United States
I'm a journalist-activist from Houston, Texas who works to raise social awareness for underserved communities through my reporting.
Nestled in the heart of Montrose, and sporting Pride flags and posters that proclaim queer-friendly messages, Bering Memorial United Methodist Church stands firm on its commitment to fully embrace everyone who walks through its doors. Church members have sought justice for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities since the early '80s.
Lina Hidalgo was studying public policy at Harvard University and law at New York University for her master's degree when Donald Trump became president. Prior to that 2016 election, the Colombian-born and Houston-raised activist hadn't considered a career in politics, and instead planned to create change by working in the private sector.
From caramel-apple buñuelos to Hennessy-infused butter pecan cupcakes, the sweet possibilities are endless at The Dreaming Oven bakery. "I can make anything," says the shop's owner, Angelina Marie. "My skills are not limited-but I really love creating cakes for special occasions."
Lenny Duncan was 13 when he ran away from his parents' abusive home and was forced onto the streets of West Philadelphia. "I experienced homelessness until I was 19 years old," Duncan, now 40, recalls. "I traveled across the country, couch-surfing with friends. I struggled with alcohol abuse. I was incarcerated.
Note: This article was updated on Wednesday, June 17 at 10:35 a.m. Following the senseless murders of George Floyd and so many other Black Americans, folks across the globe are asking, "How can I help?" Activists have called on all of us to promote racial justice by signing ballot-initiative petitions, donating to fundraisers for victims of police brutality, and sharing educational information online.
Days before the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots-the June 28, 1969, uprising in New York City that sparked the modern LGBTQ-rights movement-Harris County showed its support for the queer community by enacting a resolution to commemorate its history. During a virtual meeting on June 9, the Harris County Commissioners Court approved a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month.
Pop music's newest princess, Kim Petras, has had a breakout year. Since releasing her debut single, "I Don't Want It At All," in August 2017, the 25-year-old singer/songwriter has garnered millions of streams on Spotify and rapidly deveoped a massive, heavily LGBTQ fan base.
Africa Monroy was eight years old when her parents fled Guatemala and migrated to the U.S., in part to get away from a man who had been sexually molesting her. Monroy, a transgender Houston woman, lived in the U.S. for 10 years before falling through the cracks of immigration law and getting deported in 2008.
Brandi Seals grew up misunderstood by her peers. When she transitioned at 14, her classmates physically and verbally attacked her. "She was bullied most of her life," said her mother, Mazda Seals. "Brandi was beaten, raped, and robbed on several occasions. I constantly feared for her."