👏 A transgender chaplain makes history

Plus, George Santos goes independent Helleaux, wonderful humans! [Christopher Wiggins]( coming to you once again, sharing updates from a rain-drenched [Washington, D.C](. As Alex wraps up his vacation, I’m here for one last day to steer The Advocate newsletter, bringing you a blend of the thought-provoking, the heartening, and the stories that stir debate. Let’s dive in: 🏳️🌈 [Transgender]( Chaplain Makes History in Tennessee Legislature: Dahron Johnson, in a significant moment for visibility, recently addressed the [Tennessee]( House, marking her as the first [transgender]( chaplain to do so. 🏛️🏳️⚧️ Speaking with The Advocate, Johnson [reflected on the significance of her speech]( amid a backdrop of anti-[LGBTQ]( legislation, emphasizing the importance of representation and advocacy for trans rights. 👑 Princess of Wales Cancer Battle Draws Community Support: The Princess of Wales, Catherine, has shared that she's battling cancer. 🌍💖 As White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed warm wishes from the podium of the briefing room, The Advocate [spoke with LGBTQ+ Americans]( including the owners of the [British-influenced Little Gay Pub]( in D.C., the city’s latest must-visit locale, who expressed their deep concern and solidarity for the princess. 😡 Nebraska Senator’s Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage: The [Nebraska]( Legislature was recently embroiled in controversy due to remarks made by State Sen. Steve Halloran, a [Republican](. 💬 In a debate that crossed the bounds of appropriateness, [Halloran’s use of a colleague’s name while discussing sensitive material]( has led to widespread condemnation.🤯 🚫Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Moves Forward in House Committees: Under Republican leadership, [two anti-LGBTQ+ bills have progressed through U.S. House committees]( prompting a strong reaction from the [LGBTQ]( community and its allies. 🛑🏳️🌈 As I pass the baton back to Alex, let’s continue to engage, reflect, and push for a world that embraces all. Have a great weekend! 🫶 With warmth and solidarity, Christopher [White House, LGBTQ+ community express support after Princess Kate reveals shocking cancer diagnosis]( [George Santos leaves Republican Party, will run for House seat as independent]( [Outrage after Oklahoma prosecutor declines charges in Nex Benedict bullying death]( [Trans chaplain speaks to Tennessee legislature as Republicans try to erase people like her]( [Out Congress members outraged as anti-LGBTQ+ bills advance]( ['Cruel' Nebraska senator investigated after using colleague's name in a rape scene]( Look, the answer! Each week, The Advocate newsletter has a little bit of LGBTQ+ trivia. Tuesday, you'll get the question. Thursday, you'll get a hint. And today, you'll get the answer. This week's question is: Which country was the first to legalize same-sex marriage, doing so in 2001? This week’s answer is: The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage, back in 2001. This groundbreaking legislation in Holland paved the way for LGBTQ+ rights globally, marking a significant step towards equality and recognition for [marriage equality]( in the U.S. 14 long years later.. 🎉 Congrats to everybody who sent in the correct answer! What readers are talking about 🏳️🌈 The news that the Biden administration agreed to [ban LGBTQ+ Pride flags]( from flying at U.S. embassies in order to pass a spending bill and avoid a government shutdown sparked a lot of conversation from our social media followers this week. With flag bans being a popular tactic of anti-LGBTQ+ politicians, some felt that Biden was throwing our community under the bus. Others, like former Pennsylvania state representative Brian Sims, say it's a matter of picking our battles. "President Biden's agreement to a limited pride flag ban, under pressure from radical opposition, doesn't reflect a lack of commitment to LGBTQ+ rights but a strategic decision to ensure the government continues to serve millions of Americans, LGBTQ+ Americans included," Sims commented on our Instagram post. What do you think? Join the conversation by emailing us at social@advocate.com What you should also be reading: - [X-Factor winner Matt Terry comes out after years of speculation]( (Pride) - [Elon Musk has a truly BIZARRE request for his 'gay friends']( (Pride) - [Sapphira Cristál just made herstory & broke an all-time Drag Race record]( (Out) - [This video of Jonathan Bailey grinding his hips is making us (and the internet) go feral]( (Out) Do you know someone who would like to receive The Advocate newsletter? Share it with them! [Click to email a link to your friends]( Keep up with the latest LGBTQ+ news -- from politics to entertainment to opinions from queer voices. The Advocate is part of [equalpride]( a proudly LGBTQ-owned and operated media company that serves as a leading voice on equality with LGBTQ, women and people of color. Follow us [X]( [Facebook]( [Facebook]( Copyright © 2024 equalpride. All rights reserved. PO Box 241579, Los Angeles, CA 90024 [Privacy policy]( [Terms of use](