February 28 - Louisiana
Demarkis Stansberry, 30, a Black transgender man from Baton Rouge was fatally shot. An acquaintance, Nicholas Mathews has confessed to shooting Stansberry, and has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide.
January 1 – National
“After All These Years”. Welcome to the NFL. The Seattle Knights have the hottest players in the game. On and off the field. First Love. Second Chances. Sean McBride is the bad boy/man whore of the Seattle Knights football team. And he is happy to embrace the title. He's young. Rich. Handsome. And he's one of the best wide receivers in the game. Why shouldn't he take advantage of all the perks? Women throw themselves at him. Wouldn't it be rude not to catch them? Riley Preston loves the game of football. The Knights are the most important thing in her life. Besides Sean. Riley has loved Sean since she was seventeen, but he has always seen her as a little sister. Outside forces are trying to derail them and the team. It is time for both of them to grow up. Together, nothing can stop them. Watch out Sean. Your man whore days are numbered.
June 7 – National
"Being Jazz" Jazz Jennings is one of the youngest and most prominent voices in the national discussion about gender identity. At the age of five, Jazz transitioned to life as a girl, with the support of her parents. A year later, her parents allowed her to share her incredible journey in her first Barbara Walters interview, aired at a time when the public was much less knowledgeable or accepting of the transgender community. This groundbreaking interview was followed over the years by other high-profile interviews, a documentary, the launch of her YouTube channel, a picture book, and her own reality TV series—I Am Jazz—making her one of the most recognizable activists for transgender teens, children, and adults. In her remarkable memoir, Jazz reflects on these very public experiences and how they have helped shape the mainstream attitude toward the transgender community. But it hasn’t all been easy. Jazz has faced many challenges, bullying, discrimination, and rejection, yet she perseveres as she educates others about her life as a transgender teen. Through it all, her family has been beside her on this journey, standing together against those who don't understand the true meaning of tolerance and unconditional love. Now Jazz must learn to navigate the physical, social, and emotional upheavals of adolescence—particularly high school—complicated by the unique challenges of being a transgender teen. Making the journey from girl to woman is never easy—especially when you began your life in a boy’s body.
October 22 – Washington D.C.
Log Cabin Republicans decline to endorse Trump. The group, while praising Trump as “perhaps the most pro-LGBT presidential nominee in the history of the Republican Party,” cited objections and said it would focus on down-ballot races.
July 14 – National
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus notifies Congress that he intends to name a ship in honor of slain gay rights activist and Navy veteran Harvey Milk.
November 4 – National
"Housewife" Kristin Collier and her husband struggle to decide whether and how to stay together after it becomes apparent that he is transgender. As her husband transitions to live the rest of his life as a woman, Collier leans into her garden, community, and new romantic interests while she transforms in her own right, evolving as a woman, mother, and housewife. With honesty, humor, and grounded in her practice of Compassionate Communication, Collier redefines homemaking as she and her former husband continue to live and parent as partners in the same household. Housewife is an exceptionally rare personal account of a partner's response to gender transition. Including poetry, blog posts, and four pictures from before and after transition, Collier tells her story from the perspective of a woman and mother as her family breaks out of the box.
August 29 – National
"Tranny" The provocative transgender advocate and lead singer of the punk rock band Against Me! provides a searing account of her search for identity and her true self.
President Barack Obama
April 11 – Texas
Shante Thompson, 34, a Black transgender woman from Houston was beaten and shot to death by a group of assailants.
November 10 – Washington D.C.
A spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign said its office has received calls from frightened people. Trump victory alarms gay and transgender groups
February 28 – National
“People You May Know” 'People You May Know' tells the story of four friends in their 40s in Los Angeles. They will have to confront a new reality when Delia gets pregnant from Joe, the best-friend who happens to be gay.
August 2 – National
"How to Be You" An interactive experience, How to Be You invites you to make the book your own through activities such as coloring in charts, answering questions about how you do the things you do, and discovering patterns in your lives that may be holding you back. Through Jeffrey's own story of "growing up fabulous in a small farming town"--along with the stories of hero/ines who have transcended the stereotypes of race, age, and gender--you will discover that you are not alone. Learn to deepen your relationship with yourself, boost your self-esteem and self-worth, and find the courage to take a leap that will change your life.
July 18 – North Carolina
Governor McCrory signs into law a change to HB2 state discrimination law that he had requested: restoring the right of employees who believe they've been fired because of discrimination to sue for relief in state courts. The other provisions of the law remain.
January 1 – Wyoming
“Casper Pride” Every June, Casper Pride celebrates Casper Pride Weekend, an event celebrating and honoring the LGBTQI community in Wyoming, past present and future.
July 1 – Delaware
Effective this day, transition-related health care coverage for transgender state employees is required, due to a vote by the Delaware State Employee Benefits Committee.
Kayden Clarke
July 21 – Washington D.C.
At Republican convention, Trump pledges to protect LGBT community. “As your president I will do everything in my power to protect LGBTQ citizens,” Trump said during his 76-minute speech. Donald Trump embraces gays in historic shout-out at Republican National Convention
August 8 - Texas
Erykah Tijerina, 36, a transgender woman, was found dead in her El Paso.
September 13 – National
"The Transgender Teen for Parents" What do you do when your son announces he is transgender and asks that you call her by a new name? Or what if your child uses a term you’ve never heard of to describe themselves (neutrois, agender, non-binary, genderqueer, androgyne…) and when you didn’t know what they meant, they left the room and now won’t speak to you about it? Perhaps your daughter recently asked you not to use gendered pronouns when referring to ‘her’ anymore, preferring that you use “they”; you’re left wondering if this is just a phase, or if there’s something more that you need to understand about your child.
Tom Price
Health and Human Services
July 22 - National
As nominee, Trump gets mixed grade from LGBT Republicans. “I will applaud Donald Trump the person” for his individual embrace of gay people, said Christian Berle, an openly gay Republican. “But he would be Donald Trump the president.” Gay Republicans want more from Trump
June 6 – Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Education releases comprehensive guidelines to protect
transgender students, including language urging schools to allow a student to use the bathroom that corresponds to his or her gender identity.
January 1 – National
“Secrets of a Sissy Boy”. If you think being gay is difficult in this still evolving world, try being a gay witch. The author shares a brutally honest depiction of what it was like to be bullied to the point of suicide, and his rise from the depths of despair to an empowered, powerful, and successful gay witch. A heartbreaking, as well as heartwarming account of the role of witchcraft plays in the life of gay witch and author Carolina Dean, Secrets of a Sissy Boy shares some of his most powerful secrets for seducing straight men, controlling your lover, eliminating rivals, and when necessary how to remove a man's nature and MORE!
September 23 - Alabama
Jazz Alford, 30, a Black transgender woman, was found shot to death in Birmingham.
January 11 – National
Matthew Griffin publishes “Hide”
May 22 - Vermont
Amos Beede 38, a transgender man, succumbed to his injuries after he was attacked at a homeless encampment in Vermont. An investigation into the attack is ongoing.
February 18 – National
“Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health” Written by experienced clinicians and edited by Vanderbilt Program for LGBTI Health faculty, this book contains up-to-date expertise from physicians renowned for their work in LGBT health. This important text fills an informational void about the practical health needs of LGBT patients in both the primary care and specialty settings remains, and serves as a guide for LGBT preventive and specialty medicine that can be utilized within undergraduate medical education, residency training, and medical practice. Beginning with a short review of LGBT populations and health disparities, it largely focuses on the application and implementation of LGBT best practices within all realms of medical care. In addition, the book offers recommendations for the integration of LGBT health into systems-based practice by addressing intake forms and electronic health records, as well as evidence-based emerging concerns in LGBT health. This is a must-have volume for medical students, residents, and practicing physicians from all medical specialties.
June 9 - Illinois
The Target supermarket chain affirms that all transgender customers can use the restroom that aligns with their identity. In retaliation of this stand and bomb is detonated in a women’s bathroom in Chicago.
The conservative group, The National Center for Public Policy Research sent a delegation to the Target Board Meeting to challenge the company on their transgender friendly policies. Right wing conservatives promoted a national boycott on the company.
October 1 - Washington D.C.
Transgender service members can formally change gender identity within the military's personnel system.
Elijah Daniel
July 21 – North Carolina
The National Basketball Association announces that it will relocate its 2017 All-Star Game, and a week of events around it, that it had planned for Charlotte in February 2017. “While we recognize that the NBA cannot choose the law in every city, state, and country in which we do business,” the
league says in its statement, “we do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by HB2.”
March 8 - New York
Mitchell Pope died by suicide a year and a half after being the victim of a homophobic hate crime.
December 21 – National
"Who Are You?" This brightly illustrated children's book provides a straightforward introduction to gender for anyone aged 5+. It presents clear and direct language for understanding and talking about how we experience gender: our bodies, our expression and our identity. An interactive three- layered wheel included in the book is a simple, yet powerful, tool to clearly demonstrate the difference between our bodies, how we express ourselves through our clothes and hobbies, and our gender identity. Ideal for use in the classroom or at home, a short page-by-page guide for adults at the back of the book further explains the key concepts and identifies useful discussion points.
February 23 – National
"Journey to Same Sex Parenthood" Same-sex couples are faced with many different options when choosing to have children today. In Journey to Same-Sex Parenthood, author, activist and father Eric Rosswood guides and helps prospective LGBT parents to explore these five popular options: Adoption, Foster Care, Assisted Reproduction, Surrogacy and Co-Parenting. Each section includes a description of the specific family-building approach, followed by personal stories from same-sex couples and individuals who have chosen and gone through that particular journey. The appendix contains important legal issues to consider and questions to ask before deciding to move forward, along with a list of reasons why people may choose each of the five family-building paths and the challenges they may encounter.
November 13 - Washington D.C.
During an interview with Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes, Trump stated that he was fine with the Obergefell v. Hodges and stated it was irrelevant whether he supported same-sex marriage or not because the law was settled.
December 23 – National
"Queer Returns" Queer Returns returns us to the scene of multiculturalism, diaspora, and queer through the lens of Black expression, identity, and the political. The essays question what it means to live in a multicultural society, how diaspora impacts identity and culture, and how the categories of queer and Black and Black queer complicate the political claims of multiculturalism, diaspora, and queer politics. These essays return us to foundational assumptions, claims, and positions that require new questions without dogmatic answers.
June 16 - National
Ryan Beatty a musician uploaded an Instagram photo of a Gay Power balloon on his Instagram with the following caption: "proud to be a raging homosexual. it's taken 20 years of suffocating in the closet for me to become comfortable enough to say it, but now I can finally breathe. I did it!"
Noony Norwood
January 1 – National
“A Young Man’s Future” Two college students fall in love one year before graduation and have bright futures ahead until one of them develops schizophrenia.
January 1 – Kansas
“Capital City Equality Center” Capital City Equality Center is a safe and inclusive place that supports, educates, and empowers the LGBTQ community, our allies, and our neighbors.
January 1 – National
“GayGull” Gaygull is an online presence committed to informing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people of the laws, politics, events, and resources affecting our unique interests, and challenges as American citizens.
June 10 – National
“Blacktino Queer Performance” Staging an important new conversation between performers and critics, Blacktino Queer Performance approaches the interrelations of blackness and Latinidad through a stimulating mix of theory and art. The collection contains nine performance scripts by established and emerging black and Latina/o queer playwrights and performance artists, each accompanied by an interview and critical essay conducted or written by leading scholars of black, Latina/o, and queer expressive practices. As the volume's framing device, "blacktino" grounds the specificities of black and brown social and political relations while allowing the contributors to maintain the goals of queer-of-color critique. Whether interrogating constructions of Latino masculinity, theorizing the black queer male experience, or examining black lesbian relationships, the contributors present blacktino queer performance as an artistic, critical, political, and collaborative practice. These scripts, interviews, and essays not only accentuate the value of blacktino as a reading device; they radiate the possibilities for thinking through the concepts of blacktino, queer, and performance across several disciplines. Blacktino Queer Performance reveals the inevitable flirtations, frictions, and seductions that mark the contours of any ethnoracial love affair.
Brandi Bledsoe
April 26 – National
“Crimson Love: For Now and Forever”. Book 3 of 13. Brice Rutley was so ready to quit his job. He’d been working for Swain Motors for just over a year and he couldn’t take another day of homophobic torment from his co-worker Arlon Baines. Arlon never was so overt that others would notice, but he made sure that Brice never had a moments peace on the job. Brice just had to find the right job to move into and he would be free of this place. That all changed when his boss Lester Swain made an announcement that made his blood run cold. He would have to take part in a mandatory wilderness retreat with the rest of the staff. This was Brice’s idea of a nightmare. It seemed simple enough to get through the weekend and avoid his coworkers at all costs, but with a sudden turn of events, Brice finds his life threatened and he’s being hunted. Can he escape with his life or will his fear cost him everything?
Reecey Walker
May 9 – North Carolina
Governor McCrory and legislative leaders Berger and Moore file separate lawsuits against the Justice Department, seeking a ruling that HB2 does not discriminate against LGBT people—and therefore doesn't violate federal civil rights law. The Justice Department sues North Carolina, alleging that the law violates three specific federal civil rights laws, including Title IX. “This law provides no benefit to society,” says U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, a North Carolina native. “All it does is harm innocent Americans.”
Monica Loera
March 1 – National
“Fair Haven” A young man returns to his family farm, after a long stay in ex-gay conversion therapy, and is torn between the expectations of his emotionally distant father, and the memories of a past, loving relationship he has tried to bury.
Frankie Grande
Reince Priebus
Chief of Staff
March 28 – North Carolina
The ACLU of North Carolina leads a lawsuit against the state in federal court, alleging that HB2 violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment.
March 14 – National
Danny Boy a rapper, announced that he is gay. In an interview on Vlad TV and announced that he is working to prevent suicide within the gay and lesbian community.
November 7 - Virginia
Noony Norwood, a Black transgender woman who was shot near her home in Richmond, Virginia and died the next day. Police are looking for a man who may have been nearby at the time of the shooting.
July 23 – Mississippi
Dee Whigham, 23, a Black transgender woman, was killed on in St. Martin. Dee was a registered nurse at a hospital in Hattiesburg.
Stockton Powers
February 17 – National
“Lovesong” The relationship between two friends deepens during an impromptu road trip.
William Walters
February 5 – National
“4th Man Out” A car mechanic in a small, working class town comes out of the closet to his unsuspecting, blue-collar best friends.
June 1 – National
“Home Less”. For as long as I can remember, I've only had one goal: survival. It's what I know. There is no future beyond making it through another night and getting my hands on as much money as possible, by any means necessary. Pride and dignity are things I can't afford.
It's been the worst year yet—and not because I live on the streets. That's nothing compared to being separated from my little girl. But I do what I can, and I send any money I make for her care. I can only hope she remembers me. I'm past desperate, needing her to know how much I love her and that I've done everything in my power to make it back to her. The day I stepped off the bus in Seattle, I saw him. Adrian appeared at a time I most needed a helping hand, and his habit of rescuing strays became my salvation. He gave me hope. He taught me to dream about something I'd never dared to wish for. A home.
September 16 – National
“Just Juliet”. Lena Newman is 17, her best friend's a cheerleader, her boyfriend's a football player, and as far as everyone is concerned, her life is sorted. But that's before she befriends the new girl. Juliet is confident, slightly damaged, drop-dead gorgeous and a lesbian. Lena realizes that her interest goes beyond just friendship. She sets off on a path of self-discovery where the loyalty of those closest to her will be tested.
October 4 – National
“Gay Gotham” Uncovering the lost history of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender artists in New York City. Queer people have always flocked to New York seeking freedom, forging close-knit groups for support and inspiration. Gay Gotham brings to life the countercultural artistic communities that sprang up over the last hundred years, a creative class whose radical ideas would determine much of modern culture. More than 200 images—both works of art, such as paintings and photographs, as well as letters, snapshots, and ephemera—illuminate their personal bonds, scandal- provoking secrets at the time and many largely unknown to the public since. Starting with the bohemian era of the 1910s and 1920s, when the pansy craze drew voyeurs of all types to Greenwich Village and Harlem, the book winds through midcentury Broadway as well as Fire Island as it emerged as a hotbed, turns to the post-Stonewall, decade-long wild party that revolved around clubs like the Mineshaft and Studio 54, and continues all the way through the activist mobilization spurred by the AIDS crisis and the move toward acceptance at the century’s close.
January 1 – Michigan
“Trans Stellar Film Festival”. Trans Stellar Film Festival encourages diversity and queer agency in art by promoting the exhibition of films created by queer people. We seek films by queer filmmakers with a variety of content and form and provide a platform for their exhibition to the public and industry professionals.
March 17 – National
“Crimson Love: Trusting Fate”. Book 2 of 13. Alexander Stone has had it with all these loving couples. After Cullen found his chosen Ethan, Alexander was shocked to learn that a young member of the coven had also found his forever love. For Alexander, that was the straw that broke the camel's back, he would not be alone anymore. He began a search far and wide for the person who would be his chosen and his partner forever. Alexander had always assumed his chosen would be a woman. As the Master Vampire of the Crimson Coven, he needed to procreate and provide an heir, but when he learns shockingly that his chosen is in fact a man and working right under his nose he sets off to claim the heart of his beloved. When you're as much of a playboy as Alexander Stone, there's bound to be some bumps in the road and some psycho exes, but he is determined to succeed in claiming his Quinn, his forever love.
Mercedes Successful
Rae'Lynn Thomas
Trevor O'Brien
May 16 - Washington D.C.
Carter and the RAND Corporation commissioned a study and discovered that the cost of allowing transgender soldiers in the military is "very little with no significant impact on unit readiness."
June 12 - Florida
Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old security guard, killed 49 people and wounded 53 others in a hate crime inside Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, United States. He was shot and killed by Orlando Police Department (OPD) officers after a three-hour standoff. It was both the deadliest mass shooting by a single shooter and the deadliest incident of violence against LGBT people in United States history.
August 18 – National
“Bear City 3” After a continuing losing streak that started at the altar, Roger tries to claw out of financial ruin and into the arms of Tyler. But Jay, Ty's hunky Fire Chief partner is not letting that flame blaze. Meanwhile, fireworks explode when Fred's obsessive tinkering on their bear documentary conflicts with Brent's baby prep and the unwavering due date of their new born. Mama Bear Michael faces major challenges and finds that love comes in all colors, shapes and sizes. Join us as we take one final adventure into the woods with the Bear City gang, where romance can sometimes be hairy but ultimately worth every hilarious, sometimes painful and all-consuming moment.
October 28 – National
Frank Bruni a journalist, was awarded the Randy Shilts Award National by the Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association for his career-long contribution to LGBT Americans.
India Monroe
November 22 – National
“Raising the Transgender Child” Written by Dr. Michele Angello, a leading therapist and go-to expert in the field of transgender parenting, and Ali Bowman, bestselling writer and parent advocate, Raising the Transgender Child helps readers champion and celebrate gender diverse children while at the same time shedding fear, anger, sadness, and embarrassment. With specific and actionable advice—including coming-out letters, identity challenges, school and caregiver communications, and more —the guide provides a wealth of science-backed information alongside friendly and practical wisdom that is sure to comfort, guide, and inspire the family and friends of transgender and gender diverse children.
November 21 – National
“Solution Focused Brief Therapy” Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with the LGBT Community is a practical guide for mental health professionals who wish to increase their therapeutic skills and work more effectively with LGBT clients. This book shows how to help clients reach their goals in tangible, respectful ways by identifying and emphasizing the hope, resources, and strength already present within this population. Readers will increase their knowledge about the practical application of SFBT through case examples and transcripts, modified directly from the author’s work with the LGBT community, and by learning more about the miracle question, exceptions, scaling, compliments, coping, homework, and more.
January 1 – South Carolina
“TeaDance Gay & Lesbian Film Festival”. TeaDance Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will showcase feature, documentary and short films from all over the world that are made by, about or of interest to the lesbian, gay, bi, trans and questioning community. Taking place in Columbia, South Carolina, TeaDance will feature the best in LGBT cinema from all around the globe.
May 15 – Florida
Mercedes Successful, 32, a Black transgender woman from Haines City was fatally shot.
November 7 – National
“A Date For Mad Mary” A woman newly released from prison seeks a date to bring to her best friend's wedding.
December 23 – National
"Gay Moments: Sleepover Boy" Book 10 of 10. Jason wants to be a writer and he reckons he needs to draw on his own life experience for his stories. However, there are surprises along the way such as when he goes on sleepovers with supposedly straight boys. “After the TV snacks had been consumed and the latest DVDs watched it was up to the boy’s bedroom to bed down for the night. This usually led to them examining each other’s bodies – one straight friend of Jason’s, Bobby Bainbridge told him through giggles that it would help with his biology class.” Jason is delighted when he finally gets an invitation to go on a sleepover with a boy who is actually gay. This is Declan, a fellow student who, because of his incredible talent as a painter, is considered to be the school genius. However, when the big night finally arrives the situation is complicated by the arrival of the cutest pizza delivery boy on the planet.
Maya Young
Keyonna Blakeney
January 1 – Georgia
“Out on Film”. Trans Stellar Film Festival encourages diversity and queer agency in art by promoting the exhibition of films created by queer people. We seek films by queer filmmakers with a variety of content and form and provide a platform for their exhibition to the public and industry professionals.
January 1 – Ohio
“Full Spectrum Community Outreach Center” Full Spectrum Community Outreach Center was created with the focus of providing mental health services, support groups, community involvement, and eventually housing for the LGBT community to ensure their health and standing in the surrounding area.
January 1 – Kansas
"Wichita Phoenix” The mission of Wichita Phoenix is to be a support and resource to improve the mental health and well-being of members of the adult Transgender community through education, support, and advocacy.
June 29 – National
The Human Rights Campaign released a video in tribute to the victims of the Orlando gay nightclub shooting, in which Kevin McHale and other celebrities told the stories of the people killed there. Two years later he will come out on twitter.
January 22 – California
Jasmine Sierra, a Latina transgender woman from Bakersfield, was found dead. Her body showed signs of trauma, but a cause of death has yet to be determined and no suspects have been identified. She was 52.
September 8 – National
“The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle” The sweeping story of the struggle for gay and lesbian rights—based on amazing interviews with politicians, military figures, and members of the entire LGBT community who face these challenges every day: “This is the history of the gay and lesbian movement that we’ve been waiting for” (The Washington Post).The fight for gay and lesbian civil rights—the years of outrageous injustice, the early battles, the heart-breaking defeats, and the victories beyond the dreams of the gay rights pioneers—is the most important civil rights issue of the present day. In “the most comprehensive history to date of America’s gay-rights movement” (The Economist), Lillian Faderman tells this unfinished story through the dramatic accounts of passionate struggles with sweep, depth, and feeling.
May 13 – Washington D.C.
The Obama administration issues a landmark directive obligating public schools to treat transgender students in a way that matches their gender identity. Public schools must permit transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their chosen gender identity. The directive was issued amid a court fight between the federal government and North Carolina.
October 18 – National
"Suckless" The only lie told more often than "No, that looks totally cute on you" and "I got AIDS through oral" is "It gets better." Well, a lotta times it doesn’t. Sometimes it just sucks less. But I promise you: where there's a Willam, there's a way. But this isn't all about me (for once). It's about you and how you can SUCK LESS at a variety of things drag queens are so much better at than the average person. I've got clap backs and life hacks and tips on classing up a simple grab-and-run lifting spree to the much more dignified act of larceny. Super-important life stuff with my own special, secret fag- swag sauce. So welcome to Willam's School of Bitchcraft and Wiggotry. Class is in session.
April 16 – Maryland
Keyonna Blakeney, 22, a Black transgender woman from Montgomery County, Md., was killed. Police have not yet identified any suspects and have only said that she suffered "trauma to her upper body."
September 5 – National
Carleton Carpenter an active Bisexual actor released his memoir, “The Absolute Joy of Work”
April 6 - Utah
Lincoln Parkin was a 22-year-old man who grew up in Pleasant View and received an award in 2012 for reestablishing the gay-straight alliance at Weber High School after having a gay friend commit suicide. He attended Westminster College and had attempted suicide before having experienced significant depression for a decade but died by suicide.
September 29 – National
“Cupid Painted Blind”. Few things are more exciting and, frankly, unnerving than your first day of high school. Except, maybe, coming out to your friends when they already kind of knew you were gay. Or finding out that the breathtakingly handsome guy you’ve just met is best buddies with your archnemesis who happens to be a homophobic bully. Or being teamed up for a school assignment with that decidedly unattractive, facially-deformed, freaky-looking weirdo who hasn’t got a friend in the world. Or all of the above.
Matthew Dunstan, closeted freshman, future bestselling author, and frequently blushing teenager is on a quest to find himself, find love, and live happily ever after. Sounds easy enough, right? But when the opportunities for failure are endless, it doesn’t take much to turn your life upside down. And that’s not exactly what you need when you try to catch someone’s eye without attracting everyone’s attention. Cupid Painted Blind is a heartbreaking, heartwarming, and occasionally hilarious roller coaster ride through an awkward freshman’s first few weeks of high school that will appeal to readers of all ages who enjoy Young Adult LGBTQ fiction.
September 16 – National
"No Tea No Shade" The follow-up to the groundbreaking Black Queer Studies, the edited collection No Tea, No Shade brings together nineteen essays from the next generation of scholars, activists, and community leaders doing work on black gender and sexuality. Building on the foundations laid by the earlier volume, this collection's contributors speak new truths about the black queer experience while exemplifying the codification of black queer studies as a rigorous and important field of study. Topics include "raw" sex, pornography, the carceral state, gentrification, gender nonconformity, social media, the relationship between black feminist studies and black trans studies, the black queer experience throughout the black diaspora, and queer music, film, dance, and theater. The contributors both disprove naysayers who believed black queer studies to be a passing trend and respond to critiques of the field's early U.S. bias. Deferring to the past while pointing to the future, No Tea, No Shade pushes black queer studies in new and exciting directions.
July 29 - National
Jon Macy a cartoonist publishes “The Queer Heroes Coloring Book”
February 14 – National
Rayvon Owen a contestant on American Idol releases his video “Can’t Fight It” in which he kissed Shane Bitney Crone and used the video as his coming out song and announcement. Two years later Shane proposed to Rayyon.
March 23 - California
Quartney Davia Dawsonn-Yochum, 32, a transgender woman of color, was fatally shot outside her Los Angeles apartment complex in what appears to be a dispute with her former boyfriend.
October 21 – National
“1:54” Tim, a shy 16 years old athlete, is both brilliant and talented. But the pressure he undergoes pushes him to the edge, where human limits reach the point of no return.
July 26 – National
“Confessions” Ten gay men confess their secrets in the collection of short pieces, some funny, some shocking, some horrifying, all riveting.
May 8 – National
“The Pass” A romantic interaction between two young footballers profoundly affects one of them throughout the rest of his life and career.
August 5-21
A record number of gay athletes compete in the summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Human Rights Campaign estimates that there are at least 41 openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Olympians -- up from 23 that participated in London 2012 -- though Outsports.com puts that number much higher at 49.
Betsy DeVos
Education Secretary
July 15 – National
"I Promised Not to Tell" When you have a baby girl you envision many things for her life but becoming a boy is not one of them. This book will benefit anyone who would like to learn more about gender dysphoria and is an absolute must-read for a parent, relative or friend of a gender- questioning or transgender person.
What is unique about this deeply personal parenting memoir is that it follows one transgender child from birth through age eighteen. Every step of Evan's son's transition from female to male (FTM) is discussed in detail, including hormone replacement therapy and sex reassignment surgeries. You will hear from Jordan as he expresses his own thoughts on what being transgender means to him and follow along as he and his mother fight for transgender rights.
August 21 – National
Tyler Glenn a member of Neon Trees had been raised as a member of the Mormon church and
frustrations growing up knowing that he was gay. When the LDS Church announced that children of same-sex married couples could not be baptized until they are 18 and disavowed homosexual relationships. This announcement shocked Glenn. His 2016 solo album, "Excommunication", is about his experience with the LDS Church and his frustration with their policies.
Amos Beede
October 30 - Colorado
Trump accepts rainbow Pride flag at Colorado rally. Some immediately questioned his sincerity, while others applauded the move as a milestone for LGBT acceptance among Republicans.
State equality and discrimination bills
July 31 – National
“Stonewall” In 1969 being gay in the United States was a criminal offense. It meant living a closeted life or surviving on the fringes of society. People went to jail, lost jobs, and were disowned by their families for being gay. Most doctors considered homosexuality a mental illness. There were few safe havens. The Stonewall Inn, a Mafia-run, filthy, overpriced bar in New York City’s Greenwich Village, was one of them. Police raids on gay bars happened regularly in this era. But one hot June night, when cops pounded on the door of the Stonewall, almost nothing went as planned. Tensions were high. The crowd refused to go away. Anger and frustration boiled over. The raid became a riot. The riot became a catalyst. The catalyst triggered an explosive demand for gay rights.
Kate Brown
March 15 – National
“Queering the Countryside” Rural queer experience is often hidden or ignored, and presumed to be alienating, lacking, and incomplete without connections to a gay culture that exists in an urban elsewhere. Queering the Countryside offers the first comprehensive look at queer desires found in rural America from a genuinely multi-disciplinary perspective. This collection of original essays confronts the assumption that queer desires depend upon urban life for meaning. By considering rural queer life, the contributors challenge readers to explore queer experiences in ways that give greater context and texture to modern practices of identity formation. The book’s focus on understudied rural spaces throws into relief the overemphasis of urban locations and structures in the current political and theoretical work on queer sexualities and genders. Queering the Countryside highlights the need to rethink notions of “the closet” and “coming out” and the characterizations of non-urban sexualities and genders as “isolated” and in need of “outreach.” Contributors focus on a range of topics—some obvious, some delightfully unexpected—from the legacy of Matthew Shepard, to how heterosexuality is reproduced at the 4-H Club, to a look at sexual encounters at a truck stop, to a queer reading of The Wizard of Oz.
July 11 – National
"Introducing the New Sexuality Studies" Introducing the New Sexuality Studies is an innovative, reader-friendly anthology of original essays and interviews that introduces the field of sexuality studies to undergraduate students. Examining the social, cultural, and historical dimensions of sexualities, this anthology is designed to serve as a comprehensive textbook for sexualities and gender-related courses at the undergraduate level.
August 24 – National
“Love Beyond Body, Space & Time” Love Beyond Body, Space, and Time is a collection of indigenous science fiction and urban fantasy focusing on LGBT and two-spirit characters. These stories range from a transgender woman undergoing an experimental transition process to young lovers separated through decades and meeting in their own far future. These are stories of machines and magic, love and self-love.
Stories featured are by an all-star cast of writers including:
March 28 - Georgia
Gov. Nathan Deal vetoes House Bill 757, a controversial anti-LGBT so-called “religious freedom” bill that passed both chambers of the legislature and caused a national backlash.
Ernesto Lopez
Delaware Republican Senator
Elaine Chao
Transportation secretary
January 1 – Pennsylvania
“NEPA Rainbow Alliance” The NEPA Rainbow Alliance provides education, support, and advocacy for LGBTQA individuals and families while working to advance fairness and equality.
Eric Fanning
Secretary of the Army
May 17 - Washington D.C.
The Senate confirms Eric Fanning to be secretary of the Army, making him the first openly gay secretary of a US military branch. Fanning previously served as Defense Secretary Ash Carter's chief of staff, and also served as undersecretary of the Air Force and deputy undersecretary of the Navy.
June 24 – National
Dennis Cooper an author lost a decade of writing about human relationships and obsession that modern literature when Google deleted his blog and email accounts because they felt that he violated their policies with the subject matter of his writing. He went public with the destructive act and Google eventually gave him his data back.
January 12 – National
“Not Straight Not White” This compelling book recounts the history of black gay men from the 1950s to the 1990s, tracing how the major movements of the times—from civil rights to black power to gay liberation to AIDS activism—helped shape the cultural stigmas that surrounded race and homosexuality. In locating the rise of black gay identities in historical context, Kevin Mumford explores how activists, performers, and writers rebutted negative stereotypes and refused sexual objectification. Examining the lives of both famous and little-known black gay activists—from James Baldwin and Bayard Rustin to Joseph Beam and Brother Grant-Michael Fitzgerald—Mumford analyzes the ways in which movements for social change both inspired and marginalized black gay men. Drawing on an extensive archive of newspapers, pornography, and film, as well as government documents, organizational records, and personal papers, Mumford sheds new light on four volatile decades in the protracted battle of black gay men for affirmation and empowerment in the face of pervasive racism and homophobia.
Jasmine Sierra
October 22 – Oregon
“Being 17” Damien lives with his mother Marianne, a doctor, while his father is on a tour of duty abroad. He is bullied by Thomas, whose mother is ill. The boys find themselves living together when Marianne invites Thomas to come and stay with them.
Quartney Davia Dawsonn-Yochum
November 8 - Oregon
Kate Brown became the United States' first openly LGBT person elected Governor. Kate Brown is a bisexual woman and has come out as a sexual assault survivor. She assumed office in 2015 due to a resignation. During her tenure as Governor before her election, she signed legislation to ban conversion therapy on minors.
February 24 – National
“Crimson Love: Vampire Coven”. Book 1 of 13. Cullen Volakis is the second and head of security for the Crimson Vampire Coven. He’s a bastard on a good day and your worst nightmare if you dare cross him. Nothing can crack the calm, steely composure of this lethal Vampire until he cuts through the kitchen of the Coven owned club, The Crimson Clover, and finds his Chosen, the love of his life, bent over a sink washing glasses. He has to formulate a plan, meet on equal terms, but he will not stop until he has his chosen. A Crimson Vampire hasn’t found their chosen in over eighty years and Cullen isn’t going to let the stunningly beautiful kitchen help get away.
July 28 – Delaware
Delawarean Sarah McBride is the first openly transgender person ever to address an American political party convention when she spoke to the DNC.
Deeniquia Dodds
July 27 – National
“Something Like Rain”. Nice guys finish last, but that doesn’t mean they give up the fight. Sometimes it’s necessary to keep trudging through the rain in the hopes of finding a break in the clouds. William Townson is a good person. He’s kind, considerate, and the last thing he ever wanted was to hurt anyone. Accidents happen though, and when they do, all that can be done is to pick up the pieces. For William, this means trying to hold together a stagnant relationship while resisting the temptation of Jason Grant, a young man with eyes just as intense as his love. Only the future can promise redemption for mistakes of the past, forcing William to choose between the Coast Guard and the needs of his heart. Can he find his way through the downpour to somewhere warm and dry?
March 29 – North Carolina
Attorney General Roy Cooper, is calling the new law that segregates bathrooms “a national embarrassment,” and says that his office will not defend the state against the ACLU suit.
October 21 – National
"Moonlight" becomes the first film representing LGBT issues to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.
December 31 – National
Eighty-seven of Victory Fund’s 135 endorsed candidates win their elections, including Kate Brown, who becomes the nation’s first openly LGBTQ governor. Victory Fund endorsed candidate Carlos Guillermo Smith became the first openly LGBTQ Latino elected to the Florida state legislature, and voters reelected all six openly LGBTQ members of Congress despite a tough night for House Democrats. Governor Kate Brown with Victory Fund President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills during get out the vote efforts several nights before the election.
September 30 - Utah
Jason Christensen, who is running for Utah State Senate, trolled mourners of 19-year-old Braxton David Taylor who died on Monday. He wrote on Facebook: ‘Yes, this is sad and hopefully God will have mercy on both sins that this boy committed. The sins of homosexuality and the sins of murder.’ People in Utah continue to call for his political career to come to an end.
May 4 – North Carolina
The U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division tells Governor McCrory that the state bill HB2 violates federal civil rights law and asks him to respond by May 9. McCrory and other state officials accuse the Justice Department of overreach.
April 8 – Delaware
In response to some states' anti-transgender actions masquerading as religious freedom, Gov. Jack Markell records a video with the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). In it he denounces anti-trans misinformation and scare tactics and calls for full equality and respect for transgender Americans.
February 12 - Utah
Harry Fisher was a 28-year-old BYU history student and had come out on Facebook about two months before his death. He reported hearing anti-gay rhetoric from individuals around him and leaving church meetings to cry in his car.
April 5 – National
“The Gender Creative Child” In this up-to-date, comprehensive resource, Dr. Ehrensaft explains the interconnected effects of biology, nurture, and culture to explore why gender can be fluid, rather than binary. As an advocate for the gender affirmative model and with the expertise she has gained over three decades of pioneering work with children and families, she encourages caregivers to listen to each child, learn their particular needs, and support their quest for a true gender self.
Lincoln Parkin
August 8 - Ohio
Rae’Lynn Thomas, 28, a transgender woman from Columbus was brutally murdered. Thomas’s family reports witnessing her death at the hands of James Allen Byrd, an ex-boyfriend of Thomas’s mother who lived in the family home.
October 9 - Ohio
Brandi Bledsoe, 32, was found dead in Cleveland. Bledsoe was an artist and worked at Home Depot. Authorities believe her death was likely the result of foul play.
June 1 – National
"Pink is for Boys" Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! This timely and beautiful picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. Featuring a diverse group of relatable characters, Pink Is for Boys invites and encourages girls and boys to enjoy what they love to do, whether it's racing cars and playing baseball, or loving unicorns and dressing up. Vibrant illustrations help children learn and identify the myriad colors that surround them every day, from the orange of a Popsicle, to the green of a grassy field, all the way up to the wonder of a multicolored rainbow.
Jazz Alford
October 18 – National
“First Girl I Loved” Seventeen-year-old Anne just fell in love with Sasha, the most popular girl at her LA public high school. But when Anne tells her best friend Clifton - who has always harbored a secret crush - he does his best to get in the way.
April 30 – National
“Fenway Guide to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health” This new 2nd edition of The Fenway Guide to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health, reflects clinical and social changes since the publication of the first edition. Written by leading experts in the field of LGBT health in conjunction with The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health, one of the most trusted and respected community-based research, education, and care centers, this edition continues to present the important issues facing patients and practitioners, including: Principles for taking an LGBT- inclusive health history Caring for LGBTQ youth, families, and older adults Behavioral Health Care: coming out, intimate partner violence, drug, alcohol, and tobacco use Understanding health care needs of transgender people Development of gender identity in children and adolescents Sexual health and HIV prevention Policy and legal issues The Fenway Guide to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health, 2nd edition is a must-have resource for clinicians, students, and researchers working in hospitals, clinics, universities, libraries, and private practices in every community.
July 13 – Washington D.C.
Deeniquia Dodds, 22, a transgender woman, was critically shot. She passed away after 10 days on life support.
January 1 – Montana
“Montana Family Center” The Montana Family Center offers direct services to families and individuals who fit into the LGBTIQ spectrum including community education, support at PRIDE events, and our podcasts exploring the diverse families around the state of Montana.
Nikki Haley
United Nations
May 19 – Delaware
Sen. Karen Peterson introduces S.B. 190 to add one sentence to the Delaware Constitution: "Equal protection under the law shall not be denied or abridged because of race, sex, age, religion, creed, color, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin." The Delaware Constitution currently does not have an equal protection clause at all.
August 26 – North Carolina
U.S. District Judge Thomas Schroeder rules in favor of several plaintiffs, including a transgender man and student at UNC Chapel Hill, who had asked the court for an injunction barring the enforcement of HB2 in the UNC system pending the resolution of the Justice Department's case against the state. Schroeder, a George W. Bush appointee, notes in his ruling that the courts will
likely find HB2 in violation of the Civil Rights Act.
September 8 – National
“Queer: A Graphic History” Activist-academic Meg-John Barker and cartoonist Julia Scheele illuminate the histories of queer thought and LGBTQ+ action in this groundbreaking non-fiction graphic novel. From identity politics and gender roles to privilege and exclusion, Queer explores how we came to view sex, gender and sexuality in the ways that we do; how these ideas get tangled up with our culture and our understanding of biology, psychology and sexology; and how these views have been disputed and challenged. Along the way we look at key landmarks which shift our perspective of what’s ‘normal’ – Alfred Kinsey’s view of sexuality as a spectrum, Judith Butler’s view of gendered behavior as a performance, the play Wicked, or moments in Casino Royale when we’re invited to view James Bond with the kind of desiring gaze usually directed at female bodies in mainstream media. Presented in a brilliantly engaging and witty style, this is a unique portrait of the universe of queer thinking.
October 22 – Oregon
Oregon State University is a state college in Corvallis, Oregon. Home to the Beavers, the university prides itself on its impressive influence in scientific discoveries, research, and the diversity of its students. Cory Zimmerman, the first President of the Colony, formed an interested group of men in the fall of 2015 who continued to form connections and build their numbers. At the end of spring 2016, they submitted their colonization petition to the International Organization and on June 26th, 2016, their petition was accepted.
September 25 – National
“The ABC’s of LGBT+” Understanding gender identity and sexual identity: The 21st Century has seen very positive movement for LGBT+ rights. In the last few years the overturning of DOMA, the SCOTUS ruling in favor of the Marriage Equality Act, American transgender politicians elected to office, and landmark moments such as Apple becoming the most valuable company in the world under the leadership of an openly gay CEO have advanced LGBT awareness and understanding. In a world full of LGBT questions, Mardell’s The ABC’s of LGBT+ has the answers. The trusted voice of Ashley Mardell: We are living in a post-binary world where gender fluency and awareness of gender identity and a real understanding of our LGBT family is essential. Ashley Mardell, one of the most trusted voices on YouTube, presents a detailed look at all things LGBT+ in this remarkable book. Along with in-depth definitions, personal anecdotes, helpful infographics, resources, and more; Mardell’s LGBT book is proof it does get better every day in a world where people are empowered by information and understanding. In Mardell’s own words, "This book is also for allies and LGBT+ people simply looking to pack in some extra knowledge… a critical part of acceptance. Learning about new identities broadens our understanding of humanity, heightens our empathy, and allows us different, valuable perspectives.”
December 29 - California
William Walters San Diego, California, commits suicide
August 2 – National
Lucian Wintrich is journalist and pro-trump gay that organized the “Twinks4trump” photojournalism campaign.
May 10– National
John Corey Whaley a gay writer publishes “Highly Illogical Behavior”. Sixteen-year-old Solomon Reed is agoraphobic. He hasn't left the house in three years, two months, and one day, which is fine by him. Seventeen-year-old Lisa Praytor has her sights set on the second-best psychology program In the country. Determined to "fix" Sol, Lisa steps into his world, along with her charming boyfriend, Clark, and soon enough the three form an unexpected bond. But, as Lisa learns more about Sol and he and Clark grow closer and closer, the walls they've built around themselves start to collapse and
their friendships threaten to do the same.
February 4 – National
“Hidden Kisses” Nathan, 16, lives alone with his father Stephane. A newcomer in high school, he is invited to a party and falls in love with Louis, a boy in his class. They find themselves out of sight and kiss each other, but someone takes a picture of them. Soon, the photo is published on Facebook and a storm overtakes their lives as they face bullying and rejection.
September 11 – Illinois
T.T., 26, a Black transgender woman who was found murdered in Chicago’s Garfield Park.
Erykah Tijerina
July 1 – National
Chris Colfer an actor and writer lands a role in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie. Thus far his career has taken many different turns as he progresses through his career.
September 23 - Utah
Braxton David Taylor commits suicide in Utah related to the pressures of being gay in the Mormon church.
December 21 - Virginia
India Monroe, 29, was shot to death in a Newport home. Her body was found alongside that of a man, and law enforcement investigated the deaths as a domestic crime, identifying Monroe by the wrong name and gender.
February 4 - Arizona
Kayden Clarke, 24, a transgender man was shot and killed by police responding to a call about suicidal behavior.
July 12 – National
David Michael Barrett an award-winning screenwriter and film producer releases “Forbidden: Undocumented and Queer in Rural America” The documentary, tells the story of Moises Serrano, an undocumented and queer young man who grew up in rural North Carolina.
January 20 – National
Elijah Daniel a writer and rapper published the book “Trump Temptations: The Billionaire & The Bellboy”. Daniel Tweeted that he was going to get drunk and write an erotic novel starring Donald Trump. He wrote the work as a parody of Fifty Shades of Grey. Within four hours, he had released the erotic novel.
Trump Temptations became the number one best seller on Amazon.com in three categories:
humorous erotica, LGBT erotica, and gay erotica. Cosmopolitan called the book a literary success.
Daniel's book attracted 900,000 readers on the Wattpad website.
January 1 – Tennessee
“Tennessee Vals” The Tennessee Vals helps educate and support those dealing with personal issues and concerns related to sexual identity and/or gender identity, both by those defined as transgender and those in relationships with transgender persons.
May 14 – National
“Shared Rooms” A new romantic comedy feature film that brings together three interrelated tales of gay men seeking family, love and sex during the holiday season.
September 14 – North Carolina
The Atlantic Coast Conference announces the relocation of its planned championship events in North Carolina because of that state discrimination bill HB2, including conference basketball tournament games from their traditional venue in Greensboro and the conference football championship game, held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte since 2010.
September 7 - Oregon
Michael Phillips was attacked after leaving his job at a gay bar in Portland Oregon. He and his husband say they have been targeted for their orientation multiple times.
November 1 – National
"Foot Love" A short love story of a gay foot slave and his master.
June 13 - National
Angel Vivaldi a guitar player performs a 6-hour live street concert to raise money for the victims and
families that were affected by the Orlando based Pulse Nightclub.
December 21 – North Carolina
At 9 a.m., the City Council holds an emergency meeting to repeal all of the nondiscrimination ordinance changes from February, including those that do not involve gay and transgender people, after legislative leaders suggest the HB2 repeal is in jeopardy. The new council action also removes the provision that would reinstate the ordinance changes if the General Assembly fails to repeal HB2. The General Assembly gavels in its fifth special session of the year later in the morning—but ultimately fails to repeal the law. Observes Senator Floyd McKissick, a Durham Democrat: “We’re worse off now than we were when we arrived.”
October 31 - National
Springate, Megan E. (Ed.). publishes “LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History”.
March 1 – National
“Stand by Me: The Forgotten History of Gay Liberation” Despite the tremendous gains of the LGBT movement in recent years, the history of gay life in this country remains poorly understood. According to conventional wisdom, gay liberation started with the Stonewall Riots in Greenwich Village in 1969. The 1970s represented a moment of triumph--both political and sexual--before the AIDS crisis in the subsequent decade, which, in the view of many, exposed the problems inherent in the so-called "gay lifestyle".In Stand by Me, the acclaimed historian Jim Downs rewrites the history of gay life in the 1970s, arguing that the decade was about much more than sex and marching in the streets. Drawing on a vast trove of untapped records at LGBT community centers in Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia, Downs tells moving, revelatory stories of gay people who stood together--as friends, fellow believers, and colleagues--to create a sense of community among people who felt alienated from mainstream American life.
July 10 – National
"Gay Moments: My Gay Roomie" Book 7 of 10. Young Scott is rather apprehensive as he prepares to attend university and take up residence in Macquarie Residential College. He wonders what it will be like having a roomie. As an only child Scott has been used to having a room of his own.
Of course he’s read a lot of gay stories on the net. He realizes that erotic tales about gay roomies are particularly popular but how realistic are they? It doesn’t seem to matter if one of the boys is straight and the other gay, both gay or indeed both straight jocks, you can invariably count on them fucking each other by the end of the story.When the rugged roomie finally arrives, Scott has just finished having sex in the room with a cute boy from down the hall. The roomie doesn’t take this kindly and Scott wonders if he’ll be sharing with a homophobe.
March 23 – Delaware
Delaware becomes the 15th state plus D.C. to ban insurance companies from limiting or excluding health care coverage for transgender people. It is done by a bulletin from the Delaware insurance commissioner interpreting the Gender Identity Nondiscrimination Act of 2013.
June 16 - National
Jon Macy a cartoonist publishes “ALPHABET the LGBTQAIU creators from Prism Comics”
- Cherie Dimaline (The Girl Who Grew a Galaxy, Red Rooms)
Gwen Benaway (Ceremonies for the Dead)
David Robertson (Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story, Tales From Big Spirit)
Richard Van Camp (The Lesser Blessed, Three Feathers)
Nathan Adler (Wrist)
Daniel Heath Justice (The Way of Thorn and Thunder: The Kynship Chronicles)
Darcie Little Badger (Nkásht íí, The Sea Under Texas)Cleo Keahna
June 21 – National
“Retake” A lonely, middle-aged man hires a male prostitute to recreate a road trip from his past.
August 22 – National
“My Bare-Naked Heart”. John Branson is a college freshman with a big secret: he likes girls, but he also likes guys – and he is surrounded by them at the preppy, all-male college he attends in Vermont. It is the 1950s, a time when gay sex was illegal throughout the US and grounds for expulsion from colleges like his. Against that backdrop, John struggles with the desires that drum inside his head with a deafening roar. Those desires are manifest in his complicated feelings of affection towards his roommate and best friend, Daniel. John also has his eyes on Dusty, a golden boy from California who is a senior and the dorm’s resident advisor. It is a tumultuous year for John and his buddies as they learn about friendship, sexual awakening, and falling in love during a time of hate.
November 10 – National
“Crimson Love: The Crimson Omega”. Book 7 of 13. Perry Kirk has not had an easy life. He’s an Omega Wolf on the cusp of maturity, and he’s trapped in servitude to Joan Clinesmith. When Clinesmith dies, and the spell confining her prisoners at the estate is lifted, he finds himself in even more danger than he lived in before. He is kidnapped by a man he thought was his friend who wants to sell him to the highest bidder. Wolf Packs will pay top dollar for a young Omega, renowned for their good luck and sexual powers. Perry is terrified, and he knows that his life hangs in the balance. He was sold by his uncle to Clinesmith, and now he is on the verge of being sold again. Perry has no close friends and no family. No one is looking for him, and in his mind all is lost…. or so he thinks. Fate is not as cruel as she seems.
February 10 – National
Frankie Grande participated in a 2016 fire prevention public service announcement called 2steps2minutes and the annual Broadway Bares show to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Frankie has devoted the majority of his time building performing arts schools in South Arica
through buildOn.
June 24 - New York
President Barack Obama announces the designation of the first national monument to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights. The Stonewall National Monument will encompass Christopher Park, the Stonewall Inn and the surrounding streets and sidewalks that were the sites of the 1969 Stonewall uprising.
President Obama dedicated the new Stonewall National Monument in Greenwich Village, Lower Manhattan, as the first U.S. National Monument to honor the LGBT rights movement.
The Stonewall Inn at 53 Christopher Street in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, a designated U.S. National Historic Landmark and National Monument, as the site of the 1969 Stonewall Riots.
June 14 – Delaware
Republican Senator Ernesto Lopez refuses to cross over the aisle and vote for the equal protection clause, saying in effect Delaware already has enough equality. The bill is tabled. For context, the Orlando massacre occurred two days earlier on June 12, and many victims were Puerto Rican. Sen. Lopez is also a native Puerto Rican. All Democratic senators are co-sponsors.
November 30 – Washington D.C.
President-elect Donald Trump nominates his Cabinet full of anti-LGBT members. Of all his Cabinet and Cabinet-level picks not one has a history of standing up for LGBT rights.
Harry Fisher
March 9 - Wyoming
Trevor O'Brien commits suicide as a result of constant bullying for being gay in Wyoming.
September 1 – National
“The Falls Covenant of Grace” This third and final film of the Falls trilogy revisits former Mormon missionaries Chris and RJ, six years after they first fell in love and were disciplined for it, as they formulate a plan to be together at long last.
January 22 – Texas
Monica Loera, 43, a Latina transgender woman from North Austin, Texas, was fatally shot January 22, following an argument outside her home. A suspect, Jon Casey Rowell, has been arrested and charged with first degree murder.
Kedarie Johnson
July 26 – National
“Women Who Kill” Commitment phobic Morgan and her ex-girlfriend Jean, locally famous true crime podcasters, suspect Morgan's new love interest is a murderer.
April 21 – Washington D.C.
Trump opposes North Carolina transgender law but defends state’s right to enact it. Trump comes out against North Carolina’s HB2.
Mitchell Pope
December 30 - Georgia
Katelyn Nicole, age 12, from Cedartown, hanged herself from a tree in her front yard while live streaming the event to Live.me.
November 10 – National
“Center of My World” After a summer spent with his best friend Kat to escape his family, Phil goes back to school and starts to question his feelings towards Nicholas, a new classmate.
June 6 – National
“Crimson Love: My Vampire Lover”. Book 4 of 13. Kegan George is jealous that everyone seems to be finding their chosen, but him. Every eighty years or so Covens go through a cycle, and Chosens come out of the woodwork. Kegan is determined that this time fate will not pass him by, he will be ready for his chosen. Cullen Volakis placed Kegan in charge of securing a parcel of land on the edge of the Crimson Plantation that belonged to an elderly woman named Eleanor Stevens but was now passing to an unknown heir from out of state. The Crimson Coven could not have strangers on its borders. After two of Kegan’s men get too heavy handed and create a feud with the new owner, Kegan must take it upon himself to smooth things over and secure the land. When he knocks on the door of the stately Victorian and meets the man face to face, he is floored to find his chosen, his forever love.
June 30 - Washington D.C.
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announces that the Pentagon is lifting the ban on transgender people serving openly in the US military. The decision removes one of the last remaining barriers to LGBT participation in the armed forces.
Mike Pompeo
CIA Director
January 1 – South Carolina
During its winter meeting in Charleston, South Carolina, the Republican National Committee issues a memo that “calls on the Department of Education to rescind its interpretation of Title IX that wrongly includes facility use issues by transgender students”; “encourages state legislatures to recognize that these Obama gender identity policies are a federal governmental overreach”; and “encourages state legislatures to enact laws that protect student privacy and limit the use of restrooms, locker rooms and similar facilities to members of the sex to whom the facility is designated.”
June 5 - Louisiana
Goddess Diamond, 20, of New Orleans, was found dead of blunt force trauma in a burned car.
January 1 – Missouri
“The Sovereign Imperial Court of the Show Me State Empire”. is a community organization that holds civic duty and citizenship in high regard. We believe every resident and visitor plays a vital role in the health, diversity, and well-being of our community and State. Our goal and mission, since inception, is to bring neighbors together to solve problems and build a brighter future
March 7 – Washington D.C.
U.S. Supreme Court unanimously reverses an Alabama Supreme Court decision refusing to recognize a lesbian mother, and her prior adoption of her three children in Georgia
October 6 – National
“Jonathan” A young man learns that his dying father was once deeply in love with a man.
September 13 – National
“Crimson Love: The Crimson Sorcerer”. Book 6 of 13. The Coven is in turmoil. Three casters escaped from their cells and have cursed Master Stone’s chosen and their unborn child. They killed an unsuspecting soldier before they were dispatched by Master Stone and his right-hand man Cullen Volakis. The Coven now must figure out how to break the curse before it takes the life of the unborn heir to the Crimson Coven. Tobias Yates has spent the last twenty years serving on the Vampire Council but has returned home to find his beloved coven shaken to its core. Cullen finds a solution to their problems. A Sorcerer of great power can break the curse, but only for a price. Tobias, a man who hates anyone and anything practicing magic must now act as bodyguard for this mystical man. Tobias’s parents were murdered by a witch, and he has spent his life making every caster he can find pay for her crimes. The Sorcerer he must now guard is more than meets the eye and Tobias finds himself yearning for the slender young man. Could this be his chosen? Can he make a life with this man or will his prejudice destroy everything before it can even begin?
Montana Family Center
July 8 – Washington D.C.
EEOC files a lawsuit on behalf of transgendered. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
October 21 – National
“King Cobra” Veteran gay pornography producer Stephen battles two rival producers over the rights to his underage porn star creation, Brent Corrigan, with deadly results.
July 14 – Washington D.C.
GOP presents a platform that opposes LGBT rights. “Issues like privacy in the bathroom and attacks on conversion therapy are really kind of contemporary issues where we’re seeing the gay community being intolerant of people’s differing views,” said James Bopp, a conservative delegate from Indiana.
August 31 – National
USDA developed a one-hour training on LGBT Nondiscrimination mandatory for all USDA employees.
May 1 – Kansas
Reecey Walker, 32, a Black transgender woman from Wichita was fatally stabbed.
January 1 – National
“Before Sunrise”. Just Before Sunrise, as the fog lifts from the pool, the light reveals the tapered backs of male swimmers in Speedos concluding their morning workout. Nicky O'Hare, a promising freshman recruited to the Tampa Bay University swim team, shows promise both in and out of the pool. The lean Irish kid with the 'boy-next-door' good looks from Brandy, South Dakota, is likely the most talented swimmer on the team. Ready to experience all that college life has to offer, Nicky has even put finding a boyfriend on his wish list. Coach Phillip Silva, a former Olympic swimmer with a once-impressive swimming career, has recruited Nicky as part of his mission to rebuild the University's failing swim program. Focused on the upcoming season, Phillip's real challenge will be keeping his secrets and demons submerged below the surface. All seems well until one night when Nicky and Phillip end up at the same Fourth of July celebration. With fireworks in the sky, the hot and humid night reveals the attraction between the two. But can these boundaries be crossed? Suddenly forced to reevaluate his life, Phillip is met with the moral dilemma of discovering true love with the University's rising star. Before Sunrise presents a story of friendships, love, complicated relationships, and deception, woven into a hard-earned happily-ever-after. Bryan T. Clark, author of Ancient House of Cards, has again masterfully crafted a romance where the fine line between right and wrong must be resolved for love to survive.
January 1 – Kansas
“Project Q&A” Project Q&A is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) organization in Montgomery County, Kansas. The mission of Project Q&A is to raise awareness for the LGBTQ community through education, empowerment, and visibility. Through social gatherings twice a month, and attending and hosting community events, Project Q&A creates a connection between area LGBTQ members and their allies. Project Q&A raises awareness for the needs of LGBTQ individuals living and working in Southeast Kansas.
Mike Flynn
National Security Adviser
August 10 – National
"Gay Moments: The Pool Boy" Book 9 of 10. After some sexual adventures with Chi, a Chinese fellow-student, Tyler finds himself becoming obsessed with the beautiful but elusive pool boy who has been employed by the obscenely rich couple who live next door. “From what I could see through my binoculars the pool boy had a beautiful pair of balls. They were full and tight and appeared to be shaved. They were also generous in size although not to a gross extent.” Through his observations via a gap in the fence young Tyler realizes that Kyle, the pool boy, is servicing Dr Brett Blake and Melissa his wife along with their Olympic-sized swimming pool. Tyler decides to make a film about the pool boy and reminds himself that often truth can be stranger than fiction. The movie is a life- changing event for all concerned.
August 1 – National
“Crimson Love: The Vampire Code”. Book 5 of 13. Benjamin Franklin Johnston is still reeling from the loss of his job and wondering what to do with his life when he shows up on the doorstep of his best friend Chris Hawthorne’s newly inherited Victorian mansion in Crimson, Virginia. He’s come to help Chris settle in and ends up getting much more than he bargained for. He finds himself in the middle of a supernatural battle and in the arms of a man named Raul, a security man for the Crimson Corporation. The very Corporation that bought out his employer and handed him a pink slip, essentially ruining his professional life. Ben doesn’t forgive easily and holds a grudge longer than anyone, but something about Raul has his defenses faltering. There is something different about Crimson, Virginia and there is something different about Raul that has Ben craving more. Can Ben let his anger go and give Raul a chance? Or will suspicions and mystical forces be the end of them?
December 31 – National
Brian Justin Crum best known for competing on America’s Got Talent came out when he was in elementary school and was bullied by his classmates. His mother worked very hard to help him find the confidence that he needed to do what he loves. Sing. His songs have reached the top ten on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart and peaked at #33 on the magazine's Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
April 15 – National
Sam Tsui a musician, posted a "coming in and out" video on his YouTube channel in which he announced that he is in a long-term relationship with fellow musician and collaborator Casey Breves. With almost 3 million subscribers the news hit the mainstream very quickly.
November 11 – National
“Lazy Eye” Passions re-ignite, and secrets revealed when a graphic designer reconnects with the great, lost love of his life for a weekend tryst at a house in the desert near Joshua Tree.
March 21 – Rhode Island
With its School Committee’s unanimous approval, Cumberland becomes the first public school district in Rhode Island to have a formal policy protecting transgender students.
April 5 – North Carolina
The international financial company PayPal cancels its plans for a 400-job, $36 million operations center in Charlotte because of the state bills that legalize discrimination.
September 16 - Maryland
Crystal Edmonds, 32, a Black transgender woman, died after being fatally shot.
April 8 – North Carolina
Bruce Springsteen cancels his April 10 concert in Greensboro because of state bill HB2. “Some things are more important than a rock show," he writes on his website, “and this fight against prejudice and bigotry, which is happening as I write, is one of them.”
Jeff Sessions
Attorney general
July 23 – National
“Looking” Patrick returns to San Francisco in search of closure and resolution regarding his relationships with Richie and Kevin.
March 11 – National
“Wonder Boy”. Above and beyond everything else in life, Devon Bredmire likes to run. It is his one great escape from a world that doesn't always look kindly on gay teenagers; a world that can oftentimes be downright dangerous. But as he enters into high school, he quickly learns that trying to fly quietly under the gay radar, and having unbridled speed out on the running track, make for a conflicted pairing. The super jocks of the school take notice of Devon's amazing talent and dub him a 'phenom'. He is immediately adopted into a popular circle of some of the hottest athletes he'd ever laid eyes on - the kind of guys that could snap him like a twig for staring at their ripped bodies for a second too long - guys that should be avoided at all costs. And yet, the kind of guys that love you like a brother when you win races for the team.. (
February 21 – Pennsylvania
Maya Young, 25, a Black transgender woman from Frankford, was fatally stabbed. A female suspect has been arrested and more arrests are expected.
April 19 – Virginia
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, which has jurisdiction over North Carolina, rules in favor of Gavin Grimm, the transgender teenager in Virginia. In a 2-1 ruling that sent the case back to U.S. District Court, the appeals court says the Virginia school district's refusal to allow the boy to use the restroom that corresponds to his gender identity violates Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination by schools that receive federal funding.
Crystal Edmonds
Catalogued archive material by subject:
November 24 – National
“Borrowing Blue”. Blue: When my ex walks into the resort bar with his new husband on his arm, I want nothing more than to prove to him that I’ve moved on. Thankfully, the sexy stranger sitting next to me is more than willing to share a few kisses in the name of revenge. It gets even better when those scorching kisses turn into a night of fiery passion. The only problem? Turns out the stranger's brother is marrying my sister later this week. Tristan: I have one rule: no messing with the guests at my vineyard resort. Of course the one exception I make turns out to be the brother of the woman my brother’s about to marry. Now we’re stuck together for a week of wedding activities, and there’s no avoiding the heat burning between us. So fine, we make a deal: one week. One week to enjoy each other’s bodies and get it out of our system. Once the bride and groom say I do and we become family, it’ll all be over between us. Right?
Shante Thompson
January 1 – National
“Let Me Catch You”. Some paths in life lead us to take a leap of faith. Self-conscious, Inver Murray has come home to Clifton to bury the father he barely knew. Staying with his father’s former boss, Stephen Davis, provides a distraction from his mess of a life, and a face that continues to haunt him. Soon though, awkward interactions with Stephen, and strange happenings in the night, begin to rattle Inver who is unaware his handsome host intends to make him pay for the sins of his father. It’s 1995 and cocky womanizer Stephen has returned to the family farm to inherit a responsibility that was never meant to be his. Feeling bored and trapped he develops an unlikely friendship with social outcast Shaun Munro. As lines between mates are crossed, Stephen begins to question what he stands for. The true spirit of their friendship betrays those around them, leading to severe consequences in a town rife with secrets, and forces Stephen to choose which path in life to take.
September 12 – North Carolina
The National Collegiate Athletic Association announces that it's moving seven planned championships in 2016-17—four in Cary, two in Greensboro, one in Greenville—to other states because of HB2. “The NCAA Board of Governors made this decision because of the cumulative actions taken by the state concerning civil rights protections,” the organization says. This action prompts one of the stupidest press releases in human history.
December 19 – National
“Crimson Love: The Crimson Alpha”. Book 8 of 13. Felix Howard has been on a long journey back from the brink of exile. After the attack on Cullen Volakis’ chosen Ethan, Felix has been on the outside of Coven society. He had been an unwilling participant in the matter and that is the only reason he still breathes today. After months of struggle, trying to win his way back to respect, he now finds himself on death’s door. He did everything in his power to protect Perry Kirk from the Jackal that had infiltrated the Crimson Coven. He knew he would die, but he was determined to give honor to his service of the Coven. As he clings to life, his only hope lies with a wolf pack two states away. Can the wolf antidote pull Felix back to health? What other surprises await when wolves and vampires meet, evenly matched on common ground. Will there be peace or will centuries old prejudices keep Felix from recovering and keep him from his predestined love?
LGBTQ Political Action, Events, and News for 2016
June 27 - Utah
Stockton Powers, 17-year-old passed away from suicide. He reported in 2015 that many church members had stopped talking to him after he came out and excluded him from events, with even some mothers in his congregation stating they would not allow their sons to go to Scout camp if Stockton went.
August 4 – National
"Gay Moments: The Rent Boy" Book 8 of 10. Young Timothy is devastated when he is given the sack from the Silver Dollar Restaurant where he has been happily working as a waiter. How will he pay his rent? If he can’t come up with the money he faces a grim choice – give Marty his repulsive landlord sexual favours or be tossed out in the street by hired thugs.
Whilst working at the restaurant Timothy found that he was falling in love with his boss’s son, the stunningly beautiful Francisco. However he's realized it is all to no avail because the boy is straight – or is he? Tim is perplexed when one night Francisco turns up on his doorstep wearing a backpack and asks if he can move in. He is even more amazed when the boy, without further ado, starts to masturbate in the living room whilst watching a soapie on television.
March 2 - Iowa
Kedarie Johnson, 16, a Black gender fluid youth from Burlington was fatally shot.
Katelyn Nicole
August 18 – National
“Taekwondo” A man invites another guy he trains with to spend some time in his country house among other male friends.
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