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CDPH report: New HIV, AIDS diagnoses at lowest points since the 1980s, but other STIs rise
-- From a press release
CHICAGO — The number of Chicagoans newly diagnosed with HIV and AIDS in 2020 was at the lowest level in four decades, according to a comprehensive new HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infections) report from the ...
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Congressman proposes national LGBTQ+ museum
Recently, U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wisconsin)—a co-chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus—introduced two measures to begin the process of creating a National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture. ...
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Album of 1962 Streisand concerts to be released on CD and digitally on Nov. 4
Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, announced the album Barbra Streisand: Live at the Bon Soir will be released digitally and on CD on Friday, Nov. 4. With new mixes supervised ...
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Kevin Spacey's sexual-misconduct trial starts Oct. 6
Actor Kevin Spacey is the defendant in a lawsuit filed by Anthony Rapp, the actor who in 2017 made the first in a string of sexual-misconduct allegations, MassLive noted, citing the Associated Press. The trial, expected ...
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Velma officially a lesbian in new 'Scooby Doo' movie
Confirming what many in the LGBTQ+ community already knew, the animated character Velma has officially come out as lesbian. Clips from the brand-new Prime Video movie Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo! that show the Mystery Inc. member ...
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Report finds systemic abuse in U.S. women's soccer
An independent investigation into the scandals that were revealed in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) last season found emotional abuse and sexual misconduct were systemic in the sport, impacting multiple teams, coaches and players, N ...
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MUSIC Janet Jackson to release deluxe edition of 'The Velvet Rope'
Five-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Janet Jackson will release a new deluxe edition of her sixth full-length album, The Velvet Rope, on Friday, Oct. 7—the 25th anniversary of the original ...
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LGBTQ+ cases in front of the new-look U.S. Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court sometimes makes significant moves long before it hears arguments in a case. Such is true in a blockbuster LGBTQ case pending before the court—which now has Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson—in its newly ...
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MOVIES 'Bros' stumbles at box office
The Billy Eichner/Luke Mcfarlane same-sex romantic-comedy film Bros made history with its LGBTQ+ cast being in a big-budget movie—but, unfortunately, it fizzled at the box office. The Paramount horror movie Smile debuted to a sizzling $22 ...
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NATIONAL Gay political contest, trans man killed, Kansas Pride, researcher dies
In New York, two gay candidates, Democrat Robert Zimmerman and Republican George Santos, are running to fill the seat vacated by Democrat Tom Suozzi in New York's 3rd Congressional District—marking the first time in U.S. history ...
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WOMEN'S BASKETBALL U.S. team wins fourth straight FIBA gold medal
On Oct. 1, Team USA won a fourth consecutive World Cup gold and 11th overall behind an 83-61 victory over China in the final of the women's basketball tournament in Sydney in front of a pro-China ...
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LGBT HISTORY MONTH 'Memory Book' details history of 1970s-era LGBTQ+ attorneys in U.S.
Stephen Lachs remembers the 1970s as being a particularly wonderful era in the history of the LGBTQ+-liberation movement. Lachs, 83, was the first out LGBTQ+ person appointed to a judgeship in the United States. Tapped by ...
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LGBT HISTORY MONTH Archives for ALL, y'all!
The contributions of LGBTQ people toward the betterment of the world cannot be underestimated and the world is a better place when LGBTQ people are allowed to flourish. From government and warfare to engineering and science ...
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Trevor Project returns donation from controversial tech company
The Trevor Project—a leading nonprofit devoted to the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth which wants "a world where all LGBTQ young people see a bright future for themselves," according to its website—has returned a donation from ...
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Trans U.S. Army doctor, wife charged with helping Russia in war against Ukraine
A U.S. Army major doctor and their physician wife were arrested for an alleged criminal plot to give Russia confidential medical information about people connected to the U.S. military and government, CNBC reported. Federal prosecutors claim ...
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SPORTS Soccer legend leaves drug company; women's team in gold-medal game
Lesbian soccer legend Abby Wambach told ESPN that she intends to fully sever ties with a concussion drug company that is backed by former NFL quarterback Brett Favre and is at the center of a Mississippi ...
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Newsom signs bill making California a sanctuary state for trans youths
On Sept. 29, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law that aims to protect transgender youths and their families from bans against gender-affirming care, the Los Angeles Times reported. Senate Bill 107, by state ...
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GLAAD releases third annual 20 Under 20 list
-- From a press release
New York, NY—GLAAD revealed its third annual 20 Under 20 list, spotlighting 20 young LGBTQ people, ages 20 and younger, who are accelerating acceptance of LGBTQ people while shaping the future of media and activism. GLAAD's ...
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MONKEYPOX/MPXV Rapid PCR test in development
Last spring, a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19—developed by Northwestern University spinoff company Minute Molecular Diagnostics—received emergency use authorization (EUA) status from the ...
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MONKEYPOX/MPXV More than 100 groups call for increased action
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) penned a letter to elected leaders calling for more funding and action to help stop the monkeypox (MPXV) outbreak. More than 100 LGBTQ+, health ...
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EPA launches Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) announced that it is establishing a new national office charged with advancing environmental justice and civil rights. The new Office of Environmental Justice and External ...
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TELEVISION Original 'Queer Eye' cast member Thom Filicia reveals his 'Secret'
RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race debuted in 2020 on VH1 as a spinoff of the Emmy Award-winning RuPaul's Drag Race. For its second season this year, there were more episodes and the celebrities' identities were hidden ...
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Hannah Gadsby signs deal with Netflix
Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning comedian Hannah Gadsby signed a multi-title deal with Netflix, per a press release. The deal includes a new, hour-long special from Gadsby, recorded on the Australian leg of their Body of Work ...
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GLAAD responds to weekend of anti-LGBTQ+ violence, poll suggests 2/3 of GOPs back discussion of LGBTQ+s in schools
-- From a press release
(Monday, September 26, 2022) GLAAD condemns a wave of violence against the LGBTQ community across the country and calls for increased protections and support for LGBTQ people and youth, as new data reveals that a vast ...
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Palm Center to close permanently on Sept. 30
The Palm Center—an independent research institute that uses scholarship to inform the national conversation about military policy concerning LGBTQ+ service members—will close permanently on Sept. 30 after running for 24 ...
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Billy Masters
"I just heard about Leonardo DiCaprio's 25-year rule. His loss. You don't know what you're missing."—Dionne Warwick tweeted her disdain over reports that DiCaprio does not date anyone over 25. Where were you during Queen Elizabeth ...
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Michelle Obama among those inducted into Women's Hall of Fame
Attorney/author/former First Lady and native Chicagoan Michelle Obama was among nine women celebrated on Sept. 23-25 as they were inducted into The National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York. Other inductees included science-fiction ...
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REELING Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane on their big-budget LGBTQ+ movie 'Bros'
The new movie Bros could prove to be a very important movie in LGBTQ+ culture this year. This gay romantic comedy is directed by Nicholas Stoller, who co-wrote the script with Billy Eichner. Stoller and Eichner ...
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SHOWBIZ Cardi B, Sam Smith, 'Wednesday' series, Sean Hayes, Serena
Video below
Cardi B clapped back at someone on Twitter who declared her a celebrity who "came out as bisexual but never dated someone of the same gender," per Out Magazine. The tweet,—featuring pictures of Cardi, Grimes, Lady ...
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NATIONAL Veterans bill, Charlie Crist, Task Force honor, Elton John
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation to assist LGBTQ+ veterans discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) in updating their records and accessing education, health, burial and other benefits available ...
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Queer As Folk' reboot canceled after one season
Peacock has opted not to pick up a second season of the series reboot of Queer As Folk, Deadline noted. A reimagining of the British series created by Russell T Davies, the new iteration—which premiered June ...
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National AIDS Memorial releases 'The Black Community & AIDS'
The National AIDS Memorial has released its latest mini-documentary, "The Black Community & AIDS," the seventh film in its oral history project. "The Black Community & AIDS" chronicles the personal stories of nearly two dozen survivors ...
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Bisexual, pansexual leaders meet with HHS officials in historic roundtable
For Bisexual Awareness Week, bisexual and pansexual community leaders met with federal agency officials at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Sept. 20 to discuss remedies to the health disparities facing the bisexual ...
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DoJ announces $22M to address, prevent sexual assault on campuses
The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) announced nearly $22 million in upcoming grant awards to address and prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking on college campuses; provide services to youth victims and children ...
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Indiana judge blocks state's abortion ban
On Sept. 22, an Indiana judge blocked the state's abortion ban, putting the new law on hold as abortion-clinic operators argue that it violates the state constitution, NPR reported. Owen County Judge Kelsey Hanlon issued a ...
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MOVIES 'Scrooge & Marley' coming to digital, 10th-anniversary DVD
On digital for the first time, and available in a 10th-anniversary DVD, the classic Chicago-made LGBTQ+ holiday comedy Scrooge & Marley is coming this October from Dark Star Pictures. An adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1843 novella ...
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Human Rights Campaign makes history with new president
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) announced that Kelley Robinson (she/her) will become the organization's ninth president—and the first Black, queer woman to lead the ...
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Report: Newsom to run for president if Biden doesn't
California Gov. Gavin Newsom—a staunch LGBTQ+ ally—is "undeniably, unequivocally" planning to run for president in 2024 if President Biden chooses not to seek a second term, two individuals with knowledge of Newsom's plans told TheWrap, Yaho ...
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DoJ secures agreement resolving HIV-discrimination suit in Indiana
The Justice Department filed a proposed consent decree with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana to resolve its lawsuit against the town of Clarksville, Indiana, for violating Title I of the Americans ...
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SPORTS Las Vegas Aces take WNBA championship
On Sept. 18, the Las Vegas Aces beat the Connecticut Sun 78-71 to win the WNBA Finals 3-1—giving the city of Las Vegas its first major professional sports championship, ESPN reported. "We didn't like that feeling ...
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AIDS organization honors actors Farrell, Ralph and Theron
On Sept. 15, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) honored actors Sheryl Lee Ralph, Charlize Theron and Colin Farrell with the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award at The Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS ...
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Billy Masters
"I was born and raised in Boston, and I still haven't made it to Martha's Vineyard."—Billy Masters. They're dropping like flies in England—literally! My faithful followers know that nothing makes me happier than a video of ...
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SHOWBIZ 'Watermelon Woman,' 'Dragula,' Indigo Girls, 'Dahmer' series
Video below
Cheryl Dunye shared a photo on Facebook confirming that her 1996 groundbreaking lesbian-themed film Watermelon Woman is now officially part of the National Film Registry Library. According to the library's website, some of the other movies ...
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NATIONAL Marriage bill, drag queen dies, Dutch queen visits, university sued
A bipartisan group of senators trying to pass same-sex marriage protection legislation pushed a vote until after the November election—a move the officials say increases their chances of success but avoids forcing the GOP on record ...
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'Phantom of the Opera' closing on Broadway after 35 years
After more than three decades, The Phantom of the Opera, the longest-running show in Broadway history, is closing. A representative verified that the play's final performance will be on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023. It will have ...
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Biden meets with Brittney Griner's wife
On Sept. 16, President Joe Biden met with Cherelle Griner, wife of Brittney Griner, and reassured her that he is working to gain the WNBA star's freedom, ESPN reported. Biden sat down in the Oval Office ...
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Texas district court issues third directive benefiting trans youths
On Sept. 16, the Travis County District Court issued a third injunction blocking Texas from implementing a directive targeting trans youth and their families across the state. The directive ordered the Department of Family and Protective ...
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'Saturday Night Live' announces first non-binary cast member
Actor/comedian Molly Kearney will become the first non-binary cast member on Saturday Night Live in its upcoming 48th season, NBC News noted. ...
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SCOTUS sides with New York university's LGBTQ+ club for now
On Sept. 14, the U.S. Supreme Court, by a vote of five to four, declined a request from Yeshiva University in New York to block a New York County Supreme Court order that requires the university ...
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Montana judge strikes down anti-trans birth-certificate rule
A Montana state judge blocked a 2021 state law that would have banned transgender people from changing the gender listed on their birth certificates unless they have undergone gender-affirming surgery, Axios reported. District Court Judge Michael ...
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HBO documentary about Dustin Lance Black to debut Oct. 18
The HBO documentary Mama's Boy, directed by Laurent Bouzereau (HBO's Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind), will debut Tuesday, Oct. 18, during LGBTQ History Month. The film will debut on HBO and be available to stream on ...
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ONE Archives names Tony Valenzuela as executive director
The Los Angeles-based ONE Archives Foundation announced that longtime LGBTQ+ activist and nonprofit leader Tony Valenzuela (he/him) has been named as its new executive director. Valenzuela is the first Latinx ...
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Lindsey Graham proposes national abortion bill
On Sept 13, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) introduced a measure that would ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. It's the most significant proposal by Republicans in Congress to curtail the procedure since the ...
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NBA team criticizes player's anti-gay video
The NBA team the Minnesota Timberwolves said in a statement it was "disappointed" in guard Anthony Edwards for anti-gay comments he made in an Instagram video, ESPN reported. "We are disappointed in the language and actions ...
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'White Lotus,' Sheryl Lee Ralph among 2022 Emmy winners
Unless they were among the cast, crew and staff of The White Lotus, members of the LGBTQ+ community were few and far between among the winners at the Television Academy's 2022 Emmy Awards, which were distributed ...
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Billy Masters
"The old woman finally died."—Billy Masters left this as a voice message for a friend. Said friend was sure I meant Barbara Walters. But BW will outlive us all, much to the chagrin of her handsome ...
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NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists names 2022-23 national board of directors
-- From a press release
Washington, D.C. (Sunday, Sept. 11) — Today, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists announced its 2022-2023 national board of directors. The newly elected directors were elected to their positions during ...
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SHOWBIZ Religion movie, Laverne Cox, 'Will & Grace,' Jeopardy!, Elton John
The LGBTQ+ film Wonderfully Made—LGBTQ+R(eligion) will have its New York premiere at the Woodstock Film Festival on Thursday, Sept. 29, following its world premiere at Out in Film in Atlanta on Saturday, Sept. 24, per a ...
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NATIONAL Protests, Respect for Marriage Act, photographer, Fla. Democrat
The Inland Empire Pride festival in Riverside, California, was disrupted when far-right extremists demonstrated outside the event venue, The Advocate reported. Violent clashes erupted between protesters and those attending the ...
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Bronze sculpture at Indiana Univ. honors Kinsey
-- From a press release
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — A new bronze sculpture memorializing Alfred C. Kinsey's significant and enduring contributions to Indiana University now sits on the Bloomington campus, marking the 75th anniversary of the institute that bears his name. Kinse ...
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Broadway musical Chicago to open Sept. 12 with Angelica Ross as Roxie Hart
-- From a press release
The Broadway company of the Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical Chicago will welcome actress and human rights advocate Angelica Ross ("Pose," "American Horror Story") making her Broadway debut in the ...
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Campus Pride releases 'absolute worst, most unsafe campuses for LGBTQ+ people'
-- From a press release
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina — Campus Pride released The Worst List documenting the "Absolute Worst, Most Unsafe Campuses for LGBTQ+ Youth." The Worst List is an annual listing of colleges and universities that have chosen to openly ...
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Miami-Dade school board rejects LGBTQ History Month over 'Don't Say Gay' fears
On Sept. 7, the Miami-Dade School Board struck down a proposal that would have recognized October as "LGBTQ History Month" out of concern that it would violate the state's Parental Rights in Education law, known by ...
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TV 'Dancing with the Stars' has first drag contestant
The show Dancing with the Stars is recording a couple of firsts in its 31st season—including its first-ever drag queen competitor. Actor and Performer D.J. "Shangela" Pierce—the first contestant to compete on three separate seasons of ...
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George Michael is the focus of the new film 'Portrait of an Artist'
On Christmas Day 2016, the world awoke to shocking news. George Michael, one of music's brightest stars since the 1980s, had died suddenly in his sleep at age 53. So many were left reeling—people who felt ...
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Ricky Martin sues 'maladjusted' nephew for $20 million [UPDATE]
Actor/singer/author Ricky Martin has filed a $20-million lawsuit against the nephew who accused him of sexual abuse, Deadline reported. "The reckless, malicious and culpable actions by Defendant Sanchez were motivated by the desire to expose Plaintiff ...
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Texas judge: Mandated PrEP coverage violates religious freedom
On Sept. 7, a federal judge in Texas (U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor) ruled that the government cannot force a Christian-owned company to cover HIV preventative medication (HIV PrEP) because it violates their religious freedom under ...
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Michigan judge invalidates 1931 abortion ban
On Sept. 7, a Michigan Court of Claims judge ruled that the state's 1931 abortion ban violates the state constitution, Yahoo! reported, based on a copy of the ruling that ABC News obtained. The ruling permanently ...
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Oklahoma being sued over anti-trans restroom law
Three Oklahoma students are suing the state over its law that bars transgender students from using the bathroom corresponding with their gender identity, KOSU reported. The 42-page suit challenges that Senate Bill 615 is unconstitutional. A ...
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Maura Healey on track to become one of first lesbian governors in history
-- From a press release
Washington, DC — Tonight LGBTQ Victory Fund endorsed candidate Maura Healey earned the Democratic nomination in the Massachusetts gubernatorial race. She is now on track to become one of the first out lesbian governors in U.S. ...
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Billy Masters
"You've touched our hearts and minds to be our authentic self, to use our voices, to dream big. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially for women and women of ...
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NATIONAL Convicted killer, school groups, Gloria Casarez, 'Gay Days'
A Philadelphia jury convicted Abdullah El-Amin of third-degree murder for taking the life of trans woman Mia Green, per The Philadelphia Gay News. He faces a lengthy prison term when sentenced in November. Green, 27, was ...
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SHOWBIZ Lady Gaga, VMAs, Emmys, daytime soap, anti-trans comments
Lady Gaga might perform a virtual concert on the popular online video game Fortnite sometime soon, according to Out Magazine, citing Kotaku. In a previous press release by Fortnite developer Epic Games, the studio announced that ...
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Philadelphia AIDS and housing activist Michael Hinson Jr. dies at 55
Michael Hinson Jr.—a longtime AIDS and housing activist, and leader in Philadelphia's Black LGBTQ+ community—died Aug. 27 of an undisclosed cause at age 55, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. An obituary in the Philadelphia Gay News stated ...
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Pro-LGBTQ+ group Agenda PAC to campaign against right-wing candidates
Several elected LGBTQ+ officeholders and veteran Democratic operatives have created Agenda PAC—a national organization that will work to preserve LGBTQ+ rights by campaigning against right-wing candidates, NBC News reported. Founder ...
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