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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.
Catelin Drey
Politics

Who is Catelin Drey? This Democrat just broke the Republican supermajority in Iowa

Democrat Catelin Drey beat out Republican candidate Christopher Prosch in Iowa's special election.

Huntsville Alabama LGBTQIA Pride Parade
News

Which state has the least transgender people? These are the bottom 10

These are the states with the lowest number of trans people per capita.
Constable S Suits testifying at Texas SB 8 hearing
News

Texas constable tells legislators ‘We’re not interested in being the potty police’ at bathroom bill hearing

The father of a transgender child said that in nine years of working near a court bathroom, he has gotten zero complaints about people using it.

Ryan Walters Linda McMahon
News

Education Secretary Linda McMahon snubs Oklahoma’s extremist superintendent of schools

The Trump cabinet official's representatives asked state officials to keep Ryan Walters, the firebrand schools chief, off her schedule.

Josh Sorbe running in a marathon with hundreds of other participants
Print Issue

Josh Sorbe is using his voice on Capitol Hill to fight for LGBTQ+ rights

In our 2025 Thriving Under 30 feature, we highlight several young LGBTQ+ activists and advocates who are already changing the world.

public restroom entrance
Politics

Broad trans bathroom ban passes Texas Senate in special session

“The only way anyone is going to realistically try to enforce this is by looking at a person and deciding they don’t look quite ‘feminine’ or ‘masculine’ enough,” said a policy strategist with the ACLU.

The White House with the pillars painted the colors of the rainbow flag
Politics

Meet Trump's 'A-Gays,' the powerful MAGA gay men on Capitol Hill explained

These affluent gay men wield their power for the Republican Party and not the queer community.
A gay rights protest against Cracker Barrel in Belleville, Michigan in 1991 and a Cracker Barrel storefront
News

Despite claims it's 'too woke,' Cracker Barrel actually has a fraught LGBTQ+ history

The backlash over Cracker Barrel's new logo ignores the fact that the company once openly fired gay workers, sparking a decade of queer protests and shareholder activism that forced change.

Pulse Orlando rainbow crosswalk LGBTQIA community restoring color
Politics

Florida paints over Pulse memorial's pride colors again

The crosswalk was authorized by a Republican administration, but Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis decided abruptly the colors pose a safety risk.

cisgender spelled out in wavy scrabble tiles on pastel color background
Politics

Democrat consultants tell politicians to stop using terms like 'LGBTQIA' and 'cisgender'

Consulting firm Third Way released a list of words it believes Democratic politicians should avoid, including "LGBTQIA."
Julie Johnson Texas Rep
Politics

Texas is gerrymandering the only LGBTQ+ member of Congress from the South out of her seat

New congressional districts in Texas will split Democrat Julie Johnson's district into eight parts.

Pulse nightclub orlando memorial rainbow crosswalk
News

Outrage after Florida quietly paints over Orlando Pulse shooting memorial

The state department of transportation painted over the landmark overnight.

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Austin drag queen protesting at No Kings rally with american flag dress and Texas AM University golden seal on brick wall
Law

West Texas A&M University's drag show ban blocked by appeals court

University president Walter Wendler's unilateral cancellation of a campus drag show has been found unconstitutional.

Citizens at Pulse memorial in Orlando Police guarding Pulse memorial
News

Florida deploys police to stop crosswalks from being painted rainbow colors

The move comes after citizens repainted the Pulse memorial sidewalk in Pride colors.

Dana Nessel
Health

Michigan's out AG warns hospitals not to cave to Trump's trans ban, calls decision likely 'illegal'

"My Department will be considering all of our options if they violate Michigan law," said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking at a press conference in January 2025
Voices

Why transgender people are not feeling Gavin Newsom

Opinion: We have seen this song and dance before, writes Erin Reed.

andrew bailey former Missouri attorney general
Politics

Anti-transgender former Missouri AG appointed to FBI leadership

The former AG behind Missouri’s anti-trans snitch line, all-ages health care crackdowns, and sweeping subpoenas of providers is now the FBI’s second-in-command.

diverse group of teens looking at their cell phones
News

Why experts say Trump’s revocation of California grant funds over trans inclusion endangers all at-risk kids

“If it’s a day ending in y, President Trump is attacking kids’ safety, health, and access to education as part of his culture war,” a spokesperson for Gov. Gavin Newsom told The Advocate.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
News

Illinois launches first-in-nation LGBTQ+ legal hotline

Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced the launch of the nation's first-ever LGBTQ+ legal hotline.

Donald Trump american flags
News

Donald Trump announces he will personally patrol the ‘dangerous’ D.C. streets for ‘crime’ with the military

"I'm going to be going out tonight with the police and with the military," the president said on a conservative radio show.