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Pennsylvania

News from within the borders of Pennsylvania and the fight for LGBT equality there. Learn more about past and present obstacles toward achieving equality in Pennsylvania, including hate crimes law, transgender rights, adoption, and other rights denied to same-sex couples and LGBT people. The Advocate also covers the campaigns of groups opposed to marriage equality and explores how gay marriage is covered in mainstream media. We stay on top of developments so that you can stay informed about this issue.

Arrest Warrant Announced in Murder of Black Trans Activist

Mar’Quis ‘MJ’ Jackson was bludgeoned to death and left to die in a yard.

John Fetterman Hospitalized, Receiving Treatment For Depression

The Pennsylvania senator's office said his depression has been severe recently.

Queer Prom Targeted by Far-Right Influencers and Lawmakers

The attacks seem to have started after the anti-LGBTQ+ social media account Libs of TikTok went after the prom.

Queer Publication Blasts Democratic Candidate for Anti-Trans Tweets

A Pittsburgh-area LGBTQ+ publication unearthed old tweets made by the former press secretary for the city's mayor.

John Fetterman, Senator-elect, on LGBTQ+ Rights & the Next Congress

In an exclusive, Fetterman talks about his campaign against Dr. Oz, his ongoing support for LGBTQ+ equality, fighting for workers' rights, and making another most stylish list.

Pro-LGBTQ+ Agenda PAC Makes Its Mark With Political Victories

Pennsylvania's Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta sought to "beat beatable bigots," and he says the group helped do just that.

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Pro-LGBTQ+ PAC Targets Pa. Republican Candidates Oz and Mastriano

Agenda PAC released a new ad as part of a six-figure media buy in Pennsylvania, describing the upcoming election as a choice between fascism and democracy.

A Queer Community Speaks Up for Student After Teacher's Transphobia

The biology teacher in Pennsylvania who refused to refer to a trans student by their pronouns is back in class, but the LGBTQ+ community isn't having it.

Pa. School District Allegedly Discriminated Against LGBTQ+ Students

The Pennsylvania ACLU filed a federal complaint against the Central Bucks School District alleging it targets trans and nonbinary students.

Pennsylvania Republicans Introduce Extreme 'Don't Say Gay' Bill

The bill is more restrictive than the one that became law in Florida.

This Gay Former Federal Prosecutor Could Unseat a Decades-Long GOP Rep

The out Democrat Will Rollins believes that his GOP opponent has disqualified himself.

Democratic Lawmakers & Allies Launch New Pro-LGBTQ+ Agenda PAC

Pennsylvania Democratic state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta will serve as chairperson of the board for the new political action committee aimed at defending LGBTQ+ rights.

Trans Woman Maddie Hofmann Killed by Police in Pennsylvania

They were experiencing a mental health crisis at the time, the same situation as a Virginia trans man who was killed by police in July.

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Anti-Conversion Therapy Order

While the order doesn't ban it, it does put a dent in the harmful practice.

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Trans Swimmer Lia Thomas Nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year

Lia Thomas, the former University of Pennsylvania swimmer, is the first trans woman to win a Division 1 title. 

Police Say Man Killed Gay Lover, Burned Corpse To Hide Relationship

Authorities say the victim was shot in the neck before his body was burned.

Homosexuality Voted to Be Struck From Pennsylvania's Criminal Code

The state's House voted 198-0 to erase the references to "homosexuality" in several definitions in the code. 

Gay Trust Fund Heir’s Body Found, Ex-Boyfriend Arrested for Murder

Rashid Young, 22, had gone missing in 2019. His ex is accused of stabbing Young to death and then draining his bank account.

Mixed Results for LGBTQ+ Pols in Pennsylvania Primary — Plus a First

State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Brian Sims didn't win bids for higher office, but Kenyatta will stay in the legislature and may be joined by the state's first nonbinary lawmaker.

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