US issues alert on violence targeting LGBTQI+ individuals and events

The U.S. Department of State has issued a worldwide caution for U.S. citizens, warning of potential violence targeting LGBTQI+ individuals and events, urging increased caution, avoiding unsafe locations, and registering with STEP, as the FBI and DHS also warn of potential threats during Pride Month.

What's changed after 20 years of same-sex marriage in the US

It's been 20 years since Massachusetts issued the first state-sanctioned same-sex marriage licenses in the United States.

Maryland parents must accept LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum, appeals court decides

Maryland's largest public school system does not have to allow parents to opt their kids out of lessons involving LGBTQ themes, according to a federal appeals court ruling on Wednesday.

Catholic school can legally fire gay teacher, court finds

On May 8, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a North Carolina Catholic high school could legally fire gay teacher Lonnie Billard, citing the "ministerial exception" to uphold its religious doctrines.

Target pulls back on Pride-themed merchandise after last year's backlash

According to an emailed statement obtained by the Associated Press, Target is reducing its in-store availability of Pride-themed merchandise due to previous backlash, making this decision based on "guest insights and consumer research."

Austin City Council passes transgender protection resolution to combat SB 14

Austin City Council passed a transgender protection resolution, which hopes to offer some sort of protection to transgender children and their families following the passing of SB 14.

Woman banned by Planet Fitness for photographing trans member vows to keep fighting

Patricia Silva is vowing to keep up the fight for women after Planet Fitness revoked her membership for posting a video calling out a transgender woman found shaving in the women's locker room.

Nex Benedict: Nonbinary teen died by suicide, autopsy shows

The death of a nonbinary student the day after a fight inside an Oklahoma high school restroom has been ruled a suicide by the state medical examiner's office.

Death of Nex Benedict, Oklahoma student, prompts vigils across the country

The death of Nex Benedict, a nonbinary high school student in Oklahoma, spurred several vigils across the country this weekend. Here is what to know about the teen and the investigation into their death.

Texas Supreme Court hears arguments on SB 14

SB 14 is a bill which was passed into law last year that makes it illegal for children to undergo any gender transition or reassignment treatment.

Ohio governor vetoes ban on gender-affirming care, transgender athletes in girls sports

Ohio's Republican governor said the bill would affect a small number of children, “but for those children who face gender dysphoria ... the consequences of this bill could not be more profound."

Round Rock man convicted for molesting teen

John Frank Scheer, of Round Rock, was found guilty of molesting a teenager in September 2021.

Moscow gay bars raided by police after Supreme Court decision deeming LGBTQ+ movement 'extremist'

Russian security forces raided gay clubs and bars across Moscow Friday night, less than 48 hours after the country’s top court banned what it called the “global LGBTQ+ movement” as an extremist organization.

Pope Francis suggests blessings for same-sex couples

Pope Francis has suggested there might be ways to bless same-sex unions. The Vatican on Monday published a letter Francis wrote to five cardinals on July 11 after receiving a list of five questions, or “dubia,” from them a day earlier.

Swimming World Cup meet for transgender athletes scrapped after lack of entries

Plans for the first “open category” swimming races to accommodate transgender competitors at a World Cup this weekend have been scrapped because of a lack of entries.

Cheap antibiotic proposed as 'morning-after pill' against STDs

U.S. health officials plan to endorse a common antibiotic as a morning-after pill that can be used to try to avoid some increasingly common sexually transmitted diseases.

Judge extends temporary restraining order on Texas drag ban

A federal judge has extended the temporary restraining order that blocks enforcement of Senate Bill 12, the legislation that criminalizes "sexually explicit performances" and that critics say targets drag shows.