AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Supreme Court upheld the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youths Friday, rejecting pleas from parents that it violates their right to seek medical care for their children. The 8-1 ruling from the all-Republican court leaves in place a law that has been in effect since Sept. 1, 2023. … Read more
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Supreme Court on Monday reinstated an agency rule prohibiting residents from using “X” instead of male or female on state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards. In a one-page order, justices stayed a lower-court ruling that had blocked the new rule that also made it more difficult for transgender people … Read more
ARLINGTON, Texas — Rafael McDonnell sometimes gets to address the staff of his beloved Texas Rangers on issues of diversity and inclusion through his role with the Resource Center, one of the leading LGBTQ+ organizations in the Dallas area. For several years, the Rangers have been the only Major League Baseball team without a Pride … Read more
COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. — One of freestyle skier Jay Riccomini’s priceless life moments came this year in Switzerland, when he was recognized on the podium for a third-place finish in a major global competition. It was a breakthrough performance — and the announcer used his correct pronouns. “I just thought, ‘It took some time to … Read more
Pride Month, the worldwide celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and rights, kicks off Saturday with events around the globe. But this year’s festivities in the U.S. will unfold against a backdrop of dozens of new state laws targeting LGBTQ+ rights, particularly transgender young people. Here are things to know about the celebrations and the politics around … Read more
A Texas Democratic lawmaker who broke with her party by supporting a ban on gender-affirming care for minors was ousted in a primary runoff that galvanized LGBTQ+ groups nationwide who then campaigned for her opponent in the race for the south Houston seat. Rep. Shawn Thierry’s defeat followed four terms in which the Houston lawmaker … Read more
“Drag is joy, but it’s under attack. Our very existence, our self-expression, our art — all of it is being threatened. And we’ve had enough.” That’s the opening salvo of Qommittee, a group of drag performers banding together to protect and promote their art form, as it announced its formation ahead of June’s LGBTQ+ Pride … Read more
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Californians won’t be voting this November on a policy that would have required schools to notify parents if their child asks to change their gender identification. Proponents of a ballot measure to create such a statewide policy announced Tuesday they failed to collect enough signatures to put the measure before voters this … Read more
SEATTLE — A school district, a nurse, and civil rights and youth services organizations sued Thursday to block a new Washington state parental rights law that critics describe as a “forced outing” measure. A conservative megadonor backed the law, which is set to take effect in June. The Democratic-led Legislature overwhelmingly approved it, with progressive … Read more
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Impassioned supporters and opponents of a far-reaching Equal Rights Amendment to the Minnesota Constitution flocked to the State Capitol on Monday ahead of crucial votes aimed at putting it on the 2026 ballot. The amendment would guarantee some of the nation’s broadest protections of abortion and LGBTQ+ rights if it is … Read more
