With fall comes swapping out T-shirts for sweaters, raking leaves and, of course, elections. The summer’s primaries have narrowed the playing field in a slew of races, but the big ones — the actual races for seats in federal and local elections — are still to come.

Jeremy Moss is one of those people running for a congressional seat in Michigan. Despite his young age, Moss has quickly learned the ropes of politics in the state, already serving terms in the Great Lakes State’s House of Representatives and Senate.

Moss sat down with the Los Angeles Blade to discuss his history in Michigan politics, his experience as an openly LGBTQ+ legislator and his vision for a better America as he looks toward Congress.

He currently represents Michigan’s 7th Senate District, but now he is setting his sights beyond Lansing toward Capitol Hill to represent Michigan’s 11th Congressional District, which includes Detroit’s northern suburbs.

Moss earned his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University, where just a few years later he made history as the first openly gay person elected to the Michigan Senate and the first to serve as its president pro tempore.

His political experience stretches across multiple offices.

Moss worked in the offices of Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence, who also served in the U.S. House of Representatives, and State Rep. Paul Condino.

Moss, at age 25, was elected to the Southfield City Council in 2011, becoming the youngest member elected in the body’s history. He then switched over to the state legislature, representing Michigan’s 35th House of Representatives District in the Michigan House of Representatives from 2014-2018, becoming the second openly gay member elected to the Michigan legislature.

He then moved from Michigan’s House to its Senate in 2018, elected to represent the 11th Michigan Senate District and becoming the Assistant Democratic Leader. Moss started his second term in the Michigan Senate in 2023, this time representing District 7.

He currently has a long list of priorities listed on his campaign website, many of which have become standard for Democrats running across the country, with a particular focus on minimizing — and cleaning up — issues that the Republican-controlled federal government has created under President Donald Trump.

Those goals include lowering healthcare costs, tackling the cost of living crisis, holding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement accountable and fixing the broken immigration system, restoring national voting rights, protecting rights — with a particular focus on abortion access and LGBTQ+ rights — combating corruption in politics, preventing gun violence and strengthening gun safety, empowering Michigan workers, and preserving the environment.

Why Moss is running for Congress

When asked why he wants to run for Congress, Moss pointed to his lengthy resume in state leadership, with a clear voice arguing that if he can do it in Lansing, he can get it done in Washington.

“I’ve served 12 years in the legislature and have ascended into leadership as president pro tem of the Senate,” Moss explained to the Blade. “We flipped our state legislative chamber to a Democratic majority for the first time in 40 years in 2022, and we passed some big, generational-changing, consequential Democratic wins that had languished for a generation, but had improved people’s lives in our state.

“We’ve passed the first gun safety laws in a generation that are saving lives. We protected the right to vote amidst attacks from Donald Trump and other conspiracies. We pushed forward and finally put LGBTQ rights in our state civil rights law. We provided free school meals and lunches for all public school children in the state of Michigan.

“The problems from Washington, D.C., aren’t getting less severe over time,” he continued. “They’re getting more severe. So this district unexpectedly opened up due to a series of retirements and it was just a great opportunity for me to continue to advocate for big change that we’ve already achieved here in the state legislature.”

“I’m a product of this district. I grew up here. I’ve represented a bulk of the district already in the state legislature, and I knew that I was going to earn grassroots support to be able to wage this campaign. We sought it out, we earned it, including some premier endorsements from Gov. (Gretchen) Whitmer, among many others, and were highly successful in the primary because we were in tune to the needs of this district.”

Moss has been endorsed by a slew of Democratic leaders and organizations, including, as he pointed out, by Whitmer.

Other endorsements include former Gov. Jim Blanchard, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Attorney General Dana Nessel, the Equality PAC, the Human Rights Campaign, the Unity Fund, and the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.

His political identity and the Democratic Party

Moss described himself as being “on the liberal end of the spectrum,” but argued that the Democratic Party’s internal divisions should not be the central focus.

“I’m certainly on the liberal end of the spectrum, but I don’t even think it necessarily has to be this progressive versus establishment fight that we’ve seen play out,” Moss said when asked about various elements of in-party disagreements. “It has to be between action and, and inaction, fighters versus folders.”

He said that distinction between action and inaction is central to how he would approach Washington.

“At this moment, I think we need to demonstrate that we are ready to take on Donald Trump and MAGA chaos with boldness and effectiveness. I’ve been saying all along our campaign trail, we can no longer be the party that shows up to the knife fight carrying a pie chart, and so I think we have to be showing that we have spine and we have punch, and we’re really ready to be tough fighters for, for Michiganders and the American people.”

“We can’t walk on eggshells anymore. We can’t pull our punches,” he added. “We can’t fear that we’re offending someone, you know, one way or another with how we act. People are expecting a bold party to take on MAGA, and I think that’s exactly what the Democratic Party needs.”

Becoming an LGBTQ+ legislator

Moss also reminisced with the Blade about his first run for elected office — at a time when Michigan had no openly LGBTQ+ members serving in the state legislature — and how that experience became deeply connected to his identity and his approach to LGBTQ+ politics.

In 2014, Michigan was in the pre-marriage equality era, and the state had no openly LGBTQ+ members serving in the legislature.

“12 years ago in 2014 — this was pre-marriage, the pre-marriage equality era — we had zero people from our community serving in the legislature, and still they were talking about us.

“The big topic then in Michigan was whether or not to expand our civil rights law to include LGBTQ protections, so that people from our community would no longer face discrimination in housing and employment. And they were talking about us regardless of whether or not we were at the table.”

Moss eventually helped lead the effort to expand Michigan’s civil rights protections to include LGBTQ+ people, a measure that passed with bipartisan support.

He said his experience as an openly gay lawmaker allowed him to make the case for LGBTQ+ protections in terms that extended beyond LGBTQ+ issues.

“One thing I definitely aligned with Gov. Whitmer at the time was making the case that discrimination was not only morally wrong, but it was bad for business,” he said. “By not having these protections for our LGBTQ neighbors and family members and friends and community members, we were actually holding back our economy. We were essentially allowing people to be kicked out of Michigan as consumers and workers, because of who they are and how they identified.”

That led to various efforts — including committee hearings and meetings with advocates, businesses and the public — that helped make Michigan what the Movement Advancement Project deems the 16th most LGBTQ+-friendly state, solidly above other states due to its robust LGBTQ+-related legislation.

“I wanted to meet everybody where they were, including those who may have not been involved with or engaged with the LGBTQ community as legislators, but understood that we couldn’t sustain the economic impact of discriminating against our community,” Moss said. “And as I’ve said all along, discrimination is bad for business. That’s something I think helped broaden the vote and earn some bipartisan support for it.”

Representation and LGBTQ+ youth

For Moss, the importance of LGBTQ+ representation also comes from his own experience growing up.

“I think about when I was younger, when I was 18 years old. It was in 2004, and, you know, there are certain things that really shaped me in that time … Michigan had a ballot proposal that passed to have the strictest language banning marriage equality in our state constitution. We didn’t even allow civil unions in that language in our constitution to exist, and there were scandal-plagued LGBTQ politicians.”

“It was the same year that Jim McGreevey was forced to resign as he came out,” he said. “So it really was a signal to me that, you know, you don’t have a future. Not just you don’t have a future in politics; you might not even have a future. Period, and it was pretty defining for me.”

Despite those fears, Moss continued to pursue public office.

“And you can’t be what you can’t see, and so to be able to break the barriers at the state level and at this congressional level, I think is a signal to anybody who is struggling with wondering where their place is?”

“I think that visibility is incredibly important, and it’s something that I needed when I was much younger, and it’s something that I’ve been honored to be able to provide for the, for the next generation of emerging leaders.”

His LGBTQ+ priorities in Congress

When asked what LGBTQ+ issues he would prioritize in Congress, Moss emphasized the importance of growing the number of LGBTQ+ lawmakers while also expanding federal nondiscrimination protections.

“To have a caucus in the legislature has made all the difference because you can, you know, run these issues across the field. You can have somebody take on marriage. You can have somebody take on trans rights. You can have somebody take on LGBTQ youth. You can have somebody take on discrimination protections.”

He sees much of the work he wants to get done on Capitol Hill as a direct follow-up to his work in Lansing — most importantly, the passage of the Equality Act. The legislation has been debated in some form for more than 50 years at the federal level, with the goal of protecting LGBTQ+ people from discrimination under federal law.

“I think the Equality Act is incredibly important. That’s kind of the, the counterpart to what we’ve done in the state legislature, ensuring discrimination protections for the LGBTQ community,” he said.

“I think housing and, and workplace discrimination is, is everything, you know, to protect our community so that they can have a safe place to call home and earn a living … That’s incredibly important across the board. And I would really want to take a leading role in telling the story of how we were able to do it in Michigan after 50 years since this act was first written — and finally finished the job federally to ensure their federal protections in, in, in, in employment and housing.”

LGBTQ+ political organizations and Congress

Moss said the LGBTQ+ political organizations that have supported his political career from its early stages have helped him along the way.

“Obviously, I’ve been affiliated with Victory Fund since I first ran for office, and they were early endorsers, but Equality PAC, which is the political arm of the LGBTQ caucus in Congress, has been an incredible part of my support system. From day one they helped me out.

“I’ve been getting to know a lot of the members of Congress who are LGBTQ, really over the last year of this campaign. So I’m eager to join them. I’m eager to be one of the players on the field here to be able to advocate and advance our issues.”

Voting rights

Voting rights are another major focus for Moss, an issue he said dates back to his experience during the 2004 campaign over marriage equality.

“Something I’m very passionate about is voting rights, and it really does go back to that 2004 campaign where it was very evident that elections can determine your future.

“Elections can determine what rights you do have and don’t have, and so I’ve been very laser focused on increasing access to the ballot box, making sure our democracy remains whole and accessible.”

He explained how Trump’s recent attacks on voting legitimacy and mail-in voting have only made his desire to help that much stronger.

“We went through a real trial of that in 2020 with, with Michigan’s presidential election, with Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani — as he jetted into Michigan and tried to overturn our valid and accurate election results. We were kind of the spotlight of the nation in that stop this deal movement that led to Jan. 6.”

That, according to Moss, spurred direct action on his end.

“I took the helm as chair of the Senate Elections Committee, and we wrote the law to implement pieces of that ballot proposal, including drafting the law that implemented nine days of early voting here in Michigan, increased access to absentee ballot. We further secured our canvassing and certifications so that nobody could jet in with an alternative slate of electors and send them to Congress on Jan. 6.”

“So I’ve been on the front lines in Michigan on defending our election systems and strengthening protections for both voters to access the ballot box and protections against those who want to overturn our election results.”

Those issues are still present today, he explained.

“He’s pushing for suppressive tactics like the Save Act. The Supreme Court has eroded the federal Voting Rights Act,” Moss said. “I want to really get into Congress as an election expert, we have a Michigan story to tell. I wrote a lot of that story, and, and I think the most urgent thing that we could pass is the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to make sure that there’s no pocket of discrimination anywhere in our country, and that people have the ability to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to vote.”

What he would do differently in Washington

Moss also shared that he believes Democrats should communicate differently in Washington, with an emphasis on getting things done.

“Yeah, again, we’ve, we’ve seen politics evolve in this Trump era, and I think that Democrats need to communicate differently.

“He talks so brazenly, and how proud he is that he’s renamed the Gulf of Mexico or Lake Ontario. I put that in the stupid category.

“He’s also done things in the harmful category that he boasts about, like cutting Medicaid and cutting SNAP. And of course, he’s doing things in the dangerous category, but proud of it, like trying to overturn our elections or suppressing the vote.

“What we’re doing is both popular and good for people, whether it’s growing our economy from the middle class outward, whether it’s lowering costs, whether it’s making healthcare more affordable, whether it’s strengthening the core functions of our democracy, we have to be talking about it with the same gusto and confidence that MAGA talks about their agenda.

“I think this is a party that needs more spine and more punch, and really meet this moment because I think that’s what people are looking for, and that’s really what I think a new generation will bring into this next Congress.”

Turkish authorities on Tuesday detained more than 150 people who gathered outside an Istanbul courthouse to protest raids that targeted the country’s LGBTQ+ community.

CNN reported the protesters had planned to speak with reporters outside the city’s Caglayan courthouse, but authorities prevented them from doing so.

Turkish authorities over the weekend detained dozens of people in Istanbul and in other cities during raids that were part of the government’s “My Family is Safe” campaign.

A statement from a group of Turkish advocacy groups the Washington Blade received on Tuesday notes “at least 112 people have been detained in connection with the operations.” The organizations said 43 of those taken into custody are “LGBTI+ rights defenders,” and “at least” 62 of those detained “have been arrested, while judicial proceedings remain ongoing in Istanbul.”

“Among those arrested, at least 16 are LGBTI+ activists or individuals connected to LGBTI+ associations, including founders and members of association bodies,” reads the statement. “Per press statements by the prosecutor’s offices, dissolution cases will also be launched against associations.” 

“The majority of those arrested are trans women who are charged with prostitution-related offences,” it adds. “While authorities have framed the operations as part of investigations into alleged crimes such as obscenity, prostitution and child exploitation, human rights defenders and civil society organizations have raised serious concerns regarding the use of criminal law mechanisms and public morality narratives to target legitimate LGBTI+ rights activities. Civil society views the ‘My Family is Safe’ narrative as a smokescreen to distract the public from deep economic crises and actual domestic violence, weaponizing moral panic to scapegoat LGBTI+ rights defenders, who have long been targeted by the government.”

The raids have sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ activists in Europe and elsewhere around the world.

The Congressional Equality Caucus and U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-Fla.) are among those who have publicly condemned them in the U.S. The Council for Global Equality on Friday is scheduled to hold a rally in support of Turkey’s LGBTQ+ community in front of the Turkish Embassy in Washington.

(UPDATE: Since this story was posted, EqualPride announced that Jay Katari has resigned from the board as of Tuesday afternoon. “I have decided to step down from the Board of Directors of equalpride,” Katari said in a statement shared by EqualPride CEO Mark Berryhill. “My intention was simply to volunteer my time and experience to support the incredible team and the important work they do for the LGBTQ+ community.”)

EqualPride, a prominent LGBTQ+ media company that owns the Advocate and Out magazines, has added a Trump supporter to its board of directors.

Jay Katari, an entrepreneur and investor who now serves as EqualPride’s “Strategic Advisor, Growth & Innovation,” also sits on its official leadership team.

EqualPride’s website describes his role as “focused on helping the company expand its reach, strengthen its commercial partnerships, and develop new sources of recurring revenue.”

This change in leadership has caused an outcry of concern from LGBTQ+ media consumers, people working at the outlets published under EqualPride, and LGBTQ+ advocates who seem unsure of how a Trump supporter will fare on the board of one of the most important LGBTQ+ media organizations in the country.

The story was first reported by Kevin Ortega-Rojas, a freelance writer and podcaster who specializes in covering social issues. His resume includes a number of connections to the world of LGBTQ+ media — particularly under EqualPride — including being a former rapid response reporter for GLAAD and host of “The Advocate Weekly,” a queer news podcast produced by The Advocate magazine.

Earlier this year, EqualPride laid off staff across its existing publications, including senior editors and writers. That move, followed by the addition of a Trump supporter to its board, has created concern among LGBTQ+ consumers.

According to his Instagram, Katari is married to a woman and still has posts showing him wearing Trump MAGA-branded merchandise. He also follows members of the Trump family, including President Donald Trump, his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, Lara Trump, and his daughter Ivanka Trump. He also follows an account with the username donaldtrump.hq titled “Donald Trump Fans.”

This apparent endorsement of Trump and MAGA politics, which includes restricting the rights of transgender people as well as rolling back protections for LGBTQ+ people more broadly, seems to be in direct conflict with EqualPride’s mission statement.

“Our mission is to provide content of inspiration, hope, community, equality and love through our platforms that reach a vast majority of the American LGBTQ+ audience every month and increasingly women and people of color,” a statement on EqualPride’s website from 2023 said. “We are a diverse community of storytellers, innovators, and influencers who believe in giving a voice to all people!”

The Los Angeles Blade reached out to Christopher Wiggins, the politics and news editor at EqualPride, but was directed to the already publicly available joint statement made by editors of the largest publications represented by EqualPride.

In the Instagram post, the editorial teams of The Advocate, Out, Them, PRIDE.com, Out Traveler and Plus all co-signed the statement, assuring readers that Katari being on the board has not — so far — impacted any of their reporting and implying EqualPride needs to expand on what Katari’s role will be for the organization.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Them (@them)

“Our editors became aware of concerning reports this morning that Jay Katari — one of the board members of our parent company, equalpride — may have espoused beliefs that are antithetical to the mission of our brands, per a new article from journalist Kevin Ortega-Rojas.

“The editorial teams only recently learned of Katari’s expanding role and had no information about his background or past political statements prior to this week.

“Please know that Katari’s position has not influenced our reporting.

“In an initial meeting today, we urged management to provide further clarification about Katarı and hıs role at equalpride, and are awaiting information.

As queer and trans journalists, we are committed to independent reporting that serves the LGBTQ+ community — and to getting answers on this critical matter.”

Nearly 200 comments were made online under a joint post made by multiple EqualPride publication accounts, including Them, The Advocate, and Out.

Gisselle Palomera, a Future of Queer Media fellow for The Advocate and former local news reporter at the Blade, commented under the post, questioning how much leadership actually knew about Katari.

“No one did any research on him prior to this moment? How did his political stance get past dozens of editors and reporters? I don’t buy it,” they said in the now most liked Instagram comment under the announcement, with 283 likes.

Another Instagram user, Aaron Frank Duncanson, who goes by the username aaronfrankpdx, pointed out how the situation looks and expressed fears for the future if Katari stays on the board.

“If this man stays in that position, it threatens the integrity of the reporting of all your publications,” Duncanson wrote. “As journalists, it’s your responsibility to ensure that integrity.”

The Blade reached out to Katari, and to Tony Morrison of Morrison Media Group— who is working with EqualPride, according to Wiggins— but did not hear back in time for publication.

EqualPride CEO Mark Berryhill issued a statement after Katari resigned.

“I want to clarify Jay Katari’s involvement with equalpride, which was limited to business growth, revenues and the company’s long-term sustainability,” said Berryhill. “Under our investment agreements, our lead investor group held the right to appoint two board members without separate votes or approval by the CEO or management. Jay joined the board through that process. Going forward, the investor group has provided me with the right to appoint future board members.”

Berryhill then noted Katari’s decision to resign and referred to his statement.

“Our focus now is on strengthening our brands, and continuing to support the stories of our LGBTQ community,” added Berryhill.

Palm Springs is celebrating its 40th anniversary of Pride and has announced the grand marshals for this year’s event. The annual Palm Springs Pride Parade will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with the theme “Be Included.” 

The grand marshals for this year were selected for their contributions to uplifting LGBTQ community and efforts to expand equality.  

Comedian, writer, and actor Fortune Feimster was named the National Grand Marshal for the parade. Feimster is widely known for her stand-up specials and will be performing her special, Fortune Feimster: Takin’ Care of Biscuits (Encore), at the Plaza Theater on November 8th at 8:00 pm. Her extensive acting career includes starring roles in Netflix’s hit series The Hawk alongside Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon, FUBAR with Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Mindy Project, and feature films like Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and Apple’s The Dink. She is also a co-host of the award-winning podcast Handsome and co-host of SiriusXM’s What A Joke Radio.

Actor and singer Cheyenne Jackson will serve as the Celebrity Grand Marshal. Jackson is known for his acclaimed work across stage, screen, and concert hall, being recognized for his work in Broadway productions, earning an Emmy nomination for Julie and the Phantoms and a Grammy nomination for the cast recording of West Side Story. He was seen on Broadway in productions such as XANADU, Into the Woods, All Shook Up, and Finian’s Rainbow. On screen, he’s had prominent roles in American Horror Story, 30 Rock, Glee, The Morning Show, and Julie and the Phantoms. Jackson will perform live in Palm Springs on Sunday, November 8, at 6:00 PM at the McCallum Theatre.

Dottie DuBois, also known as Marshal Percy, was named Pride Royalty for Life to honor the legacy of Les Dames Du Soleil, a drag troupe from the Coachella Valley that raised over two million dollars for DAP Health. 

Gary Moline will receive the Community Service Award in celebration of his twenty-plus years of work with the Pride Bands Alliance and extensive civic engagement. Moline served as Artistic Director, board member, and national delegate to the Pride Bands Alliance. His extensive community work includes serving on the Greater Palm Springs Pride Board, the Desert Business Association, and as a California State Council Member of the Rail Passengers Association.

The pride parade will begin at 10:00 am on November 8, starting at Palm Canyon Drive at Tachevah and marching to the official entrance of the Pride Festival. The parade is free and open to the public. 

For more information regarding the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Pride in Palm Springs, parade route updates, and festival schedules, please visit pspride.org.

Caleb Kaufman is a California Local News Fellow placed with the Los Angeles Blade. The California Local News Fellowship is a state-funded initiative to support and strengthen local news reporting. Learn more about it at fellowships.journalism.berkeley.edu/cafellows.

Indonesia’s top Muslim clerical body has proposed replacing the term “LGBT” with “LGSP,” grouping lesbian and gay people with sodomy and sexual abuse, as it prepares a proposed law that would criminalize conduct and advocacy it consideres prohibited.

Asrorun Niam Sholeh, head of the Indonesian Ulema Council’s Fatwa Commission, announced the proposal in Jakarta in late July, saying the council was preparing an academic paper and draft bill to submit to the government and MPs

The council in August also warned men against wearing women’s clothing during Independence Day festivities, despite a long-standing tradition in some Indonesian communities of men dressing in dresses and hijabs to play football as part of the annual celebrations. In a statement issued Aug. 7, the Fatwa Commission said such cross-dressing was “haram,” or forbidden under Islamic law, and linked the practice to what it described as a covert campaign by the “Lesbian, Gay, Sodomy and Obscenity (or LGSP) movement.

Indonesia on Aug. 17 marks its 1945 declaration of independence from the Netherlands with flag ceremonies, neighborhood gatherings, and a lively tradition of community competitions known as “lomba tujuhbelasan.” Children and adults take part in games ranging from sack races and cracker-eating contests to tug-of-war and “panjat pinang” — teams climb a greased pole to reach prizes at the top. Some communities also hold football matches in sarongs or “daster,” a loose-fitting house dress traditionally associated with women, turning the celebrations into an occasion for communal play and laughter.

The pressure extends beyond religious authorities. 

In a report published in July, Human Rights Watch said attacks against LGBTQ+ university students had escalated during June’s Pride Month, while at least 10 public universities had recently adopted discriminatory regulations and curbed student media coverage and social media discussions about gender and sexual diversity. The rights group said the measures undermine freedom of expression and academic freedom.

Reacting to Pride Month celebrations, the Ulema Council called for “sexual deviation” to carry criminal penalties heavier than those for adultery and said it was preparing a draft law to criminalize LGBTQ+ conduct and campaigning.

President Prabowo Subianto in October 2025 signed Presidential Regulation No. 111 of 2025, which sets Indonesia’s General National Defense Policy for 2025–2029 and classifies the spread of LGBTQ+ culture as a non-military threat to the state. The provision places it among other perceived threats that include terrorism, radicalism, separatism, and the spread of prohibited ideologies. 

The regulation drew public attention in July after Indonesian media reported on the provision, prompting Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid to warn that it could institutionalize discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.

“Amnesty International Indonesia unequivocally condemns these attacks and intimidation by both state and non-state actors based on perceived sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Amnesty International Indonesia. “We urgently call upon the Indonesian government to repeal this regulation and uphold its constitutional mandates and the international human rights treaties it has ratified.”

Indonesia on Jan. 2 began enforcing a new national criminal code, replacing the Dutch-era penal code that had governed the country for more than eight decades. 

MPs had approved the 345-page code in December 2022 after years of debate and public protests over provisions concerning morality, religion, and individual rights. Among its new provisions is Article 411, which makes sexual intercourse outside marriage a criminal offense punishable by up to one year in prison. 

Article 412 makes living together as husband and wife outside a legally recognized marriage punishable by up to six months in prison. The offenses can be prosecuted only after a complaint by a spouse, parent or child, but rights groups have warned that the provisions can disproportionately affect same-sex couples, whose relationships are not legally recognized in Indonesia.

Purba Widnyana, chairman of GAYa Nusantara, an Indonesian LGBTQ+ rights organization, told the Los Angeles Blade that the situation for LGBTQ+ people in Indonesia has become increasingly worrying.

Widnyana told the Blade that the concern extends beyond increasing violence, pointing to stronger anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in public spaces, on social media and within educational institutions, as well as in politics, including Presidential Regulation No. 111 of 2025.

“The impact is not always in the form of physical violence. Many LGBT+ people, especially trans women, that mostly work in entertainment or other informal jobs, beginning to lose job opportunities because they are considered to pose a ‘risk’ to the event organizers,” Widnyana said. “There are also concerns that the rising stigma and fear could deter people from accessing health services, including HIV test and STI, due to the fear that their identity or sexual orientation might be revealed.”

Widnyana said the changing environment has placed an additional burden on LGBTQ+ organizations; making spaces for gatherings, educational activities, and public information campaigns increasingly sensitive. 

“We are constantly in alert mode,” he said, adding that since the previous wave of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in 2016, organizations have developed security and risk-mitigation plans before holding events. Previously, he said, the primary concerns were physical attacks, raids and threats that could force venues to cancel events. Now, organizations also have to account for online attacks, including WhatsApp hijacking and social media account hacking, as well as the possibility of an event or organization being targeted after going viral. 

“It’s been limiting our movements,” he said.

Asked about the proposed LGSP framework and its decision to replace the term LGBTQ+ with a classification combining sexual orientation with sexual conduct, Widnyana said the council was conflating fundamentally different concepts. 

“I really don’t know where to begin. They are definitely confused by mixing identities, in this case sexual orientation, with sexual behavior and actions that are understood as violations or offenses, that are sodomy and sexual indecencies,” he said. 

Widnyana said the change should not be viewed as merely a change in terminology. 

“The change shifts how Indonesians understand or perceive LGBT+ issues, moving from identities, rights and existence to behavior, morality, and criminality,” he told the Blade. “We also see it in the context of narrative that has been for so long evolving that frames LGBT+ as the ‘product of the West’ or ‘Western propaganda’,” he said. “In this framework, LGSP can be interpreted as their effort in rejecting how LGBT+ people define themselves and changing it with a category that is defined by those who oppose the existence of LGBT+ people.”

Widnyana also pointed to Indonesia’s long history of diverse gender identities and expressions, citing traditions such as the “bissu,” “calalai,” “calabai,” and “waria,” as well as artistic traditions in which men perform female characters. He cautioned against imposing modern LGBTQ+ categories on those traditions, but said gender and sexual diversity are not foreign to Indonesian history.

Widnyana said his main concern was the lack of clarity around terms such as “campaigning,” “promoting,” and “spreading LGBT+ culture,” which he said could be interpreted broadly enough to affect legitimate work in education, health care, human rights, and community services. He cited HIV and sexual health information, legal assistance for victims of violence, discrimination research, training on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics, and academic discussion as examples. Widnyana also questioned whether a gay man publicly saying he is gay and demanding to live safely, or a transgender woman speaking about discrimination she has experienced, could be deemed “campaigning” or “spreading LGBT+ culture.” Such legislation, he warned, could turn existing social stigma into a tool for systematically limiting the lives, expression, services and LGBTQ+ organizations.

“For me, the situation is becoming more difficult. And I think we need to look beyond just what the law says. Because sometimes, when we talk about Indonesia, people say, ‘Well, being LGBTQ+ is not generally criminalized under the national criminal law,’” said Arisdo, outreach representative of Pelangi Nusantara, an LGBTQ+ community group in Indonesia advocating for love, equality, and the right to live with dignity. “technically, that’s an important distinction. But that’s not really what people on the ground are experiencing. What we’re seeing is more pressure. More harassment. More public shaming. More people being targeted simply because they are perceived to be LGBTQ+.”

Arisdo told the Blade that transgender women are facing escalating violence, citing Pelangi Nusantara’s documentation of 10 attacks in Bogor between March and July 2026 involving 45 victim-survivors. He said the emergence of “Boti Hunter” groups was particularly alarming, reflecting a shift from anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric toward actively targeting people. He added that fear of being outed or attacked prevents many victims from reporting violence, while doxxing and online harassment are increasingly forcing LGBTQ+ organizations to limit their visibility.

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Maygar has said his government will amend a law that essentially bans same-sex couples from adopting children.

Lawmakers approved the effective adoption ban in 2020, when then-Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government was in power. Maygar announced plans to amend the law on Saturday when he was speaking to supporters in Budapest, the Hungarian capital.

Orbán and his government faced widespread criticism over its anti-LGBTQ+ crackdown that also included laws banning Pride events.

Maygar in April ousted Orbán in Hungary’s elections.

Authorities in Turkey over the weekend detained dozens of people during raids they carried out against gay bars and LGBTQ activists’ homes across the country.

The BBC reported the raids were part of the government’s “My Family is Safe” campaign.

A statement from a group of Turkish advocacy groups the Washington Blade received on Sunday noted Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said the operation included “162 individuals, nine associations, and 13 businesses across 15 provinces.” Prosecutors in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydın, and Mersin are coordinating the campaign.

Kaos GL, one of the country’s largest advocacy groups, was among the targets.

“The authorities have referred to allegations including ‘obscenity,’ ‘facilitating prostitution or providing premises for prostitution,’ exposure of children to allegedly obscene content, drug-related offenses, and other morality-related offenses,” reads the press release the Blade received. “Information from the field indicates that additional allegations, including forming a criminal organization, may appear in some investigation files.” 

“The reported inclusion of the offense of “establishing an organization for the purpose of committing crimes” under Article 220 of the Turkish Criminal Code is particularly alarming and, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in the criminalization of LGBTI+ human rights activism,” it added. “While LGBTI+ activists and organizations have recently faced and continue to face investigations and prosecutions on grounds such as ‘obscenity’ and alleged violations of the Law on Associations, the use of an organized-crime allegation represents a qualitatively more serious threshold, both in terms of the gravity of the accusation and the potential penalties involved.”

Turkish authorities under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government over the last decade have cracked down on LGBTQ and intersex activists in the country.

Police in 2015 used tear gas and water cannons against people who were about to participate in an Istanbul Pride march. Authorities in 2017 arrested nearly two dozen people who defied a ban on Pride events in the city.

Police in Ankara, the Turkish capital, in 2019, arrested 18 students and an academic who participated in a Pride march at the Middle East Technical University. They faced up to three years in prison, but a court in 2021 acquitted them. Police in 2022 violently broke up a Pride parade at the same Ankara university.

Turkish authorities in July refused to allow a gay cruise ship — the Scarlet Lady, a Virgin Voyage vessel that Atlantis Events chartered — to dock in Kusadasi, a resort town on the Aegean Sea.

Kusadasi is in Aydın Province, one of the provinces in which authorities conducted the raids. Turkish officials also refused to allow the Scarlet Lady to dock in Istanbul.

A Turkish source on Sunday told the Blade the “My Family is Safe” operation began on the 46th anniversary of a military coup that toppled the country’s government in 1980.

“The fact that this operation began on the night of Sept. 12 — the 46th anniversary of the 1980 coup — is highly significant in terms of the foundations of the prohibitive and repressive mindset directed at the LGBTI+ community,” they said. “Moreover, many LGBTI+ organizations had been subject to official inspections last week.”

“Conducting this operation on a Saturday night shortly thereafter also serves the purpose of heightening fear and anxiety within the community,” added the source.

The source asked the Blade not to reveal their identity.

ILGA-Europe in a statement described the raids as “the systematic dismantling of LGBTI civil society.” Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire is among the European officials who have publicly condemned them.

The Blade will update this story with additional details as they become available.

DO THE RIGHT THING had its most recent recognition ceremony this week at the Palm Springs Police Training Center. Missing was former chief Andy Mills who had helped bring prominence to this nonprofit which recognizes and rewards school-age youth for good behavior.

It was touching to see the kids and hear the stories of their accomplishments, overcoming adversity ranging from learning disabilities to family issues. From a four-year-old to a 20-year-old, each had their moment in the spotlight, surrounded by family, their teachers and school administrators, elected officials, and our police.

Chief Mills’ lasting legacy will be his fostering trust between the youth and local law enforcement. Mills noted that early on, some children were afraid to participate in the program because they feared that interacting with the police could lead to their parents being taken away. Under his leadership and community-focused approach, those relationships changed, and the youth learned to trust the officers. As he departed Palm Springs last week, he strongly urged us to continue on with DO THE RIGHT THING.

Chief Mills also fostered that trust in our LGBTQ+ community during his tenure. Where a former police chief conducted sting operations in Warm Sands, Chief Mills would take to social media to remind men not to cruise in the wash nearby.

He transformed the department to be true allies of ours, and it showed immediately as Chief Kyle Stjerne directed his officers to show up on Arenas after a shooting at a gay bar in Tucson. The social media posts showed officers chatting with patrons at Streetbar. That simple act made all the difference in the world to us.

KESQ quoted Stjerne on how he plans to lead: “My mother taught us very early that actions speak louder than words. So I’m not going to tell you about all the great things the Palm Springs Police Department is going to do for this city and these people moving forward. We’re going to prove it to you, we’re going to show you every single day. That is my commitment.”

Doing the right thing is something we should all aspire to, even if we don’t get an award for it.

Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide

Here’s what’s ahead in sunny Palm Springs!

KGAY BIG SPLASH Pool Party

We’re baaaack! The KGAY BIG SPLASH Pool Party returns Friday, September  11 from 7–10 pm at the Palm Springs Surf Club, bringing nighttime Lazy River access, River Island fun, beats by DJ Galaxy, poolside cocktails, giveaways, and a pre‑party Happy Hour from 5–7 pm. All proceeds support your station KGAY 103.1! Get tickets

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New Player Clinics – Palm Springs Gay Softball League

The Palm Springs Gay Softball League hosts New Player Clinics on Saturday–Sunday, September 12–13 at Big League Dreams in Cathedral City, with sessions beginning at 9 am both days. Participants only need to attend one clinic, making it easy for newcomers—whether seasoned players or total beginners—to get involved. Open to anyone over 18, the clinics offer a fun, welcoming introduction to the fall season and encourage players to register in advance and bring gloves, good shoes, and water. More info

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SPACEPLAY

SPACEPLAY brings together three dynamic artists for a multi‑day showcase running Thursday–Sunday, September 10–13 at Impell Gallery. Featuring painter/mixed‑media artist James O’Keefe, painter/ceramicist/sculptor Mary Jeys, and ceramicist Eduardo Lerma, the exhibition highlights creative voices from the high desert and beyond. The schedule includes the Lofts Art District Art Walk on Thursday, September 10 from 4–7 pm, a General Reception on Saturday, September 12 from 2–6 pm, and Closing Day on Sunday, September 13 from 2–4 pm. More info

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Greater Palm Springs Spa Month

Greater Palm Springs Spa Month unfolds across the Greater Palm Springs Area all month long, celebrating National Self‑Care Awareness Month with exclusive wellness experiences throughout all nine resort cities. This featured promotion invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace self‑care their way—whether through a mineral spring soak, a rejuvenating facial, a deeply relaxing massage, a sound bath under the desert sky, or a full day dedicated entirely to restoration. Participating resort spas, day spas, and hot springs spas offer limited‑time treatments and special packages all September, making it easy to explore, book, and enjoy your perfect wellness escape. More info

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“Weird Al” Yankovic – Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour

“Weird Al” Yankovic brings his Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour to Acrisure Arena on Sunday, September 13 at 7:30 pm, delivering a full‑production multimedia spectacle packed with iconic parodies and fan‑favorite deep cuts. Joined by his longtime band and four new players, Al’s super‑sized show blends sharp musical comedy with high‑energy performance. From “Eat It” to “White & Nerdy,” this Grammy‑winning legend offers an outrageous night of entertainment for fans across generations. More info

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Purple Room Weekend Entertainment

The Purple Room Supper Club has reopened after an A/C failure made it too hot to handle! It sets the stage for a standout weekend of music and entertainment Friday–Sunday, September 11–13, with a spotlight on two powerhouse evenings to start things off. Brenna Whitaker and Michael Orland headline Friday, September 11, offering an intimate blend of beloved classics, heartfelt ballads, and selections from Brenna’s album Reverie, all elevated by Michael’s signature piano artistry. On Saturday, September 12, Scot Bruce channels the early years of Elvis Presley with uncanny resemblance, signature vocals, and a high‑energy band that brings rock ’n’ roll’s formative era to life. The weekend wraps on Sunday, September 13, when The Judy Show! delivers hysterical comedy, Golden Age glamour, and Michael Holmes’ razor‑sharp parodies of Judy Garland and Hollywood’s greatest icons. More info

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Billy L’Amour & The Love Notes – Apocalipstick

Billy L’Amour & The Love Notes take over Spirit Animal at Hotel Zoso on Friday, September 11 from 7–9 pm, delivering Apocalipstick—a glamorous cabaret filled with live vocals, comedy, storytelling, and theatrical flair. Joined by special guest Todd Mackofsky, Billy blends vintage Las Vegas inspiration with Parisian revue style for a night of fabulous chaos, with a live band, spectacular costumes, and two cocktails included with every ticket. More info

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Films in the Gardens – The Hidden Life of Trees (2020)

Films in the Gardens: The Hidden Life of Trees screens at Sunnylands on Friday, September 11 at 7:30 pm, part of the Roots & Reveries outdoor film series presented with the Palm Springs International Film Society. Inspired by Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands, this week’s program explores how trees communicate and support one another, guided by forester Peter Wohlleben. Gates open at 6 pm, inviting guests to arrive early, bring a blanket, and enjoy a cinematic night under the stars. More info

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Hitchcock Retrospective – Strangers on a Train

Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center presents Strangers on a Train (1951) on Friday, September 11 from 7–10 pm, a sinister Hitchcock thriller where a chance encounter spirals into obsession and danger. Starring Farley Granger and Robert Walker, the film transforms everyday settings—trains, tennis courts, amusement parks—into stages for escalating tension and psychological intrigue. More info

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Voyage – Celebrating the Music of Journey

Voyage rocks The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa on Friday, September 11 from 8–11 pm. Fronted by vocalist Pedro Espada, whose tone channels Steve Perry, the band delivers blistering guitar solos, lush keyboards, and soaring harmonies that recreate Journey’s iconic sound. With hits like “Faithfully,” “Open Arms,” and “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Voyage transports audiences back to the height of arena‑rock glory. More info

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Brothers of the Desert Members & Allies Lunch

The Brothers of the Desert host their Members & Allies Lunch on Saturday, September 12 from 12:30–2 pm at Mark’s Burgers in Cathedral City. Both members and allies are welcome for this casual community gathering, with attendees encouraged to RSVP before September 11. It’s a friendly midday meetup designed to connect, socialize, and enjoy good company. More info

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Whitney Cummings – Big Baby Tour

Whitney Cummings brings her Big Baby Tour to the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre on Saturday, September 12 at 7 pm, showcasing her bold, observational humor and sharp cultural commentary. Known for stand‑up specials across Netflix, Max, and Comedy Central, Whitney blends personal stories with fearless wit, diving into single‑mom life, personal growth, and the comedy of owning your mistakes. More info

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The Power of Participation — Turn Up. Turn Out.

The Mizell Center hosts a free, one‑hour civic engagement event on Sunday, September 13, inviting the community to come together for The Power of Participation: Turn Up. Turn Out. Presented by Voices Reclaimed, this nonpartisan gathering begins with voter registration at 1:30 pm, followed by a 2–3 pm program featuring uplifting music, community voices, and practical ways to get involved. Speakers include Lauren Mayer, Lisa Middleton, Chris Jackson, and Becki Robinson, with Joe Smith as emcee. The event encourages attendees to show up for one another through voting, volunteering, mentoring, and meaningful connection. Advance registration encouraged at UMCPS.org.

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Burgers, Boys & Brews – Sunday BBQ

The Social Cafe & Lounge heats up Sunday afternoon with Burgers, Boys & Brews on Sunday, September 13 from 2:30–4:30 pm. This weekly backyard‑style cookout features fresh‑grilled burgers, hot dogs, sides, bottomless mimosas, bottomless draft beer, and live male entertainment. It’s an all‑inclusive brunch atmosphere where guests can eat, drink, and enjoy the lively weekend vibe. More info

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Bylines Film Series – Citizen Kane

The Palm Springs Cultural Center screens Citizen Kane on Sunday, September 13 from 3–5:30 pm, presented as part of the Bylines, Broadcasts & the Big Screen Film Series. Often hailed as the greatest film ever made, Orson Welles’ masterpiece follows journalist attempts to decode Charles Foster Kane’s final word—“Rosebud”—through a groundbreaking narrative structure and deep‑focus cinematography. The series, hosted by the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation, includes introductions and post‑film discussions exploring journalism’s cultural impact. More info

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• Bootlegger Tiki Preview Cocktail Menu Tours • Guests can explore an iconic mid-century home with Brandon and Dexter during daytime architectural tours on Friday–Sunday from 11 am–6 pm at The Shag House, or attend the Preview Cocktail Menu Party, with live hula on Saturday from 6–8 pm benefiting Pinups 4 Cancer. Both experiences offer exclusive preview tastings of new Volume 19 cocktails.
• Cinema Couture: Movie Trivia • Participants can test their film knowledge, win prizes, and enjoy drag performances alongside movie showtune sing-alongs on Saturday from 7–8:30 pm at Festival Theaters Palm Springs. Presented by TRASH, this friendly competition promises a fierce and fun night for movie lovers.
• Night Swim • DJs spin live music at the ultimate after-hours pool party on Saturday from 6–10 pm at Palm Springs Surf Club.
• Unbuttoned: A Boylesque Social Experience • Michael Silas blends energetic dance, storytelling, and sharp comedy into a bold, intimate performance on Saturday from 7–8:30 pm at The Social Cafe & Lounge.
• Dance Ranch / Country Dance Saturdays • Rob Ollander-Krane teaches a beginner two-step lesson during a lively night of country western dancing on Saturday from 7–9:30 pm at Step by Step Dance Studio.
• Island Fest • J Boog headlines a tropical celebration featuring live music, cultural entertainment, and hula dancers on Saturday from 8–11 pm at The Show at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa.
• Headgames: A Tribute to Foreigner • Headgames captures driving guitars, powerful vocals, and unforgettable hooks on Saturday from 8–11 pm at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City.
• NSFW: New Season of Work • Russ White, T. Young, Merick Reed, Don Fisher, and Terrence Payne showcase exciting contemporary pieces at a special exhibition celebrating the opening of the local art season at Rubine Red Gallery through September 30.
• A Queer Arcana: Art, Magic, and Spirit • An intergenerational group of artists explores how mysticism and alternative spiritual practices have shaped LGBTQ+ struggles for liberation from Thursday–Sunday at Palm Springs Art Museum through October 18. The works reflect diverse traditions as celebrated by theorist Gloria Anzaldúa.

As part of its commemoration of the 25^th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the September 11^th Victim Compensation Fund, a federally operated program, released information during the past week showing it has awarded more than $18 billion to over 77,000 9/11 victims and their families since 2011. 

Officials with what’s now referred to as the VCF point out that it was created to provide compensation to individuals or to a court-approved personal representative of a deceased individual who were present at one of the three sites where the hijacked jetliners crashed. 

Among those supported under the program are thousands of rescue workers, clean-up crews, and residents living near the World Trade Center Twin Towers destruction site who became ill, many of whom later died, by being exposed to the toxic fumes created by the fire and falling debris.

“Twenty-five years since that day, the September 11^th Victim Compensation Fund has  served tens of thousands of victims and their families, and we continue to receive over 750 new claims each month — a clear indication of the ongoing importance of our mission,” said Allison Turkel, VCF’s leader, who holds the title of Special Master.

In a Sept. 2 briefing for the news media in advance of the 9/11 anniversary commemoration, Turkel pointed out that the VCF operation was upgraded and expanded by separate laws passed by Congress in 2011 and 2019, with the 2019 law signed by President Trump providing full funding to “pay all eligible claims and extended the filing deadline to Oct. 1, 2090.”

LGBTQ advocacy organizations in New York and nationwide have reported that during the time shortly after the 9/11 attacks same-sex surviving partners of 9/11 victims learned they were ineligible for compensation benefits because their same-sex relationships were not legally recognized.

Nicole Nava, a VCF spokesperson, told the Washington Blade she would inquire into whether same-sex couple surviving partners were being supported under the VCF program in more recent years.

She said under long established VCF procedures, all applicants for benefit claims regarding a deceased person, whether same-sex or opposite sex, must be appointed as a Personal Representative of the deceased person by a state court. For D.C. residents, the probate division of the D.C. Superior Court appoints a Personal Representative.

“Claims for deceased victims (regardless of the cause of death) may be submitted only by the Personal Representative,” a statement on the VCF website says. “Each state has laws that define the process for appointment of the Personal Representative and the specific authority granted to that Personal Representative,” it says.

The Washington Blade couldn’t immediately determine the criteria for being approved as a Personal Representative by the D.C. Superior Court  and various state courts, including whether a same-sex survivor partner would be eligible for such an appointment. 

A spokesperson for the District of Columbia LGBTQ+ Bar Association, which includes many local attorneys who specialize in a wide range of specialized legal issues, couldn’t immediately be reached to find out if one or more of their members might be able to determine the same-sex partner eligibility for Personal Representative status.  

In her news media briefing, VCF Special Master Turkel said detailed information about how best to file a claim for 9/11 victim compensation is available on the VCF website.

“Twenty-five years since the events of September 11^th , 2001, we know it has become increasingly challenging for claimants to find documents needed to prove their presence at an eligible location, which is one of the key requirements to be eligible for compensation,” she said.

She was referring to the requirement that 9/11 surviving victims seeking a claim for support for injuries or illnesses related to the 9/11 attacks must prove they were present at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon site, or the Shanksville, Pa. site where the hijacked jetliners crashed. Those requirements are separate from the less clearly defined criteria for same-sex couple victim survivor eligibility.

“Our team is committed to ensuring no claimant feels lost or overwhelmed when submitting a claim,” Turkel said at the briefing. “We have a great helpline with real live people who can answer or refer any questions that come in,” she added. “They engage in over 4,000 calls a month on average. We encourage folks to call 1-855-1555 with any questions.”

The VCF website, wh

An Indiana prosecutor has declined to file criminal charges against a woman who made a false child welfare complaint against Pete Buttigieg.

Buttigieg, the former transportation secretary in the Biden-Harris administration, was accused in June of posing a threat to his children via an anonymous call to police that resulted in him being temporarily separated from his four-year-old twins.

Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney E. Nelson Chipman Jr. opted not to pursue charges against the Alabama woman who filed the false child welfare claim against the Democratic political figure while she was in Marshall County.

According to ABC 57, the television station in South Bend that published a letter from Michigan State Police to Indiana State Police, the 50-year-old woman, identified only as TJ of Alabama, was responsible for the “brief and intrusive investigation” into Buttigieg and his family.

In the letter to Indiana State Police, Michigan State Police described TJ’s documented alcoholism and other chemical dependencies, as well as hallucinations and delusional thinking. The prosecutor also noted that TJ has self-identified as God and claims to hear voices only she can hear.

The letter from Michigan State Police to Indiana State Police states:

“Your investigation reveals that TJ, 50 years old, has a documented history of alcohol abuse and has experienced numerous treatment facilities and programs for alcoholism and other chemical dependency over the years. Further, TJ has a long history of mental illness, manifested by hallucinations and delusional thinking which includes frequently responding to voices only she hears and grandiose ideation including self-identifying as God. She frequently reports she has enjoyed an evening meal with Barack and Michele Obama.

TJ is from Alabama. During her relatively short stay here, TJ was able to generate three separate police encounters that resulted in reports, one of which resulted in TJ’s arrest for domestic battery. I note her BAC in that case was reported at .323. I also note one of the three early reports was based upon TJ’s claim of herself being a victim of sexual abuse at the age of 3 by her mother some 47 years prior. Her explanation for such a delayed report was incoherent.

As you found out, TJ returned to Alabama and took up residence in a treatment facility only to be soon evicted for a rule violation. She currently resides in a half-way house near Alabama, with very limited mental health treatment options available. I note TJ’s abusive and harassing attitude has resulted in restricting only somewhat her access to a telephone, and that she continues to have access to computers at the facility. Obviously she may still have the ability to file additional complaints. No doubt a regrettable situation.

In light of the totality of circumstances, I am unable to conclude that TJ is capable of forming the requisite intent to support a criminal conviction for this offense. Accordingly, this office will not be filing a criminal case in this matter.

Thank you, as always, for a thorough investigation and cogent report.

Stay safe.

Best regards,

E. Nelson Chipman, Jr.

Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney”

When the situation first arose in June, Buttigieg opened up about the experience via his Substack, where he described the situation as one of the worst things that has ever happened to his family — one that resulted in him being separated from his twins, Joseph August “Gus” and Penelope Rose, for their safety.

“The caller said that he had spoken to a woman who claimed to have met me at a conference several years ago in Alabama, where she said I told her that I had committed unspeakable violent crimes, and the caller believed my children were still at risk,” Buttigieg wrote in a post he titled “A Terrible Thing Happened to My Family.” “I am a reasonable man. I try to keep as calm and low-key as possible. But I cannot describe the mix of rage and sadness that I feel at the idea that someone brought our children into this.”

A Buttigieg spokesman declined to comment on the prosecutor’s decision not to pursue charges, but did tell the Washington Post in a statement: “This has been a painful and infuriating situation for the family. They are in touch with Michigan authorities, seeking answers and accountability for what happened.”

In response to the story Buttigieg shared on his Substack, Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, released the following statement:

“I know how I would feel if someone tried to come between me and my kids. This is truly bottom-of-the-barrel stuff. It takes an awful, hateful person to question someone’s fitness as a parent just because of who they are, who they love, or in Sec. Buttigieg’s case, perhaps even who he speaks out against politically. We’re thinking of Pete, Chasten, and their whole family in this moment — and we aren’t resting until all LGBTQ+ families have the kind of safety and justice every one of us deserves.”

The Los Angeles Blade reached out to Michigan State Police after the story initially broke to ask if any disciplinary action would be imposed on the woman who made the false report, but was told to file a FOIA request to view the full report. After filing a FOIA request, the Blade was denied access to any additional information.