Public News Service

A toolkit written for and by LGBTQ+ people aids in end-of-life decisions. (Sage)

New toolkit helps LGBTQ+ people make end-of-life decisions

LGBTQ+ Americans are twice as likely to experience discrimination in health care, including as they age, according to a new survey from the Kaiser …

Un conjunto de herramientas escrito por y para personas LGBTQ+ que ayuda a tomar decisiones al final de la vida. (Sage)

Nuevo kit de ayuda para personas LGBTQ+ a tomar decisiones sobre el final de la vida

Según una nueva encuesta de Kaiser Family Foundation, los estadounidenses LGBTQ+ tienen el doble de probabilidades de sufrir discriminación …

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 …

Young farmers, ranchers and others want issues of equitable land access, retention and transition addressed in the next Farm Bill. (StockMediaProduction/AdobeStock)

Eager but cash-strapped farmers seek Farm Bill solutions

Advocates for America's small farmers say younger folks express a growing interest in agriculture, but without necessary capital, they can't get a …

In 2023, 566 anti-trans bills have been introduced in 49 states including 65 in Texas, according to Trans Legislation Tracker. (inkdrop/AdobeStock)

TX High Court Not Persuaded to Protect Transgender Health Care

Texas has adopted some of the strictest gender-affirming transgender restrictions in the nation. And the leader of a trans advocacy group says it has …

Texas groups opposed to a controversial law regulating drag performances say it's unconstitutional and want a preliminary and permanent injunction before it goes into effect Sept. 1. (annne/Adobe Stock)

Texas 'Drag Ban' Headed to Court Ahead of 9/1 Implementation

Opponents of a new Texas law governing drag performances say it's so vague and broad, it could have a chilling effect on all free expression and …

Nearly 30,000 Texas minors would be affected by legislation banning transgender youth health care, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA's School of Law. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Filed Over TX Law Banning Health Care for Transgender Youth

Families and medical providers announced a lawsuit against the State of Texas on Thursday over new legislation that bans gender-affirming medical care…

ACLU Plans Lawsuit If TX Anti-Trans Bills Become Law

The culture war over transgender identity is spreading in GOP-led states, and Texas is among those passing the harshest laws. The Human Rights …

Employees at the Texas Department of Agriculture could be terminated if they come to work with

Texas Ag Department Issues 'Biological Gender' Dress Code

New lawsuits are likely coming in Texas as LGBTQ+ people working for the state are now being targeted in dress code regulations. Agriculture …

School board meetings have historically included intense cultural debates, such as the teaching of evolution, the removal of offensive sports mascots, or educator-required

Conservative 'M4L' Group Sets Sights on School Boards, Book Bans

A group formed to oppose COVID-19 mask mandates is expanding its agenda to influence school board elections, and a national watchdog group believes …

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…

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

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-…

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 …

In the first five months of 2021, five governors signed bills banning transgender individuals from sports in some capacity. (geralt/Pixabay)

TX Governor to Try Again to Ban Transgender Student Athletes

AUSTIN, Texas - As part of a special session called by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, legislators will try again next week to pass a bill requiring …

The Human Rights Campaign says policies that promote inclusive school atmospheres are key to protecting LGBTQ teens' well-being. (Brett Sayles/Pexels)

Survey Recommends Policy Solutions for Bullied LGBTQ Youths

AUSTIN, Texas — A new survey shows high rates of depression and anxiety among LGBTQ teens nationwide. Advocates say lawmakers could do more to …

An unprecedented number of LGBTQ candidates will be on the ballot in the March 6 Texas primary elections. (Bland/GettyImages)

Unprecedented Number of LGBTQ Candidates on Texas Primary Ballot

HOUSTON – An unprecedented number of openly LGBTQ candidates will be on the ballot for the March 6 Texas primary elections. According to …

A controversial bill on the agenda of an upcoming special session of the Texas Legislature would restrict where transgender Texans can use the bathroom. (Davis/Getty Images)

Rights Groups Blast TX Leaders Over Special-Session ‘Bathroom Bill’

AUSTIN, Texas – A coalition of rights groups is blasting Texas leaders for making anti-LGBTQ bills a priority when lawmakers convene this week …

Calif. Attorney General Xavier Becerra issued a ban on state employee travel to Texas, with Texas' new state law legalizing discrimination against LGBTQ families in adoptions. (Angerer/GettyImages)

Boycotts Over ‘Religious Freedom’ Bills Could Cost Texas Billions

AUSTIN, Texas -- The predicted economic backlash against Texas has begun in protest of the state's new laws that allow discrimination in the name of …

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signs one of dozens of bills passed by the Texas Legislature this session. Opponents already have begun filing legal challenges to many of them. (TexasGovermentOnline)

Opponents Plan Court Challenges for Many New Texas Laws

AUSTIN, Texas – The Republican-controlled Texas Legislature passed some of the nation's most conservative laws during the current session…

Some are concerned that Texas could lose major sporting events, similar to this year�s Super Bowl in Houston, if the controversial SB 6 bathroom bill becomes law. (wellesenterprises/iStockphoto)

Businesses Opposed to SB 6 Contributed to Sponsors’ Campaigns

AUSTIN, Texas – Public records show several businesses that publicly oppose Senate Bill 6, the so-called "bathroom bill" in the Texas …

A new study shows that in states where same-sex marriage was legalized, fewer gay teenagers have attempted to take their own lives. (DoroO/iStockphoto)

Study: Legalizing Gay Marriage Brings Drop in Teen Suicides

HOUSTON – New research says state laws legalizing same-sex marriage have brought a reduction in suicide attempts among high-school students…

Throughout the year, people in North Carolina protested HB 2, state legislation that restricts the rights of those who are transgender. (AwakenedEye/iStockphoto)

Texas Closely Watches Fate of NC's Divisive "Bathroom Bill"

AUSTIN, Texas - Advocates for the LGBT community in Texas are voicing concerns that North Carolina's failure to overturn a controversial "bathroom …

A new report finds that major Texas travel and entertainment destinations, such as the Alamo in San Antonio, could lose billions of dollars if the state passes an anti-LGBT

Report: Passing Anti-LGBT Bill Could Cost Texas Billions

AUSTIN, Texas – Some state leaders are prioritizing a so-called anti-LGBT bathroom bill for the upcoming session of the Legislature, but a new …

A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction blocking Obama administration guidelines on transgender students' use of bathrooms. (Faull/iStockphoto)

Judge Blocks Bathroom Rules for Transgender Students

AUSTIN, Texas - A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked Obama administration guidelines to public schools that allow transgender students to …

Texas is getting an earful from civil-rights advocates over its lawsuit challenging recent federal guidance to schools on the restroom rights of transgender students. (faull/iStockphoto)

A Swarm of Criticism for Texas' Transgender-Restroom Lawsuit

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas officials are seeing a firestorm of criticism over their lawsuit against the Obama administration's guidance on how schools …

Events like the Super Bowl could on the line in the vote on anti-discrimination in November. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas/Wikimedia Commons.

Campaign Launches to Protect Equal Rights in Houston

HOUSTON - A coalition of 35 organizations is mounting "Houston Unites," a campaign to keep the city's equal rights ordinance on the books. Terri …

Local faith leaders urge U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement to stop deportations. Credit: Bethany Carson.

Faith Leaders Urge ICE to Stop Deportation of LGBT Activist

AUSTIN, Texas – A group of faith leaders and activists gathered at First Unitarian Universalist Church in Austin on Wednesday in an effort to …

Equal rights advocates plan next steps after U.S. Supreme Court marriage equality ruling. Credit: Neon Tommy, Wikimedia Commons.

Moving Forward After Obergefell v. Hodges

AUSTIN, Texas - Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists and supporters are gathering at the State Capitol today to discuss the effect of the …

PHOTO: A recent statewide survey found a strong majority of Texas voters believe discrimination against gay and transgender Texans is a problem. Photo credit: Magnus Manske/Wikimedia Commons.

Majority of Texas Voters Oppose LGBT Discrimination

AUSTIN, Texas - Nearly two-thirds of likely voters in Texas support protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Texans from discrimination…

PHOTO: Texas lawmakers are considering new legislation that could subject lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to discrimination and even criminal prosecution. Photo credit: Ricraider/Wikimedia Commons.

Lawmakers to Hear Series of Religious Refusal Laws

AUSTIN, Texas - While outrage continues to grow over religious-refusal laws passed in Indiana, Texas lawmakers are considering at least 20 bills …

PHOTO: The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments next month on the constitutionality of state bans on same-sex marriage, as is currently the law in Texas. Photo credit: us006409/Flickrl.

New Group Focused on Equality for Texas LGBT Community

AUSTIN, Texas - As the legal battle continues in Texas over same-sex marriage, a new group is forming to help members of the state's lesbian, gay…

Foto: La Suprema Corte de los EE. UU. escuchar� el mes pr�ximo los argumentos sobre la constitucionalidad de la prohibici�n del estado a los matrimonios del mismo sexo, tal como est� actualmente en Texas. Cr�dito de la foto: us006409/Flickrl.

Nuevo grupo enfocado en igualdad para comunidad LGBT en Texas

AUSTIN, Texas – Un nuevo grupo de trabajo enfocado en mejorar la vida de la comunidad LGBT in Texas se prepara para su primera junta, que …

PHOTO: It's recommended that everyone, regardless of risk, get an HIV test at least once in his or her lifetime. Today is World's AIDS Day. Photo credit: Bordecia34/Flickr.

More Than 4,000 New HIV/AIDS Cases in Texas Each Year

AUSTIN, Texas – Today marks the observance of World AIDS Day, and while much progress has been made in treating AIDS, the number of new HIV …

PHOTO: More than half of teens surveyed for the Pew Research Internet Project said they'd observed instances of cyber-bullying. Photo courtesy www.bullyingeducation.org.

A Thick Skin: Preparing Your Child for 21st Century Bullying

AUSTIN, Texas - Bullying is no longer a behavior that happens mostly on the playground or the school bus. Social media is providing online channels …

GRAPHIC: There is new evidence that bullied children are more likely to grow into adults with anxiety disorders and depression. Courtesy of JAMA Psychiatry.

New Study: Bullying Lasts a Lifetime

AUSTIN, Texas – Those who think bullying is something children "grow out of" may want to think again. A new study from Duke University finds …

New Prom Rules For Small-Town Texas School ... A Sign of the Times?

JARRELL, Texas – Eighteen-year-old Allison Brawley will be taking the date of her choice to the Jarrell High School senior prom tomorrow night -…

Nuevo Reglamento para “Prom” en Preparatoria de Texas... ¿Señal de Tiempos Modernos?

JARRELL, Texas – Después de varias apelaciones a oficiales escolares y de distritos, a una estudiante lesbiana de preparatoria en una …

Texas Suicide Awareness Walks Begin Tomorrow

SAN ANTONIO - A nationwide suicide-prevention campaign comes to Texas starting Saturday morning with a pledge walk in San Antonio. Funds raised will …

Free Tests in Texas on HIV Testing Day (Monday)

AUSTIN, Texas - Today is National HIV Testing Day. Free tests are available in at least seven Texas cities, including Dallas, Houston and San Antonio…

“Death Panel” Accusations Hit Texas Senate

AUSTIN, Texas - A Senate Finance panel has recommended restoring $4.5 billion for various health and human services in the next state budget…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 18, 2024

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TX: LGBTQIA+ Issues