LGBTQ+
States weigh how to protect older adults from HIV-related discrimination in health care
More than half of Americans living with HIV are over 50. For this growing population, discrimination can compound health challenges.
Few states require foster homes to respect LGBTQ youths' identities
The lack of explicit anti-discrimination policies around gender and sexuality can have dire consequences for children and teens, advocates say.
5 things you should know about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz
The Democratic nominee for vice president has pushed through big changes during his time as governor, a record that both parties will now scour as Walz becomes Kamala Harris’ running mate.
White nationalist, anti-LGBTQ activity on the rise, annual hate report shows
Much of the increase in hate and extremism can be attributed to a 50% surge in white supremacy hate groups in 2023, the highest jump ever recorded by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Bans on gender-affirming care have 'chilling effect'
The number of state laws restricting LGBTQ rights is on the rise, experts say. The trend could worsen transgender individuals' access to mental and physical health care and exacerbate discrimination.
As a critical deadline approaches, the Biden administration issues a flurry of regulations
The new rules cover subjects as varied as marijuana policy, vehicle pollution, civil rights for transgender students, and drinking water safety.
LGBTQ students wonder what’s next as conservative states seek to block new Title IX rules
Days after the new Title IX rules protecting LGBTQ youth from discrimination at school were published, top officials in 15 states announced they were suing to block the rules from going into effect.
Bathroom bills are back—broader and stricter—in several states
State lawmakers are continuing efforts to prohibit transgender people from using public restrooms and other “sex-designated spaces,” including domestic violence shelters and crisis centers, which experts say could violate anti-discrimination laws and jeopardize federal funding.
A flurry of anti-trans bills kick off many new legislative sessions
Barely into the new year, conservative state legislatures are already taking up anti-LBGTQ bills. Republicans are pushing at least 300 such bills across the country. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
LGBTQ+ people are nearly twice as likely to be displaced after disasters, new research shows
For the first time, the U.S. Census Bureau has collected national data on sexual orientation and gender identity related to disaster displacement.
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Why advocates for transgender rights are so thrilled with election results
After years of putting transgender issues at the center of the culture wars, several anti-trans candidates were defeated in Tuesday’s state and local elections. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
In scrapping its LGBTQ-related travel ban, California pivots to ‘hearts and minds’
Lawmakers nixed a seven-year ban on state-funded travel to states that enact discriminatory laws.
Is the Census taking steps to count the millions of LGBTQ+ Americans overlooked?
The Census Bureau’s plans to test questions about sexual orientation and gender identity in the American Community Survey is the latest step in a years-long push to improve national data on LGBTQ+ people.
Harm of anti-LGBTQ laws includes economic pain for communities, families
So far in 2023, at least 70 anti-LGBTQ laws have been enacted across the states as LGBTQ individuals consider relocating to more inclusive areas for their safety and well-being.
Anti-LGBTQ laws in the US are getting struck down for limiting free speech of drag queens and doctors
COMMENTARY | A number of judges who considered challenges to anti-LGBTQ legislation passed by state lawmakers in 2023 argue how the laws violate the First Amendment.
More blue states declare themselves sanctuaries for transgender health care
The moves come after at least 20 states have restricted or banned gender-affirming care for minors.
Medical exiles: Families flee states amid crackdown on transgender care
As more states restrict gender-affirming care for transgender people, some are relocating to more welcoming destinations, where they don't have to worry about being locked out of medical care.
A Mom’s Campaign to Ban Library Books Divided a Texas Town — and Her Own Family
Weston Brown thought he had fully come to terms with his mother's anti-LGBTQ beliefs. Then he saw the video of her speaking at a school board meeting. “I couldn’t stay quiet about that.”
Without Obergefell, Most States Would Have Same-Sex Marriage Bans
The Roe v. Wade ruling has lawmakers returning to an issue many thought was settled law.
The Best and Worst States for LGBTQ+ People
Nevada ranks as the best state for LGBTQ+ residents while Alabama comes in last, according to a report.
