Kane Howard, York College

Transgender individuals rarely see themselves depicted in a positive light in film and television — this spunky comedienne is changing that.

Kylie Clifton, Loyola Marymount University

Because of the high rates of infection in the gay community in New York City, it is critical to avoid stigmatization.

Ashley Hagan, Virginia Commonwealth University

We all love a powerful heroine, but nothing compares to an untamed baddie.

Virginia Beall, Elon University

Yes, the show is a huge hit, but the queer representation in the show is anything but ideal.

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

The pop icon returns to Minneapolis to celebrate Pride this year.

Aunna Beranek, Columbia College Chicago

Despite characters Alexa and Liana’s canonic heterosexuality, queer people still find representation in this children’s story of two best friends in love.

Kylie Clifton, Loyola Marymount University

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

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.

Alyssa Griffin, Molloy College

Although TV programming aimed at kids is becoming more inclusive, it still has a long way to go.

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?

Zach Terrillion, Oberlin College

LGBT+ content creators like Blaire White and Kalvin Garrah are pushing members of the community towards the alt-right.

Kelsie Westmoreland, Washington and Lee University

This popular reading subscription service has come under fire following the decision to re-release their collection of Harry Potter memorabilia.

Savannah McCracken, University of Arizona

The rapper’s newest single is proof that he’s got what we’ve been waiting for — unapologetic and overt expressions of queerness in music.

Kelsi Karpinski, Michigan State University

Marvel’s cinema franchise confirming this character’s sexual identity demonstrates the importance of increasing diversity and representation in popular media.

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

An idea that’s back up for discussion because of the latest Billie Eilish video, the term refers to media alluding to queer representation, but never delivering upon it. 

Savannah McCracken, University of Arizona

The ‘Love, Simon’ spinoff is taking huge strides away from its predecessor in its realistic representations of teenage sexuality and the difficulties that arise with coming of age.

Jayar Brenner, Michigan State University

Every June, corporation after corporation puts out items covered in rainbows and other LGBTQ+ symbols to celebrate Pride Month. But is it just a performative way to make more money?

Zach Terrillion, Oberlin College

Both featuring LGBT+ main characters, ‘Love, Simon’ and ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ showcase the difference between films that ask for acceptance and those that urge liberation.

Savannah McCracken, University of Arizona

The recent visibility of queer celebrities, and the reactions of the press, demonstrates significant progress in society’s acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.

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.

Emily Jewett, University of San Diego

Even without clear representation, Miss Honey offers a wonderful example to queer youth.

Aubrey Doerr, Chapman University

The Scandanavian bedroom pop artist blew away fans with her 2018 release ‘i wanna be your girlfriend.’ Now popping up all over TikTok, she’s poised to dominate.

McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

While the lyrics and sonic presence of his latest remix album, ‘Crush: The Remixes,’ speak to the LGBT+ experience, you don’t have to be queer to enjoy the music.

Luke Gair, Sewanee: The University of the South

A gay man repulsed by bodily functions and a struggling actress decide to enter a relationship. What could possibly go wrong?

Abigail Campos, University of Texas at San Antonio

Just because the author has revealed her transphobia doesn’t mean fans have to completely abandon the the franchise. Instead, they can reclaim it.

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.

Emma Smith, Wesleyan University

It isn’t safe to host parades and parties this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some LGBTQ pride in your living room.

Luke Gair, Sewanee: The University of the South

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? A gay sponge, according to Twitter speculation. The ocean eccentric is helping to normalize the LGBT community on TV.

Katie Klear, Columbia College Chicago

In attempts to combat the lack of diversity, writers from non-marginalized communities often miss the mark when writing about groups they don’t identify with.

McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

As June begins and protests over racial injustice continue, it’s important to make space for queer black literature.

Rose Younglove, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

There is no better way to celebrate the feeling of love than binge-watching some movies to melt your heart.

Emerson Holmes, Lindenwood University

Diversity can be hard to find in the accepted literary canon, but literature is full of LGBTQ+ representation if you know where to look.

Maui Smith, University of Pittsburgh

Celebrating the rich and diverse background of Black History month, the LGBT+ community has not forgotten some of their most influential figures.

Matthew Robison, University of South Florida

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

Kristin Auld, St John’s University

You better skate to it!

Taylor Sprinkle, University of Texas at Austin

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

Jenna Benchetrit, McGill University

The film stars Chloe Grace Moretz as a teenage girl sent to a Christian group home.

Candace Baker, University of Texas at Austin

After making promises he failed to keep, Trump is making it harder for transgender citizens to be accepted and treated fairly.

Sema’Jay Hall, San Francisco State University

How Kenya’s ban of forced anal exams on suspected gay men can influence LGBT change.

Natalya Pomeroy, University of Houston

Despite the harassment from administration personnel, transgender teachers make their classrooms a safe place for students.

Taylor Miller, SUNY Cortland

Bravo’s old reality show ‘Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’ changed the lives of dozens of men. This year on Netflix, it’s coming back with a vengeance.

Isabelle Mencia, University of Florida

‘One Day At a Time’ speaks to the hottest topics in our society today, ranging from mental illnesses to LGBT experiences.

Kayla Morosco, Chatham University

The complexity of sexuality does not stop at LGBTQ+.

Valeria Garcia, University of Texas at Austin

Will J.K. Rowling live up to her statement that Dumbledore is gay in the upcoming ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series?

Patrick Murtha, Eastern Connecticut State University

When the Illinois University of Saint Francis student came out of the closet, he helped transform college locker rooms across the country.

Lauren Lambert, Southeastern Louisiana University

And yes, the Louisiana State University student is challenging the status quo.

Ashley Wertz, University of Pittsburgh

New safe-search restrictions on the site block certain LGBT+ videos, sending negative messages to viewers about homosexuality.

Andy Winder, Brigham Young University

University-affiliated LGBT groups may be hard to pioneer (especially at a conservative college), but building them is essential to the community.