Family,

This is the season for reflection. A time where we all begin to look back over the year and take an inventory of our lives. My hope for you is when you begin to look back you remember the times you laughed so hard it made you cry, when you got that hug that melted all your troubles away, or when you brought joy into someone else’s life. So as you begin to reflect I challenge you to add those moments to your highlight reel because those are the moments that will last a lifetime. From our family to yours 💜

Till next week,
Anna

Send Some Holiday Cheer ✨

Tis the season and for so many in our community it’s a really tough time of the year. I’d love for you to send me a holiday voicemail where you share some inspiration, some love or maybe some encouragement on how you get through. We are each other’s biggest support system. Let’s put that support in action because I know it will help somebody.

Also if you if you believe in the work we do. If you believe LGBTQ stories need to be amplified. If you love and respect how I report on the news and tell our stories, join the QCrew. Thank you in advance.

Listen to this week's episode

HIV Birthed My Artistry: I’m Alive and I’m Winning with Marvin Anderson

"If I hadn't got a diagnosis, I wouldn't be sitting here. I wouldn't have an EP. Purpose birthed something out of me I didn't even know was inside."

What happens when a 52-year-old speaker, advocate, and artist decides to trade his comfort zone for a microphone? You get Living Beyond Red, the groundbreaking EP from the one and only Marvin Anderson. Marvin is a reminder that we aren't just surviving, we are winning when we decide to live our lives on purpose.

Shine a Light On It: Black Women, HIV & Its Impact

​​From Patient to Advocate: My HIV Diagnosis Gave Me Purpose

In our first episode, Carla shares her unbelievable journey from being homeless and addicted to drugs, to achieving homeownership and becoming a passionate HIV patient navigator.

She recounts the lack of humanity she faced during her diagnosis and the moment a woman named Catherine planted the seed of hope that changed everything.

Carla's powerful realization, "What the enemy meant for my ruin, God turned into my purpose", has become the foundation for her work today, proving that lived experience is the highest qualification.

Last Week on Queer News

Last week on Queer News, Anna discusses how President Joe Biden Speaks at the Victory Institute, The U.S. Gets an “F” in LGBTQ+ quality of life, and Pattie Gonia’s 100 Mile Trek For One Million Dollars

Binge Some Queer Content!

Fighting Fascism & Finding Your People: Anna DeShawn & Cathy Renna Talk Creating Change 2026

Forget typical conferences. Anna DeShawn and Cathy Renna from the National LGBTQ Task Force explain what makes the Creating Change convening so special.

With sessions on topics ranging from authoritarianism and fighting fascism to labor and climate change, the conference offers real opportunities to dig deep into one specific topic with experts and fellow activists. Cathy notes the full media training institute done in partnership with GLAAD as well.

This is where you find your comrades and your next mission. It’s where you can walk in alone and leave having found your people. The theme this year is UNSTOPPABLE which feels quite fitting.

Want to attend? The event is in DC, January 21st-25th.

Registration and volunteer opportunities are available now!

➡️ Visit thetaskforce.org or creatingchange.org for full details.

​

Pentatonix's Scott Hoying & Husband Mark Manio Celebrate Love, Life, and Fa La La Family

Queer News contributor, Benjamin Coy, catches up with Scott Hoying (Pentatonix, Dancing With The Stars) and his husband Mark Manio as they head into a whirlwind holiday season! From performing on tour to becoming dads, everything is aligning.

They discuss their new holiday book, Fa La La Family, created to show their future child that "family is love" in all its unique forms. Learn how the book doubles as a children's album (with collabs like Meghan Trainor!) and how this couple is pouring their joy and authenticity into every creative project.

You'll also find out:

• Which partner is the bigger holiday romantic (hot chocolate vs. collapsible Christmas tree).
• How Scott is managing Dancing With The Stars while gearing up for the Christmas tour.
• What feelings they hope readers take away from the art and the music.

​

Power Through Unity: HRC Leaders on How To Join The Fight For Equality

"We will not stop fighting. We will not back down."

As the largest LGBTQ+ organization in the country, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is on the front lines. Anna DeShawn interviews HRC's Nik Harris (VP of Strategic Initiatives) and Stephen Lewis (Chicago Steering Committee) about the organization's powerful history and its urgent work today.

This interview is a must-listen for understanding the strategy behind fighting back against current legislative attacks and why storytelling (like the American Dreams Tour) remains the most powerful tool for changing hearts and minds.

Join the Fight! Get your tickets to the HRC Chicago Dinner, https://chicago.hrc.org/chicago-dinner

​

Breaking News: ICE Handcuffs Elected Official & Now Chicago Alderperson Jessie Fuentes is Suing

Anna DeShawn sits down with Alderperson Jessie Fuentes for a compelling interview on her confrontation with masked ICE agents inside Humboldt Park Health hospital, an encounter that led to her being sworn at, shoved, grabbed, handcuffed and removed from the hospital with threats of arrest if she returned.

Hear the full story, including the condition of the injured constituent, the terrifying tactics of federal agents, and how Chicago's collective strength is building a massive network of support and volunteers to protect our neighbors.

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Queer Clothing Brand Celebrates 10 Years! Kirrin Finch talks The Power of the Perfect Fit

"This is my inside matching my outside." That's the power of the perfect fit! Anna DeShawn sits down with Kirrin Finch founder Kelly to celebrate their 10 years of radically inclusive fashion.

They break down the industry's biggest fail standard sizing and reveal how Kirrin Finch successfully builds clothes for your body (yes, those curves, hips, and chests) from the very first stitch. From their "fit party" strategy to featuring powerful community leaders in their campaigns, learn how this brand truly puts affirmation first.

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Queer News Tip Line

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Windy City Times announced that Anna is the first newsletter coordinator for BLACKlines!

BLACKlines holds a unique place in Chicago’s journalistic history, and Anna is deeply honored to steward this vital publication for a new generation. It’s an incredible opportunity to amplify Black LGBTQ+ voices and stories at a time when they’re needed most.

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