NewsVoicesArts & EntertainmentCrimeEducationHealthLove & SexPeoplePoliticsSports
    OUTPrideOut TravelerPLUSADVOCATE CHANNEL
    Support UsSubscribeSubscriber ServicesEmail Newsletter Signup
    CONTACTAbout UsCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
    © 2025 Equal Entertainment LLC.
    All Rights reserved
    Advocate.comAdvocate.com
    Scroll To Top

    By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

    Accept

    The Bulletin: All the LGBTQ+ News You Need From the Week of 3/21/22

    Alex Cooper
    03/27/22
    @wgacooper

    The Bulletin: All the LGBTQ+ News You Need From the Week of 3/21/22

    The Bulletin: LGBTQ+ News From the Week of 3/21

    Judge Jackson, Dr. Fauci, Brittney Griner

    Welcome to "The Bulletin," a new weekly digest of top stories selected by The Advocate's staff. This week's selection has been pulled together by me, Alex Cooper. I'm the digital director of Advocate.com, and I manage the content on the website. Here's a little about what I selected.

    Over the past week, national attention has been on the confirmation hearings of Ketanji Brown Jackson, President Joe Biden's pick for the Supreme court to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer. During the hearings, Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee tried to paint Jackson as extreme and political. Besides comments about what a woman is, lawmakers also zeroed in on marriage equality calling it an "edict" created by the U.S. Supreme Court.

    We also published an interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci about where he believes HIV research and treatment are heading. He shared with The Advocate his concerns over some young people's approach to HIV. However, he's optimistic about future treatments, especially thanks to the technology developed during the ongoing global pandemic.

    U.S. officials were also able to meet WNBC superstar Brittney Griner for the first time since her arrest in February. Though she's been able to meet with her legal team, this is the first she's met with an embassy representative. She's being held in Russia after being arrested over drug charges.

    Other stories in this bulletin include the tragic death of a trans woman in Chicago, two Republican governors also vetoing anti-trans sports legislation this week, Lizzo's new show, Russian President Vladimir Putin comparing Russia to J.K. Rowling, and more.

    Sen. John Cornyn Grills Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on Marriage Equality in SCOTUS Hearing

    Sen. Coryn and Judge Jackson

    U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas called the Supreme Court's marriage equality ruling an "edict" and an example of policy-making by the court when questioning nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson during her confirmation hearing Tuesday.

    Cornyn, a Republican, posited that the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision created a new right that is not in the U.S. Constitution, and he questioned the court's authority to make the decision, as 32 states had passed laws or constitutional amendments against marriage equality. He brought up a conflict with religion as well.

    "When the Supreme Court decides that something that is not even in the Constitution is a fundamental right and no state can pass any law that conflicts with the Supreme Court's edict, particularly in an area where people have sincerely held religious beliefs, doesn't that necessarily create a conflict between what people may believe as a matter of their religious doctrine or faith and what the federal government says is the law of the land?" Cornyn asked.

    "That is the nature of a right," Jackson responded. "That when there is a right, it means that there are limitations on regulation, even if people are regulating pursuant to their sincerely held religious beliefs."

    Read more here.

    Trans Woman Tatiana Labelle Found Dead in Trash Can in Chicago

    Tatiana Labelle

    Black transgender woman Tatiana "Tee Tee" Labelle, 33, was found dead Friday in a trash can in Chicago, and her death has been ruled a homicide, making her at least the seventh trans person to have died by violence in the U.S. this year.

    Six other trans Americans are known to have died by violent means so far in 2022, after a year that saw a record 57 such deaths reported. The total in any year is likely much higher, given that many trans people are misgendered or deadnamed by police and media, or that their deaths are not reported at all. Most of the victims the decade since activists and LGBTQ+ media have been reporting on these deaths have been Black or Latinx women.

    Read more here.

    Ruthie Berman: The Pioneering Lesbian Shares Her Epic Love Story

    Ruthie Berman and her wife, Connie Kurtz

    Ruthie Berman was in her 40s when she kissed her best friend, Connie Kurtz, for the first time. "I was in another world. I was in another space in the way I was behaving. It was totally different than anything I had experienced." This was the 1970s, with both married to men, both mothers, both members of the same small Jewish community in Brooklyn.

    But Berman felt something she realized she'd never felt before: she was falling head-over-heels in love. After the kiss, Berman asked her, "Can't you do better than that?" They kissed again and they kept kissing for the next 40 years.

    Read more about Berman's story here.

    U.S. Reps Meet Brittney Griner for 1st Time Since Arrest, Give Update

    Brittney Griner

    A U.S. embassy official in Moscow said that they had found lesbian WNBA star Brittney Griner to be "in good condition" after the embassy was granted consular access to Griner, according to State Department spokesperson Ned Price.

    Griner is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and plays for the WBNA's Phoenix Mercury. She was arrested in February at a Moscow airport. Russian authorities have accused Griner of smuggling a narcotic substance. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison.

    Last week, a Russian court ordered an extension of Griner's arrest until May 19, Russian state media reported. A trial date has not been announced.

    Read more here.

    Republican Governors Veto Anti-Trans Sports Bills

    Govs. Holcomb and Cox

    Both governors in Utah and Indiana went against their GOP-led legislatures in doing so. However, Utah's legislature voted to override Gov. Spencer Cox's veto just days later. In defense of this veto, Cox referenced his concern about what the bill could do to the mental health of trans kids.

    Read more about Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb's veto here, and read more about Utah Gov. Spencer's Cox veto and the Utah legislature's override here.

    Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls Is Pure TV Serotonin

    Lizzo and dancer

    Spearheaded by the Grammy award-winning singer and body positivity activist Lizzo, the series is essentially a season-long audition to join the "Truth Hurts" singer on stage at Bonnaroo in Australia as one of her "big girl" backup dancers. Here's the catch though: There are technically spots available for every one of them, so they're only competing to be their very best, rather than against one another.

    Read more about the series here.

    Dr. Fauci Isn’t Going Anywhere Until There's a Cure for HIV

    Dr. Fauci

    While there has been so much focus on the ongoing global pandemic during the last two years, Dr. Fauci emphasized to The Advocate, in the strongest terms possible, that he has "not pulled back one bit, and not in the least, on his enthusiasm, passion, and efforts toward HIV/AIDS."

    "This is very personal to me," he explained.

    Fauci said he was heartened by the fact that as of today there are better treatments, preventions, and hopes for a vaccine, and for these reasons, he's not taking his foot off the gas pedal. "Look how far we've come, and though we have more work to do, we now have an injection available that some HIV-positive folks can get every seven months that will keep them undetectable, and long-acting PrEP injectable that works better than Truvada."

    Read more from our interview here.

    Putin Claims Russia Is Being 'Canceled' Like J.K. Rowling

    Putin and Rowling

    Russian President Vladimir Putin leveled criticism against Western countries, claiming they are trying to "cancel" Russia. In his speech on Friday, he referenced the criticism Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling received for her transphobic views and comments.

    "Recently, they canceled the children's writer Joanne Rowling because she - the author of books that have sold 100s of millions of copies worldwide - fell out of favor with fans of so-called 'gender freedoms,'" Putin said.

    Rowling, however, has already distanced herself from the Russian leader's remarks.

    In his address, Putin claimed that "they are now trying to cancel our country. I'm talking about the progressive discrimination of everything to do with Russia."

    Putin pointed to the cancellation of numerous Russian cultural events globally following the country's invasion of Ukraine.

    Read more -- including Rowling's response -- here.

    Sampson McCormick, Black Gay Comedian, Punched at Live Show

    Sampson McCormick

    A gay comedian was attacked during his stand-up comedy performance at a California casino on Wednesday evening.

    Sampson McCormick told The Advocate that he has performed at Win-River Resort & Casino in Redding, Calif., for seven years, and in that time, he has never been physically attacked. This week, that changed.

    Read more about what happened and how McCormick responded here.

    Latest Stories

    The incomparable Lady Bunny and her unnamed date
    Drag

    Drag Me to the Catskills: A weekend of camp and comedy in the woods

    May 29 2025 8:30 PM
    Boys! Boys! Boys! podcast: A new voice in queer culture
    Art

    Boys! Boys! Boys! podcast: A new voice in queer culture

    May 01 2025 5:03 PM
    Cobblestones, castles, and culture: Your LGBTQ+ guide to Edinburgh
    Travel

    Cobblestones, castles, and culture: Your LGBTQ+ guide to Edinburgh

    April 30 2025 12:44 PM
    French Polynesia: LGBTQ+ inclusivity beyond expectations
    Travel

    No Pride flags needed in French Polynesia

    April 07 2025 11:16 AM
    Karan Soni stars in "A Nice Indian Boy," in theaters starting April 4
    film

    Out and About with Karan Soni

    April 04 2025 8:00 AM
    Edie © Jane Hilton; Justin Anz, Ranch Hand, Olney, Texas © Jane Hilton; Mirage © Jane Hilton; Pate Meinzer, Cowboy, Benjamin, Texas © Jane Hilton
    Photography

    Jane Hilton's 'Cowboys & Queens' captures the modern American dream

    March 28 2025 6:27 PM
    Resilient Lady delivers world-class amenities and experiences for an unparalleled adult-only voyage
    Travel

    Redefining LGBTQ+ luxury at sea: Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady experience

    February 25 2025 8:24 AM
    Take a long, hard look at the Real Nasty Pigs of New York

    Take a long, hard look at the Real Nasty Pigs of New York

    January 14 2025 4:20 PM
    Discover why Thailand is the ultimate LGBTQ+ paradise
    Travel

    Discover why Thailand is the ultimate LGBTQ+ paradise

    January 14 2025 10:00 AM
    Our insider’s guide to Whistler Pride 2025 - ​Barry Hoy reveals why this LGBTQ+ celebration on high is the season’s must-attend event
    Travel

    Join the fun at Whistler Pride 2025

    January 09 2025 3:00 PM
    Gigi Goode headlines the Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend 2025 in Washington D.C.
    Washington D.C.

    Get ready to unleash your kink at MAL Weekend 2025

    January 07 2025 3:14 PM
    The ultimate first-timer’s guide to island hopping in French Polynesia
    Travel

    French Polynesia LGBTQ+ island hopping guide

    January 07 2025 8:15 AM
    Here are the must-attend events at Aspen Gay Ski Week 2025
    Travel

    Get ready for Aspen Gay Ski Week 2025

    December 23 2024 4:24 PM
    Billy Eicher (left) and Pumba and Timon from 'Mufasa: The Lion King'
    Billy Eichner

    Out and About with Billy Eichner

    December 20 2024 3:25 PM
    Discover Dushi Curaçao, your ultimate Caribbean getaway
    Travel

    Explore dushi Curaçao: Your colorful LGBTQ+ Caribbean oasis

    December 16 2024 1:45 PM
    Portrait of a Lady on Fire
    Arts & Entertainment
    Badge
    gallery

    31 Period Films of Lesbians and Bi Women in Love That Will Take You Back

    December 09 2024 1:00 PM
    Blind gay traveler Henry Martinez features Greater Fort Lauderdale in his latest video
    Travel

    Gay blind traveler Henry Martinez embraces Greater Fort Lauderdale in his latest video

    December 06 2024 4:36 PM
    progress pride LGBTQ rainbow flag
    Politics
    Badge
    gallery

    These are the 5 states with the smallest amount of LGBTQ+ people

    December 04 2024 1:20 PM
    True
    San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the sunny cure for your winter blues
    Travel

    Discover the LGBTQ+ paradise of San Juan, Puerto Rico

    November 29 2024 9:30 AM
    Miss International Queen – USA contestants; reigning Miss International Queen – USA Kataluna Enriquez

    Which trans beauty will steal the spotlight at Miss International Queen – USA?

    November 23 2024 10:39 AM

    Trending stories

    Wilderness, woods, and Wigstock: Drag icons light up the Catskills

    Gays went feral at an iconic Pride celebration in Pensacola, Florida

    Carlos King wants Monique Samuels & Gizelle Bryant to hash out their feud on 'RHOP'

    1985: the year the AIDS crisis finally broke through the silence

    Checking out: nhow London, the city’s coolest hotel

    Trump admin guts $258 million in funding for HIV vaccine research

    How Kendall's leaked nude videos ruined his 'Love Island' relationship

    All 6 rogue Mississippi cops got long prison sentences in 'Goon Squad' torture of 2 Black men

    This HIV Long-Term Survivor Day, listen to this leader from God's Love, We Deliver

    Behind ‘King of Drag’s Charles Galin King’s royal assent were two powerful Mexican women (exclusive)

    VIDEO: A man living with HIV discusses his journey to fatherhood

    France becomes world’s first country to enshrine abortion rights in constitution

    BREAKING: Supreme Court rules to save free access to preventive care, including PrEP

    Elon Musk uses burner accounts on X, doesn’t fact-check: report

    Why are SZA and Nicki Minaj fighting? A queer explainer

    Star Trek has a black hole of queer love, but out actors hint at hope

    Watching JD Vance's motorcade get ruthlessly roasted will recharge your soul

    Joe Biden has tied the record for most LGBTQ+ judges confirmed in federal courts

    Drag Race's Xunami Muse moves to Panama—cites 'complicated' U.S. 'situation'

    Electric Forest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community

    How queer activist JP Karliak landed the 'Smurfs' Gargamel role

    How climate disasters hurt mental health in young people

    Need an escape from American anxiety? Consider Colombia.

    Long live the kings: The drag revolution you haven't seen on TV — yet

    5 lesbian power couples who play on rival sports teams

    Recommended Stories for You

    Top 10 LGBTQ+ beach towns perfect for Pride and summer fun

    This heavenly hotel in the heart of Hell's Kitchen is the perfect oasis

    What is ‘micro-cheating’? How to spot the signs and what to do according to dating experts

    Celebrating Black History Month with our annual African American issue

    Jess King is here to help you live your happiest, healthiest life yet

    Cruising the world helped this gay couple find lasting love

    The Advocates Team

    Meet the gay robot 'Rizzbot' who has the internet giggling & MAGA in yet another spiral

    Kori King praises Lydia B. Kollins on 'All Stars 10' & shows love to lesbian fans

    What is ‘compersion’ and why are LGBTQ+ folks more likely to experience it? Sex experts explain

    How drag artists can protect themselves from far-right attacks

    Cooper Koch's Emmy nomination earned him a surprise prison call

    'Drag Race' star Bosco suspended from X after impersonation

    BREAKING NEWS: Trump admin moves to end federal HIV prevention programs

    The Talk Season 5 premieres this spring with HIV guidance for the newly diagnosed

    Advocates FYI

    About Us

    Cooper Koch’s Emmy nomination earned him a surprise prison call

    A Day Out in San Diego: A queer couple’s breathtaking travel guide

    Two series from The Advocate Channel launch on Hulu

    Dancer. Healer. Survivor. DéShaun Armbrister is all of the above

    A Night Out in San Diego: A queer couple’s moonlit travel guide

    17 disabled LGBTQ+ celebrities who are changing Hollywood

    Every Rusical winner in 'RuPaul's Drag Race' herstory

    Alex Cooper

    Read Full Bio