• by Ray Schultz , Yesterday

The Advocate, a long-time provider of LGBTQ+ news, has launched a membership program that it says will serve readers, not commercial interests. 

The publication hopes to sustain and expand trusted queer journalism—a necessity, given the 588 anti- LGBTQ+ bills now being tracked across the U.S. and the increased attacks on journalism in general. 

The new program will be different from ad-based or click-driven models, the publication says. 

“Every day, our team of journalists is reporting new, original stories about the LGBTQ+ community,” says Kayla Gagnet, equalpride’s senior vice president of editorial.  “We know how important these stories are to our readers because they tell us; we hear regularly from longtime and new readers about the importance of The Advocate’s journalism.”  

Supporters can make recurring or one-time contributions. Or they can become members for $5 monthly, $19.67 monthly or $100 monthly. 

The Advocate cites June 2025 Nielsen data showing that 63% of LGBTQ+ Americans feel misrepresented in mainstream media. In addition, 60% search for accurate, identity-affirming coverage via social media, where they spend 50% more time than the average user, and other platforms.