Spencer Macnaughton | Uncloseted Media Weekly Newsletter
Happy Thanksgiving to all our American subscribers! Today is meant to be a day to reflect on the blessings of the last year. When it comes to the queer community, there actually is a lot to be grateful for. It’s been 51 years since homosexuality was declassified as a mental illness; nine years since gay marriage was legalized in the U.S.; and two days since the U.S. Health and Human Services announced that people living with HIV can now receive kidney and liver transplants.
With that said, this week has been another flurry of tough headlines, particularly for the trans community. A report found that President-elect Donald Trump plans to kick trans people out of the military (again), though his transition team dismissed the claim. And Republican Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine signed a bill into law that bans transgender students from using restrooms or locker rooms that match their gender identity. In addition, Walmart confirmed that it’s ending some of its diversity initiatives and removing some LGBTQ-related merchandise.
On top of this, 34% of LGBTQ people have moved away from family to escape discrimination, leaving many queer people to fend for themselves over Thanksgiving. Em Oliver and I took to the streets on Tuesday and spoke with one nonbinary 18-year-old from Tennessee who isn’t out to their parents and has decided not to go home for Thanksgiving. You can watch the clip on our TikTok channel (and give us a follow while you’re at it ;)).
I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday, no matter where you are and who you’re celebrating with.
The False Promise of the ‘Barbie Vagina’ Ideal
Therapist Attempts to Mend Fractured Relationship Between Trump-Supporting Mother and Her Queer Child
Walmart Pulls Back on DEI Efforts, Removes Some LGBTQ Merchandise (CNBC)
Walmart is reducing its diversity programs and has removed some LGBTQ-themed merchandise amid customer feedback.
Khalid Comes Out as Gay (USA Today)
Singer Khalid publicly announced his identity, emphasizing authenticity in his music and life.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine Signs Transgender Bills into Law (Ohio Capital Journal)
The law requires people in Ohio K-12 schools and universities use the restroom that aligns with their sex assigned at birth. It also bans students from sharing overnight accommodations with people of the opposite sex from their assigned sex at birth in K-12 schools.
Trump's Transgender Military Policy Faces Renewed Scrutiny (The Independent)
The controversial ban on transgender military service resurfaces in debates about inclusivity.
President-elect Donald Trump's transition team has dismissed a report that he plans to remove all transgender people from serving in the U.S. military. (via Newsweek)
Trump's Latest Pick for His Wildly Anti-LGBTQ+ Cabinet is a Gay Billionaire (Them)
Donald Trump has nominated gay billionaire Scott Bessent to serve as secretary of the Department of the Treasury, making Bessent the first openly gay person to take on this position.
Welcome Nico DiAlesandro!
Nico is Uncloseted Media’s newest intern. With a degree in National Security and Intelligence and experience investigating alt-right violence, Nico is a great addition to our growing team. Keep your eyes peeled for his first byline this weekend!
We passed 2,000 followers on Instagram! On our page, you can find a roundup of our coverage as usual, as well as breaking LGBTQ news. Give us a follow if you’re looking to stay up to date.
This weekend, be on the lookout for new Uncloseted reporting:
🆕 Most people know that Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has a horrific track record when it comes to LGBTQ rights. But we wanted to put it all together. Johnson’s complete track record on LGBTQ issues drops this Saturday.
🆕 Kristen K. Waggoner, the woman who helped overturn Roe v. Wade and President and CEO of Alliance Defending Freedom, is coming for LGBTQ rights. Find out how in the profile that we will release this Sunday.
Thanks for reading! And feel free to email me with questions, complaints, tips and story ideas!
Spencer Macnaughton, Editor-In-Chief
spencer@unclosetedmedia.com
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