5 THINGS TO KNOW

Oscars host Kevin Hart called gay people ‘fags’ and mocked lesbians.

Comedian Kevin Hart is facing widespread backlash after historic homophobic tweets—calling gay people “fags” and mocking lesbians—were unearthed following an announcement that he will host the 2019 Oscars. Hart announced on Instagram that he would host the awards ceremony…  

5 THINGS TO KNOW

Islamic exorcisms used as conversion therapy in Indonesia.

An Indonesian city has launched a new campaign to “cleanse” LGBT people of their “social sickness” through religious exorcisms, a move that’s been seen as part of the country’s growing intolerance towards the community. Local media recently reported that police…  

5 THINGS TO KNOW

Trump administration threatens future of HIV research hub.

The Trump administration has thrown into doubt a multimillion-dollar research contract to test new treatments for HIV that relies on fetal tissue — work targeted by antiabortion lawmakers and social conservatives aligned with the president. The turmoil over the…

5 THINGS TO KNOW

Graphic: Diversity of the new House of Representatives.

The 116th Congress will be sworn into office on Jan. 3rd — and the incoming House of Representatives is shaping up to be the most diverse House in history. The 2018 midterms saw historic gains in Congressional representation for women, people of color, LGBTQ+…