Scroll To Top

Politics

In Politics, The Advocate presents the latest news about the political world. From Supreme Court rulings to state and federal laws, The Advocate reports on how politics shapes the day-to-day realities faced by members of the gay community. Read about LGBT leaders like Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin and their work to advance the causes of the LGBT rights movement in the United States and around the world. Find out about legislation related to same-sex marriage, adoption, and other issues in gay politics that will impact the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans.

House Speaker Mike Johnson smirking at a press conference
Politics

House budget cuts could devastate LGBTQ+ people's health care: What you need to know

It would have terrible consequences for transgender Americans, impoverished LGBTQ+ people, and those living with HIV.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz town hall meeting
Politics

Tim Walz: Democrats mustn't abandon transgender people

The price of eggs has nothing to do with a person's gender, the former vice-presidential nominee says.

gay couple with toddler daughter walking in the park
Politics

Ohio GOP bill imagines 'Natural Family Month' without LGBTQ+ or single parents

One of the bill's co-sponsors confirms he seeks to erase recognition of LGBTQ+ families, while a right-wing pro-natalist group reportedly lobbied for the controversial bill.

Omaha mayoral candidates John Ewing and Jean Stothert
Politics

Nebraska Republican mayor loses reelection after running anti-transgender ads

Democratic challenger John Ewing beat Republican incumbent Jean Stothert 56 percent to 44 percent for the mayorship of Omaha.

From left: Texas Reps. Dade Phelan, Ann Johnson, and Venton Jones Jr.
Politics

Texas House moves toward repealing anti-sodomy law

The law has been unenforceable since 2003, but it remains on the books. More votes are needed to repeal it.

Robert Garcia Kristi Noem
Politics

Kristi Noem won’t say if gay asylum-seeker deported to El Salvador’s ‘hellhole’ prison is still alive

The Trump Homeland Security secretary wouldn’t consider Rep. Robert Garcia’s request to provide Andry Hernandez Romero’s mom with an update on her son.

True
donald trump speaking during press conference East Room of the White House WASHINGTON DC USA FEBRUARY 2025
Politics

Trump threatens to yank California’s federal funding over one transgender student’s sports participation

"I am ordering local authorities...to not allow the transitioned person to compete in the State Finals," Trump wrote. He doesn't have that power.

Jon Lovett Pod Save America Tim Miller The Bulwark Andry Hernandez Romero
News

Jon Lovett and Tim Miller team up to ‘raise hell’ over gay asylum-seeker vanished to El Salvador by Trump

Andry Hernández Romero entered the U.S. legally, fleeing persecution for being gay. Then the Trump administration disappeared him, sending him to a dystopian prison. They’re trying to get him back.

Maine Rep. Laurel Libby
Politics

Supreme Court restores voting privileges of censured anti-trans Maine Republican lawmaker

Rep. Laurel Libby can speak and vote in the Maine House while her lawsuit proceeds.

Chris Pappas new hampshire
Politics

Gay Senate candidate Chris Pappas: The government shouldn’t limit trans people’s health care

Rep. Chris Pappas tells The Advocate why he voted for a defense bill that stripped children of military members of access to gender-affirming care.

Nevada man John Anthony Miller who used antigay slur in death threats to US Senator
Crime

Nevada man used antigay slur in death threats to U.S. senator

John Anthony Miller admitted to a series of disturbing calls and threats against two unnamed U.S. Senators and their families.

Utah Senator Mike Lee at an official government podium with elements of american flag constitution background
Politics

Utah's Senator Mike Lee takes aim at pornography with new bill

The bill is Lee's third attempt at legislation curtailing online pornography.

transgender flag patch on military uniform shoulder alongside Alabama Rep Barry Moore
Politics

New Republican House bill bans transgender troops & seeks to strip trans vets of security clearances

Alabama GOP Rep. Barry Moore wants to enshrine discrimination against transgender people into federal law.

United States Representative Adam Schiff attends the 2024 WeHo Pride Parade participants celebrate at the end 2001 California eighth annual AIDSRide aka AIDS Lifecycle ALC
Politics

Democrat Adam Schiff to be the first U.S. senator to participate in California's AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride

This will be the final year for the seven-day AIDS/LifeCycle fundraising ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Schiff previously participated when he served in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Donald Trump oval office desk surrounded by cabinet and administration members
Politics

Donald Trump's anti-LGBTQ+ cabinet: An in-depth look

Trump's 2.0 cabinet is a cast of characters from right-wing television and MAGA politics. Here are their LGBTQ+ rights records.

Speaker Mike Johnson and Donald Trump
Politics

Republicans pass ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ banning federally funded gender-affirming care for trans people

The Human Rights Campaign called the bill "cruel."

True
Winsome Earle Sears campaign video
Politics

Virginia Republican candidate for governor addresses grads at extremely anti-LGBTQ+ schools

Both institutions explicitly disavow the LGBTQ+ community.

Michele Brooks of Pennsylvania Jeff Leach of Texas
Politics

Pennsylvania, Texas lawmakers want insurers to cover detransition care

One bill requiring this is awaiting the governor's signature in Texas, while a Pennsylvania legislator is proposing a similar measure.

​Joe Biden at the International African-American Museum on January 19, 2025
Politics

Joe Biden has been diagnosed with 'aggressive form of' prostate cancer

Last week, news broke that the former president's doctors discovered a "small nodule" on his prostate.

NYC Councilman Erik Bottcher photographed by Max Guliani
Politics

From trauma to triumph, will NYC Councilman Erik Bottcher become the city's first out gay mayor one day?

From a teen grappling mightily with his sexuality, Bottcher is now a ubiquitous presence in New York City.