Seen But Not Heard: The Cost of Trans Hypervisibility
In The Backbone's first ever guest story, Baxstar Jonmarie Ferguson reports on how media visibility is weaponized against trans people, personally and politically.
Latest
This Baltimore Cover Artist is Using Yiddish Music to Fight Fascism
From cancer treatment research at Johns Hopkins to hitting the streets in a fishing hat, Ira Remsen’s Ghost is anything but predictable.
Amazon Wishlists Won't Safeguard Addresses Anymore; Sex Workers are Paying the Price
A recent Amazon change has left sex workers with "fewer options, more precarity, and greater exposure to harm," according to an advocacy group for sex workers.
The Epstein Files' Blueprint for Laundering the Reputation of Abusers
Have you ever noticed that the world's worst men all sound exactly the same?
Reader Response: Independent Journalism That Serves You
Here's a chance to tell me what stories serve you most.
Antierinnerungskultur
Photojournalism exploring the the surrounding area of the planned ICE detention center in Hagerstown, MD.
What The Baltimore Banner Missed About Nick Shirley’s Baltimore Visit
Introducing Media Autopsy: the series where I dissect a news story and look at how it works.
Thousands Gather at Baltimore ICE Field Office to Demand Abolition
The people of Minnesota put out a call. Baltimore answered.
Three Far-Right Influencers Converge on Baltimore
A far-right Youtube darling, a Jan. 6 rioter, and a Christian culture warrior walk into Baltimore. They’re trying to manufacture a media shitstorm.
‘It is that deep.’: Jess Britvich on Alt-Right Pipelines for Women, Cabaret, and Getting Angry
Jess Britvich offers a vivacious alternative to the isolation and despair of American fascism.
Inside the Dehumanizing World of Trans AI Chatbot Companions
Transfem AI chatbots exist to fulfill a sexual fantasy, but at what cost?
I Fact-Checked The New York Times' Response to Trans News Network, So You Don't Have To
TNN’s recent interview with Billie Jean Sweeney cut to the heart of The New York Times’ transphobic coverage. Seems like she hit a sore spot.
breaking news
'I Don't Know How I'm Even Breathing': Baltimore Security Officers Forced to Forgo Healthcare
Inside Abacus Security and other local contractors, Baltimore workers spar with management for affordable healthcare.
extras
Happy Holidays from The Backbone!
Plus, a sneak peek at next week's story and some housekeeping.
breaking news
Maryland Allegedly Sharing Driver's License Data With ICE, Violating State Law
A letter from an Oregon senator, a governor who might be sitting on a secret, and the system that tells ICE everything about you, no warrant required.
baltimore news
'Hands Off Our Neighbors': Baltimore Preps For Trump's Visit with Protest
President Trump will be at the Army-Navy game this afternoon. But the football match is the smallest conflict in the stadium.
trans stories
Transgender People Find Rare Sanctuary in Baltimore
Transgender Americans are being driven out of their hometowns and into Charm City’s welcoming arms.
trans stories
More Trans Americans Talk Transgender Day of Remembrance
From California to Canada, the trans community grieves on the Trans Day of Remembrance. Ten more stories.
trans stories
Trans Americans Celebrate and Mourn on the Transgender Day of Remembrance
Thursday was the first Trans Day of Remembrance since President Trump's second term began. Fourteen trans Americans reflect on love and loss.