Advocate NL 9/16/26

Hello and Happy Wednesday, folks!Audience Editor Edgar Ramirez here, back in your inbox to share some wins the LGBTQ+ community has earned this week.But where to start? U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride -- the first out transgender person elected to Congress -- securing the Democratic nomination for a second term?Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s administration killing the anti-transgender regulatory effort launched during the waning months of former Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s term?Gay congressional candidate Chris Gallant not letting the (jealous) Republicans stop his momentum?The Episcopal Church having its first transgender dean?SCOTUS protecting mail-in ballots?Mister Kansas?So many positive stories to choose from, we'll leave it up to you. There are, of course, some downers (and one that may leave you saying out loud "WTF"), but we'll let you pick those out from below.Until next time!Each day at The Advocate, we’re breaking news about the issues that are important to you — whether we’re celebrating queer joy or holding powerful people accountable for their attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. We’re asking you to help us continue this critical work. Can we count on you to support LGBTQ+ journalism?Sarah McBride sails toward reelection after advancing unopposed in Delaware Democratic primaryVirginia Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger stops previous Republican-led anti-trans policiesGay congressional candidate Chris Gallant won’t be shamed out of midterm race over BDSM photosThe Episcopal Church has its first transgender deanWhy SCOTUS protecting mail-in ballots guards trans voting rightsMister Kansas, the nail polish-wearing trans ally who refuses to back down, is turning heads — and using his voice to defend trans peopleJD Vance conjures the devil in false attack on LGBTQ+ charity during Kansas speechDonald Trump holds JFK’s Kennedy Center memorial hostage to his own vanityKash Patel grilled about 'bestiality' within the FBI during bizarre Senate hearingMitc