A transgender man whose philanthropy in the 1960s funded critical research and clinical services for transgender people.

Mara jumped. Leo, the bar’s 72-year-old owner, leaned on the other end of the couch. Leo was a relic from a different war—a gay man who’d survived the worst of the AIDS crisis, who’d watched lovers die when hospitals wouldn’t even say their names. His face was a roadmap of loss, but his eyes were kind.

Originating in the Black and Latine trans communities of New York City, ballroom culture gave us "voguing," "slay," and the concept of "chosen families."

Perhaps the most brutal intersection of trans and LGBTQ culture has been the fight over . Conservative political attacks on trans people often center on bathrooms and locker rooms. In response, the broader LGBTQ community has had to decide whether to stand with their trans siblings or sacrifice them for political expediency.

Discussing sexual topics can be complex, and it's essential to prioritize respect, consent, and safety. When exploring fantasies or activities, especially those that may involve self-pleasure or intimate play, communication and comfort are key.