5 THINGS TO KNOW

FBI figures show a dramatic increase in hate crimes

Hate crimes in the U.S. increased by 11.6% in 2021 from the previous year, according to revised figures the FBI released Monday. The statistics showed that 12,411 people were reported to have been victims of hate crimes in 2021, 64.5%…

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Before Republicans can ban drag they first need to define it

A drag queen battle has emerged at many statehouses this year, but not the kind of lip-sync battle royale you might see on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” So far this legislative session, Republican lawmakers in at least 16 states have introduced…

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Gay man opens up about his relationship with TN Lt. Governor

The young gay man whose Instagram pictures drew the attention of Tennessee’s lieutenant governor says the politician has been communicating with him for almost three years. Franklin McClure, 20, told New York magazine’s blog The Cut that…

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Texas GOP introduces bounty hunting bill targeting drag queens

A TexasRepublican lawmaker proposed a bill allowing everyday people to sue anybody who hosts or performs in drag where any child is in attendance. Critics say the measure will create a bounty-hunting culture that targets drag queens and transgender people…