The hottest LGBTQ+ Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Culture Topics

How a former 60 Minutes producer raised six figures in donations to launch an LGBTQ-focused media outlet

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
📰 News LGBTQ+
  1. Spencer Macnaughton started Uncloseted Media to focus on investigative journalism that looks deep into anti-LGBTQ discrimination. He believes there's a real need for this kind of reporting.
  2. He raised a significant amount of money from wealthy donors to launch his nonprofit news outlet. This shows that people are willing to support quality journalism with a focused mission.
  3. Macnaughton, who worked for 60 Minutes and the Wall Street Journal, left those jobs because he wanted to uncover the hidden forces that influence anti-LGBTQ movements, rather than just reporting on surface issues.

Four ol' terfs walk into a bar .....

A B’Old Woman • 939 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. A group of friends aimed to find comfort after a canceled women's rally. They ended up at a vegan restaurant, which led to an unexpected confrontation.
  2. One friend accidentally wore a sticker with a controversial statement, causing the restaurant staff to ask them to leave. This led to a humorous but tense exchange.
  3. Ultimately, they chose to leave on their own due to hunger, reflecting on the absurdity of the situation and the reactions of the restaurant staff.
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The New York Times goes full right-wing transphobic bigot in agreeing that the permanent sterilization of kids who can't give informed consent is, like, totally messed up

Beck of the Pack • 196 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ+
  1. The New York Times is criticized for supporting irreversible surgeries on kids without informed consent.
  2. Financial motives are highlighted as a driving force behind radical medical treatments for children.
  3. Criticism is directed at individuals promoting irreversible procedures on kids without considering long-term consequences.

Contrived cases make bad law, part 2

Adam's Legal Newsletter • 379 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ+
  1. In legal cases like 303 Creative, contrived situations can lead to unsatisfactory outcomes.
  2. The Supreme Court's debate over government's power to compel individuals to act against their beliefs reveals a complex tension.
  3. The lack of genuine, high-stakes conflicts between same-sex couples and opponents of same-sex marriage post-Obergefell shows unexpected harmony.

Ask Me Anything #3

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 196 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. Creative stamp design ideas: Sappho or Lavender Menace theme
  2. Newsletter writing process: Research-intensive posts take up to 8 hours
  3. Lesbian culture and community: Online and IRL spaces have different impacts

dispatch from lesbians being visible

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 255 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. Lesbian Visibility Day is celebrated with TV moments and reflections on representations.
  2. The cast of 'The L Word: Gen Q' at the White House highlights progress in LGBTQ+ visibility.
  3. Buzzfeed News shutting down shows challenges in journalism and the importance of supporting writers.

The Lesbian Tragedy of 'Gia'

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 235 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. Tragedy has different interpretations in art, with Aristotle seeing it as artistically and morally useful, Socrates finding it discouraging, and Nietzsche believing it relieves from the world's suffering.
  2. Lesbian and queer art intersects with the debate on tragedy, challenging perceptions of queerness as already tragic and exploring the importance of naming and portraying tragedy.
  3. The film 'Gia' portrays a tragic lesbian story, emphasizing the complexities of Gia as a character and highlighting the impact of her relationships and struggles, urging a deeper consideration of tragedy in queer narratives.

We’re In An Era Of Sexy Sapphic Singing

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 235 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. Lesbianism in early 2000s music culture was often defined by eroticism and shock value.
  2. Contemporary sapphic performances in music are reclaiming lesbian representation with self-expression and empowerment.
  3. Modern sapphic artists are embracing sensuality and pleasure in their music, focusing on self-defined desire and joy.

Bernie & G.: a life in photos, before Stonewall

well, actually • 196 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. The photo album documents a gay couple's life before Stonewall, showcasing rich moments of love and connection.
  2. Queer life in mid-20th century US was marked by oppression, but also contained joy, community, and individuality in private spaces.
  3. The album sheds light on Bernie and G.'s world, showing their private celebrations, travels, and relationships with friends and family.

The Ocean Is Gay

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 176 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. Sabrina Imbler's book explores the unique lives of ocean creatures and connects them to personal experiences.
  2. The author, a queer, mixed-race individual, offers a different perspective in the realm of science writing.
  3. Imbler makes emotional connections between sea creatures and personal stories, adding depth to scientific facts.

Learning From Butch History

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 176 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. Butch lesbians have been misunderstood and not fully recognized for their contributions to society.
  2. Butch Lineages is a DIY research group in the UK focused on connecting butches to their history and each other.
  3. Being part of Butch Lineages provides a sense of community, acceptance, and a space for diverse butches to share and learn from each other.

Bona Lavs

Mister Slang • 137 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. Polari was a secret language used by various groups like tramps, sailors, show people, and homosexuals.
  2. Polari was not a proper language with grammar but rather a lexicon of around 100 words and phrases.
  3. Polari declined with the changes in gay speech and the emergence of Gay Liberation in the late 1960s.

dispatch from gays winning

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 58 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. This is a post about 'dispatch from gays winning' and 'tiktok takedowns.'
  2. It is a mid-week news roundup called 'Paging Dr. Lesbian.'
  3. To read more, there is a 7-day free trial available for subscribing to Paging Dr. Lesbian.

Pelted with Offal, Mud and Dead Cats: A Travesty In Clerkenwell

Londonist: Time Machine • 39 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. The post discusses a shameful and forgotten chapter of London's LGBTQ+ history, focusing on an incident involving offal, mud, and dead cats.
  2. The author is arranging a tour of the Peek Freans Biscuit Museum in Bermondsey, known for the invention of popular biscuits like bourbons and custard creams.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to Londonist: Time Machine.

Weekly Wednesday: The worst shell game

Deprogram • 78 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ+
  1. The Montana GOP is using flashy attacks on the LGBTQ community to cover for a land grab.
  2. Governor Gianforte is focused on exploiting Montana's lands and resources for the carbon economy.
  3. Montana's history of disasters linked to exploitation warns against using bigotry to distract from environmental concerns.

Gladys Bentley

Mister Slang • 78 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. Gladys Bentley was a significant figure for openly living as a black, lesbian artist in a time when this was rare.
  2. She challenged societal norms through her performances, songs with transgressive lyrics, and open expression of her identity.
  3. Bentley's impact extended beyond her music as she increased public awareness about sexual variations and spoke for marginalized communities.

dispatch from celesbian updates

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 39 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. Dispatch from the Celesbian Updates offers a mid-week news roundup for paid subscribers.
  2. Paging Dr. Lesbian provides exclusive content for those interested in the lesbian internet.
  3. New subscribers can enjoy a 7-day free trial to access full post archives.

Homophobia, kids, and monogamy drive lesbian divorces

Sex and the State • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ+
  1. Homophobia plays a big role in the challenges faced by lesbian couples, often making them feel more isolated compared to straight couples or even gay men. This stigma can impact their relationships negatively.
  2. Having children shortly after marriage can increase the chances of divorce. Many lesbian couples may rush into having kids to secure parental rights, which can lead to stress and conflicts.
  3. Monogamy may not work well for all couples, especially for women who might get tired of it more quickly. Stigma around non-monogamy can create added pressure, making it harder for couples to maintain healthy relationships.

The Transgender Question

Black Lodges • 58 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. There is no genuine discussion needed about the transgender question.
  2. Trans rights are human rights and individuals deserve respect and dignity.
  3. Debates around transgender issues often serve as distractions from deeper societal issues.

Rage against the rainbow:

docu-mental: mapping the american states of mind • 39 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ+
  1. DeSantis's war on LGBTQ+ teens reveals broader issues with imagination and societal norms.
  2. Nonbinary sexual expression is symbolically represented by the rainbow and may point to a new human future beyond hierarchy.
  3. There is a need for nuanced debate on issues raised by laws like the 'Don't Say Gay' bill, focusing on the well-being of young adults exploring their identities.

Right Telescope, Wrong Name

Science Forever • 39 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
🔬 Science LGBTQ+
  1. The James Webb Space Telescope is a significant achievement recognized as Science's Breakthrough of the Year.
  2. The naming of the telescope after Jim Webb has sparked controversy due to his association with homophobia in the exclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals from NASA.
  3. The decision to keep the telescope's name despite its negative connotations has stirred criticism and disappointment.

VFYW: Gay Icons And Graffiti Galore

The Weekly Dish • 29 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. Graffiti and street art can be fascinating and lead to surprising discoveries about a place. Sometimes, a simple tag can help identify a city's location.
  2. Family history can reveal interesting stories and connections to places, making history feel more personal and engaging. Learning about our ancestors can create a sense of belonging.
  3. Architecture plays a key role in how we perceive a city. Unique buildings can evoke curiosity and spark discussions about design, history, and the blend of old and new.

🌈 Pride 2023 #1: Miles

Basta’s Notes • 81 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. You can earn and use miles for perks and travel with different airlines.
  2. Each airline offers unique perks for accumulating and redeeming miles.
  3. Future Pride month plans include horoscopes, helmet cover rankings, and drag persona designs.

The USA is Gay

Indian Bronson • 15 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ+
  1. American society has been increasingly accepting of LGBTQ+ identities over the years.
  2. Conservatives have been slow to acknowledge the growing presence of LGBTQ+ culture in the USA.
  3. There is a lack of coordinated effort among conservatives to address issues related to LGBTQ+ acceptance.

Growing Up With a Pansexual Brother

ChughGPT, my personal LLM • 1 HN point • 19 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. Growing up with a pansexual brother in a society that views LGBTQ+ individuals negatively can bring unexpected challenges and dynamics within a family.
  2. Childhood experiences and sibling dynamics, especially in dysfunctional families, can have a lasting impact on individuals as they grow older.
  3. Reflecting on past conflicts and traumas, accepting imperfections, and embracing family uniqueness can help in letting go of regrets and moving forward with understanding and compassion.

Gay Shame and Queer Failure in 'The Children's Hour' (1961)

Paging Dr. Lesbian • 2 HN points • 23 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture LGBTQ+
  1. The play 'The Children's Hour' explores the theme of lesbianism amidst censorship and societal constraints.
  2. The film portrays the tragic consequences of rumors and gossip on the lives of the main characters, Karen and Martha.
  3. Despite the film's ending reflecting the rules of the Hays Code and societal judgment, it also highlights themes of compassion, endurance, and the enduring memory of a lost loved one.