TL;DR
- Daniel Reynolds reflects on the urgency of LGBTQ+ activism this Pride.
- The fight for equality faces new political challenges.
- Colman Domingo emphasizes the importance of taking action.
- Pride celebrations are a form of resistance.
- The LGBTQ+ community remains resilient and active.
From Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles, the fight for LGBTQ+ equality continues with greater urgency — but so does our resilience. As we gear up for Pride season, it’s time to reflect on the battles fought and those still ahead. Editor in Chief Daniel Reynolds of Out and The Advocate knows this all too well.
This year marks a significant shift for Reynolds, who won’t be heading to D.C. for the usual Pride festivities. In previous years, he had the honor of attending intimate gatherings hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris, where queer voices felt heard and celebrated. But now, that invitation has been rescinded, leaving many to wonder about the safety and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals in today’s political climate.
In 2025, during WorldPride, the atmosphere was charged with both celebration and caution. With warnings about the safety of LGBTQ+ travelers, it felt like the community was more of an invading force than welcomed guests. As Jennifer Lopez electrified the crowd, she reminded us that we were singing and dancing on the front lawn of power, misbehaving and reclaiming our space. But it was also a stark reminder of how quickly our hard-won gains can feel threatened.
Reynolds reflects on the overwhelming nature of current events, where many in the community feel like strangers in their own country. Yet, amidst the chaos, he urges us not to lose hope. Drawing inspiration from Out’s Pride cover star Colman Domingo, he reminds us to focus on the micro — the small changes we can make in our communities. “These times are hard times, but we’ve always lived through hard times,” Domingo asserts. “You got to do your part during your generation in whatever way it is. But you have to take part. You cannot be passive…. You can make change wherever you are, and you can feel powerful doing it.”
Indeed, change is already happening. Despite the current administration’s attempts to erase LGBTQ+ visibility, the community has risen up. The Pride flag was taken down at Stonewall, but we raised our voices, protested, and now it waves proudly once again in the West Village. We’ve lost heroes along the way, but their sacrifices have fueled our resistance, as seen in the massive protests against ICE raids that have swept the nation.
As we celebrate Pride this year, let’s remember that it’s not just about parades and parties; it’s about standing up for our rights and ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community is not erased from history. Out and The Advocate are here to amplify those voices, delivering stories of queer individuals who are making waves in farming, burlesque, and film. We are here, we are queer, and the world better get used to it, because we’re not going anywhere.
So, dear reader, let’s make this Pride a powerful statement of resilience and activism. Happy Pride and a joyous 250th anniversary to America! We are part of this country’s past, present, and future. Let’s continue making history together.