The OutLook is our weekly roundup of political issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community
- The Air Force has confirmed that transgender service members discharged under the new ban, who served between 15 and 18 years, are ineligible for retirement pay and related benefits. Advocacy groups say the policy could strip thousands of veterans of income they had already earned and are preparing legal challenges.
- Texas House Democrats have left the state again, denying Republicans the quorum needed to pass a new congressional map and two anti-trans restroom bills. Without the required 100 members present, the House can’t take up either measure. Gov. Abbott and AG Paxton are threatening arrests, but for now the redistricting plan and bathroom bills are stalled.
- Gay organizer Nick Uniejewski is challenging veteran State Sen. Sara Feigenholtz in Chicago’s 6th District primary, pitching new housing, transit, and LGBTQ-health priorities; Feigenholtz cites her long progressive record.
- Pete Buttigieg defended his recent comments on trans athletes, saying fairness concerns are legitimate and should be handled by sports bodies, not politicians. LGBTQ advocates argue the stance echoes anti-trans talking points.
- Florida has asked the 11th Circuit to let it enforce its 2023 drag-show law statewide, except at Hamburger Mary’s, which won an injunction, while its appeal proceeds, aiming to revive penalties for venues that host drag in front of minors.