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Philadelphia

News from within the borders of Philadelphia, the capital Pennsylvania and the fight for LGBT equality there. The city is recognized historically as the birthplace of the United States and the American Revolutionary War, and was also the setting of Philadelphia, the acclaimed film starring Tom Hanks as a gay lawyer dying of an AIDS-related illness. Learn more about past and present obstacles toward achieving equality in Philadelphia including hate crimes law, transgender rights, adoption, and other rights denied to same-sex couples and LGBT people. Learn about individuals--activists, politicians, and allies--who have helped us make strides toward equality. We also cover the campaigns of groups opposed to marriage equality and explore how gay marriage is covered in mainstream media. We stay on top of developments so that you can stay informed about this issue.

Philadelphia Police close part of Market Street during the 30th annual PrideDay LGBTQ Parade Festival
Crime

Teen boy charged for making bombs to attack LGBTQ+ Pride parade, authorities say

Muhyyee-ud-din Abdul-Rahman, 18, was planning to move to Syria and join a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda.

kamalaharris gavinnewsom LaphonzaButler RobertGarcia
Election

Kamala Harris's allies rip into Donald Trump's anti-LGBTQ+ disinformation

“These guys are rewriting quite literally history books. They’re going after and attacking vulnerable communities. It’s a sign of desperation," California Gov. Gavin Newsom told The Advocate before the debate.

Kamala Harris
Election

Kamala Harris triumphs in debate as unhinged Trump lies about transgender surgeries & immigrants eating pets

The vice president appeared powerful and in command of the night’s events. Trump? Not so much.

National Constitution Center Philadelphia Pennsylvania drag queens wave float 30th annual LGBTQ Pride Parade
News

Philadelphia sets world record for drag queen story hour attendance

Hundreds of people listened to five drag queens read childrens’ books to establish a new Guinness World Record.

Owners Little Gay Pub DC opening new spot Philly LGBTQ city bar Philadelphia PA
News

The iconic Little Gay Pub in D.C. expands to Philadelphia

The owners of the popular celebrity hotspot tell The Advocate that they’re excited to bring their business to the Philly LGBTQ+ community.

Pennsylvania Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta
News

Gay Pennsylvania Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta wins Democratic primary for auditor general

He will now take on a Republican 2020 election denier in the November election. If he wins, he'll become Pennsylvania's first out statewide elected official.

Libs of TikTok celebrates while supporters rage after John Fetterman pulls support for Philly LGBTQ+ center (exclusive)
Politics

Libs of TikTok celebrates while supporters rage after John Fetterman pulls support for Philly LGBTQ+ center (exclusive)

The Pennsylvania Democrat explained to The Advocate that his letter isn’t actually an indicator of his level of support for the LGBTQ+ community.

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Malcolm Kenyatta Lewis Nash Sr Philadelphia Politicians
Politics

Philadelphia Democrat under fire for anti-LGBTQ+ comments in race against gay incumbent

Democrat Lewis Nash Sr. faces backlash for controversial comments on LGBTQ+ issues in the election against out state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta.

Biological Male Bartender Transgender Nonbinary Gender Nonconforming Assistant
Business

Moriarty’s bar in Philadelphia criticized for transphobic job ad seeking ‘biologically male’ bartender

A Craigslist listing for a “biologically male”’ bartender at a historic Philadelphia bar draws national attention and condemnation from city officials and LGBTQ+ advocates.

Pennridge High School Pennsylvania Pledge of Allegiance Moms for Liberty Joyful Warriors national summit
News

Moms for Liberty’s Extreme Agenda Gets Pushback From Pennsylvania Community

Local groups are rallying against the far-right Moms for Liberty group with the aim of protecting inclusive education and LGBTQ+ students.

Giovanni's Room
Exclusives

The Nation's Oldest LGBTQ+ Bookstore Is Ready for 50 More Years

This is how Philadelphia's Giovanni's Room survived AIDS, gentrification, the internet, and COVID.

Let’s talk sex sign next to books and an apple
Education

Moms for Liberty Wants to Make American Kids Oblivious to Sex Ed: Report

What used to be the conservative “abstinence only” position has turned into not learning about sex at all.

Jaimee Michell and David Leatherwood
Politics

Gays Against Groomers Takes Hit in Membership in Wake of DeSantis’s Homophobia

The group’s lesbian founder, who is closely aligned with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who posted an overtly homophobic video last week, is sticking by him, resulting in members of the group leaving.

Mark Robinson
Politicians

Republican Urges Americans to Revisit Hitler and Stalin at Moms for Liberty Event

The sitting North Carolina lieutenant governor seems to think that what they wrote and said has been taken out of context.

Agenda PAC door hangers
News

Moms for Liberty’s Conference Infiltrated by Activists Calling Out Its Hate

The group distributed customized versions of hotel “do not disturb” signs.

Moms for Liberty banner
News

Moms for Liberty Defends Hitler Quote in Newsletter Before Removing It

The group claims to want to protect parental rights in education but was citing Hitler.

MJ Jackson
Crime

Black Trans Man Mar'Quis Jackson Killed in Philadelphia

Jackson had apparently suffered blunt force trauma to his head, and police are investigating his death as a homicide.

Diamond Jackson-McDonald
Crime

Black Trans Woman Shahere ‘Diamond’ Jackson-McDonald Fatally Shot

Jackson-McDonald was found shot to death Thanksgiving Day in Philadelphia.

Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia
Crime

Trans Woman in Critical Condition After Attack in Philadelphia

The assailant used homophobic slurs before pistol-whipping the trans woman, and he shot her two companions.