Scroll To Top

Politics

In Politics, The Advocate presents the latest news about the political world. From Supreme Court rulings to state and federal laws, The Advocate reports on how politics shapes the day-to-day realities faced by members of the gay community. Read about LGBT leaders like Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin and their work to advance the causes of the LGBT rights movement in the United States and around the world. Find out about legislation related to same-sex marriage, adoption, and other issues in gay politics that will impact the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans.

Kennedy Center with rainbow lights reflecting off the water
Politics

Canceled shows and record lows: How Trump is killing the Kennedy Center

It isn't just the Kennedy Center's reputation that's collapsing — ticket sales and broadcast views are down significantly.

Andrea Jenkins
Politics

As groundbreaking trans politician Andrea Jenkins retires, a look at her life and career

Jenkins, a member of the Minneapolis City Council, was the first out transgender African American elected to public office in the U.S.
Older lesbian couple with Pride flag
News

San Francisco green-lights affordable housing for LGBTQ+ seniors

Nearly 200 affordable housing units for low-income LGBTQ+ seniors are being developed in San Francisco

US Department of Veterans Affairs sign
Politics

Trump administration bans abortions through Department of Veterans Affairs

U.S. military veterans can no longer receive abortions through the federal government’s health care system.

No Kings protest in Pasadena, California, June 14, 2025
Politics

How No Kings aims to build 'protest muscle' for the long term

"We’re not in a sprint. It’s not even a marathon. It’s a relay race," the press coordinator of No Kings tells The Advocate.

Seattle Children's Hospital sign
Politics

RFK Jr.'s HHS investigates Seattle Children's Hospital over youth gender-affirming care

If the department concludes the hospital violated RFK Jr.'s illegal policy, it could lose its Medicaid and Medicare funding.

Zohran Mamdani; Elon Musk
Politics

Zohran Mamdani claps back after Elon Musk attacks out lesbian FDNY commissioner appointee

Elon Musk has claimed that "people will die" because a lesbian has been appointed FDNY chief.

Richard Grenell and the Kennedy Center
Politics

Trump's gay Kennedy Center president demands $1M from performer who canceled Christmas Eve show

Jazz artist Chuck Redd called off the performance over Donald Trump adding his name to the venue.

Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts
Politics

Far-right, anti-LGBTQ+ Project 2025 will continue into 2026

But the Heritage Foundation, the group behind the conservative blueprint, has troubles of its own.
John Hodgens Laura Kavanagh Lillian Bonsignore
News

Who is Lillian Bonsignore — set to be first out gay Fire Department of New York commissioner?

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani announced Bonsignore's appointment Tuesday. She will also be the second woman in the post.

True
Transgender flag U.S. capitol
Politics

Transgender NSA employee files discrimination lawsuit against Trump administration

A lawsuit from a transgender NSA employee accuses the Trump administration of violating her civil rights.

Sports bra chest binder
Exclusives

Chest binder vendors respond to 'absurd' FDA warning letter: 'Clearly discrimination'

The FDA warned companies selling chest binders to register their products as medical devices. Here's how they're responding.

Erik Bottcher
Politics

Gay NYC Council member Erik Bottcher drops U.S. House bid, will run for state Senate instead

“This decision is rooted in where I believe I can do the most good immediately,” Bottcher said.

Sad young girl in foster care
Politics

Massachusetts removes rule requiring foster parents to support LGBTQ+ youth

Massachusetts has removed state rules requiring that foster parents not discriminate against LGBTQ+ youth.

Supreme Court LGBTQ+ flag
Politics

Texas judge who refused to officiate same-sex weddings sues to overturn marriage equality

Dianne Hensley is the new Kim Davis as she sues to overturn marriage equality with the hopes the Supreme Court will hear her.

From left: Brian Fitzpatrick, Henry Cuellar, and Gabe Evans
Politics

The Republicans who voted against making gender-affirming care a crime and the Dems who voted for it

Here's who broke with their party on Marjorie Taylor Greene's hateful bill.

Sports bra chest binder
Politics

Trump's FDA sends warning letters to companies selling chest binders

Trump's FDA claims that companies selling chest binders have "misbranded" medical devices.

Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride
Politics

Sarah McBride knew some Democrats would betray trans people, so she lobbied Republicans

Sarah McBride successfully lobbied a handful of Republicans to vote against a ban on gender-affirming care for youth.
Creating Change Returns to Washington D.C. for 38th Convening for LGBTQ Advocacy
National LGBTQ Task Force

Creating Change Returns to Washington D.C. for 38th Convening for LGBTQ Advocacy

In this era of defending LGBTQ rights, the National LGBTQ Task Force invites activists to the 38th Creating Change.

Transgender rights protest
Politics

House passes bill banning Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care for youth

A bill banning Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care for youth has passed the U.S. House with the help of four Democrats.