Strengthening the LGBTQ+ Community Through Empowerment The LGBTQ+ community thrives on themes of mutual respect, allyship, and resiliency, creating a foundation for individuals to navigate life's challenges while embracing their authentic selves. W…
Where Have All the Rainbows Gone? As Pride month comes to a close, the visibility of LGBTQ+ support often fades. Many corporations that embrace LGBTQ+ causes during June seem to retract their commitment once the month ends, focusing instead on prof…
There’s More to Pride Than Rainbows and Glitter June is widely recognized as Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ identities and achievements. Yet, many people—both inside and outside the community—may not fully understand its …
Even Jaded Gays Can Be Joyful As Pride Month draws to a close, it’s important to pause and reflect on one of the most vital aspects of the LGBTQ+ experience: queer joy. While much of the conversation around our community often focuses on the …
Leave the Heteros Behind and Enjoy the Sunshine For many gay men, summer and Fire Island go hand in hand, making the island a quintessential gay vacation destination. Known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and welcoming atmosphere, Fire Island offe…
Queer Grief Perseveres, But So Do We Grief is a universal experience, yet the way we process and carry it is deeply personal. However, for the LGBTQ+ community, grief often takes on layers of complexity that extend beyond the typical mourning proce…
Thoughts and Prayers Are Not Enough While there’s truth in the idea that life has improved for many gay people, improvement doesn’t equate to equality or safety. Tragic events like Matthew Shepard’s murder in the 1990s and the Pul…
How Many Carbs Can a Gay Have at Brunch? The Limit Does Not Exist. Honestly, who doesn’t love brunch? It’s the perfect blend of indulgence and leisure, where sweet meets savory, and cocktails are socially acceptable before noon. Yet, fo…
Queer Spaces in an Evolving World Queer spaces, including gay bars, LGBTQ+ centers, and other community hubs, have long been sanctuaries where individuals can express their identities, form connections, and build solidarity. However, as society und…
Building a Community of Support and Joy Pride celebrations are essential for visibility, joy, and community, particularly for marginalized LGBTQ+ individuals. Tyrell Brown, executive director of GALAEI and president of Philly Pride 365, emphasizes …
My Five Stages of Grief? Denial, Denial, Denial, Cry, Self-Pity. Grief is often associated with loss, but it’s a concept that many people struggle to fully understand. It’s more than just a fleeting emotion—it’s a complex, d…
Shoot Your Shot on Archer Dating apps have long been a staple in the lives of gay men, offering a way to connect in an increasingly digital world. However, these platforms have often fallen short of creating meaningful connections. Many users find…
Broken Up with During Sex? Breakups are never easy, but for gay men, the journey often comes with additional complexities tied to identity, societal pressures, and close-knit community dynamics. Jonathan Lee’s book, 40 Single Gay, offers an i…
You Really Shouldn’t Say That Saying "that's so gay" as an insult might seem like harmless banter to some, especially to those who casually use the phrase—looking at you, straight people—but its impact runs much deeper. For many …
Butterflies or Warning Signs? Ah, those infamous butterflies in the stomach. Many of us have been conditioned to see them as a surefire sign of romantic interest—a fluttery confirmation that we like someone. But what if those butterflies aren…
What if It’s Against My Religion to Deal with Mediocre Heteros? In June 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a controversial decision in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, granting certain businesses the legal right to refuse services to LGBTQ+ …
“Dare to Desire” For many gay men, the journey to self-acceptance is deeply entangled with the weight of religious trauma. Messages of shame, rejection, and fear of eternal damnation from religious teachings often create internal confli…
The "Forgotten" B in LGBTQ+ In the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ identities, one letter often fades into the background: the B. Despite its prominent place in the acronym, bisexuality frequently faces skepticism—not only from outside the queer comm…
Thirty, Flirty, and Thriving? Turning 30 can be a milestone that many people dread, but in the gay community, it often comes with a layer of extra weight. This particular birthday is informally referred to as "gay death," a term reflecting the pres…
Love in the Third Degree In the gay community, relationships often challenge traditional norms, offering a spectrum of expressions that celebrate individuality and connection. While monogamy frequently takes center stage in discussions around love …
Our Friend, Dorothy Many people recognize Judy Garland as the timeless Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz, skipping down the Yellow Brick Road with her ruby slippers and a heart full of dreams. While the film remains a colorful, iconic masterpiece, f…
Protect LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth LGBTQ+ homelessness, particularly among youth, remains a pressing yet often overlooked issue. Across the United States, LGBTQ+ individuals, especially young people, are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity…
Level Up Your Sense of Community For many LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly gay men, finding a sense of belonging can be challenging—especially when traditional social spaces like bars and clubs dominate the cultural landscape. While these ven…
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Drinking in LGBTQ+ Culture Social drinking has long been intertwined with LGBTQ+ culture, tracing back to the era when gay bars served as vital safe havens for queer individuals seeking connection and community in a…
