GLBTQ Issues / Public News Service

Until recently, school boards were often free of politics. But pushback against COVID-19 measures, teachings about race and book-ban movements have made them a part of culture war debates in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, September 29, 2023

Concerns mount over 'extreme' school board candidates in MN

Nearly 100 school board elections are coming up in Minnesota this fall, with some gaining attention because of the candidates who are running…

Republican lawmakers have introduced 40 bills targeting colleges and universities since 2022 in an effort to end practices including DEI trainings, and classes that deal with systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Colorado College offers HAVEN for transfer students from anti-DEI states

In a growing backlash since the nation was rocked by the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police, five states have now passed anti-diversity…

In 2021, more than 36,000 people received an HIV diagnosis in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day calls for testing, prevention

Today is National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, and Nevada is one of the 10 states with the highest HIV infection rates. In 2021, more than 11,00…

Seven in 10 Oregonians over age 45 have been caregivers for a loved one. (anut21ng Stock/Adobe Stock)

Assisted Living Week: Access to Long-Term Care Critical, Oregonians Say

This week is National Assisted Living Week, highlighting the hard work put in to help older people and people living with disabilities. Many …

According to the Anti-Defamation League, there were 356 reported anti-LGBTQ hate incidents between June 2022 and April 2023. They

Survey: LGBTQ Youth Affected by Drumbeat of 'Anti-' Policy Coverage

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youths in Nebraska and across the country are exposed to a steady stream of news about anti-LGBTQ …

Unlike independent congregations, United Methodist churches are part of a larger international network that elects representatives to govern the denomination. It operates under a representative democracy, much like the federal government, complete with checks and balances. (Adobe Stock/Kit Leong)

Church Leaders Outline Disaffiliation Risks for Rural NC

By Sarah Melotte for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service Service for the Public News Service/Daily Y…

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 …

The Right Time initiative conducted an online survey of 1,000 Missouri residents between April 27 and May 3. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Is Birth Control Legal? Many Missourians Unsure

One in four Missourians either doesn't believe or doesn't know that using birth control pills is legal in the state. The Right Time, an initiative …

A memorial has spring up outside Lauri Carleton's store in Cedar Glen, Calif., in the wake of her murder. (Michael Feddersen)

Lake Arrowhead Community Reels after Woman Murdered Over Pride Flag

Community members in the Lake Arrowhead area are planning to distribute free rainbow flags this week - in memory of Lauri Carleton, a 66-year-old …

Queer Bike Brigade participants are among approximately 3 million LGBTQ+ people estimated to live in rural America. (Ilana Newman)

Breaking Barriers for LGBTQ+ in the Outdoors

By Ilana Newman for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collabora…

Oregon high school students felt less engaged last year than the year before, according to the YouthTruth survey. (coachwood/Adobe Stock)

Survey of OR Students Provides Guidance as School Returns

The new school year is approaching and schools in Oregon are using data to figure out what students need to feel like they belong. The organization …

In its most recent session, the North Dakota Legislature advanced nearly a dozen bills deemed hostile towards the LGBTQ community, including several new laws that advocates say unfairly target transgender students. (Adobe Stock)

ND Schools Prep for Laws Targeting Transgender Students

North Dakota school districts are making final preparations for the new academic year. But there are questions about what the environment will be …

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has found trauma is present in almost every age, race, ability, and socioeconomic group. (MNStudios/Pixabay)

NM Teachers Have Tools to Ease 'Back to School' Transition

Since the pandemic, back-to-school season brings up a lot of emotions for parents and kids, and can be even harder for those affected by a school …

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 …

In the 2018-2019 academic year, the Indiana Dept. of Education identified 16,380 unhoused students enrolled in Indiana schools, or about 1.5% of the total student population. (Adobe Stock)

A New Resource for Indiana Youth Facing Homelessness

The number of homeless adults in Indiana was at a troubling level even before the pandemic, and today, another demographic is facing the same …

One in five U.S. adults, or nearly 53 million people, lived with a mental illness in 2020, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. (NLawrenson/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

DACA Weighs on Some During BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month

Racism and discrimination act as stressors to increase mental health vulnerability, according to experts, especially for BIPOC individuals; Black…

Ohio and many other states have recently passed DEI-related legislation, calling into question what can be taught in classrooms. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Educators Concerned About Impact of DEI Legislation

By Nya Brunson / Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan reporting for the Central State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Higher education …

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…

Three in 10 transgender youths aged 13 to 17 live in states that have passed bans on gender-affirming care, according to the Human Relations Campaign. (Adragan/AdobeStock)

Tennessee Ban on Health Care for Transgender Youths Takes Effect

A new law banning gender-affirming health care for transgender youths is now in effect in the Tennessee. The law prohibits medical providers from …

Florida lawmakers changed language in a higher ed bill which would have banned course topics on gender and women's studies. (Pixabay)

The Fight to Preserve the Future of Gender and Women's Studies

By Aviva Dove-Viebahn for Ms. Magazine.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Florida News Connection reporting for the Ms. Magazine-Public News …

In a statement, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said,

LGBTQ+ AZ Advocate Reacts to Gov. Hobbs Executive Orders

It's been just over two weeks since Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs issued two-pro LGBTQ+ executive orders which ensure gender-affirming care is covered by …

The Utah State University research estimates that 39% of transgender people currently meet the criteria for severe psychological distress, compared with 5% of the overall U.S. population. (Adobe Stock)

USU Finds Clinicians Aren't Well-Versed in Transgender Health Care

Much has been said about the need for gender-affirming health care - but a Utah State University study says many health-care providers don't have the …

According to Movement Advancement Project, 52% of the LGBTQ+ population lives in states prohibiting discrimination in public accommodations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. (Adobe Stock)

What the Supreme Court's Decision on Creative Services Could Mean in AZ

It has been less than a week since the United States Supreme Court ruled businesses which provide expressive goods can pick and choose who they want t…

A number of studies have found that permitting people to use the bathroom that align with their gender identity does not result in increased violence toward women. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Gov. Vetoes Bills Targeting the LGBTQ+ Community, Harm is Still Produced

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a number of bills this past legislative session which targeted the LGBTQ+ community. Jeanne Woodbury, interim …

56% of LGBTQ+ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it, according to the Trevor Project. (Adobe Stock)

Study Shows Benefits of Creativity for Youth Mental Health

Young people who engage in creative activities report a reduction in feelings of stress or anxiety, according to a new study. The Adobe Foundation …

Some 20 states have passed laws that either ban or restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth. (Adobe Stock)

Assessing Gender-Affirming Care Bans After Key Ruling

A legal decision has added a major wrinkle to the movement to adopt gender-affirming care bans for transgender youths. It's unclear how it might …

Santa Fe, New Mexico's capital city, will mark the 30th anniversary of Pride celebrations on Saturday, June 24, with a festival on the downtown plaza. (unm.org)

NM Touts Prominent Advances in LGBTQ Rights During 'Pride Month'

New laws offering greater protections for New Mexico's LGBTQ+ community are taking effect in the coming days as diversity is celebrated during June's …

What's Next for SD After Ruling on Arkansas' Gender-Affirming Care Ban?

South Dakota's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth is scheduled to go into effect on July 1. But opponents are looking into what the …

According to the Trevor Project, 16% of LGBTQ youth report they had slept away from parents or caregivers because they ran away from home, with more than half citing mistreatment or fear of mistreatment due to their LGBTQ identity. (Adobe Stock)

Feds Launch Housing Access Effort for LGBTQ Youth

Pride Month serves as a celebration of the LGTBQ community, but it also can raise awareness of challenges these individuals face. That includes youth …

Nebraska was one of 10 states to further restrict abortion access in the 2023 legislative session. At least 48 bills were passed involving restrictions for LGBTQ+ individuals. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

Plaintiffs Speak Out in Suit Against Controversial New NE Law

A new Nebraska law is now the subject of a lawsuit filed in the District Court of Lancaster County. In its amended form, Legislative Bill 574 …

Human rights advocates point out in 2023, North Dakota adopted nearly a dozen laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community. (Adobe Stock)

Tracing the Origins of ND's Anti-Transgender Laws

Human rights voices are calling attention to new North Dakota laws deemed hostile toward LGBTQ+ individuals, saying it is part of a movement led by …

28% of LGBTQ youth say they've experienced homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives while 14% of LGBTQ youth report being kicked out of their home or abandoned, according to the Trevor Project. (Adobe Stock)

NH House Rejects Controversial 'Parental Bill of Rights'

Advocates for the LGBTQ community are celebrating following New Hampshire's rejection of a so-called "parental bill of rights." Two Republicans cros…

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 …

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has used New College of Florida, a tiny, public liberal arts college on the shores of Sarasota Bay, as an example for his war on

Some New College of Florida Students Feel 'Trapped' in 'Hostile Takeover'

Following what's described as a "hostile takeover" by right-wing conservatives, at the progressive New College of Florida, students and prospective …

Around 77,900 transgender youths live in 11 states that passed bans or took other executive actions this year or in prior years to prohibit or limit their access to gender-affirming care. (Valerii Honcharuk/Adobe Stock)

NC Advocates, Doctors Speak Out Against Ban on Gender-Affirming Care

In North Carolina, advocates and health care professionals are voicing their opposition to recent medical care restrictions they call legislative …

Gov. Jay Inlsee has signed a slate of bills passed by lawmakers protecting access to abortions in Washington state. (CrackerClips/Adobe Stock)

After Legislative Session, WA Leads Nation in Protections for Abortion

Washington state lawmakers have passed some of the strongest protections for abortion access in the country. With another session in the books…

Among other things, a new Minnesota law prohibits the enforcement of child removal requests from another state if a family travels to Minnesota in pursuit of gender-affirming care. (Adobe Stock)

SD's Neighbor Prepares to Serve as 'Trans Refuge' State

A new report found more than half of transgender youth in the U.S. have lost -- or are at risk of losing -- access to gender-affirming health care…

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 …

Democratic lawmakers are calling for term limits to ensure each president has the opportunity to appoint the same number of Supreme Court justices each term, in an effort to make the high court more democratically representative. (Adobe Stock)

MA Lawmakers Call for Expansion of U.S. Supreme Court

Massachusetts lawmakers in Congress are calling for an expansion of the U.S. Supreme Court due to what they said are "ethical lapses" and "partisan …

The Idaho law banning gender affirming care for youth goes into effect in 2024. (Mark Bradbury/Adobe Stock)

ID Anti-Trans Laws Tied to Anti-Democracy Movement, Group Says

Idaho lawmakers passed several measures this session that target transgender people. One group says this effort is connected to a wider movement to …

Gender affirming care can improve the mental health of young people. (AngelHerrezuelo/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Supports Trans Youth as Attacks Across US Increase

As legislation across the country targets transgender people, Washington state lawmakers are moving in the opposite direction. The Legislature …

A bill that could threaten transgender people's legal rights in Montana has passed the Senate and is in the House. (pabrady63/Adobe Stock)

MT Coalition Stands Up Against Anti-Trans Bills

As the Montana Legislature considers bills that target transgender people, a coalition of groups in the state wants impacted folks to know they stand …

According to the Trevor Project, two-thirds of LGBTQ+ youth report debates over state laws restricting the rights of transgender youth have negatively affected their mental health. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation Advances Targeting LGBTQ+ Arizonans

This week, multiple bills are making their way through the Arizona Legislature some say unfairly target LGBTQ+ people. One measure, Senate Bill 1040…

Voters in the Governor Wentworth Regional School District recently passed a pro-book warrant resolution, Article 39, which prohibits spending town funds on the banning of books or other content from the Wolfeboro Public Library. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Public Education Backers Celebrate NH Local Election Wins

Public education advocates in New Hampshire say the results of recent school board elections showed families overwhelmingly support their public schoo…

The Human Rights Campaign says so far in 2023, it has tracked more than 460 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in statehouses across the country. More than 190 aim to specifically restrict the rights of transgender people. (Adobe Stock)

Anti-Trans Bills in ND Give Way to 'Government Overreach' Messaging

In the coming days, North Dakota's governor will decide whether to sign several bills targeting transgender individuals. LGBTQ advocates say no …

According to the Trevor Project, LGBTQ youth who found their school to be LGBTQ-affirming reported lower rates of attempting suicide. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Bill Restricting Use of Preferred Pronouns Advances to House Floor

A Republican-backed bill is making its way through the Legislature that could restrict the use of preferred gender pronouns in Arizona schools…

According to PEN America, 138 school districts in 32 states enacted some form of book ban or restriction from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Possible Children's Book Ban in Indiana Draws Concerns

Indiana lawmakers are still debating a bill that would ban some books in school libraries. Senate Bill 12 passed the Indiana Senate at the end of …

President Lyndon Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act into law a week after Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassiniation. (Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons)

55 Years Later, Fair Housing Act Could Go Further

April is national fair housing month and this marks 55 years since the federal Fair Housing Act was signed into law. The Act gives people an avenue …

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LGBTQIA+ Issues