Florida’s “Anti-Diversity” legislation, explained — And why it matters beyond Florida
If you don’t live in Florida, you might be tempted to scroll past this. Don’t. Florida has a habit of road-testing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation — and watching it spread. The state’s 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” law is the most famous example. At least a dozen states introduced similar laws, including Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and…
‘I’m heartbroken’: Trans Kansans reckon with their driver’s licenses being invalidated
TOPEKA — Transgender rights activist Jaelynn Abegg was furious Thursday morning when she received a letter from the state informing her that her driver’s license had been invalidated because of a new state law. Abegg, a Wichita resident, said she would only get a new driver’s license if she needs one before fleeing the state,…
HRC warns LGBTQ progress faltering as Trump enters second year
This article originally appeared in the Washington Blade. As President Donald Trump begins the second year of his second term, LGBTQ advocacy organizations say they are shifting into a more aggressive posture — armed with new data that shows how quickly hard-won progress is eroding under the Trump-Vance administration. The Human Rights Campaign hosted its…
DNC Day 3: LGBTQ+ Caucus honors political pioneers, while Walz and Buttigieg address Democratic Party
This article originally appeared on Windy City Times. The Democratic National Convention’s (DNC) LGBTQ+ Caucus recognized several queer trailblazers, including trans activist Miss Major, on the third day of the convention, during which Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz made his pitch to America as the party’s vice-presidential nominee. Walz headlined the DNC Aug. 21 at the…
DNC Day 2: LGBTQ+ politicians celebrated at Victory Fund reception before Obamas take convention stage
This article originally appeared on Windy City Times. Illinois took the spotlight on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which also saw an off-site celebration of LGBTQ+ elected officials at every level of government. Former President and Illinois politician Barack Obama headlined Aug. 20 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., singing…
Project 2025’s ‘War on Porn’ threatens sex workers, LGBTQ+ community
Civil liberties and LGBTQ+ rights advocates have expressed alarm that a proposal to criminalize pornography in a 920-page far-right blueprint for the first 180 days of a second Trump administration known as Project 2025 would have a far-reaching impact that threatens the rights of sex workers and the LGBTQ+ community, especially the transgender community. Project…
Democratic VP candidate Tim Walz has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community
Few things have been as highly anticipated this year as Kamala Harris’ pick for her vice presidential running mate. This morning it was announced that Tim Walz, current governor of Minnesota, would join her on the ticket. Walz, a former U.S. Army non commissioned officer, high school teacher and football coach who entered politics in…
20,000 show up to support HRC’s “Out for Kamala Harris” virtual event
Since President Joe Biden announced he was no longer running for re-election on Sunday, July 21, there have been significant gatherings dedicated to supporting Vice President Kamala Harris. The first was a Zoom call for Black women voters, with an estimated 40,000 participants who raised over $1 million on Sunday. The following day, “Win with Black…
What is Donald Trump’s Agenda 47 and how could it affect the LGBTQ+ community
Queer media has been covering Project 2025 since last year, but the Heritage Foundation’s playbook is now making headlines across mainstream media. Last week, the president of the conservative think tank, Kevin Roberts, appeared on Steve Bannon’s “War Room” to discuss Project 2025. In the interview, Roberts, who wrote the foreword to Project 2025, talked…
Biden Administration to issue pardons for LGBTQ+ service members wrongfully dismissed
Today, President Joe Biden’s administration is righting a wrong that has affected upwards of 100,000 LGBTQ+ service members. The White House just released “A Proclamation on Granting Pardon for Certain Violations of Article 125 Under the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” which extends pardons to LGBTQ+ service members who were dishonorably discharged from the military for being gay…
Anti-LGBTQ+ politics are being rejected across U.S., signaling a potential shift
After South Dakota’s primary election results rolled in earlier this month, Amy Rambow bought herself a chocolate cake to celebrate. “It tasted so, so sweet,” Rambow says, noting that the gooey confection was slathered in fudge drizzle. Her doctors say she isn’t allowed to have sweets because of her gastric bypass surgery, but the occasion…
Project 2025 prompts creation of congressional task force
U.S. Representative Jared Huffman has announced the creation of the Stop Project 2025 Task Force, which aims to counter the controversial Project 2025 initiative. According to a statement by Huffman’s office, this initiative is crafted by the far-right to grant Donald Trump extensive powers and to erode key democratic institutions and freedoms, such as reproductive…
How conservative playbook Project 2025 could affect LGBTQ+ people if it comes to pass
Project 2025: Presidential Transition Project is a creation of the Heritage Foundation, a conservative policy think tank whose “mission is to formulate and promote public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense.” Associated Press journalist Lisa Mascaro recently summed up Project 2025…