Hamburger Mary's closing downtown Orlando restaurant after 16 years
Hamburger Mary's, the iconic bar known for its support for the LGBTQ community nestled in the historic Bumby building on Church Street, is set to bid farewell to downtown Orlando, co-owners John Paonessa and Mike Carpenter announced on social media on Wednesday.
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.
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.
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.
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."
Class action lawsuit granted in challenge to Florida's transgender treatment law
A federal judge Wednesday said a lawsuit challenging new Florida restrictions on treatments for transgender people will move forward as a class action.
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.
Florida school district orders removal of all books with gay characters before slightly backing off
Top officials at a Florida school district ordered the removal of all books and material containing LBGTQ+ characters and themes from classrooms and campus libraries, saying that was needed to conform to a state law backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay."
Federal judge refuses to block Florida transgender treatment law
A federal judge on Friday refused to block a new Florida law making it more difficult for transgender adults to access hormone therapy and surgeries.
Canada issues travel advisory for LGBTQ visitors to US
Canadian officials cited laws banning drag shows, restricting gender-affirming care and blocking participation in sporting events as reasons for the updated guidance.
Two murals in Downtown Orlando vandalized with anti-LGBTQ messages
Two murals, one belonging to The Center Orlando and the other to Zebra Youth, were vandalized early Saturday morning, according to The Center.
Ban on gender-affirming health care for minors takes effect in North Carolina
The law bans medical professionals from providing hormone therapy, puberty-blocking drugs and surgical gender-transition procedures to most under 18.
States protecting transgender health care try to absorb demand
Waiting lists for gender-affirming health care are growing in states that declared themselves refuges for transgender people as bans for such care for minors take effect nationwide.
Anheuser-Busch layoffs: Bud Light sales slump leads to hundreds of lost jobs
Anheuser-Busch, the maker of Bud Light, is laying off hundreds of positions across its U.S. corporate staff, the company confirmed this week.
A look at how many transgender, intersex people live in the US amid new anti-LGBTQ+ laws
New laws targeting LGBTQ+ people are proliferating in GOP-led states, but the conversations often lack a clear understanding of how many people will be directly affected.
Transgender adults seek to block Florida law limiting access to hormone-replacement therapy, surgery
Citing a “crisis of availability” of care, transgender people are asking a federal judge to block a new state law making it more difficult for trans adults to access hormone-replacement therapy and surgery.
Challenge to Florida drag shows law won’t go to trial until 2024
A trial to determine if a new Florida law targeting drag shows is constitutional won’t start until next spring.
Injunction blocking Florida law targeting drag shows applies to all venues, judge says
A federal judge said Wednesday that his order blocking a Florida law targeting drag shows doesn’t just apply to the restaurant that brought the lawsuit challenging it but to other venues in the state, reiterating that the legislation championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis is likely unconstitutional.
48-hour 'drag-a-thon' breaks world record, raises $300K for LGBTQ charity
Not only did the drag-a-thon make history, but supporters raised $285,000 for The Trevor Project, a nonprofit that works to prevent suicide among LGBTQ youth.