Independent think tank Movement Advancement Project (MAP) has released a new report on the experiences of LGBTQ+ Americans since the 2024 election. According to the research, since November 2024, 57% of LGBTQ people, and 84% of transgender and nonbinary people, have made major life changes in response to anti-LGBTQ+ politics or laws. These include taking […]
Author Archives: Dana Piccoli
Dana Piccoli is an award winning writer, critic and the managing director of News is Out, a queer media collaborative.
Dana was named one of The Advocate Magazine’s 2019 Champions of Pride. She was also one of Curve Magazine’s 2017 Pridelist for her work in LGBTQ media. Dana is an inaugural recipient of the Curve Award for Excellence in Lesbian Coverage.
Posted inTop Stories
Save the date: News is Out to host “We Were Here” virtual event for LGBTQ+ History Month
Join us October 28 for We Were Here, a live virtual event celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month, presented by News is Out and hosted by Dana Piccoli. This special program brings together history makers and community leaders from across the country to reflect on the people, moments, and movements that shaped our shared story. Featured guests […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
GayBarchives keeps our history on the record — and our memories alive
For generations, LGBTQ+ bars have been more than nightlife: they’ve been sanctuaries. Over vodka sodas and jukebox tunes, they offered connection, safety, and visibility during times where simply existing as a queer or transgender person could be dangerous. Yet, like so much of queer history, the stories of these bars often fade when the lights […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Nashville artist Sydnee Conley steps into her own story with “Heather”
At 27, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Sydnee Conley is stepping into the spotlight on her own terms. The queer artist, who uses she/her pronouns, has been writing for others in Music City for years. Now, she’s channeling her talent and perspective into her own music, starting with her newest single, “Heather.” The song’s promotion instantly caught attention […]
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24 modern queer and trans horror films you can watch this spooky season
Queer horror has given us bloodsuckers, ghosts, killers, and plenty of twists over the last 15 years. These films center LGBTQ+ characters in stories of survival, desire, and of course, fear. These films have also stepped away from negative tropes that once dominated horror films, highlighting queer “final girls” (of all genders) and not punishing […]
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Chris Colfer returns to the big screen in queer horror “The Restoration at Grayson Manor”
For fans of queer horror, The Restoration at Grayson Manor is a welcome spooky season release. Directed and co-written by Glenn McQuaid (V/H/S), The Restoration at Grayson Manor stars Chris Colfer, marking his first film role in nearly a decade. Colfer, who rose to fame as Kurt Hummel in Glee, stars as Boyd Grayson, a […]
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Report warns restrictive laws are putting LGBTQ+ youth health and safety at risk
An independent think tank, the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), released a report on the state of LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. and the impact of policy on their lives. In partnership with Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), Advocates for Youth, Equality Federation, GLSEN, PFLAG National, and The Trevor Project, the report examines the rise of […]
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Undead Voice founder Nicole Gress is rewriting the rules of trans voice training
When Nicole Gress left traditional medical settings, she wasn’t walking away from her profession: she was walking toward a new model of care. A trained speech-language pathologist, Gress, who uses she/they pronouns, saw too many transgender people hit a wall with conventional voice therapy. That frustration, combined with inspiration from the DIY innovations happening in […]
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Global roundup: Countries that recently legalized same-sex marriage
Same-sex marriage continues to expand around the world, with several countries passing laws or court rulings in the last two years. These changes reflect steady progress, particularly in Europe and, more recently, Asia. Here’s a look at the most recent nations to join the list, with dates when the laws took effect. Marriage equality newcomers […]
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Lesbian bars in the U.S. you may not know about – but should
Over the last few decades, the number of lesbian bars dropped significantly, from roughly 200 in the 1980s, to a low of 21 in 2021. Since then, we’ve seen a resurgence of lesbian and sapphic-focused spaces: according to The Lesbian Bar Project, we’re now up to 38. You may know the classics like Cubbyhole, Gossip […]
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Orlando community restores Pulse rainbow crosswalk with chalk
In July 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy issued a “Safe Roads” memo to all 50 states. It directed the removal of non-standard markings, including rainbow designs, claiming roads must be free of political messages and distractions. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued a memo citing its authority under the FDOT Design Manual. It […]
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The OutLook: August 15, 2025
The OutLook is our weekly roundup of political issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community Former Kentucky clerk Kim Davis has filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court asking it to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 case that legalized same-sex marriage. Her legal team argues that the ruling conflicts with religious freedom, but most observers […]
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Queer-friendly destinations to visit this fall and winter
Cooler weather doesn’t have to mean staying home. In fact, fall and winter are the perfect times for a getaway. LGBTQ+ travelers can choose from destinations that pair beautiful settings, from sunny beaches to snowy mountains, with a strong sense of community. Whether you’re looking for a warm-weather break, a wine country weekend, or a […]
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After 46 years, Portland’s Scandals gay bar to shutter Harvey Milk Street space
Portland, Oregon, is about to lose one of its most famous LGBTQ+ third spaces. The owners of Scandals, which has been open since 1978 in downtown Portland, took to social media on Sunday to announce that its iconic Harvey Milk Street location will close Sept. 21. The social post informed customers of the shuttering of […]
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The OutLook: August 8, 2025
The OutLook is our weekly roundup of political issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community The Air Force has confirmed that transgender service members discharged under the new ban, who served between 15 and 18 years, are ineligible for retirement pay and related benefits. Advocacy groups say the policy could strip thousands of veterans of income […]
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Step back into the ’90s with Videoland, a queer love letter to the video store era
If you are up for some popcorn-scented queer ‘90s nostalgia, then you’ll want to check out the newly released Australian series, Videoland, now available to stream on YouTube. The six-part series follows 17-year-old Hayley (Emmanuelle Mattana), a video store employee in the late ‘90s, awkwardly navigating her sexual identity through the queer films she discovers […]
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Desperado LGBTQ+ Film Festival cancels 2026 edition, citing Trump DEI order
The Phoenix-based Desperado LGBTQ+ Film Festival announced on its website and social media pages that its 2026 festival has been canceled and Desperado is on an indefinite pause. The festival, held on the campus of Paradise Valley Community College, would have marked its 17th year. “We are writing with profound regret to inform you that […]
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Queering the gym: Inclusive fitness spaces for every body
Finding a gym where you feel seen, safe, and supported can be tough, especially if you’re queer or trans. Thankfully, more LGBTQ+ owned and affirming fitness spaces are stepping up to change that. These gyms aren’t just about lifting weights or hitting goals, they’re creating a culture of movement that welcomes every body. Here are […]
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The OutLook: July 18, 2025
The OutLook is our weekly roundup of political issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community. Reps. Robert Garcia and Raja Krishnamoorthi are demanding answers from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the Trump administration’s cuts to HIV programs, warning of serious global and domestic health impacts. San Francisco’s new budget preserves most HIV/AIDS services despite […]
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What’s your queer comfort watch? Here’s what made our list
Sometimes you just want to curl up with something warm and familiar, and for many of us, that means a queer comfort watch. From beloved series to feel-good films, we asked our staff and readers to share their go-to favorites. Did yours make the list? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO5fvagocjA Wynonna Earp The former SyFy series Wynonna Earp was […]