LGBTQ+ youth vaping linked to bullying and oppression
A growing body of research suggests LGBTQ+ youth are not vaping at higher rates simply because of trends or individual choices – they are often coping with stress created by discrimination, rejection and social isolation. A new study published in the journal Prevention Science examined what researchers described as the “multi-level risk and protective factors”…
Hantavirus: should we be concerned?
A recent hantavirus outbreak linked to an expedition cruise ship has sparked a wave of headlines and social media anxiety. Since April, multiple passengers aboard the MV Hondius have become ill, and three deaths have been reported. Health officials across multiple countries have been tracing contacts and monitoring exposed travelers as investigators work to determine…
Charlotte Trans Health to host free symposium
Charlotte Trans Health will host its third annual Summer Health Education event next month, offering a free conference designed specifically for transgender and gender diverse adults seeking accessible and affirming healthcare information. Slated for Monday, June 8, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., T.H.E. Authentic Self Symposium will take place at The Forum at Hope…
Asexual people report declining acceptance in new survey
Asexual people are experiencing sharper declines in acceptance, visibility, and openness than LGBTQ+ adults overall, according to a new analysis from the Human Rights Campaign. The analysis, released April 3, 2026, examines responses from asexual participants in the organization’s 2025 Annual LGBTQ+ Community Survey, a large-scale survey of LGBTQ+ adults. The findings show that 50.9%…
Dudley’s Place drag brunch keeps giving back
Charlotte showed up again for Dudley’s Place on March 29, filling both events for the organization’s latest drag brunch at the NoDa restaurant The Degenerate. The 1970s-themed “Disco & Divas” event followed a pattern that has defined the series over the past two years: strong turnout, steady community support and funding that moves directly into…
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Our People: Joshua Jernigan
If you were a parent or loved one of a 10-year-old who just unexpectedly told you they are transgender or nonbinary, where would you go for support? If you’re reading this — you will quickly learn, help is available. There’s a wonderful and impassioned gentleman living in Union County who just so happens to also…
news
Pete Buttigieg and husband want to file charges over claims of child abuse
Following an anonymous report made to Child Protective Services, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his husband were separated from their children late June for 24 hours. During this time CPS conducted forensic interviews with their two four-year-old twins, ultimately leading to the dismissal of the false allegation. Buttigieg has since recalled the separation as…
sports
Martina Navratilova supports sex tests in women’s tennis
World-renowned tennis player and nine-time Wimbledon singles title holder Martina Navratilova has publicly stated her support for the Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA) new sex testing policy. According to the WTA’s eligibility requirements, starting in 2026 all players will be required to undergo a one-time screening process for the SRY gene, the part of the Y…
