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'Cheer' star Harris faces child-pornography charges
FBI agents arrested Jerry Harris—a Naperville native who became famous as the breakout star of the Netflix docuseries Cheer—on child-pornography charges, The Chicago Tribune reported. Allegedly, Harris, 21, repeatedly coerced minor victims to send him obscene ...
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'SNL' adds lesbian cast member
Saturday Night Live, or SNL, will start its 46th season Oct. 3 with at least one major change: The show is adding a member of the LGBTQ+ community to its cast. Punkie Johnson is an out ...
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COVID-19 Report: Latinx LGBTQ people suffer more from economic fallout
The Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) Foundation released new data outlining the economic impact of COVID-19 on Latinx LGBTQ people. The new research shows that Latinx LGBTQ people are more likely to have had their ...
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Big 10 decides to start football season Oct. 24
On Sept. 16, The Big Ten conference ( which includes schools such as Northwestern University, the Ohio State University and the University of Michigan ) announced it will kick off its football season the weekend of ...
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TELEVISION Actors talk about tackling 'Ratched' roles, working with Ryan Murphy
It takes the winning combination of gay producer Ryan Murphy and lesbian actress Sarah Paulson to bring the fictional story of Ratched to life in unexpected ways. The new drama series on Netflix already has a ...
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MOVIES David Pevsner brings performance to home screens
Although Los Angeles-based performer David Pevsner's solo performance piece Musical Comedy Whore! is technically a one-man show, Pevsner takes care to differentiate it from others. "I think people are kind of surprised by it, [thinking] that ...
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Billy Masters
"The fact is, I'm a cheerleader for this country. I love our country. And I don't want people to be frightened. I don't want to create panic."—Donald Trump. No offense to any leaders of cheers out ...
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HRC Foundation, HIT release study on voters of color, voting by mail
The Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) Foundation and HIT Strategies released the first results of a national survey of voters of color, including LGBTQ voters of color, to determine sentiment regarding voting by mail. Conducted ...
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SciLine hosts intersectional briefing regarding LGBTQ+, Black communities
Recently, SciLine held a media briefing discussing mental health in LGBTQ+ and Black communities. Yale School of Medicine's Dr. John Pachankis and Tufts University's Dr. Madina Agenor were panelists who contributed to the conversation of racial ...
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Trans candidate McBride makes history again
Sarah McBride—who, in 2016, was the first openly transgender person to address the Democratic National Convention—made history again with a primary victory, setting her up for her likely win as the highest-ranking openly transgender legislator in ...
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NATIONAL Lambda Legal, Catholic school, gay-bar raid, Buttigieg
Lambda Legal said that President Trump's shortlist of potential U.S. Supreme Court nominees "is teeming with anti-LGBT extremists and dangerous ideologues," a press release noted. The list includes Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals judges Kyle Duncan ...
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SHOWBIZ 'Pose,' Matt Bomer, 'Mr. Soul,' Lil Nas X, Halsey, Dave Koz
SHOWBIZ 'Pose,' Matt Bomer, 'Mr. Soul,' Lil Nas X, Halsey, Dave Koz COMPILED BY ANDREW DAVIS FX's award-winning series Pose is planning to return to production in October, Variety noted. Production on season three was halted ...
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SOCIAL MEDIA Sam Cushing talks COVID-19, creating meaningful content
Sam Cushing is a multihyphenate talent—musician, fitness consultant, digital content creator and mental-health advocate—with a focus on building his social media presence to pursue his interests and generate a positive impact on society. Cushing, 28, is ...
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Submissions sought for Lambda Literary Awards
Submissions are now being sought for the 33rd Annual Lambda Literary Awards, which honors the best of LGBTQ+ literature. Due to COVID-19, the organization has implemented an entirely digital submission process using Submittable. Submissions are judged ...
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PASSAGES Henry van Ameringen, early LGBTQ supporter, philanthropic giant, dies
--From a Movement Advancement Project press release
Henry van Ameringen passed away on Sept. 9, 2020. He was a generous, thoughtful and relentless advocate for LGBTQ equality and other progressive causes. Henry began funding LGBTQ causes in 1987 in response to the beginning ...
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Series to celebrate Mexican artist Frida Kahlo
GLEN ELLYN, Ill. — The McAninch Arts Center (MAC), in association with the Cleve Carney Museum of Art (CCMA), will host a monthly series of events celebrating iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Kicking off the series, ...
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Trump's SCOTUS shortlist full of anti-LGBT, extremist judges, Lambda responds
--From a press release
( Washington, DC, Sept. 9, 2020 ) — Today, just weeks ahead of the presidential election, President Donald Trump released a new shortlist of potential Supreme Court nominees that is teeming with anti-LGBT extremists and dangerous ...
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NATIONAL Anti-Trump ruling, crime items, Equality California, Texas school
A federal judge slapped a hold on a Trump administration rule that allows healthcare providers to refuse services to LGBTQ people on religious grounds, Bloomberg reported. In a preliminary injunction, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said ...
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SHOWBIZ 'Star Trek,' Julianne Moore, benefit album, 'To Wong Foo'
The producers of Star Trek: Discovery announced that next season they will be introducing the first nonbinary and trans characters in the history of the Star Trek franchise, Advocate.com noted. Nonbinary character Adira, played by Blu ...
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NRCC's homophobic campaign against candidate draws LGBTQ Victory Fund response
--From a press release
Washington, DC — Today LGBTQ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office, condemned a homophobic attack campaign by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton and the National Republican Congressional Committee ( ...
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PASSAGES Civil rights foot soldier Rev. Dr. Gilbert H. Caldwell
--From press releases
From Truth in Progress and the From Selma to Stonewall film community: HELENA, MT—Our hearts are heavy with the loss of The Rev. Dr. Gilbert Caldwell on Sept. 4, 2020, in New Brunswick, NJ. He was ...
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Alex Morse loses Mass. primary
On Aug. 1, gay congressional candidate Alex Morse lost his Democratic primary race against incumbent Richard Neal, Advocate.com reported. Neal received about 60 percent of the vote against Morse, the mayor of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Congresswoman Alexandria ...
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SHOWBIZ #ReadOutProud, Mj Rodriguez, Kate Winslet, Jennifer Lopez
Non-profit organization Pride and Less Prejudice ( PLP ) has launched a #ReadOutProud fundraising campaign video with LGBTQ celebrities including Adam Rippon, Nicole Maines, Darryl Stephens, Patrik-Ian Polk, Theo Germaine, Nikki Blonsky and Tig Notaro, a ...
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NATIONAL Marsha P. Johnson, Anchorage, electoral items, gay author dies
Marsha P. Johnson—the iconic transgender activist who was a central figure in New York City's LGBTQ+-liberation movement—will get a monument in her hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey, CNN.com reported. Throughout October, city and county leaders will ...
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Billy Masters
"I don't ever picture Dame Barbara Cartland doggie-style!"—Billy Masters explains that writers of fiction need not write solely from experience. This was part of a longer chat with writer Christopher Rice on Billy Masters LIVE! Are ...
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Over wearing a mask
Three weeks ago, I was looking down into my husband's unblinking eyes, seeing blood spill from his nose and mouth, and feeling my hand trying to stop the bleeding from the back of his head. In ...
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Homophobic campaign strategy defeats gay Congressional candidate
--From a LGBTQ Victory Fund press release
Washington, DC — Tonight openly gay candidate Alex Morse lost the Democratic primary for Massachusetts' 1st Congressional District after a coordinated homophobic attack was launched against him in the final weeks of his campaign. Morse was ...
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New coalition advocates voting accessibility for military, veterans, including LGBTQs
--From a press release
Today, the Military Vote Coalition ( MVC ) is taking action to protect access to the ballot box for military families and veterans. Among those groups is the Modern Military Association of America, a non-profit organization ...
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MOVIES New documentary visits 'House of Cardin'
It took a queer eye to bring the new documentary House of Cardin to life. Husbands and business partners Todd Hughes and P. David Ebersole have directed a history of designer Pierre Cardin. Viewers of the ...
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Resisterhood, Democracy through female, LGBTQ+, minority lens, streaming Sept. 22
--From a press release
Washington, D.C. — Sept. 1, 2020 — Examining the ongoing reverberations of the 2016 U.S. presidential election from a women's perspective, Resisterhood is a compelling and impactful documentary urging us all to use our voice and ...
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American Art Awards names 25 best American galleries, museums
By Thom Bierdz
This is the 12th anniversary for the American Art Awards organization who decides the 25 Best American Galleries and Museums each May. Decisions are based upon years established, industry reputation, online buzz, location, size, socially relevant ...
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NUNN ON ONE TV Nicco Annan makes it rain on 'P-Valley'
Onetime activist and Olivier Award-winning playwright Katori Hall wrote a play called Pussy Valley that has now evolved into the new Starz series P-Valley. The story is set at Pynk, a popular strip club in Mississippi, ...
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Suicide Prevention Month summary of data on LGBT suicide
--From a Williams Institute press release
Research shows that anti-LGBT discrimination and victimization contribute to an increase in the risk of suicidality and that LGBT people are at disproportionate risk of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts. In recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, ...
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'The Best of Cher' on DVD Sept. 15
Time Life will release The Best of Cher on DVD on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The SRP is $99.95. The Best of Cher brings together Cher's life in the spotlight across two loaded volumes and nine DVDs, ...
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Family of Layleen Polanco settles civil suit with New York City
--From a AVP press release
August 31, NEW YORK, NY — The family of Layleen Polanco, a 27-year-old Afro-Latinx trans woman who died while being held in solitary confinement in Rikers Island in June 2019, has settled their civil suit with ...
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Last night of RNC: Trump mum on LGBTQ+ issues, contrasts self from Biden
The final night of the 2020 Republican National Convention ( RNC ) ended with President Trump painting a stark contrast between a United States under his leadership and one under the leadership of Democratic nominee Joe ...
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Day 3 of RNC: Gay official mum on LGBTQ+ issues
There was no mention of LGBTQ+ people during night three of the 2020 Republican National Convention ( RNC ) on Aug. 26, not even by implication. Although an openly gay speaker was given time in the ...
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RNC, night two: Billy Graham's granddaughter criticizes LGBTQ rights
As the second night of the Republican National Convention got underway Aug. 25, the voiceover on a video showing the U.S. Constitution said, "Without equality there is no opportunity." The video also showed historic photos of ...
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Women's pro soccer to resume Sept. 5
The National Women's Soccer League ( NWSL ) announced that its season will resume Saturday, Sept. 5, according to a press release. Following the Challenge Cup that recently took place, there will be a televised NWSL ...
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First night of RNC: GOPs try for diversity, GLAAD ad, Grenell's claims
The first night of the Republican National Convention spent considerable time reassuring Black and Latinx people that it is the party of "diversity," "values," and "morality." An openly gay speaker is planned for Aug. 26, but ...
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Quigley introduces Reducing Nefarious Crimes (RNC) Act
On Aug. 25, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley ( D-Illinois ) introduced the Reducing Nefarious Crimes Act, or RNC Act, to increase penalties for violating the Hatch Act. The introduction happened while the Republication National Convention ( ...
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E. Patrick Johnson's 'Sweet Tea' book released
Northwestern University Press announced the release of the book Sweet Tea, by E. Patrick Johnson, with a foreword by Jane M. Saks. This book is the stage version of Johnson's Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of ...
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Gay ambassador to speak at RNC
The 2020 Republican National Convention will start Aug. 24 with plans to formalize President Trump as the party nominee for re-election, but little else known about how, exactly, the convention will play out. The Republican Party's ...
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NATIONAL Adoption-agency case, Chick-fil-A, LGBTQ candidates, Cher
The U.S. Supreme Court set Wed., Nov. 4, as the date when it will hear oral arguments on whether a taxpayer-funded, religious-affiliated adoption agency can lawfully reject same-sex couples—a case that could have significant impact on ...
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SHOWBIZ Disco fundraiser, drag queen dies, Randy Rainbow, Outfest's tribute
Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor, Patti LaBelle, Nile Rodgers and Kathy Sledge, and Marti Gould Cummings are slated to perform at a virtual Studio 54-themed event/fundraiser for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research on Tuesday, Sept. 15, ...
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'The Boys in the Band' on Netflix Sept. 30
More than 50 years after Mart Crowley's play became an unexpected smash hit for putting gay men's lives center stage, The Boys in the Band will premiere on Netflix on Wed., Sept. 30, in a new ...
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Pres nominee Biden ends unconventional convention with call for unity
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden delivered an impassioned plea to Americans Thursday night to see the country as more than just a clash of different interests and to unite with hope, love, and light to "protect ...
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ICIRR, coalition of immigrant rights groups sue over the unlawful fee rule
--From a press release
[Chicago] — The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights ( ICIRR ) today announced that it has joined a coalition of nine of the nation's leading immigrant rights organizations in filing a lawsuit against the ...
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MAP report: Religious exemptions in child welfare would harm millions
On Aug. 19, the Movement Advancement Project ( MAP ) released "The High Stakes in the Fulton Case: Undermining the Vital Role of Child Welfare Laws & Regulations in Protecting America's Children." This report highlights what ...
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Tony Awards to be held virtually
The Tony Awards, having put its 74th annual ceremony on hold earlier this year, will head online in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Playbill reported. The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, co-presenters of ...
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ADA 25 Advancing Leadership seeking applicants
ADA 25 Advancing Leadership—the first program in the nation with a vision of people with disabilities leading with power and influence for full participation and equal opportunity in the Chicago region—is now accepting applications for its ...
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Night three of DNC highlights women, gun violence, anti-trans crime
Emma Gonzalez, a bisexual student who became one of the leaders of a youth movement against gun violence after a 2018 shooting at her high school in Parkland, Florida, was one of the first voices heard ...
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Groups file amicus brief for non-discrimination protections in Child Welfare Services
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, the Center for the Study of Social Policy ( CSSP ) and National Center for Lesbian Rights ( NCLR ) filed an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court in Fulton ...
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MUSIC The B-52s' Kate Pierson takes the stage to urge women to vote
Kate Pierson has been in the public eye in two different aspects. First, she's known worldwide as part of the band The B-52s, which have numerous hits, such as "Rock Lobster," "Roam" and "Love Shack." ( ...
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NUNN ON ONE TV Ashley Romans bites into juicy role on AMC series 'NOS4A2'
Based on Joe Hill's novel of the same name, the AMC series NOS4A2 spins a vampire's tale in unexpected directions. Out actor Zachary Quinto is the ominous Charlie Manx, who battles the gifted Vic McQueen, played ...
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Research results show potential impact of anti-trans HUD regulation
The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law unveiled research results on the heels of news that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUD ) released a proposed rule that aims to revise ...
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LGBT people keynote and caucus at Convention Day 2
Tuesday night's Democratic National Convention launched with a video "keynote" in which 17 people —including three gay men— shared the time to explain why they are voting for the party's presidential nominee Joe Biden. Throughout the ...
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Judge stops HHS rule change from taking effect
U.S. District Court Judge Frederic Block issued a temporary injunction Monday ( August 17 ), delaying the implementation of new rules written by the Trump administration that would eliminate protections for LGBT people in health care. ...
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Nigerian LGBTQ+ refugee-turned-activist on importance of compassion
Edafe Okporo came to the United States from Nigeria in 2016. Now, he's the founder of New York's first full-time LGBTQ+ refugee shelter. Along the way, he has gained insight to how one can make a ...
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Shevrin Jones defeats anti-LGBTQ opponents; may be first LGBTQ Florida State Senator
--From a LGBTQ Victory Fund press release
Washington, DC — Today LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidate Shevrin Jones won the Democratic primary for a Florida state Senate seat and will likely become the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected to the Florida state ...
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Historic number of LGBTQ Florida State Legislative candidates win primaries
--From a LGBTQ Victory Fund press release
Washington, DC — Three openly LGBTQ non-incumbent candidates endorsed by LGBTQ Victory Fund won their Florida state House primary races Tuesday night — Joshua Hicks, Ricky Junquera and Michele Rayner — putting the state on-track to ...
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MUSIC Performer Jane Badler helps present late son's musical vision
Actress/musician Jane Badler said that her late son, Harry Hains, was someone who was "in a different vibration." "He never fit in," said Badler, who is perhaps best known for her role as the villainous alien ...
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MOVIES 'Disarm Hate' features LGBTQ+ gun-control activists after massacre
Narrated by the iconic actor Harvey Fierstein, the film Disarm Hate seeks to create awareness about gun violence against the LGBTQ+ community following the 2016 Pulse Nightclub massacre in Orlando that took 49 lives as the ...
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AUTOS 2020 Cadillac XT6 is the stylish transport for you and your posse
Cadillac has long hosted fashion shows with acres of flat sheetmetal, glistening chrome, and cabins drenched with all the finest materials. This once meant block-long sedans, but people aren't buying sedans—they're buying SUVs. Until recently, Cadillac's ...
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SHOWBIZ Trans record label, Ruby Rose, gay producer dies, Kamala supporters
Black trans record label Trans Trenderz announced new signings—and it also held the virtual event The Ghostly Beats Conference Aug. 14-15, a press release noted. Launched in 2016 after a successful mixtape of the same name ...
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NATIONAL Streisand/Summer, HIV treatment, Alex Morse, Barney Frank
MeidasTouch, a progressive Democratic political action group, teamed with the LGBTQ voting initiative Vote Proud for their latest video, titled "Enough Is Enough," Billboard noted. The video focuses on rallying queer people to vote by pointing ...
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In midst of vote by mail controversy, Trump pardons Susan B Anthony
In the midst of a controversy over President Trump's attempts to interfere with the right of citizens to vote by mail, President Trump made a surprise announcement Tuesday morning that he will sign a presidential pardon ...
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BOOK REVIEW Butch Cassidy: The True Story of an American Outlaw
By Charles Leerhsen $28; Simon & Schuster; 304 pages That man there? He's just a nice guy. Kind and generous, respectful and friendly, he's a true gentleman, and he's never judgmental. He loves children and animals, ...
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Billy Masters
"It wasn't me."—Kathy Griffin's tweet after reports that there was a shooter outside the White House I'm more than a little bit psychic—but you already knew that. Last week, I bemoaned life without The View. ( ...
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Lambda Legal names Sherise Bright as Chief Communications Officer
--From a press release
( New York, August 17, 2020 ) — Today, Lambda Legal announced it has named Sherise Bright as the organization's next Chief Communications Officer. "We are thrilled to have Sherise join our team as our next ...
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Convention week will make history
There will be a lot of history made at this week's Democratic National Convention. Some will be highly visible — like prime-time closing night speeches by two high-profile LGBT leaders. Some will be totally behind the ...
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Federal Trial Court Issues injunction against anti-LGBTQ HHS provisions
--From a press release
( New York, NY, Aug. 17, 2020 ) — Today, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York issued an injunction in Walker v. Azar, one of the various challenges to the ...
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PASSAGES Filmmaker, Outfest alum and Emmy-Award-winning
producer Ash Christian dies
--From a press release
NEW YORK ( August 16, 2020 ) — Dallas native, Ash Christian, an Emmy Award winning producer, actor filmmaker and LGBTQ+ activist passed away in his sleep on Friday, August 14, 2020 while vacationing in Puerto ...
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"She the People: Votes for Women" premiering Aug. 17
--From a press release
It's incredible that just a century ago, American women had no voice in democracy. It took over 70 years of campaigns, marches, protests and arrests to win the constitutional amendment — and even longer for all ...
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Bronx District Attorney Clark declines to charge officers who killed resident in his home
--From a The Justice Committee press release
New York, NY - In response to Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark's decision not to charge NYPD Officers Brendan Thompson and Herbert Davis, the Justice Committee and Communities United for Police Reform ( CPR ) released ...
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