baim, research lead and co-founder of Windy City Times, a member of the News is Out collaborative. Baim wrote a history of LGBTQ+ media, Gay Press, Gay Power, a decade ago. Since that time, many outlets have closed, but many new digital-first outlets have been launched.LGBTQ+-owned news organizations are essential to a healthy media ecosystem. The seven members of News Is Out are: Bay Area Reporter (San Francisco); Dallas Voice; Los Angeles Blade; Philadelphia Gay News; Tagg Magazine; Washington Blade (Washington, D.C.); and Windy City Times. News Is Out will be adding affiliate members in early 2025.A survey will go out soon to more than 150 local and national LGBTQ+ media. Focus groups and other research will continue through spring 2025. A final report and map will be out in summer 2025 and will be distributed to interested stakeholdersfunders, advertisers, donors, readers, academics, and more.Hanna Siemaszko is the research associate on the project. Penny Riordan, Local Media Associations director of business strategy and partnerships, is overseeing the project. LGBTQ+ media outlets should contact newsisout@localmedia.org if they want to participate in the project.About Local Media Association / Local Media FoundationLocal Media Association brings all media together to share, network, collaborate and more. More than 3,000 newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, digital news organizations, and research and development partners engage with LMA as members or constituents of our programs. As a 501(c)(6) trade association, LMA is focused on the business side of local media. Its programs and labs focus on revenue growth and new business models. LMA helps local media companies develop their strategies via cutting-edge programs, conferences, webinars, research and training.Local Media Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable trust, serves as the innovation and transformation affiliate of LMA. Incorporating our four strategic pillars business transformation, journalism funded by philanthropy, industry collaboration, and sustainability for publishers of color LMF helps provide local media companies the strategies and resources for meaningful innovation and impactful journalism projects.The post MacArthur-funded research project documents status of LGBTQ+ media in U.S. appeared first on News Is Out.

What do we do now? That was the question LGBTQ+ folks, racial minorities, and immigrants across the United States asked their friends and family as the news rolled in that Donald Trump would be president again. Some people considered leaving the country, causing a 1,500% spike in Google Searches about emigration. Others wondered how to care for their communities and prepare a rocky four years. However, for a small group of women, one term came up again and again: 4B.If you only see a few posts online, 4B appears to be a simple movement created by South Korean feminists. The movement has four tenets, each starting with the Korean word bi, which means no. The four tenetsor 4 nosare biyeonae (no dating), bisekseu (no sex), bihon (no marriage), and bichulsan (no childbirth).Within hours of Trumps win, the idea of adopting 4B in the United States began to circulate widely online. Just one day after the election, content creator brielleybelly123 posted a video on TikTok saying, All I have to say is good luck getting laid, especially in Florida, because me and my girlies are participating in the 4B movement. In less than a month, her video had been played 1.7 million times, garnered 191,400 likes, and generated 16,000 comments.For American women looking for a way to respond politically to Trumps victory, 4B seems to offer a somewhat easy means of punishing conservative men for their votes or persuading them to vote differently in the future. Videos like @brielleybelly123s quickly filled the 4B hashtag on TikTok and were then reposted to other social media platforms.However as these videos popped up, so did concerns from South Korean womenboth within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community. Some English-speaking women of the Korean diaspora have largely turned to social media to share not only their own impressions and insights, but those of fellow Korean womencis and transwho may not be able to or feel comfortable speaking out.Their overarching message? That American women havent done enough research into 4B, otherwise they would know that 4B is actually the creation of a very small transphobic, homophobic, misandrist fringe group.A quick breakdown on 4Bs origins: In mid-2015 a radical online feminist group created Megalia, a message board where women organized to respond to the misogyny and harassment they faced online by trolling and mirroring the hate speech they encountered. By December, anti-trans, and anti-LGBTQ+ posts on the message board led moderators to ban hate speech against queer and trans individuals, as well as any campaign of harassment of another person.Upset by these changes, the most extreme members broke away from Megalia and created their own groupWOMADin January 2016. A portmanteau of woman and nomad, WOMAD is exclusively online, with no headquarters or physical space. On these message boards, women admitted to sexual assault and poisoning men with anti-freeze. Some united to lobby against a transgender womans admission to Sookmyung Womens University, claiming her attendance would be a womans safety issue, and eventually pressured the student into withdrawing her enrollment. And it was here, in this toxic corner of the internet, that 4B was born.You CANNOT fix American feminism problems with a Korean hashtag that is problematic at its roots.Tracy The women of WOMAD dont include trans women or those outside of the gender binary in their brand of feminism. In a conversation on Bluesky with Sarah Tracy*, a Korean American woman [Editors note: her name has been changed to protect her privacy], she said, 4B is TERF [trans-exclusionary radical feminists]. At its absolute core it is violently beyond TERF. It is actually systemically TransHateful.Tracy, who is cisgender, says that the hatred that WOMAD members direct towards queer and trans women isnt something that can be easily discarded from 4B for American practitioners. You CANNOT fix American feminism problems with a Korean hashtag that is problematic at its roots, Tracy said.This is a website with anonymous membership that [has] shared revenge porn, cp [child pornography], harassment campaigns against trans individuals, outed and doxxed gay couples, encouraged queer genocide, she said.In South Korea, WOMAD is largely considered a radical form of feminismoutside of the mainstream feminist movementas participation in 4B results in a total disconnect with men. Mira Kim, a Korean American transgender woman explains how this can quickly go awry. The problem is that it can veer very quickly into feminist separatism, or less charitably, Women Going Their Own Way, mirroring male supremacist ideologies such as MGTOW.The Anti-Defamation League explains Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW) as a distinct faction of the manosphere, the broad set of male supremacist, anti-feminist, misogynist and sometimes violent extremist movements that exist largely online. The group aims to remove themselves entirely from the toxicity of women.In South Korea, 4B aims to combat expectations practitioners feel are placed upon them as women in a deeply patriarchal society.The Korean formulation doesnt actually use the word for men at all, and the crux of that movement is opposing marriage and childbearing, Kim said. WOMAD doesnt consider queer and trans women, who often cannot conceive children in the same way as cis-gender heterosexual women, as a part of their group.Kim continues, In a lot of ways (at least in the English translation) everything is about avoiding men.She worries that this type of gender-based ideology could slide into gender essentialism, mimicking the same transphobic and homophobic beliefs that guide WOMAD.On top of all of that, Tracy points out that adopting 4B as an American woman isnt likely to spark any sort of change. Its inactivism that is a distraction. Its not actually activism. Its not doing anything to address 53% of white women who voted for Trump.Instead, she suggests that women upset by the election results volunteer at domestic violence shelters and immigration law offices, call their lawmakers, continue to do voter registration and voter education.Kim shares a similar sentiment.Decentering men from your life is a completely understandable thing to do! But that alone wont solve any problems. Women, femmes, non-binary folk, we take care of ourselves. We need to do work to protect ourselves, to care for ourselves, to help ourselves thrive. We dont need men, but we dont need to shun them.While 4B may have an attractive elevator pitch, its far from the simple fix it appears. Apart from the lack of intersectionality or inclusivity at the 4B movements core, boycotting genders was going to save us from the dangers of the next four years. To do that we have to support one another, care for our communities, and perhaps most importantly, listen to those around us willing to share the knowledge we lack.The post Why some LGBTQ+ voices warn against 4Bs adoption in the U.S. appeared first on News Is Out.

A 2023 LGBTQ+ youth report by the Human Rights Campaign found that 55.1% of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth screened positive for depression, and those that were transgender or gender-expansive were screened at 60%. Although 9 in 10 felt proud to be LGBTQ+, more than 4 in 10 of them felt critical of their respective identities.The same study reported that 6 in 10 respondents reported being bullied and harassed at school because of their identity. While trends in the survey showcased improvement and hope for the future, queer youths are still statistically heavily marginalized in the real world at a detrimental level.It is also hard for young people, especially those who are LGBTQ+, to receive mental health treatment. A 2023 national survey by The Trevor Project saw that 56% of LGBTQ+ youths seeking mental health care were unable to receive it.Thirty-eight percent of the studies participants felt their home was affirming toward their identity, and 1 in 3 felt mental health depravity from anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and proposals.With many feeling a general lack of acceptance in person, many LGBTQ+ youth have turned to social media, to find community and content that can be geared toward their personal identities. The Trevor Projects survey found that 68% of LGBTQ+ youth felt that the online world provided affirming spaces, compared to just 38%, 54%, and 16% for home, school and community events, respectively.A separate Trevor Project survey stated that out of the major social media platforms, TikTok and Instagram were in the lead for safety among LGBTQ+ youth, even more so for people of color. TikTok sat at 54% for people of color, and 45% for white people, and Instagram had 41% and 38%. Although these numbers do not appear high, the study said that while there were differences in where LGBTQ+ youth felt safe, 80-81% of LGBTQ+ youth who were people of color and those who were white felt that they had safety and understanding in at least one online platform.Social media has the power to connect people of different backgrounds from all over the world on one site. People can access the ability to feel connected in ways they may never have before. Queer youth specifically have found online spaces to be more welcoming than their in-person communities.With that power of globalizing and connecting, there also comes the risk of online harassment and hate, which can become widespread and detrimental to queer youth that use social media.Gerardo Salgado-Martinez, a public health data professional, reflected on current trends with queer youth on social media.With queer youth, they have historically been at risk for poor mental health outcomes, Salgado-Martinez said. Technology can exacerbate these outcomes. I think that those who work in the fields of technology, psychology, politics, and activism are trying to actively minimize these risks and create spaces for folks to be able to express themselves and explore their identities in safer ways.Salgado-Martinez adds, I dont myself engage a whole lot with this data for online queer usage specifically, but I work with youth services, and online worlds can provide a lot of relief for them, especially when they are finding out who they are and entering into society for the first time on their own. Its important that we look into these regulations to avoid the risk of poor mental health that we see already affects queer youth on such a large scale.A 2023 social media safety index from GLAAD found that Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter, the five major social media sites, all failed to safeguard LGBTQ+ content and users. While four out of five of these platforms had improved from anywhere between 9-15% from the previous year, none of them rose above 63%. After right-wing billionaire Elon Musks acquisition of Twitter and subsequent rollbacks of provisions for queer safety, the site had been the only one to worsen, from 45% in 2022 to 33% in 2023.It currently feels like theres some weird double edged sword-fighting with social media, says Damien Rodriguez, a queer Philadelphian who regularly uses TikTok and Instagram to stay connected.Rodriguez said, I think in the past four, maybe five years, Ive used social media to help me understand myself, because I can look up coming-out stories or videos of people explaining how they knew they were gay, and then suddenly I feel much less alone in the world.But at the same time, I dont know how to even address the opposition that on social media can feel so much louder, Rodriguez added. You have bots and the ability to spam messages which I have seen affect queer folks on social media. There are, for sure, certain gay creators or trans creators who when you look at their post comments, its just all hate. People can pretty much do whatever they want in any which direction with that.It currently feels like theres some weird double edged sword-fighting with social media.Damien RodriguezAnother fight that LGBTQ+ people find themselves in online is the possibility of their favorite social media site becoming banned in their country, effectively losing their online community, which for many may be the only way they feel seen and heard.This past year, many U.S. lawmakers sought to put an end to TikTok, the leading site for visibility among LGBTQ+ youth, and the third most improved site for safety provisions for LGBTQ+ users from 2022. The House of Representatives voted in favor of pursuing this ban. There has been much pushback on this decision from many LGBTQ+ online creators and users.When sites that provide security for LGBTQ+ youth may be in danger of going away overnight, a larger question comes into play with how marginalized individuals, especially youth, can be better protected and not reliant on any one finite or unstable resource.The possibility of TikTok getting banned at first made me conflicted, because I think Ive gotten so tired of just seeing so much negativity spewed at queer people online, and the misinformation that can come with that is crazy, said Emma Chen, a young queer advertiser in the Philadelphia region.She added, I also feel as someone who has engaged in community organizing both in-person and online that we have become too reliant in our communities on the safety of online platforms that could theoretically vanish overnight. We dont have a lot of physical systems set up in the event that we actually need to meet face to face.Chen went on to remark, I do feel that social media is a good starting-off point though, and so I came around pretty quickly on that first-hand impression of banning TikTok. I feel so much less alone when I see others like me, especially when they are queer people who have similar cultural heritage and experiences as I do. There is such a beautiful community to be a part of online, I just wish wed be less afraid to use that to make more in-person action.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post The impact of social media on LGBTQ+ youth mental health, and why its important appeared first on News Is Out.

Whittling down the best queer movies or shows of the year has become a near impossible task these days. Theres just so much incredible LGBTQ+ storytelling to admire and enjoy and even make your lifelong obsession. Its a good problem to have, one that should never be taken for granted. But now imagine having to combine the two, narrowing down the best films and shows of 2024 into one list that covers everything it should, including smaller titles that are also worth championing.Thats why it pains us to leave so many worthy shows off our list, including (but not limited to) Black Doves, Dead Boy Detectives, Heartstopper, We Are Lady Parts, Hazbin Hotel and The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy. Now bear in mind thats just TV. Movies like Sebastian, Layla, Good One, Close To You, Crossing, Unicorns, Solo, High Tide, Chuck Chuck Baby and National Anthem all deserve celebrating too. But you know what that means? Every show and film that did make the cut is extra worthy and should be immediately propelled to the top of your watch lists.Will every reader agree with these picks? Probably not, but no one said being gay was going to be easy. So with that in mind, here are the years 12 best queer films and shows.12. Baby ReindeerBased on real events that happened to series creator Richard Gadd, Baby Reindeer depicts the nightmare that unfolded when a stalker named Martha tore his life apart. The fact that Gadd himself plays the lead in this TV reenactment of said nightmare (that he also wrote) adds an extra, even more unsettling layer to what happened.Across seven episodes, we see the horrendous toll that shame, mental illness, inept policing and internalised homophobia had on not just Gadd but Martha too, combining into a vortex of trauma that ruined the lives of two broken people. But its arguably episode four that stands out most, striking a painful chord for gay and bi men especially who have had to deal with the realities of rape and grooming, just like Donny did in a devastating chapter of his life that even predated Martha. To explore all that with such raw, unflinching honesty is what makes Baby Reindeer such a vital watch, even if its never an easy one.11. The Last Year of DarknessAcross five years, American director Ben Mullinkosson documented the lives of his friends in the neon-drenched world of Funky Town, a queer underground club hidden away in Chengdu. There, this assortment of DJs, ravers, skaters, and drag artists found themselves and each other in the euphoric joy only night time can bring, free to love who they want to love and dance with anyone they please away from the societal constraints of Chinese law.From throwing up to growing up, (as the tagline puts it), The Last Year of Darkness is quietly revolutionary in its depiction of outsiders thriving in a world that wishes to hide them away in darkness. Because its in this darkness where they can truly be themselves, banding together as a family in the face of the clubs imminent closure.10. Love in the Big CityLove in the Big City blew up in a big way this year. After Sang Young Parks acclaimed novel was longlisted for the International Booker Prize in 2022, a film and a TV series went into production and both were then released within a month of each other in the tail end of 2024. Seeing mainstream queer fare of any kind is practically unheard of in South Korea, so its remarkable that two separate adaptations have been received as well as they have there and worldwide too. Ok, both the show and the film did receive push back from protesting bigots, but thats when you know youve made something truly worthwhile.E.onis film, starring Exhumas Kim Go-eun and Pachinkos Steve Sanghyun Noh, takes a more light-hearted focus on the first section of the book where a young gay man named Heung-soo navigates love with his bestie Jae-hee. Meanwhile, the TVING streaming series covers Parks novel in its entirety, starring Nam Yoon-su in the lead where his protagonist (named Go Young here) explores wider facets of love, rejection, and living with HIV in the search for happiness.While the two adaptations vary in tone and focus, both speak to the reality of being queer in contemporary Seoul, beautifully humanising gay men in a society that still demonises our very existence. Everyone involved is also extremely hot, so whether you go with the film or show (or both!), just know that youll fall for Love in the Big City regardless.9. QueerYou know that Im gonna give the gays everything they want quote? For some, its just a joke or a fun reaction meme, but for director Luca Guadagnino, its a way of life. How else do you explain the peach in Call Me By Your Name or the churros scene in Challengers? The same is also true of Lucas latest film, Queer, which gives the gays everything they want in more ways than one.Much of the hype around Queer has honed in on when Daniel Craigs disheveled queer, William Lee, finally seduces the twink hes longed for in one of the most explicit gay sex scenes ever seen outside of arthouse cinema or OnlyFans. But beyond that feral chemistry Craig shares with his co-star, Drew Starkey, Craig himself has never been better as he is here, shifting effortlessly between a prowling, almost predatory lust and the deep-rooted insecurities that characterised Williams S. Burroughs.Just as beautiful as the beguiling blue eyes he falls for are the dusty yet colourful streets of Mexico City where much of Queer takes place before a surprise change in tone and location pulls the rug out from under you. This films freewheeling spirit will stay with you long after the credits roll, as will the surreal, stupidly beautiful fever dream this so-called love story ends on.8. Big Boys s2Its tempting to suggest that Big Boys went bigger in season two, except thats not entirely accurate. Rather, Jack Rookes autobiographical coming-of age-comedy went deeper the second time around, and we dont just mean when Jacks protagonist finally lost his virginity or even when his eye got poked through a glory hole in the local pub.The shows already-confident grip on loss and laughter navigates that fine line with bolder narrative swings that are just as cathartic for us as they are for Rooke as he reimagines what life could be like if things had gone differently with his father or best friend Danny. This central bond, played tenderly by Dylan Llewellyn and Jon Pointing, is a touching and affirming push back against the idea that gay and straight men cant be friends or connect on a deeper level. Together, they form the backbone of this beautiful and unique British show which we desperately hope to see more of, even if the end of season two is already a perfect series finale in all but name.7. The Peoples JokerSuperhero stories havent survived as long as they have by obsessively sticking to the original text. Even your favourite comic book creations have endlessly shifted and adapted throughout the years. Perhaps no one understands the mythic allure of this better than Vera Drew, star, co-writer and director of The Peoples Joker, a controversial take on Batmans nemesis that reimagines the Joker as an aspiring clown whos navigating her gender identity.By filtering the DC comics icon through a deeply personal lens reminiscent of her own trans journey, Drew taps into core truths that other adaptations forego, deconstructing notions of heroism and queer morality through a mixed media approach that brings to life the Jokers own deranged, fragmented psyche on screen. Youve never seen a superhero movie like this before, and youd never want to either, because the whole reason it works so well is because no one else could make a story quite like this.6. English TeacherIf you only know Brian Jordan Alvarez from his guest roles in Will & Grace or Jane the Virgin or even his (often shirtless) I love your daughter meme, youre missing out on the best new comedy of the year. In Hulus English Teacher, show creator Alvarez plays, you guessed it, an English teacher, who supports his Gen Z students while contending with the pressures of working full time in a Texan public school.The jokes are whip smart, the teenagers dont sound like they were written by boomers, and most importantly of all, the show is gay with a capital G. Thats Gay as in a proper noun, if our own memory of english teaching serves us right. Just dont compare English Teacher to Abbott Elementary, another brilliant yet wildly different American comedy that takes place in a school setting. Do so and its an instant fail.5. Love Lies BleedingAs the poster child for Be gay, do crime, Kristen Stewart is directly responsible for many a sexual awakening. But throw Katy OBrian into the mix and youve suddenly got yourself the kind of lustful, sapphic, pulpy neo-noir thriller that your grandparents warned you about. The kind that sends a chill down the spine of anyone opposed to hot gay people doing hot gay stuff.But for hot gays watching, Love Lies Bleeding will send a different kind of shudder through your body as you watch Kristens gym manager and Katys bodybuilder tear through small-town America in this riotous, twisty midnight movie. With her second feature, Saint Maud (2019) director Rose Glass shatters the idea that she might be a one-hit wonder, cementing herself as one of the most exciting (and horny) British filmmakers working today.4. Hacks s3The only thing gays love more than iced coffee and making tired references to iced coffee is a fallen divas comeback. Thats why Deborah Vance is so deeply loved by fans of Hacks who have stuck with the aging (but still majestic) comedian as she fights to regain her popularity in showbiz (as referenced even in a standout episode of season three). Of course, it helps that her humour is bitingly quick and even monstrous at points.Three seasons in, Smart has never been better, and the same is true of Hannah Einbinder who plays her younger writing partner with just the right amount of snarky, chaotic bisexual energy. Their chemistry together is the backbone of Hacks, but that doesnt mean the writers play it safe with their dynamic. If anything, the end of season three suggests the next chapter will be even more unhinged and therefore more magnificent, which somewhat helps soothe the relentless rage weve been feeling since Einbinders tragic Emmy snub earlier this year. The real hacks are the voters, amiright!?!3. ChallengersPerpetually sweaty and endlessly horny, Luca Guadagninos first bonkfest of 2024 goes to show that tennis can be just as gay as wrestling or volleyball or any other sports. Because no matter how riled up Tashi (Zendaya), Art (Mike Faist) and Patrick (Josh OConnor) get, endlessly rallying and railing each other off the court, its on the court where this toxic love triangle is at its most passionate.Because its in the matches where Guadagnino serves the most sex as our trio of young tennis champs grunt and groan and pound the court to the sound of a pulsating synth score crafted by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. There they let out all their anger and frustration and unbridled lust for each other as we marvel at how Luca managed to make a tennis movie as ace as this one.2. Interview with the Vampire s2Interview With The Vampire instantly established itself as one of the all-time greats with just one season and the second one might be even better, continuing to outshine the 90s movie and even Anne Rices source material with an unabashedly queer love story thats more masterful than any on the big screen. Its the kind of show that devours you from inside, that leaves you desperately hungry for more, no matter how many times you consume the same episodes, over and over again.From the lavish costumes and stunning production design to the nuanced writing and delicious twists, its impossible to think of any other series airing right now thats as ferociously strong as this one. Everyone involved, from Jacob Anderson, Sam Reid and Assad Zaman to Eric Bogosian and the two Claudias, Delainey Hayles and Bailey Bass, has an immortal, lifelong fan in us. And thats true whether we live forever or not.1. I Saw The TV GlowJane Schoenbruns eerie sophomore feature is a slow, strange mood-piece thats simultaneously less queer than other picks on this list and more queer than all of them combined. Thats because the film speaks to nascent queerness, that intangible yet universal feeling of otherness that so many of us experience before realising the truth of who and what we are.Standout turns from stars Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine take us through a deeply resonant exploration of identity and dysphoria thats defiantly unique, a singular vision that channels the best of what queer cinema once embodied before gays broke into the mainstream and straights co-opted the rest.I Saw The TV Glow is not for everyone, and thats the whole point. As such, this might be a contentious choice for some, especially at the top spot. But for those in sync with this story of a mysterious late-night show and the teenagers consumed by it, Schoenbruns surreal 90s homage is a must-see, just as The Pink Opaque is vital viewing for Owen and Maddy (Episode guide release when?).The post 12 unmissable LGBTQ+ films and TV shows that defined 2024 appeared first on News Is Out.

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A Supreme Court case that will decide whether Tennessee can continue to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth could imperil the ability of all Americans to make decisions about their health care, experts say. The outcome depends on how far the court is willing to stretch its ruling that overturned federal abortion rights.In United States v. Skrmetti, the court has agreed to take up the question of whether gender-affirming care bans for trans youth are unconstitutional, in response to the Biden administration petitioning on behalf of trans youth and their families in Tennesseeone of 26 states that has banned such care for minors. The outcome of the case will grant much-needed clarity in a political landscape that has thrown the lives of trans people across the country into turmoil, as hospitals turn patients away, pharmacies deny prescriptions and families travel hundreds of miles to find care.But with the case set for oral arguments on Dec. 4, the stakes are even higher than most Americans realize, legal and policy experts say. As reported by The 19th, Tennessee has banned gender-affirming care, such as puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy, for a specific demographictrans youthwhile allowing those same treatments for cisgender youth. If the Supreme Court allows the state to keep its ban in place, that could imperil everyones access to health care.What the state of Tennessee is arguing is really dangerous for any person who has any sort of medical condition, said Ezra Young, a civil rights lawyer and constitutional scholar. Tennessee is dictating what medical treatments people should or should not be allowed to have, Young said; that goes well beyond states authority to regulate medicine, specifically because giving health care to trans people is not a public health concern.The state can make sure that the doctor you see has a medical degree and has an active medical license, for instance, he said. What the state cant do is micromanage the medical decision-making of patients or doctors, and thats for good reason. Bureaucrats or lawmakers arent medical experts.Yet in half of U.S. states, Republican lawmakers have banned or restricted medical care that many trans people need to live, over the protests of the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association and other leading medical groups. Federal judges have attempted to block these bans from taking hold, finding them to be likely unconstitutional. Appeals court judges have disagreed and overturned those decisions. Now, the Supreme Court will have the final say.If we dont win here, its going to be open season on any health care related to transgender people, said Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. If the Supreme Court holds that banning gender-affirming care is not discriminatory, then trans people would no longer be protected under the Affordable Care Act, he said. States and private insurers would be able to exclude gender-affirming care from coverage plans.It would be devastating. I mean, absolutely catastrophic, Minter said.Ultimately, the outcome of this case will have a wider impact beyond gender-affirming care. A Supreme Court ruling endorsing Tennessees argument that the state can ban safe medical carejust because it disagrees with who that treatment is being given towould enable the government to control peoples health decisions and enact other blatantly discriminatory policies, legal experts say.I think this case has bigger and broader implications than a lot of people realize, even frankly within the legal community, said Michael Ulrich, an associate professor of health law, ethics and human rights at Boston Universitys School of Public Health and School of Law. If the Supreme Court agrees with Tennessees ban, theres nothing stopping states from banning or restricting other kinds of health care, he saidlike what gets covered under Medicaid.Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogars office, representing the Biden administration, will split argument time before the Supreme Court with Chase Strangio, co-director of the American Civil Liberties Unions LGBTQ & HIV Project.The United States v. Skrmetti case is focused on whether Tennessees gender-affirming care ban violates the 14th Amendments equal protection clause, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. The state insists that its ban has nothing to do with sex and that it does not target trans people. Instead, the law sets age and use-based limits, Tennessees attorney general argues. Minors can still access hormones and puberty blockers for medical purposes, as long as those treatments are not being used as part of a gender transition or to alleviate gender dysphoria. The state claims such a distinction is not based on sex because neither boys nor girls can use these drugs for gender transition.To support this argument that the ban is not discriminatory, Tennessee is looking to the case that overturned federal abortion rights.In Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the Supreme Court found that there is no constitutional right to an abortion in the United States. This ruling overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that had guaranteed the right to an abortion since 1973. When writing the majority opinion in Dobbs, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito briefly addressed a theory that suggests abortion could be covered under the 14th Amendments equal protection clause. This idea is not part of Roe, or at issue in Dobbs, but was invoked in a separate friend of the court brief. Alito dismissed it, saying that state regulations on abortion do not discriminate based on sex.So thats what the state of Tennessee is now latching on to, this passing reference, this brief statement in Dobbs, and theyre pinning their whole argument on it, said Minter. Everything hinges on it.In Dobbs, Alito wrote that abortion cannot be protected under the 14th Amendments equal protection clause, citing the arcane Geduldig v. Aielloa case about pregnancy-related disability benefitsand Bray v. Alexandria Womens Health Clinic, a case dealing with the rights of anti-abortion protesters. These rarely cited cases found that state regulations on abortion and pregnancy, or opposing abortion, is not sex discrimination. Tennessee is now using this framework to argue that any disparate impact on transgender-identifying persons caused by its law does not single trans people out for discrimination in ways covered by the 14th Amendment.If the states gender-affirming care ban is found by the Supreme Court to be discriminatory under the 14th Amendment, it is subject to heightened scrutinya more rigorous review to determine whether a law is constitutional or not. In that scenario, Tennessee is more likely to lose.Using abortion case law to support bans on gender-affirming care is especially dangerous, experts say. Tennessee is taking the Supreme Courts own decision in Dobbs out of context, according to lawyers who have worked in LGBTQ+ rights cases for decades. And, if the justices read Tennessees law, it is obvious that banning gender-affirming care for trans people is discriminating based on sex, they say.Only banning gender-affirming care for people who are transitioning is clearly a policy dividing people based on their sex characteristics, experts saywhich should be apparent to the justices, even if they dont fully understand what gender-affirming care is.Its not about whether they understand or agree with the care, Minter said. All they have to do is read the language of these laws, which use the term sex over and over again.But Tennessees argument echoes circuit court decisions that have forced gender-affirming care bans to take hold across several statesthanks, in part, to Dobbs.Last year, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit allowed Kentucky and Tennessee to enforce their health care bans for trans youth. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled via a three-judge panel that Alabama could enforce its gender-affirming care ban. Both circuit courts cited Dobbs, as well as Geduldig, to argue that these bans do not discriminate on the basis of sex, since laws restricting abortion dont trigger heightened scrutiny.To Polly Crozier, director of family advocacy at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, Tennessees arguments relying on Dobbs are just smoke and mirrors. And while its not surprising that Tennessee is doubling down on the approach that won in the 6th Circuit, she said, Dobbs cannot prop up this case.You cannot ignore the fact that this law is regulating medical care only for a particular group of people, transgender people, and its clearly discrimination based on sex, she said, noting that the cases are fundamentally different. Dobbs dealt with whether substantive due processmeaning unenumerated rights in the Constitutionincluded the right to an abortion. Analyzing potential sex discrimination wasnt involved.Whats more, the question before the Supreme Court regarding Tennessees gender-affirming care ban is different from what the 6th Circuit took up last year. The initial case, brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal, accused Tennessee of violating the 14th Amendments equal protection and due process clauses when the state banned gender-affirming care. Any consideration of due process is no longer before the court, since the Biden administrations appeal for the Supreme Court to take up this case focused only on equal protection.But, although the question before the court has become more specific, this ruling still has the potential to broadly set back LGBTQ+ rights.Tennessee argues that the Supreme Courts 2020 ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, which found that employment discrimination against LGBTQ+ workers is sex-based discrimination prohibited under the Civil Rights Act, has nothing to do with this case. But going down this road leads to more questions, Ulrich said: Is discriminating due to sexual orientation also not considered sex-based discrimination?Then you can see just a proliferation of discriminatory laws that are coming out thereafter, he said. Thats a really dangerous proposition for the entire LGBTQ+ community and its setting us back significantly.Sruti Swaminathan, an ACLU staff attorney who has been counsel in this case from the beginning, said United States v. Skrmetti will test how far the Supreme Court is willing to stretch its Dobbs decision. They are well aware that the outcome of this case could curtail bodily autonomy for everyone. And taking this challenge before a conservative-majority Supreme Court has stoked fears among trans people of worst-case scenarios.Were already at the place where half the country has banned this care. We need to not let the 6th Circuit decision stand idly and be utilized in the way it has, Swaminathan said.But Tennessees tactics, and the consequences that they could have during a time when laws targeting reproductive and transgender health care are proliferating, still worry them.Im terrified. What we learned from Dobbs is that these attacks wont stop with abortion, Swaminathan said. Banning abortion seems to be one pillar of an effort to write outdated gender norms into the law.Tennessees argument in this case illustrates a larger coordinated effort to attack abortion access alongside gender-affirming care, said Logan Casey, director of policy research at the Movement Advancement Project, a nonprofit that tracks LGBTQ+ legislation.States across the country have attempted to define sex based on reproductive capacity at birth. These efforts open transgender people up to discrimination and ignore the realities of intersex people, as well as cisgender women with conditions like primary ovarian insufficiency. Proponents of gender-affirming care bans inaccurately portray the effects of hormone replacement therapy on trans peoples reproductive ability by conflating the treatment with sterilization.This Supreme Court case exemplifies a much larger argument thats been a through line across attacks on transgender care and trans issues across the country, Casey said: What is sex and who is protected when we think about that?Many of these state actors and politicians and extremists are clearly very invested in the concept of sex and defining sex in a very restricted and extraordinarily old-fashioned way that focuses only on peoples reproductive capacity, and then they use that argument in whatever context they can to advance the policies that would match that worldview, he said.This piece was published in partnership with Them.This story was produced by The 19th and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.The post How the Supreme Court case on trans youth could affect health care for all Americans appeared first on News Is Out.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) used a slur on a video on X.com when describing protesters who were arrested Thursday after staging a sit-in on Capitol Hill.Today a group of protesters staged a sit-in on Capitol Hill to push back against the new rule that people must use bathrooms that correspond with their assigned gender at birth. Organized by the Gender Liberation Movement, protesters including Chelsea Manning and Raquel Willis occupied a womens restroom on Capitol Hill with signs that said Stop Pissing on Our Rights and Flush Bathroom Bigotry.The protest follows Rep. Nancy Maces (R-S.C.) proposed resolution from two weeks ago, which seeks to bar transgender individuals from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. This resolution would specifically prevent Sarah McBride, the nations first transgender member of Congress, from using the womens restroom. Days later, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson implemented a new policy to enforce the ban.As of this report, at least 15 protesters were arrested. In response to the protests and subsequent arrests, Rep. Mace released a video on X where she used a slur to describe the protesters. News is Out wont republish the slur hereAlright, so some (slur) protesters showed up at the Capitol today to protest my bathroom bill, said Mace, standing outside a D.C. police station. But they got arrested, poor things. So I have a message for the protesters that got arrested.Mace then proceeded to mock the protesters with a megaphone, reciting Miranda Rights and doubting that many of the protesters could afford attorneys to represent them.The video was followed by a Mace for Congress placard.The post Rep. Nancy Mace uses slur to respond to trans protesters at Capitol Hill appeared first on News Is Out.

This Thursday, Dec. 5, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) released updated gender guidelines for player eligibility. According to the new rules, only transgender women who have not experienced any part of male puberty either beyond Tanner Stage 2 or after age 12 (whichever comes first) are eligible to compete. Additionally, they must meet standards set by the Medical Manager and Expert Panel.Players who have undergone gender-affirming processes must have continuously maintained the concentration of testosterone in their serum below 2.5 nmol/L. The testosterone level requirement is not new.Players competing in elite events who do not meet the LPGAs Gender Eligibility Criteria may be required to forfeit ranking points, prize money, and other status or items awarded to the Player based on those results.The United States Golf Association (USGA) has also implemented new policies that closely mirror those of the LPGA.While trans men are not mentioned in the LPGA guidelines, the USGA states that trans men can compete in womens golf events as long as they have never used exogenous testosterone or other similar anabolic androgenic substances and provide a written and signed declaration confirming this.In a press release, LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach. The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.These guidelines would exclude any women who did not undergo gender-affirming care as adolescents or teens to stop the progress of puberty, as well as cisgender women and intersex individuals who have naturally higher levels of testosterone. Currently, 26 states have enacted restrictions or bans on gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary youth. The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case out of Tennessee, U.S. v. Skrmetti, which could have wide-reaching implications for access to gender-affirming care nationwide.The issue of trans athletes in sports has become a flashpoint in the political arena, especially during the 2024 election, with Republicans spending over $200 million on anti-trans ads. However, there are roughly only 100 trans student athletes competing in public schools across the country out of an estimated 8 million student athletes. While the exact number of professional trans athletes is unknown, it is likely a very small fraction of the estimated 25,000 professional athletes in the U.S.Professional golfer Hailey Davidson shared her frustrations with the new guidelines on Instagram. For the record, I was not involved nor asked to be involved in any of the studies that any golf organization has just used to ban me, the only active golfer who is actually effected (sic) by these policy changes, Davidson wrote.In October, over 275 past and present professional womens golfers signed a letter presented to the LPGA and USGA, asking to repeal policies that allowed trans women to compete. The post LPGA and USGA new gender policies would exclude a majority of trans women players appeared first on News Is Out.

Last year we put out a list of 15 LGBTQ+ films and where to find them, and its been one of our most popular posts ever. Thats why were bringing you 10 more holiday films featuring LGBTQ+ characters and storylines and where you can watch them right now.The Holiday ClubWritten, directed, and starring Alexandra Swarens, this film is not exclusively a Christmas film, but it does have key chapters in all the major holidays. Bailey (Swarens) is a small-town Ohio bakery owner who develops a friendship with next-door neighbor Sam (Mak Shealy). Over the course of a year, the two spend holidays together, developing a deep friendship. Girlfriends come and go, but the bond between Sam and Bailey deepens. Are they willing to risk their friendship for something romantic?The Holiday Club is available to rent and buy through Tello Films.I Hate New YearsThe second holiday film by Tello Films finds pop star Layne (Dia Frampton) returning home to Nashville to crack her debilitating writers block. A session with a fortune teller inspires Layne to seek out her ex to reconnect. Her best friend Cassie (Ashley Argota Torres), who is secretly in love with Layne, joins her on a madcap New Years night to try and find Laynes ex and reignite her creative spark. Naturally, things dont go quite according to plan.I Hate New Years is available to rent and buy through Tello Films.The Holiday ExchangeFans of the 2006 film The Holiday will want to check out The Holiday Exchange. LA-based Wilde (Taylor Marie Frey) finds himself unexpectedly single over the holidays and agrees to swap homes with Oliver (Rick Cosnett), who lives in the English countryside. Both men end up sparking up new romances in their holiday settings. The film also stars Real Housewives favorite Kyle Richards.The Holiday Exchange is available to stream on Peacock.Let It SnowThis 2019 Netflix holiday film stars a large ensemble of young actors, including Liv Hewson (Yellowjackets) and Kiernan Shipka (The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina). When a heavy snowstorm brings a town to a halt, teenage hijinks and romances ensue, including one between Waffle Town server Dorrie (Hewson) and closeted cheerleader Kerry (Anna Akana).Let It Snow is available to stream on Netflix.Lez BombJenna Laurenzos Lez Bomb is a bit of a pioneer when it comes to queer holiday films. Set at Thanksgiving in a New Jersey suburb, Laurenzo stars as Lauren, a closeted queer woman who brings her girlfriend home for the holidays. When her longtime best friend and roommate is mistaken for her boyfriend, misunderstandings abound with Laurens overbearing family. The film features an impressive lineup of supporting actors, including Cloris Leachman, Kevin Pollak, and Bruce Dern.Lez Bomb is available to stream on Peacock and Tubi.Happiest SeasonThis star-studded holiday film, directed by Clea DuVall, features Kristen Stewart, Aubrey Plaza, Mackenzie Davis, and Dan Levy, to name a few. Girlfriends Abby (Stewart) and Harper (Davis) head to Harpers hometown for the holidays, but along the way, Harper confesses that she isnt out to her family. Abby has to play BFF instead of GF, which leads to her meeting up with Harpers ex (Plaza) and calling in reinforcements from her best friend (Levy). A raucous soundtrack featuring LGBTQ+ artists like Shea Diamond and Tegan and Sara rounds out the film.Happiest Season is available to stream on Hulu.Ghosting: The Spirit of ChristmasThis Freeform film stars Aisha Dee (The Bold Type) and Kimiko Glenn (Orange Is the New Black) as best friends who have to face an unexpected roadblock: life after death. During the holidays, Jess (Dee) is texting and driving after an amazing first date when she crashes her car and dies. Waking up as a ghost, Jess will need to employ her queer best friend Kara (Glenn) to help her with unfinished business so she can move on to the afterlife.Aisha Dee and Kimiko Glenn in Ghosting: The Spirit of Christmas. Photo: FreeformGhosting: The Spirit of Christmas is available to stream on Disney+.FriendsgivingMalin kerman, Kat Dennings, Aisha Tyler, Jane Seymour, and Wanda Sykes are a few of the big names featured in Nicol Paones Friendsgiving. Best friends Molly (kerman) and late-in-life lesbian Abby (Dennings) plan for a quiet Thanksgiving at home, but their friends and family have other plans. Exes, estranged parents, a slew of eligible queer bachelorettes, and even some fairy gaymothers show up to spice up the holiday.Friendsgiving is available to stream on Starz.Anna and the ApocalypseWho says horror doesnt have a place at the holidays? Horror musical Anna and the Apocalypse takes place in a small town in Scotland where a group of teens is just trying to survive high schoolliterally. A zombie infection spreads quickly, and the teens must take a stand or become part of the undead army. One of the teens, Stef (Sarah Swire), is a queer transfer student and activist, trying to find her way in a new school and facing an unprecedented event.Anna and the Apocalypse is available to stream on Tubi.Every Time a Bell RingsAfter the passing of their father, three sisters return to their hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to take part in one last annual scavenger hunt to find the familys Christmas bell. Erin Cahill, Brittany Ishibashi, and Ali Liebert star as the three sisters. Liebert plays Nora, the lesbian sister who finds a bit of sweet romance along the way.Every Time a Bell Rings is available to stream on Hallmark+.The post 10 more LGBTQ+ holiday films and where to find them appeared first on News Is Out.

Famm Connect is turning the idea of professional networking on its head. Founded by queer married couple, Cat Perez (she/they) and Marianna Di Regolo (she/her) and designed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, this innovative platform prioritizes safety, intentionality, and meaningful connections over mass adoption. With its referral-only model and thoughtful features, Famm Connect is creating a space where LGBTQ+ professionals can thrive.A safe and intentional spaceCurrently, Famm Connect operates on an invite-only basis. This decision was very intentional, Perez and Di Regolo explained in an email interview with News is Out. It stems from feedback weve received from the Famm community, emphasizing the importance of safety.For LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly trans folks, safety is paramount. In a world where far-right rhetoric and actions often target the queer community, Famm Connect is designed to foster a secure environment. By starting with people we know and trust, were creating a space thats built with intentionwhere the growth and value of the community come from those shared connections, Perez and Di Regolo shared.Unlike platforms that prioritize rapid growth or flashy metrics, Famm Connect focuses on cultivating quality over quantity. Were not aiming for mass adoption or vanity metrics. Instead, were focused on cultivating quality, intentional connections. Thats the heart of Famm Connect.While the invite-only model may evolve over time, the platforms growth will always align with the needs and values of its LGBTQ+ user base.A platform for LGBTQ+ professionalsFamm Connect is more than a networking tool; its a platform built to celebrate and support the whole person. Its not just a social network; its a space intentionally designed to meet the needs and desires of our community, said Perez and Di Regolo.The platforms user-friendly design encourages genuine engagement. Features like open to tags on profiles help users easily connect with others who share similar goals or interests.One of the features of Famm Connect is its integration with the queer economy, an extension of Heyfamm.com.By creating space for folks to add their business or service for free, Famm Connect not only facilitates professional networking but also highlights LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and the broader community, said Perez and Di Regolo.Importantly, Famm Connect is built through an intersectional lens, celebrating the diverse identities and experiences of its users and recognizing that LGBTQ+ individuals are not a monolith.Our focus is and always will be on what the community values most, Perez and Di Regolo added.Hopes for the futureAs Famm Connect continues to grow, its creators envision a network that is not only a hub for professional connections but also a catalyst for systemic change. We want this to be the go-to platform where safety and authenticity coexist with opportunity and growth, Perez and Di Regolo shared.Perez and Di Regolo dream of a future where Famm Connect plays a pivotal role in elevating LGBTQ+ professionals and businesses. How incredible would it be to know that Famm Connect was the catalyst for millions of connections that elevated LGBTQ+ professionals and businesses?Beyond networking, Famm Connect aims to address broader inequities in the professional world. The team behind the platform envisions increasing LGBTQ+ representation in executive positions, boardrooms, venture capital firms and beyond.What if, in doing so, we furthered intersectionalitycreating spaces where more women of color, queer leaders, and other underrepresented voices are amplified and supported?Building a movement, not just a platformFamm Connects vision goes far beyond building a social network. Our vision isnt just about building a social network; its about building a movement that redefines what professional success and community look like for folks who constantly have to navigate systems of oppression, Perez and Di Regolo explained.To join the waitlist, visit heyfamm.com/famm-connect. You can also join the virtual launch party on December 11 at 12:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. ET. Registering for the event automatically adds you to the waitlist, plus offers exclusive giveaways and early access to Famm Connect.The post Famm Connect is redefining networking for LGBTQ+ professionals appeared first on News Is Out.

The latest film by writer, director, and actor Alexandra Swarens offers a slow-burn, will they or wont they, friends-to-lovers romance with The Holiday Club. Starring Swarens and Mak Shealy, the film takes viewers to small-town Ohio, where two women bond over disastrous holidays.Bailey (Swarens) is a kind bakery owner whose girlfriend shows little interest in her flour-sprinkled passion. Sam (Shealy) is a new-in-town tech worker struggling to connect with anyone other than her older coworker. When the two women meet over a particularly cursed Valentines Day, it sparks a friendshipand eventually, something much more.The Holiday Club is the latest entry in Swarens mini-empire of lesbian romance films. A triple threat, Swarens has been creating her own successful queer content since 2016s LA Web Series. She followed it with feature-length, queer-centric films including City of Trees, Spring, Looking for Her, and Over Easy.Swarens has a knack for creating easygoing, slow-burn romances that often highlight the lives of small-town lesbians and queer people. The Holiday Club is no exception. While the stakes are often high, the easy chemistry between Swarens and Shealy keeps the film at a steady pace. Sometimes, the pace feels a little too steady and could use a gentle push, but the connection between the characters is worth the wait. As each new holiday passes, we watch the gravitational pull between Sam and Bailey grow and cant help but root for their success.While technically not a Christmas film, The Holiday Club makes for a sweetly romantic watch, perfect for cuddling on the couch with hot chocolate.As of earlier this year, Swarens catalog of films is available through Tello Films, a streaming service for LGBTQ+ womens content. The Holiday Club is available to rent or buy now. Tello also has a collection of queer women-focused holiday romances to keep you going through the winter.The post The Holiday Club: A heartfelt friends-to-lovers film perfect for the season appeared first on News Is Out.

Every nonbinary and trans persons gender-affirming care is specific to them. It might include certain personal identity changes, such as ones pronouns, name, and gender markers on legal documents; weekly injections of testosterone or estrogen (i.e. hormone therapy); surgeries; and mental health support.Another way for a person to feel more comfortable with who they are and how they present themselves to others is via a gender-affirming haircut. Stylists such asKitt Spata, owner ofYouphoria Studiosin Richmond, Virginia, are committed to meeting clients needs in that regard.I find it boils down to autonomy and being willing to give that to the client. I think thats the biggest thing: being a considerate hairstylist and doing what your clients want, [particularly] with queer hair, said Spata in a video interview with the Bay Area Reporter.Spata, who identifies as queer and nonbinary, opened their salon, located in Richmonds Carytown district, in October 2023 and has been steadfast in their client-centered approach ever since.Im only one person I dont want to assume for anyone. My whole thing is letting people tell me who they are and what they need, they said.TransitionsSpatas been in the hair business for the past six and a half years, and their own experiences in education, others work spaces, and with gender-affirming care have contributed not only to their personhood but also to the thoughtfulness theyve put into their client offerings and studio space.Prior to embarking on a career as a hairstylist, they spent a couple of years pursuing an undergraduate degree at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, a city in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. During their freshman year, they majored in interpersonal communications and minored in media studies, with an interest in content creation and wanting to work for BuzzFeed. They decided to pursue other disciplines during their second year at CNU.I switched at year two to study sculpture and art history with a minor in museum studies because I loved working with my hands, Spata explained.It was also around that time that a significant personal experience transpired: Spata walked into a salon chain in proximity to their campus and walked out, post-cut, with a much shorter style.I did it at a Supercuts across from Christopher Newport, and he [i.e. the stylist] didnt question shit. He was like, Yeah, lets do it. To have that happen, I understand, is rare, but I think it inspired me to be that kind of provider, said Spata.I realized I could combine talking to people all day, working with my hands, not working at a desk all of that. I also saw how affirming it was for me to have my hair cut off and to have the experience go well, they added.My whole thing is letting people tell me who they are and what they need.Kitt SpataThey rerouted to the career direction they felt was a good fit for them, leaving the CNU art classes and lecture halls behind in December 2017 to gain hands-on experience with sheers and razors in salons. The two apprenticeships they did achieved that objective, but Spatas time in those spaces was less than queer-friendly, they said.Neither of them were affirming, and neither of them liked me being trans. Even though they had a trans flag on their front door, they were not willing to do anything to meet me where I was at, Spata said.Spata had been out for about a year at the time and was in therapy; they hadnt started T (testosterone) yet.[T]hey just didnt care, they added, conveying the lack of support they felt as an openly queer person in the salons.With those not-so-great industry experiences under their belt, Spata decided to get in some additional formal education, spending a year and a half at Paul Mitchell The School, a beauty school and salon space in Tysons Corner Center. (The school has closed, as of May 2024.) Post-graduation, they found work in a barbershop located near the Fort Belvoir Army Base; at the time, they had also started hormone therapy.I was getting asked if I was a boy or girl by walk-ins multiple times a week because I was two months on T and very androgynous. I was handed pamphlets a few times by clients. They were Christian, Seek Jesus type things. And I was like, Holy shit. All I did was cut your hair. We didnt talk about me. It was wild, Spata commented.One pamphlet-distributing client sitting in Spatas chair shared with Spata that he was pursuing a degree in religious studies.I was like, Cool. My brother did, too. I was raised Catholic. We literally talked about it, but he still handed me the pamphlet. I was like, Dude, I did nothing but acknowledge and respect you,' said Spata about the incident.The client, though, was undeterred, insisting that Spata needed the religious brochure.I was like, Trust me, Im going to throw it out. It was crazy, Spata recalled.Add the issue of an unsupportive barbershop owner to the what binary gender are you continual line of questioning and homophobia, and Spata was more than ready to head elsewhere not necessarily out of the state for lovers, but at least to a different hub within it: Richmond.New city, new perspectiveIn the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris claimed Virginia, winning its 13 electoral votes (with 51.8%, or 2,227,756 votes as of press time) compared to Republican candidate and President-elect Donald Trump (with 46.6%, or 2,003,384 votes as of press time), according to the Associated Press. Notably, Virginia has been a blue state for the past four presidential elections (Joe Biden, 2020; Hilary Clinton, 2016; Barack Obama, 2012, 2008).If you told high school Kitt that I would still be here at 27, Id 100% be like, What is wrong? Because I never really liked Virginia, they said.Richmond, though, works just fine for them.I moved here three years ago, when I was about eight to 10 months on T, and I found better hair and better people, they said.In the Human Rights Campaigns2024 Municipal Equality Index, Richmond attained 100 out of a possible 100 points on its scorecard. The report, published annually in November, is a nationwide evaluation of municipal law that considers aspects such as a citys non-discrimination laws, the city leaderships commitment to the LGBTQ+ community; LGBTQ+ employee protections, municipal services, and fair enforcement of the law, including the responsible reporting of hate crimes and [law enforcements] engaging with the LGBTQ+ community in a thoughtful and respectful way.The city is home to queer spaces such as Babes of Carytown, a longstanding LGBTQ+ bar, and Diversity Richmond, the nonprofit organization behind the annual VA Pridefest, held in September. Theres also the website, OutRVA, an online resource for the Richmond queer community and visitors.Its really interesting, because Richmond has a horrible history of Confederacy, slavery, all of it, but the city is now very much acknowledging [its history] and progressing, Spata commented.For queer people, we feel safer, because you see people expressing [themselves] in any way they want to. You see corporate people with mullets, stuff like that. People arent afraid to be a little funkier here, they added.Once situated in Richmond, Spata initially set up shop in a couple of salons, including a booth rental in the queer-owned Body Politic Hair Studios. After about two years of working in others spaces, Spata made the official move of their brand Youphoria and their services into a physical location of their own.Spatas Youphoria Studios, located in a multi-room building housing other small businesses, is now among the many boutiques, eateries, and bars located along the Carytown neighborhoods West Cary Street.Its been so much better because its the same amount of rent and I have privacy, and my people can talk to me, and I can talk to my people. And now Im completely under my own name, they shared.A gender-affirming salon networkType in something along the lines of gender-affirming hair places in Google and a top result, other than Reddit discussion forums, will beStrands for Trans, a global registry of 7,500-plus gender-affirming salons and barbershops, founded by Xavier Cruz and JP Gomez. Gay cisgender men, Cruz and Gomez are also the owners ofBarba, a gender-inclusive grooming boutique in New York City.Spata takes part in Strands for Trans, both as a gender-affirming salon owner, with Youphoria Studios listed on the website via a state, city, or ZIP code search, and as a board member.I call them [i.e., Cruz and Gomez] my hair dads. Theyre lovely people. They reached out to me through seeing me tag them [on social media] and stuff, and they asked me to be on their board, said Spata.Cruz and Gomez did not respond to the B.A.R.s request for a comment.The board is primarily made up of trans people, with Spata, whos worked with Strands for Trans for about two years, contributing to the registrys development.Strands for Trans is definitely a needed resource. Its just hard to have something so new and so needed at the same time, because you cant work out the kinks. So thats what were working on: making sure people are as vetted as we want them to be, they said.The aim is to have a standard in place for the salons and barbershops to ensure all places listed are safe, inclusive spaces for those seeking gender-affirming services. Those interested in registering on Strands for Trans have to first go through a training, which Spata helped create. Post-successful training completion, they will be added to the website. It might sound straightforward enough, but there are some complexities to consider.Its really hard because there are salons and there are booth rentals, and someone whos booth rental in a salon could be affirming, but the salon might not be affirming. Theres a lot of nuance and a lot of new situations with how the hair industry is evolving into more salon rental and booth rental situations where the person may not be under that name, business-wise, explained Spata.Once a person finds their local list of gender-affirming salons on Strands for Trans, Spata suggests further researching each listing, whether pulling up official websites or checking out their social media profiles and posts.Meticulous considerationsWhen it comes to Youphoria Studios, the research process involves a simple step: heading to Spatas Instagram profile, with over 27,000 followers, for confirmation of their artistry and preciseness when it comes to gender-affirming cuts.Sometimes I have new clients coming in, giving me the textbook definition of a haircut and being like, I want a drop skin fade from this guard to this guard. And Im like, Word. Lets do it, and I do it, they said.When its time to reveal Spatas work in the mirror, the clients convey their joy and gratitude, but theyre also surprised that Spata cut their hair exactly how they had asked.The next time they come to me, they ask for something a little different. We talk about it, and theyre like, Last time, you gave me exactly what I asked for, and thats amazing. I just didnt expect to get it,' Spata shared.It comes down to them not getting the autonomy [from other stylists]. Its really interesting to see people assume theyre not going to get something. And Im so grateful people see that I did what they asked and not that I did what I wanted, because they would not come back, they said, with a laugh.Spatas considerations of their clients also include texting them pre-appointment pertinent information, such as Youphorias address and parking options, and providing a Google form-based questionnaire in which clients can include their chosen name, pronouns, and accommodation requests, such as no talking or music, facing away from the mirror, and the availability of fidget (i.e. sensory) toys.Their own neurodivergences (ADHD, autism) contribute to their interest in, and ability to meet, clients where theyre at and be open to others experiences, Spata noted.A lot of what I do is sensory work, and hair is one of the biggest sensory icks for people. Definitely gender-wise, I know it can make things so hard, they said.Spata did not disclose details about annual revenue or their number of clients, but online Google reviews attest to clients satisfaction with their gender-affirming cuts and feeling of comfort.Kitt is an amazing person who has been cutting my hair for over a year now. I appreciate how attentive they are to your particular needs, and my favorite thing is that they are always double checking with you about what you want, if something is okay, and ensuring you feel listened to, wrote Melody de Castro Bohannan, who identifies as queer, in their review.Getting my haircut used to be anxiety inducing because I would have to justify my haircut to a stylist, with Kitt there are no assumptions made regarding what my hair should look like and all that matters is what haircut affirms who I am!, they also commented.Another client, Unmai Arokiasamy, shared why they continue to book appointments at Youphoria Studios.Ive gotten my hair cut about three times by Kitt in the last five months and every experience has been so wonderful! Kitt is so open, curious, and creative, and I always feel cared for and taken care of when sitting in their salon. Their space [is] full of beautiful queer art and energy, and we have had lots of fun throughout each haircut. I always feel like a badass when I leave their space and I appreciate the work and engagement they always so willingly give!! wrote Arokiasamy, who told the B.A.R. they identify as Two-Spirit and queer.Caden Martz echoed others sentiments about Spatas client-centering approach.Kitt is an excellent stylist/barber and a genuinely amazing person. Ive been thrilled with all of the haircuts Ive had from them, and have found the entire experience with Kitt relaxing, affirming, and enjoyable. Cant recommend them enough! Really appreciate how they check in to make sure theyre understanding what Im saying, wrote Martz, who is nonbinary, in their review.For Spata, it has been and will continue to be about their clients autonomy and open communication.Hairstylists frequently kind of get wrapped up in the sense that we give people their appearance, but we need to be facilitators, not doing what we want, they said.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post Nonbinary hairstylist gives clients the gender-affirming cuts they want appeared first on News Is Out.

The technology sphere is in a need for more representation and data regarding LGBTQ+ people, and there are steps being taken to address that.People who openly identify as LGBTQ+ are currently estimated to make up only 2-3% of the tech sector, a startling 2024 statistic from research done by Women Tech Network. As of 2024, CompTIA reports that the technology industry accounts for 5.8% of the U.S. workforce, well over 12 million people.There is very little available data that expands on differing identities of LGBTQ+ individuals within such an expansive field, such as those who identify beyond traditional gender identities. Two thirds of the tech space is reported to be white, and half of the overall population is reported to be male. In executive positions, more than three quarters of positions are filled by just men.There have been long-standing organizations and individuals who are the exception to data such as this, and who have been campaigning for their voices to be heard in the tech community. Web designer Tracy Levesque is one of these individuals.Tracy Levesque is the director of web development for creative agency karmadharma, a certified B corporation. Levesque, alongside her wife Mia and Tara Maxon, was the cofounder of YIKES Inc., acquired by karmadharma in 2024.YIKES Inc. was a WordPress VIP web development agency in Fishtown, working with businesses and nonprofit organizations. Levesque has a plethora of experience in WordPress software and coding. She has spoken at many different WordCamps including those in Philadelphia, New York City, Montreal, San Francisco and more. She was also a part of contributions to several versions of WordPress core and organized the 2015 and 2016 inaugural WordCamp U.S.conference in Philadelphia.We started doing this in the mid 90s, Levesque says. So me and my wife, Mia, just had an interest in technology in general. But then we were involved in the queer activist community. Kiyoshi Kuromiya set us up with our first email accounts and showed us how to read message boards and things like that. And then when the web came along, before it was graphical, it was just text. We taught ourselves how to make web pages. And then when it became a graphical, we taught ourselves HTML to make websites. And so we were doing this on a volunteer basis for different activist groups. And then we met another woman, also lesbian, and they were a real genius with programming. And so the three of us were just doing this, and were like, Hey, you know, we do this for free. We should start a business!According to data from the Kapor Center, tech employees of all backgrounds reported unfair treatment as their number-one factor in leaving their job. There was a clear distinction in this study in the different experiences faced by employees of color, LGBTQ+ individuals and women. Twenty-four percent of LGBTQ+ employees were reported to face public humiliation, the largest in this regard of any other group in the study. Additionally, 1 in 10 women reported sexual harassment, and 40% of men of color were stated to leave due to unfairness.As owners and founders, we have always chosen to be out, always, Levesque said. We were never closeted as a companyespecially being women in technology, and then lesbians and technology from 1996 until now. We never hid itI always wonder if that lost us work. I mean, it must have, but at the same time, I really dont care.A 2023 study by Deloitte reported that less than half of participants felt comfortable being out with their sexuality or gender identity at work. Exclusive behavior toward transgender participants was found to be 55%, 52% to nonbinary or genderqueer participants, and 42% for all respondents. According to the Human Rights Campaign, while 84% of LGBTQ+ workers are out to at least one person, 35% face harassment from coworkers, with 54% of transgender and nonbinary workers saying they have felt depressed at work.Technology workforces can be incredibly multifaceted; coding, website design, digital marketing and cybersecurity are just a small pool of examples of what tech can encompass. Technology is at the center of so much in our modern society, new investments in AI and more have placed so many people in new positions of everyday reliance for this huge industry.Weve always had a mission to support marginalized people in tech from the outset, Levesque reflected. No one really takes what youre saying seriously until a man says what you just said. I feel like theres been so many times where Im the only woman in the room, and even now you still have to prove yourself every time that you know what youre talking about, because a mediocre man can show up and its assumed that he knows what hes talking about, because its a dude. The default assumption is that someone who is an expert at tech is a white guy. And that is just not true. Its just your bias.She continued, As a human being, Im a pretty intersectional person. My moms from the Philippines. My dads a Jewish guy from the Bronx, and, you know, Im a lesbian. So we always have to keep in mind that some people have more identities that make them an even more marginalized member of society. And then all the unconscious biases that people hold in their brains for people that they encounter just multiply.Weve always had a mission to support marginalized people in tech from the outset.Tracy LevesqueIssues like misinformation lie at the forefront of technological concerns, with problems potentially spreading faster than they can be put out. Misinformation disproportionately affects people who are LGBTQ+, BIPOC and women. Outrage online toward growing inclusivity from popular brands and companies continues to grow, and have a real effect on LGBTQ+ experiences. With these recent developments, there seems to be a bigger question of what responsibility do tech companies and researchers have to address in regards to representation?The Republicans love to throw us under the bus and freak people out with scary queer people whenever they want votes, which is really frustrating that, like, still we are the scapegoats, Levesque continues. How thats presented to people changes. Right now, its really focused on trans folks and I just think its disgusting to sacrifice human human beings and throw them under the bus to gain power, because youre really affecting lives. Youre really hurting people.For many, the answer is building within your own community. There are several tech companies that place LGBTQ+ inclusion at the forefront of their values.Lesbians Who Tech is an organization created to address pay equity for LGBTQ+ women, women of color, and nonbinary people in the workforce. They work to provide education and resources for companies invested in diversity and inclusion. Notable individuals such as actor Elliot Page, Deloittes China Widener, former Georgia State Rep. Stacey Abrams and others have spoken at their events.Out in Tech is the largest nonprofit organization of tech leaders who are LGBTQ+, having around 50,000 members. They have financial support from businesses such as Disney, eBay, Uber, TikTok and many more. Their website can be used as a resource in gaining support from other LGBTQ+ organizations in tech, as well as finding a community. They offer events nationwide in both online and in person formats to connect and assist in networking.In 2023, the organization LGBT Tech was able to provide more than $70,000 to tech students, with 80% of their program participants becoming employed upon graduating. The organization itself exists to provide the research, programs and resources that are sorely needed for LGBTQ+ individuals in tech.These examples show that there are active steps taken within the LGBTQ+ tech community to understand and improve the average experience for the discounted peoples in these workspaces.Levesque looks to the future with positivity.Im an optimist, she said. I always think the future is bright even with backlash and setbacks. Compared to where things were in the 90s and we couldnt even legally be married. Its just a completely different world. Theres also just more organizations now, like Lesbians Who Tech, because of the growing community around it. There was nothing like that when we were starting out in the 90s, and people are just more out in tech. The head of Apple is an out gay guy. I think that open-source communities at least the ones that Im involved with [at] WordPress have diversity and inclusion on their agenda. If you look at the list of folks who have access to WordPress, who can push code to the project themselves, theres a lot of queer people. I know at least in WordPress, the LGBT bench is pretty deep, and were a pretty strong community.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion in the tech sector appeared first on News Is Out.

When people talk about non-alcoholic queer spaces in Chicago, one of the first places mentioned is often Elis Tea Bar. And although owner Eli Majid didnt initially open the store with that vision in mind, hes glad its grown into its community role.Elis Tea Bar opened nearly three years ago in Chicagos Andersonville neighborhood and has evolved into a community staple. While the queer community can head to Northalsted for a night of bar hopping, they can come to the tea bar during the day or in the evening for a variety of promoted activities.The original Elis Tea Bar in Birmingham, Michigan will be 10 years old this December. Before the shops inception, Majid simply sold teas as a side business at local farmers markets.It was definitely to create a job that I couldnt find, he said. It was to create a space I didnt see, but also Ive always kept in mind that this business Im creating has to be sustainable for myself and as a company.Majid graduated from Loyola with an undergraduate degree in plant biology, and has always been interested in both tea and business. He views his shop as a cross between a wine bar and a coffee shop, since teas also lend themselves to discussing blends, regions, cultures and more. He said he gravitated towards running a business around tea because its a beverage that more easily extends into the evening, unlike coffee.Eli Majid (right) with silent disco host Niah Whitley. Photo: Eli Majid Outside of the shops themselves, Elis Tea Bar supplies tea to establishments such as cafes, restaurants and hotels. Many of the teas are house blends, but some of them are also direct imports. In the near future, Majid said theyll be launching canned non-alcoholic tonics, as well.Although he didnt intend to make the shop a well-known non-alcoholicthough he did envision it as queerspace, he said its been fun to see it grow in that direction. Over the past ten years, he said both shops have become this type of needed space.It was something that happened, but it was something where I could see the customers raising their hands, if that makes sense, Majid said. At some point, I think I had the initial idea, and then I think over time I actually gained the confidence to really run with the idea.Those ideasespecially those involving his evening eventshave been the crux of the Chicago business. Elis Tea Bar boasts a variety of activities from open mics to writing groups to art creation nights and more. And theyre a big hitMajid said the business is often hitting capacity.Melissa Erikson has been doing stand up comedy for two years and began hosting the Friday open-mic nights at Elis for around a year ago. She became interested in Elis after seeing it was not only a queer place but owned by a queer person, which are to her as a trans woman.Queer spaces are so important to me to feel safe, to see myself reflected in my story, reflected in other people, to know that Im less alone, she said. Im turning 30 this year, but especially when I was younger, being in spaces like that [was] probably a little life-saving for me I can say in many ways. And now theyre just life-affirming.Even when shes tired after long weeks, Erikson said her mood does a total 180 after attending the Friday events and spending time with the community. She said every week, she sees people exchanging art and numbers, complimenting each other and forming relationships.Open-mic nights are one of Eli Tea Bars signature events, drawing in a variety of patrons to watch or perform. Photo courtesy of Eli Majid Open-mic nights are one of Eli Tea Bars signature events, drawing in a variety of patrons to watch or perform. Photo: Eli Majid The Chicago shop has been growing, gaining more business and revenue every year, Majid said. He also thinks that the rise of people becoming sober-curious during and post-peak pandemic has added to the desire for non-alcoholic spaces. Theyre also looking to have more dynamic social lives with nighttime options besides going to bars.What were doing did not exist when I was in college, he said. What were doing did not exist 10 years ago, five years ago and whatnot I think the bars will always have a place in the queer community, and I love going out too. But what people are seeking now is theyre seeking more quiet spaces. Theyre seeking introvert-friendly spaces. Theyre really interested in being nerds.Hes also open to ideas from the communitytarot events, writing fun PowerPoints, anything slow fun, living room fun. He said theyre always looking for new events to cater to different parts of the community.Although Majid said he doesnt have any sort of metrics he uses to gauge success, hes busy every night. And while other Chicago business owners he knew were telling him about down in sales this past winter, Elis Tea Shop surpassed all its sales goals. Theres no expansion plans currently in place, but he said the team is always keeping [its] eyes open.We are proof of the concept that a sober space is needed, he said. We have lots of programming. We have a diverse amount of customersevery age, every cultural background. And its authentically forming.///For my fellowship between Comcast NBCUniversal and Windy City Times, I often focus on queer entrepreneurs and creatives here in Chicago. This month, I got to speak to the lovely Eli Majid, owner of Andersonvilles Elis Tea Bar.The shop has quickly become a bit of a non-alcoholic queer haven during its nearly three yearsalthough this wasnt something Majid predicted when he opened in Chicago, hes happy to see it grow in this way.Over time, hes added in community-driven or suggested events, which have become some of the driving forces of his business. Whether thats open mic nightsI also speak to trans open mic host Melisa Erikson about her experience performing in a safe queer spaceto writing groups and more, theres something for everyone. And theyre always looking for community input on future events.One of the main themes throughout Elis Tea Bars story is how its become the much-needed spot for slower-paced queer activities. During our interview, Majid asked me if I had a place like that to go to in collegeI didnt, my first real experience in the queer community in the city was going to the bars when I was 21, and he felt similarly.Bars will always have a place in the queer community, but the tea bar is, in Majids words, carving out a niche that didnt exist years ago.If youre looking to visit, Elis Tea Bar hosts weekly trivia nights Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m., art nights Thursdays at 8 p.m. and open mic nights Fridays at 8 p.m. You can also check out their events page to find other specific activities coming up, or just head up to Andersonville to sample their wide variety of teas.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post Elis Tea Bar continues to grow as a Chicago non-alcoholic queer haven appeared first on News Is Out.

Looking to make your holiday shopping more meaningful and delicious this year? The Queer Food Foundation (QFF) has just come out with their 2024 Gift Guide, featuring over 90 queer-owned brands in the food and beverage world. This guide created by LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, offers everything from artisanal snacks and beverages to foodie experiences and cookbooks.QFFs mission is to spotlight the innovative LGBTQ+ individuals who make up every layer of the food systemchefs, cookbook authors, farmworkers, and hospitality experts alike. According to Vanessa Parish, QFFs co-founder, the guide isnt just about giftsits about creating space and visibility for a community that often goes underappreciated. We created this guide to spotlight the incredible work of queer food and beverage makers, which often goes unrecognized in mainstream gift guides. Our mission is to provide a space that values the contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals and creates meaningful connections within the food industry.The QFF Gift Guide is packed with delicious options for gifting (or filling your own stocking). Here are a few of the brands and creators featured:Ashley Christensen, James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Pooles Diner in Raleigh, NC.Dominique Leach, the BBQ queen behind Lexington Betty Smokehouse in Chicago.Pipcorn Heirloom Snacks, co-founded by Jennifer Martin and loved for its innovative flavors and sustainable ingredients.Couplet Coffee, a brand founded by Gefen Skolnick thats all about great coffee and uplifting marginalized voices.The Queer Food Foundation isnt just about tasty gifts; its part of a larger movement to uplift trans and queer voices in the food world. Since its founding in 2020, QFF has distributed over $40,000 to Black queer and trans individuals experiencing food insecurity and awarded $12,000 in community grants. The foundation also partners with organizations like the James Beard Foundation and OpenTable to push for equity and inclusion in the industry. By shopping the Gift Guide, youre directly supporting these efforts and helping to create a more inclusive food system.The post Celebrate the holidays by supporting queer-owned food brands appeared first on News Is Out.

In the 80s, HIV devastated the public, particularly the gay community, and a positive test often rendered a death sentence. Society treated HIV-positive people as outcasts, shunned by the stigma that came with the virus and fueled fears about casual contact.Fast-forward to today, and the landscape has shifted. On the brink of 2025, HIV prevention and treatment options like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which include oral pills or bi-monthly shots, have reduced HIV risk by 99% sexually and 74% through drug exposure.Even if someone contracts HIV today, antiretroviral therapy (ART) offers a way to bring viral levels down to an undetectable level, meaning the virus becomes untransmittable. This concept, known as Undetectable equals Untransmittable or U=U, has emerged as a rallying cry for change. At the forefront of this movement is Bruce Richman, founder of the Prevention Access Campaign (PAC), whose work has transformed U=U into a global movement thats changed millions of lives and challenged decades of stigma and fear.A lifelong commitment to social justiceRichmans mother shaped his values and passion for advocacy during his upbringing. Prior to founding PAC, he dedicated his career to developing social solutions and impact-driven projects, working with prominent public figures and corporations to create positive change.But in 2003, Richmans life took a sharp turn when he, himself, contracted HIV. I thought Id never have a future where I could experience love and intimacy without fear, he admits. His outlook changed in 2012 when his doctor informed him that because his HIV was undetectable, he couldnt transmit the virus to anyone else. It was life-changing, he says. I realized I could have a future filled with love and connection, free from the stigma and fear Id carried for years.Bruce Richman. Photo: Prevention AccessAlong with this revelation, Richman was frustrated by medical and public health establishments professionals hesitancy to share the information publiclydespite the growing scientific evidencedue to concern about potential confusion or a rise in other STIs. Richman recognized the disconnect between what science had proven and what people living with HIV were being told, which sparked the fire that led to the U=U campaign.Mobilizing a movement for changeIn 2015, Richman took a leap of faith and left his work with clients to create PAC and develop U=U into a global campaign. I used my white male privilege to get in the door, he says. The science was there, but there was a real hesitancy to share it with people. He made it his mission to make U=U a widely recognized reality that could empower people with HIV to live free of the stigma they had carried for too long.Medical experts remained cautious, often only sharing U=U with patients they deemed responsible or able to understand. They also withheld the information from marginalized communities. I really got to see discrimination in our field, especially the way that people of color and other marginalized communities were being treated, he says.Over the last decade, Richman and PAC have worked to educate and mobilize, partnering with researchers, clinicians, and activists to create a 2016 consensus statement confirming that undetectable viral loads cannot transmit HIV. This breakthrough moment led to a surge in advocacy, with PAC and activists pressuring major health organizations like the CDC, UNAIDS, and the World Health Organization to adopt U=U as part of their public health messaging.A global movementToday, U=U has become a global movement, with people around the world embracing the message. From soccer tournaments in Nigeria to musical performances in Myanmar, U=U has transcended borders and become a symbol of hope and empowerment. People are tattooing U=U on their bodies, hosting U=U summer camps, dancing and marching in the streets Its become a real movement, says Richman.Despite the campaigns successes, challenges remain. In the US, only around 57% of people with HIV are at U=U, and only 54% of people with HIV understand or believe in U=U.The disparities become more pronounced in marginalized communities, where access to healthcare and education remains a barrier. Richman highlights the disproportionate impact on Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities which are often overlooked due to systemic inequities.The power of communityThe resilience and strength of the HIV-positive community keep Richman fighting for change. The power of our community when we mobilize and work together is extraordinary, he says. He emphasizes that it was the community that pushed for change, not just scientists and policymakers. We changed the way public health communication got out to the world. We confirmed the science, and then we pushed all these agencies to change their messaging.As the world moves closer to 2025, Richman remains hopeful but realistic about the work ahead. Were not on track to eliminate new transmissions by 2030, but we could be, he says. The key, he believes, is ensuring that people with HIV have access to the treatment and care they need to achieve undetectable status. Its a win-win for everyone. When people with HIV are on treatment, we stay healthy, and no ones going to get HIV from us.For those fearful of the future, Richman offers a message of resilience: We are a strong community. Weve overcome so much, and this is just a speed bump on a long journey. We just have to stay in it together Theres nothing we cant do when we unite.U=U stands as a story of transformation for individuals and the global community rallying around hope and empowerment. Its a movement built on love, truth, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves access to accurate information and compassionate care. As Richman and the Prevention Access Campaign look toward the future, they hope that by continuing to spread the message, more people will come to understand that HIV is no longer a barrier to living a full and fulfilling life.The post How U=U is transforming HIV stigma and empowering a global movement appeared first on News Is Out.

Just a day after Speaker of the House Mike Johnson told reporters, I believe its a command we treat all persons with dignity and respect, he has officially banned elected transgender congresswomen Sarah McBride and any trans staff from using a bathroom that doesnt correspond with their assigned gender at birth. All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildingssuch as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker roomsare reserved for individuals of that biological sex, Johnson said in a statement. It is important to note that each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol. Women deserve womens only spaces.This announcement comes after Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.)proposed a resolutionon Monday that would bar transgender people from using a bathroom that align with their gender identity, and just over two weeks after the nations first transgender member of Congress, Sarah McBride of Delaware, was duly elected by her constituents in an overwhelming victory. News is Out will continue to bring you updates on this developing story. The post Speaker Mike Johnson bans trans people from using bathrooms matching their gender identity on Capitol Hill appeared first on News Is Out.

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) proposed a resolution on Monday that would bar transgender people from using a bathroom that does not correspond with their gender assigned at birth. This would include Maces future colleague, the recently elected Sarah McBride of Delaware. McBride made history as the first openly transgender person to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution proposed by Mace calls for, prohibiting Members, officers, and employees of the House from using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex, and for other purposes. Whereas allowing biological males into single-sex facilities, such as restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms designed for women, jeopardizes the safety and dignity of Members, officers, and employees of the House who are female.The Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives would be responsible for enforcing the ban if passed. McBride responded to the proposed resolution on social media, saying, Every day Americans go to work with people who have life journeys different than their own and engage with them respectfully, I hope members of Congress can muster that same kindness. This is a blatant attempt from far right-wing extremists to distract from the fact that they have no real solutions to what Americans are facing, McBride continued. We should be focused on bringing down the cost of housing, health care, and child care, not manufacturing culture wars. Delawareans sent me here to make the American dream more affordable and accessible and thats what Im focused on.While speaking to reporters, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson responded to questions about the proposed resolution. I believe its a command we treat all persons with dignity and respect. We will, Johnson said. Im not going to engage in silly debates about this. Theres a concern about the use of restroom facilities and locker rooms and all that. This is an issue that Congress has never had to address before. Were going to do that in a deliberate fashion with member consensus on it. We will accommodate the needs of every single person.Bathroom bills targeting trans and gender nonconforming people are nothing new. While just a few years ago, these laws were typically unpopular with constituents, they have gained ground under the more recent anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and attacks. Just last week, lawmakers in Ohio attached a bathroom ban amendment to SB 104 (College Credit Plus Program). The bill passed the Senate and now awaits Gov. Mike DeWines signature. The post Rep.Nancy Maceintroduces Capitol Hill bathroom bill days after first trans Congress member elected appeared first on News Is Out.

In todays digital world, technology is transforming how people connect and support each other. For LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, creating safe spaces online has become more crucial than ever. In the wake of the political uncertainty surrounding a second Trump presidency, these spaces offer a lifeline for those who feel targeted or threatened by policies and rhetoric that undermine their rights. Online communities allow people to share their experiences, find emotional support, and connect with others who understand their struggles.With many feeling uncertain about the future, these virtual networks are vital for maintaining a sense of belonging, empowerment, and solidarity. As we recover from the election, online community building is at the forefront of social media, making it an essential area of focus for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC activists.Why safe spaces matterLGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals often face discrimination, exclusion, and isolation in many areas of life, which makes safe spacesboth physical and digitalcrucial for mental health and well-being.South Florida community artist,Symphonii Smith-Kennedyshares, Personally, I feel like because I have lived in conservative spaces, whether it be my family or my schools in Florida that didnt really understand and actively shunned queerness, I found a sense of relief and normalcy by finding my online community, especially during times of isolation like [during the] COVID [pandemic].For many, virtual spaces allow them to access communities that embrace their queerness, especially when physical spaces fall short.How technology helps people connectSocial media platforms, online forums, and mobile apps play a significant role in helping LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals find each other and build lasting connections. For example, platforms likeRedditandTumblrallow users to share their stories and ask for advice anonymously. Apps likeHERandGrindrare not only spaces for dating but also facilitate celebration of identities and connections among people in local marginalized communities.Technology has broken down geographical barriers, allowing people to find and create communities where they feel accepted and understood. This is particularly impactful for individuals who may live in areas with limited local support, as they can still find solidarity and support online.Smith-Kennedy says, The connection didnt die because I had the internet to stay in contact.This shows how crucial virtual spaces are in maintaining bonds despite geographical and political divides. With the political landscape becoming increasingly polarized, virtual communities are more important than ever in ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and supported.Accessing resources and supportBeyond connection, virtual safe spaces also provide essential resources. Organizations likeThe Trevor ProjectandHuman Rights Campaignhave built online systems offering crisis intervention, mental health resources, and educational materials tailored specifically for LGBTQ+ youth and BIPOC individuals. These platforms are particularly crucial as traditional support systems often fail to address the unique needs of these communities.Lu Calzada, an Editorial Fellow atWindy City Timessays, I was able to access so many mental health and educational resources that way, and it helped me realize that nothing was wrong with me for being queerinstead, queerness was normalized.Calzadas experience underscores the power of online resources in validating marginalized identities, particularly during politically charged times.Facing challengesWhile virtual safe spaces provide many benefits, they also come with challenges. Online harassment, doxxing (sharing private information such as addresses and phone numbers), and the spread of misinformation can create unsafe environments for users. Community rules, proper moderation, anddigital security measuresare necessary to keep these digital spaces positive and welcoming for all.Additionally, not all individuals haveequal access to technology, which can limit the reach of these resources. This is especially true in low-income BIPOC communities, where there are significant barriers to internet access. As the digital divide continues to affect marginalized communities, it is critical to ensure that all people have access to the tools needed to participate in online support networks and activism, particularly with the upcoming elections, where the role of digital organizing will be central.The future of virtual safe spacesLooking ahead, the role of virtual safe spaces will continue to expand, especially as digital advocacy and activism become more ingrained in the fight for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC rights. The growth of social media communities during election cycles highlights how technology can facilitate large-scale engagement, mobilization, and support. With platforms likeTikTokandInstagrambecoming spaces for LGBTQ+ visibility and activism, there is significant potential to use these platforms to further foster community-building and amplify marginalized voices.By continuing to leverage technology for inclusivity and safe spaces, there is hope for creating a more connected and supportive future for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. These spaces provide not only refuge but also a powerful tool for advocacy, helping to shape a more inclusive political landscape during critical times.As technology continues to evolve, it has the potential to further break down barriers and ensure that safe, inclusive spaces remain accessible. We are approaching a significant political moment, and its crucial that we continue to embrace the power of technology in building and sustaining supportive communities that promote diversity, acceptance, and empowerment for all.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post BIPOC LGBTQ+ folks are creating virtual support networks post election appeared first on News Is Out.

From ancient Egypt to modern Oak Lawn, people of color have celebrated expansive gender identities and same-sex relationships. In the 16th century, the first documented enslaved transgender African woman, Victoria, refused to compromise her identities. And in 2024, Black trans Texas drag queens are doing the same.Life experiences for queer people of color vary greatly, but they all have one thing in common: intersectionality.In 1989,Kimberl Crenshaw, a Black legal scholar and civil rights advocate,coined the term intersectionalityto describe how multiple forms of oppression can compound and create unique experiences for people who have multiple minority identities.DeAne Kennedy, a 26-year-old queer Black woman and founder of theDallas Black Queer Collective, said that she and her friends refer to her intersectional identities as a triple whammy.Im Black; Im queer, and Im a woman, she said. Its hard to feel safe in a lot of spaces with all of those identities in play.She said that she doesnt feel like she has to pick an identity, but she found that in all-Black spaces and in all-LGBTQ+ spaces, she didnt feel like she could comfortably express all of her identities authentically.Im a dark-skinned Black woman, she said. Something that happens a lot in queer spaces is the hyper-masculinization of Black women in general, and especially if youre queer.People have misgendered me instead of asking me my pronouns. I could be wearing the same clothes as a white or Latin woman, but because Im Black, people think Im trans because of what Im wearing.A 2020 Center for American Progress surveyshows that Black LGBTQ+ people consistently change their behavior to avoid potentially harmful experiences:Nearly one in three report avoiding public spaces such as stores or restaurants to avoid experiencing discrimination; two in five have moved away from family to prevent discriminatory experiences; and one in five avoid travel. They are also more likely than their white counterparts to experience discrimination within LGBTQ spaces.The survey also noted that Black LGBTQ+ people face disproportionate levels of discrimination ranging from more frequent police interactions to mistreatment in the workplace to discriminatory treatment from health care providers.Betty Neal, a 67-year-old Black gay woman from Dallas, worked as a club manager, promoter, emcee and DJ at clubs in the gayborhood starting in the 1980s. The self-proclaimed OD, original dyke recounted that queer people of color needed multiple forms of ID to get into bars at the time.It wasnt happening to me directly because I was in the inner circle as the first Black lesbian who worked in the gay bars in Dallas, she said. But it was happening to my friends who were trying to get in.Jesus Chairez, the 71-year-old gay Latino godfather of Dallas, was 27 years old when he moved to Oak Lawn, and he remembers going to meet a date at a bar in the neighborhood shortly after moving there. Id heard that people of color and especially Black people were always asked for three picture IDs, Chairez said. And his ID wasnt good enough to get him in the club, he remembers the bouncer saying.I didnt think much of it until, as I was leaving the bar, I heard the doorman tell the cashier, Thats another Mexican down. I was horrified, Chairez said.He said he spoke to the president of the Dallas Gay Alliance, but the president said his situation wasnt something they could get involved in. In the 1970s and 80s, Chairez addedm DGA was prominent in fighting LGBTQ+ discrimination that came from outside the community but often turned a blind eye to discrimination within the gay community.There were no gay Latino organizations for me to go to, so I joined LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) and met other gay Latinos, Chairez said. I learned how to organize. I formed the Gay and Lesbian Hispanic Coalition de Dallas in 1982, which was the second gay Latino organization in Texas.He said the group, which hosted workshops and raised money to fight the AIDS crisis, expanded to San Antonio, El Paso and Austin and then went national. Jose Plata, the first openly gay person elected to the Dallas school board, was an original member of the Dallas organization.In 1988, Bamboleos opened as the first gay Latino bar in the gayborhood. Chairez said that a bar for queer Latinos was needed because his community often felt discriminated against in Dallass mainstream, mainly white bars.Sometimes, when I am talking to an older Caucasian gay man about the problems with the bars in the 70s and early-to-mid-80s,I get the remark, I never have had any of those problems, Chairez said. I then tell them, The reason you never experienced this problem is because you are white.It is called white privilege.Neal said the music she was allowed to play in the bars back then was limited: In a lesbian bar in the late 80s, an owner told me not to play any Black stuff, Neal recalled. As soon as she left, I started playing Salt-N-Pepa, and the crowd loved it. The owner came back in, heard what I was playing, took my record and threw it across the room.Ever since then, I insisted on playing what I wanted to play.Neal said that when Black music was becoming more mainstream, clubs would play the songs to a house beat instead of a hip-hop beat to appease owners.We started seeing more and more Black gay people coming out, so we opened up Raps to give them a space that would be more welcoming, she said. I brought in Black drag queens from Atlanta and Houston, and people loved them.Neal also said she watched one of her friends lose gigs in the gayborhood because the crowd got too Black.Owners thought the white crowd would leave if Black people were in their bars, but slowly and surely, when white kids started listening to hip-hop, the bars naturally integrated, Neal said.Tamera Hutcherson, a pansexual, bi-racial and Black 29-year-old campaign strategist, said that while she doesnt experience overt racism inside the LGBTQ+ community, she has seen the prevalence of subtle anti-Blackness.We all have our own biases to grow from, they said. The main thing to name is that anti-Blackness is a problem within the LGBTQ+ community. Were all facing oppression, but some more than others because of our race, and we cant pull away from that.Hutcherson said that because she is light-skinned, colorism affords her privileges, and their experience is different from that of a dark-skinned Black person.And because she is cisgender, her experiences differ from that of a Black trans man or woman.I think I have privileges that Black gay men dont have because, within the Black community, there is an extreme sense of homophobia and transphobia, she said. I cant pinpoint why that is, but I think it stems from our history. I think it goes back to the Atlantic Slave Trade and the [emasculation] of Black men.But that is a tough topic to talk about in the Black community.Kennedy said that it can feel frustrating when intersectional oppression happens in what are supposed to be safe spaces.Thats how the Collective was born, she said. I didnt feel safe in Black straight spaces, and I encountered racism in LGBTQ spaces. Its shocking to experience oppression from other oppressed groups, and its often disguised, which can make you question if its really happening.Kennedy said that in 2024, she brought her mom to an LGBTQ+ mixer, and her mom noticed something strange: She noticed that I was being blatantly ignored, like people were scared to interact with me, Kennedy said. She called it out before I did, and for someone outside the community to see that covert racism so clearly, she understood why I needed to create the Collective.Kennedy said that when she was traveling in Europe, a woman invited her to a Black queer collective event, and they talked about how to navigate anger as people with intersecting identities.I remember being so moved by it, and I was like, Dallas needs this, a space for Black queer folk to come together. Queer people are not just nightlife, and were not just who we have sex with. We need a space for this, especially for people who are quiet and queer.Kennedy came back to Dallas and started the Dallas Black Queer Collective in February 2024. She said the first event was a mixer, and she expected five people, but more than 15 showed up. From there, it kept doubling in size.Its a big thing for me that people feel like they belong to something, she said. I find people who have such a light about them have been through some of the darkest things, and Ive experienced a lot of loneliness. I try to make sure people dont ever experience the loneliness Ive felt.To combat collective loneliness, Kennedy said its important that people feel seen. She said that its been overwhelming to have people come up to her at Collective events and tell her that theyfeel seen.People overwhelmingly tell me that they need the Collective, she said. Ive seen Black gay or lesbian groups, but I wanted to come up with a community space that could hold all Black queer people. Whether youre nonbinary, questioning or know your identity in great detail, you can exist in this space, and that was my intention when creating it.She said the Collective is open to allies as long as people understand that the group centers Black queer voices.Its been very rewarding to engage with other Black queer individuals and ultimately feel seen.Tamera HutchersonHutcherson said that queer people of color need their own spaces, as many LGBTQ+ groups in Dallas dont have Black representation.We want groups that would center our own experience, and I think its important for affinity spaces to exist for our own well-being and healing, they said.One group Hutcherson has found safety in is the Dallas Black Queer Collective.Its been very rewarding to engage with other Black queer individuals and ultimately feel seen, she said. Throughout history we have seen the erasure of Black queer people. Being seen and having fundamental rights is important to the safety of the LGBTQ BIPOC community.The Collective has partnered with local Dallas organizations like Resource Center and Oak Cliff Veggie Project to host mutual aid and social events. Some events include a Black queer woman-directed short film showing, community garden harvesting, yoga classes, a beauty expo with BIPOC queer beauty vendors and social mixers every last Wednesday of each month.Kennedy said that the Collective hosts three or more monthly events, and 30 people or more show up consistently. There are 100 people on the email list, and a thousand people follow the Collectives page on Instagram.Im Dallas born and raised, so to be doing something like this in my hometown where I was too afraid to come out when I was younger, its crazy, Kennedy said. I think within the Dallas LGBTQ community, we have some work to do, and I believe that change is coming soon.It sucks that I felt the need to do this because I was experiencing racism, but Im happy the Collective is here now.Liquor Mini, a 51-year-old gay Mexican-American man, drag queen and show director at Hamburger Marys, has been playing in drag for 25 years.I think most people assume that Im white, she said. In drag, they see me as a rich white woman. Racism within the LGBTQ community has affected my friends, especially my trans friends, more than its affected me.She said that while racism and stereotyping hasnt personally affected her, she knows it is a reality for some LGBTQ+ people of color, and she takes that into account when developing a cast for drag shows. She said that there are certain venues that have an all-POC cast and others that have all-white casts.Its important for me as a show director to represent all of the community, Mini said. I make sure to book trans people, people of color and white people in my cast. Its important that people in the audience see themselves represented on stage.Liquor Mini said when she moved to Dallas in 2005, the bar scene was racially integrated, but there were and still are bars that cater to specific demographics.If youre Latin, youre gonna go to Caliente or Havana, she said. If youre Black, youre going to go to Martys or Vegas. I can go to any bar and feel safe and welcomed, but certain races go to certain places because thats where their tribe is.Hutcherson said that when creating a presentation on Black queer history, she felt pride and pain in learning about her ancestry.Our ideas of gender and our conceptualization of pronouns have been instilled in us over time through religion, colonization and socialization, she said. Trans people have existed for centuries, same-sex relationships have existed for centuries, and people like to act like they havent. It was both painful and full of pride, learning that even before my ancestors were chained and brought over to this country, queer Black people existed.She said that even when shes been in relationships with queer men of color, shes found that stereotypes about queer Black women pervade.They make these assumptions about me that I might be more sexually promiscuous or sexually open for their own entertainment, Hutcherson said. I know Im not the only queer woman of color who has had to deal with this kind of fetishization and hypersexualization.Chairez said that growing up, his family worked hard to assimilate into whiteness. But as an adult, he embraced his Mexican culture. His radio show,Sin Fronteras, was the first and longest-running LGBTQ+ bilingual Latino radio show not only for Dallas, but in the USA. It ran for 12 years.As an artist, Chairez advocated for showings of Latino art outside of Hispanic Heritage Month and Cinco de Mayo. And as a writer, he wrote about art and culture from a Latino perspective.I have embraced the experience I have been given and still do, he said. That evening in Oak Lawn woke up the activism in me, something that still continues today, some 44 years later.Neal said that in the 90s, clubs became more diverse, and they would host nights exclusively playing Black music. In the early 2000s, she said, being gay became more accepted, and more people felt comfortable coming out.Ive seen the culture change to where Black people can go anywhere, even the Round-Up, now, Neal said. The problem has subsided, but at the same time, theyre not going to give us too much, because they fear what comes with a crowd of African-Americans.Neal said that stereotypes in the LGBTQ+ community against Black folks have pervaded the culture for decades. She said people think that Black people are more likely to fight, bring in their own liquor and dont tip the staff.And these stereotypes have led to the removal of Black nights in bars.If someone fights at or brings liquor into a bar, that can be a real problem for the venue, and those people should get kicked out. But making an entire community suffer for the actions of a few people doesnt make sense, Neal said.Neal said that, ultimately, she set herself up to be friends with the owners and fight racism from the inside, sticking up for people of color when she saw discrimination happening.As Black people, we had to liberate the businesses, she said. We paved the way. Some of us made change from the outside, and some of us made change from the inside. This new generation doesnt know the struggles weve gone through to make the scene as welcoming as it is now.Chairez said hes watched racism in the LGBTQ+ community evolve and lessen over the years. He said while he doesnt frequent the bars in Oak Lawn anymore, he visited in March 2024.I was amazed to see many women, drag queens, trans and many African-Americans and Latinos all young, hanging out having a good time all enjoying each others company, Chairez said.No more three picture IDs required to keep us out, as we had now taken over, he continued. Bar owners now seem very accepting. I guess they had to change their attitude if they wanted their business to survive.Neal echoed Chairezs sentiment: Im really proud of the gay bars in Oak Lawn for growing with us, growing with the community and not being so exclusive. I know the owners now, and they dont have a racist bone in their bodies. They dont care what color you are, as long as you follow the rules.Mini said that since the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, companies are more focused on DEI, ensuring that theyre hitting the mark when it comes to making people of color feel included.Being a part of the LGBTQ community, its important that we dont separate ourselves from others within our community, Mini said, Especially right now, when our rights could be at risk again as gay people, people of color and women, its more important than ever to be unified, to include everyone, no matter your race, religion, sexuality or gender identity.If we stick together, we live in a safer space.The post Intersectionality in action: Creating safe spaces for queer people of color appeared first on News Is Out.

In recent days, President-elect Donald Trump has been announcing his choices for U.S. Cabinet positions. Heres a look at their track records on LGBTQ+ rights.Director Of National Intelligence: Tulsi GabbardGabbard served as U.S. representative for Hawaiis 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021 as a Democrat and was vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. She ran for president in 2020 and in 2022 announced she was leaving the Democratic Party. Early in her career, she worked with her father, Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard, to oppose same-sex marriage, but later expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community. However, in 2020, she introduced the Protect Womens Sports Act, which would bar transgender women from participating in athletics, and in 2022 she supported Floridas Parental Rights in Education Act, known as the Dont Say Gay bill.Secretary Of State: Marco RubioRubio has served as a senator from Florida since 2011 and, prior to that, was a member of the Florida House of Representatives. He ran for president in 2016 but ultimately endorsed Trump. Rubio is anti-abortion, supporting a ban even in cases of rape and incest. He has supported anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, referred to the Respect for Marriage Act as a stupid waste of time, and earned a zero on the Human Rights Campaign Congressional Scorecard. Rubio also used a drag queen in an attack ad without permission, opposed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and supported Floridas Dont Say Gay law.Attorney General: Matt GaetzGaetz earned a zero from the HRC for his time in the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida. He has clashed with fellow Republican leaders, including filing a resolution to remove then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Gaetz has voted against the Equality Act and Respect for Marriage Act, and during his Republican National Convention speech, he said that while Trump was in office, we prospered, we were richer, inflation was low, and there were two genders. Gaetz was under investigation for sex trafficking and statutory rape starting in 2020, though he denied all accusations, and the initial investigation was concluded in 2023. However, the House Ethics Committee reopened the investigation. Gaetz resigned from the House days before the investigations supposed report was due to come out.Homeland Security Adviser And Deputy Chief Of Staff For Policy: Stephen MillerLongtime Trump adviser Miller runs the America First Legal organization, which opposes the radical lefts anti-jobs, anti-freedom, anti-faith, anti-borders, anti-police, and anti-American crusade. Several America First Legal staff were involved in writing the Heritage Foundations Project 2025. Miller was also involved in anti-trans campaign ads run across the country during Trumps recent campaign.Department Of Government Efficiency: Elon Musk And Vivek RamaswamyBillionaire Tesla and X owner Musk and former presidential candidate Ramaswamy will share the role of head of the new Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.Since Musks takeover of X (formerly Twitter) in 2022, previously banned accounts, such as those of Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Andrew Tate, were reinstated. LGBTQ+ X users expressed concerns about the platforms shift in tone and reduced protections, as Musk deemed the term cis a slur. Musk, the father of an estranged transgender daughter, often voices concerns about gender-affirming care and diversity initiatives. He also founded America PAC, which donated over $100 million to support Trump in the latter part of his campaign.Ramaswamy, a businessman, has supported candidates from various parties. In 2024, he ran for president, finishing fourth in the primaries before endorsing Trump. He has likened being transgender to a mental health disorder and signaled support for banning transgender health care for minors.Secretary Of Defense: Pete HegsethU.S. Army veteran and Fox News host and pundit, Hegseth opposes women in combat, calling it a complication that means casualties are worse. He also opposes trans service members claiming the military is pushing boundaries and lots of different levels that are different than that because men and women are different, because being transgendered in the military causes complications and differences.National Security Adviser: Mike WaltzWalz currently serves in the U.S. House of Representative for Floridas 6th district, taking over Ron DeSantis in 2019. In 2022, Walz broke ranks along with 46 other Republicans and voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, codifying the right to same-sex marriage in federal law.Homeland Security Secretary: Kristi NoemNoem has been active in politics since 2007, serving as a representative in South Dakotas legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives and is currently the governor of South Dakota. She opposed same-sex marriage when it became the law of the land in 2015 and signed a religious refusal bill to allow businesses to refuse services to LGBTQ+ people based on religious grounds.UN Ambassador: Elise StefanikStefanik has served in the U.S. House for New Yorks 21st district since 2015. She initially supported the Equality Act in 2019 but changed her vote in 2021. Stefanik also joined fellow Trump appointee Mike Waltz in voting for the Respect for Marriage Act.The post How do Trumps cabinet picks fare on LGBTQ+ issues? appeared first on News Is Out.

Since the election, I havent been sleeping much, and I know Im not alone.When it became clear that Donald Trumpconvicted felon, opponent of LGBTQ+ rights, and found liable of sexual abusehad won the election, many queer people feared the worst. The Trevor Project reported a 700% increase in use of their crisis services by November 6, and a staggering 90% of LGBTQ+ youth said that the election was having a negative impact on their well-being.Considering that Trump and Vance spent much of the election cycle targeting the queer community, this reaction isnt surprising. After all, the infamous Project 2025 has been making the rounds for months, and with a Republican-run Senate as well as a conservative Supreme Court, its no wonder that people are worried.Its easy to feel powerless in a country that seems to care more about their pocketbook than protecting those from marginalized communities. Its easy to feel hopeless when it seems like things are just getting worse. But giving up is exactly what they want.Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize-winning author Elie Wiesel once said that, Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere.Now is not the time to be silent.Now is the time to act.Its once again time to ACT UPThere is perhaps nothing more American than engaging in civil disobedience. From the Boston Tea Party to the Greensboro Four Sit-In, the United States has been founded and shaped by those who exercised their rights to make their voice heard.While theres no correct way to go about protesting injustice, looking back at successful campaigns for social change such as those led by the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP) is a great place to start. ACT UP describes themselves as united in anger and committed to direct action to end the AIDS crisis. Though the group remains active today, it is perhaps best known for its protests in the 1980s and 1990s during the AIDS Epidemic.The group became famous for its Silence=Death posters, which depict an upward-facing pink triangle. The impactful image took its inspiration from the Holocaust, where upside down pink triangles were used to dehumanize gay prisoners of concentration camps. The creators hoped to signal the need for those in the LGBTQ+ community to speak up while simultaneously calling for political action and social change from those outside the community. Ultimately, it became such an iconic image that even decades later, this message is still a familiar (and deeply relevant) one today.What We Can Learn From ACT UPFocus your message: Its easy to get bogged down by the weight of all of the different problems in this country, but one thing that made ACT UP in the 80s and 90s so effective was their focus. Every action taken was to end the AIDs crisis, and the most successful protests all had clear focuses that could easily be communicated to the public and officials. Despite there being plenty of other issues that ACT UP members cared deeply about related to the LGBTQ+ community, the organizations commitment to one clear goal made it deeply effective.Give specific, actionable demands: Whenever a protest happened, ACT UP came with a list of clear goals that they hoped to accomplish. For instance, during the 1987 Wall Street Protest, ACT UP disrupted rush hour traffic in order to demand that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) shorten drug approval time so that those who were already infected with HIV could benefit from newer treatments. Shortly after, the FDA shortened the approval time from nine years to two and by 1990 had created a parallel track for medications treating life-threatening conditions such as HIV.Similarly, in 1989, ACT UP led the New York Stock Exchange Protest, which disrupted the opening bell of the Stock Exchange for the first time in history. At the time, AZT was the only available treatment for AIDS, and the company who owned it, Burroughs Wellcome, took advantage by keeping the price sky-high. Within four days of the protest, the price of AZT had been lowered by 20%.Make it clear who youre demanding change from: Its important to remember that just because someone works for or with a particular entity doesnt mean they actually have the power to influence it. We all need to make a living at the end of the day, and sometimes you have to take the job you can get. Yelling at an entry-level worker isnt going to accomplish much except ruining their (already very long) day. Similarly, demanding change from too large of an entity or too vague, such as the entire U.S. government, makes it easy for everyone to assume its someone elses problem to sort out.The targets for ACT UPs protests were usually the pharmaceutical companies who made drugs to treat HIV/AIDS and the FDA. For instance, in 1988, 1,500 ACT UP protesters seized control of the FDA headquarters and shut down the agency for the day. They held signs like Federal Death Administration and demanded quicker drug approval times for life-saving treatments. By protesting the agency responsible, they ensured that they couldnt be ignored by those with the power to change things for the better.Make sure the media coverage is guaranteed: With endless input from social media, news channels, and the internet at large, it has never been harder to capture the nations attention. However, ACT UPs strategies for getting widespread media coverage are remarkably timeless.Journalist and activist Ann Northrop stated that ACT UPs actions are always, always, always planned to be dramatic enough to capture public attention. They often accomplished this by going where they knew there would already be national focus. For instance, on April 15, 1987, ACT UP descended on the New York City General Post Office. Because so many media outlets were already present to cover last minute tax filers, ACT UP was more or less guaranteed coverage.Another way that ACT UP ensured coverage was by localizing their efforts. For example, during the Seize the FDA protest, ACT UP ensured that they could get local coverage across the nation by positioning protesters with signs that had their cities and a megaphone to communicate their location to journalists.Make your voice heard: If ACT UP can teach us anything, its this: every single voice matters. Some of their most successful protests were nowhere near the largest our country has seen, yet they created specific changes that had life-saving impacts to the queer community.Its easy to get overwhelmed by everything that feels broken. Just remember that its not your job to fix it all. Find the way that you can help your community the most directly, and go from there.You might be amazed to realize what we can accomplish together.To learn more about what ACT UP is doing today, visit actupny.com.The post How the LGBTQ+ community can use the lessons of ACT UP to fight what comes next appeared first on News Is Out.

Following Donald Trumps landslide victory in the 2024 presidential election, many people may be looking to his campaign speeches to understand his position on major issues such as LGBTQ rights.The Republican Partys electoral promises in this area include cutting existing federal funding for gender-affirming care and restricting transgender students participation in sports.Yet as a legal scholar who has written extensively on the history of LGBTQ rights, I have seen that the clearest indication of how a politician will act once in office is not what they promise on the campaign trail. Instead, it is what they have done in the past.Lets examine the records of Trump and the vice president-elect, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio.Trump restricted some LGBTQ rightsTrump and Vance are both relatively new to politics, so their records on LGBTQ rights issues are slim. That said, they have both done enough to qualify them as opponents of LGBTQ rights.Trump enacted two policies restricting LGBTQ rights early in his one term in office. The first was his 2017 executive order Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty, which reinforced that federal law must respect conscience-based objections to comply with the First Amendment. This order indirectly imperiled LGBTQ rights because many LGBTQ rights battles are fought over whether conservative Christian businesses run afoul of anti-discrimination laws when they refuse to serve same-sex couples.A few months later, Trump banned transgender individuals from serving in the U.S. armed forces. He ultimately revoked the directive, implementing instead a new policy that allowed existing transgender soldiers to remain in the military but barred new transgender recruits from enlisting.Trumps judicial appointments during his first term also indirectly affect LGBTQ rights. Of the 234 judges he appointed to the bench between 2017 and 2020, 40% had a demonstrable record of anti-LGBTQ bias, according to a January 2021 analysis by the legal advocacy group Lambda Legal.All these judges, including the three conservative justices Trump added to the U.S. Supreme Court, have lifetime appointments.Vance has opposed trans rightsVance, a one-term senator, has spent much of his short time in office trying to roll back the rights of transgender Americans.Between 2023 and 2024, Vance introduced or sponsored five bills opposing trans rights. One seeks to restrict gender-affirming care for minors by imposing criminal sanctions on doctors who perform such surgeries; another aims to do the same by exposing physicians to civil liability for either prescribing gender affirming hormones or performing surgeries.JD Vance has made rolling back the rights of transgender Americans a centerpiece of his short congressional career. Christian Monterrosa/AFP via Getty ImagesAnother Vance bill would expand health care workers ability to make conscience-based objections to transgender rights. One more would amend Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in education, to limit transgender student participation in athletics.Vance has also tried to pass legislation that would stop the Department of State from issuing passports with an unspecified X gender designation, a policy that launched in 2021. Gender-neutral passports allow transgender, intersex and nonbinary individuals to carry identity documents that reflect their gender identity and avoid what can be significant problems getting through airport security with misgendered IDs.Congress has not voted on any of these proposals. That may change in the next Congress, when Republicans will control the Senate.Anti-trans campaign pledgesThe records of Trump and Vance strongly suggest that they will work to fulfill their campaign pledges to roll back LGBTQ rights, especially transgender rights.At rallies, Trump regularly made false claims like, Your kid goes to school and comes home a few days later with an operation, changing their sex. Vance made similarly untrue allegations, chief among them that teenagers claim to be transgender to be more competitive in college admissions.Trump promised that if he was elected he would cut federal funds for public schools that push gender ideology and keep men out of womens sports. He also pledged to limit access to gender affirming care for transgender youth.On this topic, at least, I trust that the candidates mean what they say.Will same-sex marriage survive a second Trump term?Notably, neither politician seems focused on ending marriage equality.Indeed, early in the race, Trump urged the Republican Party to soften its opposition to same-sex marriage in its policy platform. That move was likely linked to the fact that, although many social conservatives oppose marriage equality, about two-thirds of Americans support marriage equality.It is possible that the Supreme Court, with its Trump-appointed conservative majority, could overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 decision that declared same-sex marriage bans unconstitutional. Justice Clarence Thomas has signaled he is open to revisiting the marriage rights case, including in his concurrence to the 2021 ruling that ended federal abortion protection in the U.S., Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization.Currently, there are no cases pending in lower courts that directly challenge Obergefell. Any case initiated soon could make its way to the Supreme Court in a few years.Over two dozen states still have same-sex marriage bans on the books. They have been unenforceable since 2015, but if the court were to overturn Obergefell, many would come back into effect.This story has been updated to reflect the results of the 2024 election. It was originally published on Oct. 24, 2024.Marie-Amelie George, Associate Professor of Law, Wake Forest UniversityThis article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.The post LGBTQ+ rights: Where Trump and Vancestand appeared first on News Is Out.

The 2025 Grammy Award nominations have been announced, with queer artists front and center in categories like record of the year, album of the year, and song of the year.Chappell Roan, who recently performed a lesbian country song on Saturday Night Live, picked up six nominations: record of the year, album of the year, song of the year, best new artist, best pop solo performance and best pop vocal album.Billie Eilish, who came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community earlier this year, received seven nominations, including album of the year for Hit Me Hard and Soft, song of the year for her hit single Birds of a Feather, and a duet with fellow nominee Charli XCX.Troye Sivan received his third Grammy nomination in two years. His song Get Me Started is nominated for best dance/electronic recording.Out lead singer Rob Halford and metal group Judas Priest earned a nomination for best metal performance for Crown of Thorns.Annie Clark, also known by her stage name St. Vincent, was nominated for best rock song for Broken Man, best alternative music performance for Flea, and best alternative music album.Green Day, whose lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong is openly bisexual, received nominations for best rock song and best rock album.Kehlani, previously nominated in 2016 and 2018, returns this year with three nominations: best progressive R&B album for Crash, a songwriting nomination for After Hours, and best melodic rap performance for Kehlani.Cardi B earned a nomination for best rap performance for Enough (Miami).The Queen Sheba was nominated for best spoken word album for CIVIL WRITES: The South Got Something To Say.The Brothers Osborne, a straight and gay brother duo, scored a nomination for best country duo/group performance for Break Mine, as did Miley Cyrus for her duet with Beyonc, II Most Wanted.For a full list of nominees, click here. The post Chappell Roan, queer artists dominate Grammy nominations appeared first on News Is Out.

Witch. We hear women called this all the time. Sometimes its meant as a substitute for the misogynist b word. But witch is not a benign slur to fling at women. The history of women being called witches is grim. Demonizing, torture and killing of women particularly lesbians or women thought to be lesbians is inextricably tied to being targeted as a witch. Witchcraft and lesbianism are often linked and have been since the days of burning witches at the stake centuries ago.For centuries, women have been accused of being witches an accusation that usually accompanied being unmarried and/or having too many cats. Ohio senator JD Vanceschildless cat ladiesclaim during the election was all about his attempt to target Democrats as anti-family and too gay friendly. Vance included Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg with the ladies, even though Buttigieg is married with two children.Vance stopped short of calling childless cat ladies unnatural, but the implication was clear. And this charge of childlessness has always been one attached to lesbians.Back in 1992, Republican presidential candidate Rev. Pat Robertson famously linked feminism with lesbianism and witchcraft. Robertson, who was a spiritual advisor to Donald Trump when he was president,wrote, The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist and anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians.While Robertsons comments seem extreme, they arent that different from Vances. This thread has run through conservative politics for decades and there has been a direct targeting of LGBTQ+ people in the election. Kamala Harris herself has been called awitch.Lesbian witches have found their way into popular culture, with iconic lesbian witches in TV series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Agatha All Along, but the history is far darker.The Church and WitchcraftWitchcraft was deemed heretical in the 15th century when the Church and the State were inextricable. Over several centuries, women were burned at the stake, pressed to death, drowned and hanged as witches. Most were unmarried and either targeted as lesbians or were in fact lesbians.This demonizing of women particularly single women who were outside social norms or mores is as ancient as witchcraft itself. In 1486, Heinrich Kramer, a German priest who tested women for witchcraft, wrote the Malleus Maleficarum or Hammer of Witches. Two years earlier, Pope Innocent VIII issued a papal bull citing witches and witchcraft as a sin against God and the Church.The Malleus Maleficarum would be used as the primer to torture and kill tens and possibly hundreds of thousands of women throughout Europe during the height of the witch craze between the 16th and 17th centuries.Feminist theorist Andrea Dworkin wrote about Gynocide: The Witches in her groundbreaking bookWoman Hatingin 1974. Dworkin estimated the number of witches killed during what is referred to as the burning times at nine million over 300 years. That number has beenscaled downin the years since Dworkin wrote that treatise to at most, several hundred thousand.Dworkin wrote, Witchcraft was a womans crime. The reality that women were the targets of annihilation for their difference or for their lesbianism was historical fact. Dworkin and other feminist theorists and historians have always maintained that woman-hating/misogyny was at the core of branding women as witches. Being labeled a witch meant a woman could be tortured and killed, usually because she didnt ascribe to her mandated role of heterosexual normativity or because she disobeyed the patriarchal systems of the time, notably the Church and the Crown.While some men were also tortured and killed, male and female historians agree that women outnumbered the victims of the European witch craze 100 to 1. Men were killed predominantly for consorting with witches rather than for being witches themselves.This was true in theSalem Witch Trialsin the American colonies. These trials took place in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693 when a group of girls claimed to be possessed by the devil and accused local women of witchcraft.Modern HistoryFour Latina lesbians Elizabeth Ramirez, Cassandra Rivera, Kristie Mayhugh and Anna Vasquez were accused in 1994 of sexually assaulting Ramirezs young nieces in a Satanic witchcraft ritual.Convicted in 1998, they spent 15 years in prison for a crime they did not commit before finally being released in 2013 and exonerated in December 2016 with a documentary,Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four,about the literal witch hunt against them.Throughout Africa, India and South America, lesbians have been targeted as lesbians. Lesbian witches have beenchained, raped and even murderedby families in Cameroon.Just months ago, Rose Tagnesi,a lesbian teacherin California who was named Administrator of the Year in Special Education in 2022 by the Association of California School Administrators was accused of being a witch. Tagnesi, who was put on leave last year pending an investigation, has filed a lawsuit in which she alleges that board member Jim Kelly referred to Tagnesi and another female staffer as witches who were part of an LGBTQ+ coven.The Killing ContinuesWith women still targeted as witches and still being killed all over the world, some historians argue that pardoning past victims couldend the killings.The 2023 Annual Report of the United Nations Human Rights Council asserts that each year, hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people mostly single women are hurt or killed in sub-Saharan Africa, India and Papua New Guinea because of witchcraft beliefs.One 2020 UN report states at least 20,000 witches were killed across 60 countries between 2009 and 2019. Theactual numberis likely much higher as incidents are severely under-reported.Its still dangerous to be a lesbian in much of the world. And its still possible to be killed for being a witch, because witch hunts were and are all aboutpersecuting the powerless.The post The dark history of Witch as a weapon against LGBTQ+ women appeared first on News Is Out.

LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream gaming is fairly new, but games with queer themes have always existed. Throughout the last decade, dozens of games have been released that include gay, lesbian, and trans characters, among other identities.Today were bringing you a compilation of the most impactful queer stories you can experience in video games, complete with an explanation about each LGBTQ+ character and how their identity impacts the plot. If youd like to play a diverse tale that truly represents who you are, then youre in the right place.The Last Of Us Part 1 A heartbreaking gay romanceThe Last Of Us Part 1 is a post-apocalyptic action game that doesnt shy away from diversity. The main character, Ellie, is a young girl attracted to other women, but her sexuality is explored primarily in DLC and The Last Of Us Part 2. More central to the plot of Part 1, Bill is a gay character who Joel and Ellie work alongside to survive.Although Bills sexuality isnt directly mentioned, you can find hints about his previous relationship with a man named Frank. During the plot, you find Franks dead body while working with Bill, in addition to a note stating that he was angry at Bill for their previous fight, which the couple never had the chance to reconcile.Bill and Frank may be one of the saddest tales of a gay couple in gaming, but their storys subtle impact helps players to understand that LGBTQ+ characters can exist in all genres of media, even where you least expect them. The relationship is further explored in the TV adaptation of The Last Of Us, which shows the progression between the two characters meeting and falling in love.The Last Of Us webpage offers options for buying both games in the series.The Last Of Us Part 2 An action-packed tale of trans youthThe Last Of Us Part 1 features deep representation for the gay and lesbian communities. However, Part 2 also introduces a young trans boy who shaves his head and changes his name from Lily to Lev. Since Lev is part of a religious cult, he initially tries to ignore his gender dysphoria. However, once hes assigned to become an elders wife, he explains his identity to his people, which results in Lev being forced to flee.Eventually, Lev meets protagonist Abby, and they form an ironclad bond. Throughout The Last Of Us Part 2, the narrative delves into Levs identity by exploring his familys perspective and allowing him to live his truth even if it costs Lev his life. The best thing about Lev is that his actor, Ian Alexander, is also a trans person, and he uses his own experiences to add a touch of realism to the fictional characters story.In addition to Lev, The Last Of Us Part 2 includes a diverse cast of characters and relationships. Ellie and Dina are two female characters who are involved with each other romantically, and the writers werent shy in creating scenes that cover queer topics. Both The Last Of Us games were released as PlayStation exclusives; however, Part 1 is now available on PC as well.The Last Of Us Part 2 has its own webpage where you can explore key details about the second iteration in the story.Celeste A trans feminine battle against depressionIf youre looking for an indie game about a trans girl fighting her inner demons, then youre in the right place. Following Madelines path, you must scale a mountain fraught with challenges to eventually make it to the top and overcome her fears.Celeste is a platformer developed by Madeline Thorson, a trans woman. Throughout the plot, Madeline battles negative thoughts from within herself, comparable to what trans people experience in the struggle to accept their identity and transition. Shes chased by a seemingly evil version of herself, only to reconcile with this part to eventually reach the mountains peak and truly gain control of her anxiety and depression.Although Madelines gender identity isnt heavily explored during the plot, its easy to see how the themes in Celeste mirror the experiences of many trans people, which helps spread awareness about the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community as a whole.If youre itching to play this beautiful platformer, you can direct yourself to the Celeste webpage.Life Is Strange A supernatural coming of age story about two queer womenThe first Life Is Strange game is a love letter to youth questioning their sexuality. You play as Max Caulfield as she discovers her new time control powers and potentially her sexuality too. Throughout the story, you meet her male and female love interests but only you have the power to choose which direction Max will take in her romantic life.The narrative primarily revolves around Max and Chloe, her best friend and female love interest. Max and Chloe are both three-dimensional bisexual characters who are in the process of exploring their sexualities. The first Life Is Strange game is renowned for its queer characters and supernatural plot direction, but you can also try Life Is Strange 2 to play a bisexual male character named Sean with a similar diversity of romantic choices.If youre looking for the best lesbian romance in video games, then Life Is Strange is for you. Life Is Strange also has a prequel called Before The Storm, which further explores Chloes relationship with the now-deceased Rachel Amber, whose death is a pivotal plot line in LiS. If youre already a fan of Life Is Strange, what you may not know is that theres a comic book that continues the relationship between Max and Chloe. You can find more information about the comic on the Square Enix website.Visit the Life Is Strange webpage to buy the first game and all other entries in the series. You can also browse the website to find more information about Life Is Strange: Double Exposure, the newest chapter in Maxs story, which is releasing on October 29th, 2024.Tell Me Why A choice-based tale of trans masculinityTell Me Why is similar in narrative to the Life Is Strange franchise. Composed of three chapters, you play as siblings Tyler and Alyson Ronan. Tyler is a trans man who is still in the process of transitioning. The story is set in their small hometown, where you investigate details surrounding their mothers death years after the tragic event took place.Tyler Ronan is one of the first trans male protagonists in a video game to date, and the narrative also makes an effort to explore his sexuality by introducing other characters with a diverse range of attractions.Tell Me Whys narrative is that of a strong trans persons journey into adulthood, which is why its such a fantastic example of queer representation with a gripping story to boot.If youre ready to start a new journey in a virtual world, you can explore the Tell Me Why webpage for purchase options.Undertale A unique story complete with gender nonconformityUndertale was a smash success upon its release in 2015. The story revolves around a gender nonconforming character in their journey to reach the surface. Youll encounter a plethora of LGBTQ+ characters throughout the Underground, such as Alphys or Mad Mew Mew, who acts as an allegory for trans identities.Frisk is perhaps the most notable queer character since theyre the protagonist. Gender-ambiguous and referred to by they/them pronouns throughout the story, Frisk is a quiet child who explores the idea that just like sexuality, gender doesnt have to be pre-set for a main character.There are very few games that offer the ability to play as gender non-conforming characters, so Undertale should be in your backlog if youre looking for a chance to explore a world full of gender diversity and queer themes.Undertales creator, Toby Fox, has also created another game with LGBTQ+ characters called Deltarune. The protagonist is named Kris and also uses they/them pronouns.Visit the Undertale website if you want to start your fantastical adventure today.The Outer Worlds A race through space with queer representation across the boardIf youre itching to play an action-packed adventure with diverse representation then try The Outer Worlds. In this space-themed RPG, you play as whoever you want to, with choices in every dialogue encounter that shape your character into their own person. Although you cant romance other characters, there are an array of interesting individuals youll meet across the Halcyon System that represent sections of the LGBTQ+ community rarely explored in video games.One such example is Parvati, an asexual mechanic and one of the first companions you can recruit. Parvatis asexuality is explored during her companion storyline, but The Outer Worlds does a fantastic job of explaining to players that while shes asexual, shes still romantically attracted to other people. You can even help Parvati with her romantic struggles during a companion quest.The reason that Parvatis sexuality is so extensively explored is because she was partially designed by Kate Dollarhyde, an asexual woman who shared her experiences with the character to help build the best possible representation for the asexual community. Not only does The Outer Worlds contain unique representation, but the characters identities are explored to the fullest extent possible and designed with lived experiences in mind.If youre ready to take on the Halcyon System, you can purchase The Outer Worlds on the Obsidian website.The Elder Scrolls Online A surprising bastion of LGBTQ+ diversityPrevious The Elder Scrolls games allow you to marry the same sex, like Skyrim. However, The Elder Scrolls Online is a giant game with hundreds of quests to complete, so it has its fair share of set queer characters scattered throughout Tamriel. For example, Lord Vivec is a mortal god you meet on Vvardenfell, and if you dive into Elder Scrolls lore, youll find that Vivec is intersex.Perhaps the most in-depth LGBTQ+ character in The Elder Scrolls Online, Alchemy is a trans woman whos a member of the House of Reveries in the Summerset Chapter. During your interactions with Alchemy, youll hear the story of her identity, an explanation of how others in The Elder Scrolls world transition between genders, and even help her share news of the transition with her sister.The inclusion of diverse NPCs in video games is great, but telling thought-provoking stories like that of Alchemys transition is what queer people truly need to feel represented in gaming. Plus, its interesting to hear about how gender transitioning might exist in a fantasy world where technology is replaced by magic, and The Elder Scrolls Online offers a fitting explanation.Unlike many MMOs, you can play this one without a subscription, and you can buy a copy today on The Elder Scrolls Online website.The post Video games with powerful LGBTQ+ representation you should try appeared first on News Is Out.

When it comes to a wealth of experience, subject matter expertise, and an interest in solving a complex problem, entrepreneur Amanda Mandy Ralston fits the bill. Her work offers a unique solution with the potential to improve peoples lives.I dont take myself that seriously, but I do take my ideas very seriously, and most of the work that I do every day is in service of getting those ideas out into the world, said Ralston during an in-person interview with the Bay Area Reporter.Ralston, queer and neurodivergent, is the founder and CEO of NonBinary Solutions, a technology and consulting firm, and shes on a mission to improve the quality and efficiency of autism diagnoses.Some of the work that I do may look different than how other people do it, but you cant get something different unless you behave differently. The outcome cant be different if youre doing the same thing everybody else is doing, she explained.Cue a discernible problem in the field of applied behavior analysis how to provide mentorship to less experienced autism service providers while also creating a standardized approach to treatment planning for autistic individuals and follow it with a (sensory considerate) drum roll for Ralstons clinical decision support systems-based solution, NBS, founded in May 2022.Now that theres mandated insurance coverage in all 50 states, and weve got more [autism service] providers, people are willing to give that autism diagnosis in order to access care, she said. It doesnt mean that thats necessarily the care that they need, but thats whats available. So the whole thing is really a big mess, which in the entrepreneurial world, is an opportunity. You see a problem, you try to go solve it, and thats what Im trying to do.The serial entrepreneurRalston, 47, is a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) based in Kentucky with over 25 years of experience in the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Shes also the founder and former CEO of two ABA clinics, Verbal Behavior Consulting Inc. and Behavioral Intervention for Autistic Children (BIFAC) Inc., and was the director of clinical intelligence and design at the Cedar Group.She calls herself a serial entrepreneur.Other workplaces the rules and the structure didnt make sense to me, Ralston said. And so I think Ive been in the habit of making my own spaces because I dont understand how other people arrive at some of the decisions that they come to.In creating her own spaces, shes also demonstrated certain leadership qualities to which people respond well.Im very authentic and transparent in how I operate, and I think that comes through, she said. The greatest reinforcer and compliment of my career is that people that I have had work for me repeatedly want to come back and work for me again, and that people that barely know me want to come work for me.David Beatty, whom Ralston described as a friend and adviser, referred to Ralston as a true mission driven entrepreneur and championed her founding of NBS.She identified a strong need in a market she knows deeply and went about finding a solution that not only promises to be highly profitable, it greatly improves the lives of an entire community, wrote Beatty, a gay man, in an email to the B.A.R.Beatty is the founder and CEO of New York City-based funder Gaingels, an LGBTQ+ angel investor group that supports the diversity, inclusivity, and equity of the LGBTQ+ community and allies in the venture capital space.I am delighted and honored to have been asked to be her adviser. It is people like Mandy who continue to inspire me every day, he commented.Steven Lamont, MBA, who lives in the Bay Area, also praised Ralstons entrepreneurial skills.She has a vision, has transferred her experience into an impressive first release of the product, and has great ideas for moving forward. She surrounds herself with supportive people and advisers who believe in her vision and her ability to succeed, wrote Lamont, an ally, in an email to the B.A.R.Lamont is an entrepreneur and angel investor who primarily invests through the Sand Hill Angels. The investor group supports DEI initiatives and is allied with Gaingels, Techstars Rising Stars, and others.Not binaryRalstons been touring throughout the United States these past many months, giving audiences insight into the relevant statistics and findings that prompted the development of NonBinary Solutions, as well as details about its CDSS software, Knowetic.ai, which uses artificial intelligence.She talks about the current 60,000+ autism service providers, the majority of whom have only a few years of experience in the field; their varied treatment plans; and the nonbinary nature of neurodivergences, i.e. neurological differences related to thinking and behavior.One such speaking gig was the 20th annual Transformational Collaborative Outcomes Management (TCOM) conference, held October 2-4 at Hotel Nikko in San Francisco. In her presentation, The Role of NonBinary Thinking and Neurodiversity in Life and Work, she emphasized the limitations of black-and-white thinking when it comes to autism and other neurodivergences.People are not binary. Theyre not black and white; there are shades of gray. People are not just one thing. Theyre a mix of a whole bunch of things at the same time, and so not pigeonholing people is really, really important. [For instance], youre neurodivergent and Im neurodivergent, and our experiences may have lots in common, but theyre completely different, she said.The name of her firm, NonBinary Solutions, stems from her pursuit in getting that across to people that they exist in a world ripe with nuances, complexities, overlaps, and intersectionalities.Her Instagram posts often feature the hashtag #ItsNotBinary, in line with that perspective.The firms name is also a means to talk about the connection between nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and transgender individuals and neurodivergences, which scholars and news outlets such as NPR have reported on in recent years.I get to tell people, Did you know that individuals on the neurodivergence spectrum are six times more likely to not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth? So if you care about people with autism or neurodivergence, you also now have to care about people that are genderfluid or trans, because theres an overlap there, Ralston said.I like pointing out those types of nonlinear, nonbinary things for folks to help create empathy in a world that is increasingly binary in its thinking, she added.A nonbinary solutionRalstons early findings about autism were eye-opening in terms of what a diagnosis did and mostly did not entail.Back when I got started with this, in 1999, there was no insurance coverage, said Ralston. Certification for behavior analysis had only just started in 1998. The CDC [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] data for the rate of diagnosis of autism was one in every 1,000 at that point, and its because there were no services. There were no providers. There was no funding for any of it.Fast-forward 20-some years after Ralstons entrance into the field as a BCBA and initial autism research, when now one in 36 people are diagnosed as autistic the equivalent to a 250% increase in the prevalence of autism since 2000, according to the NonBinary Solutions website.In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association, the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (i.e. code F84.0) includes persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities.The DSM continues to use the one code F84.0 for a very wide range of people, though no two autistic people are the same.Non-Binary Solutions CEO Amanda Ralston wants to help autism service providers. Photo: Chet WhiteTheres the very articulate, exceptional individuals with autism on one end of the spectrum, or whatever you want to say about the [autism] infinity symbol, and then theres the profoundly autistic individuals that cant speak for themselves, that will need lifelong support, 24/7. And so the folks that are able to advocate for themselves should advocate for themselves, but not necessarily advocate for the whole group just because they share a diagnosis, Ralston said.According to Ralston, the increased number of autism diagnoses has coincided with a 500% increase in ABA therapy providers in the last 10 years. Over half of those individuals are new to the field.Those are the folks that are out there making these treatment decisions. And it takes a lot of mistakes to have good experience, and Im trying to prevent a lot of mistakes from being made in order to get that experience, she said.This is where NonBinary Solutions Knowetic.ai comes into play, as it acts as a mentor to these new-to-the-ABA-field professionals.The software is sort of like a digital bumper rail for people to narrow the amount of information they need to focus on in order to make these treatment pathways for people, she said.The software, launched in July 2024, is also in line with the adage, If youve met one autistic person, then youve met one autistic person, as it provides comprehensive data about autistic traits, symptoms, and behaviors, she noted.It creates a data set of all these very, very different people with autism to try to get a more granular understanding of what the different behavioral phenotypes of all those people with autism are, said Ralston.Knowetic.ais care navigation module not only helps the softwares users bring people into care but also obtain a holistic understanding of them.Its not just, Oh, you have autism, but [also] Do you have other medical diagnoses on top of that? Who did you get your autistic diagnosis from? Was it a primary care physician, or did you get a multidisciplinary evaluation from a group of professionals? Because thats a very different thing, Ralston said.To get NBS off the ground and its software into the hands of clients, Ralston and the NBS team Tim Guthrie, CFO and co-founder; Robert Beer, chief technology officer and co-founder; Jeff Ochall, chief data officer, business development; and Volo Dudas, programmer partner used existing capital and raised $800,000 for pre-seed funding. Their anticipated gross profit for 2025 is near $5,000,000, with a projected increase to over $10,000,000 in 2026 and over $20,000,000 in 2027.Lamont stated that Ralstons company is making a difference.NBS is addressing a real and growing problem, he stated. I see it everywhere around me. I know some research points to a higher incidence of autism among LGBTQ+ individuals, which makes it all the more important to address. NBS brings objective analysis to assess and track progress in autism treatment. That makes it an essential tool for therapists trying to do their best to support their patients, and it will be more reassuring to the family members who want more information.NBS currently has a contract with a multi-state managed care organization; partnerships with Arizona State University, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Georgia, The Center for Autism and Behavioral Education Research; and multiple active customers, such as independently owned clinics, Ralston said.Meg Solomon, M.S.Ed., BCBA, who Ralston described as vital to our [i.e. NBSs] success and understanding of user-needs for the Knowetic.ai software, is one of them.Solomon, an ally, is the owner and CEO of ABA Across Environments, a private practice based in Colorado Springs, Colorado that provides ABA services to children and young adults and centers on acceptance and commitment therapy.NonBinary Solutions and Knowetic have enabled us to focus on therapeutic relationships by saving us time during onboarding. That time has not only helped the learners by allowing us to provide a more trusting foundation as a trauma-informed provider, but it has also saved the company money during the onboarding process. What we see happening with Goal Development and Knowyeti [i.e. components of the software] have been exciting, and we can trust that those services will provide time to our clinical team while continuing to pass cost savings onto the company, wrote Solomon in an email to the B.A.R.The nonlinear path forwardPost-TCOM conference, Ralston shared news via Instagram of her two-and-a-half hour talk having gone well so well, in fact, that she was invited on the spot to speak at a Bancroft Autism Services center in Philadelphia in the coming weeks.Ralston will also be the keynote speaker at the 2024 Colorado ABA conference, which will be held November 7-9 in Denver.Shell be continuing to get the word out about NBS and the message of its not binary.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post Queer tech firm CEO takes a nonlinear approach to autism diagnoses appeared first on News Is Out.

A new report by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) and CenterLink reveals that LGBTQ+ community centers across the U.S. are facing increasing threats and harassment, much of it driven by anti-LGBTQ+ political rhetoric. According to the 2024 LGBTQ Community Center Survey Report, 73% of the LGBTQ centers surveyed reported experiencing anti-LGBTQ threats or harassment in the past two years, underscoring the challenging environment in which these vital organizations operate.The report surveyed 199 LGBTQ community centers across 42 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, highlighting the role these centers play in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Since its inception in 2008, the biennial survey has been an important tooll for understanding the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ services and advocacy.As attacks on LGBTQ people escalate year after year, we applaud these centers ongoing dedication to serving on the front line meeting both the immediate and long-term needs of LGBTQ people, their families, and their communities across the country, said Tessa Juste, LGBTQ Movement Building and Policy Researcher from MAP. This report illustrates the vital difference these centers make in peoples everyday lives, while also highlighting the urgent need for continued funding and support of these centers and the lifelines they provide.The 199 surveyed centers serve over 58,700 people weekly, or more than 3 million annually and are a lifeline for underserved populations.This report is a crucial guidepost for us to see the positive impact of LGBTQ centers across the U.S. as well as what areas need additional resources, said Denise Spivak, CEO of CenterLink. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, this report makes clear the importance of LGBTQ centers in our communities.Key findingsThe report offers a detailed breakdown of the services LGBTQ+ centers provide and the challenges they face. A significant portion of these centers (66%) directly offer essential services such as physical health, mental health and anti-violence programs. When factoring in centers that provide referrals to LGBTQ+-friendly health providers, this number jumps to 95%.Additionally, half of the centers offer computer resources for job searching, career development, and social services. Advocacy and public policy work is also a priority, with 92% of centers engaging in these areas. Over half of the centers reported participating in voter registration efforts, and many are focused on opposing anti-transgender legislation.However, the report also highlights growing safety concerns. 73% of centers have reported a sharp increase in threats, directly tied to anti-LGBTQ+ political climates, adding a layer of stress to already overburdened organizations. That number is up 2% from 2022. 63% of centers reported receiving offline harassment or threats.Financial realitiesWhile LGBTQ+ community centers collectively reported a 2024 budget exceeding $366 million, 98% of that collective budget belongs to big centers. These larger centers report an average operating budget of $2.7 million.Over a third of the centers operate with budgets under $250,000, while nearly all (98%) of the budgeted resources belong to larger centers. Government grants are a vital funding source for many larger centers, with 41% reporting them as their primary revenue source in 2023. For smaller centers, individual contributions are the main funding stream.Government grants provided over $117 million in funding in 2023, supporting essential services such as healthcare and housing for LGBTQ+ individuals.Despite these resources, many centers remain thinly staffed, with only 84% employing paid staff. In 2023, nearly 11,600 volunteers donated over 421,000 hours, helping these centers extend their reach and impact.31% of centers currently have five or fewer paid staff, and 17% have no paid staff whatsoever, relying exclusively on volunteers, states the report. This is especially true for small budget centers, 95% of whom have five or fewer paid staff (44%) or no paid staff (51%).The 2024 LGBTQ Community Center Survey Report highlights the role these centers play, particularly in an era marked by heightened anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and threats. While they continue to provide critical services and support, the report underscores the need for sustainable funding and resources.The post New report reveals 73% of LGBTQ+ centers face rising threats amid anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric appeared first on News Is Out.

Im lucky enough to live in a city with multiple gay bars. From thePride Stairs of Woodysto thedrag shows of Missy Bs, Kansas City has a bar for every type of queer person out there.Or, so Ive heard.The truth is, Ive never been to any of them.Admitting this can be a little awkward, because it often feels like Im snubbingsacred queer spaces. Theres along historyof bars being at the center of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and theyve long served as a staple within different communities.Heres the thing, though. As a neurodivergent, ace gal who doesnt really care for alcohol, bars just really arent my scene. Theyre loud, dark, crowdedbasically everything I hate in a public spaceand to top it all off, everyone expects me to buy expensive drinks that I dont actually want.For a while, I worried that my reluctance to enter these spaces meant I wasnt queer enough. Like, if I showed up, theyd realize I was an imposter and take away my gay card. I thought that Id never make queer friends if I didnt venture into the places where the gays roamed.The more I thought about it, though, the more I realized how silly that really was. After all, whats the point in meeting someone who loves bars if I hate them? What are we supposed to do together? My cousin who goes out every weekend to their local gay bar isnt going to be hanging with the same people that my introverted, homebody self does, and that doesnt make either of us less queerit just makes us different.The first time I entered a queer space that wasnt a bar, it was to get my hair dyed purple athim. her. them. Hair Studio. From the second I walked in, I felt safe, supported, and happy. As a person who is annoyed by most public spacesespecially one like this where its sensory overloadthis was quite a surprise. The atmosphere of the studio was so calm and so casually queer that it felt like home.It was there that I met my favorite hair stylist and had my first super frank discussion about gay bars. She gave me advice as a fellow neurodivergent girlie about which bars were her favorites, but she also told me something that I havent stopped thinking about since. My stylist had just moved to the city recently, and she was trying to find fun ways to meet others in our community that didnt involve alcohol, but all of the local options involved drinking. (Given thatthe LGBTQ+ community has ahistory of higher rates of alcohol dependency, shes certainly not alone in feeling this way.)My stylist and I spent a long time chatting about the dire need our community has for alcohol-free gay spaces, and how this salon was filling that gap in a much-needed way. Unfortunately, him. her. them. Hair Studio closed in 2023, leaving a rather large hole in the community (and my own heart) in the process.After it closed, I went looking for other alcohol-free queer spaces. What I learned was that when you really start looking, there are so many cool ways to meet and hang out with our community without a drop of alcohol involved.I pulled the list below as examples of the types of places that I found, but know that these are not in any way exhaustive. Think of them more as idea starters for searchingor startingin your own community.Places to GoPhoto: Mizzu Cho/PexelsThough I found it easier to group these by the type of business just to give a sense of what to search for in your own area, its worth noting that much like our identities, many queer spaces dont fit into a single box. For instance,Squirrel Chopsin Washington acts as both a coffee shop and salon, whileMOC BODin Missouri provides space for haircuts, tattoos, massages, and shopping. If youre wanting to find LGBTQ+-owned businesses, you can always check outEverywhere is Queerand search to see which are nearest to you.Coffee & Tea ShopsWhat I love aboutcoffeeand tea shops is that theyre like the introvert version of bars. They tend to be pretty quiet, chill, and involve delicious warm beverages. While I wish there were about a thousand more of these (ideally, closer to me), there are nonetheless some awesome shops to check out. For example, ArizonasBrick Road Coffeeis an LGBTQA-owned coffee shop that advertises itself as sober-community friendly and leans into their tagline that no matter the journey, some needs remain constant: acceptance, community, and of course, great coffee! Similarly,Sis Got Tea, a Black-, queer-, woman-owned business in Kentucky prides itself on being an LGBTQ and Black-affirming sober safe space.BookstoresWith the recent surge of book banning targeting LGBTQ+ authors, its never been more important to support your local bookstore. Luckily, you have a whole lot of places to choose from. Bookstores have always been a space of resistance and revolution, and theyre ideal for those who need a quieter space. While the average person may not want you to try to befriend them while theyre reading, pretty much all bookstores have events where you can bond with those who share your interests. Some of the ones at the top of my list to visit someday are Black-, queer-, woman-ownedLoudmouth Booksin Indiana; queer-, agender-ownedUnder the Umbrella: A Queer Little Bookstorein Utah; and queer-, neurodivergent- and woman-ownedThe Irreverent Bookwormin Minnesota.Little District Booksin Washington D.C. is another great one and hostsLavender Con, a book festival celebrating LGBTQIA+ authors and stories.Community Centers and Community SpacesMany cities have their own version of an LGBTQ+ community space, which hosts events, resources, and provides a safe space to meet others.The Lesbian, Gay, Bixexual & Transgender Community Center (also called The Center)in New York is one such example, while Black and queer-ownedCutiesin California is another. There are even some community spaces out there specifically designed to combat the heavy focus on alcohol within queer spheres, such as theCastro Country Club: a Sober Community Centerwhich acts as a refuge for the queer recovery community. If youre wondering what community space might be closest to you,CenterLinkis a great place to start, as it connects over 400 LGBTQ+ spaces around the world.Hair Salons and BarbershopsThough I remain devastated to have lost my own favorite hair place, there are still some great ones out there.Acute Salonin Texas breaks out of traditionally gendered hair spaces, focusing on gender-free pricing to let everyone feel comfortable in their chairs. CaliforniasProject Qfills an important community gap as a non-profit that provides safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth by using hair and self-empowerment as a form of social justice. Queer- and woman-ownedLove Salon Pdxin Oregon is a collective of independent hair artists who work to create a safe, inclusive space with genderless pricing. (For those who are looking for transgender-friendly hair places in their own area,Strands for Transis also a great resource. The businesses wont all be LGBTQ+-specific spaces, but they are all places that are safe and welcoming to everyone.)Activities to SharePhoto: Stephen HardyWhile the obvious alternative to bars is other physical locations, those arent the only option out there. Community spaces can be found far beyond the confines of four wallsyou just have to know where to look. Here are a few ideas to get you started.SportsSports like roller derby and softball have long been queer-friendly spaces, and they remain popular within the community. (Skatingin general, in fact, is a very popular community pastime.) Team sports provide an easy way to meet new people and form bonds, and community sports often have different options available from the ultra-competitive to the more casual. If youre looking for an LGBTQ+ team to join, try searching theUnited States Gay Sports Network.Game NightsGames like dungeons and dragons (D&D) have brought groups together for decades. Many of my own queer friendships actually started over a game of D&D and have continued ever since. There are a ton of games out there to choose from these days, including delightful queer-focused systems likeThirsty Sword Lesbians. If role playing games arent your thing, joining a board game night or hosting one of your own can also be great ways to meet and bond with friends.OnlineNot everyone is physically close to a thriving queer scene, and that doesnt make community any less important. Facebook groups, Discord servers, and other virtual spaces are just as valuable for making and strengthening connections. These spaces are often also vital for those who are not fully out within their community, as it gives you a space to be yourself without having to announce it to the world until youre ready. There are groups out there for every type of LGBTQ+ person. For instance, looking to make neurodivergent queer connections? TryFeral Neurodivergent Raging Queer Posting. Hoping to find your fellow nerds? Try theGay Geeksgroup. Wanting to make friends with fellow nonbinary and transgender people? TryTranspeak.The post Why LGBTQ+ spaces beyond bars matter: Connecting without the crowds appeared first on News Is Out.

A 2023 report from Northwestern Universityfound that local news deserts are occurring at an alarming rate. There are 204 counties in the United States without a local media outlet, and 228 U.S. counties are currently on a watch list for losing theirs out of 1,562 counties with only one local news source. This includes newspapers, digital websites, public radio news and minority-ran publications. There are less than 1,000 minority-run local news outlets today. This includes LGBTQ+, BIPOC and women-owned outlets. Since 2005, almost 2,900 news organizations have disappeared.This issue is exacerbated by its effects on the local communities that are left without a reliable news source. This issue is predominant in lower-income communities,which often include people who are LGBTQ+, and residents who have less financial stability, and cant afford access to more nationwide reliable news sources.As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, minority owned-media outlets, such as those run by journalists of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC backgrounds, have gone from950 outletsin 2020 to 723 in 2023. Because minority media outlets are designed to service specific communities in a local setting, they are often reliant on other local businesses of that community.Small queer businesses are overlooked and often denied proper financing. A2022 study from the Movement Advancement Projectfound that while small LGBTQ-owned businesses were just as likely to apply for loans as non-LGBTQ ones, they were less likely to receive it. The LGBTQ+ businesses were also more often owned by women and immigrants, compared to their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.While we can find information regarding LGBTQ+ businesses as a whole, there is a severe lack of data for local news organizations that are LGBTQ-run. The best available statistics and research regarding LGBTQ+ local media have them lumped into the category of minority, which encompasses a range of different identities, and lacks an intersectional approach for where marginalized identities meet.Local LGBTQ+ media have the uphill battle of fighting against misinformation and bias.A recent 2024 study by PNAS Nexusfound that those who are exposed to misinformation and are receptive to it tend to have more extreme ideology. Additionally, most social media interventions are not effective enough to stop the rate of exposure to misinformation.Misinformation against people who are LGBTQ+ and BIPOC has been rampant this election season. Evidenced by 2024 conservative presidential candidate Donald Trumps comments ontransgender operations on illegal aliensand Haitian immigrants eating dogs in Ohio.Extremists and the misinformation they feed are affecting legislation.In Texas, there has been an onslaught of anti-transgender lawsthat put communities of underrepresented people at risk, and the local media that represents them.A rising local entity committed to equity for marginalized voices isThe Pivot Fund. Founded in 2021 by Tracie Powell, The Pivot Fund is an organization that aims to invest in local news outlets run by journalists of marginalized backgrounds, such as those from BIPOC and BIPOC-LGBTQ+ communities. Powell spoke on how The Pivot Fund aims to help news organizations resist the onslaught of misinformation.This is a presidential election, so there is plenty of disinformation out there, and theres a lot of demagoguing of communities of color and LGBTQ folks, Powell said. And so its really important now more than ever that we uplift the voices and amplify the voices of those most impacted by disinformation and by hate. Supporting those who are producing content thats not just about, but for and along with these communities that were talking about. Thats the power of challenging disinformation. It reflects who actually holds the power which is the people. And thats really why we do what we do.We are taking the fight directly to the platforms where the disinformation exists. Were countering disinformation with credible information thats trusted by the communities that these outlets serve. Its very important that we be where people are at. Its just as important that were in the places where disinformation flourishes, so we can be the counterweight to that. It is a huge driver of why we do what we do.You can find disinformation in newspapers, but its most prevalent in digital spaces, Powell said. And so thats why were looking for trusted voices in the digital landscape. This is how people access news and information now. So we have to be in that space.We are taking the fight directly to the platforms where the disinformation exists. Tracie PowellMany local queer businesses are often owned by women, Black individuals, immigrants, or a combination of these identities. These types of local intersectional outlets are and have historically been vulnerable.BLK Magazinewas a Black-owned and gay-owned local news magazine in L.A., started by Alan Bell, which sought to provide education and resources on the AIDs epidemic, as well as orientate content toward Black and LGBTQ+ issues and community interests as a whole. This news outlet ran from 1988 until its cancellation in 1994. It is rare to find information on, or resources for existing local media outlets today that function essentially as BLK magazine did in the 1990s, with a focus on a community of multiple identities.While the future seems bleak for marginalized local media, there is hope through various philanthropic efforts and organizations to aid in the survival of LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and intersecting local journalism. In 2023, philanthropists raised$500 million to support local news. Collaborative efforts such as theLocal Media AssociationandNLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalistshave been created for journalistic entities to exist in support of one another, and fight misinformation by providing news organizations with appropriate terminology and information about bias as they affect the LGBTQ+ community.We provide direct financial support and services to hyperlocal community news organizations, Powell said. We prioritize organizations serving communities of color. We invest in the intersection of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and class. We recently invested in Baltimore Beat. Baltimore is like a 60 something percent Black city, and the Beat is Black-led, and so they have a lot of trust from that majority population and community. Its an organization that struggled with raising additional funds, whereas another digital outlet launched with 50 million dollars and Baltimore Beat only launched with a million. Powell said its critical that we invest in those voices, because those communities need it most.We were looking in Texas, and theres so much going on in terms of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Powell added. The challenge is, how do we support in a way that is going to really help and address the community. Its a bit of a challenge, but I think that it can be done.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post How local LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-ran media organizations are at risk, and what is being done to help appeared first on News Is Out.

The WNBA finals were in full swing, and the lesbians were playing to win. In a stunning upset, the Minnesota Lynx team beat the New York Liberty 95-93 in overtime in game one of the WNBA finals on Oct. 10. It was a nail-biter as the Lynx flipped a 15-point deficit into an amazing turnaround in the literal last five minutes of play.The win the biggest turnaround in WNBA history prompted Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve to voice her excitement. The crowd went wild. Shooting guard Courtney Williams who had 23 points, including a four-point play with 5.5 seconds left in regulation, and thus led Minnesota to the historic win told ESPN, The basketball gods were on our side tonight.Or maybe the goddesses. Williams, like about a third or more of the WNBA, is an out lesbian. She and her partner NShya appeared on season two of the limited-series Pride is Love, andNShya posted on Instagramfor Williams 30th birthday in May, Happy 30th birthday to my person!! My best friend, my lover, my protector and diary. The last two years with you have been amazing and Im so honored to experience you. 30 is CRAZY and so fitting. Ive seen you grow so much in the last two years.Crystal Willams celebrating a play. Photo: WNBACouples like Williams and NShya are not rare in the WNBA rather they have become a comfortable norm, with Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington among WNBA couples.In astudy by Interbasket in 2022of out players, the numbers calculated to 38% of the league. And while those numbers have fluctuated year to year, the 2024 season currently features 42 out players across 12 teams, with only the Chicago team lacking an out player.Homophobia from the rightClay Travis, founder of OutKick, and a controversial right-wing sports commentator, stirred outrage in July whenhe told Fox Newsthat then-rookie Caitlin Clark is a white heterosexual woman in a Black lesbian league and they resent and are jealous of all of the attention and the shoe deal that she got.Is the league largely Black, like the NBA? Yes. Are lesbians a backbone of the WNBA? Also yes. Is there anti-Clark sentiment from lesbian players or fans? No thats a false narrative spun by the right to breed homophobia about a sport and league that has garnered tremendous excitement in recent months due in part to Clarks stunning performances in her final college season.Coming out in the WNBAThe New York Libertys Sue Wicks was the first WNBA player to come out publicly in 2002. When Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner came out in 2013, she opened the door to other current players coming out, notably Williams, Sue Bird, Layshia Clarendon, Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Dewanna Bonner and Elena Delle Donne.Last summer, New York Libertys Breanna Stewart announced that she and Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who is straight, are forming a new professional womens league called Unrivaled. The league aims to give WNBA players an alternative to playing overseas during the off-season, addressing the significant pay disparitywhere WNBA athletes earn just a tenth of what their male counterparts make. The arrest and prosecution of Olympic gold medalist and WNBA all-starGriner as a political prisonerin Russia where she led a team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, for a half dozen seasons made all WNBA players wary of their commitments abroad.The Unrivaled league plans to start in 2025. The initial season will be run from January through March and will be played in Miami. In July, both Stewart and Collier were formally announced to appear and play in the inaugural season of Unrivaled.The Unrivaled alliance underscores how in real life, rather than right-wing outrage politics, theres no conflict between lesbian and straight players in the WNBA. But that took work and a decision from the league management itself. In May 2014, in advance of Pride Month, theWNBA launched a Pride campaign, becoming the first professional sports league in the U.S. to openly reach out to LGBTQ+ fans and potential players.In 2011, WNBA president Laurel J. Richie told then NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver that outreach to the LGBTQ+ community was a good marketing strategy. Then came Richies Pride initiative for the league in 2014.In 2022, Connecticut Sun guard Jasmine Thomas, who was drafted into the WNBA in 2011, told ESPN, There are players around the league who have identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community but have not always felt accepted or that the workplace was an inviting place to be able to share that.Thomas added, It felt at one time like they were afraid to share that part of our experiences. Now theyre embracing it.Thomas, who is outand who retired from the league in January, now works as an ambassador for Athletes Ally. Thegroups missionis to end homophobia and transphobia in sports and to activate the athletic community to exercise their leadership to champion LGBTQI+ equality.Why is the WNBA so gay?Many arguments can be made for whywomens sports are more openly gaythan mens sports. Do lesbians and queer women and teens gravitate toward sports? Possibly. Theres a long history of lesbians in womens professional sports with notables like Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova becoming household names as both tennis icons and out lesbians in a time when there were few of those.But team sports especially have been welcoming for young queer women a refuge from enforced femininity and a more relaxed concept of gender identity and also sexual orientation. Did it take outreach from the WNBA to draw in out women? No. But it certainly made it more comfortable for those already in the league to come out.There are no out players in the NBA and only a few have ever come out. So whatever the WNBA is doing, its working for the sport and the league, which has won more Olympic medals than the men and continues to breed more and more excitement suggesting the audiences are embracing the players, not thefalse narrativesof homophobia and racism.The post Exploring LGBTQ+ visibility in the WNBA: Players, partners and Pride appeared first on News Is Out.

This week, the Human Rights Campaign released its annual Congressional Scorecard. The scorecard is a tool used to assess the voting records of members of Congress on issues related to LGBTQ+ rights. It tracks how senators and representatives vote on key legislation affecting the LGBTQ+ community, such as anti-discrimination protections and transgender rights.According to a press release from HRC, 217 members received a perfect score of 100, even as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric have been growing.The American people deserve leaders who rise above divide-and-conquer politics and keep the country moving forward, said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. However, even in the face of government shutdowns, House Republican leadership served up an unprecedented onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation as they attempt to turn back the progress our country has made toward full equality for LGBTQ+ people.Among those receiving a perfect score from HRC are Rep. Becca Balint (Vt.), Sen. Laphonza Butler (Calif.), Sen. Tammy Duckworth (Ill.), Rep. Glenn Ivey (Md.), Rep. Ted Lieu (Calif.), Rep. Shri Thanedar (Mich.) and Rep. Nydia Velazquez (N.Y.).On the opposite side, 47 senators received a score of zero, including Ohio Sen. and vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance. Seventy-eight representatives also scored a zero, including Rep. Jack Bergman (Mich.) and Rep. Sam Graves (Mo.), who have earned zeroes for the last three sessions of Congress.To check out the full report, visit HRC.com.The post HRC releases latest Congressional scorecards: Who scored the highestand lowest? appeared first on News Is Out.

This week, News is Out hosted a live virtual panel event, Project 2025: The Impact on the LGBTQ+ community. The event was moderated by Dana Piccoli from News Is Out and Christopher Kane, senior politics reporter at Washington Blade, provided a comprehensive overview of Project 2025. They were joined by special guests Chasten Buttigieg, Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (PA), Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis, Charlotte Clymer, Kevin Jennings (Lambda Legal), Janelle Perez (LPAC), Rep. Julie Johnson (TX) Allen Morris (National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund) and Leah Israel.The Project 2025 policy document, authored by the Heritage Foundation, lays out a conservative blueprint for a potential next Republican administration, including restrictions that would significantly affect the LGBTQ+ community.The 900-page playbook targets abortion access, immigrant rights, the Department of Education, transgender health care and various climate change initiatives. Piccoli highlighted that the document mentions Donald Trump over 300 times, despite his efforts to distance himself from it. However, the policies echo many of the core conservative values that align with his administrations past actions. As Kane noted, Project 2025 is a 900-plus page policy playbook authored by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, and is the blueprint for the next Republican administration.Watch Project 2025 panel video Chasten Buttigieg, an educator, best-selling author, and husband of U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, spoke passionately about the threat to healthcare. He warned that Project 2025 would dismantle ACA protections, forcing families to make life-threatening choices. This is really a campaign of the heart, Buttigieg said. He shared, My mom was diagnosed with cancer when I was in high school pre-ACA. My parents struggled, with one, getting kicked off insurance companies because they would discover that my mom had cancer. She had a pre-existing condition. And two, just affording chemotherapy drugs and treatments that she relied on.The panel also discussed how Project 2025 would specifically impact LGBTQ+ rights. The proposal aims to dismantle LGBTQ+ protections, roll back marriage equality, and undermine workplace protections established by the Supreme Courts Bostock v. Clayton County decision. It also seeks to narrow anti-discrimination laws, with Kane emphasizing that the document targets non-discrimination policies and removes inclusive language across federal agencies.Buttigieg reflected on the dangers the plan poses to public education, particularly for marginalized students. He warned about the potential rollback of federal protections for LGBTQ+ students, arguing, I think it reminds us of how deeply unserious Donald Trump is about educating our kids and taking education seriously. You saw that in his first term with picking someone like Betsy DeVos.These changes, Buttigieg argued, would leave millions of students, particularly those with disabilities or from marginalized communities, without the essential protections they need.Charlotte Clymer, another panelist and prominent LGBTQ+ activist, further emphasized the real-world consequences. She warned that the project lays the groundwork for a more extreme future, noting that the permission structure of Project 2025 would allow far-right groups to push for even harsher policies against the LGBTQ+ community. She added, The cruelty and suffering that can be inflicted is only limited by the imagination.Precious Brady-Davis, commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, added that Project 2025 would dehumanize the LGBTQ+ community, and in particular, the transgender community, even further.I think it would allow for the continuation of dangerous practices like conversion therapy, the banning of LGBTQ+ books in schools, LGBTQ+ curriculum, said Brady Davis. I think it would encourage harassment to an already vulnerable population. Weve already seen in Trumps book that trans people are disposable.Kevin Jennings, CEO of Lambda Legal, highlighted the judicial consequences of Project 2025. He explained that the removal of federal protections would empower discriminatory actions under the guise of religious freedom.Instead of calling it a religious exemption, we prefer to call it what it is at Lambda Legal: a license to discriminate, said Jennings.He further stressed the importance of taking this threat seriously, warning, Believe them when they say they plan to make us second-class citizens. They have a plan to do it and they will execute if given the opportunity.Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta added an empowering message about the importance of fighting back and staying positive in the face of adversity. It is just our turn, Kenyatta said. We do what weve always done. We pull our shoulders back, we put our heads up, we look straight in the eye of all of the challenges, all of the bigots, and we say, its our turn and we are ready to beat you, to resist and to win as our community always has. He also emphasized the importance of unity and collective effort: Were going to win in 12 days, hear me. We are going to win.Throughout the event, panelists stressed the urgency of stopping Project 2025 and encouraged the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to mobilize.In this story we used AI to help us transcribe and summarize the panel. When using AI we also had a human check for accuracy. The post Panel of LGBTQ+ experts highlights concerns over Project 2025 appeared first on News Is Out.

The New York Times trans coverage has been the subject of strong controversy for the last few years, with the newspaper itself making headlines for how its stories platformed anti-trans groups instead of real trans individuals. Author and trans activist Riki Wilchins set out to chronicle that phenomenon.In Wilchinss new book,Bad Ink: How The New York Times Sold Out Transgender Teens, they dive into the articles which have garnered criticism from rights organizations, medical professionals and writers in and out of the Times newsroom. Wilchins and others argue that the Times changed its public image from that of a newspaper of record to one fueling fires of the anti-trans rights movement.Wilchins didnt initially start out as a writer or activist, but they knew those were paths calling to them from a young age.Born and raised in Ohio, they moved to New York City, where they lived for 17 years, soon after their transition. Wilchins soon got sucked up into the world of computers and worked as a programmer for major banks on Wall Street.But one of their main turning points, and an instigator for their switch to activism, was hearing about the 1993 murder of transgender man Brandon Teena. Two years later, Wilchins founded GenderPAC and focused their work more on helping youth.Before working as an activist and author, Riki Wilchins started their adult life in computer programming. Photo courtesy of Riki WilchinsI ran from it for years because I knew I had my name on it, they said. Finally, a couple friends who were active talked me into protesting the gay pride parades in 1993-94 [for] refusing to add T on the LGBT and now its taken up 30 years of my life.One of Wilchinss books,Queer Theory, Gender Theory: An Instant Primer(2004) is now one of the standard books for teaching queer theory in higher education. Wichins, who is married with an 18-year-old daughter and lives in South Beach, has multiple books in the works.I dont really believe in the phrase trans issues, they said. I mean, I write about it, but I really think that trans issues are human issues. Most of the things that have affected me happen to affect cisgender people, as well These are universal problems, the gender system hurts a lot of people. Its just that trans people get tagged as being exemplars.Wilchins decided they needed to write about the Times coverage of trans issues soon after finishing their previous book. They had grown outraged with each passing article the Times published about trans people. They began by researching Times articles about trans people dating back to 1952.Part of their catalyst, Wilchins said, was how the articles were immediately being weaponized and becoming the leading media voice for attacking transgender kids. The publisher who took the reins in 2016, A.G. Sulzberger, is regarded as a key piece of the puzzle in Wilchins book.And Wilchins isnt the only one critical of the Times trans coverage. GLAAD published a study in March 2024 reporting 66% of Times coverage on anti-trans legislation in the past year failed to quote even one trans person. In February 2023, a group of 150 organizations and leaders published an open letter to the Times criticizing its trans coverage and platforming of the voices of anti-LGBT extremists.Around 200 Times writers signed on to a similar letter directed at associate managing editor Philip B. Corbett in February 2023, and one towards Sulzberger in April 2023.[The stories] were being weaponized immediately. Theres no way the New York Times was unaware I dont think thats a bug, I think thats a feature.Riki WilchinsThe papers focus on youth in their work is part of the reason Wilchins was drawn to criticize the Times inBad Ink. One of the prominent stories referenced in the book is the November 2022 story on hormone blockers from the Times, They Paused Puberty, But Is There A Cost? The article garnered a multiple-page response from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and its U.S. subsection, criticizing the Times for the spread of misinformation and citing misleading sources and data for the article.What they dont tell you is only about 1% of kids who actually say theyre trans or come out as trans ever detransition, Wilchins said. And theyre building all these articles around the harms of transitioning.Studies around detransitioning do not often provide further context into the reasons for detransitioning, either. While some report 2.5% to even 7-8% of trans people detransition, they dont often ask further questions such as if the individuals were affected by high prices of care, lack of available gender-affirming care or societal pressure to present as cisgender.Another driving force for Wilchins book was the way Times coverage was affecting legislation around the country. For example, in early 2024, a Times op-ed about youth detransitioning was cited in a legal brief in an attempt to ban gender-affirming care in Idaho. In 2023, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey cited another Times article when ordering a restriction on gender-affirming care.[The stories] were being weaponized immediately, Wilchins said. Theres no way the New York Times was unaware I dont think thats a bug, I think thats a feature.Despite the Times coverage, Wilchins said they think many other major outlets around the country are successfully filtering out right-wing pseudoscience when writing stories about trans issues today. Organizations like the ADF and others promoting white Christian nationalist ideals are diligently pushing their agenda, so news outlets must be careful when presented with these groups beliefs, they said. That means not using these groups as subject matter experts on trans experiences.Thats what pseudoscience is designed to do. It looks like real science, but it isnt, Wilchins said. Everybody covered it for a while, and then everybody stoppedexcept the New York Times, which continues to print their stuff.Wilchinss book was released to the public July 9 and is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other major physical and online booksellers.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post Activist Riki Wilchins tackles New York Timess controversial coverage of trans issues appeared first on News Is Out.

Special to News is Out from the LGBT History Project.There is perhaps no more critical election in U.S. history than the one in which Americans vote Nov. 5. Vice President Kamala Harris has said repeatedly as she campaigns that former president Donald Trump poses a threat to democracy as well as to a myriad of aspects of Americans daily lives. The specter of Jan. 6, 2021 remains vivid for most Americans, so its not a hyperbolic statement or mere electioneering.In addition, Harris has cited the Heritage FoundationsProject 2025, which is a plan to remake the American government. It will also deeply threaten historically marginalized communities, notably immigrants and LGBTQ+ people.While Trump claims to know nothing about Project 2025, members of his former administration were among its authors and architects. Harris has it upon her website, so voters can see what Project 2025 would do, and she referenced it in theSept. 10 debate.Yet since the debate, Americans have also witnessed first hand the impact rumor and innuendoan important element in the Project 2025 playbookcan have on whole communities afterTrump assertedthat Haitian immigrants in Ohio are kidnapping pets and eating them. That false claim, debunked in real-time in the debate by ABC moderator David Muir and many times since by various Ohio officials including law enforcement and even the Republican governor, has shown the nation how a fast-moving rumor can impact both a small community like Springfield, Ohio and take over an entire country.HUAC hearings, the Red Scare and homosexualsThats what happened when theRed Scarethe threat of Communists infiltrating American society at every level in the 1940s and 1950sgave birth to the Lavender Scare: a belief that homosexual (a term that was used to describe the community at the time) men and women were seen as sexual perverts, deviants and a national security threat. As Trump and his running mate, Ohio senator JD Vance, have made false accusations against Haitian immigrants, most Republicans in both the House and Senate have supported these rumors. This is similar to how Wisconsin Republican Sen. Joseph McCarthy spread rumors about Communists in the U.S. government decades ago.Many of McCarthys fellow Republicans at that timeincluding President Dwight D. Eisenhowersupported McCarthys dogged work to weed out Communists in American society, but it was also a bipartisan effort with some Democrats supporting McCarthy as well. Democrats were also actively engaged in the homosexual purges that led to the Lavender Scare in which McCarthy claimed that homosexuals were more vulnerable to blackmail from the Soviets, and were therefore a national security risk and posed a significant threat to the country as the Cold War ratcheted up.In 1947, the U.S. Park Police started their Sex Perversion Elimination Program, which targeted gay men for arrest and intimidation. In 1948, Congresspassed an actfor the treatment of sexual psychopaths in the nations capital. That law facilitated the arrest and punishment of people who acted on same-sex desire and also labeled them mentally ill.The subversive aspects of both homosexuality and Communism began to be linked. In 1950, even the Communist Party had issued a warning about the threat of homosexuality.McCarthys efforts to eradicate Communists and his focus on homosexuals in particular brought a significant number of closeted writers, actors and even politicians before his House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) hearings. Ironically, his main support for his work was his assistant, 26-year-old Roy Cohn, a closeted gay man who would later become Donald Trumps attorney.Executive Order 10450 fuels Lavender ScareThe direct connection between McCarthy and HUAC to Eisenhowers Executive Order 10450, issued on April 27, 1953, which led to the expulsion of homosexuals from all levels of American government, remains unclear, but a link certainly existed. The policy was succinct and unforgiving: Anyone suspected of being a lesbian or gay man was summarily dismissed from their positions, no matter what the placement. There were no protections for these men and women from the reveal about their sexual orientation, either.The devastating impact of that policy reverberated for years and touched thousands of gay menand lesbians. Executive Order 10450 was not rescinded until 1995 and continued to bar gays from entering the military until the establishment ofDont Ask, Dont Tell,which in turn was not repealed until 2011.Eisenhower precedes Project 2025Eisenhowers acceptance of McCarthys actions and McCarthyism itself has been minimized, yet it was only two months after issuing that Executive Order that Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed by the federal government on June 19, 1953 at Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York.The Rosenbergswere the first American civilians to be executed for espionage and the first to be executed during peacetime and Eisenhower did not stop their execution.Eisenhower is often called the last good Republican president and a serious conservative who put country first over party. Yet Eisenhowers history is quite different and he succumbed to the worst aspects of bigotry and propagated two of the worst policies in modern U.S. history: his Executive Order 10450 and Operation Wetbackeven referencing the latter by name can get you a timeout on Twitter/X for using an ethnic slur.Executive Order 10450 removed homosexuals from every arena of American government from 1953 until well into the 1970s. The HUAC and Lavender Scare impact was extraordinaryand largely hidden.In his 2020 book, The Deviants War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America, Eric Cervini reports the prosecution of around one million gay or lesbian individuals in the U.S. from 1945 to 1960 and that by the end of the 1940s, Washington officials announced the Sex Perversion Elimination Program.Eisenhowers Operation Wetback removed Mexican immigrants, including American citizens, from the U.S. Millions of Mexicans had legally entered the country through joint immigration programs in the first half of the 20th century. Many of these immigrants were then naturalized citizens. Operation Wetback sent them back to Mexicoin much the way Trump asserts he will do with immigrants if he is re-elected. It is also a foundational tenet of Project 2025.The purge of homosexuals was ongoingBut this assault on homosexuals was not just about McCarthy,nor was it solely the purview of Republicans. The Subcommittee on Investigations was chaired by Democratic Senator Clyde R. Hoey from 1949 to 1952 and investigated the employment of homosexuals in the Federal workforce. McCarthy embraced this theme in the HUAC hearings as The Hoey Report stated that all of the governments intelligence agencies are in complete agreement that sex perverts in Government constitute security risks.The head of the Washington D.C Metropolitan Police Department vice squad, Lieutenant Roy Blick had testified that 5,000 homosexuals lived in Washington, D.C., and that around 3,700 were federal employees. This lit a fuse to weed out these men and women from the government.Examining the Lavender ScareEisenhowers association with McCarthy highlights how he was far from a benign leader and was in fact one of the most dangerous for lesbians and gay men both at the time and historically. As renowned activist Harry Hay would later bequoted in the New York Times, We lived in terror almost every day of our lives. The breadth of impact of the Lavender Scare has not been widely reported, but the 2017 documentaryThe Lavender Scareshows how even after men and women were purged from their government jobs, they were pursued by the policy.One example is Madeleine Tress, 24, who worked as an economist for the U.S. Department of Commerce when two investigators who called her in worked for the U.S. Civil Service Commission. They told her they had evidence of her lesbianism. She was asked to swear an oath. She asked for an attorney and was told she could not have one. Tress lost her job. Later, as the film details, she also lost her Fulbright award.NPR posted an interviewwith her in 2023 and the transcript is chilling.The incidental aspects of Executive Order 10450one young lesbian economists life being upended and virtually ruinedexemplifies what the confluence of McCarthy and Eisenhower did to gay men and lesbians with the Lavender Scare. But the impact went far beyond job losses. Some people died by suicide after being outed, as the repercussions were so devastating on multiple levels that they couldnt bear the fallout. They were labeled as deviants and ostracized in their respective professions.Activist response to the Lavender ScareFrank Kameny was working for the United States Army Map Service as an astronomer when he was fired in 1957 for being homosexual. Kameny tried repeatedly but was unable to find another job in the federal government after that firing due to the Lavender Scare.The impact that had on Kameny propelled him into becoming one of the most pivotal LGBTQ+ civil rights leaders, devoting his life to the gay-rights movement. Kameny was instrumental in creatingthe Mattachine Societyof Washington in 1960. In 1965, four years before the Stonewall Riots, Kameny picketed the White House on the grounds of gay rights. That same year, Kameny led a picket line for gay rights at Independence Hall on July 4, which included veteran Philadelphia lesbian activistBarbara Gittings.As the election approaches, this history of what a seemingly benign president and an ideologue of a senator can do to threaten, terrorize and even lead to the deaths of whole groups of marginalized people. Its a lesson worth reviewing and a history that continues to impact LGBTQ+ historypast and present.The post The Lavender Scare: The case against homosexuals appeared first on News Is Out.

Polling data shows that Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are running in a near-dead heat in four states Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. And as a scholar of LGBTQ+ politics, I suspect that LGBTQ+ voters could play an outsize role in these states and the race.So, how might LGBTQ+ voters swing these states?LGBTQ+ voting behavior, explainedIn the most comprehensive political survey of LGBTQ+ Americans ever conducted, the Pew Research Center found in 2013 that the vast majority of respondents 85% always or nearly always voted, compared with roughly a third of the general population. Turnout in the most recent presidential election validated that finding. A 2020 post-election survey by the advocacy group GLAAD found that 81% of LGBTQ+ voters cast a ballot.For context, 64% of all eligible voters cast a ballot in the 2020 presidential election, which was unusually high voter participation. Historically, turnout hovers around 55% for presidential elections and 35% for midterm elections.The National Center for Transgender Equality, an advocacy organization, finds that voter turnout is particularly high among transgender people.Even in the historically low-turnout 2014 midterm election, the groups data indicated that roughly half of transgender respondents had voted, compared with only one-third of the general population. In the 2022 midterm election, transgender voter turnout increased to nearly 75%, according to the 2024 U.S. Trans Survey.LGBTQ+ voters and partisanshipLGBTQ+ voters strongly lean Democratic. Pews 2013 survey found that nearly 60% of all LGBTQ+ respondents were Democrats, and less than 10% were Republicans. Transgender voters are even more partisan, and nearly 80% identified as Democratic or Democratic-leaning in the 2015 U.S. Trans Survey.Exit poll data from the 2016 presidential election supports this conclusion. Nearly 80% of LGBTQ+ voters told researchers outside polling stations that theyd cast their ballot for Hillary Clinton. Just 14% reported that theyd backed Trump.Initial exit poll data from the 2020 presidential election indicated that Trump had doubled his share of LGBTQ+ voters to 28%. Later analyses contradicted that finding, however, showing that LGBTQ+ voters were actually essential to Joe Bidens victory.The surprising miscalculation was likely due to COVID-19-related polling errors. Exit poll data from the 2022 midterm election put LGBTQ+ support for Republican congressional candidates back at 14%.LGBTQ+ voters in tipping-point statesTaken together, past polling data indicates that the LGBTQ+ community will likely back Harris over Trump by strong margins in four of the most likely tipping-point states that is, the swing states with enough electoral votes to tip the entire election for one candidate.Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania all have populations of LGBTQ+ adults that are significantly larger than the margin of victory by which the winning candidate took the state in 2020.For instance, Biden won Georgia and its 15 electoral votes by 11,779 votes in 2020, and there are over 400,000 LGBTQ+ adults in the state. Trumps apparent current lead in Georgia is within the margin of error, and even a slight increase in Democratic-leaning LGBTQ+ voters, compared with 2020, could hand Harris the state.Georgia now has 16 electoral votes following a population increase.Forecast is as of Oct. 19, 2024.Table: The Conversation, CC-BY-NDSource: Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, Cook Political Report, FiveThirtyEightGet the data. Created with DatawrapperThe gap between the two candidates in all four tipping-point states is similarly narrow 2% or less. Thats well within state polls margin of error. Together, these states have a combined 66 electoral votes. Thats nearly double Bidens Electoral College margin of victory in 2020 and Trumps margin in 2016.If higher turnout among LGBTQ+ voters in these four likely tipping-point states could deliver the 2024 race for Harris, then lower LGBTQ+ turnout could pave Trumps path to victory.Trump is well within striking distance in the Rust Belt states of Pennsylvania and Michigan, where polling puts him in a statistical dead heat with Harris. With those slim margins that are well within the margin of error, even a moderate decrease in turnout among the states many thousands of LGBTQ+ voters could cause serious problems for Harris.For context, Biden won Pennsylvania and Michigan by 80,555 and 154,188 votes, respectively, in 2020.Possible X factorsOf course, the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections are not carbon copies of each other.The LGBTQ+ electorate grows each year, and by 2030 1 in 7 voters are expected to identify as LGBTQ+.Republicans have also ramped up legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ rights since 2020, and GOP campaign ads with anti-transgender messages dominate this election cycle. Both of these factors will play a role in 2024, as will a shake-up in the North Carolina governors race.In September, CNN reported that the Republican nominee for governor of North Carolina, Mark Robinson, had posted controversial comments on a pornographic website between 2008 and 2012. In addition to referring to himself as a black Nazi, Robinson said that he enjoyed watching transgender pornography.For a candidate whose anti-trans rhetoric includes saying transgender women should be arrested for using womens restrooms, this was shocking news. Robinson has denied the allegation, which has severely damaged his campaign. Two weeks ahead of the election, polling gave Robinsons Democratic opponent, Josh Stein, a clear lead over Robinson.Robinsons troubled past and embattled campaign could mobilize multiple pockets of progressive North Carolinians, including LGBTQ+ voters, against him. Boosted turnout would almost certainly eat into Trumps vote share in North Carolina a state he won by 1.3% in 2020.What to expect on election nightHistorical trends, demographic data and current affairs all point toward LGBTQ+ voters playing an important and potentially decisive role in tipping swing states to Harris.Yet, there are also signs that Harris may underperform with LGBTQ+ voters.A September 2024 survey by the Human Rights Campaign, a LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, reported that about 20% of LGBTQ+ respondents were undecided, planning to stay home or backing a third party. Less than 8% of LGBTQ+ respondents were leaning toward Trump, but disaffected LGBTQ+ Democrats could cause problems for Harris.Ultimately, theres no way to know what LGBTQ+ voters will actually do at the ballot box. This race is in flux, and plenty can happen before election day. Other voting blocs have grown or changed since 2024, too.The answers will come on election night or in a race with such narrow margins of victory in the days and weeks of counting and recounting to follow.Dorian Rhea Debussy, Lecturer of Womens, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State UniversityThis article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.The post LGBTQ+ voters in these four states could swing the 2024 presidential election appeared first on News Is Out.

While horror was never dead (or undead), it has certainly been making a comeback in recent years. Films like Longlegs, Terrifier, and The Substance have been cashing in at the box office. But what about queer horror? There are dozens of horror films where LGBTQ+ people arent just nameless victims to slashers or monsters. The following horror films will give you a good scare and also put the stories of LGBTQ+ people front and center.I Saw the TV GlowThis critically acclaimed film by writer/director Jane Schoenbrun stars queer actors Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine. Taking place in 1996 and paying homage to the 90s horror films and TV shows of Schoenbruns youth like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Smith and Lundy-Paine start off as two teens both obsessed with a show called The Pink Opaque. The film then delves into a twisty, fascinating narrative of love, loss, self-discovery, gender identity, and of course, fighting against a big bad named Mr. Melancholy.I Saw the TV Glow is available now on Max.Fear Street TrilogyContinuing the 90s nostalgia-fest is Fear Street Part One: 1994. After centuries of bad luck, the teens of Shadyside find themselves facing murderous undead, a lesbian breakup, and a fearsome witch named Sarah Fier. The same cast is featured in Fear Street Part Two: 1978 and Fear Street Part Three: 1666, which explores the origins of Sarah Fier. At the heart of the trilogy is a young lesbian couple, finding countless obstacles and searching for a way to end the curse plaguing their town.The Fear Street Trilogy is available now on Netflix.Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm StreetWhile technically a documentary, this film is full of horrors and scenes for Freddy Krueger fans. Directed by Roman Chimienti and Tyler Jensen, Scream, Queen! explores the life of gay actor Mark Patton, the star of Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddys Revenge. The film, which includes homoerotic imagery and tons of queer subtext, ended up putting unwanted attention on the then-closeted Patton after its release in 1985. In recent years, the film has become a queer cult classic, and Patton has embraced his role as Jesse Walsh and the fans who adore him.Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street is available now on Tubi.SpiralWhen a gay couple, Malik and Aaron (played by Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman and Ari Cohen), moves to a small town to raise their teen daughter, they find that something doesnt feel quite right. Once Malik discovers that a lesbian couple was murdered ten years prior in town, the town and its residents start to take on a more sinister tone. Could these overly friendly neighbors be hiding a dark and dangerous secret?Spiral is available now on Shudder.What Keeps You AliveBy the same team that brought you Spiral, What Keeps You Alive is an edge-of-your-seat thriller set in a secluded cabin. Lesbian couple, Jackie and Jules (Hannah Emily Anderson and Brittany Allen), rent a cabin to celebrate their one-year wedding anniversary. Things start to take a turn when people in the area recognize Jackie as a former resident of the nearby town, who was thought to be involved in the mysterious drowning death of her friend. Now Jules must face that she may not know who she married after all.What Keeps You Alive is available now on IFC Films Unlimited.SlayFour drag queens (Trinity the Tuck, Heidi N Closet, Crystal Methyd, and Cara Melle) show up at a remote dive bar for a gig and find themselves face to face with a gang of vicious vampires. They will have to use their wits and wigs to fight off the undead and mend their fractured friendships at the same time. A film for camp and vamp lovers.Slay is available now on Tubi.HellbentHellbent is an early entry in the queer horror genre, with classic slasher elements. Premiering in 2006, Hellbent follows a young gay man named Eddie on Halloween as he tries to connect with a man named Jake, all the while a vicious killer is on the loose. As his friends are taken out one by one, will Eddie be the last man standing?Hellbent is available now on YouTube Premium and Prime Video.ThelmaThis 2017 film out of Norway has become a top-rated queer horror film. After growing up in a strict, religious home, Thelma (Eili Harboe) goes away for college and experiences freedom for the first time. When she unexpectedly falls for another female student, Anja (Kaya Wilkins), Thelma develops psychokinetic powers and unexplained seizures. Both awakenings bring up traumatic issues from Thelmas past that she must face if she is ever able to move on.Thelma is available now on Crackle.BitTrans actress and advocate Nicole Maines stars as teenage Laurel, who unwittingly becomes a vampire after moving to Los Angeles for a fresh start. After meeting an alluring woman at a club, Laurel is bitten and is pulled into a gang of women vampires led by the stern and powerful Duke (Dianna Hopper). While life as a vampire initially has some benefits for Laurel, she soon finds herself conflicted.Bit is now available on Tubi.The post LGBTQ+ horror movies to watch this spooky season and beyond appeared first on News Is Out.

Last night, a record-breaking 75,000 people gathered at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C., to hear Vice President Kamala Harriss closing remarks, with a week to go until Election Day. The Ellipse is the same spot where Donald Trump delivered his speech on Jan. 6, 2021.Harris, who spoke for nearly 30 minutes, once again shared her vision for the country. At one point in her speech, Harris honored Americans who have fought for freedom over the past two and a half centuries, including those at Stonewall.Nearly 250 years ago, America was born when we wrested freedom from a petty tyrant, said Harris. Across the generations, Americans have preserved that freedom, expanded it, and in so doing, proved to the world that a government of by and for the people is strong and can endure. And those who came before us, the patriots at Normandy and Selma, Seneca Falls and Stonewall, on farmland and factory floors. They did not struggle, sacrifice and lay down their lives only to see us cede our fundamental freedoms. They didnt do that only to see us submit to the will of another petty tyrant.In recent weeks, Harris has spoken about the LGBTQ+ community and our rights with Howard Stern, defended access to gender affirming care on NBC, and has been working to engage the LGBTQ+ community for months. In contrast, the Trump campaign has spent nearly $20 million on anti-transgender ads airing during professional and college football games in the month of October. You can watch Harris speech in its entirety, here. The post VP Harris mentions Stonewall in her closing argument speech for President appeared first on News Is Out.

With the election days away, its essential to make sure your vote is counted. LGBTQ+ voters in swing states could even have a significant impact. Heres a simple guide to help you confirm your registration, locate your polling place and know your rights as a voter.1. Check your registration status before heading to the pollsBefore heading to the polls, verify your registration status to avoid surprises on Election Day. You can do this in a few easy steps:Visit your states election website: Most states have a portal where you can confirm your registration status with your name and birth date.Visit the National Associations of Secretaries of State (NASS) Can I Vote page. There you can find your voter registration status, find your polling place and more. Or check out VoteRiders for an easy guide.2. Know your optionsYou have several ways to cast your ballot, depending on your location:In-person voting: Locate your designated polling place and note the hours of operation. If youre voting in person, consider voting early to avoid long lines.Mail-in or absentee voting: Many states allow voters to cast a ballot by mail. Check the deadlines for requesting and returning mail-in ballots, and follow the instructions carefully to ensure your ballot is counted.There are several ways that polling places collect votes, learn about the different types of voting equipment here.3. What to bring to the pollsSome states have specific ID requirements for voters. Heres how to be prepared:Check ID requirements: Verify what form of identification, if any, you need to bring with you. Acceptable forms often include a drivers license, state-issued ID or passport.Bring registration: Its a good idea to bring a copy of your voter registration card or digital confirmation if youve registered online or through the mail.4. Know your rights at the pollsAs a voter, you have rights that protect your ability to vote safely and securely. Here are a few key rights to keep in mind:Right to vote: If youre in line when the polls close, you have the right to cast your ballot. Once you are in line, stay in line.Right to assistance: If you need help due to a disability or language barrier, you are entitled to assistance in casting your vote.Provisional ballots: If theres an issue with your registration, you can request a provisional ballot. This ensures that your vote will be counted once your eligibility is confirmed.Candidate paraphernalia is not allowed at many polling places. While you might be tempted to wear buttons, hats or t-shirts supporting your candidate, this is prohibited in the following states: Arkansas, California, Delaware, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Vermont.5. Report any issuesIf you encounter problems at your polling place, there are resources to help:Voter protection hotlines: Many organizations provide hotlines for reporting issues at the polls, such as long wait times, lack of access, or voter intimidation. 1-866-OUR-VOTE is a non-partisan option to report issues at your polling place.Election protection volunteers: Some polling places may have election protection volunteers available to help with any questions or concerns.In this story we used AI to help assist in researching. When using AI we also had a human check for accuracy.The post What to know (and bring) as you head to the polls appeared first on News Is Out.

As we approach the upcoming election, digital advocacy is more crucial than ever. For LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, who often face unique challenges in the political landscape, ensuring privacy and safety while advocating online is paramount. Due to the heightened risk of harassment and discrimination advocates face, cybersecurity is vital.Why is cybersecurity important?Robust cybersecurity measures protect personal information and communications from exploitation by those looking to harm or silence advocates. Privacy is a significant concern for many advocates, especially when dealing with sensitive topics. Online harassment can escalate quickly, and strong cybersecurity helps safeguard the identities of advocates, as well as their personal data, ensuring they can advocate without risking exposure or backlash. By implementing security practices, individuals can engage freely in discussions and activism without the constant fear of online threats. Moreover, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC advocates who feel secure in digital engagements are more likely to share their stories and perspectives, contributing to broader representation and understanding.Prioritizing cybersecurity also fosters trust within these communities. When advocates take steps to protect their digital presence, it encourages more individuals to participate in advocacy efforts. This trust is vital for effective collaboration and collective action. In a rapidly evolving landscape of digital rights and privacy laws, understanding cybersecurity empowers individuals to advocate for better protections and ensures their voices are heard in the democratic process.Here are some essential cybersecurity tips to help protect your digital presence while making your voice heard.Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Your first line of defense against cyber threats is a strong password. Create complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessed information, like birthdays or common words. Additionally, enabletwo-factor authentication (2FA)on all your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring you to verify your identity with a second method, such as a text message or authentication app.Be cautious with public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks can be a hotspot for cybercriminals. When accessing sensitive information or engaging in advocacy, avoid using public Wi-Fi. If necessary, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data.Limit personal information shared online. While sharing your story and experiences is vital for advocacy, be mindful of the personal information you disclose. Avoid posting identifiable details such as your address, phone number, or specific locations that could compromise your safety. Always think twice before sharing content that could be used against you.Review privacy settings on social media. Take the time to review and adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms. Limit who can see your posts, friend requests, and personal information. Consider creating separate accounts for advocacy and personal use to maintain a level of separation and control over your visibility.Stay informed about digital threats. Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, and its essential to stay informed about potential threats, especially during election season. Follow reputable sources and organizations that provide updates on cybersecurity best practices and emerging threats to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ advocates.Use secure communication channels. When organizing or discussing sensitive topics related to advocacy, opt for secure messaging apps that offer end-to-end encryption, such as Signal or WhatsApp. This ensures that your conversations remain private and protected from prying eyes.Know your rights and resources. Familiarize yourself with your rights regarding online privacy and security. Many organizations, such as theElectronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)and theACLU, provide resources and support for individuals facing digital harassment or discrimination.Report harassment and threats. If you experience online harassment or threats, dont hesitate to report them. Most social media platforms have reporting mechanisms for abusive behavior. Document the harassment and seek support from organizations that specialize in helping individuals in the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.Engaging in digital advocacy during this election season is crucial, especially for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals whose voices need to be amplified. By following these cybersecurity tips, you can protect your privacy and safety while making a meaningful impact in the political landscape. Stay informed, stay safe and keep advocating for the change you wish to see!The post Speak freely online: 8 cybersecurity tips for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC activists appeared first on News Is Out.

Across countries, socioeconomic classes, sexualities, and races, pop music has long been the sound of the masses. No matter where you go or who you talk to, people find commonality in the music of pop superstars. Icons like The Beatles and Michael Jackson are just as likely to be played at a Japanese bar as they are at an American barbeque.Surprisingly, the endless success of pop stars hasnt traditionally led to a ton of diversity in the industry. Pop stars are engineered to have commercial appeal, and though they are consistently popular within the LGBTQ+ community, they havent traditionally been a part of it. Luckily, that seems to be changing.In the last decade, LGBTQ+ pop stars have begun to share their identities with fans and mediaopenly and unapologetically. Where older generations typically waited until theyd reached success to explicitly address their sexuality (Elton John, Madonna, George Michael), newer pop stars are happy to discuss it from day one.Wizards of Waverly Place and Scooby-Doo actress Hayley Kiyoko was one of the first in her generation of pop stars to openly embrace her lesbian identity. In her early 20s, Kiyoko came out via her 2015 single, Girls Like Girls. Her decision to clearly embrace her truth as a former Disney kid, proved that transparency could work for child stars ready to share their full selves with fans. Fellow child actors Demi Lovato and Miley Cyrus have followed similar paths, discussing their sexuality without reservations throughout their adult music careers.When Gen Z phenomenon, Chappell Roan (lovingly dubbed the next queer pop superstar) began to gain popularity, she loudly addressed her lesbian identity from stage. From the moment she burst onto the scene, shes left little doubt about her queerness. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, takes listeners along for a sapphic tryst in Red Wine Supernova. Newer singles, released after the album, are even more blatantly sapphicGood Luck, Babe! tackles the emotional devastation caused by compulsory heterosexuality, and The Giver, is a bawdy track about topping other women.Roans success paves the way for others like her, unwilling to hide who they are at any point in their careers. Her sexuality hasnt slowed her rise to fame, in fact her authenticity has only helped her rise. In 2024, she broke the attendance record at Lollapalooza Chicago, drawing a breathtaking crowd of 110,000 fans yearning to see her in person.A still from Chappell Roans hit song, Hot To Go. Photo: Chappell Roan YoutubeSimilarly, Sam Smith has refused to hide their gender and sexuality journey throughout their career. Smith first publicly addressed their sexuality just two days after their debut studio album, In the Lonely Hour, dropped. Upon winning a 2015 Grammy Award for the single, Stay With Me, Smith thanked the man who broke their heart, claiming that the heartbreak provided the raw material for Smiths critical success. Smith was equally clear in expressing their gender identity, taking to Instagram to announce that they are nonbinary and use they/them pronouns.Smith went on to make LGBTQ+ pop music history with Kim Petras when the duo released their single, Unholy, in 2023. The track earned them a Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance later that year, making Smith the first openly nonbinary musical artist to have a number one song on the Billboard Hot 100, and the first openly nonbinary artist to win a Grammy. At the same time, Petras became the first openly transgender solo artist to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and the first openly transgender artist to win in her category.Petras public fight to receive gender-affirming healthcare before the age of 18 in Germany, her home country, made international news. Her gender identity and advocacy were well known before her career ever took off.In their decisions to be so visible, Petras and Smith have ignited conversations across the world about queer and trans identities. They also provide representation that has been sorely lacking in pop music. And they arent the only onesTroye Sivan, Demi Lovato, Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X, and Janelle Monae all provide LGBTQ+ representation on a global scale.However, as we celebrate this moment in time, its important to recognize that there is space for more diversity in our pop stars. While we have lesbian and gay pop stars, Black and white pop stars, nonbinary and genderqueer pop stars, there are voices we havent yet heard from. LGBTQ+ pop stars can be trans men, they can be Indigenous, they can be asexual, they can be hijabis, they can occupy any plethora of intersectional identities. The representation we have now is beautiful, and hopefully, its only the start.The post LGBTQ+ pop stars usher in a new era appeared first on News Is Out.