LGBTQ+

A flurry of anti-trans bills kick off many new legislative sessions

Barely into the new year, conservative state legislatures are already taking up anti-LBGTQ bills. Republicans are pushing at least 300 such bills across the country. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

LGBTQ+ people are nearly twice as likely to be displaced after disasters, new research shows

For the first time, the U.S. Census Bureau has collected national data on sexual orientation and gender identity related to disaster displacement.

Why advocates for transgender rights are so thrilled with election results

After years of putting transgender issues at the center of the culture wars, several anti-trans candidates were defeated in Tuesday’s state and local elections. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

In scrapping its LGBTQ-related travel ban, California pivots to ‘hearts and minds’

Lawmakers nixed a seven-year ban on state-funded travel to states that enact discriminatory laws.

Is the Census taking steps to count the millions of LGBTQ+ Americans overlooked?

The Census Bureau’s plans to test questions about sexual orientation and gender identity in the American Community Survey is the latest step in a years-long push to improve national data on LGBTQ+ people.

Harm of anti-LGBTQ laws includes economic pain for communities, families

So far in 2023, at least 70 anti-LGBTQ laws have been enacted across the states as LGBTQ individuals consider relocating to more inclusive areas for their safety and well-being.

Anti-LGBTQ laws in the US are getting struck down for limiting free speech of drag queens and doctors

COMMENTARY | A number of judges who considered challenges to anti-LGBTQ legislation passed by state lawmakers in 2023 argue how the laws violate the First Amendment.

More blue states declare themselves sanctuaries for transgender health care

The moves come after at least 20 states have restricted or banned gender-affirming care for minors.

Medical exiles: Families flee states amid crackdown on transgender care

As more states restrict gender-affirming care for transgender people, some are relocating to more welcoming destinations, where they don't have to worry about being locked out of medical care.

A Mom’s Campaign to Ban Library Books Divided a Texas Town — and Her Own Family

Weston Brown thought he had fully come to terms with his mother's anti-LGBTQ beliefs. Then he saw the video of her speaking at a school board meeting. “I couldn’t stay quiet about that.”

Without Obergefell, Most States Would Have Same-Sex Marriage Bans

The Roe v. Wade ruling has lawmakers returning to an issue many thought was settled law.

The Best and Worst States for LGBTQ+ People

Nevada ranks as the best state for LGBTQ+ residents while Alabama comes in last, according to a report.

Lack of Diversity in the Government Workforce Can Lead to Retention and Trust Issues

African Americans and Hispanics are underrepresented among managers and professionals, and women are underrepresented among chief administrative officers, according to a report.

Two States Have Decriminalized HIV Transmission, Leaving Eight With Active Laws

Illinois became the second state to repeal a decades-old statute that allowed HIV-positive residents to be charged with a felony for failing to disclose their status before having unprotected sex.

States Balk at Landing on California’s Restricted Travel List

California will ban state-funded travel to an additional five states due to laws and policies that target transgender and gay residents.

'Here I Am.' Meet Kendall Martinez-Wright, a Black-Puerto Rican Trans Woman Running for State Office Amid Record Numbers of Anti-Transgender Bills.

Martinez-Wright, the first transgender woman to run for the Missouri House of Representatives, says the her campaign is “about showcasing the true beauty of diversity.”

As Texas Legislature Considers Anti-trans Bills, NCAA Announces it Will Not Hold Events in States that Discriminate Against Trans Students

Texas lawmakers have filed six bills that target transgender students’ sports participation — and two of those bills would affect colleges and university sports in addition to K-12.

Arkansas Lawmakers Override Governor’s Veto of Youth Gender-Affirming Care

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has vetoed what would have been the first bill banning gender-affirming medical care for youth.

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson Vetoes Anti-transgender Bill

The legislation would prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth.

Families Say Athletic Bans Would Exact Toll on Rural Transgender Youth

This year, state lawmakers across the country have filed more than two dozen bills that would ban transgender youth from playing on sports teams that don’t align with their sex at birth.