2025-08-27 12:00:28.408

Months after Hurricane Katrina, Jenna Jordan sought to connect with other queer women in New Orleans. Many queer communities, particularly those of color and lesbians, were disproportionately affected by the storm's devastation. In 2006, a small gathering at a dive bar evolved into Grrlspot, a monthly event that now draws hundreds to four annual parties. The absence of a dedicated lesbian bar post-Katrina, coupled with economic hardship, fueled Grrlspot's success. It provides a safe and celebratory space for lesbians and trans women, filling a void left by the closure of the city's last lesbian bar in 2012. The event's popularity highlights the enduring need for community and the resilience of New Orleans' LGBTQ+ scene, thriving even without traditional spaces. While other pop-up events have faded, Grrlspot remains a testament to the power of community building and the ongoing legacy of Katrina.

2025-06-02 06:00:39.681

Pride Month, an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and rights, kicks off with events worldwide. While it's a time of celebration, it's also a protest against policies targeting transgender individuals and efforts to curb diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The month-long celebration's roots trace back to the 1969 Stonewall riots. This year's events include marches and gatherings in cities across the globe, such as Philadelphia, New Orleans, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, Toronto, Sao Paolo, and Paris. However, some events fall outside June, including World Pride in Washington, D.C., and Pride celebrations in London, Rio de Janeiro, and Atlanta. The Trump administration's policies targeting transgender individuals, including restrictions on passport sex changes, military service, and gender-affirming care, are a key focus. These policies are facing legal challenges, and public opinion is divided. Pride events in the US are seeing strong attendance, with organizers viewing participation as a form of protest. Milwaukee's PrideFest, for example, is expecting close to 50,000 attendees. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. While public acceptance of same-sex couples is high, acceptance of nonbinary and transgender individuals remains lower. A significant challenge this year is the withdrawal of corporate sponsorships from Pride events, with companies like Anheuser-Busch and others reducing or eliminating their support, impacting event budgets.