Daily newsletter 9/30

➡️ The man accused of killing three people in a mass shooting in North Carolina has a disturbing record when it comes to LGBTQ+ people. Meanwhile, a new policy implemented by the Trump administration further abandons transgender veterans.

In California, Toni Atkins has dropped her campaign to become the state’s first woman and first out LGBTQ+ governor — but we also have the story of a trans Marine Corps veteran running for Congress in Pennsylvania.

Plus, our friends at Uncloseted Media take a look at older women from conservative Christian communities realizing they’re lesbians and coming out later in life.

‼️ Are you an aspiring journalist who wants to work with The Advocate? We're looking for the next generation of queer and trans storytellers to participate in the Future of Queer Media Fellowship. Applications are open now until Oct. 31. Learn more at advocate.com/fellowship

Until tomorrow,

Christine Linnell
Social media manager, The Advocate

N.C. waterfront restaurant mass shooting suspect was obsessed with anti-LGBTQ+ conspiracy theories

footage still via facebook @americanfishcompany

Court records show that Nigel Max Edge filed multiple bizarre lawsuits with wild claims before the attack.

Veterans Affairs doctors banned from writing surgery referrals to private providers for trans vets

JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock; Chris Allan/Shutterstock

“Stripping that basic medical function away is not about cost or bureaucracy, it’s about punishment,” executive director of Minority Veterans of America Lindsay Church told The Advocate.

Toni Atkins drops out of California governor's race, cites 'no viable path forward'

Courtesy Toni Atkins for Governor 2026

Toni Atkins has ended her campaign to become California's first woman and first out LGBTQ+ governor.

Meet the transgender Marine Corps vet running for Congress in Pennsylvania

Courtesy Pictured

“They want us to get stuck on pronouns. I want to get stuck on bringing grocery prices down,” Sarah Klimm said.

Conservative Christian lesbians are coming out after years of repression

Shutterstock Creative

A growing number of women raised in conservative Christian environments are coming out as lesbians later in life.

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