The Grizzly in the Purple Pants

My mom and stepdad wanted me to be more manly. In Cub Scouts, I just wanted to make the troop cupcakes.

HE WAS ONCE HOMELESS AND SLEEPING IN A BUS STATION. NOW, HE’S COLLABORATING WITH BEYONCE ON ‘THE LION KING’

Musician Lebo M. attributes his personal success to the same reason he believes “The Lion King” story is so resonant: Even those who have been cast aside can triumph with enough heart.

LGBTQ Americans See a New Path in Historical Confirmation of Trans Official

Pediatrician Rachel Levine is the first openly transgender leader to gain Senate approval.

What Chinese applicants to US universities should watch out for as campus closures gather steam

• With the number of American students attending college expected to drop, many US universities face an uncertain future
• Chinese applicants must pay close attention to an institution’s teaching and research record, graduating student career data and annual reports

After 50 Years of Sexual Assault Shame, I’m Finally Reclaiming My Voice

A hand brushed my crotch as the subway left the station.

WINNER: 2022 American Society of Journalists & Authors “The Arlenes: Articles That Make a Difference” Award.

The Writer Behind Lifetime’s New Clark Sisters Movie Shares Her Inspiration

Camille Tucker began work on a movie project about The Clark Sisters fifteen years ago. With the help of Queen Latifah, Mary J Blige and Missy Elliott, the movie is airing on Lifetime TV.

I Lost My Own Therapist to Suicide

It’s been about a year since Mark’s death. In that time, my perspective on empathy has changed dramatically.

(Also available in French, Spanish, and Dutch translations on VICE.)

How Stripping In Gay Bars Brought Me Back To God

When I came out, I rejected the church before it could reject me. But an unlikely friendship formed over cash-stuffed briefs showed me a new way to have faith.

Into the Pale Mist

Bob Smith, the first openly gay comic to appear on NBC’s The Tonight Show, died after a long struggle with ALS or “Lou Gehrig’s disease.”

WINNER: 2019 New York Press Association First Place Award for “Best Obituary”

Ascension: What I Learned After Getting Kidnapped In Paris

Everyone has a change story. Here’s mine.