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discrimination & violence

House passes bill banning trans women and girls from school sports

Over 400 human rights organizations had asked the Republican-controlled chamber to reject the bill, which "does not address the longstanding barriers all girls and women have faced in their pursuit of athletics."

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Transgender youth are terrified of Donald Trump — but they're not losing hope (exclusive)

Ahead of the inauguration, The Advocate asked young trans people about the biggest challenges facing them – and what the rest of us can do to help.

US v Skrmetti is a public health disaster

The stakes are high for trans youth, their families, and equitable healthcare.

82% of trans workers have suffered discrimination or harassment: report

"Our analysis indicates that employment discrimination against transgender employees is persistent and widespread," the Williams Institute's report states.

LGBTQ+ people are much more likely to vape. Here's why

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans are much more likely to try tobacco products than their straight and cisgender peers, according to a new report from the surgeon general.

Federal judge refuses to toss anti-transgender athlete lawsuit in Connecticut

The four cisgender female athletes’ suit seeks monetary damages, a change in the state’s trans policy, and erasing the records and awards of their trans competitors.

A therapist's tips for coping with your 'valid' election season anxiety as an LGBTQ+ person

"It's natural to be pissed off and fearful and defensive. It's about accepting that and finding a way to challenge that," a licensed psychotherapist tells The Advocate.

Apple, Costco stand behind DEI programs

Both companies' directors are encouraging shareholders to vote against resolutions asking them to reconsider DEI initiatives.

Tennessee pizzeria refuses to cater same-sex weddings

Critics call for a boycott, but what does the law say?

An Alabama city banned an LGBTQ+ Pride float from its Christmas parade. It marched anyways

Prattville Pride was able to march in the city's Christmas parade despite being banned the day prior after swift action from a federal judge.

Los Angeles becomes a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ youth and immigrants as officials reject Project 2025

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to pass the “sanctuary city” ordinance, shielding queer youth who travel to the city to receive gender-affirming care from prosecution.

Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day parade finally ends ban on LGBTQ+ groups

Organizers for the celebration have invited The Pride Center of Staten Island, which was repeatedly and directly banned from participating, to march in the 2025 celebration under their own banner.

Transgender woman sues Hooters for discrimination, says workers denied her a job and harassed her

Brandy Livingston claims that Hooters workers denied her job application based on her appearance and harassed her for using the bathroom.

New York trans woman settles landmark lawsuit affirming transgender rights while in custody

DeAnna LeTray said officers called her mentally ill and “a guy dressed like a woman.” She just made them change the previously transphobic system.

Why some lesbians and bisexual women experience poverty

Race and education level are involved, but there are differences among the two groups, according to a new study.

For Anita Bryant, there will be no orange juice in hell

Hers is a cautionary tale about the perils of bigotry. It’s the rabid and hateful venom people remember, not the orange juice, writes John Casey.

Black students sue New York school after teacher asks if they are 'pure-bred'

The students claim that they were told the teacher could not possibly be racist because she's LGBTQ+.

Donald Trump is planning to kick transgender people out of the military: report

Unlike his previous ban that prohibited new members from signing up if they were transgender, Trump's proposed ban reportedly would medically discharge all current trans service members.

Nancy Mace supported an LGBTQ+ equality bill before pushing a transgender bathroom ban

“I strongly support LGBTQ rights and equality. No one should be discriminated against. I do believe that religious liberty, the First Amendment, gay rights, and transgender equality can all coexist," Mace said in 2021.

Sir Lady Java, drag artist and activist who performed alongside the famous, has died

She appeared with celebrities such as Redd Foxx, Sammy Davis Jr., Richard Pryor, and Don Rickles, and challenged a law against drag performances.

Trump’s election prompts one nonprofit to prioritize scholarships for LGBTQ+ youth in red states

Instead of wilting away, The Dru Project — an organization named in honor of Pulse Nightclub victim Drew Leinonen — is shifting its priorities to serve the most vulnerable LGBTQ+ young people in states where their existence is increasingly difficult.