LGBTQ+

Three people stand against a backdrop of the open sky, dressed in black graduation gowns. The audience can clearly see their hair -- short and curly in buns on the far left, brown-blonde in the center, black and braided at the right -- and their caps, festooned with various pride flags representing different identities, such as trans or nonbinary.

Why College is the Perfect Time to Experiment with Gender

College is the perfect time for gender experimentation thanks to all of the resources and opportunities it provides.…

February 26, 2024

In this article -- about how slang words like "Mommy" and "Daddy" represent decades of cultural and social development -- two shaded figures, a boy and a young man, exclaim the word "Daddy!" in front of a blue and green background with message icons on it. The boy's version is blocky and bold, with an exclamation attached; the man's is curved and luscious, hearts fluttering around it. The boy is holding his arms up in excitement, while the man is leaning on his hip in a seductive manner.

Daddy Energy and Mommy Vibes: Exploring the Evolution of Slang

Though un-noteworthy at first glance, slang words like "Mommy" and "Daddy" represent a long and fascinating cultural evolution.…

February 14, 2024

Is YouTube Dying?

Kirsten Kalebich, Arizona State University

What exactly can YouTube do to address the complaints lodged against it?…

December 26, 2022

A drawing of 'bros' shows two men holding hands

‘Bros’ Will Have You Laughing Harder Than You Have in Years!

Olivia Moosey, DePaul University

Billy Eichner’s new gay rom-com just came out in theaters. It’s the best movie of the 21st century and a must-watch!…

October 19, 2022

Demi Lovato’s New Pronouns Reveal LGBTQ+ Acceptance Is Conditional

Kylie Clifton, Loyola Marymount University

Demi Lovato recently adopted she/her pronouns in addition to their they/them pronouns. The public response wasn’t just disappointing, but highly revealing.…

September 5, 2022

5 Easy and Affordable Places To Shop for Pride Month 2022

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.…

May 25, 2022

The LGBTQ+ flag reflection in Holy Water represents Hallmark's inclusion of LGBTQ content regardless of it being a Christian-owned network.

Hallmark Channel’s LGBTQIA+ Content Demonstrates Christian Allyship

Debbie Aspromonti, Hofstra University

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

April 24, 2022

Children’s TV Shows Are Gradually Getting Better at LGBT Representation

Alyssa Griffin, Molloy College

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

April 15, 2022

The Asexuality Spectrum and Its Wide Range of Identities

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.…

December 15, 2021

In an article about lesbian bars, a chandelier in front of a window looking out to pride flags

Lesbian Bars Are Struggling To Stay Open — Here’s Why You Should Care

L.R. Staples, Sarah Lawrence College

Safe social spaces are crucial for members of the LGBTQ+ community, but some of these spaces are slowly disappearing.…

October 6, 2021

The OwlCrate Controversy Again Looks at the Implications of Supporting J.K. Rowling

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.…

September 3, 2021

An illustration from a shot in the Industry Baby music video, in which rapper Lil Nas X is dressed in a pink prison jumpsuit and a confident grin.

With ‘Industry Baby,’ Lil Nas X Continues To Break Ground for Representation

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.…

August 12, 2021

David Archuleta Is Walking the Tightrope Between the LDS and LGBTQIA+ Communities

Darby Williams, University of Michigan

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

July 2, 2021

An illustration of LGBTQ+ dancers. (Illustration by Giovanna Martin, Columbia College Chicago)

5 LGBTQ+ Dancers You Should Follow This Pride Month

Jenna Nelson, Scripps College

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

June 20, 2021

Art depicting Lil Nas X, Jojo Siwa and Joshua Bassett as the king, queen and prince of a rainbow deck of cards, respectively, to cover and article about the importance of their coming out as LGBTQ+.

JoJo Siwa, Lil Nas X and Joshua Bassett’s Coming Out Is More Important Than It Seems

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.…

June 16, 2021

An illustration of Todd Chavez from BoJack Horseman in an article about asexual characters. (Illustration by Lucas DeJesus, Montserrat College of Art)

The Legacy of ‘BoJack Horseman’ Lives On Through the Asexual Todd Chavez

Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

Even a year after the series's end, the show deserves to be praised for containing one of the few real portrayals of asexuality on TV.…

March 8, 2021

An illustration for the novel Written in the Stars for an article about the book. (Illustration by Sonja Vasiljeva, San Jose State University)

‘Written in the Stars’ Is a Sapphic Rom-Com Worth Reading

Emma Watts, University of Arizona

Alexandria Bellefleur’s new novel is the perfect piece for readers who are looking for a cozy and sweet romance to spend their Friday night cuddled up on the couch with.…

February 17, 2021

Jules’ ‘Euphoria’ Episode Is Strongest When It Focuses on Trans Femininity

Haven Worley, University of Rochester

'F--- Anyone Who’s Not A Sea Blob' can come across as disjointed at points, but when it sticks to its central theme, it creates something gut-wrenching.…

February 4, 2021

‘Fluidum’ Shows the Nuances of the Roles and Fluidity of Gender

Summer Brotman, University of California, Los Angeles

Set in a world where youth can shift between genders whenever they want, this webtoon highlights the intricacies of gender performance and individuality.…

January 21, 2021

‘The Prom’ Mixes Music and LGBTQ+ Issues in a High School Setting

Aimi Wen, Duke University

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

December 31, 2020

In ‘GenderQueer,’ Maia Kobabe Portrays a Journey to Self-Identity

Alexa Katherine Will, University of Pittsburgh

This revolutionary graphic memoir explores the author's cathartic journey to identifying as nonbinary and asexual.…

December 7, 2020

‘My Pride’ Uses Its Lion Characters To Question Heteronormativity

Summer Brotman, University of California, Los Angeles

The animated web series examines the necessity of inclusivity, particularly in regards to gender and sexuality, as it breaks down the dynamics and social conventions of a fictional lion pride.…

November 25, 2020

‘Ratched’ Offers a Stark Portrayal of Mental Health and Gender in the 1940s

Sarah Gudenau, Oakland University

The show provides a captivating history of what it meant to be a woman in the middle of the 20th century.…

November 7, 2020

Image of characters from Schitt’s Creek. (Image via Google Images)

‘Schitt’s Creek’ Is a Glimpse Into the Inclusive World We Should Strive For

Olivia Moosey, DePaul University

The award-winning show has many compelling qualities, including its nuanced look at the LGBTQ+ community.…

October 30, 2020

The Novels of Mò Xiāng Tóng Xiù Are Breaking Down Barriers for the LGBTQ+ Community in China

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.…

October 20, 2020

In an article about straight women using the phrase "I wish I was gay," a photo of two women in love

Dear Straight Women: Please Stop Saying You Wish You Were Gay

Katherine Brand, University of Michigan

These comments might not be explicitly homophobic, but they display the privilege of straight people and trivialize the negative experiences of queer women.…

September 2, 2020

Image via Instagram of Taylor Swift in article about her album folklore

Swifties Are Wondering About the Queer Undertones in ‘Folklore’

Audrey Martin, Boston University

Since the release of Taylor Swift's eighth studio album, some fans have been speculating about possible double meanings in songs like 'betty.'…

August 26, 2020

Learn How the Kilroys Are Bringing More Diversity to Theater

Olivia Dimond, Bates College

The group is dedicated to getting the theatrical works of female, trans and nonbinary playwrights onto the Broadway stage.…

August 22, 2020

‘A Secret Love’ Challenges Negative Connotations About Living Life in the Closet

Luke Gair, Sewanee: The University of the South

While rare on their own, queer-focused documentaries often center around those who live life with their sexuality in the spotlight. This Netflix feature freshens the subject matter by following a lesbian couple who dated in…

August 21, 2020

Naya Rivera Broke Ground as a True Multidimensional Lesbian Character on ‘Glee’

McKenna Uzelac, Columbia University

Known for playing Santana Lopez on the popular show, the actress's untimely death last month shocked millions of fans across the world, sparking a celebration of her Latina LGBTQ+ character.…

August 7, 2020