Anti-LGBTQ+ MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk shot dead during live eventWhat happened: Charlie Kirk, who was a very influential rightwing operative, was shot to death at a speaking event in Utah on Wednesday.Why it matters: The president has already talked about Kirks death more than he has about any victims of mass shootings this year, and many on the right are promising to use Kirks death to crack down on the left. Anti-LGBTQ+ MAGA influencer Charlie Kirk shot dead during live event Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today After a day of conservatives claiming that the person who shot Charlie Kirk engraved trans ideology on bullet casings, it turns out to be anti-gay messagesOne of the messages: If you read this, you are gay, LMAOWhy it matters: Many prominent voices on the right have been claiming that the perpetrator was either transgender or a leftist seeking to silence the rightwing provocateur Charlie Kirk. The main suspect is now a cis white man from a conservative family, although his political leanings are not known and will likely be debated for a long time. Anti-gay messages found engraved on Charlie Kirk murder suspects bullet casings Sabrina Carpenter delivers a powerful message for trans rights at the Video Music AwardsIn her words: This world, as we all know, can be so full of criticism and discrimination and negativity. So, to get to be part of something that can bring you light, make you smile, make you dance Im so grateful. So grateful to do that.Why it matters: Performing on stage with transgender and drag artists in this political climate shows that many people are still committed to LGBTQ+ equality. In Trans We Trust: Sabrina Carpenter stands up for trans rights during powerful VMA performance Politicians all over the world demonized LGBTQ+ people during elections in 2024The numbers: 60 countries and the E.U. held elections in 2024, with over 1.5 billion people voting. Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric featured prominently in 51 of those elections.Why it matters: The current backlash against LGBTQ+ rights is not a U.S.-only phenomenon. Its part of the rise of a global right-wing movement. Politicians demonizing LGBTQ+ people for electoral success is a global phenomenon Virginias GOP gubernatorial candidate is recycling the presidents 2024 anti-trans campaign messages in her own adsWhat her ads say: Spanberger is for they/them, not for us. Democrat Abigail Spanberger is running against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. The line, X is for they/them, comes from an anti-Kamala Harris ad from last year.Why it matters: Anti-trans rhetoric is a serious source of transphobia that politicians are using to win elections, and its not stopping after its 2024 appearance. GOP candidate recycles last years anti-trans campaign attacks: Dem opponent is for they/them Heres a pictureMarissa Copler, as Gay Jesus, attended the Louisville Pride Festival Decades Resistance & Hope Through The Years on September 6, 2025. | Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK And here are some interesting queer and trans readsContributor Umar Ibrahim Agaie investigated death doulas in Michigan who help LGBTQ+ people die with dignity. Meet the death doulas who help LGBTQ+ people die with dignity LGBTQ Nation senior editor Daniel Villarreal shared his complicated feelings shortly after Charlie Kirks death. No, I wont be shedding any tears for Charlie Kirk LGBTQ Nation columnist John Gallagher discussed the GOPs longstanding contempt for science just after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s disastrous Senate hearing The rights disdain for science is part of their strategy to attack LGBTQ people Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.