GLBTQ Issues / Public News Service

Nationwide statistics show while overall reported hate crimes decreased by about 7% in 2023 compared to 2022, hate crime events motivated by sexual orientation bias increased 3.6%.(Anastasiia/Adobe Stock)<br />

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes rise in CA

Hate crimes against members of the LGBTQ+ community have risen for the second year in a row, according to the latest "State of Pride" report from the …

Strong family bonds, safe schools and support from caring adults can all protect LGBTQIA+ youths from depression and suicidality, according to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. (Derrick)

Report: 988 lifeline provides robust support for mental health crisis in Tennessee

A mental health report in Tennessee revealed a strong response rate of 89% for 988 crisis line calls. The report from the advocacy group Inseparable …

As universities begin implementing a new tenure law, debate continues over its potential effects on academic freedom and the preparation of future educators in Indiana. (Adobe stock)

New IN law requires five-year tenure reviews of professors

With just over a month before Indiana university students return, a new law affecting college professor tenures is in full effect. The law targets …

AZ senator: Many liberties at stake ahead of election

Abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, gun-violence and democracy itself are some of the issues Democrats said are at stake ahead of November's election. Sen…

Ohio House Bill 183 would also restrict students from using overnight accommodations with those of a different gender. (Andre/Adobe Stock)

Controversy continues over Ohio 'Bathroom Bill'

By Eduardo Miranda Strobel / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Concerns of …

On a single night in 2023, about 20 of every 10,000 people in the U.S. were experiencing homelessness, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (majorosl66/AdobeStock)

Advocacy groups want NM's Governor to halt special legislative session

New Mexico advocacy groups are calling on New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to cancel next week's special session where lawmakers are scheduled …

In 2015, the Supreme Court extended marriage equality to all 50 states in Obergefell v. Hodges. A new survey reveals the vast majority of same-sex couples married for love while 75% said they also married for legal protections. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Majority of married same-sex couples say marriage equality threatened

Twenty years after Massachusetts became the first state to permit marriage equality, a majority of same-sex married couples say it had a profound …

The mural on Main Street in Vermillion, South Dakota, is a collaboration between Mural OTW and the high school's Gender and Sexuality Alliance group. (Wes Eisenhauer/Mural OTW)

SD artist duo makes murals by, for and with communities

By Rebecca Froehlich for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Greater Dakota News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News…

In a Human Rights Campaign survey from 2019 of 4,000 LGBTQ+ adults, almost 17% overall, and nearly 32% of transgender respondents, said they opted not to vote out of fear of being harassed while voting. (yavdat/Adobe Stock)

NE LGBTQ+ group focuses on new voter ID law during Pride Month

For some LGBTQ+ voters in Nebraska, the state's new voter ID law brought up issues in the May primary election and could again in November's General …

More than 30 tribal nations are represented at the University of South Dakota, according to the institution. (Wikimedia Commons)

USD threats to fire staff part of larger trend

The University of South Dakota threatened to fire staff members in what some see as an ongoing attack on academic freedom, according to reporting in …

In 2015, the Supreme Court extended marriage equality to all 50 states in Obergefell v. Hodges. Almost all same-sex couples surveyed reported the decision affected their lives. More than 60% of couples were married post-Obergefell even though their relationships started before 2015. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Report: Marriage equality strengthened families but many worry for future

Twenty years after the first state permitted marriage equality, a majority of same-sex married couples said it had a profound positive effect on …

North Carolina is home to 934,604 small businesses. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina businesses fear effects of 'bathroom bill'

North Carolina's business community is alarmed after Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson praised the controversial House Bill 2, known as the "Bathroom Bill," at …

Around 67% of LGBTQ+ people reported needing a mental health service over the past two years, compared with 39% of non-LGBTQ+ people, according to KFF. (Chris Allan/Adobe Stock)

WY theater company talks health care on stage

As Pride Month winds down, health advocates want members of the LGBTQ+ community to know about health care options, despite any challenges to …

New data show nearly 30% of Generation Z adults identify as LGBTQ+, according to the Human Rights Campaign. (Adobe Stock)

AZ organization calls for equality, justice on LGBTQ+ Equal Pay Day

Full-time LGBTQ+ workers make about 90 cents for every dollar earned by the average worker in the U.S. Today is LGBTQ+ Equal Pay Awareness Day…

About 1.3 million public school educators and 100,000 college and university professors have been affected by educational gag orders from 2021 through 2023, according to a new report from the American Association of University Professors. (Adobe Stock)

University of Wyoming dealing with state’s cuts to diversity office

The University of Wyoming is scrambling to address a major funding cut state legislators passed in a footnote to the state budget. During this …

In 2023, the number of bills nationwide targeting transgender and non-binary people tripled over the previous year, with more than 500 bills introduced. Nearly 90 of those bills were signed into law, with many targeting transgender youth in sports and schools.(Adobe Stock)

NH parents, educators urge veto of anti-LGBTQ+ bills

The New Hampshire Senate has advanced a series of bills, which opponents say will roll back protections for LGBTQ+ people. The measures ban …

A 2022 survey found that six in ten LGBTQ youths in Colorado reported experiencing symptoms of depression, and 45% seriously considered suicide. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado first in nation to offer free mental health care to youths

Amanda Dodson first noticed signs for a pilot program called "I Matter" at her ten-year-old daughter Hailey's school. After looking into it, she was …

An estimated 500 South Dakotans between ages 13 and 17, and 2,900 adults, identify as transgender, according to UCLA's Williams Institute. (Adobe Stock)

SD sends mixed messages on youth rights

A staggering 93% of transgender teens live in states that have either enacted or proposed laws that would restrict their rights - according to a new r…

Parents of young people harmed by social media platforms are urging Congress to pass the

Parents press for online child safety reforms amid Congressional reform

Massachusetts parents of children harmed by social media platforms are calling on Congress to advance the bipartisan "Kids Online Safety Act." The bi…

A total of 38,600 transgender youth now live in states where a policy has been enacted that either explicitly or implicitly restricts their access to bathrooms and other facilities, according to the report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NV fares well with transgender rights

Ninety-three percent of transgender teens live in a state that has enacted or proposed legislation that would restrict their rights - according to a n…

The Kids Online Safety Act could necessitate that platforms verify users' ages. (momius/Adobe Stock)

NM LGBTQ group fears far-reaching effects of 'Kids Online Safety Act'

Legislation meant to protect minors on social media platforms could be voted on in Washington this week. But some in New Mexico's LGBTQ community …

One in three transgender youths report not feeling safe to go to the doctor or hospital when they feel sick or injured, according to The Trevor Project. (Adobe Stock)

Report examines impacts of 2024 anti-transgender legislation

A staggering 93% of transgender teens live in a state that has enacted or proposed legislation that would restrict their rights, according to a new …

While going through ownership changes, the Mark III Tap Room in Muncie, Ind., has moved buildings, closed and reopened multiple times. (Adobe stock)

Closure of Indiana's oldest gay bar impacts LGBTQ+ community

By Meghan Holt for the Ball State Daily News .Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Ball State Daily News-Free Pre…

A Washington Post study found the number one issue cited by callers to LGBTQ+ help lines in 2023 was

NE LGBTQ+ community, advocates see wins at state, federal levels

Members of Nebraska's LGBTQ+ community and their supporters saw positive actions at both the state and federal level this month. At the state level…

An estimated 2,700 people identify as transgender in Montana, or about one-third of 1% of the state's population, according to the UCLA Law School. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates ask MT Supreme Court to allow minors gender-affirming care

Advocates for end-of-life care options in Montana have asked the state Supreme Court to uphold an injunction of a bill banning gender-affirming care f…

The New Hampshire Senate has voted to table a bill which would have rolled back some of the protections that outlaw discrimination against transgender people in public spaces but advanced two other bills which advocates say target LGBTQ+ students. (Adobe Stock)

NH businesses, educators: anti-LGBTQ bills hurting kids, economy

Some New Hampshire businesses and educators say legislation targeting LGBTQ+ students is harming both kids and the state's economy as it faces a criti…

It's estimated about 3,400 transgender people, age 18 and older, live in Montana, according to the UCLA School of Law. (Adobe Stock)

Civil rights advocates file suit over MT birth certificate mandate

The Montana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has filed class-action lawsuit challenging a measure barring people from listing a gender on…

A new study concludes that while anti-bullying protections in schools are effective, they are likely insufficient to address the mental health struggles of LGBTQ youth. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Study: NM's laws help reduce suicide among LGBTQ youth

A new study suggests laws in New Mexico and 22 other states to protect school-aged LGBTQ youth are having a positive impact. According to research …

The Texas Diversity Council works with various groups to foster environments where people from marginalized groups feel seen and heard. (Ana Baraulia/Adobe Stock)

Texas Diversity Council remains steadfast in face of adversity

Since 2004, April has been designated "Celebrate Diversity Month," a time to recognize, understand and honor the differences between people. One …

The teal ribbon represents sexual assault awareness and prevention during the month of April. (sulit.photos/Adobe Stock)

Call for more inclusive coverage during Sexual Assault Prevention Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Advocates for sexual assault survivors in Idaho and across the country are pushing for a more …

A Republican-led provision included in legislation to avert a government shutdown last week effectively bans LGBTQ+ pride flags from flying over U.S. embassies. (Hodim/AdobeStock)

NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates

After 30 years of championing the rights of LGBTQ+ people, Equality New Mexico has its finger on the pulse of supportive legislation and has made its …

In 2023, the Vatican's doctrinal office announced that transgender people could potentially be baptized in the Catholic church and serve as godparents but noted any baptisms should not risk

Queer churches in MA and nationwide offer all identities safe, sacred spaces

By Sara Youngblood Gregory for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Commonwealth News Service reporting for the YES! Media-Public …

Idaho lawmakers are scheduled to wrap up the 2024 legislative session soon. (Wissam/Adobe Stock)

ID anti-DEI bill in higher ed could have 'ripple effects' for state

Idaho lawmakers are considering a measure that would eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs on college campuses. Critics say it could …

Religion is an important part of Black LGBTQ+ youth's lives, with 77% being raised with religious values. But the report notes most respondents said their religion was

Report finds Black LGBTQ+ youth hardships easing a bit

A new report said Black LGBTQ+ youth are seeing more equality, in Connecticut and the U.S. but it does not always mean greater opportunity. The …

The Hometown Organizing Project and Hometown Action helped win the first rural nondiscrimination ordinance in Montevallo, Ala., and have organized to fight against restrictions to reproductive freedom and LGBTQ rights, including bans on transgender healthcare. (Adobe Stock)

A focus on LGBTQ solidarity amid Alabama legislative challenges

In the face of anti-LGBTQ legislation and the tragic loss of a nonbinary teen in Oklahoma, an Alabama group is working to provide what it calls a …

In a 2022 national survey of LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-18, nearly 54% of trans and gender-expansive youth reported feeling unsafe in at least one school setting. (Adobe Stock)

Oklahoma tragedy felt by LGBTQ advocates in ND

LGBTQ advocates in North Dakota have joined a nationwide coalition demanding accountability over the death of a non-binary teen from Oklahoma…

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, elements all youth need, which are

NE advocates for LGBTQ+ rights hopeful after visits with state senators

State legislators across the country continue to introduce anti-LGBTQ bills and there have been a record number of them for four years in a row…

Missouri's Senate Bill 1314, similar to House Bill 2365, prohibits funds from being expended by any state department for interdepartmental programs, staffing or other initiatives associated with

New report reveals high economic risk of anti-DEI laws in Missouri

A new report finds some Missouri laws and prospective laws are perceived as discriminatory regardless of their actual intent - and it outlines some bi…

Nearly 16% of Idaho youth surveyed said they have experienced physical dating violence. (Waseem Ali Khan/Adobe Stock)

Promoting 'welcoming communities' key to preventing teen dating violence

February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, and young people often find it hard to navigate experiences of harm…

At least 20 states have approved a version of a complete ban on transgender athletes playing on K-12 and collegiate sports teams. (Adobe Stock)

NH House reaffirms support for transgender 'bathroom bill'

New Hampshire lawmakers have voted to advance a so-called "bathroom bill," which opponents said will allow anti-LGBTQ discrimination. House Bill 396 …

Black and Latino youths are more likely to experience a gun homicide closer to their home when compared with white youths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock/Bettencourt/peopleimages.com)

NM lawmakers move gun-control bills forward

Gun control legislation is making headway in the 2024 New Mexico legislative session. On Wednesday, the New Mexico Senate passed a bill to ban guns …

Florida Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates are calling on the Republican-controlled Legislature to focus on what they describe as

FL GOP bill could ban rainbow flags in schools, government buildings

Another GOP proposal is sparking controversy in Florida over freedom of expression, as it aims to ban rainbow flags from being displayed. House Bill …

An Idaho law blocking gender-affirming care for youth went into effect this month. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)

Roundtable highlights push to protect trans rights in ID

The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence is taking part in a meeting with a U.S. health official this week to discuss ways to make …

Carlos J. Mejia Vijil, 23 (left), and John Maragioglio, 82, share a bonding moment outside the Anita May Rosenstein campus, where Maragioglio lives in senior housing. Mejia Vijil lived in the youth housing on the campus before getting his own apartment. (Francesco Da Vinci/YES! Media)

Making the rainbow connection at Los Angeles' LGBT Center

By Greg Hernandez for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Yes! Magazine-Public News …

Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, Alliance and Scottsbluff are among Nebraska cities and towns to celebrate Pride Month in 2023. (Manny DaCunhay/Adobe Stock)

OutNebraska advocates for LGBTQ+ at NE Capitol, statewide

With the start of the Nebraska Unicameral's 2024 session this week, guarding against the divisiveness experienced last session is top of mind for …

A report by DataHaven showed health inequities have led to around 14,000 deaths in Connecticut, predominantly among the state's Black population. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Discrimination rampant in CT, US health care

Despite efforts to the contrary, people across Connecticut and the U.S. experienced discrimination in health care. A DataHaven report found between 1…

There were 45 book challenges in Massachusetts in 2022 affecting 57 titles, however no books have been banned in the state, according to the American Library Association. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Legislation aims to classify book bans as federal civil rights violations

New federal legislation would classify discriminatory book bans as violations of federal civil rights law. The Books Save Lives Act would ensure …

In March, House Republicans in Florida passed a wide-ranging education bill targeting how teachers and students can use pronouns in schools, adding to the state's parental rights law, which critics called

FL teachers sue state over restriction on pronoun use

Three Florida teachers filed suit Wednesday over a Florida statute they claim targets transgender and nonbinary teachers for being themselves at work…

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LGBTQIA+ Issues