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Pennsylvania

News from within the borders of Pennsylvania and the fight for LGBT equality there. Learn more about past and present obstacles toward achieving equality in Pennsylvania, including hate crimes law, transgender rights, adoption, and other rights denied to same-sex couples and LGBT people. The Advocate also covers the campaigns of groups opposed to marriage equality and explores how gay marriage is covered in mainstream media. We stay on top of developments so that you can stay informed about this issue.

Donald Trump celebrates golf legend Arnold Palmer’s ‘unbelievable’ genitals in bizarre campaign rally rant

With their obsession over people’s body parts, Republicans are upping their level of cringe this election.

Matt Gaetz will join gay Republican ‘self-serving traitors’ at Pennsylvania Trump fundraiser

"As a former Pennsylvania lawmaker and CEO of Agenda PAC, I’ve seen what happens when LGBTQ+ individuals align with the very forces that work to strip us of our humanity. Pennsylvania deserves better than this parade of self-serving traitors,” Brian Sims told The Advocate.

Trump attacked people with mental disabilities and trans Americans then promoted a violent purge

Online reactions ranged from shocked and horrified to expected.

JD Vance to appear with anti-LGBTQ+ extremist evangelist Lance Wallnau at Pennsylvania town hall

The two will meet at the Monroeville Convention and Events Center near Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Suspect in murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old trans girl heads to trial

DaShawn Watkins, 29, has pleaded not guilty to the brutal killing and dismembering of 14-year-old Pauly A. Likens.

Teen boy charged for making bombs to attack LGBTQ+ Pride parade, authorities say

Muhyyee-ud-din Abdul-Rahman, 18, was planning to move to Syria and join a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda.

5 takeaways from electric Tim Walz debut with Kamala Harris in Pennsylvania

Vice President Kamala Harris praised her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz's LGBTQ+ allyship.

Jill Biden blasts Donald Trump as  ‘dangerous’ in surprise appearance at Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Pride fest

On the first day of Pride Month, the first lady did not pull her punches about Republican attacks on queer Americans’ rights.

After a Pennsylvania school board canceled a gay actor's talk, the community fought back

Maulik Pancholy was scheduled to speak at a middle school about his experiences with bullying, until the school board suddenly canceled the event.

Gay Pennsylvania Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta wins Democratic primary for auditor general

He will now take on a Republican 2020 election denier in the November election. If he wins, he'll become Pennsylvania's first out statewide elected official.

John Fetterman challenges Pa. school board’s cancellation of talk by gay actor

The Democratic U.S. senator criticized the Cumberland Valley School District for nixing Maulik Pancholy’s anti-bullying presentation, urging a reversal on what he deems a wrongful cancellation.

Pennsylvania Drag Queen Story Hour canceled amid bomb concerns

A planned library event in Lancaster became the latest target of right-wing extremists who forced its cancellation through threats of violence.

Philadelphia Democrat under fire for anti-LGBTQ+ comments in race against gay incumbent

Democrat Lewis Nash Sr. faces backlash for controversial comments on LGBTQ+ issues in the election against out state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta.

Abortion restrictions amount to sex-based discrimination, state Supreme Court says

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled against an antiquated anti-abortion law, with justices issuing a scathing rebuke of the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson decision.

Pennsylvania man rants about ‘LGBTQ+, woke-left mob’ in YouTube video with his father’s severed head: report

A son was arrested after filming himself with his father’s decapitated head, unleashing a tirade against President Joe Biden, the LGBTQ+ community, and ‘far-left woke mobs.’

This new LGBTQ+ thrift store in Pennsylvania offers judgement-free fashion

A thrift store in Lancaster County recently opened, giving LGBTQ+ people the opportunity to explore their identities while being "encouraged and built up."

Moriarty’s bar in Philadelphia criticized for transphobic job ad seeking ‘biologically male’ bartender

A Craigslist listing for a “biologically male”’ bartender at a historic Philadelphia bar draws national attention and condemnation from city officials and LGBTQ+ advocates.

Malcolm Kenyatta on breaking barriers and making Pennsylvania Black queer history

The state lawmaker discussed his vision for the auditor general position in the state, advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and the impact of diverse representation in politics.

Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Activist Kendall Stephens Charged with Rape of Two Boys

The activist became an advocate for trans hate crime protections after a violent transphobic home invasion attack.