We’ve all heard the story of those pivotal events that took place at a New York City gay bar in the summer of 1969. What you might not know is the surprising events that took place after the notorious Stonewall Riots. As you can imagine, shortly after the riots the Stonewall was closed. A mafia-owned bar that was home to an uprising against cops wasn’t bound to last long. Flash forward fifty years to the present day. I’m standing in Christopher Park with three members from the National Parks Conservation Association. It’s pouring rain and I’m completely soaked because I…
Author: Keith Langston
Marie Cau made history by becoming the first openly transgender person to be elected as mayor in France. Cau is now the mayor of the village of Trilloy-lez-Marchiennes, a town of just 550 people. Cau’s background was in engineering and she ran on a platform of environmental sustainability and boosting the local economy. On top of being mayor, she will continue running her IT consulting business on the side. The election of Marie Cau also provides a new dynamic to the idea of rural vs. city values. If a small town of just 550 people can vote for a transgender…
On Friday, August 7th, the 11th District Court in Florida handed down their 2-1 decision in-favor of a transgender student, stating that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 includes protections against discrimination based on gender identity. Back in 2018, then-high school student, Drew Adams, won a landmark case against the St. John’s County school board, stating that transgender students should be allowed to use the bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. At the time, it was a monumental victory for civil rights. However, in 2019, the school board appealed the case. During the trials, Adams had help from Lambda…
The Washington Blade, America’s oldest LGBTQ news outlet, has just become the first LGBTQ publication in history to receive a seat in the prestigious White House Briefing Room. Blade reporter Chris Johnson will serve as the White House reporter for the publication. In an article, the Washington Blade says that it will be sharing a seat with the Boston Globe, one of America’s most notable and historic newspapers. Sadly, that seat is right next to The Daily Caller, an alt-right publication so riddled with controversy that it has no place in the White House, and EWTN, a homophobic, anti-LGBTQ right-wing…
Soft drink juggernaut, Coca-Cola, released a new ad campaign in Hungary titled ‘Equal Love’. The ads feature both same-sex and heterosexual couples. Naturally, the conservatives of Hungary are furious, and according to AdAge, they stated that Coca-Cola “promotes same-sex love over heterosexuality.” A Hungarian anti-abortion organization even jumped in, starting an online petition to remove the ads. Luckily, Coke isn’t backing down. The company has decided to stand by their ads, stating,“Our belief is that everyone has a right to love and that the feeling of love is the same for all.” This whole debacle began with Coca-Cola releasing the…
Nikki de Jager, best known for her popular YouTube channel, NikkieTutorials, has become the first openly transgender celebrity to host the Eurovision Song Contest. Jager began YouTubing over a decade ago, and shot to global fame from her make-up videos. She has even had the honor of doing make-up for celebs like Jessie J and Lady Gaga. In 2019, Jager was even hired by Marc Jacobs Beauty to be their global beauty advisor. However, in early 2020, Jager became the victim of blackmail. Her 14 million+ fan base didn’t know that she was trans, and an unknown assailant threatened to…
Mike Pence’s trip to Europe hasn’t been going quite as planned. A few days ago, Pence visited Iceland’s capital of Reykjavik and was met with an overflowing sense of diversity and inclusion—two things that Mike Pence hates most. The tech company Advania decided to “celebrate diversity that day,” and flew rainbow flags in front of their office. The headquarters for Efling trade union followed suit, as did many other organizations throughout the city. In fact, flags were even being flown in front of Hofdi House, where Ronald Reagan famously visited in the 80’s. To really top it off, Iceland’s president…
On Thursday, the New York City Council claimed to make a tough decision: They decided to put forward legislation that would reverse the city’s ban on gay conversion therapy. What are they thinking? This is a decision based on fear, and the law must not be repealed. So why would NYC want to allow gay conversion therapy? As the New York Times puts it, “The City Council fears that if a federal lawsuit challenging the ban were to reach the Supreme Court, the panel could issue a ruling that protected the practice.” In essence, the City Council is worried about…
The espresso martini has been this year’s hottest cocktail. The combined punch of alcohol, the bitter crispness of espresso, and the perky power of caffeine have proven to be a winning combination. And while espresso martinis tend to be popular drinks to order at bars and lounges, many people don’t know how to make them at home, or feel that they require too much work. Luckily, Randy Lauwasser, owner of the Fire Island-based coffee company, BEACHBREAK, is here to share his recipe for the perfect (and incredibly simple) espresso martini. The drink is made using BEACHBREAK’s new PR!DE Roast, a…
Country singer Brooke Eden became a star a few years ago after releasing her hit song, “Act Like You Don’t”. Since then, Eden has been taking time to find herself and hone her skills as a musician. Part of her journey has been to take her once-secret relationship and make it known to the world. In an interview with People, Eden stated, “How is an artist supposed to be an artist and be completely open…if you can’t be completely open?” Now, Eden is releasing a trilogy of singles that chronicle her relationship and the love she shares with her girlfriend.…
On December 10th, 2019, Sanna Marin, who previously served as the Transport and Communications Minister, was elected as Prime Minister of Finland with a 99-70 vote. She is now the world’s youngest sitting head of government at 34 years old. Marin is known for her liberal policies and down-to-earth demeanor, which many people relate to and want in their Prime Minister. Furthermore, Marin grew up in what she calls a “rainbow household,” and was raised by two women. Earlier this year, Finland made huge strides in its government. A new female-powered government took control over the summer, promising to lead…
Health Canada, the nation’s official health department, announced last week that it will be ending its ban on LGBTQ people donating blood. According to PBS, Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, said that the nation had done extensive research into the legitimacy of claims that say using LGBTQ blood could “taint” the nation’s blood supply. The country spent millions doing research to determine if using LGBTQ blood was safe, and the answer that came back was: yes. ABC News stated that Trudeau wished the ban was lifted “10 to 15 years ago, but research proving it would not affect the safety…
Airbnb is holding a contest where you can spend the night inside the famous Parisian museum, The Louvre. Yep, you heard that correctly. The Louvre. So, what does this night of magic and wonder entail? You might want to sit down for this one, because it’s nuts… Your night will begin with an aperitif served right in front of the Mona Lisa Drink with the Mona Lisa (Photo ©Julian Abrams courtesy of Airbnb) Following your drinks, you’ll be served a delicious meal in a pop-up dining room with the Venus of Milo. Your dinner will be inspired by Venus herself,…
Model and transgender advocate, Kataluna Enriquez, was just crowned Miss Nevada USA. After winning her state-level competition, she will now compete in the national Miss USA pageant. Enriquez is breaking barriers, becoming the first openly trans contestant in the competition’s history. Upon hearing the news, GLAAD’s Head of Talent, Anthony Allen Ramos today said, “Kataluna Enriquez being crowned Miss Nevada is a huge win for trans visibility and sends a powerful, but simple message to the world: trans women are women,” said Anthony Allen Ramos, GLAAD’s Head of Talent. “Enriquez’s presence on the Miss USA stage later this year will…
Chile has just become the 31st country to legalize same-sex marriage, enabling its 18 million residents to love freely. The bill, however, contained much more than just marriage equality. Chile has enacted more parenting and adoption rights for same-sex couples, as well as access to reproductive procedures for the LGBTQ community. The bill was passed overwhelmingly by both sides of the political spectrum, passing with a vote of 82 – 20. According to the BBC, even the country’s right-wing president, Sebastian Pinera, supported the bill, stating, “I think we should deepen the value of freedom, including the freedom to love…
I was lucky enough to snag a seat on Virgin Atlantic’s Pride Flight, which flew from London Heathrow into New York City to herald in the start of WorldPride. The flight was, put simply, completely insane. I’m talking conga lines through the aisles, Britney blasting on the speakers, and the plane being completely depleted of its alcohol supply. It was a flight that will surely go down in history. Here are 8 things that made it epic! THE FUN BEGAN AT THE AIRPORT The festivities began the second you walked up to the doors of Heathrow’s T3. A giant…
The popular San Fransisco LGBTQ+ film festival, Frameline, returns this June in partnership with the Castro Theatre. Because of lockdown restrictions, the event will mostly be digital, with a special premiere taking place at a drive-in. This year, Frameline44 will take place June 25th-28th. The organizers have teamed up with filmmaker HP Mendoza (known for the popular movie Fruit Fly) to work as a creative partner and bring life to the digital festival. The main highlight of this year’s event will be the screening of Ahead of the Curve, which is set to have its premiere at the West Wind…
From April 26 to 28, the Lexus Culinary Classic will return to the historic Cavallo Point resort in San Francisco. The weekend is going to be filled with great food, wine, and excursions! Now in its fifth year, the event has an exciting lineup of guest chefs and culinary experts. Throughout the weekend guests will be treated to a schedule of exclusive events with highlights including a welcome dinner and reception, multiple cooking demonstrations, uniquely prepared meals, a class on wine blending, and the grande finale, the Lexus Grand Tasting, where some of America’s finest wineries will come together for a…
Celebrate the end of the pandemic by getting your vaccine and then booking a spot on what’s sure to be one of the best cruise experience of 2022. Setting sail from January 9-16, 2022 will be the inaugural Legends of Drag Cruise, starring drag queen royalty Jackie Beat, Lady Bunny, Varla Jean Merman and Miss Coco Peru. The festivities will be MC’d by Frank DeCaro. The queens will be taking over Holland America’s 5-star luxury liner, The Koningsdam, and embarking on an epic sail around the Mexican Riviera. Ports of call will include Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo, and more. https://vimeo.com/520803197 Each of…
The Trevor Project has long been known as a group that’s dedicated to helping LGBTQ youth and young adults. To help raise awareness of acceptance and diversity during September’s Suicide Prevention Month, the organization has created fun outfits in their signature orange color, accented by the rainbow flag design for Animal Crossing players. According to Mashable, The Trevor Project’s lead designer, Jonathan Silberman, stated, “Our research has found that LGBTQ young people who have a space where they feel affirmed in their identity are significantly less likely to attempt suicide. All of these factors contributed to our decision to design…
In a historic moment for equality, the Sapporo District Court in Japan declared that sexuality, like race and gender, isn’t a choice, and therefore discriminating against people because of it goes against the Japanese Constitution. According to the AP, “Judge Tomoko Takebe said in the ruling that not allowing same-sex marriages violates Article 14 of the Japanese constitution, which prohibits discrimination “because of race, creed, sex, social status or family origin.” While the ruling doesn’t have any immediate legal impact, it does mark a significant change in the mindset of Japan, a country that has long been fueled by traditionalism and…
Italy is a very welcoming and friendly country, and even better, they’ve just launched a new website, QueerVadis, which helps English-speaking travelers and ex-pats learn more about the dynamic and historic nation and its welcoming spaces for queer visitors and locals. QuuerVadis offers feature articles, travel ideas, and even news about current events and notable LGBTQ Italian residents. it’s not only a great way for queer travelers to discover the best and most accepting places in Italy, but it’s also an excellent way for them to feel more comfortable before visiting. Articles like Venice’s LGBTQ+ History and Picture-Perfect Italian Beaches…
Diesel, the fashion brand known around the world for their high-quality clothes and accessories, has just released a video for Pride Week that will surely cause some controversy, as well as inspire many people. The video follows Francesca, who was born male, but transitions to female. At the start of the video, you’re not sure what to think. You see a dark shot of Francesca taking a pill. It tricks the viewer into wondering if this is going to be about drugs. But then, you start to see Francesca’s life, and you realize she’s transgender. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=117&v=535_479z-hM&feature=emb_logo By the end of…
Mississippi Governor, Tate Reeves, has just signed SB2536 into law. The bill makes it illegal for trans people to play on gendered sports teams that they identify with in the state of Mississippi. Since January, there’s been a massive amount of anger from Republicans involving trans people and sports. Just look at how CBN chose the cover image for their “news” piece, directly aimed at making readers believe that trans women will outcompete “real” women because they’re “actually men”. In fact, one of Republicans’ main talking points against the Equality Act has been to make people fearful and angry that trans…
A same-sex couple in Maryland has filed a lawsuit against the US State Department with the help of LAMBDA Legal, Immigration Equality, and a pro bono counsel. The State Department is claiming that the couple’s child is not a US citizen. Both fathers, Roee and Adiel Kiviti, are US Citizens. According to a press release sent out earlier today by LAMBDA and Immigration Equality, Because only Adiel has a biological connection to Kessem, the State Department is disregarding Roee and Adiel’s marriage and treating Kessem as “born out of wedlock,” meaning she must have a biological relationship to a U.S.…
This Black History Month, the National AIDS Memorial will be holding a virtual viewing of the AIDS Quilt to honor Black lives lost to AIDS. The exhibition is set to coincide with National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7th. From now until March 31st, the free-to-the-public online exhibition will be available at AIDSMemorial.org. Pieces of the quilt will be on display that highlights Black stories. Swatches from the quilt that will be on display include: • Panels made as part of the Call My Name program, one of which honors Wandra, made by her hairdresser, who kept Wandra’s secret…
The temporary field hospital being built in Central Park to help people affected by the Coronavrus in New York City is going to be staffed by volunteers of Samaritan’s Purse, a religious organization whose President and CEO is evangelical fanatic Franklin Graham. Graham has, to date: Thought the world was coming to an end in 2011. Claimed Obama was a Muslim and part of the Muslin Brotherhood. Thinks God helped Trump get elected. Is in favor of gay conversion therapy. Opposed gay marriage. Called Pete Buttigieg a sinner. Praised Putin’s anti-gay positions. And now, Graham’s organization, Samaritan’s Purse, will be…
Axel Hotels is launching a new contest that could take you around the world. If you book hotel stays through their website between November 1st, 2020 and April 1st, 2021, you’ll be entered to win a very unique prize… Each month, for 7 months, a winner will be named. This person (along with a plus one) will get a 5-night stay in seven Axel hotels around the world. That’s 5 nights in Barcelona, Madrid, Miami, Berlin, Ibiza, San Sebastian, and Maspalomas. Walk the beaches of San Sebastian, experience the delicious Cuban food of Miami, marvel at the architecture in Barcelona,…
Today, Orbitz has launched their new ad campaign, Travel As You Are, shot by the famed Cass Bird. Bird, a member of the LGBTQ community, has shot for famous brands like Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co., Nike, Levi’s, and more. Now, Bird is bringing their talents to Orbitz to celebrate pride. The new ad campaign sees LGBTQ couples traveling freely, loving freely, and enjoying all the gorgeous destinations that the world has to offer. The ad campaign is a beautiful array of diversity, inclusion, self-love, and queer pride. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_gcF1Hg1oc In a statement, Cass Bird said, “I wanted to work on…
Guatemala has just pushed forward an alarming array of anti-women and anti-LGBTQ laws. Passed by the nation’s congress, the new measures would: ~ Give women up to 10 years in prison for having an abortion ~ Criminalize being a doctor who participates in abortions, with up to 50 years in prison ~ Bans same-sex marriage ~ Bans teaching that “anything other than heterosexuality is normal” in schools According to the BBC, Guatemalan conservatives are calling it the “Life and Family Protection Law”. Yahoo! News reports that out of 160 congresspeople, only 8 opposed the bill, meaning it has widespread support…