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 […]
Tag: Digital Equity Local Voices Lab
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
Silver Pride Project champions visibility and care for LGBTQ+ seniors in Dallas
It is estimated that there are more than 2 million LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. ages 50 and older, yet their presence in our community is often limited. They face significant challenges, including access to health care and increased isolation. Because of both their age and queer identity, they face extra stigma and discrimination. Portia […]
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 inArts and Entertainment
Activist Riki Wilchins tackles New York Times’s controversial coverage of trans issues
The New York Times’ trans coverage has been the subject of strong controversy for the last few years, with the newspaper itself making headlines for how its stories platformed anti-trans groups instead of real trans individuals. Author and trans activist Riki Wilchins set out to chronicle that phenomenon. In Wilchins’s new book, Bad Ink: How The […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
How local LGBTQ+ and BIPOC-ran media organizations are at risk, and what is being done to help
A 2023 report from Northwestern University found that local news deserts are occurring at an alarming rate. There are 204 counties in the United States without a local media outlet, and 228 U.S. counties are currently on a watch list for losing theirs out of 1,562 counties with only one local news source. This includes newspapers, […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
Queer tech firm CEO takes a nonlinear approach to autism diagnoses
When it comes to a wealth of experience, subject matter expertise, and an interest in solving a complex problem, entrepreneur Amanda “Mandy” Ralston fits the bill. Her work offers a unique solution with the potential to improve people’s lives. “I don’t take myself that seriously, but I do take my ideas very seriously, and most […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Trans artist Nonamey finds community, inspiration in Portland
San Francisco has the first-ever Transgender District, the Office of Trans Initiatives, a designated month to honor trans history, and the status as a sanctuary city for trans and gender-nonconforming people, but there’s another trans-embracing metropolis on the West Coast: Portland. It’s where multimedia artist Nonamey calls home. “It’s the city where I feel, in […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Ambitious arts initiative uncovers ‘treasures’ created by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Chicagoans
Chicago has no shortage of cultural events—with 77 neighborhood areas and an innumerable amount of cultural communities, there’s something for everyone. Financial assistance from Chicago Cultural Treasures, now in the final year of its four-year initiative, has focused on funding BIPOC groups—including LGBTQ+-centered organizations—so they can continue as part of the city’s cultural tapestry. El […]
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How technology influences and empowers BIPOC LGBTQ+ folks in media
Technology has dramatically reshaped the media landscape, particularly for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. As digital platforms evolve, they offer unprecedented opportunities for diverse voices to influence cultural narratives and representation. Here’s an exploration of how technology is revolutionizing media creation and consumption for these communities. Transformation in media creation and consumption Digital tools have democratized […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
How data helps — and hurts — LGBTQ+ communities
When Scotland voted to add questions about sexuality and transgender status to its census, and clarified the definition of “sex,” it was so controversial it led to a court case. It got so heated that the director of Fair Play for Women, a gender-critical organization, argued: “Extreme gender ideology is deeply embedded within the Scottish Government, […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
CEO of LGBTQ+ dating app Bindr speaks on inclusive goals
PGN sat down with Mary Richardson, co-founder and CEO of Bindr, a dating app designed to prevent stigma and encourage community for the LGBTQ+ dating scene, primarily among bisexual users. With unique features such as a timeline for users to share their experiences with one another, this is not your typical dating or hookup app. […]
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 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
TransTech Social is removing barriers to trans success
It is common knowledge that women earn 84% of the average worker. Less common knowledge? Trans women earn 60%of the average worker. Trans men and non-binary people come in at around 70%, while 16% of all trans people make less than $10,000 annually. E.C. Pizarro III was lucky, and he knew it. He had a BFA in graphic design and had […]
Posted inNews
Trans start-up founder seeking to improve lives of wheelchair users
Although Wave Therapeutics’ work combines many of Jessica Bussert’s interests, a chance encounter in adult life provided the spark she needed to start her business. From growing up with an interest in technology to moving into the business and healthcare spheres, Jessica has had a long road—often dealing with rampant transphobia since her transition in the […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
Accessing safe online spaces for LGBTQ+ youth
The internet has become an essential part of our daily lives. Despite its drawbacks, it provides much-needed space to connect with community and resources. For LGBTQ+ youth, access to online spaces can be even more vital. Studies have found that queer youth are online more, averaging about 45 more minutes per day, than their non-LGBTQ+ […]
Posted inCommunity
Kareem Mims speaks on services provided by Prevention Point Philadelphia
This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal. Philadelphia Gay News sat down with Kareem Mims, who works as the Prevention Health Care Coordinator for Prevention Point Philadelphia. Mims, an openly gay man, talks about his […]
Posted inTop Stories
Mass. startup streamlining name changes for trans, nonbinary residents
A guy in America wants to buy a truck. They save money. They have built up good credit. They find a truck in their price range. They go to the dealership to buy it, but when the dealership puts the guy’s name through the system no credit shows up. The problem? That guy is trans […]
