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Politics

In Politics, The Advocate presents the latest news about the political world. From Supreme Court rulings to state and federal laws, The Advocate reports on how politics shapes the day-to-day realities faced by members of the gay community. Read about LGBT leaders like Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin and their work to advance the causes of the LGBT rights movement in the United States and around the world. Find out about legislation related to same-sex marriage, adoption, and other issues in gay politics that will impact the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans.

President Joe Biden signs into law first federal anti-LGBTQ+ bill in decades

The National Defense Authorization Act has a provision barring the military's insurance from covering gender-affirming care for service members' children.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs new law protecting LGBTQ+ students from being outed

“I just don’t think teachers should be gender police,” Newsom said of the SAFETY Act.

Donald Trump promises transphobic policies that will target youth and service members on 'day one'

The incoming president said executive orders will recognize only two genders, bar gender-affirming care for minors, and even prohibit transgender people from public schools.

Matt Gaetz allegedly paid tens of thousands of dollars for sex and drugs: House Ethics report

Gaetz is attempting to block the release of the report.

120 anti-trans bills have already been filed across the United States before 2025 has even started

The number surpasses the number of bills filed in advance of 2024, a historically hostile year towards trans individuals.

Kathy Hochul vetos financial protection bill introduced after murders of gay men

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has vetoed a bill designed to protect users of money-sharing apps even after several high-profile cases of murder and robbery against several people, including at least two gay men.

Biden administration abandons efforts to protect transgender student-athletes from discrimination

The Department of Education withdrew a rule applying Title IX to require institutions to allow athletes to compete on athletic teams consistent with their gender identity.

Meet Bobbie Simpson: California’s first out trans school board member

Simpson won her election on November 5 with more than 56 percent of the vote, beating out incumbent Elias Haynes, who had served on the board with his wife, Lindsi, who were both subject to recall votes.

Far-right Republican Mark Robinson must pay $35,000 for campaign finance violations

The anti-LGBTQ+ lieutenant governor of North Carolina was found to have accepted contributions from unauthorized donors, accepted donations over the maximum limit, and used campaign money for personal expenses.

Matt Gaetz can 'f**k off' for alleging Wisconsin shooter was transgender, gay Rep. Mark Pocan says

Gaetz contributed to the baseless right-wing buzz around the school shooting in Pocan's district.

Bragging Trump gets ignored at his own golf club, and the internet roasts him

The grandstanding MAGA leader looking like a fool always makes our day.

Senate passes defense bill with anti-trans language; now goes to Biden

Advocates are calling on President Joe Biden to veto it.

Sarah McBride gives moving farewell speech to Delaware Senate as she heads to D.C.

McBride thanked her fellow Delaware representatives for helping her "realize the awesome responsibility and the awesome opportunity that we have to leave this state better and kinder than we found it."

Why Laverne Cox says she won't debate transgender rights

The Orange is the New Black actor recently spoke at event for Planned Parenthood where she highlighted the connection between bans on gender-affirming care and bans on abortion.

Tammy Baldwin, 20 other senators try to strike anti-trans provision from defense bill

They introduced an amendment to the House-passed version of the bill, and Baldwin delivered floor remarks against the anti-trans language.

Winsome Earle-Sears: The anti-LGBTQ+ ultraconservative Republican trying to replace Virginia's governor

LGBTQ+ advocates warn that elevating the lieutenant governor to the governorship would be detrimental to the community.

Angie Craig elected first woman and first LGBTQ+ ranking member of House Agriculture Committee

Craig, a representative from Minnesota, was elected by House Democrats on Tuesday.

Florida Republican wants to ban Pride flags in public buildings

Randy Fine has previously introduced bills restricting drag show attendance and gender-affirming care for children.

Toni Atkins on running to become California's first lesbian governor (exclusive)

Atkins, an experienced California lawmaker, has just received the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund's endorsement.

Trump appoints gay tech executive who previously supported Pete Buttigieg to State Department role

The president-elect nominated Jacob Helberg to be his undersecretary of State for economic growth, energy, and the environment.