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:

 

World Aquatics to debut ‘open category’ races for transgender swimmers in Berlin

World Aquatics says the first “open category” swimming races to accommodate transgender competitors will take place at a World Cup event in Berlin in October Berlin – The first “open category” swimming races to accommodate transgender competitors will take place at a World Cup event in Berlin in October, the sport’s governing body said Wednesday.… Read more »

Kamala Harris Makes Historic Visit to Stonewall Inn, Vows to Fight Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate

As one of Harris’s many firsts, she is now the first sitting Vice President of the United States to visit the famed queer space. Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise visit on Monday to the historic Stonewall Inn bar in Manhattan, where the 1969 uprising sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and Pride events… Read more »

Being Gay Is Illegal in Many Countries. L.G.B.T.Q. Travelers Are Going Anyway.

Tropical reefs, safaris, the pyramids: L.G.B.T.Q. travel companies deliver dream vacations, even to places where being out and proud could land you in prison. A romantic island getaway in the Maldives. A safari in Kenya. A visit to the pyramids in Egypt. Apart from being popular on bucket lists, these vacations have one thing in… Read more »

Biden, Blinken, and More Condemn Uganda’s Horrific Anti-Homosexuality Act

Sanctions against the nation are possible, President Joe Biden said. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken are denouncing Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act and warning of possible sanctions against the country. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed the act into law Monday. It provides for the death penalty for what it calls “aggravated homosexuality,” including… Read more »

When Your Sexuality Is Against the Law

I’m traveling in West Africa on my annual win-a-trip journey, a global reporting expedition on which I take a university student to highlight issues that deserve more attention. My winner this year is Maddie Bender, a recent Yale graduate (the pandemic delayed our trip) — and with that, I’m handing the rest of the column… Read more »

Judge rules against LGBTQ+ book ban, orders titles to be returned to library shelves in ‘ringing victory for democracy’

A judge in Texas has ordered books banned for containing LGBTQ+ and racial content must return to shelves within 24 hours. As reported by CNN, in April 2022, seven residents sued Llano County officials for removing 12 books from public libraries which were deemed ‘inappropriate’ as they focused on topics of gender, race or sexuality.… Read more »

Judge rules against LGBTQ+ book ban, orders titles to be returned to library shelves in ‘ringing victory for democracy’

A judge in Texas has ordered books banned for containing LGBTQ+ and racial content must return to shelves within 24 hours. As reported by CNN, in April 2022, seven residents sued Llano County officials for removing 12 books from public libraries which were deemed ‘inappropriate’ as they focused on topics of gender, race or sexuality.… Read more »

Judge rules against LGBTQ+ book ban, orders titles to be returned to library shelves in ‘ringing victory for democracy’

A judge in Texas has ordered books banned for containing LGBTQ+ and racial content must return to shelves within 24 hours. As reported by CNN, in April 2022, seven residents sued Llano County officials for removing 12 books from public libraries which were deemed ‘inappropriate’ as they focused on topics of gender, race or sexuality.… Read more »

Biden Offers Support to Trans Americans on Transgender Day of Visibility

The president released a statement of affirmation, plus a new report on mental health and a call for support across the federal government. President Joe Biden and his administration are observing Transgender Day of Visibility today by issuing a report on ways to support LGBTQ+ and intersex youth, especially trans youth, and guidance on gender… Read more »

Biden Offers Support to Trans Americans on Transgender Day of Visibility

The president released a statement of affirmation, plus a new report on mental health and a call for support across the federal government. President Joe Biden and his administration are observing Transgender Day of Visibility today by issuing a report on ways to support LGBTQ+ and intersex youth, especially trans youth, and guidance on gender… Read more »

12 Years Later, Iowa Lawmaker’s Speech on Marriage Equality Still Inspires

Zach Wahls, now Iowa Senate minority leader, reshared the video about being raised by two moms as Republicans continue to attack LGBTQ+ people and families. Iowa Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls is resharing a video of a speech he made in 2011 about being the son of a lesbian couple, and it’s as relevant as… Read more »

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 »