Warning: This column mentions violent activities and sexual abuse.
NATIONAL
The San Francisco-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that transgender Arizona residents can amend their birth certificates without surgery, Gay City News noted. The court found that the Arizona statute made clear that such changes can be obtained without getting a “sex-change operation,” and that Senior U.S. District Court Judge James A. Soto and the state judges who had refused to issue court orders were wrong in their interpretation.
The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) and CenterLink released the 2026 LGBTQ Community Center Survey Report—the 10th biennial survey of LGBTQ+ community centers across the country, a press release noted. Participating centers collectively serve more than 29,000 people each week, totaling 1.5 million people per year.
Queer Pittsburgh nightspot Blue Moon Bar is facing backlash after photos from a Sept. 23 open stage event revealed a drag performer appearing in blackface, Instinct noted. On Facebook, the bar’s management apologized for what happened and said the show had two guest hosts who “somehow didn’t realize at the time what was happening.” It also said that the following week’s event was cancelled, as it had received “too many death threats” following the controversy.
In a ruling that LGBTQ+-rights advocates criticized, the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals overturned the voluntary manslaughter conviction of a man who shot Black trans woman Paris Lee six times and killed her, PinkNews reported. The court stated that a jury should have been allowed to hear evidence about her sex assigned at birth as part of Samuel Ward Jr.’s self-defense claim, and ordered a new trial in the June 2022 killing.
GLAAD hosted programming and participants of its annual united stand against bullying and show of support for LGBTQ: youth—#SpiritDay, held on Oct. 15, a press release stated. This year’s participants were slated to include Peppermint, Ross Mathews, Margaret Cho, Dan Bucatinsky, Ty Herndon, Megan Hilty, Carson Kressley, Adam Lambert, Brooks Marks, Meredith Marks and Ryan Michelle Bathé, among others. Also, on Oct. 14, the Empire State Building was lit in purple to kick off Spirit Day. On Oct. 15, GLAAD and NYC Parks had two activations—at Washington Square Park and at Little Red Square Park.
In Pennsylvania, students and teachers rallied to support transgender Fairfield High School Sammi—who was selected as homecoming queen by her peers, causing backlash from angry adults, per LGBTQ Nation. One angry post came from the anti-LGBTQ+ account Libs of TikTok.
In Michigan, after the loss of federal grants and a decrease in individual donation to the Grand Rapids Pride Center, Executive Director Jazz McKinney said that the center has been running on reserve funds for months—and the center may close permanently after Thanksgiving, WZZM13 noted. An online fundraiser is currently running for the center.
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/producer MNEK received the Artist of Pride Award at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s 34th annual Models of Pride, joining previously announced honorees Zaya Wade and Curly Velasquez, per a press release. MNEK’s songwriting and production credits include work with Beyoncé, Zara Larsson, FLO, Little Mix, Rudimental and more.
The Archdiocese of Chicago is facing new claims about Black Catholic children who were sexually abused by priests at a former South Side parish, per The Chicago Sun-Times. Seven lawsuits claim the Archdiocese knew about sexual abuse at the former Holy Angels Parish in Bronzeville. The Rev. George Clements, the Rev. Paul Smith, the Rev. John Calicott and the Rev. Kenneth Brigham—who have all died—were named in the suits.
On Today, Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy dodged a question three times about whether the company’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights has evolved since the former head—Cathy’s father, Dan—was caught donating to extreme anti-LGBTQ+ organizations and declared he does not support marriage equality in 2012, per LGBTQ Nation. Many on social media denounced the response, including celebrities like Chelsea Handler and BD Wong.
Add anti-trans WNBA player Sophie Cunningham to the long list of people President Trump has insulted, The Advocate stated. At a Youngstown, Ohio, rally, Trump said of Cunningham, “She’s beautiful,” but added, “You probably wouldn’t mind her on the team—not to help you with points, but to help you with attendance.”
WORLD
In Ireland, representatives of communities affected by hate urged the government to develop and implement a comprehensive National Action Plan to Combat Hate to address the growing impact of hate and polarization across Irish society, an ILGA-Europe press release noted. Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick said, “The growing problem of hate in Ireland, including homophobic and transphobic hate, requires a coordinated, whole-of-society response.”
In Lebanon, bombings have left more than 1 million people homeless—but the shelters opened by the state often deny LGBTQ+ people, forcing organizations to help the queer populace instead, according to Erasing 76 Crimes.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki vetoed legislative initiatives that would legalize same-sex unions, per the Union of Orthodox Journalists. He thought that such bills carry an ideological agenda and are intended to undermine the status of the family.
Trans Bangladeshi feminist/gender and sexual-rights activist/nurse Ho Chi Minh Islam was left out of a global forum on diversity following anti-LGBTQ+ pressure and online mobilization opposing her participation, per Erasing 76 Crimes. Islam had been scheduled to participate in the Bay of Bengal Conversation 2026 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The France-based LGBT advocacy group Justicemakers Bangladesh in France criticized the decision.
In Senegal, police in Tambacounda arrested 35 people on the charge of homosexuality, per Erasing 76 Crimes. Authorities apparently had all 35 tested for HIV, with 13 of them testing HIV-positive; however, only three are currently receiving medical care and antiretroviral treatment.
The Pride celebration in Aosta, Italy, became a focus of controversy after the diocesan bishop’s personal secretary posted a mock-up of the Pride flag that appeared to resemble a swastika, New Ways Ministry noted, citing Progretto Gionata. Aosta Pride Committee spokesperson Alice Sartore and Arcigay Queer VdA Vice President André Zanotto called the image an insult to the memory of LGBTQ+ people who the Nazis persecuted and killed. Gilbert Turcotti—a layman who is the personal secretary to Bishop Franco Lovignana—apologized for posting the image.
Same-sex couple Ivan Novotný and Metod Špaček are suing the Slovakian government over its refusal to recognize their marriage as legal, LGBTQ Nation noted. They wed in Austria in 2020 and, under a 2025 ruling by the European Union’s highest court, Slovakia must register the marriage.
In Johannesburg, South Africa, OUT LGBT Well-being recently hosted “Advancing Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM) Health Seminar: Beyond the Basics”—which was focused on key gaps in health services for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), Mamba Online noted. Among other things, people discussed the controversial topic of MSM who engage in chemsex.
The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) hosted its Global Partner Summit in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on Sept. 22, a press release noted. One of the highlights was the Strategic Forum, which provided travel leaders with a safe space to exchange candid insight, test ideas, identify shared challenges and turn a commitment to queer travelers into practical action.
EU legislator Raphaël Glucksmann won France’s center-left’s presidential primary, positioning himself as the movement’s main alternative to far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon, per France 24. Glucksmann is a member of the European Parliament’s LGBTIQ+ Intergroup for the 2024-29 parliamentary term.
Mamba Online reported that, in a landmark ruling, the Equality Court found a Gqeberha, South Africa, shopkeeper guilty of hate speech and discrimination after he banned LGBTQ+ people from his store. In July 2023, Dawood Lagardien placed a sign outside his La Gardi shop that read: “LGBTIQ not welcome at La Gardi—Save our children.”
Dr. Anthony Fauci received the International Role Model Award from the LGBTQ+-history organization Equality Forum for his work during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, LGBTQ Nation noted. HIV/AIDS activist Peter Staley presented Fauci with the award, recalling Fauci’s perseverance through backlash against his work.
Brandy is slated to headline Flytime’s House of R&B concert in Lagos, Nigeria, Billboard noted. The show will be one of the main events taking over Detty December on Dec. 20.
SHOWBIZ
Kick—a documentary about the country’s fastest 1,500-meter runner, Nikki Hiltz, who happens to be nonbinary and transgender—will have its world premiere at the IFC Center on Nov. 11, a press release noted. (Megan Rapinoe and the musical duo Tegan and Sara are among the executive producers.) Hiltz, fiancee/fellow athlete Emma Gee and director Julia Schwalb will be present for a post-premiere Q&A.
Barry Manilow canceled his Oct. 10 show at the International Theater at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, People noted, citing Variety and The Daily Mail. The day before, the legendary singer reportedly played two songs before walking off stage. “After a triumphant welcome-back concert on [Oct. 8], Barry got hit with bronchitis and had to cancel his Friday and Saturday shows,” reps said.
Legendary fashion designer Bob Mackie’s death certificate revealed that he suffered a fatal head injury after a fall just days before his death, per Page Six. The details came after a rep for Mackie initially confirmed that he died of pneumonia, later adding that he had been battling pneumonia before and after he was hospitalized. Mackie’s cause of death is listed as a subarachnoid hemorrhage and blunt head trauma, Us Weekly noted.
Gay music producer Lucian Piane has died at age 46 after being involved in a vehicular collision in Glendale, California, Out noted, citing TMZ. Leading up to the incident, the RuPaul’s Drag Race star had raised concern among fans after posting worrying videos to his Instagram page of him being in the street. TMZ also noted that Piane was arrested prior to the incident for being under the influence of a controlled substance and for assaulting an officer or emergency personnel.
Mattel announced a Barbie Signature doll in the likeness of tennis great Serena Williams, The Grio noted. With this launch, the California native officially joins Team Barbie—described as a group of powerful athletes and role models who show girls how confidence and ambition can help them pursue their dreams. The doll’s outfit is inspired by Williams’ championship victory over Lindsay Davenport at the 2005 Australian Open. In a press release, Williams said, “I want every girl who plays with this doll to see possibility—not just in me, but in herself.”
Mattel has also unveiled a new collectible doll honoring Canadian superstar Celine Dion, recreating her look from the 1998 Academy Awards, where she performed “My Heart Will Go On” from the film Titanic, Variety noted. The $60 doll is available exclusively through Mattel Creations.
The late bisexual actress Hayden Panettiere’s ex-fiancé, former boxer Wladimir Klitschko, was granted legal authority to protect Panettiere’s property for their 11-year-old daughter after the star’s accidental overdose death left the girl as her sole heir, per NBC News.
Queer actor/performer Jeremy Pope recently joined the GetPrEP Wisdom campaign, Word in Black noted. The campaign (from ViiV Healthcare) explains the difference between a daily PrEP pill and the newer injectable, and urges people to talk to their doctors about both. For the campaign, Pope styled the campaign photos himself, with each look paying homage to a queer liberator: Marsha P. Johnson, Willi Smith, Sylvester and Keith Haring.
In other Jeremy Pope-related news, he, Wisdom Kaye and Miles Caton were among the guests at House of Creed’s Iris Debonair celebration, held at Cafe Zaffri inside The Twenty Two New York on Oct. 7, per Men’s Journal. Iris Debonair is a floral fragrance built around English lavender sourced from Kent and French iris pallida cultivated in Les Landes.
Them compiled its list of the top 85 LGBTQ+ horror films of all time. Instead of a numbered list, the films are listed per decade, starting with the 1930s. Just a few of the entries include Bride of Frankenstein (1935), Rope (1948), The Haunting (1963), The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), The Hunger (1983), The Lost Boys (1987), Interview with the Vampire (1994), Hellbent (2004), Jennifer’s Body (2009), Annihilation (2018), Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022), M3GAN (2023) and Leviticus (2026).
The second season of the Kim Kardashian-led Hulu series All Fair has increased the queer content with the additions of actor/reality-TV figure Nyle DiMarco as well as drag queens Monét X Change, Bob the Drag Queen, Lady Bunny and Daya Betty, per Instinct.
Country-music star Miranda Lambert released her new album Crisco—and threw a “Crisco Disco Drag Brunch” in Nashville to celebrate, Queerty noted. “I don’t know if there’s a more joyful place on Earth than a drag brunch,” she told Rolling Stone. “It’s just, like, mimosas and people being their full selves and no-holds-barred. It felt like it would set the tone for this record.”
Several crew members attached to the production of Ben Shapiro’s pro-ICE film Pawn Shop—currently in production in Livingston, Montana, and co-starring actor Danny Trejo (who has guested on RuPaul’s Drag Race) and and Oscar-nominated actor Harvey Keitel—left the film early after finding out about the film’s conservative politics, according to Them, citing IndieWire. Public backlash against the film led Livingston to temporarily halt the production, per Cowboy State Daily.
Ugly Betty and Hacks star Mark Indelicato married partner David Watson on Oct. 10, Instinct noted, and the ceremony came with a very special officiant: Hacks co-star Jean Smart. Guests included Hacks co-creator/co-star Paul W. Downs along with Hannah Einbinder, Johnny Sibilly, Meg Stalter and Poppy Liu.
HBO announced the Emmy®-winning original comedy series Girls—created by and starring Lena Dunham, and executive-produced by Judd Apatow—will return for five episodes, per a press release. Other returning actors include Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet and out actor Andrew Rannells.
Multi-platinum dance music icon Crystal Waters announced that Grammy-nominated singer/performer Deborah Cox is the latest artist joining “I AM HOUSE Orchestrated,” taking place Thursday, Nov. 19, at Palladium Times Square in New York City, a press release noted. Cox joins Waters alongside Billy Porter, CeCe Peniston, Barbara Tucker, Inaya Day, Duane Harden, Thea Austin, Amuka and DJ Spen for the celebration of house and dance music.
Out actor Dan Levy (Schitt’s Creek) posted an Instagram reel, slamming comedian Shane Gillis on his SNL monologue, Deadline noted. It opened with Levy saying, “Women wearing short shorts at the gym does not make them whores. It makes the men calling them whores misogynists. There’s a difference there. By the way, I’ve seen more men’s nipples at the gym than I’ve ever seen women showing their bodies off.”
Queer hairstylist Tre’ Major—who had worked with celebrities such as Aaliyah—passed away at age 51 from a cancer diagnosis, according to social media. Aaliyah’s estate said, “We are shocked and saddened by the news of Tre Majors’ untimely passing. Tre Major was a talented hairstylist and creative. Tre created some of Aaliyah’s most iconic hair style moments that will forever remain in the legacy of time.”
Broadway music director-turned-adult-film star Jonah Wheeler and queer songwriter-playwright John Coons will bring their cabaret act Double Indumbnity to New York City’s The Green Room 42 at Hudson Local on Oct. 23; Palm Springs, California’s Toucans on Nov. 5; and Chicago’s Newport Theater on Nov. 19, per a press release.
New York City-based LGBTQ+ dark-pop and electronic artist Danny Blu released “Heartbeat”—his third single from the EP Unicorn Warfare Vol. 1, a press release noted. With the EP, Blu “continues to build a world where queer identity, nightlife, fantasy, and emotional excess collide,” according to the release.
Queer actor Chris Salvatore is taking a break from OnlyFans after four years, Instinct noted. The Eating Out actor told Out that the experience eventually left him feeling “empty” and no longer aligned with the kind of intimacy he wants in his life.