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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.

Laphonza Butler, first Black lesbian U.S. senator, steps down from office for Adam Schiff

She called on her colleagues to plant seeds of love and inclusivity.

Los Angeles becomes a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ youth and immigrants as officials reject Project 2025

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to pass the “sanctuary city” ordinance, shielding queer youth who travel to the city to receive gender-affirming care from prosecution.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs and vetoes LGBTQ+ legislation

Here's everything you need to know about the bills, their authors, and Newsom's actions in recent weeks.

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.

How LGBTQ+ and Democratic leaders are reacting to Biden dropping out, endorsing Harris

Advocacy groups and political leaders rushed to respond to Sunday's news, offering sympathy and support.

Chino Valley school district sues California over new law banning forced outing

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the first-in-the-nation legislation Monday.

Elon Musk moves SpaceX and X to Texas because California is too supporting of trans youth

"This is the final straw," Musk wrote on X, reacting to California's recent law banning the forced outing of LGBTQ+ youth in schools.

California bans forced outing of LGBTQ+ students as Gov. Gavin Newsom signs landmark law

California is the first and only state to outlaw forced outing.

'Turn up the love:' San Francisco becomes a sanctuary city for transgender people

"Our city has been and will continue to be a sanctuary and a beacon for our transgender and gender non-conforming siblings,” Supervisor Rafael Mandelman said.

It's unanimous — Sacramento is now a sanctuary city for transgender people

Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg said that "we debate the many issues in our city, but there's no shade of gray when it comes to civil rights."

Newsom-DeSantis Debate Leaves No Doubt as to Who's an LGBTQ+ Ally

The differences between the governor of California and the governor of Florida were stark.

Could Toni Atkins Be California's First Lesbian Governor?

Atkins, who has broken ground as a leader of both legislative chambers, is seriously considering a run.

Laphonza Butler Won't Run for California U.S. Senate Seat

Butler, the first Black lesbian in the Senate, is serving the remainder of Dianne Feinstein's term, but she won't run for a full term in 2024.

Here's What Laphonza Butler, the Nation's First Black Queer Senator Wants You to Know About Her

In her first in-depth interview, Butler speaks about filling Dianne Feinstein's shoes, the importance of representation, being a groundbreaking Black lesbian, and what she hopes to accomplish in her new role.

Why Did California Gov. Gavin Newsom Veto Pro-LGBTQ+ Bills...Again?

The Democrat is known as a strong LGBTQ+ ally, but he objected to some aspects of the legislation.

Laphonza Butler Sworn in as First Black Lesbian U.S. Senator

Vice President Kamala Harris swore Butler in on Tuesday.

Who Is Laphonza Butler, California's New, History-Making U.S. Senator?

Butler, a Black lesbian, has a long record of history-making activism.

Gavin Newsom Chooses Queer Democratic Activist Laphonza Butler to Fill Dianne Feinstein’s Senate Seat

Laphonza Butler makes history as the first out person of color in the Senate.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs 9 Pro-LGBTQ+ Bills Into Law

The bills deal with issues such as foster care, name and pronoun recognition, and restroom access.