News :: News Columns

LGBTQ Agenda: HIV-positive trans woman sues after solitary confinement

LGBTQ Agenda: HIV-positive trans woman sues after solitary confinement

  • by John Ferrannini
  • Jul 11, 2023

A transgender woman is suing the director of the Missouri Department of Corrections and several staff, alleging that she was placed in solitary confinement for six years because of her HIV status after she was "violently assaulted," according to the suit.

Political Notes: Atkins makes historic turn as acting CA governor

Political Notes: Atkins makes historic turn as acting CA governor

  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Jul 10, 2023

Lesbian state Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) has once again made political history in California.

Out in the World: Report finds global LGBTQ activists observe Pride in the face of growing attacks

Out in the World: Report finds global LGBTQ activists observe Pride in the face of growing attacks

  • by Heather Cassell
  • Jul 6, 2023

While Pride Month in much of the U.S. results in jovial LGBTQ street celebrations throughout June, in many parts of the world Pride remains a protest — at times a dangerous demonstration where LGBTQ people demanding to live openly and freely are attacked.

Political Notebook: Virginia trans leader Roem campaigns in SF

Political Notebook: Virginia trans leader Roem campaigns in SF

  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Jul 5, 2023

As she faces a tough election battle this year to become a senator in her home state, transgender Virginia Delegate Danica Roem will be in San Francisco this weekend to meet with local LGBTQ leaders and raise money for her campaign.

News Briefs: 3 young queer filmmakers awarded grants at Frameline

News Briefs: 3 young queer filmmakers awarded grants at Frameline

  • by Cynthia Laird
  • Jul 5, 2023

Three young queer filmmakers were each awarded $15,000 grants by the Colin Higgins Foundation and Frameline at the end of the international LGBTQ film festival in San Francisco.

Out in the World: Six months after World Cup, LGBTQ Qataris critical of West

Out in the World: Six months after World Cup, LGBTQ Qataris critical of West

  • by Heather Cassell
  • Jun 30, 2023

Six months after the FIFA World Cup ended in Qatar, LGBTQ Qataris say the realities of their lives have not changed, and in some cases have gotten worse.

Political Notebook: UC Berkeley grad Mohajer aims to make history as 1st gay Iranian legislator

Political Notebook: UC Berkeley grad Mohajer aims to make history as 1st gay Iranian legislator

  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Jun 28, 2023

With his bid in 2024 for a California state Senate seat, Alex Mohajer is looking to make LGBTQ political history.

Political Notebook: Gay political pundit Lovett kicks off new show in SF

Political Notebook: Gay political pundit Lovett kicks off new show in SF

  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Jun 21, 2023

Yes, Jon Lovett has seen the media headlines about San Francisco's descent into an ever-worsening "doom loop." No, it doesn't make him afraid to visit the City-by-the-Bay.

News Briefs: SFMOMA offers free day for Pride Month

News Briefs: SFMOMA offers free day for Pride Month

  • by Cynthia Laird
  • Jun 21, 2023

To celebrate Pride Month, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art will hold a free community day open to all Saturday, June 24.

Political Notes: Confirmation hearings near for out CA appellate judges

Political Notes: Confirmation hearings near for out CA appellate judges

  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Jun 19, 2023

A judicial review panel in the coming weeks is expected to confirm two gay men to serve on the state's appellate courts and elevate a lesbian appeals court justice to preside over her bench.

Out in the World: Breed meets with LGBTQ leaders in Israel

Out in the World: Breed meets with LGBTQ leaders in Israel

  • by Heather Cassell
  • Jun 14, 2023

San Francisco Mayor London Breed met with Israeli LGBTQ community leaders during her recent trip to Israel.

Business Briefing: Marking 3rd anniversary, Castro chocolatier hosts drag brunch

Business Briefing: Marking 3rd anniversary, Castro chocolatier hosts drag brunch

  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Jun 14, 2023

As it marks this month its third anniversary in business at 3901 18th Street in San Francisco's Castro LGBTQ neighborhood, Kokak Chocolates is shaking up its menu items and eying expansion into breakfast and lunch options.

Political Notebook: Home invasion spurred CA Senate candidate Beckles into politics

Political Notebook: Home invasion spurred CA Senate candidate Beckles into politics

  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Jun 14, 2023

Wanting to live closer to where they both worked, Jovanka Beckles and her wife, Nicole Valentino, left Alameda in 2005 for Richmond, California, where they could afford to buy a home for themselves and their then teenage son, Lucio Valentino.

News Briefs: Alameda County Fair to hold Pride celebration

News Briefs: Alameda County Fair to hold Pride celebration

  • by Cynthia Laird
  • Jun 14, 2023

The Alameda County Fair kicks off Friday, June 16, and will include a special Pride celebration Sunday, June 18, featuring Out at the Fair, an organization that works to increase LGBTQ presence at county fairs in California and other states.