March 21

Hey there, wonderful humans! 🌈✨ It’s Christopher Wiggins here again with your dose of the must-read and can’t-miss stories from around our vibrant world. Here’s what we’ve got for you this time:

😢 Tragic Loss of Professor: The heartbreak of losing Averett University professor David Hanbury, found dead at a gay sauna in Orlando, has touched many. His commitment as an educator and the bewildering circumstances of his death remind of the importance of community and looking out for one another.

🔒🐦 Transgender lawyer battles Elon Musk: The digital world watched as Alejandra Caraballo, a staunch advocate and transgender Harvard Law instructor, faced a suspension and then a reversal from X, after she amplified the name of a neo-Nazi cartoonist who was unmasked by a group of activists. This rollercoaster ended with a reinstatement and restriction, shedding light on the ongoing battle for space and voice in online platforms.

🌟 Star-Studded GLAAD Awards: The GLAAD Media Awards didn’t disappoint, with Niecy Nash-Betts and Oprah Winfrey among the honorees. It was a night celebrating progress and representation in LGBTQ+ media, proving the power of visibility and the importance of telling our stories.

⚠️ Rising Concerns Over Anti-Trans Hate Crimes: A spike in anti-trans hate crimes is sounding alarm bells. Correspondent Samson Amore digs into the numbers. And The Advocate’s senior editor and opinion writer, John Casey, discusses how recent developments from the case of Nex Benedict are a stark reminder that the fight for equality and safety is far from over.

🤸 Caitlyn Jenner’s Controversial Stand: Caitlyn Jenner’s support for a policy banning trans women from sports in New York has sparked debate. The former Olympian and supporter of former President Donald Trump has taken a stand against including people like her in athletics.

Until next time, stay fabulous! 🌈

With warmth and solidarity,

Christopher

He was fired for officiating a queer wedding. Here's how he's fighting back

Courtesy Joseph Kuilema; via Calvin University

Anti-transgender hate crimes spike, leading to calls for a public health emergency

Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images

Elon Musk's X reinstates transgender Harvard lawyer's account after suspension

twitter @Esqueer_; Shutterstock

Sydney Sweeney, Scott Evans and all the stars at the GLAAD Awards

Lesbian teacher settles federal discrimination lawsuit with Maine district

facebook @yorkschools

'Beloved' Virginia professor found dead at gay men's sauna after vanishing from conference

via Averett University

Former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner supports New York policy banning trans women from sports

Shutterstock

MacKenzie Scott donates over $30 million to LGBTQ+ nonprofits: 'Vital agents of change'

Shutterstock; Presley Ann/Getty Images

If Nex Benedict's autopsy is part of a cover-up, Oklahoma officials are playing a dangerous game

Owasso Police Department; Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Tulsa

Look, a hint!

Each week, The Advocate newsletter has a little bit of LGBTQ+ trivia. Tuesday, you'll get the question. Today, you'll get a hint. And Saturday, you'll get the answer.

This week's question is: Which country was the first to legalize same-sex marriage, doing so in 2001?

This week’s hint is: In this progressive country, celebrated for its sex-positive attitude and liberal cannabis policies, landmarks include iconic windmills, vibrant tulip fields, and dikes.

Reply to this email with the answer and you may get a shout-out in a future newsletter!