Advocate NL 6/5/26

Hello and Happy Pride Friday folks!

Audience Editor Edgar Ramirez here, five days into experimenting with this newsletter format, hope you're enjoying it! (And if you're not, I'm all for suggestions.)

Speaking of the number five: An index that measures state-level LGBTQ+ inclusion for business leaders has measured a national decline in support for the LGBTQ+ community for the fourth consecutive year, and five states (including one *not* in the South) were called out.

As Jack Walker reports, the eighth annual State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, published by OutLeadership, an LGBTQ+ business network, examines states across five main categories. This year’s report found that states that rank low in the index are performing worse year over year, and that fewer states are placing toward the middle of the 100-point index scale.

On the positive side of things, while five states from the Northeast make up the top 10 best-performing states in this year’s index, the Midwest has two representatives, a region that's close to this writer's heart. Check out Jack's story to find out about the other three.

Regardless of where your state lands, on we march with Pride celebrations, and if you're still putting together your outfit, consider these seven brands that haven't backed down in supporting our community.

To finish up:

If you're in the Miami-area, June 9 is a big day for this LGBTQ+ candidate
Don't miss out on the other six stories below!

Have a great weekend, all. I'll be back in your inboxes Monday!

The Venezuelan makeup artist who became the face of a controversial deportation case discusses life after release, lingering trauma, and the men whose stories he believes the world has forgotten.

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Gay CECOT survivor rebuilds his life in Spain while speaking up for voiceless immigrants in America

Ballroom culture shines at New York City Hall Pride celebration

This NYC LGBTQ+ health clinic is giving away the ultimate Pride Month survival kit

Opinion: What colleges still don’t understand about sexual assault

Trans woman faces assault charges for self-defense despite Wyoming's 'Stand Your Ground' law

Federal judge rules that states can challenge Trump’s campaign against transgender kids

The Latest

Ballroom culture shines at New York City Hall Pride celebration

The legislative chamber became a runway as performers and advocates received their flowers at the Council's first Pride Ball.

Gay CECOT survivor rebuilds his life in Spain while speaking up for voiceless immigrants in America

The Venezuelan makeup artist who became the face of a controversial deportation case discusses life after release, lingering trauma, and the men whose stories he believes the world has forgotten.

Trans woman faces assault charges for self-defense despite Wyoming's 'Stand Your Ground' law

Rihanna Kelver was standing outside the Crowbar & Grill in Laramie, Wyoming, when a man began to shout homophobic and transphobic slurs at her.

LGBTQ+ stories deserve to be told.

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WeHo Pride replaces Grand Marshal Icon Kathy Hilton with nobody after backlash

In a joint statement, Pride organizers, West Hollywood city officials, and Hilton announced that the 2026 parade will not designate a Grand Marshal Icon honoree.

Conservatives claim child custody laws disadvantage men. New York’s gender-neutral fix has them furious

The bill would update family court language to recognize a broader range of parents, including LGBTQ+ families, while eliminating gendered legal terms.

7 brands not backing down from Pride this year

Not all companies are walking back their support for the LGBTQ+ community in 2026. These businesses are leaning in.

10 of the most queer-friendly colleges for students seeking a rural campus experience

Here's a list of welcoming schools stretching from the agrarian Midwest to coastal New England.

Maine Republican running for governor cites Noah’s Ark tale as proof trans kids don’t exist

Bobby Charles also suggested that schools provide litter boxes for students who identify as animals, repeating an old and debunked conspiracy theory.

5 most LGBTQ-hostile states — and they're getting worse

A new business climate index found lower-ranked states falling further behind while top-performing states continue strengthening LGBTQ+ protections.

Latest Stories

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Advocate NL 6/5/26

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The Latest

The legislative chamber became a runway as performers and advocates received their flowers at the Council's first Pride Ball.

The Venezuelan makeup artist who became the face of a controversial deportation case discusses life after release, lingering trauma, and the men whose stories he believes the world has forgotten.

“It wasn’t violent. But I was crying and told him to stop,” one survivor writes of the gray areas education institutions still struggle to confront.

Rihanna Kelver was standing outside the Crowbar & Grill in Laramie, Wyoming, when a man began to shout homophobic and transphobic slurs at her.

LGBTQ+ stories deserve to be told.

More For You

Most Popular

In a joint statement, Pride organizers, West Hollywood city officials, and Hilton announced that the 2026 parade will not designate a Grand Marshal Icon honoree.

The bill would update family court language to recognize a broader range of parents, including LGBTQ+ families, while eliminating gendered legal terms.

Not all companies are walking back their support for the LGBTQ+ community in 2026. These businesses are leaning in.

Here's a list of welcoming schools stretching from the agrarian Midwest to coastal New England.

Bobby Charles also suggested that schools provide litter boxes for students who identify as animals, repeating an old and debunked conspiracy theory.

A new business climate index found lower-ranked states falling further behind while top-performing states continue strengthening LGBTQ+ protections.