Matthes successfully ran Lesbian News Magazine from 1994 until 2022. The Lesbian News, more commonly known as the LN, had the distinction and responsibility of being North America’s longest running lesbian publication. Founded in 1975 in Southern California by Jinx Beer, LN began as the lone voice for lesbian issues and evolved throughout the years under Matthes’ leadership to become the nation’s foremost voice for lesbians of all ages.

Some of the iconic cover stories have included names such as Melissa Etheridge, kd lang, Ellen DeGeneres, Marlee Matlin, Hillary Clinton, Toni Braxton, Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, Judith Light, and Janet McTeer.

Her numerous contributions to the LGBTQ+ community earned her a slew of recognitions and awards. She was the recipient of the 2002 Women’s Night Gay & Lesbian Center’s “Lesbian & Bisexual Women Active in Community Empowerment Award;” the 2002 “Business Alliance of Los Angeles Community Involvement Award;” the 2003 Southern California Women for Understanding “Community Service Award;” and the 2012 Vox Femina Los Angeles “Aria Award.”

A native of Los Angeles, California, Matthes graduated from Dorcey High School and attended UCLA for a brief period. She played the saxophone in high school and was a competition bowler for many years.

At the young age of fifteen, she went to work at Great Western Savings in the print shop and developed a passion for printing. By the time she was in her twenties, she purchased Superior Printers and ran it for decades. However, something else kept tugging at her heartstrings. Ella felt lesbians weren’t receiving a lot of support and visibility and wanted to do something about it. So, in 1994, she purchased Lesbian News Magazine from Deborah Bergman who had acquired it from its original owner, Jinx Beers.

Ella Matthes built a mission statement around her vision for all lesbians. “The editorial vision of the LN has always been to inform, entertain, and be of service to women who love women of all ages, economic class, and color. We hope women from all walks of life will not only find something of themselves in the LN, but also be accepting of those with differing opinions. Lesbian News is our small contribution to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender liberation movement.”

She is survived by her brother Carl Matthes and her wife Gladi Adams. Ella and Gladi had been together for 26 years and married July 13, 2013.

Donations in her name can be made to the June Mazer Archives in West Hollywood, CA.

The post Beloved Lesbian News publisher Ella Matthes dies first appeared on Lesbian.com.

The settlement aims to provide clarity regarding permissible classroom discourse in the wake of the law’s enactment two years ago, which prohibited instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades. Critics of the law argued that it led to uncertainty about whether teachers could openly identify as LGBTQ+ or display rainbow symbols in their classrooms.

READ the full story on NPR.

The post Hate, hate, go away, don’t say gay is dead today first appeared on Lesbian.com.

For these celebrities, it’s important to live their truth in every way. Whether through self-expression, gender expression or a combination of both, telling their story allows them to live out loud. Being recognized by how they identify is essential for finding community as well as a fulfilling transgender dating experience.

They’ve built with both fans and other celebrities alike, while also driving the conversation about being trans and the experience it entails. Maybe you’ll resonate with one of their stories or learn something new as an ally, but either way, these trailblazers are shaping the fight for trans liberation.

Vivian Jenna Wilson

Eighteen-year-old Wilson lives outside the spotlight despite her famous father. She’s been clear about identifying as a transgender female and using she/her pronouns according to court documents filed in April. Recently, she filed a petition for a name change and new birth certificate with the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Though both she and father Elon Musk haven’t made much commentary on their estranged relationship, Wilson is clear that she’d like to live her truth and no longer wants to be related to her biological father in “any way, shape or form”.

Emma Corrin

The Crown star Emma Corrin is among recent celebrities to express her trans identity. She came out as queer and uses she/they pronouns. She addressed her gender identity for the first time on Britain’s ITV News. Corrin has also been very open on Instagram about her journey, including her series of posts showing and discussing her chest binders.

Lennon Torres

You may recognize Lennon Torres from the popular Lifetime show Dance Moms. She’s been very open about her transition on Tik Tok and her other social media, now being referred to by she/they pronouns.

Her journey to realizing her identity as a woman was long and started with coming out as gay at 15. College is where she met people who helped her realize what it meant to exist outside of the gender binary. After many conversations and self reflection she realized that she identifies as a trans woman.

Torres started medically transitioning in 2021 and continues to document her journey on Tik Tok. She also works closely with the queer community, including the company she established, Continuum Company, which focuses on gender equity and consults with ballet companies to provide a safe space for dancers outside the gender binary.

Tommy Dorfman

13 Reasons Why star Tommy Dorfman is also open about her journey to identifying as a trans woman. She documented her journey of her body “living in a more fluid space” on Instagram for a while before publicly acknowledging her transition. Dorfman says she transitioned for a year before being open about it. She’s also started medically transitioning.

Gigi Goode

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Gigi Goode has also come out as trans. She originally came out as genderfluid, later realizing that she identifies as a trans female and nonbinary. Goode cites her self reflection during the pandemic and the HBO Max series Veneno for helping her realize who she really is. The fully trans actresses helped her to realize she identifies this way as well.

Goode has been open about the process of medically transitioning, discussing hormone replacement therapy and facial feminization surgery.

Laganja Estranja

Another RuPaul’s cast member, Laganja Estranja has come out as a trans woman. She discusses her ten year journey to discovering herself, including purposely coming out as trans before starting hormone replacement therapy.

Estranja expresses that outward appearance is an extension of what we feel on the inside and that clothes don’t determine whether you’re a woman or not.

Zaya Wade

Zaya Wade has also come out about being a trans girl. Her father, Dwayne Wade, first announced in 2019 on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that his 12 year old daughter Zaya wanted to be referred to by she/her pronouns.

Throughout 2020, 2021 and onward Zaya has introduced herself to the world, making many red carpet appearances with her parents. Both Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade are very supportive of their daughter’s journey and the right to express herself. They also continue to educate themselves through various means, including reaching out to the all trans cast of Pose for how to be of support and be strong allies of the queer community.

NikkieTutorials

NikkieTutorials is no stranger to talking with an audience. The YouTube star has over 13 million followers who tune into her makeup channel. Her video ‘I’m coming out’ was the first time she discussed with her huge following her journey to discovering her identity as a trans woman. In the video she states that she knew that since she was younger that she was “born in the wrong body”.

She also discusses feeling pressured to come out because trolls threatened to expose her gender identity. Making the video was her way of coming out on her own terms and controlling her own narrative.

Ashley Gray

Ashley Gray is most known for being in the 2013 Britain’s Got Talent finals. The singer revealed his identity as a transgender male on his personal Tik Tok. He shared that he had his first appointment at the gender clinic a while ago which opened up the possibility of changing his name on his passport as well as his gender marker.

Promising to keep fans updated throughout the journey, he plans to start testosterone soon.

Indya Moore

Known for their role as Evangelista in Pose, Indya Moore is a big voice in both the trans and queer communities. They identify as transgender and non binary, and use they/them pronouns. Moore is very open about the bullying and transphobia that caused them to leave home at 14 and drop out of school. They have also been very open about the scrutiny they face as female passing, though they identify as nonbinary.

Each of these stories is inspiring and liberating, but it’s important to remember there are many trans people still facing lack of resources in their journey. Supporting organizations dedicated to providing resources for trans people such as the Black Transgender Advocacy Coalition can help to provide a voice and safe spaces for trans people to thrive.

The post The Most Recent Celebrities to Come Out as Transgender first appeared on Lesbian.com.

On Saturday, May 14, LPAC’s Founder Urvashi Vaid passed away. We have lost a fierce fighter and friend. Urvashi’s activism, vision, and determination changed the progressive movement and improved the lives of marginalized people across the United States. We are heartbroken by this loss and will miss Urvashi deeply, but will look to her example as we continue to strive for equality and social justice. Our hearts are with her partner Kate Clinton, her family, and everyone who knew and loved her.

You can read an obituary from The Washington Post here. We would also like to share a few remembrances of Urvashi from those of us at Team LPAC.

LPAC Board Chair Laura Ricketts:

Urvashi was a bold, brilliant, strategic and innovative advocate and activist. She was a community builder and a movement maker who inspired all of us to do more because we all deserved more. When she didn’t inspire us, she pushed and pushed and pushed us to do more. I have never met anyone with more passion and drive, and all for a better, more just and equitable world. She was unapologetically direct and unreservedly candid, always true to herself and speaking her truth, never shying away from conflict or afraid to stand up for what is right. Being a more reserved and diplomatic Midwesterner, I think this is what I admired most about her. She was also very loving with a whip smart sense of humor. Urvashi is a legend and a treasure. The impact of her legacy is immeasurable. I feel blessed to have known her and to have learned from her, and honored to have worked alongside her.

LPAC Executive Director Lisa Turner:

It goes without saying that Urvashi Vaid was a powerhouse activist and advocate. She was also kind, and generous in complimenting those around her. I cannot think of a time when I was in a room with Urvashi when she didn’t say something validating about me or my work and why I should be sitting at the table. Some of the most meaningful and important work I have done on behalf of social justice is because Urvashi opened a door and pushed me into uncharted waters. I will be forever grateful to have been in her orbit.

LPAC Board Member Alix Ritchie:

To be in a world without Urvashi is almost inconceivable – even for those of us who were marching along with her in her fight with cancer. And I say marching, because that is what she did – about almost everything, but especially for the equality of LGBTQ people and very specifically for women, gay or straight. I remember avidly discussing the ideas about bringing more lesbians to the table when political decisions are being made about their lives and their relative invisibility in the LGBT world – all of which led to the creation of LPAC. Urvashi was unrelenting in pushing all of us to be better, to just get more done. And we are all better for having been pushed! We have all been blessed by having Urv in our lives, and none more than Kate, who deserves every bit of love we can send her way right now.

Former LPAC Board Member Diane Felicio:

There was nothing like seeing Urvashi “in action.” Her entire self: body, eyes, voice, and soul were transformed. Urvashi, the message, the action, the cause became one. That was one of her many superpowers – she would use herself, in her entirety, to grab us, to make us look and see the injustices she refused to ignore, to propel us into action. It was a privilege for me to sit around the same table as Urvashi, to learn from all that she embodied, to share the floor with her at LPAC events, and to have countless one-on-one discussions as we crafted the future of LPAC. It is impossible for me to chronicle all that I absorbed from Urvashi, but I know this, anytime I think I am fighting hard for transformational change, I know I have to fight harder, because she would. She would always do more.

Former LPAC Board Member Emily Giske:
I got a call from Urvashi out of the blue and she suggested starting a new PAC, which eventually would became LPAC. I told her “let do this!” Urvashi made LPAC happen. A call from her was a calling card for good, exciting, important work. Urvashi was excellent at making things happen for the good of our community.

The post Remembering Urvashi Vaid first appeared on Lesbian.com.

“Hi friends, I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot. I feel lucky to be writing this. To be here. To have arrived at this place in my life,” he wrote.

“I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am enough to pursue my authentic self. I’ve been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community,” he said. “Thank you for your courage, your generosity and ceaselessly working to make this world a more inclusive and compassionate place. I will offer whatever support I can and continue to strive for a more loving and equal society.”

Welcome to the world, Elliot!

The post ‘Umbrella Academy’ star comes out as trans first appeared on Lesbian.com.

This pandemic has effected every person around the world. We’ve been thinking about what we can do to help during this difficult time. For the first time, the world is on a collective pause, allowing time for reflection/introspection like never before.

As a result we’ve decided to full pivot to be an online platform that provides a creative outlet for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Unlike other platforms, we invite members of the community who want to share their stories the opportunity to do so, by joining our Writers Cohort. Check out some of the featured stories below.

Explore the site now at MyUmbrella.co.

The post LGBTQ+ app MyUmbrella relaunches first appeared on Lesbian.com.

She and her partner Del Martin (who passed away in 2008) met in the 1950s. In partnership, this indomitable pair fought for same-sex marriage. Lyon and Martin were the first couple married in California in 2008. Now-Governor Gavin Newsom officiated their wedding.

Gov. Newsom paid tribute on Twitter, posting “Phyllis and Del were the manifestation of love and devotion. Yet for over 50 years they were denied the right to say 2 extraordinary words: I do. / Phyllis—it was the honor of a lifetime to marry you & Del. Your courage changed the course of history./ Rest in Peace my dear friend.”

Kate Kendall, activist and former executive director of the National Center from Lesbian Rights, tweeted, “She and Del are dancing again.”

The post Beloved LGBTQ+ pioneer, Phyllis Lyon, dies of natural causes at 95 first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Ways we are helping to make this process smooth for all of our customers:

All previously purchased tickets will be automatically transferred to the new dates. If a ticket holder is unable to make the September dates, their tickets will transfer to The Dinah 2021.

The Hilton, Courtyard Marriott and Quality Inn are transferring all existing reservations to the September dates. Reservations at these hotels can be canceled by April 7th without penalty. After April 7th all previous conditions will apply. For cancellation requests, the hotel must be contacted directly.

We appreciate your patience and understanding in these uncertain times and hope you are all staying safe and healthy. We want to thank so many of you who have sent supportive messages expressing understanding of how difficult this issue is for all of us. We hope to see you all for the September dates or the 2021 dates. In the meantime, please stay safe, follow all CDC health precautions, and we’ll get through this together.

The post The Dinah’s 30th-anniversary celebration is postponed to September 16-21 first appeared on Lesbian.com.

Hallmark is known for its gender normative, heterosexuality promoting romantic programming, but the One Million Moms had a panic attack that their kids might learn that Santa doesn’t always bring the sad, middle-aged lady a husband, sometimes he brings a wife.

Ultimately, Hallmark made the decision not to cave to the cyber-bulling tactics of the One Million Morons, er, Moms.

Here’s the ad that got the Moms all hot and bothered:

The post Hallmark Channel reverses decision on Zola’s kissing lesbian brides first appeared on Lesbian.com.

NCLR has announced that Imani Rupert-Gordon will be its new Executive Director. Rupert-Gordon is a long-time movement leader and advocate for LGBTQ people of color. Rupert-Gordon will lead the 42-year old feminist LGBTQ legal organization, which is known for tackling the most pressing issues of race, gender, and economic inequality facing LGBTQ people.

“Imani is the perfect fit for NCLR’s mission, culture, and commitment to bold leadership,” said NCLR Co-Chair Emily Doskow. “She is a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience and a strong vision for the organization’s future. We could not be more fortunate to have her joining NCLR.”

“We were blown away by Imani’s passion and results-oriented leadership,” added NCLR Board Co-Chair Felicia Medina. “NCLR and our country will benefit greatly from Imani’s experience in building community-based movements to address racism, sexism, transphobia, and white supremacy. She knows how to call in and call out, and will fight every moment of her tenure to ensure that all of us, particularly the most vulnerable in our community, are legally protected and can live their truth.”

“I’m thrilled to join the team at NCLR and to help expand their incredible work,” said Imani Rupert- Gordon. “As we continue the fight for legal protections to achieve LGBTQ equality, I’m excited to be part of creating a more inclusive LGBTQ movement that centers racial, economic, and political justice. There has never been a more important time for NCLR’s approach to advancing LGBTQ equality and liberation, and I am grateful to be a part of the team as we meet this challenge.”

Rupert-Gordon currently serves as the Executive Director of Affinity Community Services, the nation’s oldest social justice organization serving the needs of Black LGBTQ people with a particular focus on Black women.

The post NCLR Names Imani Rupert-Gordon as New Executive Director first appeared on Lesbian.com.