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Nasty Pig, a popular menswear brand, was founded in 1994 by David Lauterstein and Frederick Kearney. Despite facing backlash and misunderstanding when it first opened, Nasty Pig is now recognized as the first brand to launch the fetish-as-fashion movement. The brand's clothing and name are sexually charged, but at its core, Nasty Pig is a love story and a celebration of queer identity. The founders have always been committed to supporting organizations like the GMHC and working with the CDC and the White House to promote sexual health in the queer community. The brand's launch was influenced by the culture surrounding the HIV epidemic, and it continues to be an activist brand. [Extracted from the article]

López's The Inheritance made him the first Latinx writer to win a Tony Award for Best Play. The out playwright turned screenwriter and film director, has had an amazing year with the release of his film Red, White, and Royal Blue. Features Matthew López (he/him) The Tony Award-winning writer brought one of the most delicious gay movies ever to life. [Extracted from the article]

After a brief performance stint during college in Ireland in the late '80s, O'Neill moved to Japan and became a hallmark on the Tokyo club scene, where his alter ego and drag name Panti Bliss came to life. Following the television appearance, Panti rose to true acclaim during a famous "noble call' speech in Dublin's Abbey Theatre - a must-watch oration about queer oppression available on Panti's YouTube. Entertainment while it's true Ireland no longer has a monarchical system after declaring itself a republic and withdrawing from the British Commonwealth in 1949, today's reigning "Queen of Ireland" is none other than Panti Bliss, the country's most well-known drag performer. [Extracted from the article]

However, over time, the acronym has continued to grow to include the vast diversity this community encompasses. It was during the 1990s that queer activists first adopted the term "LGB" (lesbian, gay, bisexual) to unify as a community and describe their sexual identities. In this year's Champions of Pride, our annual list honoring the changemakers and creatives making the world a better place for all, we want to celebrate that diversity. [Extracted from the article]

We've had dramatic highs, like the election of hundreds of LGBTQ+ politicians and the freeing of Brittney Griner - all covered in this issue of The Advocate. We've also had horrific lows, like the massacre at Club Q in Colorado Springs. As CEO of equalpride, the publisher of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus magazines, and producer of the Advocate Channel, I wanted to acknowledge the whirlwind our community has experienced over the past few months. [Extracted from the article]

The article features Kathy Hochul, the first woman governor in New York who is promising to do the job in a different manner than her predecessor Andrew Cuomo. Topics discussed include career background of Hochul, her promise in an August 2021 conference about her administration, and Hochul as a strong supporter of LGBTQ equality according to Sharita Gruberg, vice president of the LGBTQ research and communications project at the Center for American Progress.

The article presents suggestions from several leaders in the gay community on how to avoid becoming stressed during the winter holiday season. Barry Jay, founder of the Barry's Bootcamp exercise program, recommends staying active and exercising as a way to stay depression free. Benjamin and Doug Burkham, founders of the men's clothing line Burkman Bros., advise people to give environmentally friendly gifts. Steven Petrow, gay author, suggests donating to charity rather than purchasing gifts.

The article offers profiles of the hometowns of six readers. It examines gay life in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Ely, Nevada, Kihei, Hawaii, Asbury Park, New Jersey, Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Dallas, Texas. Each profile includes information about the reader's favorite places, best restaurants, best bars, and best places to stay. It examines coastal towns, cities, and suburban locations. Aspects of each community that contribute to acceptance of gay culture, lifestyle, and community are also explored. Trivial facts are provided about each location.

This article discusses the reasons that some gay people look for sex in public bathrooms. In the wake of the scandal involving U.S. Senator Larry Craig, the news media began exploring the issue of public sex among gay men. The gay community insisted that only a small percentage of gay men engage in the practice. Psychology professor Gershen Kaufman said that gay men who engage in the practice have a lot of self-hatred and shame.

This article discusses the negative attention that musician Lance Bass has received ever since he came out as a homosexual. Bass is both adored and scorned by gay people, but he doesn't seem too bothered by those who scorn him because he knows that the gay community can be very fickle. Bass comments on his interview with "People" magazine given shortly after the announcement that he was gay.

The article discusses and presents excerpts from a two-hour-long round table conversation between gays, lesbians, and transgenders, on the subject of the state of the GLBT community in 2007. The article explains that a controversy has arisen due to a version of the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act that covers sexual orientation and not gender identity. It is reported that within days after the verision of the bill was proposed, 300-plus GLBT organizations around the United States joined together in opposition of it, asserting that it was not fair for some members of the community to gain rights when other would not. The sponsor of the billl, Congressmen Barney Frank, argued that passing an imperfect measure was better than no measure at all.

The article discusses whether or not gays have lost Halloween, which was one a holiday where the gay community could be outlandish and outrageous. The author complains that Halloween parties in the 2000s have been overrun by college kids, gangbangers, mothers with babies, and tourists. Compounding the problem is regulations placed on behavior by city officials and residents, who are driven by fear. The holiday's history as a gay national holiday is examined, as well as the events that led to its downfall.

The article reports that in the year 2006 Ford Motor Co. cut its advertising budget for gay and lesbian publications. Though the company was once known for its innovative advertising aimed at the gay community, cut the funding for its gay media advertising for unexplained reasons. The author suggests possible reasons that the car manufacturer decided to cut its advertising budget, including threats from the American Family Association to boycott the company based on its outreach to gay consumers.

The article profiles 2008 Presidential candidate and United States Senator Hillary Clinton. Clinton, who considers herself a typical American because of her middle-class background, believes strongly in gay rights. Even though she has said nothing concrete about same-sex marriage, Clinton pleased the crowd at the Logo-Human Rights Campaign Democratic presidential forum on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. The author examines the reasons that Clinton has received support from the gay community.

This article discusses gay and lesbian people who have carved out careers in areas ranging from adventure travel to professional sports. The first career that is discussed is that of lesbian writer Gretchen Legler who wrote a book "On the Ice" about her adventures in Antarctica. Painter and photographer Matt Lew has created abstract landscapes that mix seawater with paint. Additional career choices are discussed.

This article discusses archbishop of Nigeria Peter Akinola, the installation of Bishop Martyn Minns, and the rampant condemnation of the gay community within the Episcopal church. The author suggests that though Akinola grew up believing that homosexuality was a sin, he has let his followers suffer while he networks in the U.S., accumulating power, publicity, and money.

The article questions whether or not an openly gay singer could win the American Idol reality television singing competition. While the show is extremely popular among the gay community and several contestants, including finalist Clay Aiken, have been speculated to be gay, none have been open about their sexuality during the competition. The author suggests that this is because contestants are worried they would lose votes among the viewing public if they were to admit their homosexuality. INSET: Untitled.

The article presents an interview with actor, comedian, and 2006 "Advocate" Person of the Year Bill Maher. Topics discussed include his efforts to carry on the tradition of intelligent political and social discourse on television with his show "Real Time With Bill Maher," who he believes tells the truth on television, his opinion of television personality Ann Coulter, his friendship with conservative Andrew Sullivan, his empathy for the gay community in the United States, and what led him to become socially conscious.

The article offers news related to the gay community as of February 11, 2006. Lesbian New York City council member Christine Quinn was elected by her peers to the post of council speaker. Jon Cooper, a gay New York legislator, was elected majority leader of the Suffolk County legislature on Long Island. Gerardo Eliud and his partner, Samir Habdu were thrown out of a luxury hotel in Mexico for kissing in a swimming pool. Out actor Peter Paige has secured a recurring role on the sitcom "Related."

The article features the individuals who have influenced the lesbian, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered people in 2005. John Aravosis helped exposed the background of James Guckert. Keith Boykin published his book Beyond the down Low and have worked to debunk myths about African American male sexuality. Cancer survivor Melissa Etheridge's courage motivated the lesbian community to learn about the importance of nutrition. Maya Keyes was able to face the consequences of her coming-out. She was able to study through the help of the Point Foundation and now speaks to gay children that they are not alone in their struggle.

This section presents an update on news related to the gay community in the U.S. as of July 5, 2005. According to a 2005 Gallup Organization poll, 51 percent believe that homosexuality is an acceptable alternative lifestyle. Last year New Paltz, New York Mayor Jason West remarked that he might welcome a trial on charges that he illegally issued marriage licenses to two dozen gay and lesbian couples so that his constitutional argument could be fully aired out. Now it looks like he is going to get his chance. New York State's highest court ruled on May 27, 2005 that West must stand trial on the charges. Whether individuals are gay or straight, getting married improves mental health. That is the conclusion of a majority of representatives in the American Psychiatric Association, who voted during their annual meeting, held in Atlanta on May 22, 2005 to urge legal recognition of civil marriage for gay couples. Unlike the founders of Rainbow Greetings, the owner of Lavenderpop greeting cards is not trying to get his product on the shelves of national retail chains. But he is breaking some new ground on a national level: His is the first company to focus its cards solely on black gays and lesbians.

Three years ago, deep in the political heart of Texas, the Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce decided to produce a local parade to celebrate a historic national event, the three nights in 1969 of civil unrest in New York City remembered as Stonewall. Sue Raye, a suburban mother of five and grandmother of three, was there, just as she'd been on the scene for other gay events since 1993, when she and her husband first noticed a banner for Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays and joined up. Today, Raye, 57, is the president of Austin's PFLAG chapter, and on June 5, 2004, she served as grand marshal of Austin's pride parade with Austin businessman and politician Mark Katz. The Armorettes are a 25-year-old drag troupe serving as honorary grand marshals of Atlanta's 34th annual pride parade on June 27, 2004. An estimated 300,000 people are expected to attend the event at Piedmont Park, which would make the celebration the largest GLBT event in the Deep South. Dixie D. Cupp, Knomie Moore, Wild Cherry Sucret, Amber Devine, Ivana Bottom, and Mary Edith Pitts represent the Armorettes. This year, marking its 34th anniversary, the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade features a high-profile lineup of marshals, long-time activist and Metropolitan Community Church founder Troy Perry, community leader Calvin Gipson, San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom, San Francisco assessor Mabel Teng, the San Francisco chapter of Immigration Equality, actor Alan Cumming, and comedy writer Bruce Vilanch.

This article looks into the future of the gay men and lesbians in the U.S. in 2054. The author discusses what could have been if during the past 50 years the gay community had not been shoved into secrecy about their sexuality. What if, since 1954, the gay community had the same wide-open, out-of-the-closet lives and the power to affect culture, law, politics and media that they have gained in 2004. Changes are expected with regards to adoption, how law makers would take the issue of AIDS epidemic and gay bashing. Presidential hopefuls Dennis Kucinich, Carol Moseley Braun, and Al Sharpton spoke out in support of marriage for gay men and lesbians. Walter L. Williams, professor of anthropology and gender studies at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, expects to see a progress in the gay movement in the next 10 years. Evan Wolfson, director of Freedom to Marry, a national group that advocates for marriage rights for same-sex couples, predicts a scenario in which a student in a rural classroom announces during recess that he's going to marry the boy who sits next to him. By that time openly gay soldiers could be part of a battalion led by an out lesbian commander. Openly gay priests and ministers in monogamous relationships could conduct services without fear of a schism ripping apart their denominations. The words gay and lesbian could fall into disuse in the United States. In 50 years it may seem as silly to define your friends by their sexuality as defining them by their hair color does in 2004.

The article presents an interview with actor Richard Chamberlain about his coming out of the closet as a gay man. He offers insights about the differences between the expression of sexuality in young adult males in British and American society. Chamberlain's memoir, 'Shattered Love,' was important to the process of his coming out at the age of 68. He went on 'Dateline' to announce to the public that he is gay. His feelings towards androgyny are related to his spiritual interests. He has mixed views towards the gay community but strongly supports civil unions.

This article focuses on the burlesque theater The Velvet Hammer, a varied sexual stripes in the U.S. The group comprises of several lesbians and bisexual women. Founded in 1995 by Michelle Carr a.k.a. Valentina Violette, the Los Angeles, California-based Velvet Hammer was born after many late-night visits to local strip clubs. While the Velvet Hammer may have been inspired by men's magazines, the troupe's history has always been intertwined with Los Angeles queer culture. Both gay and straight crowds are responding to the show. The show has played to audiences ranging from 500 early on to almost 1,200 at a recent performance at Los Angeles.

Profiles several gay Americans who have made successful careers for themselves in different fields and professions and presents their comments on the essence of their jobs and the reasons why their job appeals to them. After nearly 30 years of driving a long-haul truck, 52-year-old Norm Flowers is giving a voice to his gay brothers and sisters in the industry as founder of the Nashville, Tenn.-based Gay Truckers Association. Kecia Cunningham is a banker by trade and in 1999 became the first openly gay African-American to be elected to office in the Southeast when she won a seat on the Decatur, Alabama city commission. Her lesbian partner, Lenny Lasater, was one of the first women in the country to be admitted to labor unions as a coal miner, in Alabama, and then later as an electrician apprentice, in Tennessee. Both jobs brought an enormous backlash from her mostly male coworkers. Xerox field engineers and couple since 1997, Flow Hicks and Brigitte Lefebvre have a combined 38 years at Xerox under their belts, they have have become experts at the products they handle—the state-of-the-art iGen3 digital press and Xerox's computer-driven DocuColor printers. INSETS: TV news anchor;Ranch manager and nanny;Dentist for people with AIDS;Stray dog rescuer

Focuses on the problem of domestic violence in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities in the United States. Number of cases in 1998; Reasons of gays and lesbians in avoiding reporting domestic violence; Need for additional service providers to tackle this problem; Reasons behind heterosexuals' indifference to the problem.

The article discusses the impact that the cities of Miami and Fort Lauderdale have had on Florida's gay community and gay tourism. Miami had established a reputation for being a travel destination for more affluent, younger gay men while Fort Lauderdale was largely seen as more affordable and casual. As Miami became more upscale, many gay people relocated to Fort Lauderdale, 25 miles north of Miami. The author describes how the economic crisis in the U.S. has had a severe impact on both cities.

The article focuses on the gay community’s lack of leadership. The author argues that when gays are insulted in the news media, they lack an articulate leader who can confront their opponent on the national airwaves. The author continues by declaring that the gay community needs an Al Sharpton, a notable religious leader in the African-American community who stands as a spokesperson for his community during times of discrimination and racial prejudice. Additional article topics include homophobia, a historical background of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights experience since the 1960s, and the role of gays in the media.

The article offers news related to the gay community in the U.S. as of March 28, 2006. Lesbian basketball player Latasha Byears has signed a contract with the Washington Mystics team. Democratic National Committee spokesman Damien LaVera issued a statement regarding their gay-inclusive position. Actors Barry Williams and Christopher Knight will portray a gay couple on an episode of the television program "That '70s Show" in May.

This section presents news briefs concerning gay communities in the U.S. as of December 2005. Cincinnati transgender police officer Philecia Barnes won a discrimination case that violated the 1964 Civil Rights Act. A Vatican document allowing gay men to become Catholic priests as long as they do not present homosexual tendencies or support the gay culture was released. The Federation of Gay Games announced the return of the Gay games to Europe in 2010.

This article explores the initiatives of Stonewall Democrats for the gay communities across the U.S. as of October 2005. In August Salt Lake City's Democratic Mayor Rocky Anderson vowed to grant health benefits to unmarried partners of gay city employees. Meanwhile, Bay State and National Stonewall Democrats worked with local Democratic officials and legislators to help ensure the approval of the marriage equality plank in the Massachusetts Democratic Party platform. Such examples are proof of the growing local influence of the National Stonewall Democrats, which represents the GLBT members of the party. Stonewall's mission is not solely focussed on marriage equality; its grassroots training sessions teach volunteers how to help influence campaigns, convince candidates to issue GLBT-friendly statements, and attend pride events. INSETS: STONEWALL DEMOCRATS' MISSION STATEMENT;SHOW US THE MONEY.

The article highlights the growing role of gay communities in urban redevelopment in the U.S. In 2004 it is evident that those pioneering shops owned by gay and lesbian entrepreneurs have helped spark the comeback of Asbury Park, New Jersey, population 16,930. This May 2004, as local same-sex couples gained media attention by trying to obtain marriage licenses, Asbury Park was hailed as the new Provincetown or Fire Island. Asbury Park's rebirth is the latest example in a decades-old trend of gay men and lesbians moving into depressed neighborhoods and rehabbing old homes and businesses. Over the years gays and lesbians have refurbished long-neglected areas such as San Francisco, California's Castro and Haight neighborhoods, South Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New York City's Chelsea, Chicago, Illinois' Lakeview, Washington, D. C.'s Dupont Circle, and the city of Key West, Fla. But critics charge that this type of urban renewal benefits only the wealthy, pushes out the working class, makes affordable housing scarce, and increases property taxes. In some cases middleclass gay men and lesbians have been priced out of the market by other, wealthier gay men and lesbians. The 2003 documentary Flag Wars profiled the clash between longtime African-American residents of Columbus, Ohio's Old Towne East neighborhood and the new gay and lesbian residents, who are largely white-collar professionals.

Focuses on the effects of crystal meth addiction is having on the gay community. Financial impact of one man's addiction; How crystal meth addiction is leading to higher numbers of gays who are HIV positive; How crystal meth makes users feel safe and at peace; How long-term addiction leads to cognitive impairment, paranoia, and memory loss; Efforts to combat the problem.

This article reports on members of Lambda Car Club International, for whom their cars are their community. Community members Guy Kendall-Freas and Doug Buhrer dream about owning sophisticated cars. So maybe it's no surprise that when these men hear the words "gay community," they're more likely to picture themselves behind the wheel than behind the bar. And as two of the Lambda Car Club International's more than 1,800 members, they're much more likely to be planning their vacations around car shows than circuit parties or musician Cher's concerts. Most often seen parading their cars in pride festivals across the country, Lambda Car Club members also host annual invitationals and driving tours to celebrate their fascination with the automobile.

This article discusses the arrest of kidnapper and serial killer Bruce McArthur, who focused his crimes on the gay community in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The author comments on the delayed response of law enforcement in investigating the disappearances, which he attributes to the victims being gay and bisexual men of color.

Talks about the members of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses. Performance of all-gay San Diego Men's Chorus in December 1997; Occupation of the members of the organization; Places where the singers came from; Number of tickets sell by the organization annually. INSET: 'Tis the season--to sing!..

Reports on the aging homosexual people in United States who are demanding for a gay and lesbian retirement communities. Reason for the formation of Gay and Lesbian Association of Retiring Persons (GLARP); Founders of GLARP; Aims of the organization.

The article discusses the risks and dangers associated with chemical sex (chemsex) in the gay community. The author reflects on sexual activity with multiple partners in conjunction with use of drugs including crystal meth and Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Emphasis is given to topics such as establishing consent, sex and drug addiction, and the normalization of hard drugs in the gay and bisexual men's community.

This article reports on the gay community in the U.S. and its reaction to President Barack Obama's announcement that pastor Rick Warren would deliver the invocation at his inauguration. The criticism of Warren is related to his anti-gay stance and support of California's Proposition 8, a bill constitutionally banning same-sex marriage in the state. The article discusses the response of advocacy groups such as the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, as well as that of lesbian musician Melissa Etheridge. The article also provides information on attitudes towards gay rights and activism.

The article offers the insights of Subhi Nahas, the one who testifies before the first summit of the United Nations Security Council on the violence of the Islamic State against the LGBT gay community in Syria, on the societal condition of gay men in the country. Nahas mentions the brutality of organizations such as al-Qaeda and ISIS to the LGBT gay community. He cites the moves undertaken by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to address the issue.

The article presents an interview with the actress Kyra Sedgwick. Sedgwick is a Golden Globe-winning actress for her role on "The Closer." She discusses the fame the role has brought her. Sedgwick also talks about her popularity in the gay community and her lesbian film and television roles. She also talks about her husband, actor Kevin Bacon and notes that she is related to the socialite Edie Sedgwick.

The article profiles Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick, who is far more progressive than former governor Mitt Romney when it comes to gay rights issues. Patrick has been applauded by the gay and lesbian community for his opposition to conservative efforts to undo marriage equality and make it even more difficult for same-sex couples to get married in the United States. Patrick is the first Democrat to hold the office of governor in the state in 16 years, and saw huge support from the gay community during his campaign for office.

The article discusses the television show "Noah's Arc," which follows a group of gay black men living in Los Angeles. The show, which was created by Patrik-Ian Polk, was canceled by the cable network Logo, despite the fact that it was one of the network's most successful shows. The cancellation, which was attributed to the fact that it is going to be adapted into a feature film, prompted black gay bloggers to accuse the network of racism and urge a boycott of the entire channel, which caters to the gay community.

The article profiles New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, who many believe will be the Democratic candidate for vice president in the 2008 elections. Richardson is well known in the gay community for his promises to expand the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the United States. During his first term as governor he signed an expanded civil rights law, a hate-crimes law that included crimes based on sexual orientation, and an order to give health insurance benefits to same-sex partners of state employees.

The article profiles singer and songwriter Chris Garneau, whose debut album "Music for Tourists" will be released in 2007. Garneau's music is strongly influenced by his sexuality, and the author describes his work as "melancholy." While the gay community embraces artists like Avril Lavigne and Madonna, who make high-energy, poppy songs, Duncan Sheik, the producer of the album, believes that there is a place for artists like Garneau, who make very honest music about the experience of being homosexual.

The article presents an interview with former bisexual congressman Michael Huffington regarding his documentary movie Bi the Way. Huffington talks about the purpose of the documentary film which is to educate people about bisexuality and possibly, eliminate discrimination against bisexuals. He mentions that the movie is targeted not only to the GLBT audience but also the straight audience. He cites the attitude of the gay community toward bisexuals. He mentions the source for fear of bisexuality. He also talks about the roles of bisexuals in the fight for marriage rights.

The article presents an update on issues of relevance to the gay community in the U.S. as of May 2006. Businesses in Kanab, Utah raised concerns regarding the impact of a resolution passed by the city council which defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman on local tourism. Confusion arose among gay couples after the supreme judicial court in Massachusetts ruled on March 30 that gay partners from states which prohibit same-sex marriage could not be married in the Bay State. Former World Wrestling Entertainment champion Chris Klucsarits officially came out on his myspace.com page in February.

Presents letters to the editor referencing articles and topics about the U.S. gay community discussed in previous issues. "Reichen's Return," which provided information on gay actor Reichen Lehmkuhl; "Sex, Lies, and Teenagers," which focused on the Internet's role in providing sex education to teenagers; "An Education in Abstinence," which examines the existence of a sexual relationship between men.

This section presents an update on news related to the gay community in the U.S. as of June 7, 2005. Chris Crain thought he would be safe walking hand in hand with his boyfriend in gay-friendly Amsterdam in the wee hours of April 30, 2005. So when a strange man spat on him, Crain, editorial director for Window Media, which owns the Washington Blade and other gay newspapers, turned to ask why. That was when a group of men appeared and attacked him. When religious and political leaders publicly denounce gays and lesbians and push laws to deny their fights, antigay violence increases. That was the conclusion of a report released in April 2005 by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) and the Triangle Foundation of Michigan. The total number of violent antigay incidents reported to NCAVP increased four percent in 2004, a year in which 13 state constitutional bans on same-sex marriage passed amid a dramatic increase in antigay political rhetoric, including in Michigan.