For Black trans women, a chosen mother means love — and a vital line of defense
This story was originally reported by Ebony JJ Curry of The 19th. Meet Ebony and read more of their reporting on gender, politics and policy. Jeynce Poindexter was 14 when home stopped feeling like home. Her mother could not accept that she was transgender, Poindexter said, and staying would have meant negotiating an identity she…
LGBTQ+ safety and privacy policies declined across major platforms, according to new GLAAD report
The GLAAD Social Media Safety Index & Platform Scorecard for 2026 was released this week and, according to the organization, found continued declines in policies related to LGBTQ+ safety, privacy and expression across major social media platforms. The report and scorecard evaluate and rank “platform policies regarding LGBTQ safety, privacy, and expression” and include TikTok,…
Beyond the obvious: 5 underrated LGBTQ+-friendly cities
When you think of LGBTQ+ friendly cities, there are the obvious answers that come to mind. Places like San Francisco, New York City, Portland, Philadelphia, Palm Springs and Chicago often top the list. But there are cities all around the country that are stepping up and out for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. These five cities…
Queer perfumers behind Domestica turn everyday memories into scent
It’s happened to all of us: you’re out and about and suddenly you catch a whiff of something that brings a memory flooding back and the emotions connected to it. Not only does scent travel from our noses to the olfactory bulb in our forebrains that is directly connected to memory and emotion, but scent…
PFLAG brings the topic of LGBTQ+ book bans to SXSW EDU
This week, PFLAG hosted a panel at SXSW EDU examining the growing wave of book bans and the impact on LGBTQ+ stories in schools and libraries. The session, “Beyond Bans: Defending LGBTQ+ Stories & Literary Freedom,” took place March 11 and streamed live on SXSW EDU’s YouTube channel. The conversation focused on the increasing censorship of books, authors and…
‘I’m heartbroken’: Trans Kansans reckon with their driver’s licenses being invalidated
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,…
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…
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…
Ash Perez leans into love, laughter and queer storytelling with “Speak Now”
If you’ve been missing the kind of rom-com that actually makes you laugh out loud in between moments of real tenderness, Ash Perez is making a case for its return. Best known for his BuzzFeed work and recent projects with The Try Guys, Perez is stepping into fiction with Speak Now, a queer rom-com about second chances, first…
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. Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution This three-part documentary series produced by PBS delves into the rise and fall of the disco era of…
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…
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…