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These lawmakers want to head off a potential post-election crisis
A bipartisan effort is underway in Congress to avert a constitutional crisis, where Republicans don't seat Democrats, if they win the chamber.
Eagles Face Massive Injury Crisis Heading Into London
The Eagles are losing stars like Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith. Read why the depth of the roster will be tested against the Jaguars in London.
Dianna Russini Hires "Crisis Publicist" Before Return To Sports Media
Care before crisis
The recent murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, a Massachusetts mother accused of killing her three children, focused national attention on maternal mental health and the structures — or lack thereof — we have in place to support it.
Houston police responded to a man in a mental health crisis. ICE arrested him
Houston Public Media obtained records showing interactions between HPD and ICE during a mental health crisis, suicide attempt and domestic disturbances.
Examining Latino youth mental health in the age of ICE raids
After the recent deaths of two young Latino men by suicide, youth mental health care professionals reflect on the ongoing mental health crisis happening among Latino children and adolescents.
Video game hardware sales plunge to 13-year low as prices soar on memory, storage shortage
Video game console sales have plunged 13% on memory, storage crisis
Dianna Russini hires "crisis publicist" as comeback looms
Opinion: Chicago’s housing crisis demands more solutions and fewer debates
Chicago's housing affordability crisis calls for more construction, less confrontation and better cooperation among those seeking solutions.
Health policy expert warns California's Medi-Cal spending crisis could drive up insurance costs for families
Paragon Health Institute President Brian Blase discusses California's Medicaid spending, eligibility concerns and the potential impact of higher taxes on privately insured families.
Mitoma Update: Brighton Confirmed Team News for Sunderland
Fabian Hürzeler navigates a persistent injury crisis as the Seagulls travel north, missing key stars like Kaoru Mitoma while facing a resilient, counter-attacking Sunderland side.
AI Chatbots Often Fail To Help Users in Mental-Health Crisis
New research shared exclusively with TIME shows chatbots are good at spotting distress, but frequently fail to refer users to resources
Zack Polanski faces greatest crisis of his leadership so far
The Green leader faces pressure over his response to a party motion declaring Zionism a form of racism, as well as his by-election loss.
San Diego County launches new study on long term health effects of Tijuana River pollution
The county is expanding its efforts to better understand the health impacts of the Tijuana River sewage crisis. They're now looking for qualified researchers to study whether long-term exposure is making people sick.
Ohtani Is One of Dodgers’ Biggest Weaknesses in NLCS
Despite a dominant postseason run, the Los Angeles Dodgers face a looming crisis as Shohei Ohtani’s historic slump threatens to derail their hopes to win another World Series.
Roger Schmidt Reveals His Plans For Red Bull Football
The former Salzburg coach returns to lead global operations, prioritizing cross-club collaboration while evaluating a coaching crisis at Leipzig following Jürgen Klopp’s departure from the role.
Your Mental Health: A look at the rise of suicide-related teen ER visits
A troubling new study is putting a spotlight on a growing mental health crisis among children and teens.
Nimesh Patel’s ‘Buy the dip’ finds humor and hope in a country in crisis
The comedian's debut Netflix special mines the pressures of being an Indian American comedian, raising a young child and caring for aging parents — while holding on to the hope that things can get better.
Report Examines Worsening Maternal Morbidity in Texas, How Improving Care Could Cut Medicaid Costs
There’s no doubt that the United States maternal health crisis is severe. The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. The situation is even worse when you account for severe maternal morbidity, which is […]
How political polling went astray and became a partisan tool
Modern polling faces a crisis of credibility as both the method as well as the partisan bent of surveys of would-be voters taint results.
America is missing the pattern behind its mental health crisis
Suicide, overdoses and alcohol deaths are treated as separate tragedies. Eric Kussin argues we're missing the crisis connecting them.
How our reporting team exposed an often deadly toll from a mental health crisis in SC jails
Five-part investigative report exposes a growing mental health crisis in South Carolina’s jails, including more than 100 deaths, with with inmates cycling in and out of custody without getting adequate treatment.
Gov. Stein and NCDHHS announces $17 million for rural mental health services
North Carolina will invest more than $17 million to expand rural mental health and substance use services in multiple ENC counties, including crisis-response te
Colonie Police raise concerns over mental health crisis response and aftercare
The Colonie Police Department responded to a domestic incident on Tattersall Lane Wednesday morning. It all happened after a woman called police claiming that her partner was committing acts of sel…
Joe Manganiello Reveals Health Battle That Almost Killed Him & Contributed to Sofía Vergara Divorce
True Blood star Joe Manganiello will soon release his memoir, which reveals the actor's major health crisis The post Joe Manganiello Reveals Health Battle That Almost Killed Him & Contributed to Sofía...
Study examines rising use of emergency holds for youth in mental health crisis
(3 min. read)
The Next Big Health Crisis May Be Hiding In Your Liver
MASLD, a metabolic liver disease, is common and deadly
Justina Shiroka Pula: Kosovo’s new president, elected during a crisis
An academic, former minister and a compromise choice, Pula was voted in by parliament amid protests.
The Maternal Health Crisis of Firearms
Better protections for pregnant people require understanding and treating firearm policy, intimate partner violence prevention, reproductive care, and economic security as maternal health interventions.
Crowley says Black infant health is a priority; Tiffany silent
We asked David Crowley and Tom Tiffany how they would address Wisconsin’s Black infant mortality crisis if elected governor. Tiffany didn’t respond.
Spain's housing crisis bursts into the spotlight at snap election
Spain's snap election will revolve around an issue which has topped voters' list of concerns for three years straight but, until a fortnight ago, failed to dominate the political debate: housing.
Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez looks for political lifeline in snap election
Embattled Socialist leader aims to capitalise on housing crisis to remain in power
Is a front office-coaching divide hurting the Steelers?
Is a strategic divide between Omar Khan's front office and Mike McCarthy's coaching staff creating an identity crisis for the Steelers?
Mark Cuban offers fix for NJ's health care cost crisis
As New Jersey workers face another double-digit increase in health care premiums, billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban is offering to help.
FedEx Gets Into EV Business
Spain’s PM Pedro Sanchez calls snap election amid housing crisis
3 years after the Oct. 7 attacks, Israel still grapples with its mental health crisis
More than a third of Israelis have shown symptoms of mental health conditions, a report found. Three years after the October 7 attack, the country's health system is still struggling to come to terms with its effects.
Behind bars and beyond capacity: The mental health crisis in prisons
Open Access Government reflects on data and efforts from concerning the prevalence and care of mental health disorders among prisoners
A student guide to mental health resources on campus
Recognition of someone struggling is only the first step of prevention. Whether a student is experiencing a crisis themselves or knows someone who is, Auburn's mental health resources offer several means of support. College is a transitional time in life, and seeking help during those struggles, no matter how big or small, can make a significant impact.
WHO joins Pre-COP31 to advance climate action that delivers for people’s health
The World Health Organization (WHO) is joining Pacific leaders, governments and partners at Pre-COP31 in Fiji from 5 to 8 October to advance health priorities in climate action and strengthen the Pacific voice ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).COP31, to be held next month in Antalya, Türkiye, marks an important step for global climate and health action. Health is one of the 10 priority themes of the COP31 Action Agenda, “Dynamic and Resilient Health Systems”, and a dedicated Health Day will take place on 9 November, the first day of COP31. The inclusion of health reflects growing global recognition that climate action and health are closely connected. The climate crisis is affecting population health globally. Across the WHO Western Pacific Region, which includes Pacific island countries and areas, the consequences of climate change include extreme heat, cyclones, floods, rising sea levels, food and water insecurity, infectious diseases and disruptions to essential health services. The Pacific in particular faces additional challenges. A recent review of 76 hospitals in 14 Pacific island countries found that 62% of health facilities are located within 500 metres of the sea or a river, leaving them particularly exposed to flooding, storm surges and sea-level rise.Bringing Pacific priorities to the global climate agendaThe Pacific Pre-COP31 provides an important opportunity for Pacific countries and partners to consolidate regional priorities and bring the experiences and leadership of Pacific communities into global climate discussions.Pacific countries have been advancing practical approaches to protect health in a changing climate, including strengthening climate-resilient health systems, improving preparedness for extreme weather events, building resilient health infrastructure and mobilizing climate finance for health. “This Pre-COP is an important moment for the Pacific, bringing global climate discussions to a region that has long been at the forefront of the climate crisis. It provides an opportunity for Pacific countries and areas to set their priorities, experiences and leadership on the global stage, and to ensure that the realities of Pacific communities are genuinely reflected in the decisions made on climate action,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific.Throughout this week, WHO will co-convene and participate in high-level discussions and events focused on climate and health, climate resilience, adaptation, financing and implementation. “Climate finance is essential for resilient and healthy Pacific communities,” emphasized Dr Mark Jacobs, WHO Representative to the South Pacific and Director of Pacific Technical Support. “We must ensure that financing reaches the people, communities and essential services most exposed to climate risks, supporting locally defined priorities and investments.”WHO will work with partners to strengthen the integration of health considerations across climate policies and investments, including national climate plans and resilience initiatives.Health as a driver of climate actionAmid the risks to health and pressures on health systems, well-strategized and implemented climate action can deliver significant health benefits. Investments in clean energy, sustainable transport, resilient infrastructure, food systems and nature-based solutions have proven to reduce health risks while contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation.“Climate action is truly an investment in health. Cleaner energy, healthier food systems and climate-resilient health services can protect lives while building stronger communities. We now need to turn these opportunities into action and make health a core part of climate investments,” said Dr Sandro Demaio, Director and Head of Office, WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region. “These benefits demonstrate that climate action is not only about reducing future risks. It is also an opportunity to improve lives today while building healthier, safer and more resilient societies.”At COP31 next month, WHO will also support the Health Pavilion, which will bring together the global health community and partners to advance health and equity within climate negotiations. With COP31 poised to move health higher on the global climate agenda, WHO will continue working with countries and partners across the Western Pacific Region and globally to strengthen climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems, and ensure that climate action protects and improves people’s health.____________________Media contactsElizabeth Bennett, WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region, elizabeth.bennett@who.intJulia Dongwhan Shin, WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region, dong.shin@who.intWHO Western Pacific Communications, wprocom@who.int
Fighting AI Slop in Science Papers
AI does everything at scale, from DOS-attack-level web scraping to producing, or enabling, such vast volumes of scientific research submissions that the result is becoming both a logistical crisis and a crisis of quality...
America’s Health Care Workforce Is in Crisis
We must prevent financial barriers from determining who has the opportunity to become a health care leader, writes Michellene Davis.
America’s Health Care Workforce Is in Crisis
We must prevent financial barriers from determining who has the opportunity to become a health care leader, writes Michellene Davis.
How a patient advocate could help you navigate your family's next health crisis
Here’s what you need to know to work with one most effectively.
'A Statement' Review: Tom McCarthy's Talky Climate Crisis Seriocomedy
Tom McCarthy opens a window onto a climate crisis meeting in 1980 Florida in his new comedy-drama, 'A Statement.' Review.
‘A Statement’ Review: Tom McCarthy’s Talky Climate Crisis Seriocomedy Is Light Entertainment That Hardly Rakes the Muck
New York Film Festival: The Oscar-winning writer/director turns his spotlight on a plushly appointed ensemble as the environmental stewards and scholars who tried to solve the climate crisis over one ...
Fulton County pairs deputies with mental health clinicians to help keep people in crisis out of jail
When a person is experiencing a mental health crisis, a call for help can bring law enforcement to the door. But in Fulton County, a new team is giving deputies another option before someone ends up in jail.
Fulton County pairs deputies with mental health clinicians to help keep people in crisis out of jail
Austin Police arrest man who made threats against UT amid mental health crisis
The man - an Austin resident who has not been publicly named - is not affiliated with the university.
School IB business management class: Cyber attack on UK’s largest airport group exposes data of 8.7mn customers
Crisis management
Nonprofit launches crisis line for those struggling with mental health, substance abuse
Metro Atlanta police department asks for more behavior health resources for crisis calls
Metro Atlanta police department asks for more behavior health resources for crisis calls
This is a unit that the chief has championed for years - so much so that now he says he needs more people on it for people in crisis late at night when they need help the most.
Chicago expanding mental health crisis response program to double available hours
Citywide Mental Health Emergency Service Continues Expansion With Longer Hours
The city's Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement program (CARE) is moving its previous 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. hours to a new 8 a.m.-10 p.m. weekday schedule.
Chicago expanding program meant to help those experiencing mental health crises
Chicago is expanding the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement program, which helps people experiencing mental health crises.
Mental health response teams now have night time hours, city officials say
Starting Monday, the Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) program will extend its hours of operation to 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and add a second shift of evening staff.
Europe agrees to release stocked diesel oil, Trump says
Europe has agreed to release a massive amount of diesel oil stocks, announced by US President Donald Trump, to address rising fuel prices ahead of US elections.
A Mother's Fear: How local family navigated son's mental health crisis
Brianne McFarland said her family's life was just like any other until her middle-school-aged son, Jake, began struggling with his mental health.
Marquette Bookshelf: ‘When Migrants Become Political Pawns: Decoding the American Migrant Busing Crisis’
Dr. Sumana Chattopadhyay discusses her new book, which analyzes the U.S. migrant busing crisis of 2022 as a case study.
Pacific Clinics Selected as New Provider for Nevada County Behavioral Health Crisis Services
Pacific Clinics now operates Nevada County's reopened Crisis Stabilization Unit, offering 24/7 support, peer partners, and upcoming Mobile Crisis services
An ER wait can worsen a mental health crisis. Hampton offers another option.
Local responders say Riverside’s psychiatric emergency department helps people in crisis reach specialized care sooner, as Virginia expands options beyond medical emergency rooms.
Stand-off over Protestant march pushes Northern Ireland politics to the brink
Crisis over attempted march down Catholic road may hasten reform of Stormont’s political institutions
Ally of Spanish PM threatens to derail housing decree as fury over evictions grows
Spain's leftist government faced a bruising battle in parliament on Friday after an allied party opposed its plans to tackle a housing crisis stirring public protests, particularly over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman.
Flydubai flight FZ1073 passenger recounts incident, emergency landing
A passenger recounts the incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 where a pilot was attacked, explaining how he kept his family calm mid-crisis.
Fear, Mistrust, and Harm in Police-Involved Mental Health Crises
This week, Mad in America explores three new studies around mental health crisis calls involving police. The first study finds that patients and service Studies highlight patient and community concerns about police responses alongside gaps in training, communication, and crisis alternatives
French bond sell-off ‘reminiscent of the euro crisis’ as Paris proposes cuts and tax rises
Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial news
Scientists Invent Underwater Umbrellas to Protect Coral Reefs—and It Appears to Be Working
The world's coral reefs are in crisis, but a crafty solution could help.
Men are hiding potentially deadly disorder amid pressure to build the 'perfect' body
Sylvester Stallone's bulimia revelation spotlights a crisis experts say is surging among men and boys driven by looksmaxxing and musculature ideals.
Pacific Clinics Selected as New Provider for Nevada County Behavioral Health Crisis Services
Nevada County Behavioral Health has selected Pacific Clinics as its new contracted provider for behavioral health crisis services, including the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU), which reopens today.Th
Healey asks Trump administration to speed up review of planned gas expansion in latest sign of shifting energy politics
As Healey hunts for ways to bring down soaring costs and campaigns for reelection in a race defined by the affordability crisis gripping the state, the governor sees an opportunity to appeal to the Trump administration to bring more gas into the state.
Oklahoma Senate study examines barriers for guardians in mental health care decisions
When a person is in the middle of a serious mental health crisis and can’t make medical decisions for themselves, families say Oklahoma’s system can leave legal
REP. BOEBERT INTRODUCES VETERANS’ MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS ACT TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE INPATIENT WAIT TIMES AND ESTABLISH TRANSPARENCY
LONE TREE, CO — Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04) today introduced the Veterans’ Mental Health Access Act to ensure veterans in crisis can get inpatient mental health treatment for PTSD, depression, and substance abuse within 24 hours, requiring new transparency for inpatient wait times across the VA system.
A new East-West divide: Current political crisis and state of the union in Germany
East-West divide in Germany will continue to deepen as the political crisis persists and the general mood in the country remains gloomy | Anadolu
'Worrying signs but not a crisis yet'
Paul: League form is not representative of actual form - the Champions League exit is still having an impact. Yes, European results have been bad but that is no surprise and nothing new. Patrick: Out of the Champions League and out of the League Cup, lost twice to Rangers in a week and seemingly have no consistent starting line-up.
Cleveland EMS will send social workers not police to some mental health calls
Non-violent mental health 911 calls will get handled differently starting in the middle of 2027 with the Community Response Crisis Bureau handling them.
On the frontlines of student mental health
As anxiety, depression, and crisis-level needs rise among young people, Penn GSE–trained school counselors are uniquely prepared to provide early intervention, emotional support, and essential care both inside and beyond the classroom.
Crisis responses, H.R. 1 fallout are challenging states' mental health delivery
North Carolina and Wisconsin are working to decouple law enforcement from crisis response, leverage 988 in care entry and conquer longstanding data silos. | State officials spoke frankly about the challenges they face in delivering equitable mental healthcare during policy sessions at the annual Behavioral Health Tech conference last week, held in Nashville.
Is Purdue a MUST-WIN Game for Illinois This Weekend?
Facing a defensive crisis and coaching shakeup, Bret Bielema’s squad must secure a homecoming victory to stabilize a chaotic season and reclaim momentum in the Big Ten.
Call for the WHO to declare the climate crisis a public health emergency of international concern
Researchers from Wits Planetary Health Research (Wits PHR), University of the Witwatersrand, and international partner institutions are calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) and its member states ...
🚨 Fresh twist: CR7 skips Portugal training!
The psychodrama continues.A new episode this Wednesday evening in the crisis that has pitted Cristiano Ronaldo against the Portugal national team for several days!Although his coach Jorge Jesus had an...
🚨 New twist: CR7 skips Portugal training!
The psychodrama continues.Another episode this Wednesday evening in the crisis that has seemingly pitted Cristiano Ronaldo against the Portugal national team for several days now!Although his coach Jo...
Opinion | Blackwell: Missouri Must Address the Mental Health Crisis in County Jails
Every day, sheriffs, detention officers, nurses, and other jail staff across Missouri care for people whose serious mental illness requires treatment that a county jail was never designed to provide.
Romanian lawmakers reject a new center-right Cabinet as political crisis deepens
Romanian lawmakers have rejected a new center-right Cabinet proposed by Siegfried Muresan, deepening the country's political crisis
AI Politics To Cut Greenhouse Gas
Romanian political crisis deepens as parliament rejects PM nominee
A snap election is now possible but centrist President Nicușor Dan does not want a vote that would risk handing power to the far right.
The Legal and Policy Landscape of Crisis Pregnancy Centers
This brief examines the legal status of Crisis Pregnancy Centers, attempts to regulate them, and future efforts to expand their footprints as they gain more recognition and funding from local, state, and federal programs.
Tennis star Jessica Pegula on Buffalo Bills ownership and her mother's health crisis
CNBC's Alex Sherman speaks with World No. 3 tennis player Jessica Pegula about her family's future in sports ownership and her mother's 2022 health emergency.
Romanian lawmakers set to vote on new center-right Cabinet as political crisis drags on
Romanian lawmakers are set to vote on a new center-right Cabinet proposed by Prime Minister-designate Siegfried Muresan
Romanian lawmakers set to vote on new center-right Cabinet as political crisis drags on
Romanian lawmakers are set to vote on a new center-right Cabinet proposed by Prime Minister-designate Siegfried Muresan
Romanian lawmakers set to vote on new center-right Cabinet as political crisis drags on
Lawmakers in Romania are set to vote Wednesday on a new center-right Cabinet proposed by Prime Minister-designate Siegfried Muresan, who seeks to end a monthslong political crisis. Muresan, 45, has p...
South Dakota awards over $13M in behavioral health grants to expand rural care
South Dakota is awarding over $13M in behavioral health grants to help 12 rural clinics expand mental health care, modernize technology, and improve crisis care.
Perez Hilton reunites with children for 'short, supervised visits'
Perez Hilton has been able to see his children for 'short, supervised' visits while he undergoes treatment for his August mental health crisis.
Perez Hilton reunites with his kids after hospitalization, mental health crisis
Editor's Note: If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting “988.”
Perez Hilton reunites with his kids after hospitalization, mental health crisis
Decades-old march dispute reignites in Northern Ireland, threatening political crisis
For people who support peace and good relations, the spectacle of riot police separating communities conjures the strife that once plagued the province.
Who are the Emiratis behind crisis-hit Manchester City?
Over the course of nearly two decades, Emirati money has turned once mediocre Manchester City into one of the most dominant teams in world football. He is also the chair of City Football Group, which runs a dozen other Emirati-owned or partially owned clubs, including Girona in Spain and MLS team New York City.
After Sickle Cell Crisis, Brooklyn Mother is Back on Her Feet Following Care from NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County
New York, NY – While working as an office assistant in Brooklyn, Grace Carter felt her body grow weak and lose all sensation. Fearing she would collapse,
How King County is preparing for Capitol Hill crisis center’s 2027 opening
Plans for a mental health crisis center in Capitol Hill are slowly but steadily moving forward, nearly a year after King County approved a building purchase.
Lesbian Bar Project Co-Founder: Purity Politics Could Destroy Our Remaining Spaces
Subscribe As a professional lesbian and Massachusetts native, I’ve recently been asked by a lot of folks what I think about the saga unfolding at Last Ditch. The now-viral story, first reported by The Boston Globe, centers on a Western Massachusetts lesbian bar that lifted its mask requirement for one night a week to help drum up business. The decision ignited an intra-queer controversy that has been feasted on by media outlets across the political spectrum—from the New York Post to LGBTQ Nation—and is even reportedly being eyed for a Hollywood adaptation. Apparently nothing is more entertaining than a bunch of lesbians and queers fighting with each other over KN-95s. What has been lost in all of the chatter and media coverage is the very real possibility that Last Ditch, which just opened in April 2025, will have to close its doors. The venue’s one remaining founder, Jackie Matellian, revealed in a community Zoom meeting that she’s working four jobs, is now solely responsible for the bar’s $50,000 business loan and is struggling to keep up with the bills. So as we laugh about the controversy’s similarity to a “Portlandia” skit and how one of the bar’s founders left to enroll in clown school, we forget that yet another lesbian bar is facing an existential crisis—and this time the call is coming from inside the house. In 2020, my friend Elina Street and I created The Lesbian Bar Project, an Emmy-, Webby- and GLAAD Media Award-winning docuseries and initiative that tells the stories of lesbian queer bars around the world. We were moved to act because at the time there were only an estimated 16 lesbian bars in the United States, and the pandemic threatened to bring that number down even further. There are now more sapphic bars than there were just before the pandemic—about 36 of them in total—but this is down from approximately 200 in 1980. Maybe that doesn’t mean much to you, but for the millions of sapphics living in the U.S., this number is calamitous. As the world laughs at lesbians and sapphics, I want to take a second and tell you what I feel when I walk into one of these bars, which are all unique and irreplaceable in their own way: I feel seen. Sometimes I think Cubbyhole in New York City’s West Village neighborhood knew I was gay before I did. When I walked in there for the first time, before I was even out, I was transfixed by the colorful array of tchotchkes hanging from the ceiling and how the women standing next to me were completely unafraid to express their desire for one another. I knew the minute I was ready to come out, I had a home. I also felt the joy of a new couple falling in love at Seattle’s Wildrose, the quiet confidence of a short king lining up her shot at the pool table at Ginger’s in Brooklyn and the kick of cayenne pepper in Julie Mabry’s crawfish at Houston’s Pearl Bar. Subscribe Lesbian bars don’t just serve lesbians; they serve queer folks across the spectrum, including bisexual, pansexual and trans people. As Elina and I traveled across the U.S. and Europe and to parts of Latin America to document the bar owners, staff and patrons that make up the ecosystems of these spaces, we also became uniquely acquainted with the factors that threaten their existence: gentrification, wage gaps, sexism, environmental disasters, gun violence, rising insurance premiums and political administrations working to annihilate queer people and their families. Lesbian bar owners, like all leaders and entrepreneurs, are imperfect. There have been significant issues over the years at lesbian bars: employee harassment, racism, lack of accessibility, sexual assault and transphobia. All bar owners should be held accountable and should listen to their communities to evolve into safer and more equitable spaces. I also acknowledge my privilege: I am able-bodied, white, cis and from a family system that loves me for who I am. Not everyone has that. Queer people, especially trans and bisexual people, are suffering from disproportionately high levels of depression, and our mental health system isn’t equipped to support them. Immunocompromised people and long COVID are real, and many of my friends are suffering to this day. The people with the least safety net are often the ones for whom a bar closing costs the most. And yet, as we’re seeing with Last Ditch, the queer community often lashes out at each other. It’s also the mainstream media taking the internal conflict and making a mockery out of it, distracting from the real possibility that this bar could close due to financial pressures. A bar that many people loved and needed is facing extinction. Perhaps it’s safer to dissent with one another than with the larger forces trying to eradicate us, but in doing so, we risk destroying the few spaces we have left. Due to the constraints of purity politics—some in good faith, some not so much—lesbian bar owners, almost all of whom are queer women themselves, are forced to be everything for everyone, similarly to how women are forced to be everything for everyone. By asking these bars to uphold impossible standards—standards very few other third spaces are asked to consider—we all end up losing. I want to move as a community toward dialogue, compassionate dissent and collaboration to make our spaces better with the goal of keeping them OPEN and thriving, rather than destroying them from the inside with expectations that are arguably unattainable. Subscribe While I have your attention—for this fleeting second of the news cycle—may I urge us to spearhead a way to keep these small businesses afloat without attacking our own community along the way? Bar owners are left with an impasse: They want to be community-centered, but they also have to make money to keep their doors open. Sometimes they might make business decisions that don’t work for everyone—and that’s partly because different patrons have different priorities and want different things—but these owners deserve the opportunity for productive dialogue**.** We have to work with them and with each other to keep our spaces open, to keep them growing. Lesbian bars raised me into the queer woman I am today. One thing I think about as I reflect on the six years of work we’ve done to document these spaces is that shared, unspoken language I have with a stranger the moment we both walk into one of these bars: the nod, the ease, the not having to explain ourselves. I don’t want to lose that, and neither should you. If objective, nonpartisan, rigorous, LGBTQ-focused journalism is important to you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, Resource Impact, by clicking this button: Donate