Mercury Stardust - Take Repairs Into Your Own Hands

Have you ever found yourself staring at a broken cabinet hinge or a flickering light, completely unsure of where to even start? Meet The Trans Handy Ma’am Mercury Stardust, a DIY expert and advocate who is changing the way we think about home maintenance. With a unique blend of humor, compassion, and hands-on knowledge, Mercury Stardust is proving that fixing things is not just for professionals or homeowners, it’s for everyone. Yet fixing handy projects is not only what Mercury does, but she also has a #1 New York Times bestselling book, Safe and Sound, a hotline offering real-time DIY advice, and a record-breaking fundraiser supporting gender-affirming care. Read on to learn more about Mercury Stardust.

Marie Newman, an Activist from High School to Congress

Marie Newman (she/her), a lifelong progressive activist, is a former US Representative whose office in the Longworth House Office Building was located right across from right-wing Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. After Greene insulted Newman’s transgender daughter, Newman flew the transgender pride flag outside of her own office. But advocating for transgender people is just one of many progressive positions Newman has agitated for over the course of her life. She has been a woman’s rights, gun reform, healthcare and income equity champion her entire life. Her prescriptive memoir, A Life Made From Scratch, is due to be released on March 18. Read on to learn more about the tremendous work of Marie Newman!

Sav Rodgers - Film that Changes Lives

What if a single film could change the course of your life? For Sav Rodgers, Chasing Amy was not just a movie, it was a lifeline. Now, years later, that same kid has turned filmmaker, sharing their story through the lens of a deeply personal documentary, CHASING CHASING AMY. In the documentary, Rodgers unpacks the film’s complicated legacy within LGBTQ+ communities, exploring why it resonates so deeply for some while sparking criticism from others. The documentary goes beyond revisiting an old favorite. To learn more about Sav Rodgers and the film, read on.

SWAC: Influencer, zissue 54.4Chelsea ChanJanuary 2, 2025LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ+, movies, film industry, filmmaker, entertainmentComment

Sophia Warren - Songs of Resilience and Raw Emotion

For Sophia Warren, music has always been more than just a melody — it’s been a lifeline. Today Sophia Warren is bringing raw vulnerability to audiences through her latest release, Bloodstone, the first in an ambitious three-part EP series. Beyond the music, this artist is just as dedicated to her role as an LGBTQ+ advocate and an animal rescuer. Growing up surrounded by pets, she developed a passion for animal welfare early on, eventually founding the Animal Defenders Alliance with her mother. With plans to release the second EP in the Bloodstone trilogy and dreams of taking her music around the world, Sophia is driven by the power of connection. Read on to learn more about Sophia Warren.

SWAC: Influencer, zissue 54.4Chelsea ChanNovember 14, 2024music artist, music, female artists, animal rescue, animal rights, LGBTQ, LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ rightsComment

Mourn, Feel, and Get Ready

What is done is done. I, like many others, don’t understand how this happened. I know we are tired, completely exhausted! We can, and should, mourn. We can, and should, be angry. But we will not roll over dead, we will use this anger, and we will come back stronger and more focused. We can have our own Project 202X. We can have our own plan. We are smart. And as women, we should take from this that no one, and I really mean men, will never come to our rescue. We are on our own, we can no longer fight among ourselves. We need to be a F*CKING PINK WAVE of Fury.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Dominique Johnson, Connecticut House of Representatives District 143

One thing that we at Jejune are pleased to see is the number of LGBTQ+ candidates who are running this year, and we have profiled quite a few of them! This week we are highlighting Dominique Johnson (she/they), who is the incumbent representative in District 143 in the Connecticut House of Representatives. Dominique is a genderqueer millennial who has gone from humble political beginnings as a community organizer to Assistant Majority Leader. A former professor and punk rock bassist, they are a published author with work appearing in works ranging from Teen Vogue to The Nation. Dominique is passionate advocate for educational equity, the health and well-being of youth, women and LGBTQ+ people, and sustainability.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Katie Causey, Palo Alto, CA City Council

Katie Causey (she/her/hers) is a bisexual millennial community and tenant organizer and political activist who is a lifelong resident of Palo Alto, California currently running for city council. Among other issues in her platform, Katie believes in expanding housing access and protecting tenant rights, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting LGBTQ+ rights in Palo Alto. As someone who is passionate about expanding and promoting public transportation, and reducing car traffic, Katie herself does not own a car, and walks, bikes, and takes public transport to get where she needs to be. Katie also owns over 35 houseplants!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.3Andrew FSeptember 20, 2024lgbt+, LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ, lgbt, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ youth, california, bisexual, election 2024Comment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Liz Sheehan, Lexington, KY Urban County Council District 5

Three months ago, we profiled a candidate running at the local level to be a city councilmember in Louisville, Kentucky (the largest city in the state). Today, we are profiling another candidate running at the local level, who is an incumbent on the city council of Lexington, Kentucky (the second-largest city in the state). Dr. Liz Sheehan (she/her), is a professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky and is the first openly bisexual individual to hold elected office in the state. Having served two terms on the city council, Liz is passionate about creating policy solutions to tackle problems associated with housing and homelessness, environmental sustainability, LGBTQ rights, pedestrian and biker safety, and mental health. Liz lives in Lexington with her husband Dan and daughter Ash.

Anne Stott - Beats for Change

From the serene landscapes of Wellfleet, MA, to the bustling streets of New York City, Anne Stott’s journey unfolds, driven by an unyielding passion for music, theater, and social change. Her music, a blend of grunge electric beats, 80s and 90s power chords, and atmospheric vibes reflects the contradictions and diverse influences of her life. With the release of the climate change anthem "Water To Blood," she invites listeners to confront urgent global issues while embracing the deeper themes of time and control. To delve deeper into how Anne Stott incorporates her unique beats to tackle social issues, continue reading.

Emma Jayne - Your Church

Most queer kids and adults inevitably have to go through being rejected by someone because of religion. This might be a family member, a loved one, or a close friend. The feeling of knowing that no matter your history, this person can no longer be in your life anymore because their religion believes you are a sin is heartbreaking. Emma Jayne’s new song Your Church perfectly captures this situation and the emotions that come with it. We encourage you to listen to it if you are unfamiliar with this experience to help you understand, and to listen to it if you are so that you know you are not alone. Not only does Emma write beautiful music, but she also works with the Future Perfect Project. An amazing organization that helps young queer artists shine! Please read on to learn more about Emma.

Art, zIssue 54, zissue 54.1Kira BuccaMay 3, 2024LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ youth, music artist, music, artist, religion, acceptanceComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Mandi Remington, Board of Supervisors for Johnson County, Iowa

Mandi Remington (she/her) is a queer millennial political activist running for a position on the County Board of Supervisors in Johnson County, Iowa. A single mother of three, including a trans child, Mandi is a lower middle-income wage earner. She is most passionate about advancing platforms that prioritize equity for disadvantaged socioeconomic groups. Mandi recently lost an election in 2023 for a position on the Iowa City Council but is running again on a platform of abortion rights, as well as affordable housing, childcare, food, and transportation.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Sam Bell, Rhode Island Senate District 5

This week we continue our profiles of progressive candidates running for office in 2024! Today we are featuring Sam Bell, who is a Democratic Socialist Rhode Island State Senator. Sam (he/him) is a geologist with a Masters and PhD both from Brown University in Providence, the city of Sam’s district. He is most passionate about healthcare, housing, and fighting poverty. Sam and his wife Samantha are both openly bisexual and are proud parents to their 2-year-old son Jacob.

COVER - Sue Ann Pien - Seeing Through The Veil

Sue Ann Pien has not only taken Hollywood by storm but has also used her platform to raise awareness and advocate for a greater understanding of autism and LGBTQ rights. From receiving awards and nominations for her mesmerizing performance in the groundbreaking series “As We See It” to directing “Down By the Water” by The Secret Things, she continuously demonstrates her ability to transcend the boundaries of storytelling. Beyond the screen, Sue Ann Pien has actively partnered with various organizations, directing the spotlight toward crucial topics such as sexual assault and environmental concerns. To learn more about this dazzling actress, continue reading.

Editor's Pick, Cover, Editorials, zIssue 52, Most PopularChelsea ChanOctober 6, 2023LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ+, acting, rights, strike, television, Director, AutismComment

Tim Young Is Smelling Lavender

Tim Young has wanted to perform his whole life, so it is no surprise that he performs his life. Tim’s music is like experiencing Tim’s raw moments. Drink in his new song Lavender has he takes you on the journey of one of his breakups. When Tim isn’t singing about men who smell nice, he is partnering with organizations like The Trevor Project and the Marsha P. Johnson Institute as he works to making the world a little more supportive for the LGBTQ+ community. Please read on to learn more about Tim and all his projects in our exclusive interview below.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 50Kira BuccaJuly 10, 2023LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ+, LGBTQ, music artist, music, artistComment

The Right Wing Long Game - By Andrew Krueger

This is a bad time to be queer. Alaska just gutted their LGBTQ+ Protections, Florida’s Bill SB254 is threatening to kidnap trans kids and tear apart queer families, and states across the country are introducing bills that mitigate gay rights, restrict access to gender affirming care, and expose the queer community as a whole to discrimination and violence. Iowa even attempted a fresh shot at rolling back marriage equality, along with the introduction of multiple anti-queer and anti-trans bills. These are just the tip of the iceberg; the legislation in progress is the opening move of the right wing’s long game to roll back rights, restrict healthcare, and force the queer community back into the closet.

Articles, Editor's Pick, zIssue 48Jejune ContributorMarch 17, 2023LGBTQ Support, LGBTQ, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ+, LGBTQ youth, LGBTQ+ kids, congress, politicsComment

Queer Youth Animated - Through the Lens of the LGBTQIA+ Youth

Queer Youth Animated is a new project from the Future Perfect Project. The team consists of Celeste Lecesne, Ryan Amador, Jon Wan, Julie Novak, and Emma Jane, based out of New York City, Kingston and Los Angeles. The project was initiated with the aim of encouraging youth belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community to share their stories in hopes of inspiring other members. The show features 2 seasons that start with heart warming stories in the United States and then expand to stories around the world. Bringing to light people’s stories from various walks of life, the show has inspired many to share their own journeys. Let Jejune Magazine take you through this interesting interview with the team at Future Perfect Project, and go check out what some of these inspiring kids have to say!

COVER - Yves Mathieu East - The Face Of Change

Jejune has the pleasure to share with you one of the most inspiring people we have ever met — Yves Mathieu East. Yves is a born and breed New Yorker, who is one of a kind. At the young age of 13 he convinced his mother to let him get his first tattoo, he is now head to toe covered in them. What is magical about Yves is once you start speaking to him, all you see is him, the tattoos are just a part of him that completely unquestionably make sense. A lot about Yves is like this. We were on set, and this guy was nothing but waves and “have a nice day” to every single person who walked by! It is actually pretty shocking that he grew up in NYC with how friendly he is.

This beautiful openness to the world does not come from naivety, Yves has seen the dark side of life, in fact, it is more that he wants to be that person who is the change — who gives those who need it the most hope. With no questions asks he will throw on his backpack, maybe pack up a pitbull, and head off to what issue needs him next, be this LGQTQ+ rights, Black Lives Matter, Abortion rights, rehabilitating pitbulls, or spending time with the elderly. This guy really does it all! Please read further to learn more about his incredible guy.

Mikalah Gordon - So Much More Than An American Idol

Mikalah Gordon is so much more than an American Idol hit! Having gained recognition through the show, she has worked her way up to where she is right now, a true star! From singing to comedy, Mikalah dabbles in a little bit of everything and she is nothing short of killing it. But what really inspires us here at Jejune is her passionate for women and LGBTQ rights, which can easily be seen in her songs and her work on Channel Q. Let Jejune Magazine acquaint you with this sensation as you read more about her life, passions, work, and so much more.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 45Tejasvi PradeepNovember 18, 2022music industry, music production, musicvideo, Musician, artist, American Idol, host, LGBTQ SupportComment

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Kim Jackson, Georgia State Senate District 41

This week we are profiling Rev. Kim Jackson (she/her/hers), an ordained Episcopal priest and the first openly LGBT+ state senator in Georgia. A Black millennial lesbian, Jackson works to protect voting rights, reform education and criminal justice, expand Medicaid, and protecting immigrants and refugees. She is the vicar of the Church of the Common Ground, a “church without walls” ministering to the needs of the unhoused in Atlanta, and is very passionate about providing affordable housing to Georgians.

Pain Behavior - Rising to the Top

During this time of Pride Month, we honor LGBTQ+ artists like Pain Behavior and their gifted musical abilities. Pain Behavior is a musician who creates songs with depth and meaning, as well as a grim edge. Pain Behavior recently released the song Heavy Light, which premiered on May 20th and is a moving tribute to both life and human connection. They also have several other songs, including Warrior, which, like its name, has a powerful story to tell. They discuss the sorrow as well as the inspiration of someone they once loved in a destructive way. Pain Behavior's commitment to pride doesn't stop there. They also took part in the annual Venice Pride event, where they performed and re-iterated their support. Pain Behavior is on the rise, and we're excited to see what they do next. Please read on to learn more about Pain Behavior and their musical path, as well as the inspiration and stories behind their songs, Heavy Light and Warrior, and their opinions on the importance of Venice pride.