Top Stories
In our declining democracy, teaching LGBTQ+ topics in schools is more important than ever
The histories of people with same-sex attractions and those who differently express their gender are filled with incredible pain and enormous pride, of overwhelming repression and victorious rejoicing, of stifling invisibility and dazzling illumination. Throughout the ages, their sexuality and gender identity and expressions have been called many things: from “sinful,” “sicknesses,” and “criminals,” to “orientations,” “identities,” and even “gifts from God.” Though same-sex behavior and gender non-normativity have probably always existed in human and most non-human species, the concept of “homosexuality,” “bisexuality,” and “transgender identities,” (in fact, sexual orientation, gender non-normativity in general, and the construction of an identity and […]
Arizona man arrested after alleged threat to drive a U-Haul into Pride parade and open fire
An Arizona man has been arrested after investigators allege he left a voicemail threatening to “drive a U-Haul through a parade of homosexuals and start firing at everybody.” Maricopa County jail records show Austin Jay Curtis, 32, was arrested on 12 October. He is charged with felony stalking, a felony count of making a terrorist threat, and a misdemeanour offence of threatening or intimidating. His bond was set at $75,000. Investigators allege the case began with a campaign of unwanted messages to a former schoolmate that escalated into threats of violence against her and LGBTQ+ people. They further allege Curtis […]
LGBTQ+ congressional candidates could deliver a historic rebuke to MAGA Republicans at the ballot box
Weeks before her congressional primary, Marni von Wilpert received a call that upended every campaign calculation. Doctors had detected early-stage breast cancer. Her first response, she recalled, was that she didn’t have time. She was running for Congress to represent her California district. Stay up to date with the latest in LGBTQ+ news with The Advocate’s email newsletter, in your inbox five days a week. Surgery followed. Sitting in hospital waiting rooms, the San Diego City Council member thought about the security of knowing she could afford the care that might save her life — and the Americans who could not. “And the person […]
Local News
LGBTQI History: A Sonoma County Timeline Class Discusses the SCRAP 6 Fight
LGBTQI History: A Sonoma County Timeline 1947-2000. Online via Zoom. On Monday October 26, we will be talking about SCRAP 6, the SoCo fight against the Briggs Initiative which sought to keep gays and lesbians from teaching in our schools. Contact me to enroll and receive a Zoom link: cdungan@santarosa.edu
Positive Image’s Radical Education Center: Know Your Rights, Make Your Voice Heard
Positive Images is excited to spend the next month helping Sonoma County voters prepare for this election season. We want to make sure our community members have the information they need to register, vote, and make their voices heard. For queer and trans people, QTBIPOC communities, and people with disabilities, elections can directly affect our healthcare, housing, and access to community resources. We also know that voting can come with extra questions and barriers. This month, we’re breaking down some common voter questions and myths so you can know your rights and make a plan to vote. What to Know […]
Arts & Entertainment
Elemental Magic Ritual for Midterm Elections at Occidental Center for the Arts Happens October 25
Sunday October 25 @ 6 – 9 pm: Elemental Magic Ritual for Midterm Elections at Occidental Center for the Arts. We’ve marched in protest, written postcards and signed petitions, emailed our reps, honored the boycotts, and we are absolutely going to vote! Is there anything else that we can do? YES! Join us at our Community Ritual using simple elemental magic and our own vital energy to focus attention and bring positive results to the midterms and beyond! Doors open at 6 pm and close at 6:30 pm. Donations appreciated. Questions/info at BohemianExchange@gmail.com. OCA is at 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental, CA. […]
Black Gay American Author Urges Black LGBTQ+ Americans to Consider South Africa as Trump Welcomes White South Africans
While President Donald Trump’s administration is opening America’s doors to thousands of predominantly white South African Afrikaners, Black Gay American author Elias Whitfield is encouraging Black LGBTQ+ Americans to consider moving in the opposite direction: out of the United States, toward South Africa and other Black- and LGBTQ+-affirming destinations—to pursue greater cultural peace, financial security and LGBTQ+ acceptance. The contrast comes as the Trump administration plans to set a 17,500-person refugee admissions ceiling for the coming fiscal year, consisting primarily of South Africans from the country’s white Afrikaner minority. Although the administration says Afrikaners face racial persecution, the South African […]
State News
GLBT Historical Society Honors Poet, Artist, Preacher, and Storyteller Marvin K. White October 17
Saturday, October 17, 2026The Westin St. Francis, San FranciscoCocktails: 6:00 p.m. | Dinner: 7:00 p.m. We’re thrilled to announce the second of our 2026 History Maker Honorees, Marvin K. White, Minister of Celebration at Glide Memorial Church and founder of tendesf: art gallery and artpothecary. Born and raised in Oakland, Marvin has performed nationally and internationally as a member of the acclaimed theater troupe PomoAfroHomos and has presented his original work at numerous theaters, bringing his poetic voice into live performance and collective storytelling. His four poetry collections include the Lambda Literary Award–nominated last rights and nothin’ ugly fly, and he helped found and […]
Gavin Newsom moves to shield California transgender patient records from federal scrutiny
California is adding new medical privacy protections for LGBTQ+ adults facing federal subpoenas and expanding access to injectable medicines for HIVprevention. That is thanks to a spate of six new bills passed by the Democratic-led state legislature and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday. Newsom said he signed the bills to strengthen LGBTQ+ rights in the state amid a federal crackdown on such protections. Stay up to date with the latest in LGBTQ+ news with The Advocate’s email newsletter, in your inbox five days a week. “The Trump administration has launched an all-out assault on the LGBTQ community, using medical records […]
