LGBTQ+ crisis hotlines have seen a significant increase in calls following Trump’s win in the presidential election. As the country prepares for four years with Donald Trump pushing the racist, transphobic, and misogynistic Project 2025 agenda, many LGBTQ+ youth are scared for what the future holds. The LGBTQ+ community is undoubtedly fearful, The Trevor Project, a youth LGBTQ+ suicide prevention intervention organization, reported a 125% increase in calls and messages on election day and the day following. According to Pink News, Rainbow Youth Project’s executive director Lance Preston said calls received to their organization were based in the “Fear that…
Author: Lauren Mulvey
Though LGBTQ+ history is being erased from government-run websites, The History Project in Boston is rescuing information erased by the National Park Service. The campaign to erase LGBTQ+ history from broader American historical documentation began in January when Trump’s executive orders asked the diversity, equity and inclusivity efforts be scrubbed from government agency websites. According to LGBTQ Nation, one of the most “egregious” examples of this is the removal from the NPS website of the names of trans women who sparked the Stonewall uprising of 1969. These occurrences have erased or muted LGBTQ+ history in every corner of the country,…
Poland has a new museum dedicated to the history of the country’s LGBTQ+ community. QueerMuzeum will be operated by Lambda Warsaw Association, Poland’s oldest operating LGBTQ+ organization, according to the Washington Blade. The museum hosts many important artifacts, some of which date back as far as the 16th century. QueerMuzeum challenges Poland’s post-communist conservatism, which has seen extremist anti-LGBTQ activity such as LGBTQ free zones in sections of Poland where older populations have opted to completely eliminate queer culture from their towns and communities. Lambda president, Milosz Przepiórkowski said of the launch “This sends a message to politicians: ‘Look we are…
The United Nations has taken a big stride in LGBTQIA+ rights by passing a resolution to stop intersex discrimination. According to Pink News, this resolution is the first of its kind recognizing that “persons with innate variations in sex characteristics,” have faced discrimination in “all areas of life.” The resolution was published last week with no opposition from any member states. The resolution officially calls on all member states to “combat discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against intersex people. This is the first of its kind for the United Nations,” according to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human…
Though religious institutions are often flanked by anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, one transgender pastor in California is creating a more accepting and nurturing place of worship. Pastor Drew Stever preaches at the Hope Lutheran Church, a branch of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which ordained the first ever transgender priest nearly a decade ago. His journey to his current life, living with his partner Hazel and their three kids, was documented on CBS Mornings series “The State of Spirituality with Lisa Ling.” Currently, Stever uses his position in the church to champion inclusivity. One of his congregants, Emma Halbert, told CBS…
As states continue to censor any mention of LGBTQ+ identities in educational and public spaces, a teacher who got fired for reading an LGBTQ+ book is receiving help from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and 16 states. LGBTQ Nation reported last week that two amicus briefs were filed by the DOJ and 16 different state attorneys general after a Georgia teacher was fired from her post at a public school for reading the book “My Shadow is Purple” by Scott Stuart to her class at Due West Elementary School in March of 2023. The book, which was included in the selection at…
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…
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…
A new report from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law has revealed the challenges LGBTQ+ faculty are facing in higher education as many of them consider leaving their posts. LGBTQ+ faculty at colleges and universities nationwide are growing tired of the lack of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) laws protecting them from discrimination at work, especially in states like Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and more that have tried to dismantle DEI laws. The crack down on DEI laws across the United States has included limiting funding for DEI initiatives, preventing mandatory DEI training for faculty, and banning…
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…
New House Speaker Mike Johnson (R -LA) has been outspokenly anti-LGBTQ+ for years before he took the head honcho seat, but according to recent reports he claims he doesn’t remember his homophobic comments. Johnson has a deep history of homophobia, transphobia and hatefulness toward the LGBTQ+ community in general. He served as a senior attorney and national media spokesman for an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group Alliance Defending Freedom. Under this role, Johnson filed lawsuits challenging same-sex marriage, adoption rights, and marital benefits. As an evangelical Christian, Johnson has directly spoken out against LGBTQ+ people on several occasions. According to the NYT,…
Teachers across the U.K. are pushing back against guidelines from the Department of Education that would allow teachers to openly misgender their students and out them to their parents. Despite hopes for a more accepting and positive experience for LGBTQ+ students, the Department of Education new guidance, released late last month, went in the opposite direction. Under this new guidance, school officials would be required to inform parents if students request to change their pronouns or wear school uniforms that do not align with their sex assigned at birth, with “very rare” exceptions for students who may be in danger…
In a battle between transphobes, Elon Musk has called on J.K. Rowling to tone down her transphobia online. Ironically, Musk has railed against transgender people for years. Billionaire Musk, who bought the social media platform Twitter (now called X) told J.K. Rowling to write something more “interesting and positive” last weekend after she published a 709-work essay on her transphobic views on X. Interestingly, Musk has utilized the platform to make his own transphobic views known over the years, according to LGBTQ Nation. In her essay published on April 6, Rowling took to X to explain her narrow view of…
Germany’s new Gender Self-Determination Act allows German citizens to more easily change their gender on legal documents. The act is a great leap forward for trans rights across Germany. Now, people who wish to change their gender on official documents must simply fill out an application entitled the “declaration with self-assurance” at their local registry office. According to The Washington Blade, the new law will replace the former “Transsexuals Act” implemented in the 1980s. This law required those who wished to change their legal gender to submit two psychological assessments to a judge for approval. Not only can trans adults access…
LGBTQ+ representation and censorship are still problematic topics here on Earth, but on the moon, no worries. An LGBTQ+ art piece has landed on the moon during a recent launch of two unmanned space missions carrying messages to “promote advocacy” in space. Aerospace firms Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines partnered with Interstellar Foundation and Space Pride to launch the two missions: Blue Ghost Mission 1 and IM-2 Mission. The missions contained a “milestone” Nanofiche disk with artwork etched on the surface, according to Pink News. The mission also included a digital copy of the art in a “lifeship Pyramid” inside…
Research from Out Leadership indicates that LGBTQ+ employees face a glass ceiling in the workplace, making it harder to climb corporate ladders and set new expectations for representation. The study has found that less than one percent of 5,670 boardroom seats at Fortune 500 companies are filled by LGBTQ+ directors. This is according to an annual list published by Fortune magazine, ranking the largest 500 corporations in the US by total revenue. Pink News brings attention to notable queer corporate leaders such as Tim Cook of Apple, Sam Altman of OpenAI, and Tara Bunch of Airbnb. However, beyond these names, there…
Out in the Vineyard has officially announced the 2023 dates for its annual Gay Wine Weekend in Sonoma County, California. From July 14 through 16, there will be a weekend full of LGBTQ+ events, including: world class wine and food, wine tastings and auctions, a drag queen brunch, and the signature Twilight T-Dance, which will be sponsored by La Crema Estate & Winery and feature a selection of their wines at the stunning Richard’s Grove. Out in the Vineyard is a renowned supporter of LGBTQ+ causes and organizations. In 2023, the weekend-long event will benefit Sonoma County’s Face to Face…
Uzbekistan in Central Asia has joined a growing list of countries with anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda laws including Russia, Hungary, and Bulgaria. Leader of Uzbekistan’s ruling Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) Party, Alisher Qodirov, announced on his Telegram channel that the country’s governing body was drawing up legislation to ban LGBTQ+ content, according to The Times of Central Asia. Qodirov also shared a post from Ivanka Trump discussing her father Donald Trump’s intentions to cut federal funding for schools that promote “inappropriate sexual content” and “transgender ideology.” Homosexuality is still illegal in the Central Asian nation with penalties of up to three years…
Activists unleashed a 200-foot long trans pride flag in Salt Lake City last week after Utah became the first state to ban Pride flags in schools and government buildings. On March 30, thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies flooded the streets outside the state Capitol to celebrate Trans Day of Visibility and to protest the recent legislation. With the approval of Republican governor Spencer Cox, anyone displaying a pride flag outside a school or government facility will be fined up to $500 as of May 7. Cox has previously disagreed with the bill’s rhetoric, according to Pink News, but failed…
Passport Magazine’s savvy traveler writers are not just globetrotters, they are also domestic travel dynamos who have explored the best places to visit in the USA. Here are five of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in the USA that our writers have personally experienced and recommend for all travelers. AUSTIN, TEXAS “Keep Austin Weird” became a slogan so popular and impactful that it was famously copied by Portland, Oregon and other cities around the nation. Is Austin weird? Yes, in a wonderful way. It’s a college town, a liberal hippie hideout, a tech-industry magnet, and an outdoorsman’s paradise. And, despite…
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…
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…
At a four hour telethon on Sunday, Marcia Gay Harden revealed that her children are all queer, inspiring her to engage in LGBTQ+ advocacy. The telethon titled “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” was held on Sunday to raise funds for LGBTQ+ charities in response to a rise in anti-drag legislation across the country. Special guests included Drag Race’s Jinx Monsoon, Candis Cayne and Trixie Mattel, along with movie stars including Charlize Theron and Melissa McCarthy. Harden told telethon host Adam Shankman “What drives me is – my children are all queer. My eldest child is nonbinary. My son is gay. My youngest…
The 2024 GOP presidential lineup is looking dreadful, and prospective Republican candidates are certainly not shy about sharing their transphobic opinions. Though there are a slew of conservative candidates at present, some of the biggest names include Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Chris Christie. It’s been an unfortunately record-breaking year for transgender people in America as laws have been proposed and passed attempting to curtail gender-affirming healthcare, trans participation in sports, LGBTQ+ education, trans events and rituals, and basically activities of everyday life in the trans community. Trans people have been threatened time and time again, under constant…
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…
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…
Cardinal Peter Turkson from Ghana told the BBC it’s time the country moves toward LGBTQ+ acceptance as Ghanaian Parliament begins discussing a bill imposing harsh penalties on the community. Turkson has spoken out in favor of accepting the LGBTQ community, a view which is in opposition to Roman Catholic bishops in Ghana who deem homosexuality “despicable,” according to BBC. Turkson is Ghana’s top Catholic priest and first-ever Ghanaian cardinal appointed by Pope John Paul II. And though he maintains his opposition toward same-sex marriage, he doesn’t think homosexuality itself should be criminalized. “It’s time to begin education, to help people…
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…
Actress Annette Bening spoke out against anti-trans rhetoric during a guest appearance on The View recently. Bening has a 32-year-old trans son who she shares with husband Warren Beatty. She spoke of her relationship with him to the show’s hosts. “At the beginning, I felt very protective of his privacy, because he’s the son of these two famous people,” she said. “I felt it was his right to say what we wanted to say publicly, or not.” Bening spoke about her shift from remaining quiet on political topics in the public sphere to speaking openly about her support for the…
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…