Banned Books Week takes place October 5-11, 2025. The annual event raises awareness of the harm and the rising trend of book challenges and bans, especially targeting books by and about LGBTQ people and books about race and racism. Why are book bans happening? Book bans are part of a sweeping crackdown aimed at censoring [...] The post Facts and Action for Banned Books Week first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
In its nearly 40-year history, Atlanta’s world-renowned Out on Film festival has rarely opened with a documentary. However, this year, “I Was Born This Way,” the powerful story of the late singer, activist, and LGBTQ-affirming religious leader Archbishop Carl Bean, was the exception. Debuting to critical acclaim at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in June [...] The post Out On Film Celebrates Archbishop Carl Bean’s Legacy in Opening Documentary ‘I Was Born This Way’ first appeared o...| GLAAD
Written by Cora Cartagena Each September, as we celebrate Latine Heritage Month, I am reminded that our stories, our culture, and our resilience are central to the fight to end the HIV epidemic. As a first-generation Peruvian immigrant and a Program Manager at NMAC, I have seen firsthand that HIV advocacy is not just about [...] The post Investing in Latina Women Is the Future of Ending the HIV Epidemic first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
Out actor, author, and activist George Takei has been named honorary chair of Banned Books Week, which will take place October 5 – 11, 2025. Takei will be joined in leading the annual event by youth honorary chair Iris Mogul. “Books are an essential foundation of democracy,” Takei said. “Our ‘government of the people, by [...] The post George Takei to Lead Banned Books Week 2025 first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
At the 2025 United States Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA), Black queer and allied voices, stories, and leadership took center stage in Washington, D.C. This year’s convening reflected not only the urgency of addressing HIV within Black communities, but also the importance of uplifting Black queer people who continue to lead in advocacy, creativity, and community [...] The post GLAAD Centers Black Queer Voices at United States Conference on HIV & AIDS first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
Thirsty Suitors is one of video gaming’s finest explorations of South Asian culture, queerness, and relationship turmoil, but its success in telling a genuine, heartfelt story didn’t happen by accident. It was the achievement of the hardworking developers at Outerloop Games who are dedicated to creating smaller games with big themes, often spotlighting communities that [...] The post GLAAD Gaming Spotlight: Outerloop Games’ Chandana Ekanayake on Crafting Queer, Brown, and Bold Stories f...| GLAAD
The Okra’s Project’s new initiative offers three months of free therapy to support Black transgender individuals nationwide The Okra Project, a nonprofit dedicated to nourishing and sustaining Black transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive communities, is deepening its impact. In partnership with BetterHelp, the organization will now provide up to three months of free or low-cost therapy [...] The post The Okra Project Expands Nationwide with BetterHelp to Deliver Free Mental Health C...| GLAAD
Independent rapper, songwriter, and Year 2 GLAAD EMEI cohort member, Suni MF, is redefining what it means to take up space in hip-hop. The openly Black lesbian artist recently made waves after winning a BMI Award by Broadcast Music Inc. for her contributions to Drake’s chart-topping track Rich Baby Daddy. This recognition is proof that queer [...] The post Suni MF on Breaking Barriers in Hip-Hop and Winning Big at the BMI Awards first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
Since 1990, The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists (NLGJA) has met annually as a group to network and share best practices for fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ people in and outside of newsrooms. This year, from September 4-6, Midtown Atlanta served as home base for hundreds of LGBTQ journalists and allies from across the country [...] The post GLAAD Amplifies Black Southern Queer Voices During LGBTQ Journalists Association Convention first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
If you were to ask Ken Schneck about the one thing he is certain of, he'll most likely answer that question with the confidence he exudes once he's behind a microphone. Queer and trans news, reported by queer and trans people, is essential and deserves to be heard. Since July, the award-winning journalist and editor| GLAAD | GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance.
“Show me how good it’s gonna get today, God. Dear universe, you have permission to amaze me,” Joseph Reaves said at the top of his program. “Something amazing is gonna happen to me today.” Reaves’ Hella Black, Hella Queer, Hella Christian, is a fully Black, fully Queer, fully Human, fully Divine iHeartRadio podcast that touches [...] The post GLAAD’s Darian Aaron Talks Faith, Race and Family in iHeartRadio Interview first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
August 20 marks Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (SHAAD)—a pivotal moment to spotlight the ongoing HIV crisis in the Southern United States and recommit to equity, visibility, and community-driven solutions. A Region in Crisis: Disproportionate HIV Burden The U.S. South, and especially the “Deep South” of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee,| GLAAD | GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance.
The Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective (BBRTC), an award-winning Black Queer-led grassroots theatre organization, is thrilled to announce “Denim & Diamonds: A Southern Takeover,” a one-night-only fundraising concert and gala held on September 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM at The Listening Room in Nashville, TN. Taking place on International Black Theatre Day, this dynamic, music-filled [...] The post Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective Celebrates National Black Theatre Day wit...| GLAAD
This September, Atlanta will host Haus of Move Camp—a 3-day immersive sync songwriting and music industry development experience designed for Black and Brown trans and queer artists, songwriters, and producers. Taking place September 26–28, the camp is a program of the 2AM Ricky M.O.V.E. (Mobilizing Opportunities for Visibility and Empowerment) Initiative and powered by Blaze [...] The post Haus of Move Camp: Building Power & Creativity for Black and Brown LGBTQ+ Artists first appeared on...| GLAAD
“That’s what she gets!” It’s been twelve years since two-time Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Michael R. Jackson heard those words echo throughout the movie theater where he begrudgingly went to watch Tyler Perry’s 2013 film Temptation: Confessions of A Marriage Counselor. The protagonist, Judith, played by actress Jurnee Smollett, is diagnosed with HIV after [...] The post Black Gay Playwright Michael R. Jackson Talks HIV Stigma, PrEP, and the Tyler Perry Film Inside His...| GLAAD
On this Jamaican Independence Day, a moment for celebration, reflection, and cultural pride, filmmaker and author Max-Arthur Mantle is boldly reclaiming the narrative around Jamaican queerness with his upcoming feature film, BATTY BWOY!. The film, currently in pre-production, is a groundbreaking cinematic project that centers the Black, queer Caribbean experience through the story of Mark [...] The post “BATTY BWOY!” is Bringing Queer Caribbean Stories to the Big Screen: A Defiant Love ...| GLAAD
Jewel Thais‑Williams, affectionately known as “Mama Jewel,” passed away on July 7, 2025, at age 86, as confirmed by her sister, Carol Williams. Born in Indiana on May 9, 1939, and raised in San Diego before settling in Los Angeles, she would go on to become a pioneering voice for Black queer liberation, especially as a Black [...] The post Honoring the Life of Jewel Thais-Williams: A Legend in the Black Sapphic Community first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
New York Liberty fans were in for a special treat last Friday, as GLAAD took center court with the 2024 WNBA Champions ahead of their annual Pride Night. In addition to their historic season last year, the New York Liberty were also recognized for their commitment to LGBTQ inclusion in sports, which is why GLAAD [...] The post Nearly 20,000 Convene for New York Liberty Pride Night; GLAAD Awards History-making Team with Special Recognition Trophy first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
By Richard Fowler, Contributing Writer At a time of severe societal change, creators, filmmakers, actors, producers, and film lovers gathered in Miami Beach to fight forward through storylines that both showcase and shape a culture long seated at the cornerstone of American identity—global Blackness. Now in its 29th year, the American Black Film Festival once [...] The post Reflection: ABFF 2025 x GLAAD – A Homecoming for Storylines That Matter first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
Last week, GLAAD’s Community of Color & Media team, teamed up with Columbia Pictures and Screen Gems hosted a pre-screening of I Know What You Did Last Summer, and let me tell you, it’s not the 1997 slasher you may remember. Sure, it has its roots in that classic, but this new chapter gives the [...] The post I Know What You Did Last Summer – Private Screening first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
Barrier-breaking supermodel Munroe Bergdorf made history when she became the first out trans woman to appear on a L’Oreal campaign in the United Kingdom. Her success only flourished since then, ranging from opportunities with UN Women as an advocate; to starring as the subject in Channel 4 doc “What Makes a Women”; to even co-opening [...] The post WATCH: Munroe Bergdorf Talks “Love & Rage,” A New Documentary on Her Personal, Groundbreaking Journey as a Trans Model, Author & Activis...| GLAAD
Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBTQ-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend. The post The GLAAD Wrap: Trailers for “Acapulco,” “The Morning Show,” and “My Life with the Walter Boys,” “Queens of the Dead” gets NA distribution, and more! first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
Late last month, Puerto Rico’s Senate voted to advance a bill that would ban health care for trans youth under the age of 21 on the island and punish parents or doctors who help youth receive this care with fines, jail time, and/or the revocation of their medical license. Prior to the bill’s passage, parents [...] The post Anti-Transgender Bill Advances in Puerto Rico, Seeking to Ban Lifesaving Care for Youth and Punish Parents and Doctors first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
By Donja R. Love I didn’t realize how much I needed to go to Miami for the American Black Film Festival (ABFF). When GLAAD asked me to be their ambassador for ABFF, I was conflicted. Before the request, my husband and I were informed by our (now former) landlord that we had to move because [...] The post OP-ED: Finding A Home In Community first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
By John Barnes, Communities of Color & Media Consultant Arrival: Rest, Reflection, and Radiance On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, I landed in Miami, FL, on a hot summer day around noon. This was no ordinary Miami trip — this was my first time attending the American Black Film Festival, and to do it as a [...] The post A Very Real & Very Radiant American Black Film Festival: A Reflection by John Barnes first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
Playwright and Advocate Donja R. Love Expands Vision of Healing, Community, and Artistic Liberation for the Poz Community At a time when federally funded HIV/AIDS programs are under attack and the rights of people living with HIV are increasingly threatened, one powerful writing initiative is offering a space of resistance, healing, and imagination. Write It [...] The post Write It Out! Opens Applications for Groundbreaking $10,000 Prize and Program for Playwrights Living with HIV first appea...| GLAAD
By Brandon Nicholas For a sunny* second year in a row, I was in Miami Beach for the American Black Film Festival. Last year, I wrote about my experience at the ABFF as a GLAAD Ambassador, and in the article, I said that I “look forward to attending ABFF in the future as a presenter.” [...] The post OP-ED: Reel Radiant Queerness at ABFF first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
Every week, The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBTQ-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend. 1.) Ponyboi, the first feature written by and starring an intersex person, Salvadorian-American filmmaker and activist River Gallo, hit select theaters today! Set over the course of a [...] The post The GLAAD Wrap: “Ponyboi” and “Hot Milk” in Theaters, Trailer for “Lurker,” New Music by Susannah Joffe, Reneé Rapp a...| GLAAD
By Quintay Knight, Communities of Color & Media Consultant On June 19th 2025 THERA Thursdays hosted a webinar entitled “They Ain’t Coming To Save US” featuring guest presenter Ian L. Haddock– speaker, writer, author, advocate and the host Mable Taplin – global patient advocate, strategic leader, author and keynote speaker. The webinar explores discussions emphasizing [...] The post They Ain’t Coming To Save Us first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
Last night was one for the books at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn, New York. GLAAD hosted a very special event which celebrated visionaries shaping culture – from film, TV, and music to sports and journalism – who are pushing LGBTQ visibility forward. One Story. One Future. was a star-studded night which honored trailblazers, [...] The post GLAAD Celebrates Pride 2025 with Special Live “I’ve Had It Podcast” with Jennifer Welch, Angie “Pumps” Sullivan in Conversation w...| GLAAD
Mobile, Alabama natives Preston Howard Sr. and Connie Howard, parents of four and married for 30 years, say when their son, Preston Howard Jr., 31, an Atlanta-based event decorator, came out the summer before his senior year in high school, it never occurred to them to reject him. There were no discussions about possible shame [...] The post Pride Month May Be Quieter This Year, But This Alabama Family’s Unconditional Love for Their Gay Son is Loud first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
During Pride and every month beyond it, Black queer creators and advocates are using their digital platforms to redefine what it means to live in your truth. From sexuality and gender expression to self-acceptance, love, and mental health, these creators are offering more than content. They’re creating radical care, community, and culture. Below are six [...] The post What Black Queer Influencers & Advocates are Teaching about Gender, Love, Style, and Self: Black Queer Influencers to Know t...| GLAAD
Last Thursday, June 19th, PRIDE & SOUL LIVE returned to the stage in full force—and full feeling—at LORE, Atlanta’s newest new gay bar and community space. In a city already steeped in queer history and Black cultural innovation, the night stood as a luminous reminder that when you center freedom, expression, and community, magic happens. [...] The post PRIDE & SOUL LIVE 2025: A Night of Black Queer Brilliance in the Heart of Atlanta first appeared on GLAAD.| GLAAD
MISSION Advocating for equality and fairness for LGBTQ and Latinx communities of South Florida. Website The post Unity Coalition / Coalicion Unida appeared first on Funders for LGBTQ Issues.| Funders for LGBTQ Issues
