News
A Hot, Smoky Summer Brings Health Concerns
The only break much of America can hope for anytime soon from eye-watering dangerous smoke from fire-struck Canada is brief bouts of shirt-soaking sweltering heat and humidity from a southern heat wave.
Michigan Legislature Approves Ban on 'Conversion Therapy' for LGBTQ+ Minors
Michigan lawmakers gave final approval to legislation banning so-called conversion therapy for minors as Democrats in the state continue to advance a pro-LGBTQ+ agenda in their first months in power.
Openly Gay Black Congressman Calls Out GOP for 'Systematic Bullying' of LGBTQ+ Youth
Out Black congressman Rep. Ritchie Torres of New York called out GOP lawmakers for what he called their "systematic bullying" of LGBTQ+ youth, and "of trans youth in particular."
Activist Detained in Hong Kong Begins Final Appeal for Recognition of His Overseas Same-Sex Marriage
An activist detained in Hong Kong began his final appeal Wednesday seeking recognition for his same-sex marriage registered overseas, in a landmark case for the city's LGBTQ+ community.
Hate Crimes Rose 20.2% in California in 2022
Reported hate crimes increased in California in 2022, including instances of violence motivated by bias, according to state data released Tuesday.
London Jury Seated in Kevin Spacey Sex Assault Trial on Allegations over a Decade Old
Jurors who will decide the fate of actor Kevin Spacey were sworn in Wednesday in a London court as the Oscar winner faces charges of sexually assaulting four men as long as two decades ago.
Hazy Future for Caregiver Payments Expanded During Pandemic Worries Families
A total of 39 states, with the help of the federal government, either started paying family caregivers or expanded the population eligible for payment during the pandemic.
VP Harris Visits Historic LGBTQ+ Landmark Stonewall, Decries Flurry of Anti-Trans Bills
Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Stonewall Inn to pay tribute to activists at the site of a watershed moment in the gay rights movement. And she spoke out as lawmakers around the U.S. introduced or passed hundreds of bills targeting LGBTQ people.
One of America's First Elected Lesbian Governors is Visiting Ireland on LBGTQ+ Rights Anniversary
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey — one of the country's first lesbian elected governors and a descendant of Irish immigrants — is invited to address the Irish Senate to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ireland.
Kansas Must Undo Gender Changes for Trans People in State Records, AG Says
A new Kansas law requires the state to reverse any previous gender changes in its records for trans people's birth certificates and driver's licenses while also preventing such changes going forward, the state's Republican attorney general declared Monday
Power Couple Zooey Zephyr and Erin Reed are Spreading Hope to Fellow Transgender People
Zooey Zephyr and Erin Reed, both 34, have emerged as a vanguard, a power couple spreading hope to fellow transgender people amid a year in which hundreds of bills were proposed or passed that restrict their rights in health care and other realms.
Maine House Votes to Ensure Teens can Receive Gender-Affirming Health Care
The Maine House voted Monday in favor of a bill to ensure 16- and 17-year-olds can receive gender-affirming hormone therapy without parental consent if certain conditions are met.
Thousands of E-cigarettes are Pouring into the US Despite FDA Crackdown on Fruity Flavors
The number of different electronic cigarette devices sold in the U.S. has nearly tripled to over 9,000 since 2020, driven almost entirely by a wave of unauthorized disposable vapes from China.
Starbucks Union Says Pride Weekend Strikes Closed 21 US Stores
The union organizing Starbucks workers said Monday that a strike timed to Pride month closed 21 stores over the weekend, including the company's flagship Reserve Roastery in Seattle.
If this Delaware Senator Wins a US House Seat, She'll be the 1st Trans Member of Congress
Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride announced Monday she's running for the U.S. House of Representatives. Already the first openly transgender state senator elected in the country, she'd be the first transgender member of Congress if she wins in November.
Colorado Springs Mass Shooter Pleads Guilty; Victims Call him a 'Monster' who Hunted LGBTQ+ Patrons
Victims called the Colorado Springs mass shooter a "monster" who hunted down LGBTQ+ patrons in a calculated attack last year that killed five people.
Pride Marchers in Drag Chant 'We're Coming for Your Children,' and Conservatives Miss the Sarcasm
A video of participants in New York's annual Drag March chanting "We're here, we're queer, we're coming for your children" has gone viral, seized upon by anti-LGBTQ+ conservatives.
Dr. Bill's Journal: NYC Pride In Full Bloom!
Dr. William Kapfer spent the week before Pride at one event after another. Here are his journal entries for his busy week.
Suspect in Mass Shooting at Colorado Gay Club Expected to Take Plea Deal
The suspect in a mass shooting at a Colorado Springs gay nightclub is expected to strike a plea deal to state murder and hate charges that would ensure at least a life sentence for the attack that killed five people and wounded 17, according to the AP.
Your State has a Law on Bathrooms and Trans Kids? Officials May Not Know How it will be Enforced
Some schools already have gender-neutral bathrooms and changing spaces or allow trans students to use staff restrooms. In others, trans students try to make it through the day without using a restroom.