Taiwan’s biggest LGBTQ+ event, Taiwan Pride, is the place to celebrate this October. As one of the most progressive countries in Asia, Taiwan was the first to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019. Since then it has welcomed citizens from all over Asia to celebrate their identities. Taiwan Pride takes place in the capital city of Taipei over the course of four days. This year festivities will include the annual Pride parade march begins at Taipei Town Hall on Saturday, October 28. Following the parade, the gay pride village will be open to visitors in front of Town Hall and will…
Author: Lauren Mulvey
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…
This year, thousands of people gathered in Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, for the largest Pride parade the city has seen. The celebrations ensued peacefully with the protection of a heavy police presence, according to Washington Blade. In previous years, the parade had been canceled after violent anti-LGBTQ+ protestors threatened the safety of those in attendance. Those who marched urged the Serbian government to pass new laws to protect LGBTQ+ rights and to also move forward on a “long-promised” same-sex partnership law. The Pride parade journeyed past the Serbian parliament building where a rally was led by parade organizers who read their list…
Trans citizens in the U.K. have been turned away when seeking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) over the past year, according to reports from Trans Actual. Around 215 individuals have been refused these gender affirming treatments, and around 26% of those cases had recommendations from National Health Service (NHS) gender clinics. Individuals facing this issue were seen across the U.K.’s territories including Scotland and Wales. According to Pink News, 27% of those seeking medication were using a new prescription, 73% had previously been treated with HRT, and 38% had been discharged by a NHS gender clinic. Almost half of those reporting difficulties…
For the first time in decades, the top three STIs have decreased by 2% over the past year according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). However, over two million sexually transmitted infections were diagnosed within the last year, an all time record high. The New York Times reports these numbers are about a million more than the same figure two decades ago. And in 2023, nearly 4000 babies were diagnosed with congenital syphilis. The Times says doctors are “cautiously optimistic” about the recent downturn. Some public health measures and medical interventions have proven to be effective…
The English Chess Federation (ECF) has decided not exclude trans women from competing following a statement from International Chess Federation (FIDE) stating trans women would be officially banned from competitions until further notice. FIDE’s policy would also ban members who were formerly registered with the league as women and later transitioned, but the English Chess Federation has maintained that its stance will not change, and referenced several other chess bodies that also refuse to impose such restrictions. The decision by ECF, takes a stance against a consistent campaign against the trans community, an issue which has seen particular concentration across…
October has begun and so has Subaru of America’s annual initiative to help shelter pets find homes with the return of Subaru Loves Pets month. For the month of October, 600 local Subaru dealerships pledge to donate $100 for every pet adopted from their partnered local animal shelters; donations are capped at $3,100 for each participating dealership. They will also donate $20 to the ASPCA for select purchases of Subaru Pet-Friendly Accessories. The ASPCA has found that nearly 6.3 million pets enter shelters nationwide annually, and each year approximately 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized. This month you could help one…
After years of decline, a new article from NBC says lesbian bars are back and in the midst of a renaissance. In 2020, the outlet reported that less than 20 lesbian bars were still open across the country, a downturn which has since made a big comeback. NBC reports lesbian bars began to dwindle in the ‘70s as a result of the rising cost of living, gentrification of urban areas, and consistently low wages for women. NBC spoke to Angela Barnes, a co-owner of up and coming lesbian bar Nobody’s Darling in Chicago. Barnes recalled a time when queer women had…
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…
While the U.S.’s basic human rights topple down with the reentry of the Trump Administration in the White House, across the Atlantic in France, public schools are rolling out new “essential” gender equality and consent curriculum. France’s Education Minister Elisabeth Borne is said to be launching a new plan to elevate sex education in schools across the country to combat sexual violence against women and girls. This good news follows a similar trend in other European countries like the U.K. which has launched new government plans to treat the worst cases of misogyny as extremism, according to reports from Pink News. …
The LGBTQ+ umbrella is ever expanding to include new identities, and the broader queer lexicon can be difficult to decode if you don’t keep up with new terms. Semi-new to the queer dictionary are terms like pinkwashing, ciswashing and straightwashing, which are being used to hold the public accountable for their portrayal, or lack thereof, of queer identities. There are plenty of ways the media tries to disguise, prevent, or dilute the depiction of queer identities. And because new inclusive media on the fringes is working to bring queer identities into the fold of film, television, books and other media…
This year’s London Trans+ Pride saw tens of thousands of people take to the city streets to celebrate trans life and advocate for trans rights. With an attendance of around 60,000 people, the parade was a huge success. According to Pink News, Trans+ Pride co-founder Lewis G Burton said they were immeasurably proud of the turnout, calling the event “powerful and poignant” at this moment of strife for the trans community. The event was a beacon of hope for the U.K.’s trans community considering it was just last year when a Trans Rights Map published by Transgender Europe analyzed policies…
The American Community Survey from 2022 indicated same-sex couples are more likely to be interracial than their opposite-sex counterparts. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the American Community Survey each year to measure economic, social, housing, and demographic data from the American public. The survey, which assesses both married and unmarried couples, found that approximately 31% of same-sex couples in the U.S. are interracial while just 19% of opposite-sex couples belong to different races. Though there could be many reasons for this phenomenon, it’s easy to see that those who have been marginalized for their race and those who have been marginalized…
The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) has expressed concern for the increasingly prevalent anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the United States. The UNHRC is responsible for the review of human rights records of countries that signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), an international human rights treaty. Participating countries in the ICCPR opt to submit themselves for review of human rights policies and practices every four years. According to the ACLU, “The ICCPR obligates countries that have ratified the treaty to protect and preserve basic human rights, such as: the right to life and human dignity; equality before…
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,…
Estonia has become the first country in the Baltics to legalize same-sex marriage after they approved a bill on Tuesday that will grant marriage rights to the country’s same-sex couples. According to the Washington Blade, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas tweeted “It’s official: Estonia has legalized marriage equality. We join other Nordic nations with this historic decision. I’m proud of my country. We’re building a society where everyone’s rights are respected and people can love freely.” The law officially extends the recognition of partnership in the country with an amendment to the 2016 Family Law Act, which according to the Human…
Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will serve as grand marshal at this year’s New York City Pride. Jean-Pierre served as press secretary during President Joe Biden’s term in office, and has been revered for her “trail-blazing career” representing the LGBTQ+ community “at the highest microphone that exists” said NYC Pride spokesperson Chris Piedmont in a statement. Jean-Pierre’s resume speaks for itself. In 2020, she served as Kamala Harris’ campaign chief of staff, becoming the first Black person to hold the position and one of the highest-ranking LGBTQ+ people in the Biden-Harris campaign, according to LGBTQ Nation. She also…
Thailand may become the first southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage after Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said the government would submit a new bill for cabinet review on Oct. 31. The bill would officially legalize same-sex marriage throughout Thailand, according to Bloomberg. Currently in Thailand same-sex couples and heterosexual couples are granted the same rights, however, only heterosexual couples can get legal recognition for their marriages. Prime Minister Thavisin is hopeful that the new bill will spread equality in Thailand. According to eTurbo News Thavisin said “I see this (bill) as important in order for society to be more…
Countless countries, cities, and businesses have become famous for their appearances in film and television, with millions of viewers packing their bags to visit various locations around the world. When George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones became a viral HBO television series, tourists started flocking to filming locations in Croatia, Spain, Malta, Ireland and more, to see where all the drama went down. Croatia’s Dubrovnik, and many other cities, feature popular Game of Thrones walking tours that take you to various iconic filming locations. Hotels and resorts have made many special appearances in many films and on TV. In Italy,…
Art is one of the many forms of self-expression that allows the LGBTQ+ community to convey meaning, communicate emotion, and give power to their experiences and stories. Queer art has existed for centuries through ancient depictions of same-sex love and gender identity, and now LGBTQ+ artists are being celebrated in some of the most prestigious museums around the world. We’ve compiled a list of upcoming and ongoing queer exhibitions that are worth a visit, with some vitual showcases available that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. LGBTQ+ Audio Trail At Museum Of Liverpool Liverpool, England In…
This year, LGBTQ+ musicians swept the Grammys and continue to dominate all spheres and genres of the music industry. From queer bands, bisexual R&B vocalists, country boys and more, there are plenty of different sounds that LGBTQ+ musicians and groups offer for you to expand your musical palate and zest up your playlist. Janelle Monae Monae is flying high from recent album release that had fans reeling. She told the BBC her newest work was meant to combat those who seek to oppress black queer pleasure and joy. Monae, who identifies as non-binary, has been in the music game for…
Discord, the Instant messaging and social platform, has banned the use of deadnaming and misgendering on its platform as competing social apps become breeding grounds for hate speech. Though it may not be as popular as Instagram or X, as of 2023 Discord has around 153 million users who use the free application to share voice, video, and text messages, and develop communities for shared interests, According to Them, the platform updated its hate speech policy in April 2022, but only recently went public with their LGBTQ+ friendly changes. Their policy currently prohibits “‘repeatedly using slurs to degrade and demean…
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…
MSNBC is doing a talent revamp to include two out gay Black men on “The Weekend,” a historic win for Black LGBTQ+ representation. “The Weekend” will be hosted by MSNBC vet Jonathan Capehart and senior Washington correspondent Eugene Daniels, who will join new Washington correspondent Jackie Alemany for a three-person panel show, according to LGBTQ Nation. Capehart and Daniels are the first two Black gay men to host a news program together under a major network. The three hosts make a highly qualified united front. Capehart is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and associate editor for the Washington Post, and current…
Ride sharing app Lyft has announced a new feature to be released in the coming months allowing people to request their driver’s gender. According to The Advocate, the new service entitled “Women + Connect,” will allow riders to turn on the option in their app. The company reports the feature was highly requested and will allow women and non-binary people to feel more comfortable on their journeys. This feature cannot guarantee that riders will have a woman or non-binary person as their driver if those drivers are not available. It requires that the driver also turn on the feature in…
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…
In response to Trump winning a second term as president, women are swearing off men, expanding the ‘4B’ movement which originated in South Korea. In his previous term as president, Trump appointed the three conservative Supreme Court judges who made it possible to overturn the landmark pro-choice case Roe vs. Wade. In his campaign rhetoric and during his first term, Trump often insulted female politicians, not to mention the famous “grab her by the p****” comment that went viral during his first presidential run (and didn’t lose him the election). During his 2024 campaign, Trump often referred to his Democratic…
After Georgia’s president Salome Zourabichvili refused to sign anti-LGBTQ+ legislation recently the parliament signed it into law anyway. According to LGBTQ Nation, Georgia’s Georgian Dream party modeled the legislation after Russia’s recent vehemently hateful anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The new laws imposes “draconian curbs on LGBTQ+ rights and provides a legal basis for Georgian authorities to outlaw Pride events, the rainbow flag, and public displays of affection, and also to impose censorship of film and books.” Furthermore, the law also re-certifies the existing ban on same-sex marriage attained abroad and gender-affirming surgeries, bans LGBTQ+ people from adopting or changing their gender on…
People all across the USA want to know who J.D. Vance is after Donald Trump announced him as his pick to be Vice President. According to the Human Rights Campaign, the US Senator of Ohio has stated he “strongly disagreed” that LGBTQ+ people should be protected from discrimination. He also spoke out against Biden’s Marriage Equality Act, and has voice support on barring victims of rape and incest from access to abortion care. Throughout his term as a Senator, Vance has voted against progressive bills including one that would codify access to IVF, and he has said that he would back…