GLBTQ Issues / Public News Service

A new mentorship program for LGBTQ+ teens is part of AmeriCorps' Safe and Supportive Schools initiative. (Jirsak/Adobestock)

AmeriCorps’ First LGBTQ+ Mentoring Program Helps Central Valley Teens

FRESNO, Calif. -- AmeriCorps has teamed up with the nonprofit Equality California to offer a groundbreaking mentorship program for LGBTQ+ teens in …

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 …

Between 2020 and 2021, LGBTQ elected officials in the U.S. increased by 17 percent, with 986 now serving. (Ivan Burchak/AdobeStock)

MI Groups: Keep LGBTQ Communities Together in New Voting Maps

LANSING, Mich. -- Michiganders are drawing new voting-district maps, with help from data from the 2020 census, but advocates for LGBTQ political …

Missouri, Nevada, Illinois and Oregon are among the most recent states to update their HIV laws.(nito/Adobe Stock)

MO Makes First Update to HIV Criminalization Laws in 30 Years

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - A bill that went into effect over the weekend makes the first reforms to Missouri's HIV criminalization laws since they were …

Less than 15% of Michigan students had been tested for a sexually transmitted infection other than HIV in the last year, according to CDC surveys. (Adobe Stock)

MI Youth Groups Urge Inclusive Sex-Ed Curricula

LANSING, Mich. - Youth advocates for comprehensive sexual education are urging school districts to adopt curricula that use inclusive and …

There are 31 LGBTQ individuals holding elected office in Ohio. (AdobeStock)

LGBTQ Ohioans Look for Fair Representation

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio leaders are drawing new voting district maps, with help from data from the 2020 census, but advocates for LGBTQ political …

Between 2020 and 2021, the number of LGBTQ elected officials serving across the U.S. increased by 17%. (michaklootwijk/Adobe Stock)

Census Lacks Key Data on LGBTQ Communities for Redistricting

CHICAGO -- Counties, towns and school districts across the state, and the Illinois Legislature, are drawing new voting district maps, with help from …

A directive signed by New Mexico's governor Monday aims to broaden LGBTQ inclusivity by providing better state services. (SatyaPrem/Pixabay)

NM Advances Sexual-Orientation and Gender-Identity Data Collection

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Bridging gaps in services for LGBTQ New Mexicans is the goal of an executive order signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham Monday…

Across the United States, 46 states have laws allowing for harsher punishment for crimes based on bias. (Ludk/Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah Could Improve Its Hate-Crime Laws

SALT LAKE CITY - With rising numbers of people targeted in hate crimes and related violence, a new report analyzes the hate-crime laws in each state…

Senate Bill 5194 turns 200 part-time faculty positions at community and technical colleges into full-time positions. (paulaphoto/Adobe Stock)

WA Law Aims to Make Comm, Technical Colleges More Inclusive

SEATTLE -- Washington state community and technical college staff members are excited about a measure aimed at improving the success of students of co…

Research from the International Review of Psychiatry indicates lesbian and bisexual female veterans are much more likely to report frequent mental distress, low satisfaction with life, and sleep problems compared to heterosexual veterans. (Adobe Stock)

VA Works to Educate LGBTQ Veterans about Healthcare Options

HARTFORD, Conn. -- LGBTQ+ veterans in Connecticut and beyond can get help learning about health services available to them, through a 10-week program …

It's estimated there are around one million LGBTQ veterans who served in the various branches of the U.S. military. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — It's estimated there are around one million LGBTQ veterans who served in the various branches of the U.S. military. (Adobe Stock)

Program Aims to Empower LGBTQ Veterans to Seek Healthcare

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- A ten-week education program that focuses on sexual orientation and gender identity aims to reduce health disparities among …

With hundreds of bills viewed as hostile toward people in the LGBTQ community proposed in many states this year, advocates say it's important to stand in support throughout the year, not just during Pride Month. (Adobe Stock)

SD Group: Keep Marching for LGBTQ Rights, Even After Parades

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - June is LGBTQ Pride Month, which often includes parades and other celebrations. But a South Dakota group says this year, it's …

The fight against HIV/AIDS continues, 40 years after the disease began to ravage American cities and towns. (Nito/Adobe Stock)

Californians Mark 40th Anniversary of AIDS Epidemic

LOS ANGELES -- Forty years ago this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported the first cases of what would become known as HIV/…

Fargo's proposed hate-crime ordinance would center around three existing underlying crimes, including criminal mischief, harassment and simple assault. (Adobe Stock)

Fargo Considers Proposed Hate-Crime Law

FARGO, N.D. -- Efforts to adopt a statewide hate-crime bill stalled in the North Dakota Legislature this year, but there's some action at the local …

Advocates point to three bills passed by Montana lawmakers that will have a negative impact on trans community members. (USDA NRCS Montana/Flickr)

MT Legislative Session's Emotional Toll on Trans Community

HELENA, Mont. -- The transgender community faced an unprecedented number of attacks from the Montana Legislature this session, advocates said…

Advocates say a video which went viral of a boy cutting down a Pride flag in front of his school sends a negative message to Utah's transgender and LGBTQ students. (Adobe Stock)

Group Rallies to Counter Messages Aimed at UT Transgender Students

SALT LAKE CITY -- As the issues surrounding transgender and LGBTQ students become increasingly politicized in Utah, one group is providing support …

By some estimates, 40% of young people experiencing homelessness in the United States are LGBTQ+.(Srdjan/Adobe Stock)

New Training on LGBTQ+ Inclusivity for Homelessness Programs

LOS ANGELES -- A new program aims to help staff at homeless shelters better care for their LGBTQ+ clients. Experts from the Equality California …

The Florida Legislature has passed a bill that would block transgender children from playing on sports teams that don't align with their gender at birth. (Pexels)

FL Republicans Ban Transgender Athletes, Send Bill to Governor

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Last-minute maneuvering by Republican lawmakers revived a bill that would ban transgender girls and women from playing on public …

Nationwide, more than 250 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in state legislatures. (Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ Advocates Oppose Bills Seen as Harmful to Trans Youth

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri House of Representatives advanced a bill aimed to ban transgender kids from participating in girls sports…

At the North Dakota capitol this year, the transgender sports bill is among legislation that saw the most spirited debate. (Adobe Stock)

Pressure on Burgum to Veto Transgender Sports Bill

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota's governor faces growing calls to reject legislation that would bar transgender student athletes from playing on …

More than 20 state legislatures, including Michigan's, are considering trans sports bans. (Adobe Stock)

It's a Full-Court Press for Opponents of MI Trans Sports Ban

LANSING, Mich. - Opponents of Michigan's proposed trans sports ban are working to educate people about what they see as its dangers. Senate Bill 218…

A national group tracking anti-transgender legislation in the United States says at least 80 bills have been introduced this year, an all-time record. (Adobe Stock)

Transgender Advocates Look Ahead to Future Legislative Fights

PIERRE, S.D. - The dust is still settling from recent debate in the South Dakota Legislature over the so-called "transgender sports" bill. Advocates …

Montana and other state legislatures have introduced a record number of bills restricting rights for trans people. (Tracy/Flickr)

MT Lawmakers Focus on Restricting Trans, Reproductive Rights

HELENA, Mont. -- Conservative social issues are a top priority in Montana's legislative session this year, but opponents are pushing back. A slate …

Conservative lawmakers across the nation are responding to an executive order by President Joe Biden that bans discrimination based on gender identity in school sports and elsewhere. (Brett Sayles/Pexels)

Opponents Call FL Bill Targeting Transgender Athletes Dangerous, Discriminatory

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Republicans in Congress and more than 20 state legislatures, including Florida, seek to ban trans athletes from competing in …

Bills that would restrict transgender students from competing in high school sports have surfaced in several states this spring, including North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ Advocates: Our Voices Ignored in Transgender Sports Debate

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota lawmakers have been revising a controversial bill concerning transgender students competing in high school sports…

Maine is one of 20 states that have introduced bills aimed at banning transgender students from participating in school sports. (Michael Chamberlin/Adobe Stock)

Transgender Mainers, Allies Oppose Bill Targeting Trans Student Athletes

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Advocates for transgender Mainers are opposing a newly introduced bill in the state Legislature which would ban trans students from …

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia addresses people at one of the city's vaccine clinics. Long Beach has a large LGBTQ+ community. (City of Long Beach)

New COVID Education Campaign to Focus on LGBTQ+ Californians

SAN FRANCISCO - The pandemic has had devastating impacts on the LGBTQ+ community, so the 1 million-member Equality California has launched a …

This year, the South Dakota Legislature has considered anti-LGBTQ bills concerning such issues as birth-certificate changes and who can compete in women's high-school sports. (Adobe Stock)

Mix of Hope, Fear as SD Transgender Advocates Organize

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Over the weekend, LGBTQ advocates held demonstrations in seven cities across South Dakota to rally against legislation viewed as …

The Equality Act builds on the 2020 Supreme Court ruling that the Civil Rights Act prohibits anti-LGBTQ discrimination in employment. (nito/Adobe Stock)

Equality Act Reintroduced in Congress

NEW YORK - A bill to update federal civil-rights laws to include comprehensive protections for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or …

Abuse can occur in all types of relationships, regardless of sexual orientation, gender expression or gender. (Adobe Stock)

Dating Violence: Young Love Shouldn't be Dangerous

LANSING, Mich. - Romance is top of mind for many young people in Michigan planning to celebrate Valentine's Day this weekend. And while teen romance …

Opponents of a proposed bill in North Dakota that would limit transgender student participation in sports could cost taxpayers money because of the expected legal challenges. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Targeting Transgender Athletes in ND Advances

BISMARCK, N.D. -- A North Dakota legislative committee has approved a measure that LGBTQ advocates said unfairly targets transgender athletes…

President Joe Biden included the federal implementation of the anti-discrimination decision in Bostock V. Clayton County in a series of Day One executive orders. (Sharon McCutcheon/Pexels)

Florida Adds Statewide Protections for LGBTQ Individuals

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning community is now fully protected under state law against …

Just like other state legislatures, Iowa's General Assembly has seen routine debate on bills LGTBQ advocates say unfairly target their community, while conservative lawmakers push religious and personal-freedom proposals. (Adobe Stock)

Political Ideology, Transgender Rights Clash in IA

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The current legislative session in Iowa has seen the return of debate over LGBTQ rights, while conservative lawmakers seek …

Even though previous efforts have run into roadblocks, transgender advocates in South Dakota say they're tired of having to fight legislation they view as hostile toward their community. (Adobe Stock)

Transgender Birth Certificate Bill Called Discriminatory

PIERRE, S.D. - Advocates for the transgender community continue to speak out against a bill that would block South Dakotans from changing the sex …

In 29 states, LGBTQ people can still be evicted, denied health care or turned away from businesses because of their sexual orientation. (Yakobchuk Olena/Adobe Stock)

Rights Advocates See New Hope for Equality Act

NEW YORK -- A new report suggests a bill often promoted as expanding rights for LGBTQ people could benefit a wide spectrum of racial and religious min…

Within five days of taking office, President Joe Biden made good on a pledge to reverse the ban on transgender people in the military. (MxRuben/Morguefile)

LGBTQ+ Groups Celebrate Reversal of Transgender Ban in the Military

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- LGBTQ+ groups are celebrating President Joe Biden's executive order reversing a Trump-era ban on transgender people in the …

The Women's March that began in 2017 aims to be more inclusive in Idaho this year. (Idaho Womxn's March)

Four Years On, Youth Leading ID Women's March

BOISE, Idaho -- Four years after the original Women's March, the day after the last presidential inauguration, young women in Idaho are taking the …

Sen. Scott Wiener and advocates for intersex Californians met at the state Capitol, pre-COVID, last year. (Eler de Grey)

New CA Bill Would Limit Genital Surgeries on Intersex Infants

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A new first-in-the nation bill would limit medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children in California; that is…

HB 113 would fine Montana doctors up to $50,000 for offering gender-affirming health care to minors. (nito/Adobe Stock)

Bills Targeting Transgender Youths Introduced in MT

HELENA, Mont. -- Two bills restricting transgender youths are on the docket for Montana lawmakers this year. House Bill 112 would ban transgender …

Religious exemptions are most often used by employers to discriminate against LGBTQ people. (beavera/Adobe Stock)

New Rule Gives Federal Contractors Broad Right to Discriminate

NEW YORK -- The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a new rule that dramatically expands a federal contractor's ability to claim a religious …

Alex Lee, D-San Jose, will be sworn in on Monday as the first openly bisexual member of the California State Assembly. (Vanessa Hsieh)

"Rainbow Wave" of LGBTQ Lawmakers to Press for Change

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The 2020 election is notable for the so-called "rainbow wave" of LGBTQ lawmakers elected for the first time, in California and …

A new report finds more research is needed to better understand stressors that impact the cardiovascular health of LGBTQ people. (Adobe stock)

Report: Most LGBTQ Adults Face Health-Care Discrimination

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- More than half of LGBTQ adults experience some form of discrimination from a health care professional, including the use of …

The Biden administration could take action to address rampant and increasing violence against transgender people. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ Advocates Call for Early Action by Biden Administration

HARRISBURG, Pa. - An independent think tank has released a list of ten actions it says the incoming Biden administration could take to support equal …

Some LGBTQ protections can be secured quickly by executive orders and policy changes. (ink drop/Adobe Stock)

LGBTQ Advocates List Priorities for New Administration

ALBANY, N.Y. - An independent think tank has released a list of ten actions it says the incoming Biden administration could take to support equal …

Only first-time voters who registered by mail and did not already verify their eligibility are required to confirm their identity at the polling place with documentation. (FutUndBeidl/Flickr)

Election Workers Get Tips to Ensure All Voters Feel Welcome

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska groups have published an educational guide for the state's poll workers, part of an effort to make poll sites more …

Advocates for teens worry about an increase in online bullying during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Preventing Bullying in Michigan: "Adults Have to do More"

LANSING, Mich. - Bullying continues to be a pervasive problem among Michigan youth, and it's more common among high school students who identify as …

Under a Nevada law upheld by a federal judge Monday, all active state voters would receive a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 3 election because of to the nation's health emergency. (common dreams.org)

Nevada Wins Voting Lawsuit Ahead of National Voter Registration Day

LAS VEGAS -- A day ahead of National Voter Registration Day, a federal judge ruled Nevada can move forward with its new vote-by-mail law. On Monday…

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