What it means to be transgender has been discussed a lot in American society, yet so often actual trans voices have been and are being left out of the conversation. Many — including within the LGBTQ+ community — hold internal biases against gender nonconformity. Yet everyone has a gender identity, and being able to comfortably explore it adds […]
Category: News
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Nonbinary country artist Fimone takes on Nashville with queer pride
The title of Nashville singer/songwriter Fimone’s debut EP, “The Fight in the Farmer’s Daughter,” isn’t hyperbole. Fimone was born and raised on an 80-acre farm in rural Minnesota and thrived on a steady diet of ’90s country radio. “Johnny Cash, your Willie Nelson, you know, Eddie Rabbit, if you’re familiar with him,” said Fimone in […]
Posted inNews
DNC Day 3: LGBTQ+ Caucus honors political pioneers, while Walz and Buttigieg address Democratic Party
This article originally appeared on Windy City Times. The Democratic National Convention’s (DNC) LGBTQ+ Caucus recognized several queer trailblazers, including trans activist Miss Major, on the third day of the convention, during which Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz made his pitch to America as the party’s vice-presidential nominee. Walz headlined the DNC Aug. 21 at the […]
Posted inPolitics
DNC Day 2: LGBTQ+ politicians celebrated at Victory Fund reception before Obamas take convention stage
This article originally appeared on Windy City Times. Illinois took the spotlight on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which also saw an off-site celebration of LGBTQ+ elected officials at every level of government. Former President and Illinois politician Barack Obama headlined Aug. 20 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., singing […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
Six organizations supporting LGBTQ+ and BIPOC involvement in tech
In an era where technology drives innovation and opportunity, ensuring that marginalized communities have equitable access is crucial. Organizations dedicated to making tech more accessible to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and LGBTQ+ individuals are at the forefront of this transformative work, addressing systemic barriers and fostering inclusivity in the tech industry. Here’s a closer […]
Posted inCommunity
Dragging voters to the polls: Drag PAC’s creation represents a larger culture shift
The 2024 election is gearing up to be a tense and difficult battle, drawing out activist groups who want to inspire folks to go to the polls. One of those groups is drag queens. As states around the country ban drag-related events and mount increasing attacks on transgender Americans, the creation of the Drag PAC—starring […]
Posted inCommunity
Trans entrepreneurs empower queer community through apparel
Length, width, fabric type, looseness or tightness — there are a number of reasons why a clothing item doesn’t work for a person. For trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming individuals, ill-fitting clothes present another issue: causing, or exacerbating, gender dysphoria. With LGBTQ well-being in mind, two transgender entrepreneurs of apparel companies — Kylo Freeman, founder and […]
Posted inCulture
Queer Cannabis: A guide to LGBTQ+-owned dispensaries and brands nationwide
Currently, recreational marijuana is legal in 26 states and U.S. territories. Voters in Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota will also have their chance to vote for the legalization of recreational marijuana this November. The legal cannabis industry is on track to generate around 40 billion dollars in revenue in 2024. There are LGBTQ+ cannabis brands […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
Trans experiences with the internet range from ‘harrowing’ to ‘powerful’
Alex, 29, would not have met their friends without the internet. While living in a small city surrounded by farmland, finding community was not always easy. Alex tried out one of those apps for adults seeking to make friends. It turned out to be a remarkable success. “I’ve made my friend group as a direct result of […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Is LGBTQ+ TV growing or in stasis?
America is more LGBTQ+ than ever. The latest 2024 Gallup poll finds LGBTQ+ identification in the U.S. expanding annually with 7.6% of U.S. adults now identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or some other sexual orientation other than heterosexual. This percentage is up a full 2% from 5.6% four years ago and is more than double […]
Posted inTop Stories
LGBTQ+ critics honor ‘Hacks,’ ‘Interview with the Vampire’ at 2024 Dorian TV Awards
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics has announced the winners of the 2024 Dorian TV Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in television and streaming. In its16th year, the awards celebrated shows and talents that have made a significant impact in the industry. According to a press release sent out by GALECA, Max’s hit series “Hacks” […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
GLAAD’s inaugural gaming report shows improvement needed in LGBTQ+ representation
Earlier this year, GLAAD released their first ever Gaming Report, assessing LGBTQ+ inclusion in gaming. In addition to their yearly “Where We Are on TV” report, the organization has taken an in-depth look at LGBTQ+ representation in gaming for 2023. Their goal with this report is “to educate the game industry on the current state […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
How Matthew Schueller and Michael Lindsay are creating a community-driven queer travel experience
Before he became one-half of a popular influencer and content-creating couple with close to a million followers on social media, Matthew Schueller was bitten by the travel bug in a unique way. He fell in love with an exchange student while in high school. “I never left the country until I graduated high school,” said […]
Posted inPolitics
Project 2025’s ‘War on Porn’ threatens sex workers, LGBTQ+ community
Civil liberties and LGBTQ+ rights advocates have expressed alarm that a proposal to criminalize pornography in a 920-page far-right blueprint for the first 180 days of a second Trump administration known as Project 2025 would have a far-reaching impact that threatens the rights of sex workers and the LGBTQ+ community, especially the transgender community. Project […]
Posted inNews
Democratic VP candidate Tim Walz has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community
Few things have been as highly anticipated this year as Kamala Harris’ pick for her vice presidential running mate. This morning it was announced that Tim Walz, current governor of Minnesota, would join her on the ticket. Walz, a former U.S. Army non commissioned officer, high school teacher and football coach who entered politics in […]
Posted inCulture
Far from making their last calls, LGBTQ+ bars evolve to imagine a new world
Greggor Mattson put about 10,000 miles on his car during his long, winding pilgrimage to 300 LGBTQ+ bars across 39 states. Mattson, the chair of sociology at Oberlin College and Conservatory, embarked on this journey to research why LGBTQ+ bars all over the U.S. were closing, but the story ended up being more complicated—and hopeful—than […]
Posted inCommunity
Philly’s Paynter’s Platters gives back to the LGBTQ+ community
Paynter’s Platters is a Black and LGBTQ+-owned catering company largely servicing the Philadelphia area, with New Jersey roots. For owner Ryen Paynter, it’s all about family, sharing how his early experiences with food and love for those who surrounded him while growing up motivated his cooking journey. He discusses new opportunities he is seeking with […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
LGBTQ+ social media platforms center on queer spaces, community connection
A gay man living in a rural area has recently come out of the closet and is looking for LGBTQ+ friends; a lesbian has moved to a new city where she hopes to find a local queer femme social group; a nonbinary person has started hormone replacement therapy and wants to share the changes they’re […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
“Wynonna Earp: Vengeance” gets a trailer and a new life thanks to fans and Tubi
Fandoms are known for going to bat for their favorite shows. However, some fans have gone above and beyond to save the shows they love. “Wynonna Earp” premiered in 2016 on Syfy Network and quickly became a beloved series for its complex female characters and centering queer love between two of the show’s main characters. The titular […]
Posted inCulture
The rise of sober LGBTQ+ spaces
Bars have long been a key part of LGBTQ+ culture. They provide us with safe havens where we can be ourselves, fall in love and meet friends that often become family. They give us a place to rally and organize, to grieve and celebrate. Patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a queer bar in New York […]
