Over one hundred college activists from across the United States assembled in Atlanta, Georgia over the weekend as GLAAD held its 2^nd annual Campus Ambassador Summit. The GLAAD Campus Ambassador Summit engages and incorporates GLAAD’s network of campus volunteers into the organization’s work and by doing so, strengthens the current movement towards acceptance and propels an inclusive, intersectional, and sustainable model for the LGBTQ movement of the future.

The morning kicked off at Turner Media’s campus with remarks from GLAAD founding and returning Campus Ambassadors, Kylan Kester of Morehouse College, and C Mandler of Bard College. C discussed their experience as a Campus Ambassador since their first summit last Fall. C recalled, “having queer and trans role models in pop culture can play a major role in understanding and coming to terms with one’s own gender and sexuality… It’s amazing organizations like GLAAD that are a huge part of why college students like Kylan and I have the platforms to do all of the incredible things we care so much about."

Kester agreed with Mandler when he said, "Through my work at GLAAD, I discovered the impact that the media and representation can have on changing hearts and minds..." He also poignantly remarked, “sometimes it’s lonely when you are the only... Now more than ever, being seen, supported, and safe is survival.” Many other students, who attended the summit to meet and strategize with fellow young LGBTQ activists who are forging positive change on their campuses, echoed this sentiment throughout the day.

Being part of @glaad’s #glaadcampusambassadors was absolutely incredible. I know I’ve made some lifelong friends and I’ve learned a lot over this weekendpic.twitter.com/BePvvALkcT

— Mason Bernardo (@mpfbernardo) November 12, 2017

The LGBTQ+ community, while a community that I love and belong too, is rampant with discrimination. In queer spaces, I've always felt that I never belonged until the @glaad Summit in Atlanta this weekend. Loved meeting everyone and hearing their stories <3 #glaad#lgbt#lesbianpic.twitter.com/M9XGVRQl0G

— APray (@APray18) November 12, 2017

Meredith Talusan took the stage next and discussed her path in journalism and LGBTQ media. Talusan currently serves as the Senior Editor ofthem., the new LGBTQ digital media platform of which GLAAD is a partner. She discussed her journey being on both sides of the camera and encouraged students to value their role in representing queer lives in all parts of media–in both highly visible and less visible roles. Talusan is a 2016 GLAAD Media Award recipient for Outstanding Digital Journalism in Multimedia for her piece “Unerased: Counting Transgender Lives.”

GLAAD Campaigns Manager Clare Kenny later spoke about the philosophy that inspired her to originate and found the GLAAD Campus Ambassador Program in 2016. Kenny recalled her desire to empower others the way she felt empowered when she was first starting out as a social justice advocate. 

“This movement of ours, our dream of a life without boxes–a world without binaries, is going to take millions. This may seem overwhelming, and I know it won’t be easy, but this generation–our generation is like no other. We love and embrace difference and inclusion, and we demand representation. And our opposition is scared of how powerful our love for one another is.” -Clare Kenny

The Campus Ambassadors also received training from the GLAAD Media Institute, led by facilitator Janae Williams. The GLAAD Media Institute provides activist, spokesperson, and media engagement training and education for LGBTQ and allied community members and organizations desiring to deepen their media impact. The GLAAD Media Institute Training as well as workshops led by Clare Kenny and GLAAD Associate Director of Campaigns Alexandra Bolles taught students best practices on how to affect positive and lasting change in their communities and online through media campaigns and digital advocacy.  

Throughout the day, students also participated in GLAAD and them. studio filming and were asked to utilize their media training and share their experiences as young LGBTQ leaders. Stay tuned for footage from the Campus Ambassador Summit to be released from GLAAD and them. later this year.

Click here to learn about Campus Ambassadors' advocacy. If you would like to learn more about the Campus Ambassador Program check out glaad.org/campus. The 2nd annual GLAAD Campus Ambassador Summit was supported and hosted by Turner Media. The GLAAD Campus Ambassador Program is made possible by our founding partner, Delta Air Lines.

From TV show characters to podcasts, the representations of transgender people in media are becoming increasingly authentic as more and more trans people are empowered to tell their own stories. GLAAD's recently released 2017-18 Where We Are on TV report confirmed that there are 17 regular and recurring transgender characters on broadcast, cable, and streaming services. Of those characters, nine are trans women, four are trans men, and four are non-binary people. Notably, this is the first time GLAAD has been able to include non-binary characters in the report.

This has been welcome progress, especially in a political climate that seeks to invalidate, undermine, and discriminate against LGBTQ people. However, just those 17 characters, on only 16 TV shows, can't begin to represent the diverse range of experiences within the trans community.

This #TransWeek, we want to celebrate some of our favorite content created by trans people, about trans people. Whether it be poetry, web series, or animated shows, it is in these types of trans-created narratives that our big, beautiful, diverse trans community can begin to see true reflections of ourselves. Give these incredible projects some well-deserved love!

1. Her Story – Web Series

The Emmy-nominated series Her Story highlights the lives of queer and trans women as they navigate relationships, romance, and their own identities. The web series was co-written by Jen Richards, a prolific transgender advocate, writer, and producer, and Laura Zak, an actress, writer, and queer woman. The series was directed by Sydney Freeland, who is also a trans woman. The series is about two trans characters played by trans women: Angelica Ross and Jen Richards herself. Representing the beauty, complexity, and reality of the queer community in media was a motivating factor in creating Her Story. The Her Story website says it best:

"Trans women in the media have long been punchlines, killers, indications of urban grit, pathetic tragedies, and dangerous sirens. Rarely have they been complex characters who laugh, struggle, and grow, who share strength in sisterhood, who seek and find love. Her Story depicts the unique, complicated, and very human women we see in queer communities, and explores how these women navigate the intersections of label identity and love."

Watch the entire series for free here.

2. One From the Vaults – Podcast

One From the Vaults is a monthly transgender history podcast, highlighting the figures, events, and scandals that have shaped trans history over the past 150 years in North America and Europe. The podcast is created and hosted by Montreal-based performance artist and writer, Morgan M Page. One From the Vaults is the first and only trans history podcast - making history as it tells it! As Morgan says at the beginning of each episode, listen to One From the Vaults for "all the dirt, gossip, and glamour from trans history."

Find the latest episodes of One From the Vaults on Soundcloud and iTunes.

3. Femme in Public – Poetry

Non-binary artist Alok Vaid-Menon's recently published poetry chapbook, Femme In Public, is a poignant, gut-wrenching, and beautifully written collection grounded in Vaid-Menon's own life experiences. In the author's words, the collection "is a dream of what it could look like to celebrate transfemininity in public – both in ourselves and for the people who desire us (by which I mean: everyone, across time, always)."

You can order Femme In Pubicon their website as a PDF or as a physical-copy. Follow Alok on Instagram @alokvmenon.

4. A Queer and Pleasant Danger – Memoir and Documentary

Kate Bornstein is an author, performance artist, and long-time trans advocate, well-known for her groundbreaking works, Gender Outlaw and My Gender Workbook. Kate's memoir, A Queer and Pleasant Danger, details her lifelong journey of self-discovery, her gender identity, and much more. From her Jewish upbringing, through twelve years in the Church of Scientology, to her life as a celebrated queer icon, A Queer and Pleasant Danger is a riveting, exhilarating, brave, and honest piece of writing. This is a must-read for everyone, inside and outside of the queer community.

You can buy a copy of A Queer and Pleasant Dangerhere. If you're a fan of Kate Bornstein, also check out Sam Feder's brilliant documentary, Kate Bornstein is a Queer and Pleasant Danger. Watch the trailer here and rent the movie on Vimeo here.

5. Kat Blaque – YouTube Channel

Outspoken LGBTQ advocate, intersectional feminist, and vlogger Kat Blaque hosts a YouTube channel where she talks about everything from contemporary politics to her own experiences as a Black trans woman. On her channel, she produces a weekly series called True Tea where she answers questions from her viewers about race, privilege, queerness, and more. With over 132k subscribers and thousands of viewers every week, Kat uses her large platform to discuss her own experiences of racism, transphobia, and how they intersect. Kat says it best herself: "I’m a woman, I’m Black, I’m curvy and I’m trans. There are a lot of things that I deal with. When I talk about those things, I am literally talking about my embodiment of these intersections."

Start watching her YouTube channel here—and don't forget to subscribe! 

6. Can't Wait – Music

Laith Ashley de la Cruz is known as one of the first transgender male models to ever appear in a national campaign, modeling for Barneys New York in 2014. In 2016, Laith starred in the GLAAD Media Award-winning reality show Strut on Oxygen. He's also a talented singer, songwriter, and dancer, releasing his first single titled "Can't Wait" this year. Listen to this catchy, pop hit on Soundcloud.

Join Laith's impressive following on Instagram @laith_ashley and keep up with his music on his website or on his Soundcloud.

7. Danger & Eggs – Animated TV Show

Danger & Eggs is a new animated show on Amazon, great for kids and adults alike. Created by producer and writer Shadi Petosky, an out trans woman, along with animator Mike Owens, the show follows the adventures of a fearless girl named D.D. Danger (voiced by SNL's Aidy Bryant) and her best friend, a giant talking egg named Philip (voiced by Eric Knobel). Danger & Eggs has a fiercely feminist point-of-view and amazing LGBTQ representation, from D.D. and Philip's non-binary friend Milo to the season finale's Pride celebration. Plus, the cast is packed full of queer stars—Stephanie Beatriz, Jasika Nicole, Angelica Ross, Cameron Esposito, Rhea Butcher, Tyler Ford, and Jazz Jennings, just to name a few.

Watch the first season of Danger & Eggs on Amazon here and let Amazon know you want to see a season two!

8. Private Dick – Web Series

D’Lo is a queer, trans Sri Lankan-Tamil-American actor, writer, and comic. His broad range of work includes stand-up, solo plays, films, music, poetry, and spoken word that explore D'Lo's experiences as a trans guy. Among his many diverse credits, he has appeared in HBO's Looking, Amazon's Transparent, and Netflix's Sense8. His most recent project, the web series Private Dick, is about a small-time private detective who just happens to be trans. D'Lo plays the lead character, Ducky, in the series. From finding missing dogs, to catching the thief stealing the temple's donation box, to fighting with his girlfriend and his mother, Private Dick is the type of funny, slice-of-life comedy that trans people usually don't get to star in.

Watch Private Dick for free here and learn more about D'Lo on his website.

9. Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen – Memoir

Jazz Jennings has been making the world a better place for trans youth since her and her family's first interview with Barbara Walters in 2007. In 2014, Jazz was named one of TIME's 25 Most Influential Teens of 2014, and she continues to inspire a generation of transgender kids to be their authentic selves. Her memoir, Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen, demonstrates Jazz's strength, resilience, and unique character through her story of transitioning at age five, growing up in the public eye, and navigating high school as girl who happens to be transgender.

You can buy Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen here. Jazz and her family are also featured in the popular TLC reality series, I Am Jazz. You can share Jazz's story with the kids in your life through her adorable picture book, also titled I Am Jazz.

About #TransWeek

Between November 13 – 17, individuals and organizations around the country will participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help raise the visibility of transgender and gender non-conforming people, and address the issues the community faces. Learn more at www.glaad.org/transweek and follow @GLAAD on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up to date with #TransWeek.

This Trans Awareness Week (#TransWeek), GLAAD sat down with transgender people and their families for a look beyond the surface of what it means to be trans. This video series explores a variety of issues affecting the trans community.

The people spotlighted in "Beyond the Surface" speak about their experiences with trans representation in the media, societal expectations and gender roles forced onto children from a young age, and the specific risks transgender people (especially trans youth) face. But they also talk about the positive—family bonds that are stronger than fears, the ways in which things are changing for the better, calls to action against anti-trans policies and rhetoric in our daily lives, and messages of love and resiliency for transgender youth.

Here is a deeper look beyond the surface:

Ivory Aquino, she/her

"Claim your power...Don’t wait for anyone else outside of yourself to validate you…You're worthy of love, you are enough as you are. "

Ivory, an actress known for her role in the ABC miniseries When We Rise, discusses her experiences as a trans actress and shares a message for trans youth of self-acceptance. Ivory discusses how seeing beauty pageants helped her realize her identity a a trans woman, and how the expectations society put on her made her realize that she was different. She also talks about childhood bullying and how hopeful she is for the future, given the increase in trans representation in the media.

Transgender people are disproportionately at risk for harrassment, homelessness, and suicide. Though transgender representation in the media is on the rise, it is still marginal: only 17 transgender characters were counted broadcast, cable, and streaming TV shows in GLAAD's recent 2017-2018 Where We Are on TV report. 

Jodie Patterson, she/her

"And then Penelope said, 'No Mama, I don't feel like a boy, I am a boy…The more I started listening to Penelope, those initial fears went to the background."

Jodie, owner of her own beauty company and mother of five, discusses her experiences raising her transgender son, Penelope. She talks about her concerns as a parent of a transgender child, especially given the violence transgender people face. Penelope began telling his mom that he was a boy at the age of three, and Jodie talks about how she raises her children to love and respect themselves. She talks about the importance of acknowledging that, while Penelope being trans is a part of his story, he is so much more than his one identity as a trans kid.

Violence against trans people, especially transgender women of color, is on the rise in the United States. Transgender youth are disproportionately at risk for bullying and harrasment at school. Despite this and other adversities, there are very limited legal protections in place for transgender people. 

Tiq Milan, he/him

"It's really important for us to see that we exist, and that we're happy and that we're healthy, and that we're loved, but at the same time what's even more important is that we are in control of the images that we see."

Tiq, an advocate, journalist, and media consultant, discusses why he works as a media advocate. He talks about the need for trans people to be represented in all aspects of media content creation, the specific risks faced by trans people, especially trans youth, and the dangerous false misconceptions behind current anti-trans policies. He also discusses the difficulties in being out and visible as a trans person, how the media narratives around trans people need to shift, and the importance of beginning conversations that will ultimately lead to a shift in opinions around trans people.

Chris and Courtney Rhodes, he/him and she/her

"I wish I had an easier or smoother life... or it would be easier if I was cisgender... but this awakening and falling back in love with myself – I don’t know how I could have gotten it any other way.”

Chris and Courtney Rhodes are identical twins that discuss their experience of coming out together initially in high school as lesbians, and then again once Chris realized that he was trans. They discuss their relationship and how it has evovled as Chris has transitioned, family reactions to their coming out while living in rural Texas, and the lessons that they both have gained from Chris's transition. They also talk about the importance of respecting everyone regardless of identity, the strength it takes to be authentic, and Chris's journey to self-acceptance. 

Family acceptance can be so important for those in the transgender community. There is research that suggests that family acceptance can be an a large factor in positive mental health outcomes for transgender people. In fact, the 2015 U.S. Trans Survey found that trans people whose immediate families were supportive were less likely to report a variety of negative experiences related to economic stability and health, such as experiencing homelessness, attempting suicide, or experiencing serious psychological distress.

Transgender people and issues of particular importance to the trans community are more than the surface-level representations and narratives often presented by the mainstream media, and it's important that we all have a deeper understanding of them. All of the hardships discussed in this series contribute to a climate of hostility that makes it difficult for transgender people to simply live their lives. But these negative conditions are not irreversible, and they are not the entirety of what it means to be trans, as these videos show. The stories of Ivory Aquino, Jodie Patterson, Tiq Milan, Chris and Courtney Rhodes and so many others show how complex and intricate this really is, and why all we need to continue pushing beyond mere surface-level representations of the trans experience.  

In addition to producing this video series for #TransWeek, here are more actions GLAAD is taking to accelerate acceptance, and foster a climate of acceptance:

We're proud to be going Beyond the Binary, and to provide examples of how our language can change to be more inclusive of people of all gender identities. Take the pledge to go Beyond the Binary today! 

It's #TransWeek! Let's look #BeyondTheBinary at 5️⃣ ways you can be gender inclusive with your language. https://t.co/wqkF7cskrmpic.twitter.com/vodgJhTTbs

— GLAAD (@glaad) November 13, 2017

For Trans Awareness Week, GLAAD's offers some ways to take a stand in the fight against anti-trans policies.

In addition, GLAAD hosted a Q&A Twitter chat on the subject of trans masculinities:

⚡️ Creating our own trans masculinities: trans men discuss for #TransWeekhttps://t.co/aaXrqKk51y

— GLAAD (@glaad) November 15, 2017

Want to share your story, speak out, or read more from others? Use or read through the hashtag #TransWeek on social media, and join the conversation today!

On Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), we honor the transgender people we have lost and reflect on their lives and their loved ones' memories. Transgender people in the U.S., especially Black transgender women and other trans women of color, are impacted by fatal violence at a greater rate than all other groups. While we focus on this violence on TDOR, we must also actively work every day to end it.

Below are the names of those we have lost in 2017, as of November 20. We know this list is incomplete, in part because the media still has a long way to go in correctly naming and identifying transgender people when they are murdered. As the world’s leading LGBTQ media advocacy organization, GLAAD takes seriously our role in educating the media, correcting misgendering wherever we see it in the press, and striving to honor those we have lost the way they would want to be remembered.

We remember Jamie Lee Wounded Arrow, a 28-year-old, Native transgender/Two Spirit woman who we lost to violence in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on January 1. Jamie worked in customer service, loved the library, and friends and acquaintances remembered her as proud and strong. One person said of Jamie, “She is the type of person that when she talks people stop to listen. The impact she leaves on people after meeting her once is something nobody forgets.”

We remember Mesha Caldwell, a 41-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Canton, Mississippi on January 4. Mesha was a beautician and a hairstylist and, according to a friend and activist who knew her, she “loved everyone and never met a stranger.” After Mesha’s death friends, family and loved ones left an outpouring of messages of love for her on social media.

We remember JoJo Striker, a 23-year-old, Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Toledo, Ohio on February 8. There was an outpouring of grief for JoJo on social media, following her death, and her family strongly believes that her murder was the result of hate and bias.

We remember Jaquarrius Holland, an 18-year-old, Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Monroe, Louisiana on February 19. Friends said that Jaquarrius loved make-up, hairstyling, and R&B, and they took to social media to mourn her, using her own preferred hashtag #PrettyBrown. One friend remembered Jaquarrius saying, "You were a beautiful soul. You could keep me laughing all day."

We remember Keke Collier, also known to friends as Tiara Richmond, a 24-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Chicago, Illinois on February 21. Friends and loved ones held a candlelight vigil in KeKe’s honor, and posted loving messages to her online. One long-time friend remembered KeKe joyously, saying, "She loved to dance all the time. She was always the life of the party."

We remember Chyna Gibson, also known by her performing name, Chyna Doll Dupree, a 31-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 25. Chyna performed in shows around the country and was well-known, loved, and remembered for having remarkable talent. One close friend remembered Chyna, saying, "She's left a hole in our hearts, not only in New Orleans but outside here, too. I'll never forget her."

We remember Ciara McElveen, a 25-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 27. Following her death, a close friend who Ciara called an "auntie" to her said, "She was a blessing to me as much as I was a blessing to her."

We remember Alphonza Watson, 38-year-old, Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Baltimore, Maryland on March 22. Alphonza loved gardening and cooking and her mother lovingly remembered her as “the sunshine of our family.” Following her death, a vigil was held in Alphonza’s honor by local transgender organizations, organizers, and advocates.

We remember Kenne McFadden, a 27-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in San Antonio, Texas on April 9. Friends, family, and local organizations and activists held a memorial and candlelight vigil for Kenne near the place where her body was found. Kenne’s mother remembered her as a poetry and music lover and sang one of her daughter’s favorite songs at her vigil.

We remember Chay Reed, a 28-year-old, Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Miami, Florida on April 21. Friends remembered Chay as a funny, caring friend who loved to dance and “was a light, always trying to make everyone around her happy.”

We remember Brenda Bostick, a 59-year-old, Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in New York City on April 25. A widely attended vigil was held for Brenda by community members, advocates, and organizers from all over New York City on the corner where they lost their life to bring attention to the crisis of violence that transgender people of color face.

We remember Sherrell Faulkner, a 46-year-old, Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 16. Friends and family took to Facebook to leave messages of love for Sherrell and grief at her death. “My heart was not ready for this,” said one friend.

We remember Josie Berrios, also known by the names Kendra Adams and Kimbella Rosé, a 28-year-old transgender Latina who we lost to violence in Ithaca, New York on June 13. Josie was remembered online as a well-known, loved, and incredibly talented performer in her community. Said one person, "She was part of so many families here in Ithaca, that many are feeling stunned and lost following this news. Her presence is still felt, and will never be forgotten."

We remember Ava Le’Ray Barrin, a 17-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Athens, Georgia on June 25. Friends and family held a candlelight vigil to remember Ava. Tributes to Ava were also posted online, one of which called her “a brave young woman who feared nothing; nobody, and especially not being herself.”

We remember Ebony Morgan, a 28-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Lynchburg, Virginia on July 2. In response to her death, local LGBTQ activists and advocates held a community meeting to honor Ebony and discuss the violence that transgender women of color face.

We remember TeeTee Dangerfield, a 32-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Atlanta, Georgia on July 31. TeeTee worked as a restaurant server and union shop steward at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. She was a beloved union member of Local 23, which wrote a moving statement on her death. Her leadership was held up by co-workers and union members after her death, on saying: “People would go to her when they had concerns or trouble. She would be their voice. She was amazing."

We remember Gwynevere River Song, a 26-year-old white transgender femme person who we lost to violence in Waxahachie, Texas on August 12. Gwynevere was a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and identified as femandrogyne and bisexual. A memorial was held in her honor, where friends, family, and local advocates gathered. Gwynevere’s mother thanked attendees saying, "Thank you all for attending my beautiful daughter’s memorial. I miss her beautiful soul every day."

We remember Kiwi Herring, a 30-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in St. Louis, Missouri on August 22. Herring was married to her partner and a mother to three children, and loved ones and neighbors were devastated by her death. Herring’s neighbors held a candlelight vigil to honor Kiwi. There was also an outpouring of love for Kiwi online with one person saying she was, “a parent and a human beloved by the neighborhood children around her. Kiwi fed people with love and had a contagious smile.”

We remember Ally Lee Steinfeld a 17-year-old white transgender woman who we lost to violence in Texas County, Missouri on September 1. Friends and family spoke out in the press, saying that they felt that Ally’s death was hate-motivated. Her mother remembered her as “very loving, caring, would help anybody in need, always smiled, tried to crack jokes to keep people happy.”

We remember Kashmire Redd a 28-year-old Black transgender man who we lost to violence in Gates, New York on  September 4. A local LGBTQ community organization that Kashmire was connected to held a community conversation following his death.

We remember Derricka Banner a 26-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 12. There was an outpouring of support by concerned community members, activists, and advocates following Derricka’s death.

We remember Stephanie Montez, who also went by the name Elizabeth Stephanie Montez, a 47-year-old transgender Latina who we lost to violence in Robstown, Texas on October 21. A local organization held a rally in the name of justice for Stephanie and the epidemic of violence facing trans women. Friends of Stephanie also spoke out in the media about her, one friend saying "She just had a great outlook on life. She was very supportive of everyone."

We remember Candace Towns a 30-year-old Black transgender woman who we lost to violence in Macon, Georgia on October 29. Following her death, Candace’s friends and family remembered her in loving posts on social media. Others spoke to the press, with one friend remembering her generosity, saying “If I needed anything she would give it to me. She would give me the clothes off her back.”

For a complete list of trans people killed in other countries, visit The Transgender Day of Remembrance site. (Please note that the site contains details about the way each person was killed, and some people may find those details disturbing.)

Rest in peace and power, all those we have lost.

Segements of this article were originally published in The Student Life of the Claremont Colleges by GLAAD Campus Ambassador, Donnie TC Denome. 

This past Monday, November 20th was Transgender Day of Remembrance. Just like every November 20th this day was one for solemn reflection and mourning. There have been, on record, at least 23 trans people killed in the United States since the beginning of 2017. 23 moments of silence, 23 reasons to cry.

But in the midst of the disaster that is the Trump administration and all the havoc it has wreaked on the trans community, we have to stay strong and look forward. We must celebrate the victories we have.

Tuesday, November 7th was one of the best election days many progressives could have hoped for and a wonderful day for the trans community.

Andrea Jenkins and Phillipe Cunningham, both Black trans people, became the first and second openly trans people of color elected to the Minneapolis City Council.

Last night was a victory for so many remarkable LGBTQ candidates, but it was also a victory for inclusion and acceptance https://t.co/tfk3C0ViCk

— GLAAD (@glaad) November 8, 2017

Danica Roem beat out self-proclaimed “chief homophobe” Bob Marshall  for a seat in the Virginia state legislature. Roem is now the first out trans woman elected to a state legislature.

Danica Roem made history today as the first trans candidate to win a state legislative primary in Virginia. https://t.co/EdPpLnLYBapic.twitter.com/1hQI1jzB1R

— The Advocate (@TheAdvocateMag) June 14, 2017

In Pennsylvania, Tyler Titus, a Black trans man, was elected to the Erie School Board.

Lisa Middleton won a seat on the Palm Springs City Council and became the first openly trans candidate elected to a non-judicial position in California. Christy Holstege, who is bisexual, was also elected, meaning the entire city council of Palm Springs is now queer.

Of course these elections don’t come anywhere close to combatting the damage inflicted by a Republican-controlled federal government. I have a feeling that the reaches of Ms. Jenkins, Mr. Cunningham, Rep. Roem, Mr. Titus, and Ms. Middleton are all limited to their state, city, or special district.

But in a less concrete sense, wow. That’s a lot of trans people in government who weren’t there last year or even last month. Every single one of those people is a role model and an inspiration to trans people, and especially trans kids, in their area and beyond.

Bob Marshall was one of the lead sponsors of a “bathroom bill” similar to HB2 in North Carolina and SB6 in Texas. During the Virginia campaign, Marshall refused to debate Roem. He misgendered her consistently when he talked about her.

And Roem beat him by eight percentage points. That sets an example: when your representatives trash-talk and bully you and people like you, run against them, beat them, and take their jobs.

However, these victories don’t make up for everything the Trump administration has done. When Betsy DeVos repealed the Dear Colleague letter on protections for trans students, this country took definite steps backward. When the ban on trans people in the military came down and was subsequently bounced around the courts, that was a definite step backward.

The nomination of Jeff Mateer, who called transgender children part of “Satan’s plan," to the federal judiciary was a step backwards. The judicial nomination of Mark Norris, who opposed the trans-positive Dear Colleague letter and has supported multiple discriminatory laws at the state level, was a step backwards.

But we are fighting back and we are making strides towards change.

Chelsea Manning had her sentence commuted by Barack Obama back in mid-January and since being released in May, she’s gained a large Twitter following, had multiple speaking engagements, and been named Newsmaker of the Year by Out magazine.

Gavin Grimm, who became a national figure in his quest to use the boy’s bathroom at his high school, graduated high school this spring. Right up to his graduation, his school refused to let him use the boy’s bathroom. But he did graduate and he never gave in. He decorated his graduation cap with a restroom sign.

On November 21st, a judge blocked the Trump administration’s ban on trans people serving in the military, calling it “a form of discrimination on the basis of gender.”

BREAKING: U.S. court bars Trump from changing military policy on service by transgender people.

— AP Politics (@AP_Politics) October 30, 2017

And for the rest of us, we have survived. Even if we have done nothing but live our lives every day since Trump’s election, we are still here and still fighting.

I exist as a queer trans person and I know that’s enough to piss the likes of Mike Pence, Donald Trump, Roy Moore, and Jeff Mateer. I am not going to be silent. I refuse to stand down and give in. But I understand that there are people who are forced into silence, or must remain in silence for their own safety.

The worst thing that anyone – trans or not – can be in this political climate is complacent. After a year of Trump, we’ve become so accustomed to the administration’s disturbing hijinks that each new development feels like just another day. It’s easy to become complacent but complacency is deadly. When we do not stand up for ourselves and our friends who are forced into silence, we fail ourselves, our friends, and our country.

Human rights – and human beings – die in the silence of complacency. We, as a trans community, must seek out opportunities and seize them: anything from writing articles, to speaking at community meetings, to running for office.

So on Monday, we had 23 reasons to mourn, and we did mourn. And going forward, we also have plenty of reasons to celebrate. Every single trans person who made it through this year is a reason to celebrate. Every electoral victory, every kid who escapes a bad situation, every person who speaks out against the injustices against the trans community, is a reason to celebrate.

Trans people have always existed and thrived, and we will continue to exist and thrive, Donald Trump and company be damned.

Here’s to another year. Maybe, just maybe, this one will be better.

Donnie TC Denome is a GLAAD Campus Ambassador and a second-year at Pitzer College, studying Public Health. They hail from Silicon Valley and hope to work in HIV care in San Francisco post graduation.

When I have sex, I use a condom.

HIV can only be transmitted through certain bodily fluids. (Saliva is not one of them!) There are multiple factors that may affect your likelihood of being at risk for HIV and other STDs. In 2015, youth accounted for 22% of new diagnoses nationally, and young Black and Latinx LGBTQIA+ folks were especially affected. Since I am gay and Latino, I’m more at risk.

I’m not scared, though. I knew the guy I was with, we played safe, and I’ve been feeling great.  Nonetheless, I know that some people with HIV don’t experience any symptoms at all right away, so they may have sex without knowing whether or not they’ve been infected. Commonly, folks may experience fever or vomiting, among other symptoms, within 2-4 weeks of the infection. These symptoms can last longer and people often dismiss them as the flu.

The only way to know is to get tested. There are different kinds of tests. A 4th-generation antigen test or a nucleic acid test (NAT) can give you very accurate results within a couple of weeks of the encounter. But if you want quick results, there are options available for that, too. After having sex, I waited a couple of weeks to get tested. I got a rapid test and got my results a few minutes later.

The test came out negative. The virus, however, could hide for a few months, so it’s always good to come back to your testing center and make sure your results are consistent. That’s why I’m getting tested this World AIDS Day on my college campus.

I’m getting tested because, if you’re sexually active—no matter whether you are straight or not, monogamous or not—you should get tested regularly. Knowledge is power and freedom. You should feel free to enjoy your sex life without preoccupations like being unsure about your status.

Thanks to recent advances in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-positive people now live longer and healthier lives. ART decreases the viral load in an HIV+ person, rendering the virus undetectable. FYI, this means that they CAN’T transmit the virus to others.

There are also ways to prevent HIV almost completely, such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP),but preventive methods like PrEP need to be complemented by traditional methods like condoms because PrEP does not protect you from other STDs. 

Despite these new advances in prevention and treatment, HIV and AIDS remain among the world's most significant public health challenges, particularly in low and middle-income communities and countries. In 2015, 39,513 people were diagnosed with HIV in the U.S. and Texas ranked third nationally [AB1] in HIV infections. And in Central Texas, where I live, 40% of new HIV infections are in youth ages 15-29, 60% of whom don’t even know they’re infected.

This World AIDS Day (Dec.1st), AIDS Services of Austin (ASA) is coming to my college campus to provide free testing. ASA offers direct services and prevention education for everyone. In addition to assisting folks living with HIV with medical care, ASA raises awareness about HIV, since 1 in 5 people in central Texas are not aware of their HIV status . And when they do know, they’re more likely to seek out treatment.

Much of the progress we’ve made is thanks to organizations like AIDS Services of Austin, so my friends and I are fundraising money for this organization in order to keep providing essential services to my community. We know that every dollar counts, and our donations will dramatically benefit many lives.

Play safe, and know your status.

This World AIDS Day comes at a particularly pressing time. 36 years after the onset of the epidemic, HIV and AIDS remain prevalent issues, with more than 37 million people living with them. More than 11.8 million of those people are between the ages 15 and 24, with this demographic accounting for more than half of new cases.

But what is so urgent now? Why are cases continuing to increase, especially among youth? Why aren’t more people reacting?

The issue is that a new type of silencing is taking place. Whereas just a year ago, it seemed that youth were no longer aware of the prevalence and severity of the disease, it is now the U.S. government that is the largest advocate of HIV and AIDS prevention, treatment, and education erasure. Actions within the administration have already been centered on dismantling Obamacare, stripping Medicaid from millions of low-income people, and barring federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

Trump's FY 2018 budget alone proposed to cut the CDC’s HIV prevention program by $150 million (19%). It seeks to slash the Ryan White Programs—an attempt to eliminate AIDS Education and Training Centers (AETC) and reduce funding to the Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) by $25 million. With a proposed $7.2 billion reduction to the National Institute of Health (NIH), HIV/AIDS research would take a $550 million hit. SAMHSA’s Minority AIDS initial programs and Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) under HUD, also remain threatened.

The larger issue is that HIV & AIDS are already concentrated within poor, marginalized, and historically oppressed communities of color. We already don’t hear much about it in the media. Even when it is discussed, as researcher Diego Mora, Next Generation Leader of the McCain Institute, shows, 42% of media coverage remains centered around research on a cure for HIV, while prevention and treatment are referenced only a combined 28% of the time. The stigma and discrimination that surround HIV & AIDS are found only in 8% of HIV & AIDS-related reporting. There is also the issue of adequate coverage, concern, and representation. The lack of concern over HIV and AIDS, especially from millennials who did not directly experience the epidemic and panic of the 1980s, is troubling. Combined with the disinterest in HIV and AIDS from the federal government and the hindrance of providing resources to the public, this further renders invisible the communities most vulnerable to HIV, as well as the overall prevalence of HIV and AIDS.

According to the CDC, Black transgender women bear the brunt of living with HIV and AIDS, and often lack access to adequate resources to cope and thrive. They maintain infection rates higher than trans women of other races.  In fact, Black Americans—transgender and cisgender— are more likely to be impacted by HIV than any other racial or ethnic group in the country. HIV/AIDS advocacy is therefore an inherent component of yielding racial justice and trans equality. And yet, communities most affected are neither represented in the media nor given adequate room to share their stories.

Historically disenfranchised voices must be heard. Positive representations of HIV-positive transwomen of color, like those featured in the Greater Than AIDS campaign #TransEmpowered, are essential pieces of media that portray these women's identities as intersectional and valued.

HIV and AIDS cannot be categorized as insular issues, as burdens placed solely on the backs of those most impacted by HIV and AIDS. Our society cannot promote advancements in research or destigmatization when less than 50% of those infected have access to the most basic forms of antiretroviral therapy. Around the world, trans people are repeatedly incarcerated for being trans, for being HIV-positive, and/or for partaking in sex work, even when trans women of color are most frequently denied employment, housing, and education opportunities.

HIV and AIDS statuses and their intersection with other marginalized identities cannot remain ignored. Trump's administration does not only target those living with HIV and AIDS, it also targets access to low income housing and welfare programs. It reduces resources in education, criminalizes instead of rehabilitates drug users, and dismantles any safety net for undocumented immigrants. This means that in fighting the prison industrial complex, we must expose the mistreatment of jailed LGBTQ individuals, many of whom are often denied their medication. In fighting for immigrant rights, we must realize that undocumented immigrants living with HIV are unable to attain the benefits of public services (toward which they often contribute funding) and are denied health care, access to the knowledge and treatment that any human being should be able to attain. In protesting for Black Lives Matter, we must amplify the voices of the Black gay, bisexual, and trans communities most heavily affected by HIV and AIDS. Indeed, "gay and bisexual men account for more than half of estimated new HIV diagnoses among African Americans," according to the CDC.

In advocating for full LGBTQ acceptance, we must prioritize creating space for those most marginalized members of the community, including Black and trans people living with positive statuses, and meeting their needs. We must push for colleges and public schools to properly inform students about preventing and living with HIV and AIDS. We must make sure that doctors stay properly informed about treatment and prevention (including PReP) and that such resources are made accessible to those in the greatest need. We must advocate against the criminalization and harmful stigmatization of positive individuals. Victim blaming and status shaming must end.

Under the Trump administration, tensions are high, stigma is rampant, and any prior safety nets for disenfranchised people are rapidly becoming dismantled. On the one hand, the U.S. is becoming more polarized, with hate crimes committed at increasing rates.The current administration is working adamantly to legitimize and legalize discrimination against people of color, the LGBTQ community, immigrants, Muslim people, and women But all of these identities struggle for survival under the umbrella of heteropatriarchal oppression—liberation and true equity can only commence through an understanding that the spread of HIV intersects with other marginalized identities and social systems.

As a millennial myself, I pledge to continue the fight against HIV and AIDS, against the repression and erasure of marginalized voices, against the stigmatizing frameworks of our society. As activists and allies, our job is to push for media coverage of those most impacted by the disease, call our local government representatives to oppose discriminating legislation, and to express the stories, the voices, the humanity of the populations that our current government administration is trying to silence. 

The fight against HIV and AIDS must remain central to our social justice agenda. As millennials, we are angry, we are empowered, we are vocal, and we have the agency to combine our efforts and be the generation to end the HIV epidemic. There’s no time to remain silent within a system, it is our time to push our own agenda forward.

The holidays can be a particularly stressful time for families. They can be fraught with agonizing over finding the perfect gifts, balancing your budget, feigning a deep appreciation for the Glee calendar your Aunt Susan bought for you, and for some, fielding intrusive, insulting, boundary-crossing questions about your gender identity and/or gender expression.

If you’re seeing your trans relative this holiday season here are five tips to help turn your family time into Happy Holidays for all.

1. Check-in

The best way to establish yourself as an advocate for your trans relative is to follow their lead. People have different timelines, and depending on where your relative and their family are in their life, they might have needs different from what you’d expect.

While some people will want to come home and immediately have an open conversation about their pronouns, name, transition, etc., others might not want to talk about it at all, and others may want to stay quiet until it is brought up naturally.

Check-in with your relative and ask what they need. A simple “How can I best support you?” is plenty. It will mean the world to them to know that they have your support and that you’re paying attention.

2. Be active – Not passive

If you're prepared to ask how you can help you should also be prepared to follow through on any requests they make, regardless of how weird or awkward they may seem to you.

• Your relative may ask you to do some research on trans politics beforehand and be prepared to back them up in any arguments that arise: do it.
• They may ask you to make an animal noise every time someone misgenders them: do it.
• They may ask you to cover for them if they suddenly need to leave the dinner table to decompress: do it.
• And most importantly, they may ask you to do nothing: DO IT.

If you’re ever uncertain about how you should have reacted in any given circumstance go back to number one and check-in once the dust has settled. Something like: “I wasn’t sure what you wanted me to do when Uncle Gregory misgendered you 40 times and then laughed it off. I tried to just change the subject really quickly because you seemed uncomfortable but I wanted to see how you’re doing and if there’s anything you’d prefer that I do in the future.” Boom. Done.

3. Be prepared to hear "no" and remember Google exists

Your trans relative is under no obligation to educate you. No person, of any marginalized identity, is responsible for educating others on their experience. Trans people spend a large portion of their life explaining themselves to other people; don’t add yourself to that list.

It is a remarkable privilege to have access to unlimited knowledge at your fingertips – use it. Try to resist asking any Google-able questions, and if you find yourself still unclear after doing research and want to reach out to your relative ask them first if they’re comfortable answering.

Your trans relative might be thrilled that you’re asking questions and feel validated that you care enough to ask. But here’s the thing – they might not. It’s super important that you don’t make them feel guilty for that. Educating people, particularly loved ones, on the complexities of gender takes an extreme amount of emotional labor out of most trans people, so recognize what you’re asking of them and respect their answer. If they don’t want to engage with you in a dialogue, they don’t have to, and you should never force someone to talk about something they’re not comfortable with – especially with something as personal and political as gender.

4. Be aware of your unconscious bias

It should go without saying, but trans people are experts on being trans. That means a trans person is more likely to know what constitutes transphobic comments. If a trans person tells you that using the phrase “biological man” is transphobic, don’t continue to use it. Try “cisgender man” instead, or "non-trans man." Both phrases communicate the same social category without reducing the conversation to biology and thus creating a distinction between who you think are “real men” and “not real men.”

If a trans person in your life tells you that a phrase, a word, a comment, or an attitude is transphobic PLEASE don’t get defensive or try to argue your way out of it. Take a step back. Listen. And process on your own time. If you’re still unsure of what was problematic, return to #3 on this list after a few days of research and time to think.

Remember: if even you yourself are queer or you’ve read gender theory doesn’t mean that you understand “the trans experience” better than trans people do. They live it every day. Trying to make conversation by debating about trans topics can be psychologically damaging to the people whose lives are directly affected by the issues at hand.

Confronting your conscious or unconscious prejudice is never enjoyable for anyone, but it is a necessary step in unlearning biases and becoming a better advocate.

5.  Confront your relatives when necessary

You don’t have to have a background in gender theory or academia to be a good ally. If a relative makes a comment that seems offensive or negatively affects your trans relative, a quick “what you’re saying doesn’t seem okay to me” can go a long way in making sure everyone in the room is reminded to respect the feelings of each member of the family.

It’s okay to mess up and it’s okay to not know the answers. Ultimately, the best thing that you can do is to be open to new information, to listen, to learn, and to grow. Who knows? If you follow all these steps maybe next year your trans relative will ask you to join them in building a non-binary snowperson!

Rowan Hepps Keeney is a GLAAD Campus Ambassador and senior at Barnard College studying women's, gender, and sexuality studies with a concentration in activist theatre. They are currently working on their thesis on transgender revolution through performance which will be staged in the Spring of 2018.

Defining self-care

Self-care. We hear it everyday, we know those who swear by it, but some of us are still a little stumped about what self-care looks like. Self-care is often mischaracterized as an indulgence, but we should really view it as a tool to keep us empowered and holistically healthy.

With a new year ahead of us and political and social tensions high across the country, it is no surprise that many people are stressed out this season. So let’s start by defining exactly what self-care means: the care and keeping of yourself- physically, mentally and emotionally.

It’s important to think of these three fields as a Venn diagram or triangle. We want to focus on maintaining all three, rather than sticking to just one or two points. When we neglect one area of the triangle, we feel out of whack.

Queer self-care

As most LGBTQIA+ identifying persons know, going home around the holidays can be tough. Family members don’t always accept who you are, or they try to but still make offensive comments, or they don’t really know how you identify at all.

To be better equipped to process feeling ostracized or misunderstood this season, it’s imperative that we practice self-care to prevent any low moods or breakdowns.

What self-care looks like for you

By this point you’re probably asking, what does self-care look like for me? Begin this process with a simple question: what are my needs and how can I meet them?

No matter what your self-care looks like, it always boils down to meeting your personal needs. So, how do we identify our needs? According to the Crisis Text Line, there are three steps to planning for self-care methods: identifying the problem, starting to plan, and taking action.

1. Identify the Problem - what do you anticipate as being a problem or stressor for you on this day?
2. Start Planning - what can you do to take care of yourself during this stressful time? What are you not doing that you should be?
3. Take Action - follow through with your safety plan.

Sometimes, self-care is about simple maintenance. It can be as little as trying to floss everyday or eating meals properly. Sometimes, it’s a bit bigger, like taking a walk everyday to reduce stress and release endorphins. Other ways to practice self-care may include doing some of your favorite activities to lift your mood- like listening to music, playing with a pet, or writing in a journal.

Here are a few examples of what self-care might look like for you:

• Eating three meals a day
• Writing a poem
• Taking a bubble bath
• Calling someone you miss
• Cleaning the house
• Going to the gym
• Playing an instrument
• Going on Tumblr
• Completing a chore that’s been on your to-do list
• Taking your medications as prescribed
• Drinking water regularly
• Watching your favorite TV show

It’s key to remember that what works for you may not be as effective on your best friend. We are all individuals, and finding what helps us the most during difficult time can take time. Try a various self-care methods while you’re feeling good to find out what works best for you.

Photo on Foter.com

Winter time can be cold, dark, and stressful for some people, but by practicing basic self-care principles, we can all endure the season. We can remember to practice self-care by identifying problems that worry us, planning to take action, and following through with that action.

You’re never alone in this. If you need assistance planning for a tough time, or are going through a difficult moment and can’t recall your safety plan, text HELLO​ to 741741​ to be connected to a real Crisis Counselor through Crisis Text Line.

By practicing self-care regularly, even when you’re not feeling stressed out, you can make it through. Remember: at the end of the day, we are capable of much more than we think.

Megan Banning is a GLAAD Campus Ambassador and sophomore at Arizona State University studying sociology, women & gender studies, and art history. She is currently working for Hope XChange and Crisis Text Line.

Today, at the Sundance Film Festival, GLAAD announced the nominees for the 29^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, which includes groundbreaking portrayals of bisexual+ (bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer, etc.) characters and content from bisexual+ creators.

GLAAD’s Where We Are On TV ’17-’18 report found a slight decrease in bisexual+ representation on television over the past year, coming in at 28% LGBTQ characters across broadcast, cable, and streaming originals, despite bi+ people making up the majority of the full LGBTQ community.

Luckily, many of those TV characters, along with those in movies and comic books, as well as musicians and journalists represent the diverse bisexual+ community in genuine, engaging, accurate, and exceptional ways. They are helping to reshape the cultural narrative towards bisexual+ inclusion and acceptance, and the best of the best are nominated for prestigious GLAAD Media Awards this year.

Nominated for Outstanding Film - Wide Release is Professor Marston and the Wonder Women, a drama biopic following Dr. William Marston’s polyamorous relationship with Elizabeth, his wife, and their partner Olive Byrne. These two women eventually inspire Dr. Marston’s iconic superhero, Wonder Woman. In 2017, former GLAAD Ambassador Gianna Collier-Pitts penned a Change.org petition calling on Warner Bros. to recognize Wonder Woman’s bisexuality. The petition has garnered more than 10,500 signatures to date.  

Thank you @GiannaCollier for your work! https://t.co/wtHkSHnSlA

— Sara Ramirez (@SaraRamirez) January 15, 2018

On the small screen, Freeform’s beloved The Bold Type features a young Black woman named Kat (one of the show’s three lead characters) coming to terms with her fluid identity as she explores a new relationship with Adena, a renowned lesbian photographer in this "Outstanding Comedy Series" nominee. Advocate and influencer Blair Imani wrote about the importance of seeing the show’s characters like her for GLAAD’s site. Freeform's drama series Shadowhunters, like The Bold Type, has a devoted following, features a groundbreaking bisexual+ character of color, and is also among this year's nominees. 

One of the long-standing lead characters on FOX’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Rosa, came out as bisexual in December. Rosa is played by out bi actress Stephanie Beatriz, who participated in GLAAD and BiNet’s viral #BiWeek campaign by sending messages of support to bi+ young people. She also spoke with GLAAD about Rosa’s identity for Facebook Live. Also nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series is The CW's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, which GLAAD included as one of the top eight TV shows to watch featuring a bi+ character. The musical comedy includes Darryl, who comes out in the original musical number, “Getting Bi.” Only 18 bisexual+ characters on TV last year were men, compared to 75 bisexual+ women characters.

TLC’s I Am Jazz, starring the young pansexual and transgender advocate and author Jazz Jennings is nominated once again for Outstanding Reality Program. In 2015, Jazz told Cosmo, “Being pansexual basically means to me that you are attracted to anyone, no matter their sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, everything.”

The Outstanding Music Artist category celebrates several bisexual+ musicians for their high quality sounds and top-notch representation. Among them is Halsey, who teamed up with Lauren Jauregui for the song Strangers on her nominated album “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom.” By two out bisexual women of color, the song was proudly promoted as a “love song for the LGBTQ community.”

Along with representation in entertainment media, prolific journalist and out bisexual Samantha Allen’s Splinter piece, “Why Bisexual Men Are Still Fighting to convince Us They Exist,” is nominated for “Outstanding Digital Journalism Article.” In it, she writes, “bisexual men are like climate change: real but constantly denied.”

Great piece by Samantha Allen about persistent myth of bi men's nonexistence. Well done! Great interviews! @Fusionhttps://t.co/dRUIBLk7dipic.twitter.com/XLBoWOInyd

— Bi Resource Center (@BRC_Central) January 4, 2017

Check out the full list of this year’s bisexual+ inclusive nominees:

OUTSTANDING FILM – WIDE RELEASE

Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (Annapurna Pictures)

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES

The Bold Type (Freeform)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (FOX)

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (The CW)

One Mississippi (Amazon)

Transparent (Amazon)

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES

Shadowhunters (Freeform)

Star (FOX)

This Is Us (NBC)

Wynonna Earp (Syfy)

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL EPISODE (in a series without a regular LGBTQ character)

"Lady Cha Cha" Easy (Netflix)

OUTSTANDING TV MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES

American Horror Story: Cult (FX)

Godless (Netflix)

OUTSTANDING REALITY PROGRAM

I Am Jazz (TLC)

OUTSTANDING MUSIC ARTIST

Miley Cyrus, Younger Now (RCA Records)

Halsey, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom (Astralwerks Records)

Kehlani, SweetSexySavage (TSNMI/Atlantic Records)

Kelela, Take Me Apart (Warp Records)

Kesha, Rainbow (Kemosabe/RCA Records)

St. Vincent, MASSEDUCTION (Loma Vista Recordings)

OUTSTANDING COMIC BOOK

Deadman: Dark Mansion of Forbidden Love, written by Sarah Vaughn (DC Comics)

The Woods, written by James Tynion IV (BOOM! Studios)

OUTSTANDING DAILY DRAMA

The Young & the Restless (CBS)

OUTSTANDING DIGITAL JOURNALISM ARTICLE

"Why Bisexual Men Are Still Fighting to Convince Us They Exist" by Samantha Allen (Splinter)

OUTSTANDING SCRIPTED TELEVISION SERIES

Las chicas del cable (Netflix)

For a complete list of nominees, click here

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community and the issues that affect their lives. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD's work to amplify stories from the LGBTQ community and issues that build support for equality and acceptance.

The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in Los Angeles on April 12, 2018 at The Beverly Hilton and in New York on May 5 at the New York Hilton Midtown. Find out how you can buy tickets or host a table here.

To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

Nominees for the 29^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards were announced this week, and stories featuring LGBTQ people of color shone across all categories.

In entertainment, the South African film The Wound (Outstanding Film – Limited Release) tells the story of a secret relationship between two men during a Xhosa initiation ritual. Kiki, a documentary about LGBTQ youth of color in the kiki and ball scenes, is nominated in Outstanding Documentary. BBC America’s Queers and ABC’s When We Rise both received nominations in Outstanding TV Movie or Limited Series, and highlighted black queer stories.

Outstanding Comedy Series nominees The Bold Type (Freeform), FOX’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Survivor’s Remorse (Starz) all feature black queer characters. Additionally, The Bold Type includes Adena, a “proud Muslim lesbian,” who is dating Kat. In the Outstanding Drama Series category, the since-cancelled CBS drama Doubt and FOX’s Star both feature black trans women played by trans women (Laverne Cox as lawyer Cameron Worth and Amiyah Scott as Cotton, respectively). The dystopian drama The Handmaid’s Tale includes lesbian character Moira (out actress Samira Wiley), Ron Cephas Jones played Randall’s father William – who is bisexual – on NBC’s buzzy This Is Us, and Sense8’s final season included multiple black queer characters. Master of None’s “Thanksgiving” episode told the story of Denise’s coming out to her family and growing comfortable to bringing a girlfriend home to her family, the episode was co-written by actor Lena Waithe who made history as the first black woman to win the Emmy in Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for the episode.

Disney’s Doc McStuffins included an episode this summer following a lesbian couple and their children, with the moms voiced by out actresses Wanda Sykes and Portia de Rossi. The episode is nominated in the brand new Outstanding Kids & Family Programming category, alongside Nickelodeon’s The Loud House which also includes a black gay character. Kelela, Honey Dijon, Kehlani, and Halsey are all nominated in Outstanding Music Artist. Marvel’s limited series Black Panther: World of Wakanda, nominated in Outstanding Comic Book, is centered on the relationship between Dora Milaje members Ayo and Aneka. Jay-Z’s “Smile,” featuring his mother Gloria Carter, will receive a Special Recognition award.

Netflix’s One Day at a Time– returning January 26 for season two – follows a Cuban-American family, including teenage daughter Elena who came out as a lesbian in season one. Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s winter finale included Rosa Diaz (out bi actress Stephanie Beatriz) coming out as bisexual, check out GLAAD’s Facebook Live chat with her about the story. Netflix’s Sense8 and CBS All Access’ Star Trek: Discovery also feature gay Latino characters.

The documentary Chavela follows the fascinating life and career of Chavela Vargas, one of the most iconic singers in Latin American history. In addition to her music being extremely influential in 20^th century Mexico, Chavela tells an intimate portrait of the singer's personal life, including coming out as a lesbian at the age of 81, and her relationship with different women in different periods of her life including Frida Kahlo. Marvel’s America is nominated in Outstanding Comic Book, the series follows America Chavez who is the company’s first Latina lesbian superhero.

 The Chilean film Una mujer fantástica (A Fantastic Woman) tells the story of Marina, a transgender woman and lounge singer whose life is turned upside down when someone close to her unexpectedly passes away. In the face of discrimination from individuals and institutions, Marina’s strength and resilience shines through the entire film.

NBC’s Superstore (nominated in Outstanding Comedy Series) looks at the immigrant experience through Nico, a gay man who was born and raised in the Philippines. Shadowhunters, which is nominated in Outstanding Drama Series and last year received the award in this category, continues to explore the life of Brooklyn’s High Warlock, Magnus Bane (Harry Shum Jr.). Daily drama Days of Our Lives, ABC’s When We Rise, and NBC’s The Voice all included Asian queer and trans characters in 2017.

Moving over to news and journalism, the Good Morning America segment “DJ Zeke Thomas Goes Public” shone a spotlight on sexual assault. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s series “The Silent Epidemic: Black Gay Men and HIV” and “America’s Hidden H.I.V. Epidemic” (The New York Times Magazine) examine the statistics, experiences and share stories from men living at the intersections of being black, gay, and HIV-positive. Respected trans advocate Monica Roberts received her third nomination in Outstanding Blog for her work on Transgriot, which focuses on issues pertaining to transgender women of color. Fusion’s “China Queer” edition of The Naked Truth looks at the daily experiences of a group of LGBTQ activists in China. Three separate pieces are nominated that cover the specific impact of the Pulse shooting on the Latinx LGBTQ community in Orlando; Anderson Cooper 360, Orlando Sentinel, and Huffpost Queer Voices.

For a complete list of nominees, click here

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community and the issues that affect their lives. The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD's work to amplify stories from the LGBTQ community and issues that build support for equality and acceptance.

The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in Los Angeles on April 12, 2018 at The Beverly Hilton and in New York on May 5 at the New York Hilton Midtown. Find out how you can buy tickets or host a table here.

To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

This Sunday, intersectional advocate, writer, and artist Denarii Grace will be awarded at PFLAG Queens’ Annual Awards Reception and Luncheon celebrating the work of LGBTQ advocates in the greater New York City area. You can follow her on Twitter @writersdelite.

The luncheon and fundraiser highlights and honors the impact of local advocates and supports PFLAG Queens' work advocating for the LGBTQ community. Tickets for the luncheon, held on Sunday, February 4th from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Riccardo's Restaurant in Astoria, Queens, are available through PFLAG Queens.

PFLAG Queens will award Denarii the 13th annual Brenda Howard Memorial Award in recognition of her advocacy focusing on bi+ (plus) identity, disability, Blackness, and fat acceptance.

"Imposter syndrome has been settling in for a while so I still can't believe that I was even considered for this!" Denarii told GLAAD in an exclusive statement. "However, I am so honored that community members thought well enough of both me and my work to bless me in this way. I look forward to honoring Brenda Howard's legacy - and then some - in the years to come!"

The late Brenda Howard was a New York City native and a notable advocate for the bisexual+ community. A fixture in the queer community and a figurehead for the movement for LGBTQ equity, Howard earned the nickname "the Mother of Pride" after coordinating what are considered to be the first “Pride” events--the 1970 Christopher Street Liberation Day March and another rally in remembrance of the Stonewall uprising one year earlier. As the bisexual+ community in New York continued to grow and mobilize in the 1980s, Howard founded the New York Area Bisexual+ Network to coordinate resources for regional bi+ individuals, and continued to work with numerous organizations to liberate and support the bisexual+ community.

Denarii is recognized for her decade-long advocate work, rooted in student activism, with a focus on intersectional LGBTQIA2S+ (plus) issues. She contributed an op-ed to GLAAD's site during #BiWeek last year on the importence of visibility of bi+ issues in light of the Trump administration. She writes:

"And so, as DACA and other immigration issues are under constant threat; as transgender people are under attack (in the military and elsewhere, as is ever the case); as Muslims and Jewish folks find their humanity questioned again and again based simply on their faith; as Betsy DeVos vows to rescind Title IX protections for thousands of sexual assault victims on college campuses; and as Black lives continue to be reminded that we don’t matter, I am keenly aware of the fact that bi+ (plus) people belong to every single one of these groups. 

So this week, and every week, let’s make sure that bi+ (plus) people are included in the movement building, policy making, media campaigns, and political strategizing that we do. Let’s say, “No more!” to the erasure that harms bi+ (plus) people. Let’s commit to saving bi+ (plus) lives - literally."

She also was on GLAAD's panel of bi+ media influencers in 2016, an event organized to discuss bi+ media representation and the work that each panelist is engaged with.

Denarii is a former board member of and the blog editor for the Boston-based non-profit Bisexual+ Resource Center; as well as a nonfiction editor at The Deaf Poets Society, an online journal featuring literature and art by D/deaf and disabled people. As a freelance writer, she has written for Bitch Magazine, Black Girl Dangerous, Everyday Feminism, and The Establishment, among several others. Denarii has this to say about her work; "I believe that as an artist I have a responsibility beyond entertainment, to be a truth teller (as Paul Robeson once said), to reflect the times (as Nina Simone once said), to speak with and for the people, to give marginalized groups the visibility and representation we've long deserved, to heal, to love, to liberate." You can donate to her Patreon here.

Denarii has also launched a showcase, "Denarii Grace Presents: HERSELF," in which Denarii uses various modes of artistry to explore personal and political topics, "from romantic love, sex, and Blackness to abandonment, self-love, and fear." She will next be presenting this showcase two nights before receiving the Brenda Howard Memorial Award. Get your sliding-scale tickets for her February 2 performance at the LGBT Community Center in NYC here. 

So excited about @writersdelite show this Friday night at the @LGBTCenterNYC! Hope to see you there! https://t.co/A0vUMBa7eEpic.twitter.com/odtcpB5wDc

— Sara Ramirez (@SaraRamirez) January 31, 2018

Alongside Denarii, PFLAG Queens will recognizeThe Caribbean Equality Project with the 25th annual Morty Manford Award, which recognizes LGBTQ advocacy work that exemplifies the spirit of the late Morty Manford, a visible and positive LGBTQ role model. The Caribbean Equality Project (CEP) is a Queens NY-based non-profit organization committed to strengthening the marginalized voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual+, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people of Caribbean origin and descent. To date, CEP is the only educational-based agency serving the Caribbean-American LGBTQ community in New York City and is dedicated to cultivating a supportive and progressive Caribbean community free of violence, oppression, and discrimination.

Additionally, Abby Maisonave will be awarded the 20th annual Carmel Tavadia Memorial Award in recognition of outstanding work to support true family values. PFLAG Queens will celebrate Abby Maisonave's work as President of PFLAG Jersey Shore, a very large and community/state active chapter and was the North Atlantic Regional Director for PFLAG National, overseeing the PFLAG chapters in NJ, NY, and PA, helping with issues and concerns that face chapters, as well as guiding and start-up of new PFLAG chapters in her region. She has helped hundreds of families and individuals on their journey to acceptance and unconditional love and support and has been honored that families have entrusted their confidence in her.

GLAAD's own Alexandra Bolles was awarded the Brenda Howard Memorial award last year for her work for the bi+community through GLAAD. Alexandra was recognized for spearheading GLAAD's bisexual+ advocacy work: notably, co-founding the online #BiWeek campaign at GLAAD; participating in and helping coordinate groundbreaking White House policy briefings for bisexual+ advocacy leaders; and creating resources for media reporting on the LGBTQ community, including her guide "In Focus: Reporting on the Bisexual+ Community." Alexandra was also recognized for her management of projects including Spirit Day and the Southern Stories Summer Tour, and her work to amplify diverse voices among the LGBTQ community.

The PFLAG Queens Awards Reception and Luncheon promises to be a meaningful celebration of the impactful work of New York City LGBTQ advocates both locally and nationally. Purchase forms for tickets to the event can be found on PFLAG Queens' website, and more information about the event can be found by contacting PFLAG at 718-858-9678. You can also check out the Facebook event.

My girlfriend and I met in an unconventional way: Tumblr. We were both sixteen-year-old nerds in 2012 who randomly stumbled upon each other’s blogs. One day I decided to send a note of kindness to a stranger, just to brighten their day, and out of my 500 followers, I chose her.

Usually, I would never receive a message back from people, but she responded almost ten minutes later, and from there came a beautiful friendship that traveled across countries. She moved from Mexico to Costa Rica then back to Mexico while I stayed stationary in California. We would Skype and discuss our favorite shows, do homework together, listen to music, and after a few years it was easy to call each other best friends.

Flash-forward to 2014, I was a month into my first year at college and I asked her if she’s ever seen Phantom of the Opera before. We planned to watch it that night together over Skype, and even though I never specified, we both secretly felt like it was a date. A couple days later, we admitted we had feelings for each other. Ever since then, we’ve been together in a long-distance relationship for 4 years, traveling back and forth between our two countries.

We’ve stayed strong, proudly holding hands in the face of the homophobia and racism in our countries, especially during very politically turbulent times. In a couple of months, we’ll both be graduating university, and we plan to attend graduate school together.

I can’t speak for every long distance relationship (LDR), but I can say that I know first-hand how difficult one can be. Like every relationship, it’s not easy and requires a lot of work, but since LDRs are between people who are not physically together, there is a little extra effort that needs to be put in.

So, if you are thinking about being in an LDR or are already in one, I put together a couple of things I wish I had known 4 years ago and what I’ve learned along the way:

1. Dedicate Time Together. Just because you aren’t in the same place doesn’t mean you can slack off on dating, because it is still a relationship. Some fun ideas for LDR dates that have worked for us are binge watching a show or watching a movie. You both pull it up, and ‘ready, set, PLAY”. It’s fun because you can watch the movie while having your partner next to it, so you can watch all their reactions on the screen, which personally, I think is the best part.

2. Dedicate Time For Yourself. In a long distance relationship, it is easy to want to spend all your free time on Facetime or texting, but make sure you put your phone down often to do things for yourself and pay attention to the life you are living and the people around you.

3. Plan Ahead. Plan when you’re going to see each other again. If neither of you knows when/if you’ll see each other again, this creates a lot of anxiety and unnecessary relationship stress.

4. Set Goals Together. Even if they are goals you complete separately, trust me, setting a common goal and achieving it brings you closer together.

5. Communication. Communication, communication, communication. I can’t stress it enough. Technically, it’s all we have in long distance relationships. Without the constant physicality of your partner, all that’s left is communication, and if it isn’t healthy, the relationship will falter. Always work together, because in the end, you are still a team, and communication is your best ally. If you have strong communication and you are finally together in the same space, your relationship will be a million times stronger. I promise.

Michaela Hook is a GLAAD Campus Ambassador and senior at Chapman University studying Creative Writing. She hopes to one day start a creative writing magazine for LGBTQ+ youth.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day we asked three of our GLAAD Campus Ambassadors to share the story of their first LGBTQ kiss. Describing their kisses as “hilarious” and “very liberating” these LGBTQ college students reveal what this milestone means to their identity.

The average age for a first kiss is 15 years old, but among LGBTQ adults 17 is the median age at which they say they knew they were LGBTQ. It’s likely then that queer people are having their first LGBTQ kiss later in life than their straight and/or cisgender counterparts. Some LGBTQ young people may have been kissed before but point to their first LGBTQ kiss as a different, more significant moment in their lives. When their first LGBTQ kiss happens, it’s validation of all the time that went into feeling secure in their identity.

First kisses are seen as a rite of passage—a benchmark on the way to adulthood. But to LGBTQ folks, their first identity affirming kiss can mean so much more. It’s a door opening to a whole new world. It means exploring your identity with the support of people around you. It can serve as an introduction to an identity and shared community. It often serves as validation of your sexual and romantic orientation.

What was your first LGBTQ kiss? Share your story with @glaad on social media this Valentine’s Day using the hashtag #LGBTQkiss.

Adrian Vega is a GLAAD Campus Ambassador and junior at Stanford University studying Communication with a focus on Digital Media. He is currently interning at GLAAD as a Youth Engagement Intern.

Abdool Corlette is the Video Production Manager at GLAAD. He uses digital media to accelerate acceptance for all marginalized people. Abdool is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts.

Welcome to amp!

amp is young creators series, produced by GLAAD, featuring content and stories created by and for young change makers. amp series features original content including op-eds, creative writing, photography, art, videos, and other creative content.

The amp community is made up of people just like you: we are students, stans, artists, media junkies, activists, and more. By subscribing to amp, you are joining a growing community of young LGBTQ and ally advocates dedicated to sharing positivity and empowerment through the media.

The stories you see on amp have been created by other young advocates with the hopes of connecting their worlds to yours, and our world of inclusive media to society. Together with GLAAD, we are rewriting and reclaiming media to reflect the realness of the lives with live.

In our launch week, amp content includes a video featuring GLAAD Campus Ambassadors discussing their first queer kiss, a photo series and Q&A of student activists experiences with love, identity, and activism, and articles exploring dating in the digital world, long distance relationships, finding oneself through a queer relationship, and more.

amp keeps you up to date on the latest and greatest LGBTQ content, and serves as a platform to get your own amazing work published. amp subscribers will have the opportunity to share their stories, learn media and storytelling techniques and best practices from the GLAAD Media Institute, and be a part of other GLAAD campaigns and initiatives.

Stories about our lives, stories about our activism, and stories about our dreams matter. We know that stories can change hearts and minds in order to shape the world into a more accepting place. As members of the largest LGBTQ generations in history, we need a place to share our ideas, connect, and mobilize our networks. Our voice and vision deserve to be amplified. That’s why we have amp.

Subscribe to amp to receive updates on calls for submission, how to get involved with upcoming campaigns, and read exciting new amp content.

sign up. keep up. get amp.

Clare Kenny is a Campaigns Manager at GLAAD. She leads GLAAD's Youth Engagement including the Campus Ambassador Program, Rising Stars Grants Program, and amp series. Clare is a graduate of Skidmore College.

Defining self-care

Self-care. We hear it every day, we know those who swear by it, but some of us are still a little stumped about what self-care looks like. Self-care is often mischaracterized as an indulgence, but we should really view it as a tool to keep us empowered and holistically healthy.

With a new year ahead of us and political and social tensions high across the country, it is no surprise that many people are stressed out this season. So let’s start by defining exactly what self-care means: the care and keeping of yourself- physically, mentally and emotionally.

It’s important to think of these three fields as a Venn diagram or triangle. We want to focus on maintaining all three, rather than sticking to just one or two points. When we neglect one area of the triangle, we feel out of whack.

Queer self-care

As most LGBTQIA+ identifying persons know, going home around the holidays can be tough. Family members don’t always accept who you are, or they try to but still make offensive comments, or they don’t really know how you identify at all.

To be better equipped to process feeling ostracized or misunderstood this season, it’s imperative that we practice self-care to prevent any low moods or breakdowns.

What self-care looks like for you

By this point you’re probably asking, what does self-care look like for me? Begin this process with a simple question: what are my needs and how can I meet them?

No matter what your self-care looks like, it always boils down to meeting your personal needs. So, how do we identify our needs? According to the Crisis Text Line, there are three steps to planning for self-care methods: identifying the problem, starting to plan, and taking action.

1. Identify the Problem - what do you anticipate as being a problem or stressor for you on this day?
2. Start Planning - what can you do to take care of yourself during this stressful time? What are you not doing that you should be?
3. Take Action - follow through with your safety plan.

Sometimes, self-care is about simple maintenance. It can be as little as trying to floss every day or eating meals properly. Sometimes, it’s a bit bigger, like taking a walk every day to reduce stress and release endorphins. Other ways to practice self-care may include doing some of your favorite activities to lift your mood- like listening to music, playing with a pet, or writing in a journal.

Here are a few examples of what self-care might look like for you:

• Eating three meals a day
• Writing a poem
• Taking a bubble bath
• Calling someone you miss
• Cleaning the house
• Going to the gym
• Playing an instrument
• Going on Tumblr
• Completing a chore that’s been on your to-do list
• Taking your medications as prescribed
• Drinking water regularly
• Watching your favorite TV show

It’s key to remember that what works for you may not be as effective on your best friend. We are all individuals, and finding what helps us the most during a difficult time can take time. Try various self-care methods while you’re feeling good to find out what works best for you.

Photo on Foter.com

Winter time can be cold, dark, and stressful for some people, but by practicing basic self-care principles, we can all endure the season. We can remember to practice self-care by identifying problems that worry us, planning to take action, and following through with that action.

You’re never alone in this. If you need assistance planning for a tough time, or are going through a difficult moment and can’t recall your safety plan, text HELLO to 741741 to be connected to a real Crisis Counselor through Crisis Text Line.

By practicing self-care regularly, even when you’re not feeling stressed out, you can make it through. Remember: at the end of the day, we are capable of much more than we think.

Megan Banning is a GLAAD Campus Ambassador and sophomore at Arizona State University studying sociology, women & gender studies, and art history. She is currently working for Hope XChange and Crisis Text Line.

This Spirit Day, our GLAAD Campus Ambassadors were asked to share words of advice with LGBTQ youth who are experiencing bullying. Because LGBTQ youth disproportionately face bullying and harassment, many of our Campus Ambassadors have had their own personal experiences with bullying. Read their heartful words of advice, encouragement, inspiration, and love to their fellow LGBTQ youth below.

Join the Campus Ambassadors and take the pledge to stand against bullying at glaad.org/endbullying.

Daniel Segobiano – He/Him – University of California Santa Cruz

"If you're being bullied, it's not your fault. When I was younger and someone didn't like what I did or what I acted like, I would actively change aspects of my personality in order to fit their definition of "normal." Being bullied doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. There's nothing for you to change and absolutely no one worth the torture of feeling less than. Don't be afraid to seek help, because your health and well being come first. Stay strong, bounce back, and remember that at the very, very least, hundreds of other people just like you, support and love you."

Benjamin Webster – He/Him – University of Maryland Eastern Shore

"You are not alone, you are loved, you are not at fault, and you are not alone in this battle."

Corinne Beverly – She/Her – Virginia Commonwealth University

"To the LGBTQ youth who are experiencing bullying, I know you hear this all the time, but it gets better. Truly. When I was a kid I had the hardest time feeling like I fit in and it didn't help when someone would point out how much I didn't, so I can understand what you're going through. But the hardship only exists to make you stronger. Take it one day at a time and know that there are always people you can talk to. You're not alone."

Teagan Rabuano – They/Them – New York University

"I want LGBTQ youth to know that there will always be people who are trying to dull your sparkle. Hateful people exist everywhere -- at school, at home, even in the White House. Sparkle anyway. Don’t let anybody dictate the way you live your life. It’s not always easy to be yourself, but it is always worth it. First and foremost, be safe and take care of yourself. But know that the same people who will try to bring you down are the ones who wish they could sparkle just like you."

X Rance – They/Them – Ithaca College

"You are strong, brave, and resilient. Merely existing and being your authentic self is revolutionary. Talk to anyone you feel comfortable with, seek out resources, and practice self-care. Be the bigger and better person and do not let the bully win. Advocate for yourself when you can and walk away when you feel endangered. Finding your people can help a lot with strategy and fighting back."

Briannah Hill – They/Them – University of Colorado at Boulder

"As someone who has been bullied in the past, and even continues to be bullied now, I want you all to know you are NOT alone! This is only one wrongfully edited page in one chapter in your life. Do not back down and do not give up your power to others who will use it against you, even though you feel as if there is no way to make things better.  Remind yourself that it is okay to ask for help, whether that means attending counseling, or if you can't afford it talking with someone who loves you truly for who you are and won't be afraid to throw hands for you, both figuratively and literally. You are extravagant, you belong in this world, and you matter. Each day is your victory."

Tony Hernandez – He/Him – University of Texas at Austin

"If you’re experiencing bullying because you’re LGBTQIA+, this is for you. Others might call you a bunch of nasty words because of who you are. You might be wishing that it all goes away. I know this because I was there, too. If you can, however, share with your closest friends who you are. It’s rewarding, it’s liberating, and it’ll get you through the worst. Accept and love yourself because you deserve it! First and foremost, do it for you because your life matters. In the words of Sylvester James, “you’re mighty real.” And you’re beautiful. It sucks right now and you might think that no one cares for you. But although I don’t know you yet, I care for you so much. I, and thousands of people, think of you every day. You are a true star. So keep shining for yourself and the world."

Eva Reign Thomas – She/Her – University of Missouri

"To all of the beautiful LGBTQ youth out there simply trying to survive, please breathe. Take a moment and attempt to relax any tense muscles. You have been fighting to survive. You probably walk with hunched shoulders, a tight jaw, and a stern face. I would know. I was there. I was pushed into lockers, called racial and gendered slurs and received horrible messages digitally and in person. To my younger self, I would say a few things: you are beautiful, you are resilient, and you must be tired. It is okay to be tired. Surviving in the toxic microcosm of adolescence is no easy feat. So I commend you all. To my trans sisters, brothers and nonbinary siblings, I commend you. Even if you are unsure how to articulate your gender, I commend you. Look how far you’ve come. You will get through this. To that, I congratulate you."

Michaela Hook – She/Her – Chapman University

"Do not think, even for one second, that you are alone. We're all rooting for you. You can do this. We love you, we support you, and you are beautiful. Keep being authentically you."

Prin Luis – They/Them – University of South Florida

"You are not alone. I know this is so unbelievably hard and most people don't seem to understand or care, but it won't hurt like this forever. I know that doesn't seem possible, this seems like the end of the world. Just find one thing. One person you can talk to, one hobby you can lose yourself in. When things get bad, think about that. And focus on self-care, because you are SO important! You will find your people, the people that make you feel loved and normal. And it will be so worth it. Just don't give up on yourself."

Tyler LaCarrubba – They/Them – St. Joseph's College

"I want to tell you to keep fighting. To remember that you are not alone, that you are loved, and that you are valid. People can be cruel and do terrible things to others for no good reason at all. It hurts. I know it hurts. But it is not forever. There will be a day where you will be glad you held on. And I believe in your ability to hold on until the day maintaining that grip doesn’t feel impossible anymore."

Andre Menchavez – He/Him – University of Washington

"This part of your life is not easy. Getting bullied for who you are by the people around you will make you feel like there is no hope and no rainbow at the end of this storm. Although, in time you will see that it does get better. There are millions of people just like you. So, whenever you're feeling beaten down or ashamed of who you are, know that you are not alone and that there are people who know exactly how you feel. Embrace who you are and never hide from it. You are an amazing person and you should never shy away from radiating that beautiful light within you."

Dorothy McIntush – She/Her – Texas A&M University

"Your self-worth does not depend on their words. You are worth more than you can possibly understand and there is a whole world out there who love and support you."

Savannah Green – He/Him – Clark Atlanta University

"Keep going. You are stronger than you even imagine but you have to keep going. I wish someone had told me when I was younger to just keep pushing, I felt defeated very early on but slowly but surely I'm beginning to gain back the ground I lost. Some days are hard but some days are beautiful and so worth it all. Keep going and I promise you the beautiful days will begin to outweigh the hard ones."

Palmer Haasch – She/Her – University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

"You are a part of a community that considers you one of its own. Being young and LGBTQ can be an isolating experience but know that there is space and support for you in the LGBTQ community and that you are not alone. And above all, you are valid and loved."

Serena Garnett – She/Her – Penn State University

"I want to let you know that you are seen, and you are heard. Being yourself is both the hardest and most rewarding thing, and being able to love genuinely and truthfully will open up your whole world, honey. People are scared of being their own true authentic selves so they try to stifle your light because they are scared of the power you hold. Allys will come, and you are home in our community. We see you, we hear you, we love you."

Elena Piech – She/Her – Ithaca College

"Although I study at one of the nation’s most LGBTQ friendly campuses, whenever I return home to Indiana, I hear a constant stream of microaggressive comments surrounding my queer identity. Instead of letting a slightly homophobic comment pass, I try to engage in dialogue with my friends and family members who make these comments. As cliché as it might sound, you are your best advocate. In terms of verbal bullying, ask people why they consciously or sub-consciously made their anti-LGBTQ comment. Take initiative and try to have these tough conversations. Find out what factors are influencing them to have a muddled worldview. Oftentimes, people antagonize simply because they don’t understand. Given today’s political climate and the executive branch’s anti-LGBTQ agenda, it is imperative to have these critical conversations. Change will only happen if someone is willing to talk about their experiences and be an advocate for themselves."

Federico Yñiguez – He/Him – California State University, Long Beach

"'It gets better.' Everyone usually begins with that phrase and from what I’ve been through, it is 100% true. The first step is accepting yourself and finding people who accept you. After that, life becomes much more enjoyable. As time passes, people will understand you more and realize that your uniqueness is a strength. Your friends are there for the long haul whereas bullies become a distant memory - another trial you had to face to thrive. Trust me when I say, in the future, people will be cheering your name for staying strong and true to yourself. And at that point, nothing but you matters."

Hannah Oliver – She/Her, They/Them – Central Washington University

"Loving ourselves is key. Life can be tough especially when people don't understand us but it always gets better. Sometimes there are people in our lives who try and hurt us. They will say terrible things and drag us down. It will sting no matter what but if we believe in ourselves and if we know that those hateful People are wrong they won't be able to break us. They will one day leave our lives and their hate will go with them. It's hard to develop self-love especially when we grow up being taught to dislike certain things about ourselves but once we realize how amazing we really are, our true power comes out and nobody can stop us from living happy authentic lives."

Nicole Gemmiti – She/Her – Berklee College of Music

"Once in elementary school, a boy tried to make fun of me by calling me a lesbian. I think about that constantly, wondering what kind of person I would be today if I'd believed that gayness was something to be mocked. I will personally never understand why people continue to try and silence queer voices that are screaming until their lungs give out, choosing to hear them as nothing but a petulant whisper. While my sexuality doesn't solely define me, it's shaped me into a person of integrity. I love being gay because it's a part of me that's rooted in the deepest part of my soul. Don't ever let anyone tell you that your queerness is darkness. Your queerness shines, unimpeded, from the purest part of your being. You are light. Never let them put you out."

Taylor Dolniak – They/Them – Point Park University

"I want to tell anyone in the LGBTQ community that is experiencing bullying in any way, that you are valid. Do not let anyone tell you that what you feel is wrong or that you are crazy. Our lives are short and that means you should be surrounded by love and happiness. Don't waste your time trying to change someone's opinion -- you're the only person you need to make happy! Talk the loudest! Wear what you want, be who you want, love who you want! Just go out there and be your best self."

James Washburn – Him/Him – Cornish College of the Arts

"You are special. Most people--especially the ones who bully you--have no idea who they are at your age. But you have already started on the journey to discovering who you are, and how you love. You are part of a unique, vibrant, and loving community, and as a member of that community, you have a place in this world that no one can take away. Don't let someone who is afraid of your self-awareness or the strength of your love take that away."

Devin Outten – He/Him – University of Maryland Eastern Shore

"Don't give into the hate and don't listen to what people say. You are who you are for a reason. Be who you are unapologetically. You'll be much happier that way."

Harold Daniel – He/Him – Florida International University

"Keep your head held high and surround yourself with people who love and support you. Find distractions to keep you going! Join an organization or club at school. Speak up. Do not hide all the pain away. You are a superstar."

Brooklyn Riepma – She/Her – The College of Idaho

"As cliche as it sounds, my advice to LGBTQ youth is to never ever give up. Being a young LGBTQ person can be scary regardless of whether or not you have come out. If you are being bullied, one of the best things you can do is talk about it to someone you trust. As long as you feel safe to do so, some of the best people you can go to are your family, friends, school counselor, or teachers. They not only can be there as a support system, but they can help stop the bullying, too.  If you feel lost and alone, remember that you are loved and anything but alone. It can be a tough battle, but I know that it will get better as long as you don’t give up. You got this."

Brittany Van Pelt – She/Her – North Carolina A&T State University

"What I would tell youth is to stay strong and always speak out against bullying. Inform someone in authority of your situation. Don’t let the silence keep you in fear."

Dylan Mattimore – She/Her – University of California, Riverside

"Don't feel the need to have to prove yourself to anyone! Be who you want to be and be proud of it! There are so many supportive people out there who want you to thrive."

Delaney "Jenni" Perkins – They/Them – Lycoming College

"I would tell young LGBTQ individuals that they do matter. They have an important voice everywhere they go and the more you reach out, the more resources you’ll have when times get tough. Also, stick true with who you are each and every day."

Sorrel Rosin – They/Them, She/Her – University of Oregon

"It does get better! You have the right to be your true self and we are all right by your side."

Priyank Pillai – They/Them – University of Houston

"To LGBTQ youth who are experiencing bullying, first and foremost, know that we are here for you and that we love you; you are not alone. Find an adult who is willing to listen and file an appropriate report on your behalf, and if such a person doesn't exist, contact the Trevor Project (866) 488-7386 and/or a local LGBTQ organization in your community. Bullies use fear and intimidation to silence people, but our love is stronger than their hate. We have a voice, and the future is ours."

About GLAAD Campus Ambassadors

GLAAD Campus Ambassadors are a volunteer network of LGBTQ and ally college and university students who work with GLAAD and within their local communities to build an LGBTQ movement to accelerate acceptance and end hate and discrimination. Visit glaad.org/campus to learn more!

Intersex… you’ve probably heard the term, but how much do you really know?

I didn’t know much until about two years ago when I was sitting in the doctor’s office waiting for test results. When my doctor walked back in and explained the results to me, everything I thought I knew about basic biology completely flipped on its head.

My doctor told me that I had Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (PAIS), which is one of thirty intersex traits. I was assigned male at birth but my body does not respond to testosterone as often as other males and this led to breast development as well as a lack of hair growth on my body and just a slight deepening of my voice during puberty.

If you don’t know what any of this intersex talk means let’s start by defining it! InterACT Advocates for Intersex Youthdefines intersex as an umbrella term that refers to people who have one or more of a range of variations in sex characteristics that fall outside of traditional conceptions of male or female bodies.

Most people assume biological sex is either “male” or “female,” but it can actually be more complicated. This misconception that biological sex is binary makes intersex people feel alone and unnecessarily ashamed of their bodies. After learning I was intersex it took me time to process. I started to think, “is there anyone else like me?” and “how do I tell my friends or even talk to my family about it?” These questions are common for intersex people and I still think about often – even two years later.

Many people assume that being intersex is very rare – but it is a lot more common than you would think. About 1 in every 2000 babies born are intersex; that’s equivalent to about 1.7% of the world’s population. For context, this is about equal to the same number as natural born redheads. It is very likely that you have met at least one intersex person in your life – and now you can say you at least know me. Intersex people are not just statistics, we are your friends, your classmates, your coworkers… but most of all we are human. Like most people in the LGBTQ community, we are people who face injustices because of our identities.

As a queer, Black, non-binary, intersex person, I don’t often see myself represented in media. The desire to see myself represented in media doesn’t come from a place of vanity. The lack of representation I experience has real life consequences. Erasing intersex people from media, by not representing our identities, teaches people that we don’t exist. And when people don’t think we exist or when they don’t care enough that we exist, we are ignored, we do not feel safe, and our basic survival needs are not met. Even within LGBTQ spaces, intersex people are often not represented or given equal access to resources. This must change – and we are all responsible for taking action as soon as today.

Intersex children around the world have their genitals mutilated by doctors every single day. These surgeries are non-consensual and can have negative impact in the life and development of a child. As a survivor of intersex genital mutilation (IGM), I can tell you firsthand how devastating it was to find out that I had a major surgery without any opportunity to decide if I wanted the surgery or not. My experience, and so many other intersex people’s experiences, has inspired us to take action to make sure no one has to go through IGM without their consent.

If you are someone who believes that all humans deserve to be healthy, safe, and respected, I urge you to learn more about the lives and experiences of intersex people. I want you to spread the word and your newfound knowledge of intersex people and the injustices that intersex children and babies face every day around the world. This can be done by celebrating and recognizing Intersex Awareness Day on October 26^th, educating yourself, bringing intersex speakers to your institution, organization, department, and making sure resources and information are available to anyone who may need or want it.

If you know an intersex person or are an intersex person – please know that we are out here and would love to meet another member of our community! There are some great resources out here for everyone such as interACT Youth and the AIS-DSD Support group! Please check them out below!

Jonathan Legette is a GLAAD Campus Ambassador and a junior at The Evergreen State College. Jonathan works as a New Student Mentor and a Peer Advisor at the Trans and Queer Center at Evergreen State. Off campus, Jonathan serves as an interAct youth advocate and speaker, bringing intersex awareness education to schools across the country. 

Helpful links:

Washington Post Magazine cover story article on the Intersex Movement– 10/8/17

interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth

AIS-DSD Support Group

Growing up as a kid in Guam, I was often subjected to bullying because of my “flamboyant” personality. Without coming out myself, my classmates and even teachers assumed I was gay because of the way I expressed myself. I was frequently addressed with homophobic slurs and picked on the bus. Things remained verbal until one day in the ninth grade, a group of boys who would bully me on the bus ride from school followed me off my stop. I immediately knew something was off and felt terrible fear because they usually got off a few stops after me. When we got down, the boys forced me to go behind the bus stop, where they beat me to the ground until I could no longer defend myself. After they left me there, lying and bleeding in the dirt, I remember that all I kept thinking was, “Why me?”

Unfortunately, stories like mine are common among many LGBTQ students. Reportedly, 58 percent of LGBTQ students feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation, and 43 percent because of their gender expression.

Additionally, it is important to realize that bullying against LGBTQ students is an intersectional issue that is informed by other identities. For example, 53.1 percent of LGBTQ students of color feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation. Furthermore, on average, students of color experience more verbal harassment, physical harassment, and physical assault because of their gender expression than their white peers.

What is particularly upsetting is that 85 percent of LGBTQ students report being verbally harassed, but a staggering 64 percent who report an incident say that school staff did nothing in response or were told to ignore it.

This #SpiritDay, I wish to amplify the voices of students like me who have been bullied for being their true selves. Moreover, I want to urge teachers, family members, and non-LGBTQ students to practice active allyship by taking action when bullied students report instances of violence. Finally, I hope that we within the LGBTQ community are able to look at bullying through an intersectional lens so as to understand the ways in which other identities—such as class, race, ability, and religious background—shape experiences with bullying differently for individuals within the community.

Matthew Choi Taitano is a founding GLAAD Campus Ambassador and a senior at Princeton University. Throughout his time at Princeton, Matthew has been engaged in leadership and activist work around issues impacting LGBTQ students, students of color, and students from first-generation, low-income backgrounds.

Each year, millions go purple for GLAAD’s Spirit Day to support LGBTQ youth in a united stand against bullying. Started in 2010 by high school student Brittany McMillan in response to numerous young LGBTQ lives lost to suicide, Spirit Day now draws the participation of celebrities, schools, faith institutions, national landmarks, corporations, media outlets, sports leagues, and advocates around the world, all joining together to stand against bullying and support LGBTQ youth.

As anti-LGBTQ policies, hate crimes, and harassment are on the rise, it is now especially important to let all marginalized youth know they are supported. This year, Spirit Day is on October 19, 2017. Take the Spirit Day pledge to show LGBTQ youth you've got their backs at glaad.org/spiritday. Follow @GLAAD on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up to date with #SpiritDay news.