When major
natural disasters strike, survivors are accustomed to expect
help from the government or even big-box corporations that
donate their vast resources. But for many residents of
Galveston, Texas, walloped by Hurricane Ike along the
Gulf Coast last week, a primary source of relief and
support has been two local gay bars that, despite the
near-impossible conditions, reopened almost
immediately after the storm in the spirit of survival
and community.
"This is what it's like to be a Black reporter in 2023," Evan Lambert said after being thrown to the ground and arrested for allegedly speaking too loudly at a press conference.
A year after the
hurricane devastated their community, many gays and
lesbians are still struggling to rebuild. Others are
deciding whether to come back at all.
About 2,200
government employees working in foreign affairs signed a
letter supporting the rights of the LGBT employees that was
hand-delivered to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's
office Monday.
Suspicious letters containing fentanyl were sent to multiple states’ election offices, and the inclusion of the Progress Pride Flag raises questions about the sender’s motives.
Days after pledging to review policies that discriminate against LGBT employees at the State Department, Secretary Clinton said her staff is reviewing inequities and preparing to make appropriate changes "expeditiously."