Axelle/Bauer-Griffen/FilmMagic; Courtesy of HBO, @Madonna/Instagram; VBSchools/YouTube
To say that 2023 was one for the history books is an understatement of historical proportions. So much has happened in the last 12 months, good, bad, and in between.
On the bright side queer artists like Kim Petras, Sam Smith, Troye Sivan, boygenius, and Janelle Monáe dominated and made history. Our stories made for the best and buzziest film and TV of the year thanks to Saltburn, Fellow Travelers, Yellowjackets, All Us Strangers, and The Last of Us. We are, were, and will always be the moment.
And of course, let's not forget the Barbie phenomenon. I guess you could say this year had Kenergy.
But it wasn't all good. We all watched in dismayed horror the rollback of LGBTQ+ rights across the country as the Republicans took aim at our humanity with sweeping anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. They repeatedly showed their true colors by targeting everything and everyone from Dylan Mulvaney to M&Ms, drag queens, Bud Light, and even, well Target with their bigoted hatred.
But despite all of that, like we always do, we persevered, no screw that, we thrived. And we found plenty of things to get excited about along the way. Whether it was the latest thirst trap from our fave celebrity, an ally taking the bigots to task, a drag queen continuing to make our world a more glamorous (and steamy) place, or the pop culture that sees us and reflects us.
Here’s what truly captured your interest and imagination this year. The following are the top 20 stories of the year based on the numbers (Y’all are wild for number one!).
4. The Gay Republican Who Was Shocked *Shocked* To Learn Racist, Homophobic Party Was In Fact Racist & Homophobic
U.S. President Donald Trump dances to the final performance of the Village People during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, D.C.Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images 
President-Elect Donald Trump dances as the Village People perform the song "YMCA" at a rally at the Capital One Arena on January 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump will be sworn in as the 47th U.S. president on January 20.Kevin Carter/Getty Images 
President-Elect Donald Trump watches the Village People perform "YMCA" on stage at his victory rally at the Capital One Arena on January 19, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump will be sworn in as the 47th U.S. president on January 20.Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images 