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A second high court rules that Japan's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional
Read full article: A second high court rules that Japan's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutionalA second high court has ruled that the Japanese government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.
Providers halt services after court allows Florida to enforce ban on transgender care for minors
Read full article: Providers halt services after court allows Florida to enforce ban on transgender care for minorsA federal appeals court has ruled that a Florida law banning gender-affirming care can be enforced while a legal challenge plays out.
Orlando Army veteran fights for LGBTQ rights through drag performance
Read full article: Orlando Army veteran fights for LGBTQ rights through drag performanceLake Eola is where the pride parade ends and downtown is home to many LGBTQ+ organizations.Darcel Stevens is an advocate for the gay community, a veteran, and a performer.
Things to know about the gender-affirming care case as the Supreme Court prepares to weigh in
Read full article: Things to know about the gender-affirming care case as the Supreme Court prepares to weigh inThe Supreme Court is planning to weigh in on whether states can ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
LGBTQ soldiers in Ukraine hope their service is changing attitudes as they rally for legal rights
Read full article: LGBTQ soldiers in Ukraine hope their service is changing attitudes as they rally for legal rightsSeveral hundred LGBTQ Ukrainian servicemen and their supporters have marched in central Kyiv to demand more rights and highlight their service to their country in its war with Russia.
Federal judge strikes down part of Florida gender health care law
Read full article: Federal judge strikes down part of Florida gender health care lawA federal judge has struck down part of a Florida law regarding gender-affirming care this week, calling it unconstitutional and claiming it was created based on animus, not a legitimate state interest.
Bill would rename NYC subway stop after Stonewall, a landmark in LGBTQ+ rights movement
Read full article: Bill would rename NYC subway stop after Stonewall, a landmark in LGBTQ+ rights movementLawmakers have approved legislation that would rename a New York City subway station in honor of the Stonewall riots.
United Methodist delegates repeal their church’s ban on its clergy celebrating same-sex marriages
Read full article: United Methodist delegates repeal their church’s ban on its clergy celebrating same-sex marriagesUnited Methodist delegates have repealed their church’s longstanding ban on the celebrations of same-sex marriages or unions by its clergy.
United Methodists remove anti-gay language from their official teachings on societal issues
Read full article: United Methodists remove anti-gay language from their official teachings on societal issuesFor the past 52 years, the United Methodist Church had officially declared “the practice of homosexuality.
Florida, among conservative states challenging federal rule on treatment of transgender students
Read full article: Florida, among conservative states challenging federal rule on treatment of transgender studentsRepublican state attorneys general are challenging a new federal regulation that mandates protections for transgender students at schools.
Judge to weigh Florida’s school pronoun restrictions
Read full article: Judge to weigh Florida’s school pronoun restrictionsA federal judge Friday will hear arguments in an attempt by a transgender teacher and a nonbinary teacher to block part of a 2023 law that restricts pronouns and titles that educators can use in Florida public schools.
Florida clarifies school rules for sexual orientation, gender identity in lawsuit settlement as law remains in effect
Read full article: Florida clarifies school rules for sexual orientation, gender identity in lawsuit settlement as law remains in effectStudents and teachers will be able to speak freely about sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida classrooms, provided it's not part of instruction.
Florida monuments, flags bills could be dead for legislative session
Read full article: Florida monuments, flags bills could be dead for legislative sessionControversial bills aimed at preventing local governments from removing historical monuments and restricting the types of flags flown at schools and other public buildings appear to be dead in the Florida Senate.
Gender policy change on driver’s licenses sees backlash from Orange County LGBTQ community
Read full article: Gender policy change on driver’s licenses sees backlash from Orange County LGBTQ communityA new directive from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle received strong backlash from the LGBTQ community who protested in front of the Orange County Department of Motor Vehicles.
Orlando-based Spektrum Health closing Melbourne office, cites ‘anti-trans legislation’
Read full article: Orlando-based Spektrum Health closing Melbourne office, cites ‘anti-trans legislation’SPEKTRUM Health, which bills itself as the state’s largest remaining clinic focusing primarily on gender affirming care, announced Tuesday that they will close their location in Melbourne.
Florida quietly changed its gender identity policy on driver’s licenses
Read full article: Florida quietly changed its gender identity policy on driver’s licensesA memo said that allowing people to change their gender on licenses and ID cards runs afoul of state law because gender “has historically been understood as a synonym for ‘sex,’ which is determined by innate and immutable biological and genetic characteristics.”
Florida GOP lawmakers seek to ban rainbow flags in schools, saying they’re bad for students
Read full article: Florida GOP lawmakers seek to ban rainbow flags in schools, saying they’re bad for studentsFlorida Republicans advanced a bill Wednesday that would ban teachers from wearing a rainbow flag lapel pin in public schools and universities.
Florida bill would ban preferred pronouns in workplaces, may hurt LGBTQ charities
Read full article: Florida bill would ban preferred pronouns in workplaces, may hurt LGBTQ charitiesSeveral local organizations, nonprofits, and lawmakers are blasting a plan to take the gender identity debate from classrooms to the workplace.
Florida seeks go-ahead to enforce law aimed at drag shows
Read full article: Florida seeks go-ahead to enforce law aimed at drag showsAfter suffering a setback at the U.S. Supreme Court, attorneys for Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration on Friday told a federal appeals court that a law aimed at preventing children from attending drag shows is tailored to the state's "unquestioned interest in protecting children from exposure to obscenity."
Mass arrests target LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria while abuses against them are ignored, activists say
Read full article: Mass arrests target LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria while abuses against them are ignored, activists sayRights groups and lawyers in Nigeria say the West African nation's law enforcement authorities are using the country’s same-sex prohibition law to target the LGBTQ+ community while ignoring abuses against them.
‘The city needed to step up:’ Why Orlando is buying the Pulse site after memorial plans fell apart
Read full article: ‘The city needed to step up:’ Why Orlando is buying the Pulse site after memorial plans fell apartAfter seven years of waiting for a permanent way to honor the 49 people who died in the Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016, the city of Orlando plans to step in and take control of the property.
Appeals court keeps block on Florida drag show law in Hamburger Mary’s lawsuit
Read full article: Appeals court keeps block on Florida drag show law in Hamburger Mary’s lawsuitA block on Florida’s law preventing children from attending sexually explicit live performances will remain in place statewide, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday.
Florida Board of Education approves college bathroom rule
Read full article: Florida Board of Education approves college bathroom ruleFlorida public colleges will be required to update policies on restrooms and changing rooms to have separate facilities “based on biological sex at birth,” under a rule approved Wednesday by the State Board of Education.
Mount Dora aims to protect hate crime victims through new ‘Safe Place’ program
Read full article: Mount Dora aims to protect hate crime victims through new ‘Safe Place’ programLaw enforcement and city officials are making it clear hate crimes will not be tolerated in Mount Dora through a new Safe Place initiative.
Florida asks appeals court to put drag show law ruling on hold
Read full article: Florida asks appeals court to put drag show law ruling on holdGov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is asking a federal appeals court to largely put on hold a ruling that blocked a new law aimed at preventing children from attending adult live performances.
Judge denies Florida request to limit drag show ruling to Orlando restaurant
Read full article: Judge denies Florida request to limit drag show ruling to Orlando restaurantA ruling that blocks Florida law regarding adult live entertainment and children will not be limited to just the restaurant suing the state, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.
Gatherings combining Pride and Juneteenth give Black LGBTQ+ people a refuge where they can celebrate
Read full article: Gatherings combining Pride and Juneteenth give Black LGBTQ+ people a refuge where they can celebrateFrom a block party in New York City to a movie screening outside of Denver, groups across the U.S. have found ways to merge Pride month and Juneteenth celebrations.
Blood drive honors Pulse victims, Orlando community support
Read full article: Blood drive honors Pulse victims, Orlando community supportA blood drive happening right now in Orlando honors the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting and also remembers how the Orlando community came together seven years ago.
Federal judge says new Florida law ‘targets drag performers and puts them on notice’
Read full article: Federal judge says new Florida law ‘targets drag performers and puts them on notice’A federal judge is now mulling over whether to stop a new Florida law from taking effect that some say targets drag performances.
‘Gender identity is real:’ Federal judge blocks Florida transgender care law
Read full article: ‘Gender identity is real:’ Federal judge blocks Florida transgender care lawA federal judge is blocking parts of a new Florida law blocking gender-affirming care for transgender youths — but only for some of the parties in the lawsuit.
OnePulse executive director talks about future plans for memorial site
Read full article: OnePulse executive director talks about future plans for memorial siteDeborah Bowie, appointed executive director of onePULSE Foundation in 2022, told News 6 about the changes needed to original plans for the memorial site of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting.
Some trans people turn to crowdfunding to leave Florida after anti-LGBTQ+ laws
Read full article: Some trans people turn to crowdfunding to leave Florida after anti-LGBTQ+ lawsDozens of transgender people in Florida who can't afford to move are turning to crowdfunding to help them leave after the passage of new legislation that targets the LGBTQ community.
Florida education officials to meet over rules for new school laws
Read full article: Florida education officials to meet over rules for new school lawsThe Florida Department of Education is gearing up to begin crafting rules to carry out a number of measures approved by state lawmakers and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, including some proposals that were among the most controversial issues from the 2023 legislative session.
Largest US gay rights group issues Florida travel advisory for so-called anti-LGBTQ+ laws
Read full article: Largest US gay rights group issues Florida travel advisory for so-called anti-LGBTQ+ lawsThe largest LGBTQ+ rights organization in the U.S. has joined other civil rights organizations in issuing a travel advisory for Florida.
‘There’s no grooming:’ Hamburger Mary’s owner says law, drag show critics paint false narrative
Read full article: ‘There’s no grooming:’ Hamburger Mary’s owner says law, drag show critics paint false narrativeHamburger Mary’s owner John Paonessa said he is hanging a sign in front of his restaurant that reads no children under 18 allowed during drag shows.
Drag show restaurant Hamburger Mary’s sues Florida, claiming law hurting business
Read full article: Drag show restaurant Hamburger Mary’s sues Florida, claiming law hurting businessA bill Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law involving adult entertainment and children, including drag shows, is already having a detrimental effect on at least one Orlando business and it is suing to stop the bill.
Parents sue to block Florida law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors
Read full article: Parents sue to block Florida law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minorsA group of parents and their transgender children asked a federal court Wednesday to block a Florida law signed hours earlier by Gov. Ron DeSantis that bans gender-affirming care for minors.
DeSantis signs bills aimed at transgender people, pronouns at Christian school in Tampa
Read full article: DeSantis signs bills aimed at transgender people, pronouns at Christian school in TampaWith a Tampa Christian school as a backdrop, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a raft of education and health bills Wednesday, including several bills considered to be anti-transgender.
Central Florida LGBTQ performing arts scholarship honors performer who died from cancer
Read full article: Central Florida LGBTQ performing arts scholarship honors performer who died from cancerLGBTQ+ youth and their allies in Central Florida now have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship honoring legendary performer Sam Singhaus, who died from brain cancer in 2020.
Florida Senate panel backs transgender bathroom bill
Read full article: Florida Senate panel backs transgender bathroom billA key Senate committee on Tuesday approved a scaled-back proposal aimed at requiring transgender men and women to use restrooms that line up with their sex assigned at birth, as protesters marched to the Capitol to speak out against bills targeting the LGBTQ community.
Florida lawmaker urged to apologize for calling transgender people ‘demons’
Read full article: Florida lawmaker urged to apologize for calling transgender people ‘demons’Equality Florida, the state’s LGBTQ civil rights organization, is demanding Florida lawmaker State Rep. Webster Barnaby formally retract his words after he called transgender people “imps” and “mutants” and “demons.”
Florida Senate Republicans OK treatment ban for trans minors, restrictions for trans adults
Read full article: Florida Senate Republicans OK treatment ban for trans minors, restrictions for trans adultsThe Florida Senate on Tuesday passed a plan that would bar doctors and other health-care providers from offering treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transgender minors.
‘We always existed:’ LGBTQ community gathers for Transgender Day of Visibility amid controversies
Read full article: ‘We always existed:’ LGBTQ community gathers for Transgender Day of Visibility amid controversiesAllies and members of the LGBTQ community gathered together all across the city as many observed International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Florida’s transgender treatment rules draw court challenge
Read full article: Florida’s transgender treatment rules draw court challengeFour families filed a federal lawsuit Thursday challenging rules adopted by Florida medical boards that prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming treatment such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transgender children, arguing the rules intrude on “parents’ fundamental right to direct the upbringing of their adolescent children.”
Michigan adds LGBTQ protections to anti-discrimination law
Read full article: Michigan adds LGBTQ protections to anti-discrimination lawMichigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation Thursday that will permanently outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in the state.
Florida advances bills on gender identity, defamation
Read full article: Florida advances bills on gender identity, defamationFlorida Republicans are advancing a proposal to ban classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity through the eighth grade, expanding the controversial law critics call “Don’t Say Gay.”.
Minnesota governor protects rights to gender affirming care
Read full article: Minnesota governor protects rights to gender affirming careGov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order protecting the rights of LGBTQ people from Minnesota and other states to seek and receive gender affirming health care.
Judge tosses challenge to Florida Parental Rights in Education law
Read full article: Judge tosses challenge to Florida Parental Rights in Education lawFor the second time in less than five months, a federal judge has rejected a lawsuit seeking to block a controversial Florida law that restricts classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation.
DeSantis seeks Florida university information on trans health care
Read full article: DeSantis seeks Florida university information on trans health careGov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is requiring state universities to provide information from the past five years about services they have provided to people with gender dysphoria, according to documents released Wednesday.
US court back Florida school district in transgender bathroom fight
Read full article: US court back Florida school district in transgender bathroom fightAfter a five-year legal battle, a sharply divided federal appeals court Friday upheld a St. Johns County School Board policy that prevented a transgender male student from using boys’ bathrooms at a high school.
Florida schools’ LGBTQ support guides face scrutiny from state
Read full article: Florida schools’ LGBTQ support guides face scrutiny from stateThe State Board of Education is slated this week to scrutinize LGBTQ support guides and bathroom policies for transgender students in 10 school districts, as state officials question whether they are violating a law known as the "Parents' Bill of Rights" and other measures.
NC power grid attack stokes fear in rural LGBTQ community
Read full article: NC power grid attack stokes fear in rural LGBTQ communityNorth Carolina drag performers and LGBTQ community members fear for their safety after an attack on the electrical grid in Moore County left tens of thousands without power for several days.
Colorado gay club shooting suspect charged with hate crimes
Read full article: Colorado gay club shooting suspect charged with hate crimesThe suspect accused of entering a Colorado Springs gay nightclub and killing five people and wounding 17 others was formally charged with 305 criminal counts including hate crimes and murder.
Colorado gay club shooting suspect appears at court hearing
Read full article: Colorado gay club shooting suspect appears at court hearingThe alleged shooter facing possible hate crime charges in the fatal shooting of five people at a Colorado Springs gay nightclub has been ordered held without bail in an initial court appearance.
Site of Colorado gay bar shooting 'celebrated' LGBTQ people
Read full article: Site of Colorado gay bar shooting 'celebrated' LGBTQ peopleIn the mostly conservative city of Colorado Springs, Club Q has long been a go-to spot for members of the LGBTQ community — a safe space where many felt they could just be themselves.
U.S. Soccer is making a statement with Pride Crest during World Cup in Qatar
Read full article: U.S. Soccer is making a statement with Pride Crest during World Cup in QatarThere are many reasons to criticize FIFA for the way they’ve handled the Men’s World Cup that is about to begin in Qatar, and at the top of that list is that they chose to have it in a nation with egregious human rights violations.
Same-sex marriage legislation clears key Senate hurdle
Read full article: Same-sex marriage legislation clears key Senate hurdleLegislation to protect same-sex and interracial marriages has crossed a major Senate hurdle, putting Congress on track to take the historic step of ensuring that such unions are enshrined in federal law.
Florida medical boards block treatments for transgender minors
Read full article: Florida medical boards block treatments for transgender minorsDoctors will no longer be allowed to provide treatments such as puberty-blocking medications, hormone therapy and surgery to transgender people younger than 18, under rules approved Friday by the Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine.
Florida Board of Medicine panel OKs restricting gender-affirming treatment for teens
Read full article: Florida Board of Medicine panel OKs restricting gender-affirming treatment for teensA Florida Board of Medicine panel signed off on a draft rule Friday that would restrict doctors from providing gender-affirming treatment to children and adolescents.
Orlando LGBTQ center cancels drag queen story hour over Neo-Nazi threats
Read full article: Orlando LGBTQ center cancels drag queen story hour over Neo-Nazi threatsThreats from Neo-Nazis have forced an LGBTQ community center in Orlando to cancel a planned “Drag Queen Story Hour” event for this weekend.
Controversial rules for schools get official go-ahead from Florida Board of Education
Read full article: Controversial rules for schools get official go-ahead from Florida Board of EducationCounty school boards and charter schools will have to follow new requirements for notifying parents about policies involving access to bathrooms and locker rooms, under a rule approved unanimously Wednesday by the State Board of Education.
Montenegro holds pride march despite opposition from church
Read full article: Montenegro holds pride march despite opposition from churchSeveral hundred people have joined an LGBTQ pride march in Montenegro that was held amid strong opposition from the influential Serbian Orthodox Church in the small conservative Balkan country.
Belgrade police clash with hooligans during Pride march
Read full article: Belgrade police clash with hooligans during Pride marchRiot police clashed with soccer hooligans in Belgrade, where an international Pride march has been held despite threats from anti-gay groups and an official earlier ban in theconservative Balkan state.
Thousands protest planned Pride gathering in Serbia
Read full article: Thousands protest planned Pride gathering in SerbiaThousands of opponents of a pan-European LGBTQ event planned for this week in Belgrade marched through the Serbian capital on Sunday despite an announced ban of Europe’s largest annual gay gathering.
Student, parent groups seek lawsuit against Parental Rights in Education law
Read full article: Student, parent groups seek lawsuit against Parental Rights in Education lawA lawsuit filed in federal court on behalf of students, parents and advocates for the LGBTQ community is seeking to have a judge declare Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law unconstitutional.