Jack Walker
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Articles by Jack Walker
Washington AG’s office won’t defend voter-approved trans sports ban as families sue to stop it Original
Washington’s attorney general has declined to have his office defend a new ban on school sports participation for transgender girls after parents and educators sued to block the policy earlier this week. An outside law firm will defend the state instead. This month, Washington residents voted to adopt Initiative 638, which prohibits trans girls from competing with cisgender girls in school sports and requires female students to verify their sex through medical documentation.
These New Yorkers worried that knitting would make them less masculine. Then they met the guys Original
Avi Molder worked quickly through the stitches of a shirt at Cleo’s Yarn Shop in Brooklyn. He first learned to knit through his mother, and honed his skills more fully as an adult. At the shop’s monthly men’s night, Molder found a comfortable place to practice — and spend time with the boys. “I definitely wouldn’t hang out with an exclusive group of men and not knit,” Molder, a New York City resident who works in publishing, told The Advocate.
How do ordinary people change the world? These New York City AIDS activists left a record Original
Sarah Schulman and Jim Hubbard both knew personally the devastation that the AIDS crisis had on New York City. As early members of the activist group ACT UP New York, they also saw firsthand the success of social justice movements launched in its wake; successes they did not want forgotten. By 2001, the disease had killed more than 82,500 New Yorkers, and millions globally.
For these LGBTQ+ youth organizers, election night felt like vindication Original
Isaac James took in last week’s election results from a bar in Washington, D.C. The victories of pro-LGBTQ+ candidates across the United States struck him as more than cause for excitement. “It felt like a vindication,” he told The Advocate. That’s because James spent months coordinating a voter outreach campaign as executive director of OutVote, a group founded in 2024 to strengthen voting among LGBTQ+ young people.
Spanish prosecutors seek prison for police officers accused of torturing gay Arab man
International/ News/ Top Stories Two police officers from Catalonia, an autonomous region in northeast Spain, face possible prison sentences for allegedly detaining and torturing a gay Arab man in November 2021. Spain’s Fiscalía de Odio, which prosecutes hate crimes, seeks nearly eight years of incarceration and 20,000 Euros in damages from the two men, whose names have not been released publicly, according to the Spanish newspaper El País.
Based on anti-trans spending, right-wingers could afford to pay every trans student athlete a six-figure salary Original
On Tuesday, residents of four U.S. states — Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, and Washington — will vote on whether to ban transgender athletes from organized sports. Each state has a ballot measure backed by political action committees that spearhead advertising and outreach in its favor. Together, these committees and their supporters have spent roughly $7.5 million this year on their campaigns.
Spanish prosecutors seek prison for police officers accused of torturing gay Arab man Original
Two police officers from Catalonia, an autonomous region in northeast Spain, face possible prison sentences for allegedly detaining and torturing a gay Arab man in November 2021. Spain’s Fiscalía de Odio, which prosecutes hate crimes, seeks nearly eight years of incarceration and 20,000 Euros in damages from the two men, whose names have not been released publicly, according to the Spanish newspaper El País.
The Fight to Preserve Queer History Is Happening One Wikipedia Edit at a Time
This story originally appeared on The Advocate. Lane Rasberry likes to wear the color blue. Only blue. Years ago, a fortune teller said another color would play a role in his death, and Rasberry hasn’t taken chances since. The habit has inspired a cheeky online username, Bluerasberry, that appears in the edit logs of thousands of Wikipedia articles.
The fight to preserve queer history is happening one Wikipedia edit at a time Original
Lane Rasberry likes to wear the color blue. Only blue. Years ago, a fortune teller said another color would play a role in his death, and Rasberry hasn’t taken chances since. The habit has inspired a cheeky online username, Bluerasberry, that appears in the edit logs of thousands of Wikipedia articles. Faced with LGBTQ+ censorship and erasure around the world, Rasberry is part of a growing community using Wikipedia to preserve and expand access to LGBTQ+ history online.
Illinois man stands trial for killing of transgender woman Dejanay Stanton
Follow Illinois man stands trial for killing of transgender woman Dejanay Stanton Fri, October 23, 2026 at 3:10 PM EDT Fall foliage surrounds a courthouse building on a city street. More than eight years after a transgender woman in Illinois was shot and killed, her alleged attacker is standing trial. Tremon Hill stood trial Wednesday for the 2018 murder of Dejanay Stanton, a Black trans woman, in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago.
Illinois man stands trial for killing of transgender woman Dejanay Stanton
More than eight years after a transgender woman in Illinois was shot and killed, her alleged attacker is standing trial. Tremon Hill stood trial Wednesday for the 2018 murder of Dejanay Stanton, a Black trans woman, in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago. Hill, who was charged with first-degree murder in 2019, will face trial under Cook County Judge Pamela Stratigakis.
Texas trans rights group asks court to expose who’s sending fake flyers to outrage conservatives Original
A Texas transgender rights organization has filed a petition in state court seeking to uncover who is behind an impersonation campaign it says has reached thousands of Texas residents ahead of the November 3 general election. The Transgender Education Network of Texas, known as TENT, says an unknown party has distributed mailers and text messages falsely claiming to represent the organization to residents across the state.
New Jersey school board drops trans student privacy policy to settle Moms for Liberty lawsuit Original
Transgender students in one New Jersey school district have lost a district policy governing the use of their names and pronouns at school and when parents are informed about their gender identity. The School District of the Chathams board approved a settlement on October 12 in a lawsuit brought by Moms for Liberty, a conservative advocacy group the Southern Poverty Law Center classifies as an antigovernment extremist organization. The group sued the district over the policy in August.
Ahead of Elections in Hostile Texas, Someone Is Impersonating Trans Advocates — by Text and Now by Mail
This story originally appeared on The Advocate. A transgender rights advocacy group in Texas says it is being impersonated in a campaign mailing unsolicited flyers about transgender identity to households across the state, prompting threats against its staff. The Transgender Education Network, which focuses on LGBTQ+ education and policy advocacy, said Tuesday that it does not know who is behind the campaign and is pursuing legal action.
Ahead of elections in hostile Texas, someone is impersonating trans advocates — by text and now by mail
A transgender rights advocacy group in Texas says it is being impersonated in a campaign mailing unsolicited flyers about transgender identity to households across the state, prompting threats against its staff. The Transgender Education Network, which focuses on LGBTQ+ education and policy advocacy, said Tuesday that it does not know who is behind the campaign and is pursuing legal action.
Virginia hospitals keep legal trans youth care closed and families in the dark Original
As hospitals nationwide navigate federal investigations into their gender-affirming care programs, three major hospitals in Virginia are silent on whether they plan to reopen their programs to minors. Under President Donald Trump’s second term, Children’s Hospital of the Kings and Daughters, Children’s Hospital of Richmond and University of Virginia Health Children’s Hospital have each closed their gender-affirming care programs to minors. That care remains legal in the state.
Texas trans rights group says text message impersonation campaign sparked hate
Follow Texas trans rights group says text message impersonation campaign sparked hate Thu, October 15, 2026 at 3:42 PM EDT The Texas State Capitol sits before a sunrise. A Texas transgender rights group says it was impersonated in a text message campaign this week, which it said spurred online backlash and calls for a state investigation. The Transgender Education Network focuses on education and policy advocacy for the trans and broader LGBTQ+ communities in Texas.
Texas trans rights group says text message impersonation campaign sparked hate
A Texas transgender rights group says it was impersonated in a text message campaign this week, which it said spurred online backlash and calls for a state investigation. The Transgender Education Network focuses on education and policy advocacy for the trans and broader LGBTQ+ communities in Texas.
New White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia claims to have passed bar in China
Kate Zacharia, the new White House press secretary, has already faced blowback for her first press briefing on Tuesday. Now, she faces additional scrutiny over her apparent claim that she passed the bar exam in China. After Tuesday's briefing, Zacharia appeared just outside the White House with President Donald Trump.
New White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia claims to have passed bar in China
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Angie Nixon fires back at Laura Loomer over drag queen outrage: ‘Jiggy Jig Saw’
Angie Nixon, the Democratic candidate in Florida’s U.S. Senate Race, won’t apologize for sharing the dance floor with drag queens at a recent fundraiser. Videos of a recent Nixon campaign event focused on Florida’s LGBTQ+ community began to circulate on far-right social media pages last week. On Monday, Nixon shot back at her critics, who portrayed appearing beside drag queens and other visibly queer constituents as a grave offense.
Tennessee court overturns killer’s conviction because jury wasn’t told that the victim was transgender Original
A Tennessee court has overturned the conviction of a man who killed a Black transgender woman, ruling that a lower court “erred” by preventing the killer from using the victim’s trans identity in his defense. Samuel Ward Jr. shot Paris Lee six times outside her Memphis home in June 2022, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. He then drove 30 minutes home, leaving her to die. Ward was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in May 2025.
Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ bar under fire for allowing blackface drag performance
National/ News/ Top Stories An LGBTQ+ bar in Pittsburgh has come under fire after a performer went on stage in blackface during its open stage event. Blue Moon Bar hosts open stage events weekly, inviting local artists to perform for bar patrons. Last week, posts began circulating on social media of a drag participant performing in blackface during the September 23 showcase. Stay up to date with the latest in LGBTQ+ news with The Advocate’s email newsletter, in your inbox five days a week.
Trump deported a transgender woman to Central Africa. She says she has to hide to survive Original
A transgender woman deported to the Central African Republic says she has been housed in a government complex set aside for men, and that she has been living in fear of expressing her gender identity. The Associated Press reports that the Trump administration deported Daniela Fuentes to the Central African Republic in August. For Fuentes, a Cuban immigrant who had worked in Miami as a hairstylist and drag performer, the country was completely unfamiliar.
HIV care providers are running out of medicine thanks to Trump’s foreign aid cuts
Healthcare providers around the world are running short on crucial HIV medicines since President Donald Trump began cutting foreign aid for HIV care last year. The International Planned Parenthood Foundation, which supports sexual and reproductive healthcare globally, recently surveyed its member organizations and found that more than half of respondents had run out of certain HIV medicines or resources in the last year. The survey included 40 of the foundation's 102 member associations globally.
HIV care providers are running out of medicine thanks to Trump’s foreign aid cuts
Healthcare providers around the world are running short on crucial HIV medicines since President Donald Trump began cutting foreign aid for HIV care last year. The International Planned Parenthood Foundation, which supports sexual and reproductive healthcare globally, recently surveyed its member organizations and found that more than half of respondents had run out of certain HIV medicines or resources in the last year. The survey included 40 of the foundation's 102 member associations globally.
HIV care providers are running out of medicine thanks to Trump’s foreign aid cuts
Healthcare providers around the world are running short on crucial HIV medicines since President Donald Trump began cutting foreign aid for HIV care last year. The International Planned Parenthood Foundation, which supports sexual and reproductive healthcare globally, recently surveyed its member organizations and found that more than half of respondents had run out of certain HIV medicines or resources in the last year. The survey included 40 of the foundation’s 102 member associations globally.
Brazil elects third transgender person to national Congress
Follow Brazil elects third transgender person to national Congress Tue, October 6, 2026 at 3:53 PM EDT A man and a woman smile in front of a rainbow-colored backdrop. The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte has elected its first out transgender representative to the Brazilian National Congress. Thabatta Pimenta becomes the third out trans person elected to the legislative body. Her win follows the election of two other trans lawmakers, Erika Hilton and Duda Salabert, in 2022.
Brazil elects third transgender person to national Congress
The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte has elected its first out transgender representative to the Brazilian National Congress. Thabatta Pimenta becomes the third out trans person elected to the legislative body. Her win follows the election of two other trans lawmakers, Erika Hilton and Duda Salabert, in 2022. “We can already say that [Rio Grande do Norte] has just made history,” Pimenta said in an Instagram post celebrating her victory Monday.
Gay hookup app Grindr acquires telehealth company Freddie for $250M
Gay dating and hookup app Grindr has acquired an HIV care provider, marking another step in the company’s foray into LGBTQ+ health. Grindr announced Wednesday that it acquired PurposeMed Inc., which is the parent company of Freddie, “a leading telehealth provider of PrEP and HIV prevention care.” “Grindr has a direct line to millions of gay men,” said Grindr CEO George Arison in the press release.
As hospitals make deals with Trump ending trans care, protesters warn NewYork-Presbyterian: Don’t follow them Original
Dozens of people picketed outside NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Thursday afternoon as part of a campaign challenging restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors at New York City hospitals. Protesters allege that the Manhattan-based hospital has stopped accepting new minor patients for gender-affirming care, mirroring restrictions at other health centers nationwide that cut youth off from gender-affirming care amid pressure from the Trump administration.
Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ bar under fire for allowing blackface drag performance Original
An LGBTQ+ bar in Pittsburgh has come under fire after a performer went on stage in blackface during its open stage event. Blue Moon Bar hosts open stage events weekly, inviting local artists to perform for bar patrons. Last week, posts began circulating on social media of a drag participant performing in blackface during the September 23 showcase. “How this person was even allowed to step on stage wearing this is beyond me,” Pittsburgh drag artist Pineapple Honeydew wrote on Instagram.
Florida trans woman and her partner attacked while walking to work by women in a car
National/ News/ Top Stories A Florida transgender woman and her partner were assaulted on a Miami street Sunday night while walking to work. Video footage shows the confrontation. Felyz Rodriguez and Davin Lopez told South Florida NBC affiliate WTVJ that women in a passing car yelled at them for walking in the road. Lopez said he gestured toward the car, its driver turned around, and the confrontation became physical.
Gay Dutch prime minister & Zohran Mamdani visit LGBTQ+ archive — and hear from young New Yorkers it serves
National/ News/ Top Stories Rob Jetten, the gay prime minister of the Netherlands, met with New York CityMayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday afternoon for a visit to a historic LGBTQ+archive and community center in Manhattan. The Advocate was invited to tag along. Jetten, the nation’s youngest and first out gay prime minister, is currently visiting New York for the United Nations General Assembly. He has also made visiting LGBTQ+ cultural institutions a visible part of his trip.
PFLAG earns three Shorty Award nominations for helping communities fight anti-LGBTQ+ attacks
Follow PFLAG earns three Shorty Award nominations for helping communities fight anti-LGBTQ+ attacks Wed, September 30, 2026 at 3:44 PM EDT Canvas flags displaying the acronym PFLAG and a red heart sit on stacks on a table. PFLAG National, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization with local chapters across the United States, has been nominated for three Shorty Awards, which celebrate innovation in social media and digital content.
PFLAG earns three Shorty Award nominations for helping communities fight anti-LGBTQ+ attacks
PFLAG National, an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization with local chapters across the United States, has been nominated for three Shorty Awards, which celebrate innovation in social media and digital content. The organization is nominated in the Civic Engagement, LGBTQ+ and Youth & Family categories for its advocacy campaign “Fighting For Our Pride,” first announced in late 2025.
National newsrooms banished by Trump ask judge for a lasting court order restoring White House access
Follow National newsrooms banished by Trump ask judge for a lasting court order restoring White House access Tue, September 29, 2026 at 5:53 PM EDT Signs of support for AP, CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO hang on an inside wall of the White House. Three national news organizations barred from the White House by President Donald Trump have requested a court injunction blocking the ban, warning the judge that their press access would otherwise be restricted permanently.
National newsrooms banished by Trump ask judge for a lasting court order restoring White House access
Three national news organizations barred from the White House by President Donald Trump have requested a court injunction blocking the ban, warning the judge that their press access would otherwise be restricted permanently. Trump blocked MS NOW, CNN and Politico from covering the White House in person on September 18. The three news outlets have long covered presidential administrations, and each had multiple reporters focused on the Trump administration.
Gavin Newsom moves to shield California transgender patient records from federal scrutiny
California is adding new medical privacy protections for LGBTQ+ adults facing federal subpoenas and expanding access to injectable medicines for HIV prevention. That is thanks to a spate of six new bills passed by the Democratic-led state legislature and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday. Newsom said he signed the bills to strengthen LGBTQ+ rights in the state amid a federal crackdown on such protections.
Gavin Newsom moves to shield California transgender patient records from federal scrutiny
California is adding new medical privacy protections for LGBTQ+ adults facing federal subpoenas and expanding access to injectable medicines for HIV prevention. That is thanks to a spate of six new bills passed by the Democratic-led state legislature and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday. Newsom said he signed the bills to strengthen LGBTQ+ rights in the state amid a federal crackdown on such protections.
Two more hospitals strike DOJ deals to end gender-affirming care for minors
Features/ Top Stories/ Transgender / Transsexual Major hospital systems in New York and Pennsylvania have struck deals with the Justice Department that carry steep financial penalties and keep gender-affirming services closed to minors. NYU Langone Health will pay the department $8.5 million, and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center will pay $950,000, the department announced Friday. The deals come after providers in New York, Texas, Ohio and Connecticutadopted similar agreements.
Judge questions Trump policy forcing HIV providers to disregard transgender patients Original
A federal judge has cast doubt on whether a restriction the Trump administration placed on federal grant funding for HIV care providers, blocking them from discussing gender identity openly, is legal.
Minnesota students sue after school board bans rainbow & Pride symbols Original
A Minnesota court will decide whether a school district’s ban on LGBTQ+ Pride stickers is legal after the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota sued over the policy on Tuesday. Representing two students and their parents, the ACLU filed a lawsuit in state court against the Detroit Lakes Public School District and four board members for banning rainbow Pride stickers on classroom doors. The case will be heard in Becker County District Court.
IN PHOTOS: Hundreds rally against NYC’s NYU Langone Hospital’s capitulation to Trump on trans healthcare Original
On Tuesday, hundreds of New Yorkers picketed outside New York City hospital NYU Langone Health to protest a deal it struck with the Trump administration. Under the deal, the hospital will pay the federal government $8.5 million and keep its gender-affirming care services closed to transgender minors, solidifying a policy it enacted in February amid pressure from the administration.
Gay Dutch prime minister & Zohran Mamdani visit LGBTQ+ archive — and hear from young New Yorkers it serves Original
Rob Jetten, the gay prime minister of the Netherlands, met with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday afternoon for a visit to a historic LGBTQ+ archive and community center in Manhattan. The Advocate was invited to tag along. Jetten, the nation’s youngest and first out gay prime minister, is currently visiting New York for the United Nations General Assembly. He has also made visiting LGBTQ+ cultural institutions a visible part of his trip.
Hospitals forfeit more than $24M by caving to Trump’s campaign against trans youth care Original
More hospitals are making deals with the federal government over investigations into their gender-affirming care programs for minors. But that means funding for anti-trans medical efforts, and a presidential administration that backs them, is on the rise, too. This year, hospitals have forked over at least $24.3 million in Justice Department deals over trans youth health programs, according to an investigation by The Advocate.
‘Honor your oath’: Hundreds confront NYU Langone hospital over caving to Trump on trans healthcare
Hundreds of people marched outside a New York City hospital center Tuesday evening to protest a deal it struck with the Trump administration to keep gender-affirming services closed to minors. NYU Langone Health took a deal Friday to pay the federal government $8.5 million and block minors from its gender-affirming services. The hospital is one of many under investigation by the Justice Department for its program, and suspended services for trans youth in February.
Florida trans woman and her partner attacked while walking to work by women in a car
Follow Florida trans woman and her partner attacked while walking to work by women in a car Wed, September 23, 2026 at 12:59 PM EDT A close up view of a parked Miami-Dade Sheriff patrol car. A Florida transgender woman and her partner were assaulted on a Miami street Sunday night while walking to work. Video footage shows the confrontation. Felyz Rodriguez and Davin Lopez told South Florida NBC affiliate WTVJ that women in a passing car yelled at them for walking in the road.
‘Honor your oath’: Hundreds confront NYU Langone hospital over caving to Trump on trans healthcare
Hundreds of people marched outside a New York City hospital center Tuesday evening to protest a deal it struck with the Trump administration to keep gender-affirming services closed to minors. NYU Langone Health took a deal Friday to pay the federal government $8.5 million and block minors from its gender-affirming services. The hospital is one of many under investigation by the Justice Department for its program, and suspended services for trans youth in February.
Florida trans woman and her partner attacked while walking to work by women in a car
A Florida transgender woman and her partner were assaulted on a Miami street Sunday night while walking to work. Video footage shows the confrontation. Felyz Rodriguez and Davin Lopez told South Florida NBC affiliate WTVJ that women in a passing car yelled at them for walking in the road. Lopez said he gestured toward the car, its driver turned around, and the confrontation became physical. “It was all unprovoked. We were just walking,” Rodriguez, who is trans, told WTVJ.
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