Beloved actor Leslie Jordan dies in crash
Actor, comedian, and musician Leslie Jordan has passed away after a car crash in Hollywood on the morning of Monday, October 22.

Jordan was best known for his roles in Will & Grace and American Horror Story, the former of which won him an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.

Officer Leizeth Lomeli of the Los Angeles Police Department told the Los Angeles Times that Jordan was driving a BMW when he crashed into a building at Cahuenga Boulevard and Romaine Street. Fans have since gathered at the site of the crash to mourn him.

Jordan made his Gayness and his short stature (4'11") a feature of all his characters, which has — along with his charming pandemic Instagram videos — made him a Gay icon in the eyes of many.

A representative for Jordan posted on his Instagram: "The love and light that Leslie shared will never go out, and we invite you to share your memories and comfort each other during this time. In the coming days we will be giving a glimpse of a project Leslie was really proud of and was looking forward to sharing with the world."

Elections Gayer than ever this year
A record number of LGBTQ candidates are running for office right now, and some big wins are likely, according to data compiled by the LGBTQ Victory Fund. Of the l,065 candidates, 678 won their primaries, an 18% increase since 2020.

Democrat Maura Healy is poised to become Massachusetts' first openly Gay governor, and in Vermont, Democrat Becca Balint is favored to win the state's only seat in the House of Representatives, also a Gay first.

But these likely wins arrive in the face of broad efforts by Republicans to pass anti-LGBTQ laws and policies, especially against Trans people.

Annise Parker, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, said, "This November, we have an opportunity to elect more LGBTQ people to office than ever before. Sitting on the sidelines isn't an option when our rights are on the chopping block."