During this year, many of LGBTQ+ writers have released memoirs, debut novels and essay collections investigating topics of queerness, Blackness, masculinity, love and more. Here are some of 2023’s most popular releases so far. Is It Hot in Here (Or Am I Suffering for All Eternity for the Sins I Committed on Earth)? by Zach Zimmerman This collection of essays written by comedian Zach Zimmerman tells the story of their journey from being a “straight, meat-eating, Southern Baptist to queer, vegetarian, atheist socialist.” Zimmerman’s writings have been published in The Washington Post, The New Yorker, Vulture and more, and his…
Author: Lauren Mulvey
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…
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…
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,…
The Danish are famous for taking their nightlife and drinking culture very seriously. Many traditions through the course of a Danes’ life include drinking and partying, so you’ll know that a night out in the capital city of Copenhagen is sure to be a good time. By day Copenhagen has a lovely atmosphere, the city lives in harmony with a gentle river, and is frequented by cyclists, tourists and Danish locals who spend afternoons lazing in the sun, grabbing drinks at food markets, or strolling through parks and back streets. But the evening atmosphere in the city is a world…
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…
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…
Designated “LGBTQ+ free zones” created by Poland’s conservative communities could be abolished under pressure from the European Union. LGBT-free zones came about in 2019 when about one third of Poland decided their towns should be void of LGBTQ+ education, culture, and “ideology.” The towns and cities with these anti-gay laws are primarily located in Poland’s southeastern region. Last year, LGBTQ+ Poles started an interactive map called The Atlas of Hate which documents all the Polish municipalities where LGBT free zones have been adopted. The group faced multiple lawsuits from Polish counties for bringing this issue to light. However, courts have…
Three teenagers who attended a recent Ron DeSantis campaign event were escorted out and attacked by his supporters after displaying a rainbow flag. Ron DeSantis is infamous for passing legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community including the “Don’t Say Gay” law which prevents young people from being educated on identities within the LGBTQ+ community. Since announcing his run for president in May, DeSantis has been considered Donald Trump’s biggest competitor in the 2024 presidential election. The event took place at the Phillip T. Glennon Community Center in Tega Cay South Carolina. The protestors being abused have been identified as 19 year…
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…
Key West is one of Florida’s LGBTQ+ gems and it also boasts some impressive culinary chops. A stay here is guaranteed to be full of boozy fun, mouthwatering cuisine, and coastal specialties. On your next visit, check out The Flaming Buoy Filet Co, a gay-owned supper club that puts elegant twists on traditional bistro fare. Or for Key West classics head to The Conch Shack, for conch fritters, lobster rolls and fresh seafood. An elevated dining experience awaits at Azur Key West, where you can enjoy a lovely breakfast al fresco by a calm waterfall or stop in for a…
All summer long enjoy LGBTQ+ film festivals around the world to see the best works of queer filmmakers, actors, and more. Here’s where you can enjoy the art of queer film this summer. NORTH AMERICA OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival Durham, NC (August 10-13, 2023) This festival is the second largest LGBTQ+ film festival in the Southeast that brings thousands of filmmakers and patrons to Durham every summer. The festival is produced by the Carolina Theatre, the city’s cinema complex and screens films in various categories including documentaries, feature films and shorts. CinemaQ Festival Denver, CO (August 10-13, 2023) CinemaQ is…
EuroPride Valletta 2023 will take place in the capital city of Malta from September 7 -17. This dreamy island off the coast of Sicily unites Europe, the Middle East and Africa and has invited tourists and settlers to embrace its natural beauty for decades. The island boasts a diverse population where many can feel safe and accepted. In 2014, anti-discrimination laws were introduced in the Maltese Constitution, and they continue to protect citizens and create a safe environment for LGBTQ+ visitors and residents. Malta has ranked number one on the Rainbow Europe Map & Index for the past seven years, and…
The Supreme Court in Nepal issued an interim order last week that allows registration of same-sex marriages, symbolizing a big step toward equality. Though the order is positive move, same-sex marriage is still not fully legal in the South Asian country. The order is a result of a petition filed by gay rights activists who have been working toward marriage equality for same-sex couples as well as “third gender” people, a phrase that is legally used on government documents in Nepal for people who do not identify as a man or woman. According to Reuters, following the end of Maoist…
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…
Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts has launched a tourism campaign in Florida and Texas with billboards featuring same-sex couples. Last year, Healey was elected the U.S.’s first openly lesbian governor, and this year in celebration of pride, Healey issued a statement letting the public know that Massachusetts is a safe place for LGBTQ+ couples, families and individuals to live and work. “At a time when other states are misguidedly restricting LGBTQIA+ rights, we are proud to send the message that Massachusetts is a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for all,” said Healey. “To anyone considering where they want to live,…
In London’s King’s Cross the Outside Art Project presents “Queer Joy,” an exhibition on display through August 31st celebrating queer love through 50 portraits from 10 LGBTQIA+ photographers. Portraits depict queer couples exuding happiness and love and seek to capture the essence and individuality within every queer identity. These works are exhibited in Granary Square, Pancras Square and Battlebridge Place. The Outside Art Project has turned King’s Cross into an open-air gallery with exhibitions displayed on gallery benches. At large, this summer’s “Queer Joy” showcase seeks to carve a place for queer artists and identities in the history of photography…
Elon Musk has recently banned the word “cisgender” on Twitter, deeming it a slur after an anti-trans commentator complained about being called a “cissy” by transgender platform users. Last week, James Esses, a known homophobic and transphobic social media commentator tweeted the following: “Yesterday, after posting a Tweet saying that I reject the word ‘cis’ and don’t wish to be called it, I receive a slew of messages from trans activists calling me “cissy” and telling me that I am ‘cis’ “whether or not I like it.” Just imagine if the roles were reversed.” Esses posts tweets on a daily…
A bill seeking to ban trans healthcare in Arkansas has been struck down by a federal judge, a monumental decision in the fight against transphobic legislation nationwide. The rejection of this bill sets a precedent for at least 19 others states who have introduced similar legislation, attempting to curtail gender-affirming healthcare for youth under the age of 18. The US District Judge Jay Moody ruled that the act violated the US Constitution and wrote in his ruling “Rather than protecting children or safeguarding medical ethics, the evidence showed the prohibited medical care improves the mental health and well-being of patient and…
Around 3,500 unionized Starbucks employees took part in strikes after the company allegedly removed LGBTQ+ themed products from their shelves. Starbucks Workers United are seeking to gain a “fairer contract and respect for LGBTQIA+ workers,” along with gender neutral bathrooms. Last Friday, the Starbucks Workers United official Twitter page tweeted: “STRIKE WITH PRIDE! Seattle Roastery leads nationwide Starbucks strike over Starbucks’ hypocritical treatment of LGBTQIA+ workers. Over 150+ stores and 3,500 workers will be on strike over the course of the next week.” This follows months of far-right backlash directed at corporations like Target, Anheuser-Busch and Swatch, for selling LGBTQ+ themed…
The Provincetown Pride Center has recently celebrated the opening of their new location on Bradford Street next to Town Hall and the base of the Pilgrim Monument. The relocation, which occurred over the winter months, saw the center move from a tiny cramped space to a bigger property with the help of the Palette Fund, a local civil rights foundation that owns the building. The center celebrated their opening on Provincetown’s annual Pride weekend, and for the month of June on Fridays and Saturdays visitors can enjoy an exhibition entitled “Flag in the Map,” a collection of photographs and stories…
The Archbishop of Canterbury has spoken out against the recent passage of an inhumane Ugandan law banning homosexuality. Justin Welby, who acts as the senior-most cleric of the Church of England, wrote to Uganda’s Archbishop, Stephen Kaziimba, last week condemning Uganda’s recent Anti-Homosexuality Act. In his letter, Welby writes: “I am deeply aware of the history of colonial rule in Uganda, so heroically resisted by its people. But this is not about imposing Western values on our Ugandan Anglican sisters and brothers. It is about reminding them of the commitments we have made as Anglicans to treat every person with…
In celebration of Pride Month, gay congressman for California’s 42nd congressional district, Robert Garcia, took to the house floor last week to give a speech honoring drag icon, Ru Paul. Garcia told The Advocate that the purpose of his presentation was to honor pride month and to take a stand against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and threats of violence from lawmakers and far-right extremists and bigots.“Drag is an art form, and it’s also a uniquely LGBTQ+, queer art form,” Garcia said. On the house floor, Garcia brought a poster board photo of RuPaul to display as he spoke. “RuPaul Charles has become…
A new survey from GLAAD reveals that more than 70% of Americans who don’t identify as LGBTQ+ believe that companies and corporations should publicly support the community. This follows the recent backlash after Target removed some Pride merchandise from their shelves in response to threats from extremists protesting the LGBTQ+ community. Other companies receiving similar backlash include Kohls, Petsmart, and Bud Light. According to CNBC, three out of every four survey respondents claimed they felt comfortable seeing queer individuals in advertisements as well as families with queer parents. These findings come from GLAAD’S annual “Accelerating Acceptance 2023” survey which serves to…
The Nagoya District Court in Japan has ruled that bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional, making this the second time in Japan’s history that courts have ruled in favor of marriage equality. Though these rulings are a step forward, they do not grant same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples. GCN reports, “partners cannot inherit each other’s assets and do not attain parental rights to each other’s children.” Japan is the only G7 state that doesn’t allow same-sex marriage, but pressure mounts as an increasing number of the country’s municipalities have moved to allow same-sex couples to enter into…
Malaysian authorities raided Swiss watchmaker Swatch stores and removed Pride themed merchandise. According to reports from NBC News, on May 13 and 14 authorities entered various Swatch stores around the country to remove multi-colored watches. In response, Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek Jr. released a statement reaffirming the company’s alliance with the LGBTQ+ community: “Swatch always promotes a positive message of joy in life. This is nothing political. We wonder how the Regulatory and Enforcement Division of the Home Ministry will confiscate the many beautiful natural rainbows that are showing up a thousand times a year in the sky of…
As states in the southwest region of the USA continue to pass anti-LGBTQ+ laws, New Mexico is passing laws that seek to protect and support the queer community, marking itself as a safe haven for transgender people. According to LGBTQ Nation, over the last year, New Mexico has passed two laws that protect transgender health care practices and prevents any state government entities from aiding other states in the prosecution of those who seek gender affirming care. These strides to help safeguard people who are trans has turned New Mexico into a refuge for the community. LGBTQ Nation spoke with…
Taiwan has asserted its status as one of Asia’s most progressive countries after granting same-sex couples the right to adopt earlier this month. The Same-Sex Marriage Act, which was passed in 2019, made Taiwan the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. The new section allowing same-sex couples to jointly adopt, comes in the form of an extension upon the 2019 legislation. According to Pink News, up until this point, if same-sex couples wanted to adopt, only one of them could register as a child’s legal parent. The current legislation was introduced after a court ruling in late 2021 granted…
Target has taken Pride merchandise off its shelves due to anti-LGBTQ+ threats from extremists, and in turn faces backlash from customers nationwide. As Pride month in the U.S. nears, corporations have been stocking Pride-themed products in rainbow colors. In recent years, it has become customary for stores to sell Pride-themed merchandise, though it has seen skepticism from the LGBTQ+ community who have pointed out that stores like Target and Walmart use performative activism during Pride month, but rarely support the queer community otherwise. Now, Target is only worsening these claims with the decision to remove Pride products from shelves in…
San Francisco has crowned its first drag laureate D’Arcy Drollinger, the owner of one of the city’s most popular LGBTQ+ nightclub, Oasis. According to CBS News, “the position of drag laureate, established for a duration of two years with a $55,000 stipend, emerged from the LGBTQ+ Cultural Heritage Task Force’s comprehensive 2020 report.” When the pandemic hit, Drollinger started Oasis Art, a nonprofit that sought to support queer artists in the Bay Area. The organization piloted ‘Meals on Heels,’ which provided San Francisco residents with a hot meal and cocktails and a socially-distant drag show, all delivered by local drag…