Advocate newsletter 4/1/26

It's no April Fool's joke — Kristi Noem's husband, Bryon, is making headlines for his alleged secret life as a "busty bimbo" cross-dresser. It's a story that "perfectly encapsulates these people's hypocrisy and insecurity," a gay spokesperson for Senate Democrats said online. "They ostracize any queer person in public, but they love to queen out and do gay shit behind the scenes. Get well, and I’ll even cheer on your bad drag after they’re out of power."

Noem hasn't confirmed the tabloid reports, but she has asked for privacy — an ironic request for the former Secretary of Homeland Security, who has long relished the spotlight, writes columnist Josh Ackley.

Also in today's newsletter, we have the latest on the implications of Idaho's dangerous bathroom criminalization law, plus reactions to yesterday's Supreme Court ruling on conversion therapy.

Until next time,

The Advocate team

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Idaho’s bathroom bill isn’t just about bathrooms. It never was

The Idaho legislature isn’t governing. It’s hunting transgender people

Kristi Noem’s husband accused of living double life as ‘busty bimbo’ cross-dressing fetishist

Now Kristi Noem wants privacy

Kentucky governor condemns Supreme Court conversion therapy ruling

Tennessee board fires library director who refused to comply with LGBTQ+ book purge

The Latest

Idaho’s bathroom bill isn’t just about bathrooms. It never was

In this op-ed, HB 752 is revealed as more than a transgender bathroom bill—it’s a law that invites public suspicion, polices gender expression, and puts everyone at risk.

The Idaho legislature isn’t governing. It’s hunting transgender people

A law that turns a basic human necessity into a crime reveals calculated cruelty aimed at harming and humiliating the trans community, writes John Casey.

Now Kristi Noem wants privacy

After the former DHS secretary’s husband, Bryon Noem, was accused of having a secret cross-dressing fetish, she no longer wants to be the center of attention, writes Josh Ackley.

The Supreme Court just handed conversion therapy a new license for violence

The high court has opened the door for dangerous harm to kids, writes Josh Ackley.

LGBTQ+ stories deserve to be told.

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Kristi Noem is a cautionary tale for white gay Republicans

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