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Philadelphia

News from within the borders of Philadelphia, the capital Pennsylvania and the fight for LGBT equality there. The city is recognized historically as the birthplace of the United States and the American Revolutionary War, and was also the setting of Philadelphia, the acclaimed film starring Tom Hanks as a gay lawyer dying of an AIDS-related illness. Learn more about past and present obstacles toward achieving equality in Philadelphia including hate crimes law, transgender rights, adoption, and other rights denied to same-sex couples and LGBT people. Learn about individuals--activists, politicians, and allies--who have helped us make strides toward equality. We also cover the campaigns of groups opposed to marriage equality and explore how gay marriage is covered in mainstream media. We stay on top of developments so that you can stay informed about this issue.

Libs of TikTok celebrates while supporters rage after John Fetterman pulls support for Philly LGBTQ+ center (exclusive)

The Pennsylvania Democrat explained to The Advocate that his letter isn’t actually an indicator of his level of support for the LGBTQ+ community.

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Philadelphia Democrat under fire for anti-LGBTQ+ comments in race against gay incumbent

Democrat Lewis Nash Sr. faces backlash for controversial comments on LGBTQ+ issues in the election against out state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta.

Moriarty’s bar in Philadelphia criticized for transphobic job ad seeking ‘biologically male’ bartender

A Craigslist listing for a “biologically male”’ bartender at a historic Philadelphia bar draws national attention and condemnation from city officials and LGBTQ+ advocates.

Moms for Liberty’s Extreme Agenda Gets Pushback From Pennsylvania Community

Local groups are rallying against the far-right Moms for Liberty group with the aim of protecting inclusive education and LGBTQ+ students.

The Nation's Oldest LGBTQ+ Bookstore Is Ready for 50 More Years

This is how Philadelphia's Giovanni's Room survived AIDS, gentrification, the internet, and COVID.

Moms for Liberty Wants to Make American Kids Oblivious to Sex Ed: Report

What used to be the conservative “abstinence only” position has turned into not learning about sex at all.

Gays Against Groomers Takes Hit in Membership in Wake of DeSantis’s Homophobia

The group’s lesbian founder, who is closely aligned with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who posted an overtly homophobic video last week, is sticking by him, resulting in members of the group leaving.

Republican Urges Americans to Revisit Hitler and Stalin at Moms for Liberty Event

The sitting North Carolina lieutenant governor seems to think that what they wrote and said has been taken out of context.

Moms for Liberty’s Conference Infiltrated by Activists Calling Out Its Hate

The group distributed customized versions of hotel “do not disturb” signs.

Moms for Liberty Defends Hitler Quote in Newsletter Before Removing It

The group claims to want to protect parental rights in education but was citing Hitler.

Black Trans Man Mar'Quis Jackson Killed in Philadelphia

Jackson had apparently suffered blunt force trauma to his head, and police are investigating his death as a homicide.

Black Trans Woman Shahere ‘Diamond’ Jackson-McDonald Fatally Shot

Jackson-McDonald was found shot to death Thanksgiving Day in Philadelphia.

Trans Woman in Critical Condition After Attack in Philadelphia

The assailant used homophobic slurs before pistol-whipping the trans woman, and he shot her two companions.

Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta Marries Fiancé Dr. Matthew Jordan-Miller

The two became engaged in 2020.

 

Philadelphia Pride Group Disbands, Cancels Event Amid Controversy

Philly Pride Presents had been criticized for a transphobic Facebook post that cast police as victims in the Stonewall riots.

Supreme Court Rules Against LGBTQ+ Rights in Foster Services Case

The ruling applies to the city of Philadelphia's contract with Catholic Social Services to provide foster care certifications. 

SCOTUS Could Rule in LGBTQ+ Rights Case as Early as Tuesday

The case revolves around whether a Catholic foster care agency contracting with the city of Philadelphia has to follow the city's antidiscrimination law.

Big Gay Ice Cream Shutters for Good in the East Village and Philly

The whimsical shop that gave the world Cheetos-flavored ice cream still has some remaining locations in New York City. 

Arrest Made in Killing, Mutilation of Philadelphia Trans Woman

Dominique Rem'mie Fells (pictured) was killed in June. Suspect Akhenaton Jones was arrested in Los Angeles Monday.