Advocate newsletter 5/5/26

In his final interview from hospice care, gay former U.S. Rep. Barney Frank urged Democrats to rethink their approach to trans rights, using outdated language to question advocating for trans participation in sports. "The one thing I kept thinking was, 'Why is he doing this?'" columnist John Casey writes.

Some good news for your Wednesday: a gay man who spent more than five months in ICE detention is back home with his husband. The couple made an appearance in Manhattan this weekend to thank the community for their support.

And, at a tightly guarded camp in the mountains of North Carolina, trans teens are finding community — and a break from constant scrutiny. Christopher Wiggins has the story of Transcending Adolescence, a weeklong summer camp for transgender youth.

Until next time,

The Advocate team

Barney Frank’s final interview from hospice was painful. His comments on trans people made it worse

Trump performs ‘the weave’ & attacks trans people at Florida retirement community

When politicians debate families like mine, our kids are suffering

Florida man charged with beating 5-year-old boy ‘for being gay’

Inside a hidden summer camp where trans youth in the South thrive

After five months in ICE detention, Allan Marrero is free — and reunited with husband

Department of Education threatens to pull Smith College's funding for admitting trans women

I'm queer, Catholic, and beloved by God