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Helleaux, wonderful humans! Christopher Wiggins coming to you once again, sharing updates from a rain-drenched Washington, D.C. As Alex wraps up his vacation, I’m here for one last day to steer The Advocate newsletter, bringing you a blend of the thought-provoking, the heartening, and the stories that stir debate. Let’s dive in:
🏳️🌈 Transgender Chaplain Makes History in Tennessee Legislature: Dahron Johnson, in a significant moment for visibility, recently addressed the Tennessee House, marking her as the first transgender chaplain to do so. 🏛️🏳️⚧️ Speaking with The Advocate, Johnson reflected on the significance of her speech amid a backdrop of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, emphasizing the importance of representation and advocacy for trans rights.
👑 Princess of Wales Cancer Battle Draws Community Support: The Princess of Wales, Catherine, has shared that she's battling cancer. 🌍💖 As White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed warm wishes from the podium of the briefing room, The Advocate spoke with LGBTQ+ Americans, including the owners of the British-influenced Little Gay Pub in D.C., the city’s latest must-visit locale, who expressed their deep concern and solidarity for the princess.
😡 Nebraska Senator’s Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage: The Nebraska Legislature was recently embroiled in controversy due to remarks made by State Sen. Steve Halloran, a Republican. 💬 In a debate that crossed the bounds of appropriateness, Halloran’s use of a colleague’s name while discussing sensitive material has led to widespread condemnation.🤯
🚫Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Moves Forward in House Committees: Under Republican leadership, two anti-LGBTQ+ bills have progressed through U.S. House committees, prompting a strong reaction from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. 🛑🏳️🌈
As I pass the baton back to Alex, let’s continue to engage, reflect, and push for a world that embraces all. Have a great weekend! 🫶
With warmth and solidarity,
Christopher
White House, LGBTQ+ community express support after Princess Kate reveals shocking cancer diagnosis
twitter/X @KensingtonRoyal
Outrage after Oklahoma prosecutor declines charges in Nex Benedict bullying death
Courtesy Sue Benedict via KJHR News; Nikki Aye for The Advocate
Trans chaplain speaks to Tennessee legislature as Republicans try to erase people like her
Courtesy Brian Sullivan
'Cruel' Nebraska senator investigated after using colleague's name in a rape scene
Nebraska Legislature
Look, the answer!
Each week, The Advocate newsletter has a little bit of LGBTQ+ trivia. Tuesday, you'll get the question. Thursday, you'll get a hint. And today, 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 answer is: The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, back in 2001. This groundbreaking legislation in Holland paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights globally, marking a significant step towards equality and recognition for marriage equality in the U.S. 14 long years later..
🎉 Congrats to everybody who sent in the correct answer!
What readers are talking about
🏳️🌈 The news that the Biden administration agreed to ban LGBTQ+ Pride flags from flying at U.S. embassies in order to pass a spending bill and avoid a government shutdown sparked a lot of conversation from our social media followers this week.
With flag bans being a popular tactic of anti-LGBTQ+ politicians, some felt that Biden was throwing our community under the bus. Others, like former Pennsylvania state representative Brian Sims, say it's a matter of picking our battles. "President Biden's agreement to a limited pride flag ban, under pressure from radical opposition, doesn't reflect a lack of commitment to LGBTQ+ rights but a strategic decision to ensure the government continues to serve millions of Americans, LGBTQ+ Americans included," Sims commented on our Instagram post.
What do you think? Join the conversation by emailing us at social@advocate.com
What you should also be reading:
- X-Factor winner Matt Terry comes out after years of speculation (Pride)
- Elon Musk has a truly BIZARRE request for his 'gay friends' (Pride)
- Sapphira Cristál just made herstory & broke an all-time Drag Race record (Out)
- This video of Jonathan Bailey grinding his hips is making us (and the internet) go feral (Out)
Charlie Kirk DID say stoning gay people was the 'perfect law' — and these other heinous quotes
These are some of his worst comments about LGBTQ+ people made by Charlie Kirk.