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virginia politics

Virginia LGBTQ+ advocates and allies come together to celebrate 10 years of marriage equality

Equality Virginia's annual black-tie affair at Richmond’s Main Street Station was extra special as attendees celebrated same-sex couples’ right to get married.

The Advocate's Big Four Report: Virginia

The Advocate continues its coverage of four swing states this week with Virginia, a traditionally red state where some recent polls give Sen. Barack Obama a dougle-digit advantage. Today's story is the first of four pieces focusing on the state's political dynamics, LGBT concerns, and how it all will play out on Election Day.

Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin Will Not Seek Reelection, Leaving West Virginia Seat Up for Grabs

The conservative Democrat announced his retirement from the Senate, sparking speculation about the future political landscape and a potential third-party presidential run.

Transgender Teen’s Question on Bathrooms Stumps Va.'s Republican Governor

During a CNN town hall, Glenn Youngkin couldn’t answer the young transgender man's question about which bathroom the governor would have him use.

Attacker Injures Two at Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly's Virginia Office

Two staff members were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

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In GOP-led states with anti-LGBTQ+ laws, school hate crimes quadruple: report

A recent analysis highlights the rise in incidents and the critical role of crisis services for LGBTQ+ youth in the wake of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

Republicans Advocate Transphobic, Authoritarian ‘Project 2025’’ Even After Election Failures

Elections in Ohio and Virginia demonstrated a shift away from extreme right-wing agendas as a Heritage Foundation’s plan called "Project 2025" faces scrutiny for its authoritarianism and controversial stance on transgender people’s existence.

West Virginia Republicans want to prevent suicidal transgender youth from receiving care

GOP lawmakers in West Virginia are pushing to overturn an exception that allows transgender youth at risk of self-harm or suicide to receive gender-affirming care.

Virginia Beach Parents Sue to Force Schools to Adopt Glenn Youngkin's Anti-Trans Policies

The school board in Virginia's largest city recently deadlocked on whether to enact the Republican governor's model policies.

Federal judge blocks Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ students in six more states

The preliminary injunction affects Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Winsome Earle-Sears: The anti-LGBTQ+ ultraconservative Republican trying to replace Virginia's governor

LGBTQ+ advocates warn that elevating the lieutenant governor to the governorship would be detrimental to the community.

Glenn Youngkin Strips LGBTQ+ Young People of Resources in Virginia

The Republican who claims to be all about parental rights continues to dismantle gains built by his two Democratic predecessors.

Jill Biden calls Donald Trump a ‘bully’ and ‘dangerous to our country’ at Human Rights Campaign event

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden did not hold back as she spoke to fired-up LGBTQ+ advocates and allies at a campaign event in Virginia.

Idaho and West Virginia ask Supreme Court to review anti-transgender sports laws

Federal appeals courts have ruled against the laws, so the states are petitioning SCOTUS.

Danica Roem Makes History Again and Is Elected Virginia's First Transgender State Senator

Danica Roem was the first transgender person seated in any state legislature. During her campaign for state Senate, she faced transphobia but emerged victorious on Election Day.

Is Virginia Really For Lovers?

Equality Virginia takes stock of state politics since the marriage ban passed in 2006 and finds that even conservative Republicans are starting to think twice before targeting LGBTs.

Trump’s Department of Education targets Virginia schools for not treating transgender students as second-class citizens

Because these institutions treated trans and nonbinary kids with respect, Donald Trump’s people are investigating them.

Jill Biden Champions LGBTQ+ Rights Movement's History Amid Rising Anti-Transgender Legislation

The first lady underscores the Biden-Harris administration’s unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights at the PFLAG national convention amidst a torrent of discriminatory bills nationwide.

Virginia lieutenant governor offers awkward 'apology' after misgendering trans lawmaker Danica Roem

Winsome Earle-Sears said she meant no offense but that she herself suffered disrespect after she called Roem "sir."

Moms for Liberty and Florida Teacher Schemed to Manipulate Student Book Controversy

An Escambia County teacher reportedly collaborated with Moms for Liberty to get a student to check out a book the group called pornographic.

Virginia lawmakers pass marriage equality, abortion & voting protections

Democrats are hopeful they can amend the state’s constitution to protect hard-fought rights.