GLBTQ Issues / Public News Service

65% of LGBTQ+ young people in Indiana reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety, and 43% reported of LGBTQ+ young people in Indiana seriously considered suicide in the past year.(Adobe Stock)

Rural IN LGBTQ+ youth seek safe, welcoming spaces

Rural LGBTQ+ youth in Indiana face greater mental health challenges, but have found ways to build community online, according to a new report…

Nearly one-third of Illinois' state budget is allocated to Medicaid and more than 60% of the funding is federal dollars. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid cuts: Disproportionate effects predicted for LGBTQ+ in IL

Advocacy groups are speaking out about how they believe congressional cuts to Medicaid will disproportionately affect caregiver LGBTQ+ communities in …

In May, protesters in Hanford rallied against Medicaid cuts. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that almost 8 million people would lose Medicaid under the Republican

During Pride Month, CA LGBTQ+ advocates fight proposed cuts to Medi-Cal

June is Pride Month, and people who fight for LGBTQ+ health care are speaking out against huge proposed cuts to Medicaid, known as Medi-Cal in the …

The economic boost of wedding spending by same-sex couples in the western United States since Obergefell v. Hodges totals $1.7 billion, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. (Adobe Stock)

NV protects gay marriage as law celebrates 10 years

This week, the law guaranteeing same-sex marriage equality turned 10. But advocates are concerned about the growing number of threats it now faces…

Montana group lifts queer and transgender resilience with latest zine

As Pride month winds downs, a Montana group said the latest edition of its zine celebrating queer and transgender folks is still hot off the presses…

During Pride Month, LGBTQ+ organizations say it's important to draw a distinction between businesses that openly express support for the community and those releasing statements of solidarity but failing to be an ally throughout the year. (Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ+ organizations in SD team up to land more business allies

As Pride Month winds down, LGBTQ+ support groups in South Dakota said they are strengthening a resource tool detailing which businesses are willing …

The president of the Indianapolis-based NCAA says fewer than 10 transgender athletes compete in college sports nationwide, with none in Indiana. (Adobe Stock)

IN college sports ban on trans athletes starts July 1

A new Indiana law takes effect July 1 banning transgender women and girls from playing on women's college sports teams, expanding the state's earlier …

State funding sustains programs like the Reproductive Justice and Freedom Fund, which support nonprofits promoting abortion rights and equity in sexual health. (Ryzhkov/Adobe Stock)<br />

LGBTQ+ advocates fight to keep state budget grants

California groups fighting for equality and inclusivity in health care are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign the state budget as is, leaving LGBTQ+ …

Cities across New Mexico are celebrating Pride Month, with a parade scheduled at Santa Fe's historic downtown plaza on Sat., June 28. (Alberto/Adobe Stock)

NM Pride celebrations urge 'resilience' after U.S. v. Skrmetti ruling

Amid concerns about the breakdown in protections for LGBTQ folks, a New Mexico advocacy group says resilience is needed to ensure their safety and …

Nebraska is celebrating Pride month with events across the state, including a parade and festival in Grand Island on June 28th. (Adobe Stock)

Out Nebraska rebrands, increases outreach during Pride Month

The nonprofit Out Nebraska is marking Pride month with a series of parades, marches and other events across the state in June. The group is also …

According to the ACLU, more than 100,000 transgender people younger than age 18 live in Tennessee, which is the latest state to enact a ban on allowing them to receive gender-affirming health care. (Zamrznuti Tonovi/Adobe Stock)

Reaction to TN's ban on gender-affirming health care for trans youth

Tennessee this week joined two dozen other states in banning gender-affirming medical care for young people who are transgender. The U.S. Supreme …

Opponents of upholding bans on gender-affirming care for transgender youth say it opens the door to heavily restricting birth control and in vitro fertilization, or IVF. (Adobe Stock)

Challenge to ND gender-affirming care ban in play, despite SCOTUS ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday released an opinion that allows Tennessee to keep in place a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. While seen …

The California Civil Rights Department website includes tips on how to file a complaint under state LGBTQ+ antidiscrimination laws. (Leonidkos/Adobe Stock)

Fighting discrimination on LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day

Today is LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day and California advocates are speaking out against federal attacks on workplace protections. On his first …

More than nine in 10 non-LGBTQ+ Americans believe Pride individuals should have the freedom to live their life without discrimination. (alexmak/Adobe Stock)

Despite backlash, NM residents support purveyors of LGBTQ+ Pride products

Boycotts over a Bud Light advertisement featuring a transgender customer and the Target Corporation for sales of Pride merchandise have not dampened N…

The Washington legislature passed a number of bills this session aimed at protecting queer and trans rights, including a controversial bill that expands students' privacy in regards to counseling they receive at school. (Mitch/Adobe Stock)

WA group highlights Black trans performers for Pride Month

June is Pride Month, and Washington's Lavender Rights Project is celebrating with a Black Trans Comedy Showcase. This is the largest fundraiser of …

In 1981, the first Pride event was a dinner at the now-gone Essex House Hotel, where many of the attendees wore masks upon entering the hotel so as not to be recognized. (Adobe Stock)

Indy Pride turns 30, refuses to be quiet

Indiana's largest LGBTQ+ celebration kicks off this weekend as Indy Pride marks its 30th anniversary. The event expands this year to two days…

Among those surveyed, 85% of Americans believe CEOs have a responsibility to speak up about things that matter to their consumers and shareholders, according to GLAAD. (Adobe Stock)

Pride products from companies supported by consumers, report finds

Pride Month is here and new research finds most consumers in Maryland and across the country stand behind brands who support the LGBTQ+ community…

The Williams Institute reported almost three million members of the LGBTQ+ community live in the Midwest. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: IN businesses benefit from offering Pride merchandise

A new survey found most consumers stand behind brands showing support for the LGBTQ+ community. GLAAD, the nonprofit behind the survey, said it …

Black transgender people experience higher unemployment rates, at twice the rate of the overall transgender community, according to The National Transgender Discrimination Survey. (Adobe Stock)

NV governor vetoes pair of transgender bills, community calls for equity

It is Pride Month but this year's celebrations in Nevada may be tempered by state and federal actions prompting concern from the transgender community…

More than 40% of transgender and gender-nonconforming people reported being discriminated against while using the bathroom. (Adobe Stock)

As trans rights roll back, gender-diverse Virginians face job market barriers

Transgender, intersex and gender-diverse people face barriers entering and rising in the workplace and advocates said employers can do better to make …

Some 17% of students surveyed said they felt like they could not express their opinion on a subject at least a couple of times a week because of how fellow students, a professor or the administration would respond. (Gatot/Adobe Stock)

Report: TX college students feel free speech is targeted

Texas colleges are getting mixed marks when it comes to protecting free speech on campus. The College Free Speech Rankings include survey results …

More than 14% of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth use tobacco, compared to nearly 8% of heterosexual youth. (Adobe Stock)

Tobacco use among those in LGBTQ+ community higher than average

As Pride Month begins, experts are concerned about rates of tobacco use in the LGBTQ+ community and one expert explained policies targeting people in …

Organizers of Pride events said they want entities with big platforms to back the LGTBQ+ community year-round, including during legislative seasons and not just supportive messages and sponsorships during June. (Adobe Stock)

Under political storm, MN Pride events look to genuine community support

As Pride events take shape in June, Minnesota organizers recognize a more hostile political climate this year toward LGBTQ+ populations. It has …

According to a 2024 survey, 82% of American transgender employees reported experiencing discrimination or harassment at work. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates shed light on discrimination against trans folks during Pride Month

June is Pride Month, and transgender advocates are speaking out, seeking equal recognition in society and in the workplace. The U.S. Supreme Court …

Coloradans support companies selling LGBTQ+ Pride products

In 2023, Bud Light faced backlash after transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney promoted the beer and Target has experienced backlash for selling LGBTQ+…

Transgender individuals said they often encounter discrimination in hiring and promotions and limited job opportunities. (Trans Can Work)

During Pride Month, transgender people fight for justice

June is Pride Month and transgender advocates are speaking out, seeking equal recognition in society and in the workplace. The U.S. Supreme Court …

A GLAAD survey showed 64% of African Americans, 55% of Hispanic Americans and 60% of individuals aged 18-34 feel comfortable with brands openly support LGBTQ+ organizations and nonprofits. (Viktor/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Pennsylvania consumers support companies selling Pride products

June is Pride Month and new research found most Pennsylvania consumers back brands supporting the LGBTQ+ community. The Gay and Lesbian Alliance …

Survey: Consumers support companies that sell Pride products

Pride Month is here and new research has found most consumers stand behind brands who show their support to the LGBTQ+ community. GLAAD, the LGBTQ …

According to Gallup, the number of self-identifying LGBTQ+ Americans is up more than 160% since 2012. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Americans support LGBTQ products during Pride Month

Pride Month is here and new research found most consumers stand behind brands who show their support to the LGBTQ+ community, which represents about 6…

Same-sex couples are seven times more likely to be raising an adopted or foster child. (Adobe Stock)

Expert breaks down myths surrounding same-sex families and adoption

Some same-sex couples who are looking to adopt may feel intimidated or concerned about their prospects. But adoption experts say that doesn't need to …

High school and college students will take over the airwaves on the first and third Saturday in Arkansas in the revival of the PHAT LIP! You(th)Talk Radio show (avdyachenko/Adobe Stock)

Radio show gives AR students a voice

A groundbreaking radio show from the early 1990s is returning this weekend in Arkansas. The PHAT LIP! You(th)Talk Radio show will be back on the …

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a law shortening the time frame for voter registration, despite a 2024 Montana Supreme Court ruling a 2021 law banning same-day voter registration was unconstitutional. (MK Photo/Adobe Stock)<br />

Montana governor signs law tightening voter registration window

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has seen the last few bills of the 2025 legislative session cross his desk and as the ink dries, policy experts reminded …

Nearly 100% of student leaders identified academic pressure as a chief stressor, according to a new report.

Report: WI youth mental health struggles at all-time high

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the latest state data show the number of Wisconsin youth who are struggling with their mental health has spik…

Some reports suggest the Pentagon will look at medical records to see if service members have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria. (Adobe Stock)

Trump admin to begin transgender military ban after court ruling

The Pentagon will begin removing transgender troops from the military after the Supreme Court ruled last week that a ban could be enforced as lawsuits…

The Trevor Project estimated more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people in the United States seriously consider suicide each year. They warn more lives would be at risk if the White House is allowed to cut specialized services under the 988 crisis line. (Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ+ youth advocates want crisis line shielded from federal budget ax

LGBTQ+ advocates in South Dakota are reeling from passage of another state law they said harms their community. Now, there is concern possible …

Americans' privacy protections have not kept pace with rapidly evolving surveillance technologies. (Liubomir/Adobe Stock)

NM LGBTQ+ advocacy group pushes for new data privacy laws

Anyone who uses a cell phone or laptop shares hundreds of personal data points, and a New Mexico advocacy group wants that information better …

At Northern Arizona University, 56% of the students are White, and 25% are Hispanic or Latino, according to Data USA. (Josh Biggs/Wikimedia Commons)

AZ universities thread needle to comply with Trump DEI order

Arizona universities are figuring out how to comply with President Donald Trump's order to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs - …

A national day of protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk for unprecedented policy changes is scheduled across all 50 states tomorrow. (third act.org)

NM protestors join nationwide 'Hands Off! Day of Action' Saturday

Protestors in more than a dozen New Mexico cities will join thousands nationwide Saturday in what is expected to be the largest single-day protest sin…

Transgender and nonbinary people say their lives are threatened in their home countries. In Mexico alone, according to data from Mexico's National Trans and Nonbinary Assembly, more than 55 trans people were killed last year, making it the second deadliest country in the world for trans people, after Brazil. (Kromstar Studios/Adobe Stock)

U.S. immigration policy leaves trans migrants at TX-Mexico border in limbo

By Chantal Flores for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service …

A 2023 CDC study found 72% of transgender students and 69% of questioning students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's new law: What it means for educators, LGBTQ+ students

By Lauren Cohen / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio's House Bill 8…

The first International Transgender Day of Visibility was held on March 31, 2009. (Elena/Adobe Stock)

Trans Texans call for recognition on Trans Day of Visibility

Today is Transgender Day of Visibility, a day set aside to recognize the contributions of transgender people and raise awareness of discrimination …

The United States has about 3.3 million transgender adults, according to the Human Rights Campaign. (Scott Griessel/Adobe Stock)

Montanans observe International Transgender Day of Visibility at the Statehouse

Today, Montanans will gather outside the Statehouse to observe International Transgender Day of Visibility, during a legislative session that has …

Legislation across the country seeks to block transgender people from receiving health care, education, and even the right to publicly exist. (zera ruzgar/Adobe Stock)

WA advocates honor Trans Day of Visibility

Today is the International Trans Day of Visibility, to recognize the contributions of transgender people in society -- and raise awareness of the …

About one-third of the legislation targeting trans people's rights across the country is focused on schools. (vivalapenler/Adobe Stock)

Honoring OR trans lives amid hostile political climate

Today is International Trans Day of Visibility, to recognize the contributions of transgender people in society - and raise awareness of the …

An estimated 67,000 people identify at LGBTQ+ in Nebraska, according to the Williams Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska LGBTQ+ group builds community with 'friend raiser'

The organization OutNebraska is holding an event not only to raise money for LGBTQ+ issues but to help people better understand the issues and their i…

Could an anti-Pride flag bill cost Utah the Sundance Film Festival?

The future of the Sundance Film Festival in Utah could depend on whether an anti-Pride bill is signed into law by Gov. Spencer Cox. The governor has …

Ohio Senate Bill 1 would require all students to complete a three-credit-hour American history course. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio's SB-1 parallels national administration's anti-DEI sentiment

Debates over academic freedom and diversity initiatives have intensified nationally and in Ohio. Senate Bill 1, known as the Advance Ohio Higher …

The Department of Education has reduced its workforce by nearly 50%, laying off approximately 1,300 employees, with an additional 600 either accepting separation packages or being dismissed during their probationary period. (Photo courtesy of OEA)

Ohio educators alarmed over proposed elimination of DOE

The potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education has sparked concern in Ohio. Threatened moves by the Trump administration's so-called …

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LGBTQIA+ Issues