Have you read The Advocate's newsletter for 01/27/24?

Happy Saturday!

👏🏼 By now, I think we can all agree that toxic masculinity causes a lot of problems in society — like, a lot a lot. Trans TikToker, actor, and writer Leo Macallan has published a few videos delving into how he embraced masculinity while realizing its toxic elements weren't necessary or good. The Advocate's Ryan Adamczeski spoke to Leo about his videos and what he hopes people learn from watching them.

“Embrace the traits that deepen your sense of being, those that nurture your connection to yourself,” Leo said. “Regardless of the gender assignment, what makes you feel healed? What makes you feel confident? What makes you feel worthy? As long as it’s not hurting anyone, do that.” Read the interview here. ✨

❌ A coalition of more than 60 human rights groups is calling out anti-LGBTQ+ measures in spending bills that are meant to fund the government. Far-right Republicans have continued to push proposals targeting the rights of queer folks in these pieces of legislation. The coalition sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to vote down the additions. “These appropriations bills are littered with an unprecedented number of anti-LGBTQ+ provisions intended to harm LGBTQ+ people,” Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said. ❌

💕 Who doesn't love Brandi Carlile? 💕 The queer Americana icon finally broke through the mainstream a few years ago and she is everywhere and is working with everyone. We wrangled up some of our favorite collaborations because, well, we wanted to. You're welcome. 🎵 🎶

In other news:

Onward and upward,

Alex Cooper

A transgender TikToker’s tips on how to embrace masculinity without the toxicity

instagram @thegravelbro

Utah lawmakers pass terrifying anti-transgender bathroom policing bill

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21 must-see Brandi Carlile collabs that will change your life

Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Maine Democrats bail on bill making state sanctuary for trans people amid far-right uproar

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Senate Democrats urged to reject anti-LGBTQ+ measures in funding bills by coalition (exclusive)

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Texas AG Ken Paxton won't leave trans people alone, again requests data from out of state

Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Biden administration creates $700k grant to create inclusive sex ed for trans male teens

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🫖 Tea time 🫖

Florida Rep. Michele Rayner stirred up some controversy this week by supporting a ban on minors under 16 using social media. The out Democrat has been outspoken on the impact of social media on the mental health of young people, and she pushed back on First Amendment arguments citing her own childhood: "I grew up in a household where my mama told me that until I paid some bills at her house, I didn’t really have any First Amendment rights."

Her critics include LGBTQ+ activists who say the bill could restrict youth from accessing valuable sexual health resources.

☕ What do you think? Email us at social@advocate.com to join the conversation.

Look, the answer!

Each week, The Advocate newsletter has a little bit of LGBTQ+ trivia. Tuesday, you'll get the question. Thursday, you'll get a hint. And today, you'll get the answer.

This week's question was: Who was the first out LGBTQ+ person to be nominated for an Oscar for playing an out LGBTQ+ character?

This week's answer is: Ian McKellen. The out British actor has been nominated for two Oscars. He earned his first in 1999 for his performance as out film director James Whale in the film Gods and Monsters. Both Jodie Foster and Colman Domingo were nominated for Academy Awards this year. The out actors played queer characters in their respective films Nyad and Rustin.

🎉 Shout-outs to Gary, Michael, Steven, and Raymond for answering correctly! 🎉

Reply to this email with trivia you think we should use and you may get a shout-out in a future newsletter!