Trans pastor says she’s ‘surrounded by loving kindness’ after coming out to New York congregation
“The affirmations have been amazing,” Methodist Rev. Dr. Phillippa Phaneuf told The Advocate in an interview.
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Christopher Wiggins
Christopher Wiggins is The Advocate’s senior national reporter in Washington, D.C., covering the intersection of public policy and politics with LGBTQ+ lives, including The White House, U.S. Congress, Supreme Court, and federal agencies. He has written multiple cover story profiles for The Advocate’s print magazine, profiling figures like Delaware Congresswoman Sarah McBride, longtime LGBTQ+ ally Vice President Kamala Harris, and ABC Good Morning America Weekend anchor Gio Benitez. Wiggins is committed to amplifying untold stories, especially as the second Trump administration’s policies impact LGBTQ+ (and particularly transgender) rights, and can be reached at christopher.wiggins@equalpride.com or on BlueSky at cwnewser.bsky.social; whistleblowers can securely contact him on Signal at cwdc.98.
Charlie Kirk’s widow set to join out CBS News chief Bari Weiss for televised town hall
The out editor-in-chief of the once highly-regarded news operation will talk with Erika Kirk on December 13.
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Upstate New York Methodist minister comes out as transgender to congregation during Sunday service
"I’m affirming and saying to all of you that I am transgender, and so the best way to put this is that I’m not becoming a woman, I’m giving up pretending to be a man," Rev. Dr. Phillippa Phaneuf told her congregation in a powerful speech.
December 03 2025 9:24 AM
Transgender Army vet running for state delegate in red Maryland district is all about showing up
“I signed up to serve, and I will do so here again,” Alleria Stanley told The Advocate in an interview.
December 03 2025 7:00 AM
Out former CDC vaccines head Demetre Daskalakis named chief medical officer at NYC LGBTQ+ health center
Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who walked out of the CDC over Trump's health policies, will begin his new role at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center in February.
December 03 2025 6:00 AM
Karine Jean-Pierre to lead discussion with LGBTQ+ women attorneys general on holding Trump at bay
“Their work to defend civil rights and protect vulnerable communities shows what it means to lead boldly in the face of federal attacks,” the former White House Press Secretary told The Advocate.
December 03 2025 6:00 AM
Ruben Gallego’s leaked texts mocking Democrats’ looks & masculinity intensify temperament concerns
His party is “not allowing men to be men,” or “women to be hot,” the Arizona Democrat complained.
December 02 2025 4:21 PM
Oklahoma University instructor suspended for failing student’s unscientific anti-trans psychology essay
Although the student did not properly complete the assignment to academic standards, the university is investigating the teacher.
December 02 2025 11:03 AM
More LGBTQ+ people are quietly planning to flee America as fears of fascism in Trump’s second term rise
The instinct to flee is not new in American life. But the scale, and the kinds of people considering it in the Trump era, reflect something different.
December 02 2025 7:00 AM
Joe Biden to receive top honor at LGBTQ+ leadership conference for his contributions to equality
He will receive the award at the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute's International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference, the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ elected leaders held in Washington, D.C. annually.
December 02 2025 6:00 AM
Ex-Biden White House aide called out for implying Cory Booker’s new marriage is suspicious
Former White House press office chief of staff Yemisi Egbewole said the fact that the New Jersey U.S. senator married "a woman" was "very interesting."
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December 01 2025 6:04 PM
Maryland community outraged after ‘bigoted’ early morning rainbow crosswalk removal
“If you don’t want to be called a bigot,” Council member Michele Gregory said to Salisbury Mayor Randy Taylor, “don’t do bigoted things.”
December 01 2025 11:07 AM
Gay NYC councilman running for Congress says America is at a crossroads
“We are either going to reject hatred and bigotry and discrimination, or our country will succumb to it,” Erik Bottcher told The Advocate.
December 01 2025 6:52 AM
Federal court rejects Trump Justice Department’s effort to access trans kids’ medical records
Attorney General Pam Bondi, under Donald Trump, has tried to force hospitals to give the government access private health information of children.
November 24 2025 9:36 AM
U.S. Coast Guard backtracks on acceptability of ‘potentially divisive’ swastikas & nooses
After intense backlash, the agency issued a new general order clarifying its position on hate symbols.
November 21 2025 10:27 AM
The South’s first out LGBTQ+ congresswoman is fighting a GOP effort to cut her out of Congress
Democrat Julie Johnson was elected to serve her North Texas constituents. Now Republicans are fighting to draw her out of the electoral map.
November 21 2025 9:41 AM
New U.S. Coast Guard policy OK with some swastikas & nooses, but not transgender service members
Hate symbols will now be recategorized as "potentially divisive.”
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November 20 2025 4:58 PM
Sarah McBride leads bipartisan coalition to secure ‘freedom and dignity’ for LGBTQ+ people globally
The Global Respect Act has 119 cosponsors.
November 20 2025 4:13 PM
Democrat Sarah McBride on her approach to expanding trans acceptance in Congress — and America
“I recognize that it’s not viscerally comforting for some people in my own community who feel the indignities that I am facing vicariously,” Delaware U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride told The Advocate.
November 20 2025 10:44 AM
Decorated FBI agent trainee fired over Pride flag warns new ‘Lavender Scare’ is spreading ‘like wildfire’
“People immediately started scouring their desks of Pride flags, anything personal in nature,” after Kash Patel terminated him, David Maltinsky told The Advocate.
November 19 2025 3:28 PM