Happy Pride Month! 🌈
2026 has not been easy and that reality impacts how how the LGBTQ+ community celebrates, and is celebrated, this June. Our editor-in-chief Dan Reynolds’ words encapsulate the feeling well: "I want to wish you the happiest Pride, dear reader — and a joyous 250th anniversary to America. We are part of this country's past, present, and future. So, let's continue making history."
That energy of celebration is also very present in Elton John who has established the Elton John Impact Awards, an initiative that honors icons, trailblazers, and allies who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.
Read the full editor’s note, see what Elton John and his husband David Furnish are cooking up, and more below.
Until next time,
Alamin Yohannes
Audience Editor
This Pride, 'we cannot be passive'
Erik Carter; David Urbanke
From Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles, the fight for LGBTQ+ equality continues with greater urgency — but so does our resilience, writes Daniel Reynolds, editor in chief of Out and The Advocate.Elton John dishes on his legacy & encourages queer people to fight political 'hostility' (exclusive)
Michael Blanchard
"I have spent my life watching people be punished for being themselves. Artists, activists, ordinary people who just wanted to live openly. The Elton John Impact Awards exist because that courage deserves to be named and celebrated, not just assumed. We want to shine a light on the people who made it easier for everyone who came after them and make clear that the work isn't finished."
Two dads bring their kid to Charleston for history and adventure
Stephen Walker and PJ Wilson
A rainbow family explores Charleston’s historic sites, kid-friendly adventures, and surprisingly warm Southern hospitality.
Dito van Reigersberg, known as Philly drag performer Martha Graham Cracker, dies
YouTube / LiveSyphon
Van Reigersberg helped expand what drag could look and sound like in Philadelphia: theatrical, literary, absurd, deeply musical, and emotionally alive.
Vivian Wilson speaks out on her safety as a trans woman: 'I'm not worried. I'm still alive!'
Savage x Fenty
The famous model says "nobody needs to be concerned" about her security as Pride season begins.
Patagonia shares list of demands to drop Pattie Gonia lawsuit
River Callaway/Variety via Getty Images
“We don’t want to argue trademark law on social media," said the outdoor clothing brand, which also addressed the "hurt" the legal battle with the drag performer is causing LGBTQ+ people.
6 hilarious times RuPaul couldn't remember someone's name
Kelly Balch/Getty Images
Even Trixie Mattel called RuPaul an “equal opportunity forgetter” as she struggles to recall certain people’s names.
Madonna's new album drops July 3—that's no accident
Mick Hutson/Redferns)
Opinion: As America rolls out a tacky and retrograde 250th anniversary celebration, the gay icon will unveil a very different vision of freedom, writes Josh Ackley.
