A 2023 LGBTQ+ youth report by the Human Rights Campaign found that 55.1% of surveyed LGBTQ+ youth screened positive for depression, and those that were transgender or gender-expansive were screened at 60%. Although 9 in 10 felt proud to be LGBTQ+, more than 4 in 10 of them felt critical of their respective identities. The […]
Category: News
Posted inArts and Entertainment
12 unmissable LGBTQ+ films and TV shows that defined 2024
Whittling down the best queer movies or shows of the year has become a near impossible task these days. There’s just so much incredible LGBTQ+ storytelling to admire and enjoy and even make your lifelong obsession. It’s a good problem to have, one that should never be taken for granted. But now imagine having to […]
Posted inNews
How the Supreme Court case on trans youth could affect health care for all Americans
A Supreme Court case that will decide whether Tennessee can continue to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth could imperil the ability of all Americans to make decisions about their health care, experts say. The outcome depends on how far the court is willing to stretch its ruling that overturned federal abortion rights. In United […]
Posted inNews
Rep. Nancy Mace uses slur to respond to trans protesters at Capitol Hill
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) used a slur on a video on X.com when describing protesters who were arrested Thursday after staging a sit-in on Capitol Hill. Today a group of protesters staged a sit-in on Capitol Hill to push back against the new rule that people must use bathrooms that correspond with their assigned gender […]
Posted inSports
LPGA and USGA new gender policies would exclude a majority of trans women players
This Thursday, Dec. 5, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) released updated gender guidelines for player eligibility. According to the new rules, only transgender women who “have not experienced any part of male puberty either beyond Tanner Stage 2 or after age 12 (whichever comes first)” are eligible to compete. Additionally, they must meet standards […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
10 more LGBTQ+ holiday films and where to find them
Last year we put out a list of 15 LGBTQ+ films and where to find them, and it’s been one of our most popular posts ever. That’s why we’re bringing you 10 more holiday films featuring LGBTQ+ characters and storylines and where you can watch them right now. The Holiday Club Written, directed, and starring […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
LGBTQ+ youth love TikTok. Does TikTok love them back?
When Jocelyn was stuck inside during most of 2020, they did what any high school senior would do: scrolled through TikTok. They found themself on the hashtag #tiktokmademegay a lot. (To protect privacy, the Blade is opting to only use Jocelyn’s first name). “At the time, I didn’t give it a lot of thought,” they say, […]
Posted inTop Stories
Famm Connect is redefining networking for LGBTQ+ professionals
Famm Connect is turning the idea of professional networking on its head. Founded by queer married couple, Cat Perez (she/they) and Marianna Di Regolo (she/her) and designed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community, this innovative platform prioritizes safety, intentionality, and meaningful connections over mass adoption. With its referral-only model and thoughtful features, Famm Connect is creating […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
The Holiday Club: A heartfelt friends-to-lovers film perfect for the season
The latest film by writer, director, and actor Alexandra Swarens offers a slow-burn, “will they or won’t they,” friends-to-lovers romance with The Holiday Club. Starring Swarens and Mak Shealy, the film takes viewers to small-town Ohio, where two women bond over disastrous holidays. Bailey (Swarens) is a kind bakery owner whose girlfriend shows little interest […]
Posted inCommunity
Nonbinary hairstylist gives clients the gender-affirming cuts they want
Every nonbinary and trans person’s gender-affirming care is specific to them. It might include certain personal identity changes, such as one’s pronouns, name, and gender markers on legal documents; weekly injections of testosterone or estrogen (i.e. hormone therapy); surgeries; and mental health support. Another way for a person to feel more comfortable with who they […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion in the tech sector
The technology sphere is in a need for more representation and data regarding LGBTQ+ people, and there are steps being taken to address that. People who openly identify as LGBTQ+ are currently estimated to make up only 2-3% of the tech sector, a startling 2024 statistic from research done by Women Tech Network. As of […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Eli Tea Bar continues to grow as a Chicago non-alcoholic queer haven
When people talk about non-alcoholic queer spaces in Chicago, one of the first places mentioned is often Eli Tea Bar. And although owner Eli Majid didn’t initially open the store with that vision in mind, he’s glad it’s grown into its community role. Eli Tea Bar opened nearly three years ago in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood […]
Posted inTop Stories
Celebrate the holidays by supporting queer-owned food brands
Looking to make your holiday shopping more meaningful and delicious this year? The Queer Food Foundation (QFF) has just come out with their 2024 Gift Guide, featuring over 90 queer-owned brands in the food and beverage world. This guide created by LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs, offers everything from artisanal snacks and beverages to foodie experiences and cookbooks. […]
Posted inTop Stories
How U=U is transforming HIV stigma and empowering a global movement
In the 80s, HIV devastated the public, particularly the gay community, and a positive test often rendered a death sentence. Society treated HIV-positive people as outcasts, shunned by the stigma that came with the virus and fueled fears about casual contact. Fast-forward to today, and the landscape has shifted. On the brink of 2025, HIV […]
Posted inTop Stories
Speaker Mike Johnson bans trans people from using bathrooms matching their gender identity on Capitol Hill
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has officially banned elected transgender Congresswomen Sarah McBride and any trans staff from using a bathroom that doesn’t correspond with their assigned gender at birth. The ban comes just one day after the speaker told reporters, “I believe it’s a command we treat all persons with dignity and respect.” […]
Posted inNews
Rep. Nancy Mace introduces Capitol Hill bathroom bill days after first trans Congress member elected
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) proposed a resolution on Monday that would bar transgender people from using a bathroom that does not correspond with their gender assigned at birth. This would include Mace’s future colleague, the recently elected Sarah McBride of Delaware. McBride made history as the first openly transgender person to be elected to the […]
Posted inTop Stories
BIPOC LGBTQ+ folks are creating virtual support networks post election
In today’s digital world, technology is transforming how people connect and support each other. For LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, creating safe spaces online has become more crucial than ever. In the wake of the political uncertainty surrounding a second Trump presidency, these spaces offer a lifeline for those who feel targeted or threatened by policies […]
Posted inTop Stories
Intersectionality in action: Creating safe spaces for queer people of color
From ancient Egypt to modern Oak Lawn, people of color have celebrated expansive gender identities and same-sex relationships. In the 16th century, the first documented enslaved transgender African woman, Victoria, refused to compromise her identities. And in 2024, Black trans Texas drag queens are doing the same. Life experiences for queer people of color vary […]
Posted inNews
How do Trump’s cabinet picks fare on LGBTQ+ issues?
In recent days, President-elect Donald Trump has been announcing his choices for U.S. Cabinet positions. Here’s a look at their track records on LGBTQ+ rights. Director Of National Intelligence: Tulsi Gabbard Gabbard served as U.S. representative for Hawaii’s 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2021 as a Democrat and was vice chair of the Democratic […]
