As we gather 'round the Thanksgiving table with our family, chosen or otherwise, I've already claimed the good chair and have my Tupperware ready for leftovers.
This year has been...a year, okay? Between the world doing what it does (acting up), the injustice industrial complex running overtime from the White House to communities across the country, and the Supreme Court constantly playing "will they, won't they" with our civil rights, one might think gratitude would be in short supply.
But as wiser and grander aunties have told me, even in chaos, you'd better find something to be thankful for. Otherwise, the chaos wins.
So this season, I'm counting the blessings, the petty victories, the cultural slays, the political clapbacks, and those sacred, shimmering queer moments that reminded us we're still here, still thriving, and more fabulous and moisturized than ever.
Jonathan Bailey becoming the first gay "Sexiest Man Alive"
The male gaze finally gazed correctly! This year, People magazine gave the title to a gay man who can act, sing, smolder, and wear a pair of sexy little glasses.
SCOTUS declining to hear Kim Davis's marriage-equality tantrum
Rally for LGBTQ rights outside Supreme Court as Justices hear oral arguments in three cases dealing with discrimination in the workplace because of sexual orientation.
Rob Korn/Shutterstock
The Supreme Court said, "Girl, be serious," and sent Kim's little petition straight back. Equality is still the law of the land!
The sandwich guy
A man, who was later arrested for assaulting law enforcement with a sandwich, interacts with Border Patrol and FBI agents along the U Street corridor on August 10, 2025, in Washington, DC.
Andrew Leyden/Getty Images
Some heroes wear capes; others wield deli-counter confidence. Former Justice Department staffer Sean Charles Dunn was a man with a sandwich in a moment of protest that became folkloric. What could be better? A court found him not guilty after being charged with a misdemeanor. Never thought justice could taste so good!
Niecy Nash-Betts, our Out100 Icon of the Year
The award-winning actress, producer, director, and literal queer icon, Niecy reminds us what queer legacy actually looks like: bold, brilliant, and unbothered by small-minded lawmakers. A moment to bow our heads and say "Yas!"
Kathy Griffin, our Advocate of the Year
It's always good to have allies who will speak out when the room goes silent. We gave thanks to Kathy for using her voice to defend and amplify queer voices.
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein
Leave it to Guillermo to make an emotionally complex and Gothically beautiful Creature out of Jacob Elordi. It was a reminder that the real monster was never Frankenstein's creation but the world that could never see the beauty within.
NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani
A man who fights for tenants, workers, and queer folks with the enthusiasm of someone who actually reads his emails. Bless this public servant!
Representative Jasmine Crockett
A Congressional clapback queen never to be trifled with! We give thanks for her read-the-room energy.
Queer lingo expanding our alphabet, slang, & shenanigans
From "it's giving..." to "serve," I'm thankful to live in an age when queer terms continue to shape mainstream culture.
Ayo Edebiri
She can act, joke, and clap back at journalists with finesse. Ayo has the kind of stare that telepathically begs to leave the function early. I relate, and give thanks.
The Traitors
A show where everyone is sassy, styled (thank you, Alan Cumming!), and suspicious. So, basically, drag brunch once the mimosas kick in.
Netflix's Boots
I never thought a series about men in the armed forces would make me cry. But there I was, tissue in tow. A heartwarming story of a gay Marine in the 90s who discovers his identity and chosen family. But, let's be honest, also here for jawlines you can cut glass on.
Cynthia Erivo
Whether singing, acting, or protecting costars from wild carpet crashers, Cynthia is a blessing we count twice.
Protestors showing up with courage and conviction
October 2025 No Kings Rally Protest Parade in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Ashlin Galbraith/Shutterstock
Whether protesting against fellow neighbors disappearing, government overreach, or affordability, protestors were a reminder that resistance isn't cute or comfortable, but it can be occasionally hilarious. Grateful for the brave hearts who put their bodies and voices on the line.
Outlaws with TS Madison podcast
The one thing I'm thankful for is the art of tuning out. And there was no better way to do it than with TS Madison's newest podcast. With a lineup featuring Chappell Roan, Tina Knowles, and Laverne Cox, Outlaws was much-needed light when times seemed bleak.
Rep. Robert Garcia holding Republicans accountable
The Democratic rising star reads them for filth, cites sources, and smiles while doing it. A queer Latina king if I've ever seen one.
Miss Piggy
The diva is back, the curls are bouncing...and, for once, I'm not talking about myself! News of Miss Piggy heading to Broadway made me give thanks for this muppet queen.
Anthony Boyle in House of Guinness
A man who looks like he was carved out of Irish marble and dipped in whiskey lighting. I was parched, and appreciated Anthony's scene for all the right reasons.
Survival of the Thickest, Season 2
Michelle Buteau returning to give us thick-girl joy, queer love, and trans joy with Miss Peppermint in a wedding dress? Yes, ma'am. Grateful forever.
Miss Piggy; Niecy Nash-Betts; Jacob Elordi in 'Frankenstein'Shutterstock; Erik Carter; NetflixBeing thankful isn't about pretending everything's perfect, but noticing that even when things feel impossible, we're still here. These 19 things are little reminders that even in a world that tests our patience, queer joy keeps breaking through.
From our chosen family to yours, may your Thanksgiving festivities fill your plates, firm your boundaries, and light your spirits.
