So far during the presidential debates, LGBTQ issues have either been mentioned in passing or not at all. That’s why GLAAD has partnered with One Iowa, The Gazette and the Advocate to bring LGBTQ issues to the forefront in Iowa on Sept. 20.

Seven candidates, including former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Cory Booker, have announced their participation. Each candidate will open with their vision for LGBTQ rights in America. Then, moderators will each get an opportunity to ask questions in a one-on-one setting. The forum will be available to stream.

We have more GLAAD news for you below, including an exclusive interview with Pose star Billy Porter and all of our coverage from the MTV Video Music Awards.

Many genes influence same-sex sexuality, not a single ‘gay gene’

A new study conducted by the Broad Institute and published by Science shows many genes influence a person’s sexuality - not a single “gay gene.” The report finds that a person’s genetic makeup contributes to one-third of a person’s sexuality with social and environmental factors making up the other two-thirds. GLAAD Chief Programs Officer Zeke Stokes appeared on CNN, in The New York Times, and across media to discuss the results noting, “Anyone who’s LGBTQ knows that their identity is complicated and to have science sort of bear that out is a positive thing.”

EMMYS: Billy Porter talks history-making nomination, what it means to him, and how queer bankability in Hollywood is finally happening

This year, Billy Porter became the first openly gay Black man to be nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the Emmys. GLAAD’s own Anthony Ramos sat down with Porter to discuss what a monumental win would mean to him. Plus, he provides the lowdown on a big Pose season three secret. Click here to watch the full interview.

Bisexual+ Awareness Week to be held September 16th – September 23rd annually

Mark your calendars because the annual Bisexual+ Awareness Week will take place Sept. 16 through Sept. 23. Co-founded by GLAAD and BiNet USA, Bisexual+ Awareness Week seeks to accelerate acceptance of the bi+ (pansexual, fluid, no label, queer, etc.) community. #BiWeek draws attention to the experiences, while also celebrating the resiliency of, the bisexual+ community. Starting this year, Bisexual+ Awareness Week will take place every Sept. 16 – 23.

Must-See LGBTQ TV: 'Steven Universe: The Movie' and new season of 'Elite’

ICYMI: Steven Universe: The Movie aired Monday on Cartoon Network. The GLAAD Media Award-winning show’s film picks up where season five ended two years ago. In the movie, the Crystal Gems attempt to save all organic life on Earth. Also, the second season of GLAAD Media Award-winning Spanish-language drama Elite is officially on Netflix, so make sure to add that to your weekend binge list.

It's time to talk about the mental health impacts of being Asian and queer

GLAAD Campus Ambassador Andre Menchavez talked about his and others’ experiences as an LGBTQ Asian and the isolation he has felt in both communities. “‘No fats, no femmes, no Asians’ is a phrase in the queer community I am too familiar with. Similarly, I faced the complexity of both fetishization and isolation while dating as an Asian queer person,” he writes. “Additionally, in my experience in the Filipinx community, religious fundamentals engrained in this culture were often anti-queer, and therefore, anti-me. I was subjected to religious counseling in middle school when I came out, and I was taught that queerness was blasphemous and wrong.”

Hayley Kiyoko, Bebe Rexha, Jonathan Van Ness, Lance Bass, Alyson Stoner, and Peppermint Send Messages of Love & Support to the LGBTQ community on the VMAs Red Carpet

GLAAD was on the red carpet at the MTV Video Music Awards last week to talk to the night’s LGBTQ nominees and allies. The star-studded event was one of the queerest in the award show’s history, with Lil Nas X making history as the first openly LGBTQ artist to win for Best Song. GLAAD San Francisco Gala host Peppermint was also on the red carpet, encouraging people to come see her at the event, which will honor Paula Abdul with the Ariadne Getty Ally Award.

GLAAD Media Institute alumni & GLAAD interns pen op-eds about why their favorite LGBTQ performances and shows deserve to win Emmys

Before Emmy voting closed, GLAAD Media Institute alumni and GLAAD interns wrote op-eds campaigning for their favorites to win in their respective categories. The nominees include Hannah Gadsby, Jonathan Van Ness, Laverne Cox, Ryan O’Connell’s Netflix series Special and Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking Pose. The Emmys will air Sunday, Sept. 22 on ABC.

That’s it for now. Make sure you’re following @GLAAD on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest in LGBTQ representation across all forms of media, and remember Spirit Day is right around the corner! Find out how you can get involved at glaad.org/spiritday.