This dearth of racial representation is clear every time a commercial fetishizes non-White bodies, every time a film layers a sepia wash over scenes of lovers south of the American border, and every time a billboard packages cultural appropriation of queer Black culture as “trendy.” We recognize the importance of queer representation, yet we can’t help but ask one another: “Was there no one of color in the room?” Too often, the answer is “No.”

Gender Justice LA published a groundbreaking report that highlights the serious health inequities impacting transmasculine people in Los Angeles County.

LA native Samantha Mark and her Australian-raised partner, Aussie, make up the gifted tarot-reading name @KeepItSaussie. This year, for The Queer 26's first Virtual Pride Con, Sam joined us during our Pride Party on Sunday, June 6, 2021, to do tarot readings alongside Mx. Nicky Endres.

Imagine a space meant to fulfill, educate, and support anyone regardless of gender or orientation in sexual growth and exploration. Since 1971, many have found such a place in The Pleasure Chest which has pioneered a sex-positive culture, with an emphasis on education, enjoyment, and inclusivity.

Dayana Lorza is a web applications developer, Fullstack Engineer, and Creative, Designer & Founder of Queeery. They have had a passion for tech and the web for the past 20 years, with professional experience with developing applications for 15 years. They graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in Management Information systems, and is an avid believer of ethical and accessible tech, especially for underrepresented & LGBTQ+ communities.

Vincent Torres was one of the participants of the Spring 2021 Publisher’s Club. The poem below is the final product of the prompt “Internal Change with Intention”. The next period for submission will be held this fall.

I’ve gotten a lot of flak about being a queer woman with two moms. Although it was never said out loud, my parents told me that people were okay with their queer identities, but the second they mentioned having kids, friends, and family had negative opinions.

In the pursuit of his own happiness, Thai Nguyen has had to think creatively to stand out in the fashion industry while shattering stereotypes about the queer Vietnamese community.

Charlene Carruthers is a Black queer feminist activist and organizer. Her work aims to create young leaders in marginalized communities to fight for community interests and liberation. She is the founder of the Chicago Center for Leadership and Transformation and author of Unapologetic: A Black, Queer and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements, available in English and Spanish languages. Jasmine D. Lowe, the Managing Editor at Q26, got the chance to interview her over the phone.