In 1977, orange juice spokeswoman Anita Bryant campaigned against a new anti-discrimination law protecting gay men and lesbians in Dade County, Florida. She had it overturned and riding on the wave of this success, started Save Our Children, the United States’ first national anti gay group.
Letter From The Editor (Fall 2022)
I wish I could welcome you with nothing but vigorous optimism, but the precariousness of my community’s position in this country is too important to be waved away. As a historical queer publication, it is our responsibility to make sure the most marginalized do not go unnoticed. The theme of our Fall 2022 print edition is Satanic Panic, named after the hysteria of the late 20th century that cast a dangerous shadow over queer people everywhere.
FDA Removes Ban on Queer Men Donating Blood
On May 11, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially struck down its ban on blood donations from queer men. This news comes less than four months after the FDA initially proposed these changes in January for a 60-day public comment period.
Queer Next Up: Atom Fellows
Atom Fellows (they/them) is a musician/filmmaker and YouTuber whose show, The Anarchy Funhouse, tackles the world’s most intractable issues using music, animation and puppets!
Queer Next Up: Jxckson
Jxckson (he/him) is an Austin-based alt-pop artist who seamlessly blends elements of different genres of Pop to create a fresh and modern sound that still pays homage to the classic earworms of the past. His delivery, complete with a sly smirk, adds an extra layer of attitude and swagger to every track.
Queer Next Up: Alex Penland
Alex Penland (they/them) is an author, creative writing student, Smithsonian alumnus, and linguist . They primarily write SFF (Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Speculative Fiction), but also dabble in poetry.
Annelle Staal: Now Streaming
When most people think of the popular live streaming platform Twitch, they think of “Fortnite” fiends or online chess tournaments. The platform, however, is also a thriving hub for musicians who put on powerful performances for eager audiences, live from their bedrooms. Annelle Staal, who boasts nearly 60 thousand followers, is one such savant.
Queer Next Up: D’Andre Adonis
D’Andre Adonis (he/him) is a recording artist. With a mesh of R&B, Hip Hop and Pop with a sound that still has its own character, D’Andre Adonis has one goal: to make you feel something when you listen to his music. Based in his hometown of Chicago, IL he takes pride in his city and loves to grow with his peers.
Queer Next Up: SHILPA
SHILPA (she/her) is an independent musician from Los Angeles, California. She writes funk, neo-soul, and indie tunes, often touching on complex emotions and themes of growth and solitude. She recently released her debut single, a touching homage to her grandmother — this song features poetic, lyrical writing, and is the first project of many more to come.
