Federal Cuts to LGBTQ+ Crisis Hotline

As of July 17, the “Press 3” option on the national 988 hotline—dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth—has lost federal funding. Since its 2022 launch, it’s supported over 1.3 million callers with identity-affirming care.

Bears Featured at San Diego Pride

The San Diego Bear community was officially celebrated at Pride—including Jimmy Trimble and the first non-gendered Leather Bear title. This inclusion highlights the growing visibility and recognition of bear identity in mainstream Pride events.

San Diego Pride Weekend Highlights

Over 250,000 people joined the festivities—including performances, a Spirit of Stonewall rally, family-friendly events, and vibrant street fairs. A parallel “J Pride” event also took place to support LGBTQ+ Jews amid controversy over Kehlani’s headlining role.

Gayming Awards Go Global

The Gayming Awards, celebrating LGBTQ+ contributions in gaming, aired globally for the first time on WOWPresentsPlus. Major new categories—like Voice Actor of the Year—recognized diverse storytelling and representation in gaming.

Why It Matters

• Mental Health Alert: The 988 changes reinforce why community-specific mental health resources are essential.
• Bear Visibility: Official recognition at Pride underscores our cultural presence and continued relevance.
• Celebrating Queer Art: The global Gayming Awards reflect how queer creators—bear or not—are influencing wide-reaching platforms.

Your Opinion:

Seen something great this week? Whether it’s local buzz, a Pride moment, or personal reflections—just hit reply. We’ll share your finds in next Monday’s roundup.