Fifteen transgender activists were arrested for illegally protesting inside the Cannon House Office Building, staging a sit-in to oppose Republican efforts restricting transgender bathroom access. The demonstration, organized by the Gender Liberation Movement, included prominent figures like Chelsea Manning and Raquel Willis and directly challenged Speaker Mike Johnson’s recent policy barring transgender women from women’s restrooms in Capitol buildings. The protest also aimed to pressure Congress to block a bill that would further restrict transgender individuals’ bathroom access in federal facilities. The activists cited the threat of increased anti-LGBTQ+ legislation under a potential second Trump administration as a key motivator.
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A proposed rule in Montana’s legislature, mandating legislators use restrooms aligning with their assigned sex at birth, failed to pass. The measure, opposed by some Republicans who deemed it a distraction from legislative priorities, received insufficient support in the House Rules Committee. While the Senate committee approved the measure, the House committee voted it down, with Rep. Zephyr thanking colleagues for rejecting the proposal. The failed legislation follows similar national debates surrounding restroom access for transgender individuals, highlighting ongoing discussions about inclusivity and the role of government in regulating personal expression.
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Following the Michigan GOP’s recent election victory, State Representative Josh Schriver publicly advocated for the reversal of same-sex marriage legality, citing religious beliefs and a perceived overreach by the Supreme Court. This statement drew immediate and sharp criticism from Michigan Democrats, including Attorney General Dana Nessel, who highlighted the detrimental impact such a policy would have on countless same-sex couples. Schriver’s position, while currently unenforceable, foreshadows potential legislative challenges to LGBTQ+ rights under the new House majority. His comments reference both biblical interpretations and past political stances on the issue.
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Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, concerns have arisen regarding the potential reversal of Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage. While some justices have previously expressed dissent towards Obergefell, legal experts maintain that marriage equality remains secure, at least in the foreseeable future. However, the Respect for Marriage Act, along with state-level protections, has been enacted to safeguard same-sex marriage should the Supreme Court act to overturn Obergefell. Despite these measures, anxiety persists among some same-sex couples.
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Moscow police conducted raids on at least three LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs, arresting the director of an LGBTQ+-focused travel agency. These actions, reported by state media, coincided with the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s ban on the “international LGBT movement.” The raids cited “combating LGBT propaganda” as justification, with social media footage showing police apprehending patrons. Authorities also alleged illegal alcohol sales at one establishment.
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Poland’s government approved legislation expanding hate crime laws to include sexual orientation, gender, age, and disability, punishable by up to three years imprisonment for public insults and five years for violence or threats. This update addresses the UN Human Rights Council’s concerns and fulfills a coalition agreement, marking a shift from previous anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. While the bill initially included “gender identity,” the final version uses “sex/gender,” a decision criticized by some LGBT+ groups for potentially excluding transgender individuals. The bill now proceeds to parliament for approval before potentially reaching President Duda.
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Following Donald Trump’s reelection, the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender individuals, expressed profound fear and anxiety regarding the potential erosion of their rights. Trump’s campaign, marked by significant anti-trans rhetoric and advertising, fueled this concern, alongside a documented surge in crisis calls following the election results. This fear stems from Trump’s past record of dismantling LGBTQ+ protections and his embrace of policies outlined in Project 2025, a conservative policy handbook advocating for the elimination of LGBTQ+ terminology and rights from federal policy. The community is bracing for potential attacks on healthcare access, legal recognition, and anti-discrimination protections under a second Trump administration.
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Upon assuming office, Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order removing transgender service members from the military, reversing President Biden’s policy. This action would affect approximately 15,000 transgender individuals currently serving, exacerbating existing recruitment shortfalls and potentially costing billions of dollars in retraining and lost experience. The order is part of a broader agenda targeting LGBTQ+ rights, including restrictions on healthcare and sports participation for transgender youth. Experts warn this policy will harm military readiness and unit cohesion.
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Following Rep.-elect Sarah McBride’s election as the first openly transgender member of Congress, she has received overwhelming support from fellow Democrats, who are actively countering recent Republican efforts to target her. These efforts include proposed legislation restricting bathroom access for transgender individuals in federal buildings. Democrats view these actions as discriminatory and intend to vigorously defend transgender rights. McBride herself has focused on her legislative agenda, aiming to avoid being sidetracked by these attacks. Despite the hostile environment, Democrats are committed to supporting McBride and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all.
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Texas Republicans prefiled 32 anti-trans bills on the first day of the 2025 legislative prefiling period, escalating their ongoing attacks on transgender individuals. These bills target transgender Texans across various aspects of life, including sports participation (requiring invasive chromosome testing), bathroom access, and public performances (with potential $5,000 bounties). Further measures restrict school club participation and legal gender recognition, potentially violating existing laws and leaving transgender individuals vulnerable to discrimination and legal challenges. This wave of legislation positions Texas as a leader in a national trend of increasingly restrictive anti-trans laws.
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John Q. Hosedrinker