Springtime in Provincetown is filled with exciting things to do, see, and experience. Enjoy the beautiful coastline along the Atlantic, explore queer-owned shops in town, and spend evenings imbibing and dancing at some of the region’s best gay bars, restaurants, and clubs. In May, Ptown hosts Single Women’s Weekend where lesbian singles are invited to mingle over dancing, food, dune tours, and late night parties. During this event, Ptown remains an ever-safe space for women to connect with themselves and each other. The empowerment continues into June with Women of Color Weekend, three days of events exclusively for LGBTQ+ women…
Author: Lauren Mulvey
Drag icon RuPaul announced his new partnership with a bookstore called Allstora to send a Rainbow Book Bus around the country to provide young readers with banned books. Other figures behind the Rainbow Book Bus include actor and drag performer Adam Powell, and Eric Cervini, author of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated history book The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America, according to LGBTQ Nation. Cervini and Powell are partners and both can be found sharing the book bus’ tour throughout the country on their Instagram pages. Books featuring topics and themes of sexuality, identity, race, and social…
March is Women’s History Month and many women throughout history have paved the way for today’s LGBTQ+ community. Whether members of the community, or allies to them, we’re remembering these women because they not only understood the struggles of queer folk, but they help create a better world for them. Sylvia Rivera Before her death over two decades ago, trans activist Sylvia Rivera was one of the leaders of the American LGBTQ+ rights movement. Her journey through the frontlines of queer activism started in New York City where she found herself amongst other trans youth rejected by their loved ones.…
The American Psychological Association (APA) is doubling down on public support for gender-affirming care with a new policy statement. In their official statement, APA addresses “the spread of misleading and unfounded narratives that mischaracterize gender dysphoria and affirming care, likely resulting in further stigmatization, marginalization, and lack of access to psychological and medical supports for transgender, gender diverse, and nonbinary individuals.” The APA is a leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology across the United States and has over 157,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students as its members. Arriving at a poignant moment for the LGBTQ+ community, the APA’s statement…
The city of Huntington Beach, California has voted to ban LGBTQ+ Pride flags and other nongovernmental banners from city property. The decision was made by a vote which favored the ban by 58%. The ban is being referred to as Measure B, which not only bans displays of Pride flags, but also breast cancer awareness and religious flags, among others. Huntington Beach City Council Member Rhonda Bolton, opposed the vote and told NBC, “If people think it’s OK or it becomes normalized to display bigotry towards a particular group, then folks are going to crawl out of their rock and…
The Paris 2024 Olympics are quickly approaching and we’re taking a moment to appreciate the LGBTQ+ athletes taking part in this year’s games. Some of the most famous LGBTQ+ athletes competing in this year’s games include the fastest woman in the world, Sha’Carri Richardson, a 23 year old American track and field sprinter who identifies as bisexual. Last summer, she won the world championship 100-meter title. In the Summer Games, she will represent Team USA. Emma Twigg and Robbie Manson representing New Zealand, who both identify as gay, will be competing in rowing. Manson, who represents New Zealand, qualified for…
The European LGBTQ+ Travel Alliance (ELTA) has partnered with Rail Europe to promote diversity and inclusivity in the travel industry. The collaboration will include specialized journeys and packages exclusively available to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. According to Rail Europe, these deals will emphasize “a collective dedication to fostering a welcoming and safe travel environment for all, irrespective of gender, sexuality, or identity.” Specialized journeys for LGBTQIA+ travelers will stop at culturally and historically significant destinations, but will also support the community by transporting them to festivals and pride celebrations across Europe. “It is a historic agreement for LGBTQ+ tourism…
Ghana’s parliament has unanimously passed a bill criminalizing all LGBTQ+ people. Once approved by President Nana Akufo-Addo, the bill will not only make it a crime to identify as LGBTQ+ or engaged in same-sex activity, but it will also increase jail time for those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights from three to five years, according to Pink News. Criminalized acts will include funding and promoting LGBTQ+ causes, failure to report an LGBTQ+ person to authorities, publication of pro-LGBTQ+ content on social platforms, public displays of affection, and more. Global backlash followed the passage of the archaic and draconian bill. The United…
A new nonbinary X-Men character has conservative Marvel fans in shambles after the trailer of the highly anticipated “X-men ‘97’” show was released in February. The new show, which was originally announced in late 2021 is expected to be released on streaming platform Disney+ on March 20. The new season will feature 10 episodes. https://youtu.be/pv3Ss8o9gGQ?feature=shared According to Forbes, the storyline will pick up where the original cartoon left off after the death of team founder Professor Charles Xavier. However, fans are less concerned with the death of a beloved character and more troubled by the introduction of nonbinary shapeshifting character,…
Though New York’s Staten Island has not fully decided to cast aside its antiquated exclusionary rules and welcome LGBTQ+ groups into the borough’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, a separate inclusive parade will now allow these groups. In recent years, one of New York’s most controversial boroughs has sparked a whole lot of debate in maintaining the hateful exclusion of LGBTQ+ groups and people from its biggest parade. According to CBS News, Staten Island parade organizers have been denying applications from groups like Pride Center of Staten Island and the Gay Officers Action League for years. And despite many LGBTQ+…
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…
The death of a nonbinary 16-year old, Nex Benedict, after an altercation with other students from their Oklahoma school has sparked a nationwide campaign against anti-LGBTQ bullying. According to ABC News, Vice President Kamala Harris was one of the most recent political figures to speak out on the student’s death saying “My heart goes out to Nex Benedict’s family, friends, and their entire community.” “To the LGBTQI+ youth who are hurting and are afraid right now: President Joe Biden and I see you, we stand with you, and you are not alone.” The tragedy was also addressed by the White…
A new Tennessee law signed by Gov. Bill Lee last week allowed public officials to refuse to perform marriages if a union does not align with their beliefs, a law that poses a threat to the Supreme Court’s Obergefell decision. This law attempts to subvert the U.S. Supreme Court landmark marriage equality decision with Obergefell v. Hodges case. According to Talking Points Memo (TPM), “the new law effectively removes half of what is needed under state law to become legally married.” This is because according to Tennessee state law, marriage must be verified by the issuance of a marriage license…
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…
New York House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez paid tribute to the late transgender activist, actress, and author, Cecilia Gentili, on the House floor just after her death last week. During her speech in Gentili’s honor, AOC told of her accomplishments and drive to fight against anti-trans legislation. Gentili was an Argentinian American who immigrated to Florida at the age of 26. From there she launched a career in LGBTQ+ activism working for the LGBT Center’s NYC Anti-Violence Project, managing a trans health center with the Aphica Community Health Center, and becoming Director of Policy at the Gay Men’s Health Crisis. “Cecilia…
In a historic win for the LGBTQ+ world community, Greece has legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the first Orthodox Christian country to do so. According to AP, last week, a cross-party majority of 176 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament voted in favor of the bill which was drafted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his center-right government. Around 76 lawmakers rejected the bill, two declined to vote and 46 were not present. Ahead of the vote the prime minister told parliament, “people who have been invisible will finally be made visible around us, and with them, many children will finally find…
There are many Black historical figures who help changed the social and the political landscape in the U.S., and many new people today working to do the same. In February, we honor the legacy of Black lives in America, and one of the most influential Black queer figures in the literary and social justice realm was James Baldwin. Today, he continues to be one of the most revered literary talents of the 20th century. In 1924, Baldwin was born in Harlem, New York where he was raised by a single mother, who later married a man called David Baldwin. Throughout…
The International Gay Polo Tournament (GPL) returns to Wellington, Florida for another year of awareness, inclusivity, and equality at the Patagones Polo Club between April 4-6. This year’s returning sponsor is Lexus, known for its commitment to luxury, innovation, amazing experiences, and supporting organizations that are making impactful change for diverse communities around the world. GPL’s weekend itinerary includes the annual Players Welcome Reception (by invitation) on April 4, and the Polotini Wigstock party on April 5, serving up cocktails, light bites, a themed wig contest, and a captivating drag show. On Saturday, April 6, prepare for the “main event”…
The workplace, classrooms, and other public spaces in the U.S. can often be unsafe or uncomfortable for LGBTQ+ people, especially in a political climate that churns out anti-LGBTQ+ bills on a weekly basis. Luckily, some companies are willing to go the extra mile to make sure their employees are protected and supported. Some of the most famous and successful companies in the world, like Amazon, have protections for their employees (including coverage for gender-affirming care), but rarely have a clean slate when it comes to fully supporting LGBTQ+ rights. In 2022, Bloomberg reported that Seattle Pride dropped Amazon as its…
The Mumbai Pride march took place on February 3 to raise awareness for queer rights in India. The parade highlighted the October 2023 Supreme Court decision not to legalize same-sex marriage. India’s highest court claimed it didn’t have the power to create law, and passed the responsibility back onto the country’s legislative branch. The last pride parade in Mumbai, which is home to around 21 million residents, took place in early 2019, at which time 8,000 people attended. The continuation of Pride celebrations was initially halted by the pandemic, and then further complicated by difficulties obtaining police permission for the large…
Florida lawmakers have revoked a policy allowing transgender residents to change their official gender on driver’s licenses. A leaked memo dated January 26 from deputy executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), Robert Kynoch, indicates an immediate halt to the issuance of licenses for updated gender markers. Kynoch’s memo claims that “gender” is synonymous with “sex,” a concept that has been refuted by the National Institute of Health and Center for Disease Control and Prevention according to ABC News. Prior to rescinding the law, the DHSMV allowed Floridians to submit a court order to officially…
Transgender athletes are technically allowed to participate in the Paris Olympics, however, a new rule requires that those participating to have completed their transition before the age of 12 to compete. This rule is meant to ensure the hormonal development that occurs during puberty bears no interference and offers no advantage to those who have transitioned. According to Pink News, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suggested that transitioning after the age of 12 could give an advantage to athletes over their cisgender competitors. In March of 2023, the World Athletics Council (the governing body of athletics) banned women who…
A new survey has found that more than one in four Gen Z adults in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+. The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) found that 28% of Gen Z adults aged 18 to 25 self-identify under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella in a report released last week. This stands in contrast to 16% identifying millennials, 7% of Gen X, and 4% respectively for baby boomers and the Silent Generation. According to NBC, researchers also found that Gen Z adults are more ethnically and racially diverse than older generations, less likely to affiliate with established religions, and more likely to…
Professional swimmer Lia Thomas has filed charges against World Aquatics following a vote to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in elite women’s aquatics competitions. Thomas’ case challenges aspects of the World Aquatics’ gender inclusion policy which was established in June of 2022, according to CNN. World Aquatics is the governing body for all aquatics around the world. It currently operates under president Captain Husain Al Musallam and comprises 209 National Member Federations across five continents. Currently, they oversee aquatic competitions in swimming, high diving, water polo, diving, open water swimming, and artistic swimming. The organization’s gender inclusion policy rules that male-to-female…
Law enforcement raided several LGBTQ+ nightlife venues over the course of two evenings last weekend and are now facing backlash from the LGBTQ+ community. The raids were conducted by the Joint Enforcement Team (JET) and Liquor Control Board. Many officers made claims of “lewd conduct” due to the apparel of some nightclub attendees. Late night on Friday Saturday, 10 members of JET entered The Cuff Complex, a popular gay leather bar, and conducted a raid walkthrough with flashlights. Some officers took photos scaring customers. Other bars also underwent similar raids. Journalist and LGBTQ+ activist, Dan Savage, posted an explainer on…
A growing number of social media platforms are banning content promoting conversion therapy as a result of efforts from GLAAD. One of these platforms includes Spoutible, an alternative platform to X, launched in February of 2023. Last week, Spoutible founder, Christopher Bouzy, confirmed the ban was implemented. On the company’s website a mission statement describes the platform’s commitment to “creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable online space for all” while “mitigating targeted harassment, hate speech, disinformation, and platform manipulation.” Another site seeing similar changes is Post, a platform meant to share news and information and encourage conversation amongst users. Last year,…
Two of the USA’s largest transgender rights organizations are merging in a step to unify against conservative politicians attempting to repeal trans rights. The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) will come together as Advocates for Trans Equality or A4TE, indicated in a press release published last week. According to NBC News, the NCTE centers its work around federal policy reform and TLDEF works to strengthen trans rights through litigation. Both organizations were founded in 2003. Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, executive director of NCTE said “At a time when states are considering a…
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…
If you’re feeling lucky, you might just be the winner of a three-night stay at Santiago Resort in Palm Springs, which has over one thousand 5-star reviews on Google and Tripadvisor. The winner will receive lodging for three nights, dinner for two at a local hotspot, and tickets to the aerial tram. Santiago Resort is a lush and luxurious retreat for gay men in the heart of Palm Springs where guests can enjoy stylishly decorated rooms, pillow-top King beds, elegant bathrooms equipped with walk-in rain showers, and fast wifi. Wake up each morning and take a swim just steps away…
Conservative lawmakers around the USA are focusing much of their energy on restricting the rights of the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. These politicians have been trying to subvert these communities with disruptions of the culture surrounding them. One of their primary takedown methods? Banning famous books. There are many books new and old which discuss LGBTQ+ topics, and conservatives are making attempts to ban incredible literary classics, along with new educational commentary. But this is no new tactic. Conservative parents have long been complaining to schools about their children reading books with even a mention of sexuality, race or…