Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Lilliana Young, Indiana House of Representatives District 61

Lilliana Young (she/her) is a millennial trans woman who identifies as a Democratic Socialist. Describing herself as “extremely gay”, she does not shy away from the LGBTQ+ label, in a state that is generally not friendly to the LGBTQ+ community. But that is not deterring her. As a member of the Bloomington/Monroe County Human Rights Commission (BMCHRC), Lilliana is invested in expanding socialist policies in Indiana, from public housing options, to expanding and strengthening state Medicaid, and she has also had success strengthening local protections for LGBTQ+ persons in her hometown of Bloomington. A bass guitarist, she has technical experience as a writer and script editor, trailer editor, music producer, marketing lead and community manager in indie game development. Lilliana is basing her campaign around six main issues: wage and worker’s rights, access to housing, access to health care, strengthening public education, accountability of government and human rights.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Brianna Titone, Colorado State Treasurer

We are currently living in a frightening time in this country, where we have a right-wing federal government hellbent on rolling back US citizens’ civil rights. At this moment, our president is encouraging Congress to pass the “SAVE America Act”, a law that aims to restrict voting measures for US citizens. But Trump has slipped something else in this bill — conditions to restrict rights to transgender Americans, including preventing gender-affirming care for minors and preventing trans Americans from competing in sport.

At this critical moment, America needs more transgender leaders to show that the trans community will not be cowed, that trans Americans are equal with all other Americans, and they are proud and unafraid to represent the communities where they live. Brianna Titone (she/her), is one such American. Currently a state representative in the Colorado General Assembly, Brianna is running to be the next State Treasurer in Colorado. She has dedicated her life to service, not only as a scientist in multiple disciplines, but also as a volunteer firefighter in her community, and she became the first trans elected official in Colorado’s history in 2019. Brianna cares deeply about protecting the working class from corporations and billionaires, investing in affordable housing, protecting consumers from predatory corporations and unbridled AI, and protecting Colorado’s natural environment from fossil fuel exploration and production.

Darwin Del Fabro and Her One-Woman Play that Honors and Celebrates

Performer Darwin Del Fabro lets her journey navigating the world as a trans woman and immigrant shine in her upcoming one woman play “LILI/DARWIN”. From honoring Lili Elbe to celebrating her own artistic and personal growth, “LILI/DARWIN” is a deeply candor exploration of the strength found in connection, identity, and vulnerability. Join us as Darwin Del Fabro talks inspiration, identity, the entertainment industry, and trans rights.

Sam Lee on the Importance of Transgender Healthcare and Rights

From questions about discrimination and injustices, conservative legislation in not just the U.S. but around the world, and thoughts on fleeing the U.S., to advice, resources, and ways to support the queer community, transgender nurse Sam Lee speaks on the importance of transgender healthcare, rights, and what the future looks like for the community. To learn more about Sam Lee and her thoughts on these topics as a professional in the healthcare field and individual a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, read on.

Marie Newman, an Activist from High School to Congress

Marie Newman (she/her), a lifelong progressive activist, is a former US Representative whose office in the Longworth House Office Building was located right across from right-wing Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. After Greene insulted Newman’s transgender daughter, Newman flew the transgender pride flag outside of her own office. But advocating for transgender people is just one of many progressive positions Newman has agitated for over the course of her life. She has been a woman’s rights, gun reform, healthcare and income equity champion her entire life. Her prescriptive memoir, A Life Made From Scratch, is due to be released on March 18. Read on to learn more about the tremendous work of Marie Newman!

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2024 - Mandi Remington, Board of Supervisors for Johnson County, Iowa

Mandi Remington (she/her) is a queer millennial political activist running for a position on the County Board of Supervisors in Johnson County, Iowa. A single mother of three, including a trans child, Mandi is a lower middle-income wage earner. She is most passionate about advancing platforms that prioritize equity for disadvantaged socioeconomic groups. Mandi recently lost an election in 2023 for a position on the Iowa City Council but is running again on a platform of abortion rights, as well as affordable housing, childcare, food, and transportation.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2022 - Taylor Small, Vermont House of Representatives - Chittenden-6-7

This week we are profiling Taylor Small (she/her/hers). Taylor is a millennial member of the Vermont House of Representatives and is the first openly transgender legislator in Vermont, running on the Vermont Progressive Party ticket. She is also the Education Manager at Pride Center of Vermont and has worked in mental health with homeless and runaway youth at Spectrum Youth and Family Services. She promotes youth literacy and local libraries, among other education issues.

Celebrating Pride: Support the Courageous LGBTQ+ Community

Let’s release the rainbow flags and douse ourselves in glitter, it is Pride! One of our favorite times of the year! While we are super excited to see so many big companies selling merchandise to commemorate it, we worry that not all of it is coming from the right place. Instead of going to one of the big companies (who will remain nameless), how about you show your support and influence a positive change to the community by supporting LGBTQ+-owned businesses!? Don’t know any LGBTQ+-owned brands? Jejune has you covered. We have compiled a list of some amazing stylish ethical LGBTQ+-owned businesses to to go full pride with. Check them out below!

Model Of Empowerment: Lauren Foster

Lauren Foster, a top model in the 1980’s, opens up to Jejune Magazine for LGBTQ month.