Mississippi became the first state to sign this year’s sweep of anti-trans bills into law (and some more readings about what’s coming next), misogynoir nearly killed Meghan Markle, and making it through this terrible sexless year.

Roxane Gay on becoming a queer elder before you’re ready, healing from this pandemic, the radical legacy of Dolly Parton, Drag Kings, and more!

This is now a Zaya Wade stan account, people are dressing up to get the vaccine, Broadway stars sing Whitney Houston, and some really smart reporting about the growing wave of anti-trans bills sweeping at the state level.

How TV stories have shaped our understanding of AIDS, 14 fixes for pandemic monotony, R.O. Kwon on misunderstanding kink, and the intwined histories of white supremacy and transphobia.

Halle Berry grew up by practicing kissing on girls (stars, they’re just like us). Also, Megan Thee Stallion interviews Rep. Maxine Waters, more truly excellent Britney reads, and what does abortion access really look like during a pandemic?

You’re probably doing your pandemic pod all wrong, dispatches from the California stripper strike, wait what is going on with Cara Delevingne and Jaden Smith? And photography of lesbian joy from the 1970s that will warm your heart right in the middle of a cold February.

Excellent reads from noted queer authors Kristen Arnett and Leah Johnson, grown up love stories that are certain to make you cry before Valentine’s Day (one starring Roxane Gay and Debbie Millman) — and more to wrap up the week.

One Million Moms is boycotting this American Girl doll for having lesbian aunts (lol what!?!?), a history of Black Queer Chicago and AIDS Activism, and Serena Williams the GOAT has so many trophies she can’t keep them straight.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took to her Instagram Live to talk about trauma and the January 6th Capitol Riot. Remembering how Sophie made you feel, Black fashion historians on Black culture’s most influential moments, and every single trade news from the WNBA Free Agency period that you can imagine.

Dr. Rachel Levine makes trans history, vaccine analysis that is actually helpful, and is anything as powerful as “Gossip Girl” was in 2008? Plus, the healing power of queer friendships in a personal essay you don’t want to miss.

Also: here’s some legit great queer newsletters for your inbox, honoring Monica Roberts and Margot St. James, post-impeachment burn out, meet the most serious astrologer on TikTok, and more.