United States, North America

Owing to the United States' federal system and the diversity in attitudes toward LGBT rights, the status of LGBT civil rights in the U.S. is at present a patchwork. At the federal level, there is no recognition of same-sex unions and no laws forbidding employment discrimination against LGBT persons. Some states have enacted such laws, however. State legislatures in Connecticut (2005), California (1999), Hawaii (1996), Maine (2004), New Jersey (2006), Washington (2007), New Hampshire (2007), Oregon (2007) Vermont (1999) and the District of Columbia (2001) have enacted either civil unions or more limited domestic partnership options for same-sex couples. Since 2004 marriage is open to gays in Massachusetts; Connecticut made it available in 2008. More states are debating it currently. For more, click here.

 

News & Reports:

 

Want to Understand L.G.B.T.Q. Life in America? Go to Alabama.

Huntsville, Ala. — It was an unusually chilly Thursday night in December, and a drag queen named Miss Majesty Divine was putting the final touches on her show makeup. She was about to go onstage for her regular gig at a basement tiki bar, one of the last performances before Christmas. Up at street level,… Read more »

Rights Groups, Elected Officials Applaud Respect for Marriage Act

Many are thrilled with Biden’s signing of the marriage equality bill, but they note that more work remains to protect the LGBTQ+ community. Civil rights groups are over the moon at President Joe Biden’s signing of the Respect for Marriage Act, but they note that more needs to be done to assure LGBTQ+ equality in… Read more »

Gay marriage is no longer a right-wing wedge issue | Dick Polman

Sometimes the long arc of history does bend toward justice As I watched President Joe Biden sign the historic marriage equality law last week, his latest of many legislative achievements, I couldn’t help but marvel at how much American culture has changed during the past quarter-century. Sometimes the long arc of history does bend toward… Read more »

9 Athletes Who Came Out As LGBTQ+ in 2022

These athletes are living their most authentic lives! For a variety of reasons, it can be extremely hard for professional athletes to come out as LGBTQ+ in their personal lives. For one, sports are largely dominated by straight cis men who have been notoriously homophobic and transphobic according to numerous stories from LGBTQ+ athletes. The culture of… Read more »

Prides Come in All Shapes and Sizes

In rural areas, about 3.8 million LGBTQ+ residents make up about one-fifth of the population, according to a study published in 2019 by the Movement Advancement Project, a nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing equality and justice. Some experts believe the number is probably even higher. Although there is no national database of LGBTQ+ Pride festivals,… Read more »

Pete Buttigieg & Don Lemon Share Laugh While Discussing Queer Families

The Secretary of Transportation defended his family’s very relatable choice of vehicle while appearing on CNN to discuss marriage equality. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will hold a celebratory bill-signing event at the White House today. This afternoon, a who’s who of the LGBTQ+ community, members of Congress, and other invited allies… Read more »

Rights Groups, Elected Officials Applaud Respect for Marriage Act

Many are thrilled with Biden’s signing of the marriage equality bill, but they note that more work remains to protect the LGBTQ+ community. Civil rights groups are over the moon at President Joe Biden’s signing of the Respect for Marriage Act, but they note that more needs to be done to assure LGBTQ+ equality in… Read more »

Pete Buttigieg & Don Lemon Share Laugh While Discussing Queer Families

The Secretary of Transportation defended his family’s very relatable choice of vehicle while appearing on CNN to discuss marriage equality. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will hold a celebratory bill-signing event at the White House today. This afternoon, a who’s who of the LGBTQ+ community, members of Congress, and other invited allies… Read more »

Gay marriage becomes the law of the land in America

The Respect for Marriage Act is a welcome achievement. It also has lessons for broader social change Editor’s note: President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act on December 13th. Joe biden will shortly sign the Respect for Marriage Act, closing a chapter that began when Jack Baker and Michael McConnell applied, unsuccessfully, for… Read more »

Gay marriage becomes the law of the land in America

The Respect for Marriage Act is a welcome achievement. It also has lessons for broader social change Editor’s note: President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act on December 13th. Joe biden will shortly sign the Respect for Marriage Act, closing a chapter that began when Jack Baker and Michael McConnell applied, unsuccessfully, for… Read more »

Bill to Protect Same-Sex Marriage Rights Clears Congress

The House gave final approval to the measure, with lawmakers from both parties voting in favor. It now heads to President Biden to be signed into law. Washington — The House on Thursday gave final approval to legislation to mandate federal recognition for same-sex marriages, with a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers voting in favor of… Read more »

Trans-Pacific Māhū Ancestors: Reclaiming Hawaiian Trans Identities/Spirits

In a world full of anger, hurt and worry, a Hawaiian legend of dual male/female identities has been resurrected to reclaim an ancient tradition and bring healing to our modern lives. Such a story is necessary today as transgender people are openly attacked as easy targets of hatred and discrimination, scapegoats for all that is… Read more »

Consevative Muslems Join Forces With Christian Right On Michigan Book Bans

A recent school board meeting at which about 1,000 people gathered in Dearborn, Michigan, to pressure district officials to censor books with LGBTQ+ themes was in most ways similar to hundreds of other recent book ban hearings across the US. Speakers alleged the books “promote mental health issues” and “self harm”, while the school district… Read more »

PA State Senate votes to remove homosexuality from crimes code

Harrisburg, Pa. (WHTM) — On July 7, 2022 the Pennsylvania State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 2125, which will remove “homosexuality” from the list of prohibited sexual acts in Pennsylvania’s Crime Codes. The bill now heads to Governor Tom Wolf’s desk for approval. Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery), with support from the Pennsylvania Youth Congress, advocated… Read more »

Melissa Etheridge, LGBTQ+ Luminaries Pay Tribute to Urvashi Vaid

To know Urvashi Vaid was to have a life-changing experience. That’s a common thread that runs through remembrances of the legendary LGBTQ+ activist, who died of cancer May 14 at age 63. Vaid’s résumé was impressive by any standard. She spent a decade with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (now the National LGBTQ… Read more »

Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws Take Effect in Five More States

Florida is getting all the attention with its heinous “don’t say gay” law taking effect, but several other states have major anti-LGBTQ+ laws that came into force Friday. Prominent among them is Alabama, which has its own version of a “don’t say gay” law. The “don’t say gay” provision was attached as an amendment to… Read more »

Gay Club Torched by Suspected Arsonist in New York City

Two people suffered from burns as the 5-month-old establishment went up in flames. A new queer nightclub in New York City caught fire Sunday in what authorities are investigating as arson. The incident happened around 9:30 p.m. at Rash on Myrtle Avenue. Both police and fire departments confirmed that two people were injured in the… Read more »

Gay Club Torched by Suspected Arsonist in New York City

A new queer nightclub in New York City caught fire Sunday in what authorities are investigating as arson. The incident happened around 9:30 p.m. at Rash on Myrtle Avenue. Both police and fire departments confirmed that two people were injured in the fire. “Last night before the party started, someone came into our bar, poured… Read more »

First Look: Pete Buttigieg Documentary ‘Mayor Pete’

In the upcoming Amazon Prime original documentary Mayor Pete, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg reflects on being the nation’s first openly gay presidential candidate. Mayor Pete, which premieres November 12 on Amazon, is from director Jesse Moss (Boys State). The documentary follows Buttigieg as he campaigns for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. “When I talked… Read more »

Texas Lawmakers Approve Anti-Trans Youth Sports Bill

A bill that seeks to prohibit transgender youth from participating in sports cleared the Texas Senate on Friday, just a day after it passed the House. House Bill 25 would require all transgender student athletes in grades K-12 to play on sports teams that correspond to the “biological sex” listed on their birth certificate. The… Read more »

NASA’s Sally Ride Will Become First Out LGBT Person On A US Coin

The U.S. Mint on Wednesday unveiled a design for a quarter that will feature astronaut Dr. Sally Ride, making her the first out LGBT person to be honored on a U.S. coin. The upcoming coin is part of a set of quarters that will feature female trailblazers from American history. The Mint’s American Women Quarters… Read more »

Colorado governor weds longtime partner in first same-sex marriage for a sitting governor

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and his partner of 18 years, Marlon Reis, were married on Wednesday, according to a statement from the governor’s office. Polis is the first out LGBTQ governor in the United States to get married while in the governor’s office, according to the LGBTQ Victory Fund, which tracks LGBTQ political candidates and… Read more »

Colorado governor weds longtime partner in first same-sex marriage for a sitting governor

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and his partner of 18 years, Marlon Reis, were married on Wednesday, according to a statement from the governor’s office. Polis is the first out LGBTQ governor in the United States to get married while in the governor’s office, according to the LGBTQ Victory Fund, which tracks LGBTQ political candidates and… Read more »

Colorado governor weds longtime partner in first same-sex marriage for a sitting governor

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and his partner of 18 years, Marlon Reis, were married on Wednesday, according to a statement from the governor’s office. Polis is the first out LGBTQ governor in the United States to get married while in the governor’s office, according to the LGBTQ Victory Fund, which tracks LGBTQ political candidates and… Read more »

Hong Kong Gay Games postponed for one year

Organizers cite potential COVID-related travel restrictions Hong Kong – Officials with Gay Games Hong Kong 2022, the committee organizing the quadrennial international LGBTQ sports event scheduled to take place in Hong Kong in November 2022, announced on Sept. 15 that the Gay Games will be postponed for one year due to concerns over the COVID-19… Read more »

You Can’t Pray The Gay Away: Netflix Premieres Documentary About Conversion Therapy

The streaming giant Netflix will host to the 2021 documentary Pray Away. The film, directed by Kristine Stolakis and produced by Ryan Murphy and Jason Blum, looks at the leaders of Exodus International, one of the most controversial ‘ex-gay’ conversion therapy organisations during the 1970s, reports TV Blackbox. The documentary also interviews survivors of the… Read more »

Out skateboarders Alana Smith and Alexis Sablone bring a rainbow of diversity to U.S. Olympic Team

Alexis Sablone is queer and Alana Smith is bisexual. They’ll compete for Team USA in the sport’s first Olympic appearance. Alana Smith and Alexis Sablone are leading the charge for LGBTQ representation in skateboarding for the United States at the Tokyo Olympics with the debut of the sport at the Summer Games. Sablone is a… Read more »

Carl Nassib, the First Openly Gay N.F.L. Player, Has Been a Football Everyman

“I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now,” the N.F.L. lineman said. He comes from a football family, was a standout at Penn State and has taught his teammates about personal finance. Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Carl Nassib walked outside his home in West Chester, Pa., looked directly into his phone and… Read more »

The ‘Global Closet’ is Huge—Vast Majority of World’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Population Hide Orientation, YSPH Study Finds

The vast majority of the world’s sexual minority population — an estimated 83 percent of those who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual — keep their orientation hidden from all or most of the people in their lives, according to a new study by the Yale School of Public Health that could have major implications… Read more »

Say G’Day To Drag Race Down Under

Since its inception in 2009, the reality drag competition has been on a rollercoaster that only goes up. Hosted by RuPaul, arguably the most famous drag queen internationally, the show has had 13 seasons producing some of the world’s most beloved drag superstars. Drag Race Down Under will feature Australia and New Zealand queens and… Read more »

Negative attitudes towards effeminacy associated with internalized homophobia among gay and bisexual men

Most members of the LGBTQ+ community recognize that it, like many marginalized and minority communities, suffers from internal struggles centered on identity and the outward display of personality traits and behaviors that generate discrimination from the general public. Effeminacy among gay and bisexual men, and the (perceived) rejection of gender stereotypes associated with it, is… Read more »

Amazon to stop selling books that frame LGBTQ+ identities as mental illness

Retail giant announces decision in letter to Republican US senators about removal of book by conservative academic Amazon will no longer sell books that frame gay, lesbian, transgender and other sexual and gender identities as a mental illness. The company made the announcement public in a letter sent to Republican senators who had asked why… Read more »

Three dads, a baby and the legal battle to get their names added to a birth certificate

Three dads, a baby and the legal battle to get their names added to a birth certificate (CNN) – Meet Ian Jenkins and his partners, Alan and Jeremy. They’re a “throuple”: a committed polyamorous relationship involving three people. And after a complicated and expensive court battle to all become legal parents, the trio are raising… Read more »

Homophobes are more likely to be stupid, according to science

There is a scientific link between lower levels of cognitive intelligence and being homophobic, a study has found. Researchers at the University of Queensland, Australia, drew correlations between those who record a low intelligence quotient (IQ) score and those who express bigoted, prejudiced views. This connection, scientists wrote in the journal Intelligence, is the first… Read more »

The Life and Death of Modern Homosexuality

Abolish the capitalist forces that produced “gay people” Sexual Hegemony: Statecraft, Sodomy, and Capital in the Rise of the World System by Christopher Chitty. Duke University Press, 240 pages. Ever Since The Modern Invention of homosexuality, many homosexuals have been profoundly invested in claiming that homosexuality is not a modern invention, or even an invention… Read more »

Openly Gay Mark Levine Launches Campaign For Virginia Lieutenant Governor

Virginia state Delegate Mark Levine, an openly gay Democrat from Alexandria, has launched his campaign for lieutenant governor. According to the Washington Blade, Levine’s successful bid would make him the state’s first openly LGBT officeholder elected statewide. Levine announced his campaign on Monday, December 21 on social media. “Injustice has always gotten under my skin,”… Read more »

Supreme Court Affirms Rights For Same-Sex Couples

The high court’s decision not to hear Box v. Henderson leaves in place a lower court’s ruling that found Indiana must place both mothers on their child’s birth certificate. The justices rejected the case without explanation. In its petition to the court, Indiana argued that listing two mothers on a birth certificate undermines a “biological… Read more »

Supreme Court hands down victory for lesbian moms

Indiana tried to make it harder for lesbian couples to be recognized as parents. The Supreme Court said no. The Supreme Court has denied Indiana’s petition to hear a case involving the rights for same-sex spouses to appear on their children’s birth certificates, leaving in place an appeals court decision in favor of listing the… Read more »

Dancing Six Feet Apart? They’d Rather Not

The coronavirus pandemic has upended the lives of many American families. Follow this weekly feature called “Family, Interrupted” to find out how. The wedding date came and went. No vows. No toasts. No tears from proud family and friends. The coronavirus pandemic caused Matthew Cohen, who works in the operations department of a technology company,… Read more »

Two of Trump’s judges strike down laws banning ‘conversion therapy’ on children

Two therapists said the ban on the dangerous ‘cures’ undermined their freedom of speech. Two judges, appointed by President Donald Trump, have struck down laws in Florida that banned ‘conversion therapy’ on children. The laws, in the city of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County, banned therapists from trying to ‘cure’ people’s sexual orientation or… Read more »