Happy holidays from your friends at LGBTQ Nation

Artificial intelligence researcher and author Blaise Agüera y Arcas investigates how we perceive gender and sexuality in America.

But the pageant’s history-making owner says she’s just getting started.

There are almost eight billion people on the planet — and there are exactly that many different ways to live.

We’re taking a break from the news cycle and handing the reigns to our editor’s toddler to spread some joy.

“Every child deserves to see themselves or their family represented in children’s books.”

We need to take care of those who can’t take refuge in the bosom of patriarchy, and that starts with trans folks.

Messages from anti-LGBTQ+ figures in the U.S. have reached Iranian youth.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that an uninformed cisgender person will unabashedly ask a transgender person what their crotch looks like.

Incarcerated trans folks are subjected to the same political and systemic cruelty as the rest of us. Their stories need to be heard.

LGBTQ+ titles topped the number of book bans in the past year, but a growing number of grassroots organizations are rewriting the story.

“People have been taught to fear the very things that have the potential to set them free.”

Molly Lenore celebrates her company’s 20th anniversary and discusses the ingenuity she brings to experiential projects.

Language isn’t just a tool; it’s our revolution.

The countries queer travelers feel most unsafe may surprise you.

Tuesday’s elections in Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania showed the limits of anti-trans messaging.

Chin’s memoir chronicles a childhood spent in the buzzing, florescent-lit oasis of his family’s eatery.

The Maryland congressional candidate stopped by LGBTQ Nation’s Hot Seat to talk Climate Change, Taylor Swift, and taking on Mike Johnson.

A new report found that these kids face bullying and harassment at alarmingly high rates.

Equaldex maps where it’s safe to travel so you don’t have to.

The first time I learned to give myself grace, I was surrounded by a thousand naked queers.

A library canceled Adria Jawort’s history lecture because she’s trans. She’ll never stop fighting back.

“I believe that the Recording Academy should not be in the business of gatekeeping Christianity, which is how this feels to me.”

In her new memoir, “In the Form of a Question,” Amy Schneider provides plenty of revealing answers about her life beyond ‘Jeopardy!’

How many more of our precious people of all ages will have their lives cut short under the banner of “freedom to bear arms”?

Rebels in lavender cowboy hats existed long before Orville Peck and Lil Nas X were on the scene.

Moral panic over steroids has always had the criminalization of transmasculine people as collateral damage.

A new docuseries does a deep dive into both the heinous killings and the police neglect that followed.

Diverse sexual orientations and gender identities have existed within African communities for centuries, yet many still believe it is a Western import.

One HIV-positive Ugandan likened the situation to “a modern-day genocide.” 

Before there was Harvey Milk, Barney Frank, or Danica Roem, there was Jerry and Nancy.

Fifty years after the deadly fire at New Orleans’ Up Stairs Lounge, new perspectives consider the atrocities that occurred after the blaze.

Queer people gave us computers, the Mona Lisa, and “Where the Wild Things Are.” LGBTQ+ youth deserve to see that they aren’t alone.

Johnnie Phelps may have fabricated the story, but she was still a pioneering lesbian advocate.

Trans women still face discrimination in Myanmar, but while they perform the role of spirit medium, they are temporarily revered.

For each precedent set on the side of trans youth, another judge seems to answer the call of the right wing, holding up these cruel laws.

My gender truly does feel all-encompassing. It’s fluid, it’s masculine, it’s feminine, it’s all of it, it’s none of it.

LGBTQ Nation put Olivia Hill in the Hot Seat to grill her on everything from fashion to civil rights.

Before the Stonewall Riots, there was the Vanguard Sweep. And it all started at the Glide Memorial Church.

Drag has thrived through decades of prejudice, and it will continue to act as a joyful expression of queer culture. 

Club Kali emerged in the 1990s out of an intense need for freedom, dignity, and beautiful brown magic.

LGBTQ+ history is too often remembered through the lens of the gay white man. I mistakenly grew up believing he represented me as well.

Silent we are not, and silent we will never be again.

We opponents of conversion therapy call it consumer fraud. These sharks play on the frayed emotions of desperate people in crisis.

“I think it’s really important to understand who he was as a human being, not just as a symbol of hate crimes and things like that in the world.”

Dozens of men came to Molly Houses to let loose, but their popularity would ultimately cause their downfall.

I’ve concluded that no matter the niche or belief, my safe space might not ever really exist.

“You’re not leading a club, you’re leading a community.” 

Elyssa Maxx Goodman’s new book, “Glitter and Concrete,” traces the long and glamorous history of New York City’s drag scene.

To those facing her across a courtroom, she was a terrifying spectacle, utterly ruthless and laser-focused behind her heavy-rimmed glasses.

She is also only the third-ever Black woman to serve in the Senate.

The school plans to expand the project into the world’s first intentionally queer-serving college. 

Congratulations!

I endured horrific bullying due to Section 28, and it pains me to watch history repeat itself.

Here’s what you need to know about her.

Quiet censorship is a different beast in which LGBTQ+ books are not outright banned but are becoming less and less accessible.

Pence, Haley, DeSantis, and Ramaswamy offered the ‘phobic comments.

The stress of being LGBTQ+ in today’s climate is fueling addiction, but where is the help?

Our lives are, in large part, what we make of them. And even if they’re not, I’m really glad my friends and I have at least acted like they are.

Welcome to the (re)making of the queer world.

The “groomer” narrative is nothing new. It has just been repackaged.

It hasn’t been easy to navigate this new world as an adult, but I’m still happy I took my time.

As a closeted gay Mexican, author Benjamin Alire Sáenz felt like he didn’t fit in. His experience represents that of countless queer Hispanics.

What saved me? Therapy and community.

Award-winning journalist Katie Barnes takes on science, policy, and empathy in a new book.

“The students have baptized Mocha Celis as ‘the tenderness school’ because it provides a place of love, care, and support.”

I was ready for a change. A chance for him to see and finally accept the real me.

Republicans are obsessed with the man responsible for the deaths of people with HIV during what became a pandemic under his so-called “watch.” 

It’s easy to see the difference with some of the partners I’ve had this year after simply raising my standards for how I wanted to be treated.

“There are no doctors that have any idea how to treat your body.”

Queer men have reclaimed the word slut as an accolade. How did their sex positive universe come to be?

Michiganders have moved to address rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment by exercising their civic rights. And it’s working.

Watching those penguins made me realize I was stronger than I thought.

For so many queer and trans folks, tattoos keep us alive.

“We know that students can only learn effectively when they feel safe and supported.”

What Nashville stands for is apparently now up for debate – for the first time in history, a Republican has a clear shot at becoming mayor. 

Zachary Zane has been called one of today’s best sex writers – and he’s got a lot to say.

The Texas Supreme Court offered no explanation for allowing the gender-affirming care ban to go into effect. But…

Being incarcerated does not relieve us of our civic duty as U.S. citizens. We may even have some useful insight.

Given LGBTQ+ business owners’ increased prominence, it is not hard to see the culture — and political power — shifting within the Western Slope.

The GOP’s vicious rhetoric has spread to other countries that were once shining examples of equality.

After radio silence from the government, staff say they are spending their own money to keep the shelters afloat.

Four highly anticipated films on these trailblazers will be released in the coming months.

Clearly, it isn’t transness itself turning trans women into superpowered chess studs. It’s the fact that trans women were assigned male at birth.

It’s not just the United States that has fallen victim to this tactic.

“But the idea that every school district state and every teacher is somehow indoctrinating people is just false.”

My dearest wish is that he produces only the straightest, most indefatigably cisgender spawn who have ever walked this green earth.

It’s not what you’d expect from a guy born in small town South Dakota in 1929.

Home maintenance expert Mercury Stardust wants you to know that you’re worth the time it takes to learn a new skill.

If he isn’t opposed, he’ll continue emboldening far-right actors, hate groups, and anti-trans politicians nationwide.

Trans activist Aydian Dowling is giving gender-affirmation a high-tech spin.

Emma-Jay Webber will be the first out LGBTQ+ finalist to compete in Ms. World International in Miami. She’s ready to flaunt her Pride.

Our activism was born in these forgotten papers—and lies—generated decades ago, retooled and weaponized for our time.

A lack of physical safe spaces leads LGBTQ+ youth to seek acceptance in cyberspace, which puts them at risk for exploitation.

Not all religions oppose abortion, yet the beliefs of one continue to reign supreme.

The most LGBTQ+-friendly generation is running for office to take back their rights.

They can contemplate an outer galaxy species based on conjecture and movies but can’t validate the queer folks breathing and pleading in front of them. 

This is why we need to fight for inclusive education from early childhood onward.

The Miss Universe owner spoke with LGBTQ Nation about her traumatic childhood, her glorious transition, and juggling work and single motherhood.

He wants to show younger people that you can still love life, live joyfully and be cool when you grow old.

“This is not some sort of organic uprising of the people,” Kelley Robinson told LGBTQ Nation. “This is an orchestrated effort by political extremists.”

The Grammy-winning LGBTQ+ ally made a small but powerful gesture in memory of O’Shae Siibley.

Police are investigating the murder of 28-year-old dancer O’Shae Sibley as a possible hate crime.

“Their light started to dim [as] the bullies… started to chip away at their soul,” his sister wrote.

She was an outspoken human rights activist throughout her career and is survived by three of her children.

A key fact that bolstered Lorie Smith’s victimhood narrative has been shown to be untrue after a crucial discovery was made.

“People didn’t vote for me because they didn’t know who Fabian Nelson was.”

The school is currently dependent on visiting faculty to fill the gaps.

“I don’t want to feel like I have to lie about who I am seeing, or why I am living with someone else.”

“For me, this change is the culmination of a lifelong dream.”

Florida said letting kids see drag causes them “irreparable harm.” The judge noted that kids can already see R-rated films with their parents.

The Republicans say that they need out-of-state medical records to enforce state bans on abortion and gender-affirming care.

Moms for Liberty got a dozen anti-LGBTQ+ activists to protest queer youth event — they weren’t prepared for the massive pushback they faced.

“It’s a choose-your-own-adventure. You can make it whatever you want it to be.”

Empathy is the life force of our humanity, and ultimately it is the key to our recovery during the current crisis in our country.

His amendment to ban gender-affirming care in the military could imperil passage of the bill that funds the military today.

The owner of the salon – located in Chasten Buttigieg’s hometown – has advised trans folks to visit a “pet groomer.”

Kayden Koshelev hopes young actors of all identities aren’t afraid to shine.

If your religion gives you the right to discriminate, find a new one.

They sent a legal threat to Target for selling “obscene matter” because, in part, the store sold a T-shirt with a drag queen on it.

George Santos said that he once thought DeSantis was “a great governor” but now wonders if he’s homophobic.

It’s an astonishingly complicated, emotionally draining and yet transformative journey into my own womanhood

Split along party lines, the Supreme Courts conservative majority sided with a Christian web designer who doesn’t want to make sites for LGBTQ+ people.

Children of LGBTQ+ parents are discovering biological relatives and then facing how to incorporate that knowledge into their own identities.

Tom King just wanted to help people, but his long-term monogamous relationship with another man prevented him from doing so for years.

“We shouldn’t be making judgments on how people love each other.”

It has only been 20 years since homosexuality was legal throughout the United States.

The judge called the law “vague and overbroad,” saying it could apply to burlesque shows or a skit at a family BBQ.

The Twitter owner is on (another) anti-trans tear.

“I support trans kids, trans grown-ups, gays, and lesbians is because I know when I was growing up, I didn’t fit in anywhere.”

“The guidance is not being followed,” wrote one executive producer.

Seven months ago, a tragedy struck. But instead of going into hiding, its Pride has gotten bigger, louder, and more loving.

Republicans are enraged at rainbows this year. But is Flag Day… really some secret gay thing?

Parr’s books are so innocent and full of love it’s almost unfathomable that one could find issue with them. And yet.

A handy guide to the history and significance of the most common LGBTQ+ Pride flags.

At the annual Pride kick-off party, an unprecedented wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation couldn’t dampen the defiantly celebratory mood.

“It’s not bad for kids to see there are different people out in the world.”

Alex Keen wanted to show support for his local LGBTQ+ community. Now he’s afraid to even enter his home.

Pence could barely put two words together before he changed the subject.

“I’m happy to be asexual and aromantic,” says Benoit. “It’s not a problem. Here I am, just living life.”

Why does he want to keep the identities of his bond guarantors a secret so badly?

The actor describes the disturbing incident in his new memoir, ‘Page Boy.’

Surprisingly, the lawsuit focuses less on the ban and more on how the legislature passed it into law.

LGBTQ+ stars and straight allies alike took to social media to mark the start of Pride.

Biden said that the LGBTQ+ movement “has grown stronger, more vibrant, and more inclusive with every passing year.”

“The Proud Boys Whisperer” says that they are planning to appropriate the celebration of the end of slavery.

The law has drawn international condemnation, including from President Biden and Texas Republican Ted Cruz.

For many years, LGBTQ+ servicemembers couldn’t serve openly. These courageous individuals served their country anyway.

Anti-LGBTQ+ trolls Matt Walsh and Michael Knowles finally said the quiet part loud.

And the Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico is now a “trans Ellis Island.”

“So is it a big widespread thing?” she asked when the interviewer asked her about the anti-trans bill. Things went downhill from there.

The baseball team was widely criticized for caving to anti-LGBTQ+ pressure to drop the group.

This year, the state has become an epicenter of Republican-fueled anti-LGBTQ+ vitriol.

While advocates are hopeful Biden’s proposals will help trans kids, many say it has taken too long for the administration to take action.

There’s an AOC IPA and a “Tammy Shandy” named after lesbian Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

The protest was part of the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike.

The laws attack LGBTQ+ rights across the board. Opponents say they’re part of DeSantis’s White House bid.

“It’s unprecedented for a person to have been held liable in defamation to keep doing the defamation.”

After an angry crowd accused the district of “moral depravity” with its “Luciferian” policy, a vote for a school tax levy failed.

Parenting isn’t for everyone. You know that. But this year, you will discover that it is so deeply for you.

The law allows any medical provider or insurer to deny care based on “ethical, moral, or religious beliefs.”

The DOJ wants to hold Santos “accountable” for “repeated dishonesty and deception to ascend to the halls of Congress and enrich himself.”

Trump has said he intends to appeal the decision over its “unconstitutional silencing” of his voice, even though he declined to testify.

“We would not let a customer stand here and say anti-trans things,” one bar owner said, adding that he’s not going to let a beer brand do the same.

In the 1950s, LGBTQ+ people were accused of working with Russia and banned from government jobs. Now, trans people are the new scapegoats.

While celebrities have spoken out against the ban, local queens and kings are playing the long game.

“We’re not going to be protesting in a way that is comfortable for her that she can act like it doesn’t exist,” the transgender student said.

Her lawsuit to be allowed back in failed right as the legislative session ended. Some of her colleagues were happy to see her.

Supporters of the town Pride were called groomers and pedophiles and received death threats.

Lisa Cortés’ “Little Richard: I Am Everything” explores Richard’s life, loves, and legacy in breathtaking detail.

Seven of the top 13 most challenged books of 2022 contained LGBTQ+ themes and/or characters.

Zooey Zephyr said she would “continue to make the difficult moral choices” to represent her constituents despite the ban.

Biden used a few Republicans’ images in his video to show GOP extremism. She was one of them.

“We’re not the party of cancel culture. We can’t keep doing this tit for tat.”

Caitlyn Jenner says it’s “a huge problem” that kids are being accepted for their identities nowadays.

Kuina’s story in “Alice in Borderland” is a refreshing celebration of a transgender woman as a complex and empowered human being .

Calling it a “complete disgrace,” Boebert raged at how Colorado became a “sanctuary state” for trans youth.

They even recorded their vandalism, shouting, “This is an abomination!”

LGBTQ+ people repeatedly leave jobs due to mistreatment from an employer, though many don’t even deem themselves worthy of applying in the first place.

The three women standing up for trans rights spoke to LGBTQ Nation about shutting down Nebraska’s legislature.

When people wonder who my son is “related” to, it contradicts our family story.

He’s married and has said, “We must protect Texas kids from sick adults who want to sexualize them.”

The Orlando Sentinel’s editorial board urged DeSantis to channel Queen Elsa and “Let. It. Go.”

Tennessee Holler’s Justin Kanew responded to the attack with a simple message: “Love each other.”

The MAGA court jester used an AR-15 to make his point.

Trump pleaded “not guilty” to the charges and has denied his alleged affairs with the two women in question.

With some scary music and filters, she assembled some fairly normal video clips of Joe Biden and called him “The Predator President.”

Bow down to Canadian royalty, eh?

Republican leadership is dragging its heels on Santos, but Garcia isn’t going to let them wait.

A trans girls’ volleyball player led to a principal and four other staff members being investigated.

In their acceptance speech, Monáe said their “spirit is lighter” today than it used to be.

“Money is a beautiful by-product of doing something impactful.”

Matt Walsh wears a wig and a beard in the role of a trans queer woman.

Greene doesn’t get why the House may remove Santos but not Joe Biden.

The Christian school says it has a religious right to refuse to play against trans people.