On Sunday, May 10, University of Washington student Juniper Blessing was stabbed to death in off-campus housing. The transgender sophomore atmospheric and climate science major was identified by a statement made by Blessing’s family, obtained by the Santa Fe New Mexican. Blessing’s murder is part of a larger, and terrifying, trend of violence experienced by trans people in America in 2026. 

Blessing’s Story

Blessing was just 19. Originally from Princeton, New Jersey, but most recently based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, she was a bright young person who was deeply loved by her community. 

“Juniper was simply the most amazing human being we have ever known — highly intelligent, extremely talented, and deeply sensitive to the needs of others,” Blessing’s family said.

Blessing was brutally stabbed as many as 40 times. Her body was discovered in a laundry room at Nordheim Court, a private apartment building just off the University of Washington’s campus. 

On Wednesday, May 13, Christopher Michael Leahy turned himself in to the Bellevue Police Department for Blessing’s murder. Leahy is currently being held at King County Jail in Seattle, under a $10 million bail pending a homicide investigation. On Thursday, May 14, in front of a judge, Leahy was found to have probable cause for first-degree murder. 

Leahy’s motive has yet to be covered in court proceedings. 

The Greater Body of Violence

Trans people are over four times more likely than cisgender people to experience violent crime. Nearly half of trans people in America report being sexually assaulted in their lifetime. 65% report experiencing homelessness. 54% report being victims of intimate partner violence. Blessing’s murder is not an isolated tragedy; it is part of a movement of hate and violence against trans people. 

Blessing’s story must continue to be told, because hers is not the only light we have lost. Trans people deserve to live lives with safe, bright futures where they can thrive and flourish. 

“Juniper’s loss not only devastates us but diminishes the world,” Blessing’s family said. “Perhaps most importantly, Juniper was courageously living their life as who they were until it was cut tragically short.”

This case is ongoing; more information is expected to be released soon regarding Leahy’s motive and court proceedings. 

The post Juniper Blessing, the 19-Year-Old Trans College Student Stabbed Over 40 Times appeared first on LBS.

A lot of queer love stories in the media still feel kind of artificial. Everything is either super dramatic, overly polished, or reduced to the same tired stereotypes we’ve all seen before. That’s part of what makes Jack’d’s “Love Unscripted” feel refreshing. The series doesn’t try to force relationships into a perfect box, it just lets people be themselves.

Creating the Moments Everybody is Talking About

Produced by Chris Parker, “Love Unscripted” is Jack’d’s original digital series focused on real queer relationships in all forms. Some stories are traditional, some are open, some are unexpected, and some completely challenge what people think relationships are supposed to look like. And honestly, that’s what makes it interesting.

The series, streaming on Jack’d’s Instagram, features all kinds of partners including adult film stars, nightlife personalities, entrepreneurs, creatives, lawyers, educators, and beauty moguls, but the focus never feels forced or overly produced. It feels more like sitting in on honest conversations than watching a typical dating series.

The couples talk about real things: communication issues, trust, balancing busy careers, navigating nontraditional dynamics, dealing with public attention, and figuring out what love actually looks like for them. Some relationships are messy. Some are solid. Some people are still learning as they go. That honesty is probably why the show connects with people.

The Depth of Queer Love on Display

The series also reflects how relationships actually work, especially within queer communities. Not everyone wants the same kind of partnership, and the series doesn’t judge that. Some couples are monogamous, some aren’t, and some are still figuring things out in real time. There’s something relatable about seeing people openly admit they don’t have everything perfectly figured out.

Another thing the show gets right is chemistry. Not the staged reality TV version, but the smaller moments. Inside jokes, awkward pauses, supportive conversations, disagreements, and affection. Those little interactions make the relationships feel believable instead of scripted for entertainment.

For Jack’d, the series feels like a smart evolution of the brand. The app has always been connected to queer social connection, but “Love Unscripted” pushes that further by focusing on storytelling and representation in a more genuine way. It’s less about selling an image and more about showing the different ways queer people build relationships and community.

About Jack’d

Jack’d is the premier social app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people, with over 15 million members worldwide. Use code BSCOTTPRIDE for one month of Jack’d Pro for free!

Claim your free month now! 

Download Jack’d here!

The post Why “Love Unscripted” Feels Different From Every Other Dating Series appeared first on LBS.

“PrEP belly” has taken over our timelines. If you’ve never heard the term before, it’s basically what some people call the bloating or stomach discomfort some users feel after starting PrEP. For some people early in their prevention journeys or considering taking PrEP, these horror stories might not feel the most encouraging. Long story short, you have nothing to worry about. 

The Side Effects Everyone is Talking About

The thing is, most medications can come with side effects, and PrEP is no different. Some people feel nauseous at first, some feel a little bloated, and some don’t notice anything at all. 

Usually, those symptoms calm down after the first few weeks once your body gets used to it. But social media has a way of making every side effect sound terrifying. One viral TikTok can suddenly make people think everyone on PrEP is dealing with major body changes, which just isn’t true.

In interview with Them, Rona Vail, Associate Medical Director of HIV services at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center said “It is true that a small percent of folks are intolerant to the medications and can have continued side effects, in which case we would switch them to a different form of PrEP, but someone who is taking oral PrEP and not having side effects will not develop physical changes to the appearance of their ‘belly.’”

What doesn’t get talked about enough is how important PrEP still is. It’s one of the best tools we have for HIV prevention, and for a lot of people it provides real peace of mind. That’s why having access to actual medical professionals,  instead of random internet opinions, matters so much.

Making Care Less Stressful

That’s part of why services like Mistr have become so popular. A lot of people don’t want to sit in a waiting room explaining their sex life to a stranger or deal with judgment when they’re just trying to take care of themselves. Mistr makes the process way easier. You can do everything online, talk to licensed providers, get tested, and have your medication shipped directly to you. It feels a lot more private and low-stress than the traditional route.

And if you do experience side effects, you’re not stuck trying to figure it out alone. You can actually ask questions, talk through options, and decide what works best for your body. Sometimes it’s as simple as taking the medication with food or changing your routine a little. Other times, people switch medications. The point is, there are options.

At the end of the day, everyone reacts differently to medication. Some people deal with temporary side effects, some never notice anything, and some feel completely normal after a week or two. But avoiding HIV prevention because of scary internet comments probably isn’t the move.

People are finally having open conversations about sexual health without as much shame attached to it. That’s a good thing. And platforms like Mistr are helping make those conversations, and the healthcare itself, way more accessible for people who might’ve avoided it before.

About Mistr

Mistr is a gay-owned and operated online platform that brings together doctors, pharmacists, and industry minds to provide resources and PrEP to folks in need. Instead of relying on insurance providers to approve the purchase of PrEP, Mistr cuts out the middleman to help people get their prescriptions covered.

The post “PrEP Belly” Isn’t Real, The Truth About Using PrEP appeared first on LBS.

Getting healthier doesn’t always require a complete lifestyle reset. In fact, some of the most effective habits are the small ones people barely notice at first. Tiny adjustments to your daily routine can improve energy, reduce stress, and support long-term wellness without feeling overwhelming.

Here are a few underrated micro-habits that can make a surprisingly big difference over time.

Open a Window for Five Minutes Every Morning

Fresh air sounds simple, but it can help wake up your body and mind faster than you’d expect. Letting natural light and airflow into your space in the morning can help you feel more alert and less sluggish, especially if you work indoors most of the day.

Even a few minutes of sunlight exposure early in the day may help regulate your sleep cycle later at night. Just a little more fresh air in a day has been proven to increase cognitive functions and productivity. 

Keep Your Phone Out of Reach During Meals

A lot of people eat while scrolling without realizing how distracted they are. Keeping your phone away from the table can help you slow down and pay attention to hunger cues and improve digestion. Research has even indicated that using your phone during meals actually leads to higher levels of unhappiness.

It also creates a small mental break from constant notifications, something most people could use more of.

“Micro-movements”

Micro-workouts don’t need a gym. Small moments throughout the day can become opportunities to move your body without setting aside extra time.

Try:

• Calf raises while brushing your teeth
• Stretching while waiting for coffee
• Squats during TV commercials
• Balancing on one leg while cooking

These tiny movements help improve circulation and mobility, especially for people who sit most of the day.

Create a “No Screens for the First 10 Minutes” Rule

Many people start the day by immediately checking emails or social media, which can create stress before the day even begins. Waiting just 10 minutes before looking at your phone gives your brain a calmer start.

That extra time can be used to stretch, make coffee, hydrate, or simply wake up without information overload.

Normalize Preventive Health Check-Ins

A healthy routine isn’t only about workouts and nutrition. Preventive care matters too, and small steps toward staying informed about your health can have long-term benefits.

Online healthcare platforms have made that process easier for many people. Services like Mistr have helped make sexual health care, testing, and preventive support more accessible through telehealth, removing some of the barriers that often keep people from prioritizing routine care.

End the Day by Resetting One Small Space

Health isn’t only physical, your environment affects your stress levels too. Spending two minutes cleaning off a desk, washing a few dishes, or organizing one corner of a room can create a sense of calm and control. Waking up to a cleaner space may help reduce mental clutter and make mornings feel less chaotic.

The healthiest routines are usually the ones that feel realistic enough to repeat consistently. Micro-habits work because they fit into everyday life instead of disrupting it. You don’t need to change everything overnight. Sometimes opening a window, putting your phone down, or taking a short stretch break is enough to start building healthier routines that actually last.

About Mistr

Mistr is a gay-owned and operated online platform that brings together doctors, pharmacists, and industry minds to provide resources and PrEP to folks in need. Instead of relying on insurance providers to approve the purchase of PrEP, Mistr cuts out the middleman to help people get their prescriptions covered.

The post Little Changes, Big Impact: 7 Unexpected Micro-Habits That Support Your Health appeared first on LBS.

Jack’d Events is opening the door for organizers to reach a wider audience by offering a simple, free way to promote gatherings of all kinds. From high-energy nightlife parties to laid-back community meetups, the platform makes it easy to submit events and connect with thousands of potential attendees. 

Designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, Jack’d Events provides a valuable space where LGBTQIA+ communities can stay informed about what’s happening in their city, and around the world. Submitting an event is straightforward and comes at no cost, removing a common barrier for organizers who may not have large marketing budgets. Once an event is reviewed and approved, it becomes visible within the Jack’d app, where it can be discovered by users based on their geographic location. This geo-targeted approach ensures that events are reaching the people most likely to attend, whether they are in the same neighborhood or traveling to a nearby city.

All Shapes and Sizes of Fun

The platform supports a wide range of event types. Organizers can promote everything from intimate mixers and social gatherings to large-scale festivals and Pride celebrations. This flexibility allows both grassroots organizers and major event producers to benefit from the same visibility tools, creating a more connected and vibrant event ecosystem.

One of the standout features of Jack’d Events is its ability to amplify local experiences. Smaller, community-driven gatherings often struggle to gain exposure, especially when competing with larger, well-funded events. By placing these events alongside bigger productions within the same app, Jack’d helps level the playing field and encourages users to explore a broader range of activities. This not only supports local organizers but also strengthens community ties by encouraging participation in diverse experiences.

Accessibility is Everything

The timing of events is also a key feature of Jack’d events. With real-time visibility and updates, users can stay informed about upcoming gatherings and make plans accordingly. This is particularly valuable during major occasions such as Pride weekends, when cities host multiple overlapping events and visitors are eager to experience as much as possible. Jack’d Events helps ensure that nothing gets overlooked.

By making event submission free and accessible, and by leveraging geo-location to connect users with relevant experiences, Jack’d fosters a stronger sense of community. With this tool, organizers gain a powerful way to share their events, and users gain an easy way to discover them. It’s a win-win that highlights the importance of visibility, connection, and celebration within LGBTQIA+ spaces. Get the party started by submitting your event today: https://www.jackd.com/en/events

About Jack’d

Jack’d is the premier social app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people, with over 15 million members worldwide. Use code BSCOTTPRIDE for one month of Jack’d Pro for free!

Claim your free month now! 

Download Jack’d here!

The post Discover the Party, and Pack Out Your Own with Jack’d Events appeared first on LBS.

This year, not voting could cost you your care. Over the next several months, Americans will choose nominees for the 2026 midterm elections. A new Governor will be chosen in California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and 35 other states. All 435 U.S House members and 33 U.S. Senators will also be elected this year. Alongside thousands of local and state officials. This year, your rights are on the ballot in ways they never have been before. 

Access to HIV prevention resources has been critical in decreasing new cases in the U.S. However, conservative lawmakers are taking aim at these critical resources, hoping to make this critical care harder and more expensive to access. 

Elected Threats to Care

Earlier this year, thousands of Americans lost access to HIV treatment due to 20 states increasing restrictions on assistance programs. Last year, Meharry Medical College’s $2 million in federal HIV research funding was cut by the Trump administration. Continual cuts to Medicaid have left those who use the health care option without the option to receive preventative HIV care.  Elected leaders have the power to make living safe and healthy lives infinitely more difficult. 

The intersection of voting and vital care underscores a simple truth: civic action is a form of self-care and community care. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, engaging in the democratic process is about protecting ourselves, our resources, and our neighbors. Voting is simple, and could start as soon as this month in your state. 

Getting to the Polls

California will hold its primary election on Tuesday, June 2. Registration closes on Monday, May 18. The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3. 

New York will hold its primary election on Tuesday, June 23. Registration closes on Saturday, June 13. The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3. 

Voters in Texas and Illinois have already cast their votes in their primary elections. The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3. 

If you are based in any other state or are looking for more information on polling locations, key dates, and special elections, visit www.vote411.org

If you are seeking healthcare related to HIV prevention and sexual health, Mistr is doing the work to make those resources as accessible as possible. Mistr is a telehealth service that helps you qualify for patient assistance programs so you have no out-of-pocket costs. The labs, doctor consultation, and testing are all free, and all can be done right at home. They also offer free delivery of prescriptions anywhere in the U.S.

About Mistr

Mistr is a gay-owned and operated online platform that brings together doctors, pharmacists, and industry minds to provide resources and PrEP to folks in need. Instead of relying on insurance providers to approve the purchase of PrEP, Mistr cuts out the middleman to help people get their prescriptions covered.

The post Getting PrEPed for the Polls, Voting to Defend HIV Prevention appeared first on LBS.

Your 20s can feel like a chaotic mix of freedom and “what am I doing with my life?” Add in the realities of being queer, finding community, navigating identity, dealing with stress, and suddenly “living your best life” starts to feel like a full-time job. So here’s a real-world, no-perfection-required guide to staying somewhat together while you figure it all out.

Your mental health isn’t optional

If you grew up feeling misunderstood, judged, or like you had to hide parts of yourself, that doesn’t magically disappear at 22. Check in with yourself regularly. Therapy helps, yes, but so does journaling, talking to friends who actually get you, or even just recognizing when you’re burnt out. You don’t have to wait until things get bad to take care of your mind.

Stop treating your body like a project

Not every workout needs to be a transformation arc. Move in ways that make you feel good, whether that’s the gym, dance floors, or long walks while overthinking your life. The goal is to feel better in your body, not punish it for existing.

Know your status (and make it routine)

Sexual health doesn’t need to be awkward or scary, even if it was framed that way growing up. Get tested regularly, talk openly with partners, and look into prevention options that fit your life. Services like Mistr have made it way easier to access PrEP and testing without the usual hassle, which removes a lot of excuses. Being proactive is just part of taking care of yourself.

Sleep is not a suggestion

Yes, you can survive on four hours of sleep and iced coffee, but at what cost? Your mood, skin, focus, and immune system all take the hit. You don’t need a perfect routine, just something consistent enough that your body isn’t constantly confused. Sleep benefits memory, happiness, and your ability to learn. That should be enough to make sure you get those 8 hours. 

Your social life doesn’t have to revolve around alcohol

Queer nightlife is fun, until it’s the only way you know how to connect. If every hangout turns into a late night and a hangover, it might be time to mix it up. Try daytime plans, creative hobbies, or spaces that don’t center drinking. If you are looking to meet people outside of clubs and bars, Stonewall Sports is a community-based sports league in 28 cities across the country. 

Learn your limits (then respect them)

Whether it’s work, dating, friendships, or going out, burnout usually starts with ignoring your own boundaries. Pay attention to what drains you and what doesn’t. You’re allowed to say no without explaining yourself.

You don’t need to have it all figured out

Seriously. Careers change. Friendships come and go. How you see yourself will continue to change. The pressure to “arrive” in your 20s is unrealistic, especially when you’re also unlearning years of expectations. Focus on building a life that feels right now, not perfect later.

At the end of the day, being “healthy” isn’t about having the perfect routine or aesthetic. It’s about staying intact, mentally, physically, and emotionally, while you grow into yourself. And honestly? That’s more than enough.

About Mistr

Mistr is a gay-owned and operated online platform that brings together doctors, pharmacists, and industry minds to provide resources and PrEP to folks in need. Instead of relying on insurance providers to approve the purchase of PrEP, Mistr cuts out the middleman to help people get their prescriptions covered.

The post Your 20s, But Healthier: A Queer Guide to Not Falling Apart appeared first on LBS.

On Saturday, April 25, Madonna debuted her new project titled “Confessions II.” The night was dubbed “Club Confessions” and was hosted at The Abbey, an iconic gay bar in West Hollywood. The surprise appearance included a performance of two songs from the artist’s upcoming album, “Love Sensation” and “Freedom.” 

A Very Gay Launch

The “Queen of Pop” has launched this new project, a sequel to her 2005 album “Confessions on the Dance Floor,” in the most Madonna way possible. At a gay bar surrounded by celebrities, influencers, and fans. Attendees included stars such as Cara Delevingne, Tom Daley, Tori Spelling, Lily Allen, Sky Ferreira, Addison Rae, Kali Uchis, Lola Young, and Vivian Jenna Wilson. Alongside queer icons including Willam, Trinity the Tuck, Morgan McMichaels, Gottmik, and Symone. 

The invite list was strategic, a true reflection of the cultural crossroads that Madonna’s audience exists at. Both a mainstream chart-topping tastemaker and a safe place for LGBTQIA+ people that feels personal and specific. 

An Audience Decades in the Making

“Club Confessions” is part of a larger push by Madonna’s team to meet her fans in all sorts of places. On April 24, Madonna’s team ran an exclusive promotion on the gay dating app, Grindr. The partnership included a limited-edition vinyl picture disc, exclusive in-app content, and behind-the-scenes access to the album’s creation.

Madonna’s appeal to a queer fanbase is nothing new; it is built into the DNA of her music. In the late 1980’s, as the artist grew to fame, she was also one of the fiercest advocates during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the Boy Scouts, performed at Pride celebrations worldwide, and created music that speaks to coming out and living authentically.  

Launching her new project at a gay bar, surrounded by some of the most famous queer people in the world, is not surprising. It is a continuation of her reputation for embracing and defending queerness. 

“Club Confessions” was a dual celebration, both for Madonna’s new project and for the birthday of Tristan Schukraft, owner of The Abbey and CEO of Mistr. 

What to Expect

Madonna’s 15th studio album, “Confessions II,” is set to be released on July 3, 2026. The project comes seven years after her last album, “Madame X,” and will be released under Warner Records. The artist released the project’s first track, “I Feel So Free,” on April 17, now available on all streaming platforms. 

The post Madonna Previews ‘Confessions II’ in the Most Madonna Way Possible: Gay and Surrounded by Stars at The Abbey appeared first on LBS.

The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) Dinner is bringing out the chart-topping grifters. Trump loyalist Nicki Minaj is set to join the President at the event tomorrow. Tonight, Nelly is expected to perform at the Executive Branch, an exclusive club owned by Donald Trump Jr. in D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood. 

The Event Known as “Nerd Prom”

The WHCA Dinner is a high-profile yearly gathering of journalists who cover the White House and the elected officials who work in and around the White House. The Dinner is also attended by countless other elected officials and politicos. Every single U.S. president has attended at least one WHCA Dinner, except for Trump. 

A tradition since 1921, Trump’s refusal to attend the event he says is due to the “tension” between his office and the press.  This year’s Dinner will be his first, putting him in the same room with countless reporters he so often attacks and belittles. 

Minaj’s and Nelly’s MAGA Obsession

Minaj’s attendance at the event is not abnormal as a public figure, or given her politics. 

Celebrities and special guests are typical. In 2009, during President Obama’s second term, guests including Ludacris, Chris Tucker, Alicia Keys, and Ashton Kutcher attended the WHCA Dinner. Minaj’s close alignment with Trump’s conservative policies has made this attendance less of a surprise and more of a moment for another eyeroll. Over the last year alone, Minaj has spoken at the United Nations at Trump’s request, spoken at a Turning Point USA gathering with far-right personality Erika Kirk, and labeled herself as Trump’s “number one fan.”

This is also not the first MAGA moment for Nelly. 

The Grammy-winning artist also performed at Trump’s inauguration ball last year. Nelly has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s time in office. The artist has claimed that previous performances were not political, but rather done out of respect for the Office of the President. 

The Real Cost of Siding with Trump

Both Nelly and Minaj have continued to stand behind Trump, while his administration has inflicted significant harm on Black people in America. Trump’s attacks on Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, food assistance, public education, his erasure of historical Black landmarks, and his prolonged war on DEI have continued to be part of his legacy of dehumanizing Black Americans.

The 2026 WHCA Dinner will be hosted on April 25 at the Washington Hilton. 

The post Trump Brings Nicki Minaj and Nelly to Washington for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner appeared first on LBS.

Being “chronically online” has long been framed as a bad habit. Something tied to burnout, distraction, and declining health. And to be fair, there are real concerns. But for young adults, college students, early-career professionals, and people in their 20s and early 30s, the story is more complex. In many ways, constant connectivity is helping this generation become more informed, proactive, and prepared when it comes to their health.

Start with the Numbers

Young adults are among the most online demographics in the country. People ages 18–29 spend an average of about 7 hours a day on screens, making them one of the highest-use groups overall. In some estimates, Gen Z’s total screen use can climb as high as 9 hours per day. Young people are more online than ever. 

That level of digital immersion can be more than just entertainment, it can be about access.

For young adults navigating independence for the first time, the internet has become a go-to source for health information. Whether it’s Googling symptoms at 2 a.m., watching TikTok breakdowns of mental health conditions, or reading firsthand experiences on forums, being online means being constantly exposed to conversations about wellness. And while not all information is reliable, that exposure often leads to something important: awareness.

Awareness Drives Action

Unlike previous generations who may have delayed care due to stigma or lack of information, young adults today are more likely to recognize symptoms early and consider their options. They’re also more comfortable questioning traditional healthcare systems and seeking alternatives that better fit their lifestyles.

That’s where telehealth comes in.

Digital healthcare has expanded rapidly, allowing users to consult providers, receive diagnoses, and even get prescriptions. All without stepping into a doctor’s office. For young adults balancing work, school, and social lives, that convenience is key. It removes logistical barriers like long wait times, transportation, and scheduling conflicts, making it easier to actually follow through on care.

This shift is especially powerful in areas like sexual health, where stigma has historically been a major barrier. Platforms like Mistr are helping change that by offering fully online access to HIV prevention services, including consultations, at-home testing, and prescriptions for PrEP. PrEP is highly effective, reducing the risk of HIV transmission by about 99% when taken as prescribed, making it one of the most important tools in modern prevention.

What makes services like this impactful isn’t just the medicine, it’s the accessibility. For many young adults, especially those in marginalized communities, being able to handle something as sensitive as HIV prevention privately and conveniently can make all the difference.

The Greater Impact on a Generation

Beyond sexual health, telehealth is also transforming mental health care, primary care, and chronic condition management. Therapy apps, virtual checkups, and prescription delivery services all reflect a broader shift toward healthcare that meets people where they already are: online.

Of course, none of this means screen time is automatically healthy. Excessive use is still linked to issues like poor sleep, stress, and sedentary behavior. The key difference is how that time is used. Passive scrolling and misinformation can be harmful, but intentional, informed engagement can be empowering. And in a world where healthcare is increasingly digital, that lifestyle might actually be helping them stay one step ahead.

Have you checked your screen time recently? What can you do online that promotes a healthier version of you?

The post How Being Chronically Online Can Help You Navigate Healthcare Differently appeared first on LBS.