GLBTQ Issues / Public News Service

Statehouses in conservative-led states have served as ground zero for policies to enact LGBTQ restrictions. However, political experts note the Trump campaign

NE transgender allies ready to navigate nuanced landscape

The Nebraska Legislature kicks off its new session a few weeks from today and issues related to gender identity are likely to be part of the mix…

In 2013, New Mexico became the 16th U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage. (RobertPeak/Adobe Stock)

NM's LGBTQ+ advocates say 'now is not the time to panic'

Inauguration Day is still five weeks away and gay married couples are already watching for signs conservative lawmakers and the courts may attempt to …

Almost half of LGBTQ+ youths aged 13-17 faced bullying in the past year and those who did were significantly more likely to attempt suicide compared with those who were not bullied, according to a Trevor Project survey. (Andrii Zastrozhnov/Adobe Stock)

TN awaits decision in case on gender-affirming care for trans youth

A Supreme Court decision in U.S. v. Skrmetti, challenging Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors, is expected by mid-2025. Since 2021…

According to the American Library Association, the rate of book titles targeted for censorship in public libraries spiked 92% between 2022 and 2023. In school libraries, there was an 11% increase. (Adobe Stock)

SD libraries face future of stricter policies, slashed budgets

South Dakota librarians are implementing new policies for young readers in the new year and they are expecting future challenges, with the governor's …

Transgender activist Monica Helms created a transgender pride flag in 2000 that now hangs in the Smithsonian Institution's collection of LGBTQ historical items and, in 2003, founded the Transgender American Veterans Association. (Flickr)

GA trans activist: Election may bring struggle to save hard-won rights

The issue of transgender rights is back in the news after a recent Supreme Court hearing and Donald Trump's reelection as president returns legal and …

Fourteen states prohibit transgender people from using the restroom consistent with their gender identity, according to Human Rights Campaign. (Chad Robertson/Adobe Stock)

Ohio becomes latest state to enact bathroom-access restrictions

By Andrew Tobias for Signal Cleveland.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Signal Ohio-Public News Service …

In 2023, 1.3 million people around the world newly acquired HIV, more than three times higher than the global target set for 2025 of no more than 370,000. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado commemorates World AIDS Day

Coloradans gathered at Park Hill United Methodist Church in Denver on Sunday to mark World AIDS Day - joining people around the globe to show support …

By 2022, eight out of 10 people living with HIV in Wisconsin were virally suppressed and unable to transmit the virus, according to the Wisconsin Dept. of Human Services. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

World AIDS Day sheds light on prevalence in Wisconsin

This weekend, people around the world united for World AIDS Day - to show support for those living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In …

Some 75% of LGBTQ+ youth in South Dakota in 2022 reported experiencing anxiety, according to The Trevor Project. (Adobe Stock)

Calls to LGBTQ+ helpline surge following Election Day

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in South Dakota are concerned about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their safety, rights and …

The U.S. Supreme Court hears on average 80 cases per session, out of the thousands of requests it receives. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Supreme Court ponders review of WI gender-identity case

The U.S. Supreme Court is deciding whether to review a Wisconsin case over the issue of gender identity at school. The case Parents Protecting Our …

During the 2024 election cycle, nearly $215 million in television advertisements targeting the transgender community flooded airwaves across the country, according to The Trevor Project. (Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ+ folks anxious about what a Trump presidency could bring

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Utah and around the country are concerned about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their safety…

About 90% of LGBTQ+ young people reported that their wellbeing was negatively impacted due to recent politics, according to The Trevor Project.(Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ+ folks in Nevada, nationwide concerned about next Trump presidency

Members of the LGBTQ+ community in Nevada and around the country are concerned about what a second Trump presidency could mean for their safety…

Education groups say censorship of course content by the UNT Administration is an example of extreme overcompliance with SB 17. (Adobe Stock)

University of North Texas accused of extreme DEI restrictions

Educators across the state are watching the University of North Texas, as the school denies it overstepped the parameters of Senate Bill 17. The …

Gay teenager is set to become Utah's youngest elected official

Jackson Lewis, 19, is ready and eager to sit on the nonpartisan Canyons School Board in the south end of Salt Lake Valley. Lewis, who is gay…

The Wyoming Family Alliance Action's 2024 school board candidate questionnaire asked candidates how much they agree with this statement:

Some WY school board elections echoed national politics

School boards are nonpartisan, but a recent trend in Wyoming shows far-right candidates are bringing national politics to local elections. Public …

Senate Bill 1583, a measure banning book bans in Oregon, may resurface in spring. (Jacek Chabraszewski/Adobe Stock)

Post election, educators anticipate classroom censorship

In the wake of Donald Trump's re-election, teachers nationwide are bracing for more censorship battles. Currently, more than 40 laws in 22 states …

The American Library Association reported in 2023, Hoosiers challenged 346 books with LGBTQ+ themes, people of color as the main characters and the Bible in statewide libraries. (Adobe Stock)

IN librarians fear book bans in 2025

As the nation prepares for the second term of President-elect Donald Trump, librarians are increasingly worried about his agenda and what it might …

Mass deportations would cause significant labor shocks across multiple key industries, with especially acute impacts on the construction, agriculture and hospitality sectors, according to the American Immigration Council. (Adobe Stock)

NV progressive groups warn of fallout from 2nd Trump presidency

The presidential vote was close in Nevada and with the results in, local organizations leaning more progressive believe the re-election of Donald …

Older LGBTQ+ people face different health and equity issues than their peers. (Hector/Adobe Stock)

Champion of LGBTQ+ rights in OR wins volunteering award

A champion of rights for older LGBTQ+ people has received recognition for her volunteer work in Oregon. Liz James is the winner of the AARP Andrus …

Idahoans can register to vote on Election Day at their polling place with proof of residency and a photo ID. (Annap/Adobe Stock)

Voter guide available for Idahoans who might face barriers at polls

Election Day is tomorrow and resources are available for people who might face challenges at the polls in Idaho. The American Civil Liberties Union …

A screenshot from a Donald Trump for President advertisement includes a claim fact-checkers have found misleading. Therapists said such rhetoric has taken a toll on undocumented immigrants' mental health. (Photo courtesy of MinnPost)<br />

As identity politics flood the airwaves, MN therapists help affected clients cope

By Deanna Pistono for MinnPost.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Rural News Network-Public News Service C…

Moms of young children remain vastly underrepresented in state capitols across the country, according to the Vote Mama Foundation. (Mediteraneo/Adobe Stock)

Breaking down barriers to seeking political office in New Mexico

In politics, money talks and the barrier makes it tough for the average person to run for office and still harder in New Mexico. State legislators …

Despite unique barriers, a survey shows transgender people in the United States have a higher voter turnout than the general population. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)

NM GOP candidates amplify Trump's debunked transgender surgery claims

A New Mexico, LGBTQ civil rights group says a debunked claim by the Trump-Vance presidential campaign that "sex changes" are taking place in schools …

Forward Montana field workers saod they noticed a

A 'palpable shift' in interest among Montana's young voters

Groups working to get out the vote this November report a "palpable shift" among Montana's young voters since Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden as the …

The oldest continuously running LGBTQ+ film festival is San Francisco's Frameline, formerly called the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, which was started in 1977. (Andrey Lapshin/Adobe Stock)

OutNebraska's 14th Prairie Pride Film Fest in 3 locations this week

OutNebraska's Prairie Pride Film Festival returns for its 14th year this week. Johnny Redd, communications manager for OutNebraska, said the …

Nearly 90% of nonbinary adults in the workforce are younger than age 35 and half are people of color. (Adobe Stock)

Research; Adding trans workers can boost company bottom lines

Experts say a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice, and equally good for a company's bottom line. But reluctance to hire …

Around 36% of transgender Arkansans who responded to a survey reported being fired, being denied a <br />promotion or experiencing some other form of mistreatment related to their gender identity or expression. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Transgender Arkansans report discrimination at work

According to experts, a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice and equally good for a company's bottom line but reluctance to …

Around 42% of female survivors experienced their first rape prior to age 18; 28% of male survivors were first raped prior to age 11. One in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually victimized before age 18. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

Improving Ohio's sexual violence response teams

Sexual violence remains a significant concern in Ohio, and specialized teams, such as Sexual Assault Response Teams and Coordinated Community …

Drag shows are currently banned in Montana and Tennessee. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

TX LGBTQ community fights back against drag show bans

By Nico Lang for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service Collaboration In …

While it's possible to waive some court fees, name changes in Idaho can cost nearly $300. (Uladzislau/Adobe Stock)

Legal clinic in ID helps people through name change process

The legal process for a person to change their name can feel complicated. A workshop in Boise walked people through it. The Wrest Collective…

A Siena College poll showed Democrats support the state's Equal Rights Amendment 89-7% and independents support it 64-23% but Republicans oppose it 55-32%. (Adobe Stock)

Equal Rights Amendment on NY ballot despite challenges

New Yorkers will vote on the state's Equal Rights Amendment in November. Proposition 1 enshrines protections against discrimination based on age…

The average person's struggle to distinguish between true and false online information now extends beyond voting to health, well-being and civic life. (nicoletaionescu/Adobe Stock)

America's 'era of misinformation' not exclusive to elections, voting

Wading through misinformation these days is not exclusive to voting rights and rules - but also can cause confusion about health, well-being…

Nearly 90% of nonbinary adults in the workforce are younger than age 35 and half are people of color. (Marcos/AdobeStock)

Boosting transgender employment could boost a company's bottom line

Experts say a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice, and equally good for a company's bottom line. But reluctance to hire …

Among a host of restrictive laws North Dakota adopted last year targeting the LGBTQ+ community is a policy that forbids transgender students from using school restrooms consistent with their gender identity. (Adobe Stock)

Assessing the youth impact of ND's LGBTQ restrictions

In a few months, North Dakota lawmakers will reconvene. LGBTQ advocates are still unpacking the fallout from the 2023 legislative session, when many …

Last year, nearly 20,000 teens turned 18 or 21 and aged out of foster care without a permanent home. <br />(Rido/Adobe Stock)

Almost 30,000 TX children remain in foster care system

It's a week to celebrate kids, with National Daughters Day today and National Sons Day on Saturday. The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption is …

The Indiana Legislature passed a bill requiring school libraries to publicly post a list of books they offer and provide a complaints process for community members. (Adobe stock)

Indiana Libraries rally against rising censorship efforts

Libraries across Indiana are observing Banned Books Week. The observation started in the 1980s to highlight ongoing censorship efforts aimed at …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported research showed Gay-Straight Alliances or Gender and Sexualities Alliances in schools can give LGBTQ+ students

NE schools play huge role in safety, well-being, rights of LGBTQ+ students

As the new school year starts, Nebraska teachers will again be focusing on their students' emotional well-being and safety as well as academic …

A new online resource helps LGBTQ+ people navigate end-of-life decisions.(Cultura Creative/Adobe Stock)

New online tool aids LGBTQ+ people in making 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 …

A new online resource helps LGBTQ+ couples navigate advance planning decisions (Felix/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

End-of-life decisions made easier for LGBTQ+ people with new online toolkit

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

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 …

According to the American Library Association, some 4,240 book titles were targeted for censorship in 2023, up 65% from the previous all-time high of 2,571 titles in 2022. (Flickr)

Efforts to ban controversial books continue in Michigan libraries

The battle between social conservatives and Michigan libraries to remove certain books from the shelves is becoming increasingly political as the Nove…

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 />

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - December 24, 2024

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LGBTQIA+ Issues

NE transgender allies ready to navigate nuanced landscape

NM's LGBTQ+ advocates say 'now is not the time to panic'

TN awaits decision in case on gender-affirming care for trans youth

SD libraries face future of stricter policies, slashed budgets

GA trans activist: Election may bring struggle to save hard-won rights

Ohio becomes latest state to enact bathroom-access restrictions

Colorado commemorates World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day sheds light on prevalence in Wisconsin

Calls to LGBTQ+ helpline surge following Election Day

U.S. Supreme Court ponders review of WI gender-identity case

LGBTQ+ folks anxious about what a Trump presidency could bring

LGBTQ+ folks in Nevada, nationwide concerned about next Trump presidency

University of North Texas accused of extreme DEI restrictions

Gay teenager is set to become Utah's youngest elected official

Some WY school board elections echoed national politics

Post election, educators anticipate classroom censorship

IN librarians fear book bans in 2025

NV progressive groups warn of fallout from 2nd Trump presidency

Champion of LGBTQ+ rights in OR wins volunteering award

Voter guide available for Idahoans who might face barriers at polls

As identity politics flood the airwaves, MN therapists help affected clients cope

Breaking down barriers to seeking political office in New Mexico

NM GOP candidates amplify Trump's debunked transgender surgery claims

A 'palpable shift' in interest among Montana's young voters

OutNebraska's 14th Prairie Pride Film Fest in 3 locations this week

Research; Adding trans workers can boost company bottom lines

Transgender Arkansans report discrimination at work

Improving Ohio's sexual violence response teams

TX LGBTQ community fights back against drag show bans

Legal clinic in ID helps people through name change process

Equal Rights Amendment on NY ballot despite challenges

America's 'era of misinformation' not exclusive to elections, voting

Boosting transgender employment could boost a company's bottom line

Assessing the youth impact of ND's LGBTQ restrictions

Almost 30,000 TX children remain in foster care system

Indiana Libraries rally against rising censorship efforts

NE schools play huge role in safety, well-being, rights of LGBTQ+ students

New online tool aids LGBTQ+ people in making end-of-life decisions

End-of-life decisions made easier for LGBTQ+ people with new online toolkit

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

Efforts to ban controversial books continue in Michigan libraries

Anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes rise in CA

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

New IN law requires five-year tenure reviews of professors

AZ senator: Many liberties at stake ahead of election

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

Controversy continues over Ohio 'Bathroom Bill'

Majority of married same-sex couples say marriage equality threatened