India’s Supreme Court declined the legalization of same-sex marriages last week disappointing millions of LGBTQ+ Indian citizens. A ruling from Chief Justice DY Chandrachud defended the decision stating: “this court can’t make law. It can only interpret it and give effect to it.” Chanrachud maintains that the decision to legalize same-sex marriage is up to Parliament, however he urged the federal government to end discrimination against queer Indians. In spring of this year, India’s Supreme Court considered 21 petitions from LGBTQ+ activists fighting for legal recognition of their unions and official marital rights. LGBTQ+ couples remain unrecognized in India amd…
Author: Lauren Mulvey
A new letter from Pope Francis to the Catholic church’s cardinals suggesting a way to bless same-sex unions has been published, and it offers a glimmer of hope for LGBTQ+ people who practice Catholicism. The letter came as a response to conservative cardinals who challenged Pope Francis to “affirm church teaching on homosexuality ahead of a big meeting where LGBTQ+ Catholics are on the agenda,” according to NPR. Though the suggestion that same-sex union could be blessed, the letter also indicated that “such blessings could be studied if they didn’t confuse the blessing with sacramental marriage.” Francis’ letter further details…
In North Carolina and Montana, transgender and intersex people are filing lawsuits against their state governments claiming Republican-sponsored laws are unconstitutional. The laws being targeted are North Carolina’s HB 808 that bans gender-affirming care and doctors from prescribing or providing puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or gender-affirming surgery to youth. Montana’s lawsuit rallies against SB 458, which has amended a state code to claim that “male” and “female” are the only two sexes. The plaintiffs argue that these laws are illegal discrimination. According to Them, last Wednesday, a trans boy’s family filed a suit against North Carolina officials claiming that HB…
The 2024 GOP presidential lineup is looking dreadful, and prospective Republican candidates are certainly not shy about sharing their transphobic opinions. Though there are a slew of conservative candidates at present, some of the biggest names include Donald Trump, Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Chris Christie. It’s been an unfortunately record-breaking year for transgender people in America as laws have been proposed and passed attempting to curtail gender-affirming healthcare, trans participation in sports, LGBTQ+ education, trans events and rituals, and basically activities of everyday life in the trans community. Trans people have been threatened time and time again, under constant…
East African island nation, Mauritius, has recently decriminalized homosexuality following the Supreme Court decision ruling criminal code 250(1) was in violation of their constitution. An official statement from the court reads: “Section 250 was not introduced in Mauritius to reflect any indigenous Mauritian values but was inherited as a part of our colonial history from Britain. Its enactment was not the expression of domestic democratic will, but was a course imposed on Mauritius and other colonies by British rule.” Prior to the court decision, homosexuality was a crime punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Now, new protections against…
Provincetown may be famous for summertime shenanigans, but a thrilling time can also be found in this queer haven at the tip of Cape Cod during the fall and winter months, making the town a year-round destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. P’town’s schedule is jammed packed with events and theme weeks almost every week until the New Year. As the leaves drop off the trees, prices on accommodations will do the same, and special holiday shows and events, along with memorable dining experiences and a chance to explore the town at a slower pace. Here’s what’s on the docket for the…
October has begun and so has Subaru of America’s annual initiative to help shelter pets find homes with the return of Subaru Loves Pets month. For the month of October, 600 local Subaru dealerships pledge to donate $100 for every pet adopted from their partnered local animal shelters; donations are capped at $3,100 for each participating dealership. They will also donate $20 to the ASPCA for select purchases of Subaru Pet-Friendly Accessories. The ASPCA has found that nearly 6.3 million pets enter shelters nationwide annually, and each year approximately 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized. This month you could help one…
Laphonza Butler has been appointed to join the U.S. Senate representing California, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ United States Senator from California and the first Black lesbian to serve in the Senate. Butler will finish the Senate term of Dianne Feinstein who died late last week at age 90. Governor Gavin Newsom selected Butler to finish Feinstein’s term which ends in 2024. Butler has been a longtime senior advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris and was president of EMILY’s List, a political action committee that supports pro-choice Democratic women in politics. According to Gov. Newsom’s official press release on Butler’s…
When the hit Netflix show “Sex Education,” released its first season in 2019, it was already a radical concept: following British teenagers as they explore their sexuality, navigate relationships, and the constraints of their orthodox high school and steadfast teachers. Main character Otis, the son of a famous author and sex therapist, decides he’s good at giving advice and starts an off-the-books business at his school consulting students on their sex lives. The first three seasons are an exploration of the interpersonal relationships between all the usual high school players: cool kids, nerds, fashionistas, and the awkward quiet kids. The…
After legislation was passed in Texas curtailing access to gender-affirming care for trans youth, the Galileo Church in Fort Worth began working to help families get healthcare for their children. The Catholic church and LGBTQ+ communities have been at odds with each other for forever, but this church’s move to support trans kids extends a small olive branch to the queer community. Galileo Church’s program to gain healthcare for these kids is called the North Texas TRANSportation Network. On their denomination’s site, a statement reads: “We believe that God, through Christ, has welcomed all to God’s heart. Period. We want…
Italian authorities are preparing to pass a bill that will prevent LGBTQ+ families from seeking childbirth by surrogacy abroad. Surrogacy is a commonplace option for LGBTQ+ families who cannot reproduce themselves, particularly gay male couples who are looking to start a family. BBC reported an anonymous Italian couple who chose a surrogate abroad to have their child may face fines up to one million euros or two years of jail time if Italy’s new legislation is passed into law. The practice of surrogacy is illegal in most of Europe, including Italy, as it is considered exploitative, so couples are often…
A court in Hong Kong has decided in favor of a lesbian couple fighting for joint parental status over their reciprocal IVF-born child. The couple went to South Africa to undergo reciprocal IVF as the procedure is not legal in China, and when they returned the Hong Kong government only legally recognized one of the mothers. Last year, the couple took their case to court. Reciprocal IVF is a fertility technique used by many lesbian couples in which one mother donates her eggs for fertilization and another mother carries the pregnancy. According to Pink News, last week, judge Queeny Au-Yueng…
Though there are some independent and big screen films that depict LGBTQ+ relationships and identities, or explore feminist ideas, we’ve narrowed down our favorites to a list of must-sees exploring the intersectionality of sexual, gender, and racial identities that depict authentic queer desire through beautiful, funny, and heartbreaking narratives. Featured Photo: Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight won the Academy Award for Best Picture at the Oscars in 2017. (Photo: David Bornfriend) Women Talking (2022) tw: trigger warning One of the most moving contemporary commentaries on the female experience, Women Talking, explores the conversations between a group of Mennonite women as they decide…
The fall season is the perfect time to up your fashion game, and this year you can get intentional about your clothing consumption and shop with a sustainable LGBTQ+ owned brand. Not only do these brands work to support queer communities, but many of their pieces cater specifically to queer experiences. Many designers have developed genderless clothing lines, gender-affirming products, and apparel that will help you to feel your most authentic confident self. Nicole Zïzi Studio Join the mission to make fashion genderless with this brand focused on sustainably made and worn streetwear and home essentials. Zïzi Studio knows the…
After years of decline, a new article from NBC says lesbian bars are back and in the midst of a renaissance. In 2020, the outlet reported that less than 20 lesbian bars were still open across the country, a downturn which has since made a big comeback. NBC reports lesbian bars began to dwindle in the ‘70s as a result of the rising cost of living, gentrification of urban areas, and consistently low wages for women. NBC spoke to Angela Barnes, a co-owner of up and coming lesbian bar Nobody’s Darling in Chicago. Barnes recalled a time when queer women had…
Ride sharing app Lyft has announced a new feature to be released in the coming months allowing people to request their driver’s gender. According to The Advocate, the new service entitled “Women + Connect,” will allow riders to turn on the option in their app. The company reports the feature was highly requested and will allow women and non-binary people to feel more comfortable on their journeys. This feature cannot guarantee that riders will have a woman or non-binary person as their driver if those drivers are not available. It requires that the driver also turn on the feature in…
Nashville has elected its first openly transgender politician, Olivia Hill. Last week, Hill was elected to the Metro Council, according to reports from Pink News and the LGBTQ Victory Fund. Hill has become the first openly trans public official elected in all of Tennessee. Hill is not only an award-winning public speaker and activist, but a US Navy veteran. She also made history as the first trans woman to be on a Tennessee ballot. In recent years, Nashville has increasingly become a blue speck in a vastly red state. The Metro Council in Nashville is the legislative body that oversees…
California’s State Assembly made history when it declared August their official Transgender History Month. House Resolution 57 reads: “Supporting the transgender community by designating August as Transgender History Month will create a culture led by research, education, and scholarly recognition of the contributions of transgender Californians to our great state’s history, and will educate future generations of Californians on the importance of this history.” The resolution was announced on Wednesday, Sept. 6, outside the California State Capitol by Assembly member Matt Haney and activists Honey Mahogany and Jupiter Peraza who according to Them, are the co-founder and program associate of…
Last week, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Bulgaria would be required to recognize same-sex relationships in national legislation. The ruling found that Bulgaria’s lack of recognition for same-sex relationships violates article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, a rule that protects the right to private and family life. However, the court did not demand that the country legalize same-sex marriage. A Bulgarian same-sex couple Lilia Babulkova and Darina Koilova first filed the case after they got married in the U.K. in 2016 and moved back to Bulgaria. Without legal recognition of their marriage they are…
Job search company Indeed has promised transgender employees $10k to relocate to LGBTQ+ friendly states following a terrible year of anti-trans state legislation. In addition, Indeed has offered a $10k stipend to employees to travel out of state for medical treatment. These actions make Indeed the leading company supporting trans employees as conservative states around the U.S. face an onslaught of anti-trans legislation in schools, public spaces and athletics. According to Trans Legislation Tracker, 83 of 566 anti-trans bills proposed this year alone have been passed. Indeed’s headquarters are based in Texas and Florida, both of which have seen numerous…
The top court in Hong Kong has ordered the city government to draw up a framework for same-sex unions over the next two years despite the city’s refusal to legally recognize these unions. This ruling follows an appeal by activist Jimmy Sham who has been fighting for five years for the recognition of his union with his husband, which was officiated in a New York wedding in 2013. He has been pro-democracy activist fighting for same-sex marriages registered abroad to be recognized in Hong Kong for the past five years, according to the Associated Press. In 2019, when Hong Kong…
Lake Worth Beach has become Florida’s first sanctuary city for the LGBTQ+ community. Last night, the Commission of Lake Worth Beach declared itself a sanctuary and safe space that is dedicated to protecting the healthcare, education and lives of the queer community. Mayor Betty Resch told CBS News, “Lake Worth Beach is a vibrant and diverse city with a proud history of embracing the gay community. Today we continue that tradition by ensuring our city remains a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people.” CBS also indicated a similar proposal has been made in Tallahassee, Florida. Lake Worth Beach and the greater…
The town of Blackpool in the United Kingdom has unveiled plans to create a LGBTQ+ village quarter to be build on an existing queer-friendly neighborhood of bars, small businesses, and guest housing. With around 15 LGBTQ+ bars and businesses throughout the city’s main streets, 17 years of Blackpool Pride history, and a warm and accepting atmosphere, the development is a natural next step. The expansion may include the placement of decorative rainbow plaques around the city along with a focus on small businesses and building economic opportunity. The BBC reports that chairman of the North Shore Business Group in Blackpool,…
Tinder has been taking strides to increase LGBTQ+ representation, and despite recent controversy about LGBTQ+ positive ad campaigns, the company is standing its ground. Tinder has recently onboarded new CMO, Melissa Hobley, who has over the past year been making efforts to make the app more inclusive. The most recent of these was the ‘It Starts With a Swipe’ campaign, which presents various video ads showcasing both hetero and LGBTQ+ couples through various stages of dating. According to The Drum, Hobley said the campaign offered “an opportunity to use marketing to chip away at homophobia and continue to show all…
The World Bank has decided to cut new lending to the Ugandan government following the passage of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act into law earlier this year. The act, which was passed in May by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, criminalizes “aggravated homosexuality” which is defined by the Ugandan government as sexual relations involving a person infected with HIV. But same-sex conduct has been considered a crime since the colonial era and today those who engage in it risk life imprisonment or the death penalty. After the act was passed, the World Bank sent a team to Uganda to evaluate whether additional measures…
There are many opinions floating around about the best time of year to travel to Europe. Those who wish to chase the sun may recommend you travel between June and August. Budget travelers will recommend traveling off-season, in the winter or early spring. But many have found the sweet spot or the best time to travel abroad is September. Tour guides and locals alike are often looking forward to September when the heat breaks and the streets are less crowded. Here are some very good reasons why September is considered the best month to travel to Europe Good Weather Depending…
The English Chess Federation (ECF) has decided not exclude trans women from competing following a statement from International Chess Federation (FIDE) stating trans women would be officially banned from competitions until further notice. FIDE’s policy would also ban members who were formerly registered with the league as women and later transitioned, but the English Chess Federation has maintained that its stance will not change, and referenced several other chess bodies that also refuse to impose such restrictions. The decision by ECF, takes a stance against a consistent campaign against the trans community, an issue which has seen particular concentration across…
California business owner, Laura Ann Carleton, was shot and killed this weekend for displaying a rainbow Pride flag outside her clothing store. According to officials from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Office, the male suspect who fled the scene first made “several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag that stood outside the store,” shouted homophobic slurs and tore down the flag before shooting Carleton. Carleton was the owner of Mag.Pi clothing store in Cedar Glen California. She was also an active LGBTQ+ ally and supporter in her community. Her store was considered a safe space for many. Her friends reported that…
Recently, a class action lawsuit in Tucson was certified by a federal court after several claims were made against a law that requires a “sex change operation” in order to change a person’s gender on their birth certificate. The lawsuit affects all transgender people in Arizona and was first filed by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) on behalf of three families with transgender children three years ago. The plaintiffs who filed the claim, argued that the inability to change their official gender on their birth certificate was harmful and delegitimized their identities. The NCLR said “Any time they…
Located just off the coast of Split, Croatia, Hvar is becoming an increasingly popular destination. With an ancient and bright marbled city center that hugs a marina, Hvar is perfect for wining, dining, beaching, boating, and one it’s main tourist attractions, beach clubs. At these popular venues you can experience sunset swims at seaside bars, all night parties, and of course more laid back vibes. Hula Hula Beach Bar Take a walk along Hvar’s seaside promenade and you’ll know you’re nearing Hula Hula when you hear a thumping bass. This bar is perfect for sunset hours, here you’ll find the…