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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.

elderly person holding piggy bank and receiving support
News

LGBTQ+ elders are more likely to live in poverty. Here's how we can change that

About 40 percent of LGBTQ+ elders live below the federal poverty line, and their housing situation could be keeping them there.

politician Melissa Hortman
News

Melissa Hortman, assassinated MN lawmaker, was a champion for families and LGBTQ+ rights

Here’s a look at Melissa Hortman’s legislative history and legacy on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and family aide.

Group of FBI agents gather outside in camo gear in Minnesota
Crime

Man arrested for killing Minnesota Democrat gave anti-LGBTQ+ speech in Africa

Vance Boelter, accused of killing Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, preached against gender and sexual minorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

US Reps Bobby Scott Suzanne Bonamici Mark Takano
Politics

Congress members demand that EEOC address gender identity discrimination

Under Trump, EEOC Acting Chair Andrea Lucas has deprioritized or scrapped complaints of discrimination against transgender and nonbinary people.

Protest safety People hold rainbow umbrellas as they attend the WorldPride International Rally and March on Washington for Freedom Lincoln Memorial June 2025 in Washington DC
News

Protest safety 101: How to protect yourself when exercising your First Amendment rights

Here are some tips to help protect your safety and privacy if you plan on attending any upcoming demonstrations.

people holding signs and flags during a protest against the immigration raids conducted by ICE and Federal police in Los Angeles June 9th 2025
Politics

LGBTQ+ immigrants face 'most immediate risk' of ICE raids in Los Angeles

Over 1.25 million LGBTQ+ adult immigrants live in the U.S., with an estimated 10 percent living in Los Angeles County.

NO KINGS in america protest sign at the captiol building february 2025
Politics

'No Kings' protests: What to know about the June 14 rallies against Trump

June 14 will see the largest nationwide protest of President Donald Trump's second term thus far. Here's everything to know.

Gavin Newsom press conference January 2025
Politics

Gavin Newsom cut LGBTQ+ health funding. The CA legislature is set to restore $40 million

Newsom eliminated funds for health programs centered around LGBTQ+ youth, women, and transgender people last month.

Rep Sara Jacobs headshot Pete Hegseth testifies during a hearing
Politics

Democratic Rep. Sara Jacobs exposes Pete Hegseth’s anti-trans hypocrisy during embarrassing House hearing

She got him to commend the service of three women before revealing that they're transgender.

Two men in tuxedos getting married
News

The road to Obergefell: Looking back on a decade of marriage equality

Ten years ago, the Supreme Court made marriage equality the law of the land. Here’s a look at what led up to that landmark decision.

Congressman Eric Sorensen and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Politics

Gay congressman confronts Pete Hegseth over Harvey Milk ship, military diversity

After grilling Navy Secretary John Phelan Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen had some choice words for Hegseth Thursday.

Rally to Resist outside the Des Moines Iowa State Capitol in support of LGBTQ rights 2023
Politics

Iowa bans Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care for adults

The law prevents Medicaid from paying for hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries for trans people, but not for cis people.

Drag queens walking into Kennedy Center
Exclusives

Drag artists who crashed Donald Trump's first Kennedy Center show want him to know: 'You can’t erase us'

“Knowing he would be there made my attendance more crucial," drag queen Mari Con Carne told The Advocate.

US Navy portrait Harvey Milk and Rep Eric Sorensen
Politics

U.S. Rep. Sorensen sticks up for Harvey Milk in hearing with Navy secretary

It’s wrong and un-American to remove Milk's name from a Navy ship, the gay congressman says.

Marjorie Taylor Greene
Politics

House GOP advances Marjorie Taylor Greene’s transphobic bill banning gender-affirming care for trans youth

“This is just another attempt by extremist Republican politicians to further their anti-transgender agenda,” U.S. Rep. Mark Takano said.

Angie Craig
Politics

Why lesbian Rep. Angie Craig says she's ‘ready for the fight’ in her run to be Minnesota’s next U.S. senator

“We’re in the fight of our lives,” Craig said in an interview with The Advocate. “But I’m holding up pretty well, and I’m up for the fight.”

​Central Alabama Pride celebration 2024
Exclusives

Sweet Pride Alabama: Celebrating LGBTQ+ lives in the Deep South

Central Alabama Pride has been awarded The Advocate’s inaugural Communities of Pride Award.

SCOTUS protest free Andry Hernández Romero
News

Hundreds rallying at Supreme Court demand Trump return disappeared gay asylum-seeker Andry Hernández Romero

They rallied to bring the 31-year-old makeup artist back from CECOT in El Salvador.

Dustin Lance Black at the Out100 party 2024 alongside US Navy portrait of then Ens Harvey Milk
Politics

Here's what the Oscar-winning screenwriter of 'Milk' has to say about taking Harvey Milk's name off navy ship

This is the time to lock arms with other marginalized people, which is what Harvey Milk would do, Black says.

Gina Ortiz Jones TAAF Heritage Month Awards Dinner
Politics

Military vet Gina Ortiz Jones becomes first lesbian elected mayor of San Antonio

Jones, who was undersecretary of the Air Force in Joe Biden's administration, beat Rolando Pablos in a runoff election.