Debbie Aspromonti, Hofstra University

Despite pushback, the Hallmark channel continues to feature LGBTQIA+ characters and storylines.

Myles Allan, University of New Haven

There seems to be a poor standard of queer representation in media, but this historical comedy is about to change that.

Rebecca Trevathan, University of Texas at Austin

The genre is once again setting precedents for others to follow.

Noir Galvin, Arcadia University

Social media isn’t always detrimental. It can actually be a really good place for individuals to learn more about themselves.

Darby Williams, University of Michigan

The famous ‘American Idol’ singer-songwriter recently came out, but still remains faithful to his religious beliefs.

Jenna Nelson, Scripps College

These performers have made countless contributions to the dance community and offer representation to queer audiences everywhere.

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

Despite current attitudes toward LGBTQ+ identities being largely dismissive and negative in the country, Korea has a long and vibrant history of queerness.

Aimi Wen, Duke University

Based on a Broadway musical, the film promotes an important message of acceptance. However, it still has a few controversies.

Callie Rosenzweig, University of Chicago

The first few seasons of the series started off like every other reality dating show. But the inclusive cast of the newest season is paving the way for the future of reality TV.

Samantha Havela, University of Michigan

Lifetime’s newest Christmas film welcomes LGBTQ+ characters into the hearts of viewers this holiday season.

Sammi Looi, Baruch College

Despite China’s media censorship of same-sex relationships, the author’s books — including ‘Mo Dao Zu Shi,’ the basis of a widely watched series — remain wildly popular in the country.

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

Looking for well-developed LGBTQ+ characters without the same overused tropes? Check out these films for a fulfilling viewing experience.

Audrey Martin, Boston University

There are now more LGBTQ+ focused biopics, movies, TV shows and other forms of media, but it’s not LGBTQ+ actors who are telling these stories.

Renee Cantor, University of Pittsburgh

In her memoir, Carmen Maria Machado documents her experiences in an abusive queer relationship, telling a story that often goes untold.

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

From underwear to makeup to clothing to candles, these five companies offer year-round shopping opportunities that support the queer community.

Madelyn Haasken, Bemidji State University

From breaking down barriers in the jewelry industry to crafting candles named after famous pop culture witches, these LGBTQ+ brands are worth buying from.

Audrey Martin, Boston University

Once a cherished author, the ‘Harry Potter’ writer has fallen from grace due to her continued ignorance regarding trans and other members of the queer community.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

This small publishing duo is making waves with their thoughtful reissues of out of print novels.

Nathan Coles, Oakland University

Finally, kids cartoons are starting to feature well-written LGBTQ+ characters.

Christine Bushart, Georgia State University

The facts aren’t straight, either.

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

Andrew Thomas Huang brings surreal fantasy and intersectionality to LGBTQIA film.

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

The LGBTQ+ movement takes to the big screen.

Stina Chang, University of Southern California

‘Your Name Engraved Herein’ shows that even though love should be equal, it isn’t always easy.

Veronica Kuffel, University of Wisconsin-Madison

The pop sensation-turned-activist embraces the queer community with her new single in support of Pride Month.

Maddy Ipema, Columbia College Chicago

This reboot triumphs with a queer, dynamic powerhouse of a family living in the heart of San Francisco.

Kaitlin Romriell, Southern New Hampshire University

‘Adventure Time’ and ‘Steven Universe’ have both taken bold steps to normalize queer relationships in children’s television.

Dorielys Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio

Which, as it turns out, faces most of the same boring problems as hetero love.

Jocelyn Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

His two visual albums, ‘Straight Outta Oz’ and ‘Forbidden,’ illustrate his personal struggle growing up gay.

Grace John, Rutgers University

The k-pop times they are a changin’.

Katie Farrell, Queens University of Charlotte

Sivan’s small but impactful goal is a perfect example of smart activism.

Ashlyn Leigh Willis, University of North Alabama

While the genre is still plagued by homophobia, several of its most prominent members are bringing much-needed reform.

Kate Maxwell, NC State University

More of this please.

Ashlyn Leigh Willis, University of North Alabama

Though his hijinks, music and literature might be controversial, they all aim to empower the queer community.

Alex Futo, Otterbein University

According to the Church of Latter Day Saints, homosexuality is still explicitly sinful. Reynolds wants to fix that.

Cameron Andersen, New York University

It’s not allyship if it’s about profit.

Rebecca Crosby, American University

Like many Americans, the queer community has gun rights in their crosshairs.

Monica Petrucci, Emerson College

This year, celebrate pride by outing homocapitalism.

Gillian Farnan, SUNY Cortland

This might be the year we finally retire Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out.”

Grace John, Rutgers University

Sharpe Suiting provides the formal clothing you want, not the formal clothing society expects you to wear.

Katie Lommen, Saint Louis University

The new feature film ‘Love, Simon’ has mainstreamed the gay experience in hopes to inspire more LGBTQ+ representation in films in the future.

Michele Mendez, Temple University

Courtney Act, whose real name is Shane Jenek, received the most votes on ‘Celebrity Big Brother 21’, beating conservative politician Ann Widdecombe.

Kathleen Danielson, Carleton College

These artists are redefining queer music.

Natalie Washuta, Colgate University 

The company has released a line of products that testify to their belief that people are not defined by their beliefs or sexual orientations.

Gwynn Lyons, Stanford University

Accomplished mountaineer Cason Crane talks climbing the highest peaks on each continent as part of his project to raise money for an LGBTQ youth suicide lifeline.

Sophie Hurlock, Xavier University

Outside of the fact that there is an incredibly well-spoken BDSM enthusiast and nuclear physicist who works for the White House.

Devin Ross, Middle Tennessee State University

The feminist and gender studies major has worked to change bathrooms, promote sexual health and create safe spaces for the queer and trans community.

Olivia Wickstrom, Portland State University

Created by Charlotte Kennett and Kearney Fagan, the series has already caught the attention of ‘VICE’ and ‘Curve Magazine.’

Terry Nguyen, University of Southern California

Despite a frustrating election, these films and television shows helped ensure a positive future for queer representation in cinema.

Bri Griffith, Carlow University

Now more than ever, the queer community needs volunteers, funds and active allies.

Bri Griffith, Carlow University

Though their poetry may differ wildly in style and subject, these are the best LGBTQ+ poets of modern times.

Aunna Beranek, Columbia College Chicago

Since the lesbian vampire show’s release last week, audiences have mixed feelings about its success.

Kylie Clifton, Loyola Marymount University

In a stunningly tone-deaf column, an Australian journalist tells how he forced Wilson to come out as LGBT.

Megan Miller, Arizona State University

Here’s a comprehensive summer reading list to brighten up your bookshelf.

Aunna Beranek, Columbia College Chicago

To prolong the experience of your favorite song from the musician’s third solo studio album, give these books a try.

Aunna Beranek, Columbia College Chicago

Though audiences love the television adaption of the graphic novel, its supposed ‘revolutionary’ queer representation sacrifices WLW characters to benefit MLM relationships.

Kylie Clifton, Loyola Marymount University

Once again, the rocker’s life story takes to the screen in a dazzling biopic trailer that comes up short in honestly addressing his darker side.

Rebecca Trevathan, University of Texas at Austin

Navigating dating apps, even those made for queer women, is extremely difficult in a heteronormative environment.

Jesus Garcia, Boston University

While many were expecting something politically charged from the rapper, the iconic artist has chosen to look at the personal — and the possibilities for redemption.

Alyssa Griffin, Molloy College

Whether it’s your very first time or you want to update your wardrobe, there’s something out there for you.

Debbie Aspromonti, Hofstra University

The release of the final book in the ‘Inheritance Games’ trilogy will wrap up the stories of Barnes’ beloved characters.

Myles Allan, University of New Haven

Podcasts can be a fun, new way to express yourself online, but there are some who are taking it to the extreme.

Rebecca Trevathan, University of Texas at Austin

If you don’t fit neatly into the gender binary, here are some outfits you can wear for your big day.

Maggie Habermas, University of Texas at San Antonio

The internet is running out of nostalgia to fuel itself.

Karina Rojas, University of Texas at San Antonio

At one of the most prestigious events of the year, we expect artists to deliver their best and serve the theme to the best of their ability. This is not the case.

Meredith Granmayeh, Chapman University

The popular television star parts ways with his career on CBC, leaving fans shocked — however, his departure may offer some new opportunities for the format.

Jordan Oulela, University of Texas at San Antonio

Although this program has been around for a while, remote learning brought on by the pandemic has let the software see a rise in popularity.

Maximilian Padilla-Rodriguez, Florida Atlantic University

The 19th-century sci-fi author Jules Verne somehow predicted many technological inventions that exist today.

Asiya Robinson, Rowan University

Say hi to one of the newest faces in drag.

Janey Schmidt, Columbia College Chicago

Everyone loves a good story, and while it can be hard to put down an old favorite, it is essential to broaden your horizons by reading modern novels by new and upcoming writers.

Rebecca Trevathan, University of Texas at Austin

The newest addition in the long-running franchise will take fans to unexplored regions while exploring same-sex romance.

Karina Rojas, University of Texas at San Antonio

The channel is dominating the world of young adult animation, but getting there wasn’t child’s play.

Aly Walters, Michigan State University

Seen from the recent release of his new single, ‘As It Was,’ the upcoming album may prove well worth the wait.

Asiya Robinson, Rowan University

If you enjoyed ‘The Fosters’ on Freeform, ‘Good Trouble’ should be right up your alley.

Debbie Aspromonti, Hofstra University

While he’s best known for his work on Broadway, he has proven his versatility as a contemporary actor and pop singer.

Karina Rojas, University of Texas at San Antonio

The YouTuber announced that she is asexual aromantic, which will hopefully spread awareness of lesser-known orientations.

Anna Merlo, University of Queensland, Australia

The story of Georgiana Cavendish includes her love for Bess, yet filmmakers decided to leave it out — why?

Rebecca Trevathan, University of Texas at Austin

The renewed version of the original Disney animated series is a reboot worth watching.

Lena Bramsen, The New School

The new HBO series connects heartfelt revelations to the imperfect, messy realities of everyday life.

Debbie Aspromonti, Hofstra University

Fans of the novel may be miffed to find that the changes made in its TV counterpart strip away its relatability and charm.

Rebecca Trevathan, University of Texas at Austin

While the show was missed, particularly for its excellent LGBTQ+ representation, fans will get the chance to catch up with their favorite characters shortly.

Myles Allan, University of New Haven

The popular video game makes it a point to represent everyone in its audience, no matter their race, gender or sexuality.

Karina Rojas, University of Texas at San Antonio

Fans of the HBO drama series are questioning whether its depictions of addiction, sexuality and mental health are true to life.

Myles Allan, University of New Haven

The struggle for free gender expression within the sport has been anything but easy, and issues still prevail in 2022.

Asiya Robinson, Rowan University

From documentaries to historical dramas, there are so many films to consider watching this February.

Virginia Laurie, Washington and Lee University

The network that had a rocky relationship with the show’s fan base has apparently been unprofitable since its inception, and some find its upcoming sale to be both bittersweet and symbolic.

Mai Senser, Virginia Commonwealth University

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association drops the ball yet again in a lackluster ‘awards ceremony’ that took place entirely on Twitter.

Peyton Conner, Indiana University

In this type of performance, women play all the roles, and refreshing performances that mix androgyny and gender expression are sure to ensue.

Virginia Laurie, Washington and Lee University

The social media platform stepped in it again following an Apple update that censored a bizarre array of tags.

Peyton Conner, Indiana University

Although romance simulations are mainly considered as games for men, the variety in the genre is immense and there is truly something for everyone.

Tori Barney, Columbia College Chicago

Hayley Kiyoko’s and FLETCHER’s recent single is the gay anthem we wanted it to be — and then some.

Virginia Laurie, Washington and Lee University

The Order of the Good Death is focused on pushing everyone to discuss and embrace their imminent demise so they can live life to the fullest.

Tori Walz, Eastern Michigan University

The famous author has been under fire yet again for her recent tweets that many perceive as transphobic.

Isabella Savides, University of Pretoria

While the brand is mainly known for its luxe fragrances, many regard their other (similarly priced) items as overpriced and simply not worth buying.

Asiya Robinson, Rowan University

The hit HBO series carefully describes the dark side of adolescence without giving into typical teen drama tropes.

Tori Walz, Eastern Michigan University

The people who fall under the ‘+’ part of LGBTQ+ are often forgotten, and as a result, people may struggle to find the word they need to describe a core part of who they are.

Esha Shah, New Jersey Institute of Technology

HBO Max’s new dramedy portrays women’s adolescence with a nuanced richness that tends to be rare in television.

Asiya Robinson, Rowan University

The revival of the iconic series has its own issues, but its strengths propel it forward from the original.

Esha Shah, New Jersey Institute of Technology

As part of the competition show’s first same-sex dance pair after over 15 years on television, the former ‘Dance Moms’ star hopes she’s part of a gateway for acceptance among her young audience.

Virginia Laurie, Washington and Lee University

The ‘Twilight’ actress is set to marry screenwriter Dylan Meyer, prompting the question: How can the media help with LGBTQ+ visibility?

Re’nesia Mills, University of Tampa

The Golden Globes, Oscars and Emmys have recently faced criticism for a lack of representation in their voting committees as well as their nominee and winner selections.