The fall season is the perfect time to up your fashion game, and this year you can get intentional about your clothing consumption and shop with a sustainable LGBTQ+ owned brand. Not only do these brands work to support queer communities, but many of their pieces cater specifically to queer experiences. Many designers have developed genderless clothing lines, gender-affirming products, and apparel that will help you to feel your most authentic confident self. Nicole Zïzi Studio Join the mission to make fashion genderless with this brand focused on sustainably made and worn streetwear and home essentials. Zïzi Studio knows the…
Author: Lauren Mulvey
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…
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…
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…
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…
Last week, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Bulgaria would be required to recognize same-sex relationships in national legislation. The ruling found that Bulgaria’s lack of recognition for same-sex relationships violates article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, a rule that protects the right to private and family life. However, the court did not demand that the country legalize same-sex marriage. A Bulgarian same-sex couple Lilia Babulkova and Darina Koilova first filed the case after they got married in the U.K. in 2016 and moved back to Bulgaria. Without legal recognition of their marriage they are…
Job search company Indeed has promised transgender employees $10k to relocate to LGBTQ+ friendly states following a terrible year of anti-trans state legislation. In addition, Indeed has offered a $10k stipend to employees to travel out of state for medical treatment. These actions make Indeed the leading company supporting trans employees as conservative states around the U.S. face an onslaught of anti-trans legislation in schools, public spaces and athletics. According to Trans Legislation Tracker, 83 of 566 anti-trans bills proposed this year alone have been passed. Indeed’s headquarters are based in Texas and Florida, both of which have seen numerous…
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…
Lake Worth Beach has become Florida’s first sanctuary city for the LGBTQ+ community. Last night, the Commission of Lake Worth Beach declared itself a sanctuary and safe space that is dedicated to protecting the healthcare, education and lives of the queer community. Mayor Betty Resch told CBS News, “Lake Worth Beach is a vibrant and diverse city with a proud history of embracing the gay community. Today we continue that tradition by ensuring our city remains a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people.” CBS also indicated a similar proposal has been made in Tallahassee, Florida. Lake Worth Beach and the greater…
The town of Blackpool in the United Kingdom has unveiled plans to create a LGBTQ+ village quarter to be build on an existing queer-friendly neighborhood of bars, small businesses, and guest housing. With around 15 LGBTQ+ bars and businesses throughout the city’s main streets, 17 years of Blackpool Pride history, and a warm and accepting atmosphere, the development is a natural next step. The expansion may include the placement of decorative rainbow plaques around the city along with a focus on small businesses and building economic opportunity. The BBC reports that chairman of the North Shore Business Group in Blackpool,…
Tinder has been taking strides to increase LGBTQ+ representation, and despite recent controversy about LGBTQ+ positive ad campaigns, the company is standing its ground. Tinder has recently onboarded new CMO, Melissa Hobley, who has over the past year been making efforts to make the app more inclusive. The most recent of these was the ‘It Starts With a Swipe’ campaign, which presents various video ads showcasing both hetero and LGBTQ+ couples through various stages of dating. According to The Drum, Hobley said the campaign offered “an opportunity to use marketing to chip away at homophobia and continue to show all…
The World Bank has decided to cut new lending to the Ugandan government following the passage of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act into law earlier this year. The act, which was passed in May by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, criminalizes “aggravated homosexuality” which is defined by the Ugandan government as sexual relations involving a person infected with HIV. But same-sex conduct has been considered a crime since the colonial era and today those who engage in it risk life imprisonment or the death penalty. After the act was passed, the World Bank sent a team to Uganda to evaluate whether additional measures…
There are many opinions floating around about the best time of year to travel to Europe. Those who wish to chase the sun may recommend you travel between June and August. Budget travelers will recommend traveling off-season, in the winter or early spring. But many have found the sweet spot or the best time to travel abroad is September. Tour guides and locals alike are often looking forward to September when the heat breaks and the streets are less crowded. Here are some very good reasons why September is considered the best month to travel to Europe Good Weather Depending…
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…
California business owner, Laura Ann Carleton, was shot and killed this weekend for displaying a rainbow Pride flag outside her clothing store. According to officials from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office, the male suspect who fled the scene first made “several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag that stood outside the store,” shouted homophobic slurs and tore down the flag before shooting Carleton. Carleton was the owner of Mag.Pi clothing store in Cedar Glen California. She was also an active LGBTQ+ ally and supporter in her community. Her store was considered a safe space for many. Her friends reported that…
Recently, a class action lawsuit in Tucson was certified by a federal court after several claims were made against a law that requires a “sex change operation” in order to change a person’s gender on their birth certificate. The lawsuit affects all transgender people in Arizona and was first filed by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) on behalf of three families with transgender children three years ago. The plaintiffs who filed the claim, argued that the inability to change their official gender on their birth certificate was harmful and delegitimized their identities. The NCLR said “Any time they…
Located just off the coast of Split, Croatia, Hvar is becoming an increasingly popular destination. With an ancient and bright marbled city center that hugs a marina, Hvar is perfect for wining, dining, beaching, boating, and one it’s main tourist attractions, beach clubs. At these popular venues you can experience sunset swims at seaside bars, all night parties, and of course more laid back vibes. Hula Hula Beach Bar Take a walk along Hvar’s seaside promenade and you’ll know you’re nearing Hula Hula when you hear a thumping bass. This bar is perfect for sunset hours, here you’ll find the…
Billion dollar box office hit “Barbie” has caused a cultural wave in the United States and many places around the world, driving movie-goers to wear hot pink to the theaters, repeat the film’s classic phrase “Hi Barbie,” and reevaluate their position on feminism. But not everyone agrees with the stance the film takes on feminism and identity, and some countries have gone as far as to ban it from theaters. According to Reuters, In Lebanon, cultural Minister Mohammad Mortada banned the film claiming it promoted “homosexuality” and did not align with the country’s religious values. Mortada’s is known to be…
Though this new program is not a visa, it does require Americans and other global citizens to be granted travel authorization before entering the Schengen area along with Bulgaria, Romania and Cyprus. The Schengen area consists of 27 countries in the European Union. The program is called ETIAS or European Travel Information and Authorization System. Those who previously traveled to Europe without a visa will now need this authorization to enter the EU for any period of time. This includes the 90 day rule, which allows citizens from countries including the United States, Mexico, Australia and Canada to travel in…
The Gay Games XI are slated to take place this year in Hong Kong and Guadalajara, but after backlash from LGBTQ+ activists there is growing concern about Hong Kong’s safety for LGBTQ people. Five human rights activists who formerly lived in Hong Kong voiced their concern through an opinion piece published with OutSports, calling on organizers to cancel the games. Their statement reads “We believe that the GGHK leadership team has betrayed the values and principles of the Gay Games, which purport to celebrate inclusion and promote human rights. Instead, they have aligned themselves with pro-authoritarian figures responsible for widespread persecution…
Last week, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) voiced their support for gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth in the face of years of legislative attacks on the trans community. AAP represents 67,000 pediatricians throughout the U.S. and has been voicing their support for transgender medical care for years, also voting in 2018 to support transgender medical treatments. A release from the group on Aug. 4 with statements from the organization’s CEO and Executive Director Mark Del Monte reads “As part of its mission, the AAP will continue to ‘ensure young people get the reproductive and gender-affirming care they need,…
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…
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…