Photo Essay: Highlights from Capital Pride in Washington, DC
A collection of my favorite photos I took at Washington, DC Pride in June 2018. Enjoy photos of the colorful floats, costumes, and signs from Capital Pride’s parade and festival.
Scott J.: On Being a Gay Dad and Having Twins Through Surrogacy
This is the story of a gay dad who wanted to start a family with his husband and was willing to go to great lengths to achieve it. Here’s how the couple brought their twins into the world via IVF and surrogacy, and why being parents has been so rewarding for them.
Otti Krogerus: On Finding Their Way as a Nonbinary Person
Growing up, Otti hated their developing body, but didn’t understand why. They didn’t feel like a boy or girl, but they had no words for it. Over time, they began to understand that they were a nonbinary person and started making changes to their body to align it with their gender identity.
Christina Wiesmore-Roberts: On Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Women in Chicago
Growing up in upstate New York, Christina didn’t feel safe coming out as a lesbian. Once she moved to Chicago, she finally felt free to be herself, but there were no dedicated spaces for women. Together with a friend, she launched Back Lot Bash 15 years ago, now one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ women’s events.
Rocky Lane & Sarah Swofford: On the Importance of Representation As An Interracial Trans-Cis Couple
When Rocky considered transitioning genders, he thought it might be too late and wasn’t sure if he’d ever meet a partner who accepted him fully. Luckily he found Sarah, a queer woman, and together they work to be visible as an interracial trans-cis couple.
Aydian Dowling: On Redefining Masculinity and Giving Back to the Trans Community
When Aydian realized he was transgender, in an effort to feel less alone, he started a YouTube channel. It gained popularity, eventually helping him become the first trans man on the cover of Men’s Health. This is his story of embracing his identity, creating resources for the trans community, and starting a family.
Emily Kaufman: On Being the Change She Wishes to See in the World
Throughout her transition, Emily didn’t have enough community, support, or information. So she’s dedicated herself to helping the transgender community by demanding changes at her college, joining a nonprofit board, sharing her story far and wide, and launching her career in politics.
Sister Dottie Bair: On Overcoming Homelessness and Becoming a Sister of Perpetual Indulgence
After a rough childhood, Alex was forced into homelessness. Helping hands got him off the streets, and he now gives back by volunteering as Sister Dottie Bair with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and working to end youth homelessness.
Larry “Lare” Nelson: On Living Through the AIDS Pandemic and Being a Dedicated Volunteer
Larry “Lare” Nelson moved to San Francisco in the 1970s and had a ball. Several years later, the AIDS pandemic struck and he lost most of his friends. These losses, coupled with his mother’s passion for giving back, launched him full-force into volunteerism.
Noel Koenke: On Leaving the Institutional Catholic Church to Live Authentically as a Gay Woman
By the time Noel realized she was gay, she was deeply involved in the Catholic church. She was eventually forced to resign as a college campus minister, and while this was extremely painful, she has cultivated a new sense of spirituality and purpose.