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.
Read More
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.
Read More
He saw Republicans attacking schools. Now this gay teen is Utah’s youngest elected official. It’s a remarkable story, a testament to the power of young people to effect change, even in a state not often associated with progressive politics. The very fact that this young man, openly gay, has achieved such a significant victory in a traditionally conservative state is profoundly inspiring. It speaks to a shift in attitudes, a growing recognition that diversity and inclusion are not weaknesses but strengths.
His experience witnessing attacks on schools by Republican politicians undoubtedly fueled his desire for action. This isn’t just about partisan politics; it’s about a core belief in the importance of education, in the right of all students to a safe and supportive learning environment.… Continue reading
A GOP senator has introduced a bill aiming to legally erase transgender people, a move that has sparked widespread outrage and concern. The “Defining Male and Female Act of 2024,” introduced by Senator Roger Marshall, purports to counter what he terms the Biden administration’s promotion of “dangerous radical gender ideology.” The bill’s core is a series of definitions, attempting to legally define terms like “father” and “girl” based on a rigid interpretation of biological sex determined by reproductive capabilities.
This seemingly technical approach, however, has far-reaching implications for transgender individuals. Marshall claims the bill would prevent transgender people from participating in school sports, citing sex segregation as the justification.… Continue reading
Following Donald Trump’s 2024 election win, anxieties surrounding same-sex marriage rights have surged, prompting some couples to accelerate wedding plans. While Trump didn’t directly target same-sex marriage during his campaign, concerns stem from his past anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and the Supreme Court’s conservative shift. Current protections include the *Obergefell* ruling and the Respect for Marriage Act, but the possibility of the Court overturning *Obergefell* and subsequent state-level bans remains a significant worry for LGBTQ advocates. Although eliminating same-sex marriage doesn’t appear to be a top priority for the new administration, the potential for future legislative or judicial challenges persists.
Read More
Switzerland’s decision to deport a gay Iranian man back to his home country was found to be a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights, specifically Article 3 which prohibits inhuman treatment. The European Court of Human Rights determined that the man’s return would expose him to potential harm from his family, third parties, and even the Iranian state due to his sexual orientation. This decision resulted in Switzerland being ordered to pay the man €7,000 in compensation.
Read More
Harper Steele, a transgender woman featured in the Netflix documentary “Will & Harper,” is undeterred by the recent political climate and the rise of anti-trans sentiment. Despite the fear she experienced on election night and the alarming increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Steele remains steadfast in her commitment to visibility and representation. She believes that showcasing transgender people in a positive light is crucial, especially in a time when their rights are under attack. Steele rejects the notion that trans people should be sacrificed for the sake of political gains, emphasizing the need for continued activism and community support.
Read More
Following the announcement of Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election, The Trevor Project, a leading LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention organization, experienced a staggering 700% increase in calls, texts, and chats. This surge in outreach reflects the heightened anxiety and fear among LGBTQ+ youth, who are concerned about the potential impact of Trump’s policies and rhetoric on their lives and well-being. The organization’s crisis services, normally focused on supporting LGBTQ+ youth navigating personal issues, are now primarily addressing the “election anxiety” experienced by young people who feel increasingly vulnerable and uncertain about their future. This influx of calls for help is a direct consequence of a political environment that has normalized transphobia, with Trump’s campaign actively promoting harmful narratives about transgender individuals and vowing to implement policies that would restrict LGBTQ+ rights.
Read More
California voters have officially enshrined the right to marriage for same-sex couples in the state constitution by passing Proposition 3, repealing Proposition 8 which had defined marriage as between a man and a woman. This update removes outdated language from the constitution despite the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, ensuring the right to marriage for same-sex couples in California is solidified in the state’s foundational document. While opponents argued the initiative was unnecessary and could pave the way for other marriage changes, proponents emphasized its importance in aligning California’s constitution with current legal realities and ensuring equal rights for all couples.
Read More
Mali’s National Transitional Council has passed legislation criminalizing homosexuality, with a vote of 131-1. The bill, which awaits the signature of military leaders who seized power in 2021, will outlaw gay sex between men. The legislation follows a pattern of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in the region, mirroring similar laws in other West African nations. This move further marginalizes the LGBTQ+ community in Mali, potentially exposing them to increased discrimination and prosecution. The details regarding sanctions for those convicted remain unclear.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood