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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.

Pete Hegseth Clayton McCallister Erica Vandal Nic Talbott
News

‘Lesser-known D-Day’ strikes as Pentagon purges transgender patriots serving in the U.S. military

As of June 6, military commanders must identify anyone who may be trans for a medical evaluation and expulsion from the armed services.

Rep Melanie Stansbury and Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene during Department of Government Efficiency DOGE Subcommittee at the US Capitol building on May 2025 in Washington DC
Politics

How this Democrat fights Marjorie Taylor Greene's transphobia in Congress with smart preparation

With calm defiance and procedural precision, Rep. Melanie Stansbury turned a House hearing into a masterclass in how Democrats can confront anti-trans attacks with facts, strategy, and moral clarity.

Portland Oregon Exterior of the Pioneer Courthouse September 2023
Politics

ICE detained a trans migrant at her asylum hearing. Her lawyers still can't contact her

Attorneys for a transgender woman say they still haven't been able to contact her after she was arrested during her asylum hearing.

Chuck Schumer and RFK Jr
Politics

Chuck Schumer demands reinstatement of federal HIV funding after RFK Jr.’s ‘indiscriminate cuts’

With HIV vaccine research canceled and prevention programs dismantled, the Democratic Senate minority leader expects answers from the Department of Health and Human Services before July.

Scientist conducting lab research looking in microscope
Health

Trump guts $258 million in funding for HIV vaccine research

“For HIV vaccine design and development, we've begun to see light at the end of the tunnel after many years of research,” Dennis Burton, an immunology professor at Scripps Research, said.

Pride flag and trans flag; Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C.
Politics

Trump admin nixes Pride, declares June is Title IX Month

June will now be "dedicated" to celebrating Title IX, which the government is using to attack trans people.

Jeff Merkley and Becca Balint
Politics

Democrats Merkley and Balint file bill to nullify Trump's anti-LGBTQ+ executive orders

The No Place for LGBTQ+ Hate Act targets the trans military ban, the "two sexes" order, and more.

Sharice Davids
Politics

Rep. Sharice Davids introduces bill to improve mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth

"We are failing our most vulnerable children on this issue," Davids said.

AB Hernandez
Politics

Trans athlete singled out by Trump wins gold anyway: 'I’m not scared of them'

Trump threatened to to withhold federal funding from California unless the state banned a 16-year-old trans girl from competing.

Equality PAC gala Chuck Schumer Hakeem Jeffries Washington DC June 2025
News

Chuck Schumer & Hakeem Jeffries commit to defending trans rights at star-studded Pride gala

“House Democrats will always stand with the LGBTQ community — including our transgender fellow Americans,” Hakeem Jeffries said.

draq queens on a float with transgender flags and ACT UP poster NYC LGBTQIA pride parade 2024
Politics

Why LGBTQ+ groups aren't phased by Trump's 'Title IX Month' attention grab

"Pride is a protest, and it's happening whether the most-anti LGBTQ+ administration in history acknowledges it or not," an HRC spokesperson told The Advocate.

people hold rainbow HRC Howdy fans during a protest sponsored by Texas AM University Queer Empowerment Council Day of Drag protest on campus in College Station
Politics

Texas legislature passes 'Don't Say Gay' law that bans LGBTQ+ student clubs

A bill approved by the Texas legislature includes an LGBTQ+ student club ban, a forced outing policy, and a DEI ban.

Ariana Grande & Pedro Pascal among 100 celebrities asking Congress to save LGBTQ+ youth 988 hotline
Arts & Entertainment

Ariana Grande & Pedro Pascal among 100 celebrities asking Congress to save LGBTQ+ youth 988 hotline

Over 100 celebrities are calling on Congress to secure funding for a hotline that supports LGBTQ+ youth considering suicide.

USNS Harvey Milk during acceptance trials alongside Adam Schiff in 2023
Politics

Sen. Adam Schiff blocked in effort to keep Harvey Milk's name on Navy ship

A Republican senator objected, keeping Schiff's resolution from winning unanimous consent.

Sarah McBride State of Firsts documentary tribeca film festival
News

‘State of Firsts’ captures the history of Sarah McBride’s rise as the first transgender member of Congress

The new documentary premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival on Saturday.

Mark Pocan Russell Vought
Politics

Rep. Mark Pocan: Is it just coincidence that Trump is following Project 2025 outline?

Pocan grilled Russell Vought, one of the creators of the far-right policy blueprint, in a congressional hearing.

Eugene Levy is honored with Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
News

Eugene Levy reflects on fatherhood with a gay son, ‘Schitt’s Creek,’ and strategic allyship

The Emmy-winning actor spoke with The Advocate before he accepted Equality PAC's Nancy Pelosi Equality Ally Award at a gala.

Karine Jean-Pierre at a White House press briefing last October
Politics

Karine Jean-Pierre leaves Democratic Party, becomes independent

That's one of the revelations in the former White House press secretary's latest book, due out in October.

Transgender rights advocates outside Ohio Statehouse with protester holding rainbow flag that reads resist June 2021
Politics

Ohio universities are closing their LGBTQ+ centers to comply with a state DEI ban

Ohio's ban on DEI prohibits public universities from endorsing "any controversial belief" — including LGBTQ+ existence.

Sesame Street characters performing on the New York Public Library set at Universal Studios, Singapore
Politics

Republicans accuse PBS of 'grooming' children with 'Sesame Street' Pride post

Congressional homophobes and transphobes just can't stand Pride Month.