Here are the top LGBTQ news stories of 2024: Olympic controversies, Chappell Roan’s rise and more
From the rise of pop star Chappell Roan to the Olympic boxing controversy and the historic election of Sarah McBride, it was a turbulent year for queer news.
In a presidential election year when immigration and the economy were frequently cited as voters’ top concerns, LGBTQ issues reliably generated headlines.
The year in LGBTQ news began in tragedy following the death of a transgender Oklahoma student, Nex Benedict, which prompted a wave of outrage among queer activists around the world. It ended with a similar focus on trans youth, as the Supreme Court appeared to lean toward upholding a Tennessee law that limits gender-affirming care for minors.
The LGBTQ community also had much to celebrate this year, from the rise of superstar Chappell Roan and a broader lesbian renaissance in pop music to the historic win of Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender person elected to Congress.
Here are the stories that had the biggest impact, the most viral interest or that celebrated historic queer milestones.
Nex Benedict outside the family’s home in Owasso, Okla., in 2023.Sue Benedict via AP fileOklahoma teenager Nex Benedict, who was transgender and used he and they pronouns, according to friends and family, died Feb. 8, a day after a fight at Owasso High School.
Rating: 5