2024 has been a landmark year for lesbian and queer women. Luanne Peterpaul made history as the first out lesbian elected to the New Jersey Legislature and immediately championed LGBTQ+ equality and justice for Monmouth County and beyond. Greece became the first Orthodox-majority country to legalize same-sex marriage. Queer culture thrived, with Chappell Roan’s meteoric rise making her a breakout star and Coachella 2024 celebrated as its gayest edition yet, featuring historic lesbian and queer representation. Billie Eilish became Spotify’s most-streamed artist in August, breaking records with over 105 million monthly listeners, while queer rapper Doechii dropped Alligator Bites Never Heal, a bold and critically acclaimed mixtape that redefined boundaries in the industry. Brittney and Cherelle Griner brought joy to fans with the announcement of their first child, Baby Bash, adding another inspiring chapter to their story. Some have even called 2024 the Year of The Lesbian.
These moments showcase the resilience and determination of our community, even in the face of mounting challenges. Nearly 120 anti-LGBTQ bills have been passed this year, targeting everything from gender-affirming care to queer-inclusive education, sports participation, and access to updated legal documents. Despite these attacks, grassroots movements have flourished, offering strength and support where it’s needed most.
2024 also brought heartbreaking losses. We said goodbye to icons who shaped queer culture and history: Nikki Giovanni, the legendary poet and activist, whose groundbreaking work championed Black liberation, civil rights, and the beauty of Black lesbian love; Dorothy Allison, whose writing forever changed queer Southern storytelling; and Anastasia “DJ Stacy” Ledwith, whose legacy defined decades of queer joy and nightlife. These powerful women remind us of the power of art, storytelling, and community to transcend grief and inspire hope.
As we reflect on this year, we honor the milestones, celebrate our victories, and carry forward the memories of those we’ve lost. Here are 100 lesbian, bi, trans, and queer moments that shaped our community in 2024.
- The First Out Lesbian Elected to the NJ Legislature Took Office — January 9, 2024
Luanne Peterpaul became the first openly lesbian member of the New Jersey Legislature, marking a political milestone and a historic moment for LGBTQ+ representation in the state. Peterpaul, an Asbury Park lawyer and former judge, now serves the 11th legislative district (Monmouth County) as a Democratic state assemblywoman. - Auli’i Cravalho Confirms Janis Ian Is a Lesbian – January 12, 2024
Mean Girls: The Musical allowed Cravalho to reimagine Janis Ian as an out lesbian with added depth. - Reneé Rapp Proudly Identifies as Lesbian on SNL – January 20, 2024
During her SNL debut, Reneé Rapp declared her identity with confidence and humor. - Will Ferrell & Harper Steele Premiere Coming Out Road Trip – January 22, 2024
This Sundance hit follows a trans woman and her famous friend as they reconcile their past on a road trip. - Amber Glenn’s Historic U.S. Figure Skating Championship Win – January 26, 2024
Amber Glenn, who identifies as bisexual and pansexual, became the first openly queer woman to win the U.S. Figure Skating Championship. This was the 24-year-old’s 9th time competing in the competition. After her win, she posed with her medal, holding the Progress Pride flag. - Victoria Monét and Miley Cyrus Win Their First Grammys – February 4, 2024
Monét won Best R&B Album, while Cyrus took home Best Pop Solo Performance for “Flowers.” - Tracy Chapman Performs “Fast Car” at Grammys – February 4, 2024
A duet with Luke Combs spotlighted Chapman’s enduring legacy. - Hijab Butch Blues Wins Stonewall Book Award – February 5, 2024
Lamya H’s poignant memoir of queerness and faith earned top honors. - Drag Star Jinkx Monsoon Announces Carnegie Hall Debut – February 7, 2024
The Drag Race legend put another major feather in her cap (wig?) when she booked a show at the historic venue. - First Lesbian Couple Registers Their Marriage In Nepal – February 13, 2024
Anju Devi Shresth and Suprita Gurung made history as the first lesbian couple to legally register their marriage in the South Asian country. - Greece Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage – February 15, 2024
Greece became the first Orthodox-majority country to legalize gay marriage. - Drive Away Dolls Releases – February 23, 2024
This Coen Brothers film blended humor, crime, and sapphic representation. - Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda Releases – March 5, 2024
Gadsby’s special features routines from diverse genderqueer performers. Streams on Netflix. - Love Lies Bleeding Releases in Theaters – March 8, 2024
Kristen Stewart starred in this steamy thriller alongside Katy O’Brien. - Reneé Rapp Confirms Relationship with Towa Bird – March 11, 2024
Rapp introduced her girlfriend at a Vanity Fair afterparty. - Two Lesbian Judges Confirmed to Federal Courts – March 12, 2024
Nicole Berner and Melissa DuBose made history as openly LGBTQ+ judges. - Tig Notaro’s Hello Again Launches – March 26, 2024
Notaro blends sharp humor with experimental performances, including piano comedy. Streams on Amazon Prime. - Kehlani Drops After Hours – April 4, 2024
The dance-worthy track earned Grammy buzz and topped LGBTQ+ playlists. - JoJo Siwa Drops Viral Karma Video – April 5, 2024
Siwa’s bold music video tackled online haters with signature flair. - True Crime Book Under the Bridge Adapted for TV – April 17, 2024
Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough brought this intense story to Hulu. - Ludmilla Kisses Wife Onstage at Coachella – April 14, 2024
Ludmilla celebrated love and Pride onstage with her wife Bruna. - Candace Parker Announces Her Retirement – April 28, 2024
Basketball legend Candace Parker announced her retirement via Instagram, leaving an incredible 16-year legacy. - BBC’s I Kissed a Girl Premieres – May 5, 2024
The lesbian dating show became an instant fan favorite. - Michelle Tea’s SLUTS Anthology Launches – May 7, 2024
This provocative collection explored themes of queerness and sexuality. - Jinkx Monsoon Guest Stars in Doctor Who – May 10, 2024
Monsoon made history as the franchise’s first drag queen. - Eurovision Crowns First Nonbinary Winner – May 11, 2024
Switzerland’s Nemo dazzled audiences with their anthem “The Code.” - Albanian Lesbian Couple Tied the Knot in a Courageous Act of Protest — May 19, 2024
In Albania, Alba Ahmetaj and Edlira Mara held a symbolic wedding ceremony to protest the lack of legal recognition for same-sex marriages, drawing attention to LGBTQ+ rights in the country. - A Trans Lesbian Made Herstory at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival — May 25, 2024
At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Karla Sofía Gascón won the Best Actress prize, shared with co-stars Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Zoe Saldaña, making her the first openly transgender actor to receive a major award at Cannes. - Pandora Events Rocked Orlando with Girls in Wonderland — May 30-June 2, 2024
Highlights of the 24th annual Girls in Wonderland event included the opening party Traffic Jam, splashy pool parties, a comedy show, the Climax Party, Queer Prohibition, and the Girl After Party. The weekend wrapped with the Last Chance Party on Sunday. Snow Tha Product, Chloe Star, Gabby B, Chicky Lulu, and many other performers took the stage. - Charli XCX’s ‘Brat Summer’ Ignites Neon Green Fashion Trend – June 2024
Following the release of her album Brat on June 7, 2024, Charli XCX inspired the ‘Brat Summer’ trend, characterized by neon green aesthetics, baby tees, and sporty sunglasses, blending luxury with a carefree ‘It girl’ vibe. - Supreme Court Takes Up Trans Healthcare Ban – June 2024
The high-profile case drew national attention to trans rights. - Massachusetts Marked 20 Years of Legalized Same-Sex Marriage — June 5, 2024
Maura Healey, America’s first lesbian governor—and a GO Magazine 100 Women We Love alum—oversaw the raising of the Pride flag at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. The flag-raising commemorated the 20th anniversary of the state’s legalization of same-sex marriage. - Abbi Jacobson & Jodi Balfour Tie The Knot – June 6, 2024
The actresses exchanged ‘I dos’ during an intimate Brooklyn ceremony. - Chappell Roan Talks Career and Queer Identity in GO Mag Interview – June 7, 2024
GO Mag sat down with rising pop star Chappell Roan to discuss her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, and her journey as a queer artist. - Baby Reindeer’s Jessica Gunning Reflects On Coming Out – June 7, 2024
Gunning said coming out was a “massive moment” for her. - Maren Morris Comes Out as Bisexual – June 9, 2024
The country star proudly announced she is a part of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. - Chappell Roan Shines at Governor’s Ball – June 10, 2024
The artist captivated audiences with her unreleased anthem “Subway.” - Sarah Paulson Wins Tony Award – June 16, 2024
Paulson’s performance in Appropriate earned her theater’s highest honor. - Club Q Shooter Sentenced to Life – June 18, 2024
Survivors and advocates found justice as the shooter received life imprisonment. - Juneteenth Highlighted and Honored Black Queerness — June 19, 2024
This special day’s observances kicked off in Times Square with a free outdoor concert celebrating Black artistry and unity. In the evening, Black And Queer: A Juneteenth Concert featured the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus while The Stonewall Inn came through with their second annual Celebration of Black Voices. - Germany Introduces Gender Self-ID Laws – June 21, 2024
Germany passed legislation allowing individuals to self-identify their gender on legal documents. - NYC Pride 2024 Made Us Reflect, Empower, and Unite—June 28-30, 2024
As always, the March was the main attraction, but a whole slate of events kept the party going strong! Among the highlights: PrideFest, YouthPride, TEAZE, and Bliss Days. - The NYC Dyke March Took a Stand Against War and Violence—June 29, 2024
Since its start more than 30 years ago, the NYC Dyke March has been a permit-free and sponsorless demonstration of the First Amendment right to protest. Adopting the theme “Dykes Against Genocide,” thousands of dyke-identified humans marched in the streets. - Julia Fox Comes Out as Lesbian – July 8, 2024
Fox used TikTok to publicly embrace her identity, earning widespread support (and mass hysteria from crazed fans — like our Executive Editor). - JoJo Siwa Announces Reality Docuseries – July 9, 2024
JoJo Siwa announced her return to reality TV with a brand new unscripted docuseries. According to the report, Siwa will be partnering up with Dance Moms creator Jeff Collins to work on the untitled show. - Chappell Roan Brings Drag Queen Superstar Sasha Colby Onstage – July 19, 2024
At this year’s Capitol Hill Block Party in Seattle, Chappell shared the stage with Sasha Colby to perform her song “HOTTOGO.” - Michigan Bans LGBTQ+ Panic Defense – July 23, 2024
The state outlawed this discriminatory defense tactic, a step toward legal equity. - Girl Splash Was Bigger, Better, and Wetter Than Ever — July 24-27, 2024
Provincetown, Massachusetts—New England’s queer Mecca—hosted its annual summer week for women, Girl Splash. - The Gayest Olympics Ever – July 26, 2024
Almost 200 out LGBTQ athletes participated in this year’s Olympics, beating last year’s record of 144. In total, Team LGBTQ secured 42 Olympic medals: 15 gold, 13 silver, and 14 bronze. Keep in mind, this number counts team sports as one medal, so this doesn’t account for big LGBTQ-heavy team wins like women’s basketball. - RuPaul’s DragCon Celebrates Trans Excellence – July 29, 2024
Performers highlighted trans voices and advocated for inclusion. - Chrissy Chlapecka Hard-Launches Partner – July 31, 2024
The viral TikTok star introduced their partner Rock with flair. - Icons Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe Attend Paris Olympics – July-August 2024
Olympic gold medalists and queer icons Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe attended the Olympics, but this time as spectators. The couple, who met in the Olympic village in 2016, were dressed to the 9s all week, including the now classic Everyone Watches Women’s Sports shirt from Sue’s brand TOGETHXR. - ‘Very Demure, Very Mindful’ Takes Over TikTok – August 2024
TikTok creator Jools Lebron’s phrase “very demure, very mindful” went viral, inspiring users to adopt a more reserved and polished demeanor in their content. - Billie Eilish’s Guess Collab Becomes Queer Summer Anthem – August 1, 2024
Eilish teamed up with Charli XCX to create a sultry remix celebrated across queer communities. - Two Queer SNL Cast Members Won’t Return For 50th Season– August 1, 2024
Punkie Johnson and Molly Kearney both say goodbye to the sketch show. - Sha’Carri Richardson Finally Wins Olympic Gold– August 2, 2024
After her devastating setback in Tokyo, Sha’Carri Richardson finally had her chance to light up the track. She helped Team USA bring home the gold in a come-from-behind win by passing two athletes in the 4×100 relay. - Marta’s Emotional Farewell To Brazilian National Team – August 2, 2024
Marta bid an emotional farewell at the 2024 Olympics, marking the end of her legendary soccer career with Brazil. She made her international debut in 2002 and joined the national team in 2003. - Gay Rugby Player Proposes To Girlfriend After Winning Gold Medal– August 8, 2024
Team USA rugby player Alev Kelter celebrated her Olympic win by proposing to her girlfriend Kathryn Treder in Paris. - Algerian Boxer Imane Khelif Wins Gold After “Trans-vestigation” – August 9, 2024
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif became the subject of a global debate about gender in sports when her opponent, Italy’s Angela Carini, accused Khelif of secretly being trans. Despite international scrutiny, Khelif won the women’s 66kg boxing gold, making history for herself and her country. - Lesbian Travel Influencers Get Engaged In Bora Bora– August 12, 2024
Kirstie Pike and Christine Diaz, the couple behind ‘On Airplane Mode,’ shared photos of their beautiful engagement after seven years together. - Billie Eilish Becomes Spotify’s Most Streamed Artist – August 19, 2024
With over 105 million monthly listeners, Eilish broke streaming records. - Doechii Drops Mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal – August 30, 2024
The queer rapper’s project pushed boundaries and earned critical acclaim. - Lesbian Rock Icons of a Certain Age Graced the Stage – August 20, 2024
This past summer, iconic lesbian rock idol Melissa Etheridge and iconic lesbian folk-rock duo Indigo Girls went on tour and performed together. - Sabrina Carpenter and Jenna Ortega Break the Internet – August 23, 2024
Their steamy music video for Taste captivated fans with its queer storyline. - Paralympian Brenda Osnaya Pulls Off Epic Lesbian Proposal At Finish Line – September 4, 2024
The Team Mexico paralympian set lesbian proposal standards high, holding up a sign reading, “¿Te quieres casar conmigo?” (“Will you marry me?”) as she crossed the finish line in Paris. - Kristen Stewart Wraps Chronology of Water – September 9, 2024
Stewart completed filming her directorial debut based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir about trauma, sexuality, and self-discovery. - Chappell Roan Stuns at VMAs – September 11, 2024
Her Joan of Arc-inspired outfits and speech captivated fans. - Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage – September 24, 2024
Thailand became the third Asian country to legalize marriage equality. - Ellen DeGeneres’ For Your Approval Premieres – September 24, 2024
DeGeneres’ final special reflects on her exit from showbiz with humor and introspection. Streams on Netflix. - The Dinah Was a Dazzling Desert Oasis for Dykes – September 25-29, 2024
The Dinah, billed as the world’s hottest “queer girl / nonbinary event and music festival”—now in its 33rd year—was held in Palm Springs at the Margaritaville Resort. Headlining performers included Lauren Jauregui and Iniko. - Rebel Wilson Marries Ramona Agruma – September 28, 2024
Their intimate Italian ceremony was a fairy tale come true. - Heartstopper Season 3 Debuts, Features Queer Sex Education – October 3, 2024
The Netflix series earned praise for its nuanced portrayal of young queer relationships. - The Cherry Grove Weekend of Women Was Just… WoW! — October 4-6, 2024
The Cherry Grove Weekend of Women (CG WoW) was a mind-blowing and eclectic three-day festival featuring Antigone Rising, BETTY, Amber Martin, the Dyke Drag Brunch, and a women’s takeover of Fire Island’s famous Belvedere Resort. - Trans Superhero Nicole Maines Releases Memoir – October 15, 2024
Maines chronicled her journey from rural Maine to becoming TV’s first transgender superhero. - NY Liberty Win First Championship – October 20, 2024
The New York Liberty captured their first-ever WNBA championship, thrilling fans with their historic victory. - Women’s Week in Provincetown Celebrated 40 Fabulous Years—October 11-20, 2024
For over 40 years, Provincetown’s week-long women’s festival every October has featured 150+ events, including dances, concerts, film screenings, yoga, and a special anniversary soirée, sponsored by the Women Innkeepers of Provincetown. - Trans Models Walk Victoria’s Secret Runway – October 15, 2024
Alex Costani and Valentina Sampaio made historic strides on the runway. - Melissa Febos Reveals Cover for The Dry Season – October 22, 2024
Febos unveiled her new memoir’s cover, diving into themes of celibacy, pleasure, and queer identity. - Ilene Chaiken and Jennifer Beals Launch ‘Run-A-Muck’ – October 24, 2024
‘The L Word’ creator and star debuts a queer multimedia brand for film, TV, and live events. - Agatha All Along Features Marvel’s First Lesbian Kiss – October 30, 2024
Kathryn Hahn and Aubrey Plaza’s characters shared a passionate kiss in the series finale, breaking new ground for Marvel. - The Center’s Annual Women’s Event Was a Magical Evening—November 1, 2024
At the Ziegfeld Ballroom, The Center held its 27th annual Women’s Event, a signature fundraiser that also celebrated their new CEO, Dr. Carla Smith. - A ‘They/Them’ Amongst ‘They/Them’ – November 2, 2024
This powerful essay documented nonbinary activist Rain Dove attending a Trump rally in NYC to see how they would be received. - LGBTQ+ Candidates Win Big in U.S. Elections – November 5, 2024
Over 200 queer politicians were elected across various levels of government. - India Hosts First Trans Leadership Summit – November 9-10, 2024
Advocates met to discuss advancing trans rights in South Asia. - Brazilian Singer Ludmilla and Wife Expect First Child – November 11, 2024
Ludmilla surprised fans during a São Paulo concert, revealing she and her wife, Brunna Gonçalves, are expecting. - Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s ‘Holding Space’ Interview Goes Viral – November 13, 2024
During a press interview for the film Wicked, stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were told that audiences were “holding space” for the lyrics of “Defying Gravity.” Their puzzled reactions to the ambiguous phrase became a viral meme, sparking widespread online discussion. - Richmond County’s LGBTQ+ Groups March in St. Patrick’s Day Parade – November 12, 2024
After decades of rejection, LGBTQ+ organizations proudly participated in the parade for the first time. - Kristie Mewis and Sam Kerr Announce Pregnancy – November 18, 2024
Soccer stars Kristie Mewis and Sam Kerr announced their first child with a sweet Instagram post featuring ultrasound photos. - Wicked Debuts – November 22, 2024
The highly anticipated Wicked movie premiered, with Cynthia Erivo bringing queer representation to its iconic story. - Brittney and Cherelle Griner Welcome Baby Bash – November 26, 2024
The couple announced their first child during a CBS Sports interview. - Alex Consani Wins Model of the Year – December 3, 2024
Her win highlighted progress for trans representation in fashion. - Fortune Feimster’s Crushing It Releases – December 3, 2024
Feimster’s latest explores her evolving relationship with her mom and her honeymoon with her wife. Streams on Netflix. - Hayley Kiyoko To Direct Girls Like Girls Film – December 4, 2024
Kiyoko’s directorial debut will adapt her hit novel and music video into a full-length feature. - Aetna Settles Landmark LGBTQ+ Fertility Case – December 7, 2024
The insurance company agreed to reimburse same-sex couples denied fertility coverage, setting a significant legal precedent. - Doechii Addresses Biphobia in Viral Interview – December 10, 2024
Doechii spoke candidly about the stigma against bisexual individuals in the entertainment industry, furthering the conversation on LGBTQ+ representation. - SZA’s New Music Video Features Ben Stiller – December 12, 2024
SZA released a music video for her latest single, with actor Ben Stiller making a notable appearance. - Kristin Chenoweth Responds to Anti-LGBTQ+ Claims About ‘Wicked’ – December 15, 2024 Chenoweth addressed criticisms from One Million Moms regarding the musical ‘Wicked,’ defending its inclusive themes.
- Jennifer Beals Auctions ‘The L Word’ Script for Charity – December 18, 2024
Actress Jennifer Beals auctioned off an original script from ‘The L Word,’ with proceeds benefiting an LGBTQ+ charity. - Rep. Zooey Zephyr Marries Writer Erin Reed in Star-Studded Celebration – December 20, 2024 Montana Representative Zooey Zephyr wed writer Erin Reed in a ceremony attended by numerous public figures.
- Ilana Glazer’s Human Magic Debuts – December 20, 2024
Glazer dives into messy realities like cringe-worthy memories and parenting as a “stoner mom.” Streams on Hulu.