Remembering Barney Frank

The congressman who put a face on the fight for equality

Charlatan Magazine had the privilege of sitting down with him on a sweltering summer morning at his Rayburn Office Building quarters - a kerfuffle with his chief of staff and all. What followed was one of the most candid conversations about civil rights, hypocrisy, and the mechanics of political change we have ever published. We reprint it here in his memory.

The Ideal City

A Letter from the Editor

In the U.S., businesses can refuse service to anyone for almost any reason. Editor in Chief DREW GOWING traces Martin Luther King Jr.'s March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom to the Civil Rights and Equality Acts, and on to the present day and the republic’s Ideal City.

Razing Morale on Capitol Hill

An Interview with Barney Frank

The Honorable Barney Frank was the first openly gay United States Congressman. Editor in Chief DREW GOWING sits down with the controversial political icon during his final days in Capitol Hill.

What We’re Talking About

Policy & Playbooks

Politico, Powerbrokers & Playbooks

“Now or Never"

Peter Magyar didn't just oust Viktor Orbán's sixteen years of iron-fisted rule. He won a supermajority, and fired a warning shot across the bow of nationalism that will be seen, heard, and felt around the world.

The Mother Road

She's holding the keys to life and living. Charlatan follows Mary B. Ashworth to the 100th Anniversary of U.S. Route 66 — and to the warning, hazard, and children crossing signs of the American Dream.

A.I. & Deathcare

Corporations are converting family owned funeral homes into A.I. transactions. Charlatan follows the old guard to the new Ambassadors to the Afterlife.

City of Czars

Charlatan Embarks to the Corridors of Power

Russia's fervent nationalism, religious messianism, and identity as a chosen nation has driven expansion across the world. Charlatan checked in to the Four Seasons Lion Palace before Magyar conquered Budapest, Trump was summoned to Beijing, or Moscow retreated from Ukraine — and saw that all roads no longer lead to St. Petersburg.

Who We’re Talking About

Movers, Shakers & Policymakers

Movers & Shakers

True Colors

Voting Rights. Election Interference. True Threats? Charlatan follows a former FBI director to the red and blue — and to the new wave of mens rea washing up on American shores.

Showdown

The terse back and forth between an American pope and president reflects a movement. Charlatan follows an unlikely skiff reshaping the American moment.

March Madness 2026

A transnational betting scheme shadowed the NCAA's Money Madness. Charlatan follows the fixers to an offer the institution declined to make, and to the women and champions making the case that “It Just Means More.”

As You Like It

The week's stocks, risks, tips, tricks of wealth.

Jerome Powell's term ended Friday. Kevin Warsh takes over a Federal Reserve sitting on a fault line. Why the last independent fed chair just cleaned out his desk.

Talk of the Town

Policy & Playbooks

Risks, Tips, & Tricks of Wealth

Taking Out the Warsh

Jerome Powell's term ended Friday. Kevin Warsh takes over a Federal Reserve sitting on a fault line. Why the last independent fed chair just cleaned out his desk.

Crude Nation

Politicians use energy misinformation, disinformation, and lack of information to get and stay elected. Charlatan sits down with Shell Oil president John Hofmeister.

Master of the House

Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee in 2008, Rep. Barney Frank explains Washington’s role, lack of oversight, and complicity in the Global Financial Crisis.