Top Stories
Pope Leo XIV rejects formal same-sex blessings
Pope Leo XIV indicated on Thursday (23 April) that he will maintain the CatholicChurch’s current stance on LGBTQ+ issues, reaffirming support for informal blessings of same-sex couples while rejecting any move toward formal recognition. Speaking at a news conference after an 11-day tour of Africa, the pope emphasised that the Vatican would not go beyond the framework established by Pope Francis in 2023, which allows non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples, but stops short of endorsing marriage-like ceremonies. “First of all, I think it’s very important that the unity or division of the church should not revolve around sexual matters,” Leo told reporters. “We […]
Ron DeSantis signs law that could strip Florida of Pride celebrations
Florida has already largely derailed the promotion of diversity by the state, and a new law now threatens Pride events across the state. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation that prohibits any local government in Florida from making diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. That’s part of a long battle against so-called DEI in the state, which has already banned the values in higher education. He deployed significant white grievance language as he signed legislation at a ceremony in Central Florida. Stay up to date with the latest in LGBTQ+ news with The Advocate’s email newsletter, in your inbox five days a week. “I would think with […]
New York Times defends coverage after mum of trans teen demands accountability
A.G. Sulzberger was challenged at The New York Times’ annual shareholders meeting after a parent of a transgender teenager asked what responsibility the paper holds when its reporting is cited to justify laws and policies targeting trans people, and what it is doing to be accountable. The parent told the meeting: “This reporting is deeply concerning to me as the mom of a trans teen,” before asking: “What steps are you taking to be accountable to concerns of the trans community, readers, and shareholders?” Sulzberger defended the paper’s journalism, describing the reporting as “incredibly rigorously reported and edited” and saying […]
Local News
Celebrate Pride with Purpose – Advance, Advocate, Act Up with Us! Sonoma County Pride Parade and Festival Booth Registration Is Now Open
We’re excited to officially open registration for the 2026 Sonoma County Pride Parade & Festival, and we’d love for you to join us again! You’re receiving this because you’ve been an important part of our Pride family—whether as a vendor, parade participant, or community partner—and we’d be honored to have you back as we come together for another unforgettable weekend of visibility, celebration, and community. This year’s theme, “Pride & True: Advance, Advocate, Act Up,” is a call to action. It honors the progress we’ve made while reminding us that Pride has always been rooted in advocacy, visibility, and collective power. From the parade route […]
Food For Thought Plant Sale and Garden Tour Happens April 24 & 25
Special Preview for FFT Supporters (Friday, April 24 9:00–11:00 am Public Sale:Saturdays, April 25 and May 29:00 am–12:00 pmGuided tours of the garden and food bank available by request. Get your garden started with ours! Our Garden Manager, Oliver, and Food For Thought volunteers have been busy sprouting hundreds of seedlings for our annual plant sale. You’ll find a wonderful selection of flowers, herbs, and veggies—perfect for spring planting.A big THANK YOU to these generous donors for contributing additional plant starts and potting supplies to support this fun FFT fundraiser:California Flora NurseryChokmalichi FarmsEmerisa GardensHarmony Farm SuppliesSweetwater NurseryWillow Creek Ranch
Arts & Entertainment
CAAMFest 2026’s Array of LGBTQ Films
CAAMFest is returning for its 44th year, May 7-10, 2026, featuring over 60 films that capture the current zeitgeist of Asian American communities. The festival’s completely in-person screenings, panel discussions, and other programs will be centered around the AMC Kabuki in San Francisco Japantown, highlighting the city’s long history as a hub for Asian American community building with national impact. SHOWCASECENTERPIECE NARRATIVE: ForgeDirected by Jing Ai NgIn Miami, siblings Raymond and Coco Zhang’s art forgery ring flourishes when they encounter a disgraced millionaire in need of their expertise. Meanwhile, FBI Art Crimes agent Emily Lee moves to Miami to investigate a series […]
Occidental Community Choir: Postcards at OCA May 1 – 10
May 1, 2, 3, 8, 9,10. Occidental Community Choir: Postcards. Directed by Gage Purdy.The Occidental Community Choir invites audiences to its Spring concert series, a musical journey through memory, connection, and the moments that shape our lives. In times that can feel uncertain or isolating, even small gestures of connection -a postcard, a call, a simple message – can remind us that we are not alone. Postcards is built around that spirit of reaching out. Each piece in the program serves as a musical postcard: a snapshot from a particular time and place, carrying stories of joy, longing, hope, and reflection. Join our choral community this […]
State News
NLGJA-LA to Honor Greg Gordon and Lucia Chappelle of This Way Out Radio at 2nd Annual Journalism Awards
The Los Angeles chapter of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists is set to celebrate Southern California journalists and newsrooms at its second annual Press Pride Prom journalism awards gala on May 9, 2026, at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The ceremony will honor Greg Gordon and Lucia Chappelle of This Way Out Radio with the Troy Masters Legacy Award for Visionaries in Media. Presented in collaboration with the Los Angeles Blade, the award honors a journalist or news media professional whose work reflects a dedication to the craft of journalism. The award is named in honor of Troy Masters, veteran queer journalist and former publisher […]
California Bill Would Extend Statute Of Limitations For Medical Malpractice Claims By Ex-Gay Torture Victims
Cal Matters reports: California lawmakers are advancing a new strategy to discourage efforts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Colorado law banning the practice. The strategy: Extend the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims. A bill introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco, would increase the time period during which someone could file a malpractice suit against a mental health professional for trying to change their sexual orientation or gender and harming them in the process. Depending on the age of the person who files the […]
