This time of year can be a joyous and/or sad time for those in the LGBTQ community. For queer individuals who don’t have safety nets in place this holiday season, it is hard to know where to turn for support; and with President Trump, over the summer, slashing the 988 young LGBTQ+ specialized support hotline […]
Nearly ten years after North Carolina passed its infamous “bathroom bill” — sparking national protests and corporate boycotts — similar laws are making a strong comeback across the United States. As of now, 19 states have enacted laws that prohibit transgender individuals from using restrooms in K-12 schools that match their gender identity. In many
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has revised its policies to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order prohibiting transgender women from competing in women’s sports. The policy change appears in an updated version of the USOPC’s “Athlete Safety Policy,” dated June 18 and quietly posted on its website Monday. The 27-page document does
In a direct response to the Trump administration’s decision to end specialized support for LGBTQ+ youth on the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, California is reinforcing its commitment to providing life-saving services for young people in crisis. The federal cut, which officially ends the dedicated LGBTQ+ support option on July 17, is being met
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a highly effective new HIV-prevention medication, Gilead Sciences reported Wednesday. In clinical trials, the drug nearly eliminated HIV’s spread among people given an injection every six months. Called Yeztugo, the highly effective drug has inspired feverish anticipation among advocates for HIV prevention. The hope is the medication could
Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee’s Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for MinorsThree years after overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court has again allowed states to restrict a controversial form of healthcare. In a 6-3 decision in United States v. Skrmetti on Wednesday, the Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming medical treatments like puberty blockers and hormone
Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a significant memo this week targeting access to transgender healthcare for minors across the United States. The directive signals the Justice Department’s intent to increase scrutiny on medical professionals, hospitals, clinics, and even drug manufacturers and distributors involved in providing or facilitating such care. Bondi stated the department would leverage
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has rescinded Directive 1341, a 2018 policy that ensured respectful and clinically appropriate healthcare for transgender, nonbinary, and intersex veterans. This reversal, revealed by The Advocate, aligns with President Trump’s “Defending Women” executive order, which recognizes only two sexes. Directive 1341 had provided protections against discrimination, guaranteed access to
As California’s population ages, understanding the unique needs of its diverse communities becomes increasingly crucial. This is particularly relevant given the state’s growing diversity and its leadership in addressing social equity. In a pioneering effort, the “Survey of LGBTQIA+ Older Adults in California: From Challenges to Resilience” highlights the experiences, disparities, and resilience of over
In a landmark move to protect and support LGBTQ+ students, California has enacted Assembly Bill 1955 (AB 1955), known as the “Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth (SAFETY) Act.” Signed into law on July 15, 2024, by Governor Gavin Newsom, this groundbreaking legislation underscores California’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive educational
