A new Tennessee law signed by Gov. Bill Lee last week allowed public officials to refuse to perform marriages if a union does not align with their beliefs, a law that poses a threat to the Supreme Court’s Obergefell decision. This law attempts to subvert the U.S. Supreme Court landmark marriage equality decision with Obergefell v. Hodges case. According to Talking Points Memo (TPM), “the new law effectively removes half of what is needed under state law to become legally married.” This is because according to Tennessee state law, marriage must be verified by the issuance of a marriage license…
Author: Lauren Mulvey
After receiving backlash for his historical decision to let the Catholic church bless same-sex marriages, Pope Francis is denouncing the “hypocrisy” of his critics. Throughout the final months of 2023, the church was taking small strides to becoming more inclusive, and in December. Pope Francis officially approved the informal blessings of same-sex marriages within the church. A rush of backlash from conservative parishes around the world followed the decision. Despite this, Pope Francis maintains that he made the right choice, and “warned those who disagree with it that their ‘hypocrisy’ is showing,” according to Pink News. In an interview with Italian…
New York House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez paid tribute to the late transgender activist, actress, and author, Cecilia Gentili, on the House floor just after her death last week. During her speech in Gentili’s honor, AOC told of her accomplishments and drive to fight against anti-trans legislation. Gentili was an Argentinian American who immigrated to Florida at the age of 26. From there she launched a career in LGBTQ+ activism working for the LGBT Center’s NYC Anti-Violence Project, managing a trans health center with the Aphica Community Health Center, and becoming Director of Policy at the Gay Men’s Health Crisis. “Cecilia…
In a historic win for the LGBTQ+ world community, Greece has legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the first Orthodox Christian country to do so. According to AP, last week, a cross-party majority of 176 lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament voted in favor of the bill which was drafted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his center-right government. Around 76 lawmakers rejected the bill, two declined to vote and 46 were not present. Ahead of the vote the prime minister told parliament, “people who have been invisible will finally be made visible around us, and with them, many children will finally find…
There are many Black historical figures who help changed the social and the political landscape in the U.S., and many new people today working to do the same. In February, we honor the legacy of Black lives in America, and one of the most influential Black queer figures in the literary and social justice realm was James Baldwin. Today, he continues to be one of the most revered literary talents of the 20th century. In 1924, Baldwin was born in Harlem, New York where he was raised by a single mother, who later married a man called David Baldwin. Throughout…
The International Gay Polo Tournament (GPL) returns to Wellington, Florida for another year of awareness, inclusivity, and equality at the Patagones Polo Club between April 4-6. This year’s returning sponsor is Lexus, known for its commitment to luxury, innovation, amazing experiences, and supporting organizations that are making impactful change for diverse communities around the world. GPL’s weekend itinerary includes the annual Players Welcome Reception (by invitation) on April 4, and the Polotini Wigstock party on April 5, serving up cocktails, light bites, a themed wig contest, and a captivating drag show. On Saturday, April 6, prepare for the “main event”…
The workplace, classrooms, and other public spaces in the U.S. can often be unsafe or uncomfortable for LGBTQ+ people, especially in a political climate that churns out anti-LGBTQ+ bills on a weekly basis. Luckily, some companies are willing to go the extra mile to make sure their employees are protected and supported. Some of the most famous and successful companies in the world, like Amazon, have protections for their employees (including coverage for gender-affirming care), but rarely have a clean slate when it comes to fully supporting LGBTQ+ rights. In 2022, Bloomberg reported that Seattle Pride dropped Amazon as its…
The Mumbai Pride march took place on February 3 to raise awareness for queer rights in India. The parade highlighted the October 2023 Supreme Court decision not to legalize same-sex marriage. India’s highest court claimed it didn’t have the power to create law, and passed the responsibility back onto the country’s legislative branch. The last pride parade in Mumbai, which is home to around 21 million residents, took place in early 2019, at which time 8,000 people attended. The continuation of Pride celebrations was initially halted by the pandemic, and then further complicated by difficulties obtaining police permission for the large…
Florida lawmakers have revoked a policy allowing transgender residents to change their official gender on driver’s licenses. A leaked memo dated January 26 from deputy executive director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), Robert Kynoch, indicates an immediate halt to the issuance of licenses for updated gender markers. Kynoch’s memo claims that “gender” is synonymous with “sex,” a concept that has been refuted by the National Institute of Health and Center for Disease Control and Prevention according to ABC News. Prior to rescinding the law, the DHSMV allowed Floridians to submit a court order to officially…
Transgender athletes are technically allowed to participate in the Paris Olympics, however, a new rule requires that those participating to have completed their transition before the age of 12 to compete. This rule is meant to ensure the hormonal development that occurs during puberty bears no interference and offers no advantage to those who have transitioned. According to Pink News, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suggested that transitioning after the age of 12 could give an advantage to athletes over their cisgender competitors. In March of 2023, the World Athletics Council (the governing body of athletics) banned women who…
A new survey has found that more than one in four Gen Z adults in the U.S. identify as LGBTQ+. The Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) found that 28% of Gen Z adults aged 18 to 25 self-identify under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella in a report released last week. This stands in contrast to 16% identifying millennials, 7% of Gen X, and 4% respectively for baby boomers and the Silent Generation. According to NBC, researchers also found that Gen Z adults are more ethnically and racially diverse than older generations, less likely to affiliate with established religions, and more likely to…
Professional swimmer Lia Thomas has filed charges against World Aquatics following a vote to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in elite women’s aquatics competitions. Thomas’ case challenges aspects of the World Aquatics’ gender inclusion policy which was established in June of 2022, according to CNN. World Aquatics is the governing body for all aquatics around the world. It currently operates under president Captain Husain Al Musallam and comprises 209 National Member Federations across five continents. Currently, they oversee aquatic competitions in swimming, high diving, water polo, diving, open water swimming, and artistic swimming. The organization’s gender inclusion policy rules that male-to-female…
Law enforcement raided several LGBTQ+ nightlife venues over the course of two evenings last weekend and are now facing backlash from the LGBTQ+ community. The raids were conducted by the Joint Enforcement Team (JET) and Liquor Control Board. Many officers made claims of “lewd conduct” due to the apparel of some nightclub attendees. Late night on Friday Saturday, 10 members of JET entered The Cuff Complex, a popular gay leather bar, and conducted a raid walkthrough with flashlights. Some officers took photos scaring customers. Other bars also underwent similar raids. Journalist and LGBTQ+ activist, Dan Savage, posted an explainer on…
A growing number of social media platforms are banning content promoting conversion therapy as a result of efforts from GLAAD. One of these platforms includes Spoutible, an alternative platform to X, launched in February of 2023. Last week, Spoutible founder, Christopher Bouzy, confirmed the ban was implemented. On the company’s website a mission statement describes the platform’s commitment to “creating a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable online space for all” while “mitigating targeted harassment, hate speech, disinformation, and platform manipulation.” Another site seeing similar changes is Post, a platform meant to share news and information and encourage conversation amongst users. Last year,…
Two of the USA’s largest transgender rights organizations are merging in a step to unify against conservative politicians attempting to repeal trans rights. The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) will come together as Advocates for Trans Equality or A4TE, indicated in a press release published last week. According to NBC News, the NCTE centers its work around federal policy reform and TLDEF works to strengthen trans rights through litigation. Both organizations were founded in 2003. Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, executive director of NCTE said “At a time when states are considering a…
The Caribbean is known as a tropical paradise and plays host to sunny vacations for tourists year-round, but are countries in the Caribbean a paradise for LGBTQ+ residents and tourists? One of the only countries in the Caribbean region where same-sex marriage is legal is Puerto Rico, but this is only because it is a U.S. territory. In 2015, when the Obergefell U.S. Supreme Court decision made it legal for same-sex couples to get married, couples in PR were granted the rights to make medical decisions for their spouses, become stepparents to their spouses children, and file for joint adoption…
If you’re feeling lucky, you might just be the winner of a three-night stay at Santiago Resort in Palm Springs, which has over one thousand 5-star reviews on Google and Tripadvisor. The winner will receive lodging for three nights, dinner for two at a local hotspot, and tickets to the aerial tram. Santiago Resort is a lush and luxurious retreat for gay men in the heart of Palm Springs where guests can enjoy stylishly decorated rooms, pillow-top King beds, elegant bathrooms equipped with walk-in rain showers, and fast wifi. Wake up each morning and take a swim just steps away…
Conservative lawmakers around the USA are focusing much of their energy on restricting the rights of the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities. These politicians have been trying to subvert these communities with disruptions of the culture surrounding them. One of their primary takedown methods? Banning famous books. There are many books new and old which discuss LGBTQ+ topics, and conservatives are making attempts to ban incredible literary classics, along with new educational commentary. But this is no new tactic. Conservative parents have long been complaining to schools about their children reading books with even a mention of sexuality, race or…
A new report from The Trevor Project found that the prevalence of conversion therapy across the country is still disturbingly high. Findings from the study published in December found that there are around 1,320 conversion therapy practitioners in the USA, Around 46% of these practices hold active professional licenses and 54% operate at a ministerial or religious capacity. Those who hold licenses are oftentimes professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, and psychologists. The states identified to have the highest number of practitioners were Pennsylvania, Texas, Missouri, Ohio, and Minnesota. Conversion therapy is a medical or mental intervention meant to alter…
Actress Annette Bening spoke out against anti-trans rhetoric during a guest appearance on The View recently. Bening has a 32-year-old trans son who she shares with husband Warren Beatty. She spoke of her relationship with him to the show’s hosts. “At the beginning, I felt very protective of his privacy, because he’s the son of these two famous people,” she said. “I felt it was his right to say what we wanted to say publicly, or not.” Bening spoke about her shift from remaining quiet on political topics in the public sphere to speaking openly about her support for the…
Florida Republican House Rep. Dean Black has introduced a bill that would require “biological sex” affidavits for all Floridians. According to Them, the bill “amends various state codes to mandate that all identification documents adhere to the assigned sex on a person’s original birth certificate.” It goes further to require those applying for ID cards sign an affidavit promising they marked the sex category according to their birth certificate. Under this bill, “male” and “female” are the only state-recognized categories, and the word “gender” is to be replaced with the word “sex.” The bill even mandates that insurance companies cover…
As one of the world’s biggest pop stars, fans and pop culture vultures are always wondering what Taylor Swift is up to. And in recent years, many have been questioning the singer songwriter’s sexuality. Swift is known to leave easter eggs detailing her love life throughout her song lyrics, and it appears that some fans put a queer twist on some of her songs, suspecting that she has a romantic relationship with model friend Karlie Kloss. The New York Times published an opinion piece last week in which the writer specified that there were various “easy-to-decode clues” within Swift’s discography…
A new gender-affirming program from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s (UPMC) Health Plan connects the LGBTQ+ community with vetted health care providers who can provide specialized care. Under this new plan, health care providers would be required to take an online course to be better equipped and educated on the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Once the course is completed, these providers are given a special designation which informs patients that the physician is trained. “Health equity is really important to us at UPMC Health Plan, and this is one way we are trying to hit the mark on…
Following the footsteps of other progressive countries around the world, Greece is looking to move forward with the legalization of same-sex marriages. In July of last year, Greece’s prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made a promise to legalize same-sex marriage saying “Greek society is much more ready and mature.” Currently, Greece only officially recognizes same-sex partnerships as cohabitation agreements between same-sex couples, which do offer some rights also offered to married heterosexual couples, according to Pink News. Now, a finalized version of the bill is in the works, but it is expected to be controversial as it is strongly opposed by…
French President Emmanuel Macron has named Gabriel Attal the country’s newest, youngest, and first openly gay prime minister. Before assuming the PM position, Attal served as education minister along with several other government positions since the election of Macron in 2017. The New York Times reports that many suspect Macron’s choice of Attal is an attempt to bring a fresh and youthful perspective to the forefront for the remainder of his term as political pressure mounts from the right. In a post on X to Attal, Macron wrote: “I know I can count on your energy and your commitment,” when…
Teachers across the U.K. are pushing back against guidelines from the Department of Education that would allow teachers to openly misgender their students and out them to their parents. Despite hopes for a more accepting and positive experience for LGBTQ+ students, the Department of Education new guidance, released late last month, went in the opposite direction. Under this new guidance, school officials would be required to inform parents if students request to change their pronouns or wear school uniforms that do not align with their sex assigned at birth, with “very rare” exceptions for students who may be in danger…
New York State will celebrate the Capital Region’s first-ever Pride Ski Weekend running Jan. 20 – 21 at Belleayre Mountain in Highmount. The Pride Center of the Capital Region is partnering with Belleayre Mountain, the Ulster County Tourism Office of Film, SKI NY and I LOVE NY LGBTQ+ for two days of slope-side fun. Special lift ticket packages will be available to registering guests which includes access to amazing events like an Après Ski Tea Dance with DJ RVMBA on Saturday from 4 – 7 p.m. Dust off your skis or borrow some from the mountain’s equipment rentals and take…
Discord, the Instant messaging and social platform, has banned the use of deadnaming and misgendering on its platform as competing social apps become breeding grounds for hate speech. Though it may not be as popular as Instagram or X, as of 2023 Discord has around 153 million users who use the free application to share voice, video, and text messages, and develop communities for shared interests, According to Them, the platform updated its hate speech policy in April 2022, but only recently went public with their LGBTQ+ friendly changes. Their policy currently prohibits “‘repeatedly using slurs to degrade and demean…
New California bills enacted on Jan. 1 include protections for LGBTQ+ youth. According to ABC, one of these laws requires that foster families demonstrate their ability to meet the health and safety needs of children regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. In the public realm, bill AB783 requires businesses to put signage on single-user restrooms to indicate that the toilet facility is available to all genders. In education, bill AB 1138 requires that state colleges provide free and anonymous transport to and from sexual assault treatment centers where sexual assault forensic exams can be administered. AB 2282 increases penalties…
A new report from the Southern Poverty Law Center has discovered a network of 60 organizations promoting anti-LGBTQ disinformation. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is an American nonprofit serving as a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, by partnering with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. The report entitled “Combating Anti-LGBTQ+ Pseudoscience Through Accessible Informative Narratives was released last week and revealed that a number of organizations fronting as hubs for medical and pseudoscientific information have taken part in a web of disinformation, specifically targeting trans…