US: Debate over cis, straight man in Drag Race
NBC reported on December 9 that the casting of Maddy Morphosis, a cisgender straight man, in RuPaul's Drag Race has sparked controversy among fans of the show. Some argued that the show was inherently Queer-centric, that the casting was an invasion of a safe Queer space, or that Morphosis was taking a spot away from Gay or Trans drag queens. NBC added that the show has redefined who can be a drag queen several times, such as when a Bisexual contestant competed in Drag Race UK, or a cisgender Lesbian competed in Drag Race season 3. Former contestant Gottmik, the show's first Trans male contestant, weighed in on the issue in an interview with Variety: "When I first got announced on the show, I was flooded with people who did not think I should be on the show or I shouldn't be doing drag. I feel like she's going through the exact same thing right now."

Worcester: Ministry houses Gay asylum seekers
NBC reported December 13 on the Massachusetts church group that recently opened an apartment building for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. A task force assembled by Hadwen Park Congregational Church in Worcester, MA, raised more than $500,000 to purchase and renovate the building, which director Al Green says is the biggest investment but hardly the first of the group's ongoing efforts to help LGBTQ+ immigrants. The first three residents of the home, all Gay men, moved in over Thanksgiving weekend. Alain Spyke, 26, who fled harassment and persecution in Jamaica, told NBC News, "I don't even have words. To come into this country and have a safe space to escape all the hardships and trauma? Not everyone has that opportunity."