Wine lovers will be heading to California’s sunny Sonoma County to celebrate Gay Wine Weekend Friday, July 14th through Sunday, July 16th. Gay Wine Weekend, hosted by Out in the Vineyard, is the perfect opportunity to enjoy world-class wine and culinary delights all while attending amazing events like VIP receptions, wine excursions, a drag brunch, pool party and wine auction. For 2023, explore new locations and wineries in Sonoma’s Healdsburg and Russian River Valley, a region which is home to more than 400 wineries. Funds from this fun-filled weekend benefit Face to Face, Sonoma County’s HIV/AIDS Network, an organization which…
Author: Lauren Mulvey
The Supreme Court has blocked a Florida bill that banned family-friendly drag performances. The bill, passed earlier this year, attempted to put limits on drag performance art by barring children from being present at drag shows and events. It was challenged by a popular restaurant chain, Hamburger Mary’s, in May when they sued the state claiming the law violated First Amendment rights. In June, a federal judge blocked the law calling it “dangerously susceptible to standardless, overbroad enforcement.” Many laws passed by Ron DeSantis have been blocked for their violation of constitutional rights. Perhaps the most infamous is the “Stop-WOKE”…
The Caribbean is known as a tropical paradise and plays host to sunny vacations for tourists year-round, but are countries in the Caribbean a paradise for LGBTQ+ residents and tourists? One of the only countries in the Caribbean region where same-sex marriage is legal is Puerto Rico, but this is only because it is a U.S. territory. In 2015, when the Obergefell U.S. Supreme Court decision made it legal for same-sex couples to get married, couples in PR were granted the rights to make medical decisions for their spouses, become stepparents to their spouses children, and file for joint adoption…
In North Carolina and Montana, transgender and intersex people are filing lawsuits against their state governments claiming Republican-sponsored laws are unconstitutional. The laws being targeted are North Carolina’s HB 808 that bans gender-affirming care and doctors from prescribing or providing puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or gender-affirming surgery to youth. Montana’s lawsuit rallies against SB 458, which has amended a state code to claim that “male” and “female” are the only two sexes. The plaintiffs argue that these laws are illegal discrimination. According to Them, last Wednesday, a trans boy’s family filed a suit against North Carolina officials claiming that HB…
Nashville has elected its first openly transgender politician, Olivia Hill. Last week, Hill was elected to the Metro Council, according to reports from Pink News and the LGBTQ Victory Fund. Hill has become the first openly trans public official elected in all of Tennessee. Hill is not only an award-winning public speaker and activist, but a US Navy veteran. She also made history as the first trans woman to be on a Tennessee ballot. In recent years, Nashville has increasingly become a blue speck in a vastly red state. The Metro Council in Nashville is the legislative body that oversees…
A clip of the House of the Dragon cast members has gone viral in recent weeks after non-binary actor Emma D’Arcy seductively told a cast mate their drink of choice in a press interview. But it’s not the drink everyone is freaking out about as much as it is the smooth and nonchalant way Emma says it. See for yourself. https://www.tiktok.com/@hbomax/video/7149523510589754670?embed_source=null_null_null&is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7149523510589754670&refer=embed&referer_url=www.buzzfeednews.com%2Farticle%2Fstefficao%2Fnegroni-sbagliato-prosecco-emma-darcy&referer_video_id=7149523510589754670 The drink? An Italian negroni…sbagliato…with prosecco in it. Yep, Emma likes it their way and everyone else does too. On TikTok and Instagram, people have used soundbites of Emma’s answer to this seemingly innocuous question paired with a video…
Elected president of the American Library Association (ALA) last year, Emily Drabinski has been fighting to further public access to books and information in spite of a near constant stream of bigoted legislation attempting to censor progressive topics spanning LGBTQ+ love and identities, race, gender, and sex. According to LGBTQ+ Nation, in 2023, more than 4,200 books were targeted by censorship laws in schools and libraries. “This is a year when libraries and readers and books have been challenged in many ways because of their LGBTQ+ content, and being an openly out lesbian leader of the ALA has meant that…
There are more out LGBTQ+ identifying Americans today than ever, and they aren’t going anywhere. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, a record 9.3% of U.S. adults now identify as LGBTQ+, an increase from just 3.5% in 2012, revealing that more Americans than ever are openly identifying as LGBTQ+. Unsurprisingly, a large portion of queer identifying people in the U.S. population are Gen Z adults. Over 20% of this group identifies as LGBTQ+ with millennials following closely behind at around 12%. The survey asks respondents to indicate whether they are straight/heterosexual, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or something else. Gallup indicates that…
It’s gift giving season and frequent fliers, backpackers, and luxury travelers alike are in need of gifts that elevate their travel adventures. Whether you’re settling in at home, preparing to spend the holidays with your chosen family, or packing to kick back on a beach for the next few weeks, we’ve got a gift for you and your travel savvy loved ones. HANDY DANDY Gloves are a travel item we tend to overlook, but Arc’teryx Venta Gloves answer the call for perfect on-the-go hand wear that feel essential to any cool-weather trip. Thanks to versatile high-performance design, these gloves provide…
A New Jersey agency that oversees sports across the state’s schools is refusing to change its policy on trans athletes’ participation in athletics. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) is standing their ground and decidedly letting trans athletes continue to compete in school sports. They have confirmed they would not be making any changes to the standing policy, defying President Trump’s executive orders. Trump’s executive order entitled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” bans trans women and girls from competing in girl’s and women’s sports and threatens to revoke federal funding from educational programs that do not comply.…
A “romantic” getaway is different for every couple. Some might want to visit an exciting city with lots of art and culture, while others may prefer to visit a tropical location and enjoy sun, sand, and sea. Whatever your preference, here are five destination that are perfect for you and your lover this Valentine’s Day. Lyon, France Paris is famed for its romantic flair, but for a Valentine’s getaway with the same French mystique head to Lyon, France. Here you’ll discover beautiful medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the famous Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a famous basilica with hilltop views. You can…
Gender-affirming care in the U.S.has come under attack from nearly every angle. Whether it’s politicians trying to ban medical practices in their states, or companies excluding it from their insurance coverage, access to medical care for trans people seems hard to come by these days. Luckily, some companies have made it a priority to include gender-affirming care in their health insurance plans. This means employees can feel supported by their company in their identity, safe at work, and better able to complete tasks and become better employees. Here are some of the companies who include gender-affirming care in their employee…
A new gender-affirming program from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s (UPMC) Health Plan connects the LGBTQ+ community with vetted health care providers who can provide specialized care. Under this new plan, health care providers would be required to take an online course to be better equipped and educated on the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Once the course is completed, these providers are given a special designation which informs patients that the physician is trained. “Health equity is really important to us at UPMC Health Plan, and this is one way we are trying to hit the mark on…
As one of the world’s biggest pop stars, fans and pop culture vultures are always wondering what Taylor Swift is up to. And in recent years, many have been questioning the singer songwriter’s sexuality. Swift is known to leave easter eggs detailing her love life throughout her song lyrics, and it appears that some fans put a queer twist on some of her songs, suspecting that she has a romantic relationship with model friend Karlie Kloss. The New York Times published an opinion piece last week in which the writer specified that there were various “easy-to-decode clues” within Swift’s discography…
California’s State Assembly made history when it declared August their official Transgender History Month. House Resolution 57 reads: “Supporting the transgender community by designating August as Transgender History Month will create a culture led by research, education, and scholarly recognition of the contributions of transgender Californians to our great state’s history, and will educate future generations of Californians on the importance of this history.” The resolution was announced on Wednesday, Sept. 6, outside the California State Capitol by Assembly member Matt Haney and activists Honey Mahogany and Jupiter Peraza who according to Them, are the co-founder and program associate of…
An advocacy group in Chile released a report recently indicating that 2024 was a “year of regression” for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation (Movilh)’s 23rd Sexual and Gender Diversity Human Rights report noted that LGBTQ rights are regressing for the first time since Chile became a democracy in 1990. The report indicates that around 23.5 percent of human rights violations against LGBTQ people over the last two decades occurred in 2024, with a total of 2,847 discrimination reports recorded. That’s a 78.7% increase from 2023. The people most affected was the trans community…
Transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney has faced a swath of criticism and hate speech from conservatives following her social media promotion with Bud Light last month, and is now speaking out. On April 1, Mulvaney released her collaboration with Bud Light in celebration of her “365 days of girlhood” series. In the promotion, Mulvaney sits with several cans of Bud Light in front of her and discusses the company’s special “March Madness” sweepstakes contest. Though the video is innocuous, conservative figures became outraged with the use of a transgender person for brand advertising and quickly began boycotting the beer. Musician Kid…
What teams are you cheering on at The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris? According to OutSports, at least 155 out athletes from 25 countries around the world are competing in many categories, including basketball, field hockey, gymnastics, tennis, volleyball, and more. Big names competing this year include track star Sha’Carri Richardson, trans nonbinary runner Nikki Hiltz, and British diver Tom Daley. Hiltz made history as she qualified for the games this year, finishing in record time for a 1500m race in the U.S. Olympic Track and Field trials. “I wanted to run this one for my community,” they told OutSports. “All…
A new study from Stonewall has found that more than half of LGBTQ+ couples in the UK are afraid to hold hands in public, among other public displays of affections. Findings from the study show that 56% of queer couples shy away from holding hands in public for fear of discriminatory actions from others in public spaces. Stonewall’s data also found that more than half of reported hate crimes were public order offenses and a corresponding 41% involved violence, with 5% recorded as criminal damage. The research has been released in association with Stonewall’s “Hold My Hand” campaign, which urges the U.K.…
President Joe Biden dropped Uganda and three other African countries from a major trade pact on Monday due to “gross violations” of human rights. The exclusion from the trade pact follows anti-LGBTQ+ laws passed earlier this year in Uganda. In May, the Anti-Homosexuality Act was signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni making gay sex a criminal offense. The bill was backed by 389 of 389 members of parliament. In addition, the law also makes “aggravated” homosexual acts punishable by death, while consensual relations can earn you life in prison. The bill has been called the “Kill the Gays” law…
When the hit Netflix show “Sex Education,” released its first season in 2019, it was already a radical concept: following British teenagers as they explore their sexuality, navigate relationships, and the constraints of their orthodox high school and steadfast teachers. Main character Otis, the son of a famous author and sex therapist, decides he’s good at giving advice and starts an off-the-books business at his school consulting students on their sex lives. The first three seasons are an exploration of the interpersonal relationships between all the usual high school players: cool kids, nerds, fashionistas, and the awkward quiet kids. The…
The top court in Hong Kong has ordered the city government to draw up a framework for same-sex unions over the next two years despite the city’s refusal to legally recognize these unions. This ruling follows an appeal by activist Jimmy Sham who has been fighting for five years for the recognition of his union with his husband, which was officiated in a New York wedding in 2013. He has been pro-democracy activist fighting for same-sex marriages registered abroad to be recognized in Hong Kong for the past five years, according to the Associated Press. In 2019, when Hong Kong…
A new bill introduced last week in Georgia echoes similar legislation from nearly a decade ago, protecting religious rights and potentially giving people and groups a license to discriminate. According to AP News, the bill would protect “religious rights from being trampled by state and local governments in a measure opponents say would provide a legal shield” for discrimination in the name of religion. The bill, named the Religious Freedom Restoration Act after the 1993 federal law, was first introduced in 2016, but was vetoed by then-Gov. Nathan Deal after Georgia’s businesses owners voiced concern over drops in tourism and…
This year has been challenging for LGBTQ+ people around the world, but some countries have been making slow progress for their queer communities. We’re recapping some of the best LGBTQ wins around the globe for 2023. Though much of the western world has legalized same-sex marriage, there remain a great deal of hateful policies and rhetoric circulating in political and social spheres. Hundreds of laws have been put in place to limit the freedoms of LGBTQ+ people, making hypocrites of the countries which claim to embrace freedom and equality for all. Upward movement has been seen most prominently in the…
Provincetown may be famous for summertime shenanigans, but a thrilling time can also be found in this queer haven at the tip of Cape Cod during the fall and winter months, making the town a year-round destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. P’town’s schedule is jammed packed with events and theme weeks almost every week until the New Year. As the leaves drop off the trees, prices on accommodations will do the same, and special holiday shows and events, along with memorable dining experiences and a chance to explore the town at a slower pace. Here’s what’s on the docket for the…
Edinburgh, Scotland has a reputation for its beautiful gothic architecture, historical culture worthy of UNESCO World Heritage status, and buzzing nightlife. It’s also home to a vibrant gay scene in a neighborhood known as the “Pink Triangle.” Located at the north end of Broughton and Leith Street in Edinburgh’s New Town, you’ll find the city’s most iconic gay clubs and eateries. This area is accessible by foot from the Old Town, but can also be accessed via public transport on local buses. If you find yourself in the Pink Triangle during the day, you’ll want to grab a coffee and…
After receiving backlash for his historical decision to let the Catholic church bless same-sex marriages, Pope Francis is denouncing the “hypocrisy” of his critics. Throughout the final months of 2023, the church was taking small strides to becoming more inclusive, and in December. Pope Francis officially approved the informal blessings of same-sex marriages within the church. A rush of backlash from conservative parishes around the world followed the decision. Despite this, Pope Francis maintains that he made the right choice, and “warned those who disagree with it that their ‘hypocrisy’ is showing,” according to Pink News. In an interview with Italian…
Social media has overtaken our lives, and while science shows there are some downsides to using apps like Instagram and TikTok, possibly one of the most positive aspects are the people who act as prognosticators, spreading activism and acceptance throughout LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. These activists and visionaries often work at the intersections of their queer identities, with some champion environmentalism while others work in psychology, body positivity, or racial issues. The number of up and coming people engaging in this type of activism is innumerable, but here are some of social media’s most inspiring individuals who are creating the…
As a conservative, Friedrich Merz, Germany’s new chancellor holds a more traditionalist perspective when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Here’s a brief history of the comments Merz has made about the LGBTQ+ community in recent years. According to Pink News, he opposed a marriage equality bill introduced in Germany in 2017, but has since stated that he respects the passing of the law and would not take action to undo it. Additionally, he suggested that some LGBTQ+ people might be better parents than some straight ones during conversations on same-sex adoption, though he has stated he was against the practice…
President Biden announced Thursday morning that WNBA player and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Brittney Griner, is returning to the United States after being detained in a Russian prison for nearly a year. Griner, 32, was set to serve a 9-year sentence after being found guilty of drug-smuggling charges. She was returned in exchange for Viktor Bout, nicknamed the “Merchant of Death,” a Russian arms dealer being held in the U.S, who was set to serve 25 years in an American prison for conspiring to sell arms to people who planned to kill Americans. In February, Griner was detained for carrying…