TOPEKA — Transgender rights activist Jaelynn Abegg was furious Thursday morning when she received a letter from the state informing her that her driver’s license had been invalidated because of a new state law. Abegg, a Wichita resident, said she would only get a new driver’s license if she needs one before fleeing the state, […]
Category: Top Stories
Posted inNews
Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center brings LGBTQ+ history to life
As I stepped into the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center, the first thing that greeted me was my reflection framed by the words “See History Be History.” It felt like both a welcome and an invitation. As part of the Wall of Solidarity—a lively exhibit celebrating love, community, and queer joy—the frame establishes the mood for what […]
Posted inOpinion
The Pride flag was removed from Stonewall. That matters.
The Pride flag has been an enduring symbol of the LGBTQ+ community since 1978, when the first design by Gilbert Baker debuted at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. Over the decades, the flag’s design has evolved from the original nine colors to six to versions including brown and black stripes to honor the […]
Posted inTop Stories
GLSEN changes its name to Glisten as the organization marks a new chapter
Founded in 1990, GLSEN, which stood for the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, began as a network of educators responding to anti-LGBTQ+ bullying in schools. More than 30 years later, the organization says it represents 1.5 million youth, families, educators, and advocates, with work that extends beyond school buildings into broader community support. CEO […]
Posted inTop Stories
The Map of Us podcast puts real voices behind the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project
What happens when you take a national research project and hand the microphone to the people living it? “The Map of Us,” a new seven-episode podcast from News is Out, brings the findings of the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project to life through candid conversations with the journalists and publishers doing the work. All episodes are […]
Posted inNews
Organizations respond to the arrest of journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort
On Friday morning, federal authorities arrested independent journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort in connection with a protest that disrupted a January 7 service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, officials said. Lemon and Fort maintain they were there as journalists covering the event, but authorities say the arrests are tied to the protest. […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Philadelphia, Frida and The Hours among 25 films added to 2025 National Registry
LGBTQ+-inclusive films were among the 25 films added to the 2025 National Registry. The registry comes out of the United States National Film Preservation Board, started in 1988, to “ensure the survival, conservation and increased public availability of America’s film heritage.” Among this year’s inductees, are several films that feature prominent LGBTQ+ characters and storylines. […]
Posted inSports
Could Heated Rivalry bring a whole new fanbase to ice hockey – and can the sport embrace them?
Heated Rivalry has taken the world by a storm. The series tells the story of rivals-to-lovers hockey players Japanese-Canadian Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Russian Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), and their yearslong relationship navigating falling in love while playing professional sport. Based on the “Game Changers” ice hockey romance novels by Rachel Reid, the series […]
Posted inNews
HRC warns LGBTQ progress faltering as Trump enters second year
This article originally appeared in the Washington Blade. As President Donald Trump begins the second year of his second term, LGBTQ advocacy organizations say they are shifting into a more aggressive posture — armed with new data that shows how quickly hard-won progress is eroding under the Trump-Vance administration. The Human Rights Campaign hosted its […]
Posted inTop Stories
5 things queer people notice immediately in a “welcoming” space
Queer people read a space quickly. Before a word is spoken, certain signals tell us whether we belong or should stay guarded. Here are five things LGBTQ+ people notice when determining if a space is truly welcoming. 1. Pride messaging outside, not just inside Are there any Pride flags flying outside or in the window? […]
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LGBTQ+ music documentaries worth your time
From disco floors to folk stages and marathon performances, queer artists have long used music to tell their own stories. These documentaries capture the sound, politics, and cultural impact behind the music. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEOFQc8FVXo Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution This three-part documentary series produced by PBS delves into the rise and fall of the disco era […]
Posted inTop Stories
MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving donates $45 million to The Trevor Project
National LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention organization The Trevor Project announced Monday that it was the recipient of a $45 million dollar grant from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. It is the largest single gift in the organization’s history. “A $45 million investment in The Trevor Project reflects deep confidence in our mission, impact, operations, and long-term vision,” […]
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Heated Rivalry, Pluribus and more score nominations for the 37th GLAAD Awards
Hockey and hive minds, handsome hosts, and doing hard things all land on this year’s ballot for the 37th annual GLAAD Media Awards. GLAAD announced 291 nominees today across 31 categories, including new television series, podcast, musical artist and independent journalism. “The most popular series and media appear on this year’s list of nominees because […]
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SF, long a queer safe haven, remains competitive for homebuyers
This article originally appeared in Bay Area Reporter. LGBTQ people have a variety of housing options when they’re lucky enough to be able to afford property. In San Francisco – long considered a safe haven for the queer community – individual needs have to be weighed both against the city’s chronic housing shortage and a […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Ali Liebert and Kat Barrell on the new Hallmark queer holiday film, “The Christmas Baby”
Stars Ali Liebert and Kat Barrell joined News is Out to talk about Hallmark Channel’s newest holiday film, The Christmas Baby. The pair discussed LGBTQ+ representation on screen, what it means to lead Hallmark’s first holiday movie centered on an established lesbian couple, and what they hope comes next, including the possibility of a Christmas Baby sequel. https://youtu.be/BIX5cFIz1sY […]
Posted inTop Stories
Choose U ambassadors share lived experiences with HIV, personal reflections, and insights
The Choose U World AIDS Day panel brought together three longtime advocates living with HIV to talk about care, stigma, and what living with HIV over the long-term means to them. The conversation featured Jahlove Serrano, Joyce Belton, and Andrew Nichols, who have each lived with HIV for more than 20 years. News is Out hosted the […]
Posted inCommunity
A big queer Texas wedding party celebrates LGBTQ+ marriage while it’s under threat
This article was published in partnership with The Barbed Wire. Courtesy of The 19th. At a bustling venue on Sunday, the speakers boomed with a remix of “Stayin’ Alive.” Heather Schenk and Ty Linhardt had traveled from Chickasha, Oklahoma, for the Big Queer Wedding Party in Austin, where ten couples came to get married and renew […]
Posted inTop Stories
Respecting pronouns linked to better mental health outcomes for TGNB youth, per Trevor Project report
The piece includes references to suicide. LGBTQ+ youth can reach The Trevor Project lifeline at 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678. You can also call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at any time. A new brief from The Trevor Project, a nonprofit that provides suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth, examines the link […]
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LGBTQ+ shows to catch up on over the holidays
With the holidays upon us, you may find yourself with a little extra time to enjoy the latest and greatest LGBTQ+ television shows. Here’s a handy guide to the lesbian leads and fiery gay romances you can check out this holiday season. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpnizY19kEM Pluribus (Apple+) Bestselling romance author Carol (Rhea Seehorn) is the definition of […]
Posted inTop Stories
Entrepreneurs find support via SF LGBTQ center program
This article originally appeared in the Bay Area Reporter. Madison Eker, founder and CEO of Altogether Agency, sought to refresh and rebrand her firm, which works with companies to enhance their workplace culture. She had launched it under a different name five years ago and felt at a loss for how to reimagine it for […]