GLBTQ Issues / Public News Service

'Don't Say Gay' Proves Challenging for FL Students, Teachers

Despite being aimed at children in kindergarten through third grade, Florida teachers say what's often referred to as the "Don't Say Gay" law has …

From July 2021 to June 2022 across the nation, there were 2,532 instances of individual books being banned, affecting 1,648 unique book titles, according to Pen America. (prettysleepyart/Pixabay)

TX ACLU Promotes 'Students' Rights Hub' During Banned Books Week

Ahead of Banned Books Week, the ACLU of Texas published what it calls a Students' Rights Hub. Kate Huddleston, attorney for the ACLU of Texas…

In the decade preceding the pandemic, Colorado's child poverty rate fell by nearly 30%, one of the largest declines in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Ranks High in Child Well-Being as Kids Face Mental-Health Crisis

Colorado ranks 16th in the nation for promoting children's overall well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's latest report on child …

According to a 2021 report by the Trevor Project, LGBTQ youths in rural areas were more likely to experience symptoms of depression than their urban and suburban counterparts. (Adobe Stock)

Program Aims to Support Rural LGBTQ Virginians

New research out of the University of Minnesota reveals rural LGBTQ folks face unique, and often unmet, mental- and physical-health needs. The …

More than a quarter of LGBTQ students were bullied in school because of an actual or perceived disability, according to the National LGBTQ Task Force. (mbolina/Adobe Stock)

MO Advocate: Connect With Disability Issues During Pride Month

As Pride Month comes to a close and Disability Pride Month begins, advocates are raising awareness about the intersection of being LGBTQ+ and having …

Rainbow flags have become ubiquitous among major brands in recent years during Pride Month. (xiao/Adobe Stock)

Organizations Call for Meaningful Corporate Support During Pride Month

June is Pride Month, and businesses are showing their support for the LGBTQ community in a number of ways. But some corporations are being called out …

Members of the LGBTQ community are far less likely to own a home than those who are not. (teksomolika/Adobe Stock)

Pride Month: LGBTQ Housing Discrimination Lingers in MT

Pride Month during June highlights the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities, which have long faced discrimination…

Research has shown that gender-affirming health care can improve the mental health and overall well-being of gender-diverse children and young people. (Adobe Stock)

Arkansas Back in Court to Block Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth

Oral arguments were held this week on an appeal blocking an Arkansas law from going into effect. The law would prevent young people from getting …

Members of the white supremacist group arrested in Coeur d'Alene over the weekend included people from around the country. (Feng Yu/Adobe Stock)

Thwarted Attack on ID Pride Tip of Ramped-Up Extremist Activity

The arrests of 31 white supremacists outside of a Pride festival in North Idaho shook the country over the weekend. It's only part of a larger uptick …

Law experts say this weekend's prevention of a riot at an Idaho Pride event coincides with more online anti-LGBTQ comments posted by extremist groups. (Adobe Stock)

IA Group: Planned Riot Will Not Intimidate LGBTQ Community

A leading LGBTQ organization in Iowa said community members won't back down after authorities in Idaho blocked a planned riot at a Pride event there…

In the 2020 election, nearly nine million LGBTQ adults in the U.S. were registered to vote. (Adobe Stock)

Pride Month in MN Includes Voter Outreach

One in five LGBTQ adults in the U.S. are not registered to vote. During Pride Month, a Minnesota organization is ramping up efforts to help improve …

Utah school officials say almost 30,000 girls competed in high school sports in 2021. (spark/Adobe Stock)

Utah Families Sue State Over Law Excluding Transgender Girls from Sports

Two families are suing the State of Utah over a controversial law that allows schools to exclude transgender students from competing in girls' sports…

Seven states, including New Mexico, hold primary elections on June 7, 2022. (AngelaYurikoSmith/Pixabay)

LGBTQ+ Advocates Endorse NM Primary Candidates

While lawmakers in many states have introduced legislation to roll back LGBTQ+ rights within their borders, New Mexico is not one of them, and …

According to the Human Rights Campaign, from January through early May 2021, lawmakers across the country introduced more than 250 anti-LGBTQ bills. (Adobe Stock)

IN Poised to Pass Transgender-Student Sports Ban

Earlier this spring, Gov. Eric Holcomb vetoed a GOP-authored bill banning transgender girls from school sports. Now, Holcomb's own party is poised to …

On Jan. 6, 2021, pro-Trump protestors tried to maintain control by attacking the rule of law, separation of powers and fair elections. (Wikimedia Commons)

Experts Sound Alarm on Rise of Authoritarianism in U.S., Globally

By Zoe Marks and Eric Chenoweth for Ms. MagazineBroadcast version by Lily Böhlke for Commonwealth News Service/Public News Service U.S…

The Journal of the American Medical Association says trans youths with access to gender-affirming care are 60% less likely to have moderate to severe depression and are 73% less suicidal. (MaryBettiniBlank/Pixabay)

States Form Coalition to Counter Anti-LGBTQ Bills

New Mexico and 18 other states have announced plans to introduce legislation they say will be needed to protect transgender kids from civil and crimin…

Clinics in neighboring states saw an almost 800% increase in patients after Texas in 2021 banned almost all abortions after six weeks, according to Planned Parenthood. (FerencVarga/Pixabay)

Roe v. Wade: What Happens Next in Texas?

Texas took the lead among Republican states last September in making abortion illegal once a fetal heartbeat can be detected. Now, some fear the …

A bill before the New Hampshire General Court would require parental notification if students see a school counselor. (Adobe Stock)

NH Groups: "Parental Bill of Rights" Undermines Privacy, Harms Students

The New Hampshire Senate is holding a floor vote today on a bill they are calling the "parental bill of rights" but which advocates for LGBTQ+ young p…

The American Federation of Teachers launched its

Book Bans, Censorship Met with 1M Free Books for Students, Families

As the state of Florida combs through textbooks to ban content with diverse views, a national campaign pledges to deliver a million free books with …

Resources will be available at Equality Michigan fairs this week, including peer-support opportunities. (ASDF/Adobe Stock)

Groups Spotlight Services for LGBTQ+ Victims of Crime in MI

It's National Crime Victims' Rights Week, a time to raise awareness of victims' rights and services. Equality Michigan is holding three community …

Anti-trans bills have been introduced in all but three states since 2018. (Scott Griessel/Adobe Stock)

On National Day of Silence, MO Groups Push Back Against Anti-Trans Bills

Silence? Yes. Inaction? No. Today marks the annual Day of Silence, led by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, to raise awareness about …

LGBTQ+ giving circles raise money to support people they say often are

'Giving Circles' Fight LGBTQ+ Oppression with Generosity

In Texas, the latest state law targeting trans people directs the Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate any surgical treatment …

Montana and other states have protected abortion access under constitutional provisions that recognize a person's right to privacy. (trac1/Adobe Stock)

Added Protection for Abortion Access in MT Could be Overturned

Montana is part of a national trend of increasing challenges to abortion access. An injunction was placed on three abortion restriction bills passed …

This year, South Dakota became the latest state to adopt a law that bans transgender girls from playing in sports that align with their gender identity. It follows other policy moves deemed hostile toward the LGBTQ+ community. (Adobe Stock)

Building Support Network for SD Transgender Youth, Families

For years, members of the LGBTQ community in South Dakota have fought state policies they describe as discriminatory, and people who are transgender …

According to the American Civil Liberties Union,

Utah Lawmakers Ban Transgender Girls from Women’s Sports

Utah's Legislature has overridden Republican Gov. Spencer Cox's veto of House Bill 11, which now mandates young transgender athletes can play only …

LGBTQ Advocates Plan Legal Challenge to FL 'Don't Say Gay' Bill

Public schoolteachers in Florida are now prohibited from giving classroom instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity after Gov. Ron …

In addition to substandard training facilities, last year's NCAA college basketball tournament further exposed other resource gaps for women's teams, including meals and 'swag bags' players receive. (Adobe Stock)

Women's Sports Advocates: Wedge Issues Aren't What We Need

This weekend, the University of South Dakota's women's basketball team continues its magical run in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (…

The Teach The Truth campaign believes Texas students deserve an

TX Coalition Outlines Plans to Counter "Education Censorship"

The Texas Freedom Network is calling for people to join a new campaign against what it calls "education censorship" across the state. The movement…

Fifty-nine percent of Black domestic-violence survivors surveyed said they avoided calling the police out of fear of further violence from their abuser. (Adobe Stock)

Marginalized Survivors Report Bias When Seeking Help in Ohio

A new survey reveals instances of bias in the ways police, courts and social services respond to domestic-violence survivors in Ohio in times of …

In a statement, U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said Florida lawmakers are

"You Matter:" Messages of Support Follow Passage of 'Don't Say Gay' Bill

LGBTQ advocates are turning their focus to encouraging words for young people who are gay, following passage of Florida's "Parental Rights in …

Crisis contacts from LGBTQ youths in Texas increased 150% in 2021 over 2020, according to Equality Texas. (Gerd Altmann/Pixabay)

TX Judge Issues Temporary Halt to Governor's Anti-Transgender Directive

A Texas judge has temporarily ruled the state may not continue investigations of parents seeking gender-affirming health care for their child…

A recent study found as many as three-quarters of trans youths are depressed, but gender-affirming care has been proven to reduce that number. (pikselstock/Adobe Stock)

Study: Gender-Affirming Care Decreases Depression for Trans Youth

Depression and thoughts of suicide are higher among transgender youth. But studies show that gender-affirming care improves their mental health…

In 1868, the Iowa Supreme Court decided the landmark Clark v. The Board of Directors, declaring segregated schools were inherently unequal. (Adobe Stock)

IA's History on Civil Liberties at a Crossroads

In the past two years, Iowa has adopted or proposed policies that stoke debate on whether the state is moving away from prioritizing the rights and …

Books that some Jonesboro Public Library board members have previously attempted to remove from the children's section include

Proposal to Move LGBTQ Kids' Book Sparks Censorship Fears

Efforts to move children's and young adult books with LGBTQ content to the adult section of a Northeast Arkansas public library have some local reside…

Health professionals say trans youth attempt suicide at much higher rates than their peers, and that sports serve as a way to cope with any trauma they've dealt with because of their gender identity. (Adobe Stock)

IA Transgender Sports Bill Moves Forward

Iowa has entered the fray of states debating the issue of restricting transgender students from competing in girls' sports. Backers of a ban said …

In addition to the transgender sports ban, South Dakota lawmakers are considering another bill this year that would prohibit trans students from using multi-occupancy school facilities consistent with their gender identity. (Adobe Stock)

SD is Latest State to Adopt Transgender Sports Law

Gov. Kristi Noem has signed a bill making South Dakota the tenth state to ban transgender girls and women from participating in team sports matching …

A new Consent Toolkit has tips for educators, caregivers and parents, for instance, how to respond if a student discloses that they've experienced sexual violence. (Bailey Krestakos/Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health)

Toolkit Provides Resources for Teaching Consent in Grades K-5

A new toolkit for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade provides resources for teaching about issues of consent and healthy relationships…

In 2021, bills prohibiting health care for trans youth were introduced in more than 20 states according to a tally from the American Civil Liberties Union. (Flimbetrachter/Pixabay)

LGBTQ Leaders to NM Governor: Prioritize Anti-Discrimination Laws

New Mexico's short, 30-day legislative session starts today with a focus on budget issues. Nonetheless, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer …

States such as South Dakota have routinely debate bills in recent years viewed as hostile toward the LGBTQ community. (Adobe Stock)

SD Poised to See More Debate Over LGBTQ Bills

South Dakota lawmakers are scheduled to begin a new legislative session this week. Like previous years, bills surrounding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual…

The American Library Association has established an Office for Intellectual Freedom to deal with the growing number of challenges to books and other library materials. (StockPhotoPros/Adobe Stock)

Utah Teachers, Librarians Alarmed by Calls to Ban Controversial Books

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah teachers and school librarians are reacting with alarm to a growing problem of parents and other groups demanding books they fi…

The city of Ann Arbor recently implemented a policy to provide free menstrual products in public restrooms. (photoguns/Adobe Stock)

Groups: Removing Tax on Menstrual Products a Step Toward More Accessibility

LANSING, Mich. -- One in five teens in the U.S. struggle to afford period products, and Michigan organizations are working to make pads, tampons…

More than 60% of LGBTQ homeless youths report being

MI Groups Raise Awareness of Dangers for LGBTQ Homeless Youth

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The holidays can be a tough time for young people experiencing homelessness, and Michigan organizations are working to provide …

One in 30 teens ages 13 to 17 experience some form of homelessness without a parent or guardian during a year. (Taylor Pecko-Reid/Flickr)

"Path to Help" Campaign: Resources for Homeless MA Youth

BOSTON -- The holidays can be a tough time for many young people who have aged out of foster care or don't have a stable home situation, and …

The Southern Opportunity and Resilience (SOAR) Fund lenders are Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), serving small businesses that often can't get credit from traditional banks. (Adobe Stock)

Fund Focuses on Post-Pandemic Support for FL Small Businesses

MIAMI, Fla. -- As Florida and other southern states recover from the financial impact of the pandemic, one program aims to ensure small businesses …

Traveling nurses found improved quarters in Houston thanks to a pandemic-loan program designed to help small minority-owned businesses rebuild. (voltamax/Pixabay)

SOAR Fund Lifts Up Small Businesses Hit by Pandemic

HOUSTON, Texas -- Minority-owned businesses across the South are benefitting from a program designed to help them get back on their feet post-…

A new report says among responding districts, only 8% of North Dakota schools have LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum. (Adobe Stock)

ND Report Illustrates School-Related Issues for LGBTQ Youth

FARGO, N.D. -- A new report details how North Dakota students who identify as LGBTQ+ often struggle with the environment within their schools…

Only one-third of respondents said they felt that the needs of the LGBTQ community in Connecticut were represented in government programs and other services in the state, according to the survey. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: LGBTQ Community Health-Care Access Needs Improvement

NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Advocates said a first-of-its-kind survey of the health and human-service needs of Connecticut's LGBTQ community, published this …

Under the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, employers would be required to notify all new employees of their rights under the National Labor Rights Act, and post those rights where employees congregate. (ufcw.org)

Unions Push for PRO Act Provisions in Reconciliation Bill

HOUSTON -- Even before last year's election, President Joe Biden expressed his support for unions. Now it is up to Congress to decide if laws …

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