Transgender and LGBTQ+ rights

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West Virginia transgender sports ban discriminates against teen athlete, appeals court says

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia’s transgender sports ban violates the rights of a teen athlete under Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in schools, an appeals court ruled Tuesday.

https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-transgender-sports-ban-ruling-badf5518ada74d01a3f0a0420d2f4074

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Biden’s new Title IX rules protect LGBTQ+ students, but avoid addressing transgender athletes

The rights of LGBTQ+ students will be protected by federal law and victims of campus sexual assault will gain new safeguards under rules finalized Friday by the Biden administration.

https://apnews.com/article/title-ix-sexual-assault-transgender-sports-d0fc0ab7515de02b8e4403d0481dc1e7?

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New federal rule bars transgender school bathroom bans, but it likely isn’t the final word A new rule from President Joe Biden’s administration blocking blanket transgender bathroom laws could conflict with laws in Republican-controlled states. The clash over bathroom policy and other elements of a federal regulation finalized last week could set the stage for another wave of legal battles over how transgender kids should be treated in the U.S. Read more.

Key points: The regulation. The 1,577-page regulation seeks to clarify Title IX, the 1972 sex discrimination law originally passed to address women’s rights, and applies to schools and colleges that receive federal money. The regulation, which takes effect in August, bars discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, too.   Bathroom laws. At least 11 states have adopted laws barring transgender girls and women from using girls’ and women’s bathrooms at public schools. The new regulation opposes those sweeping policies. These laws are currently in effect in several states.   Parental notification and pronoun restrictions. At least seven states have laws or policies calling for schools to notify parents if their children are transgender. The regulation seems to authorize those requirements. But on refusal to use the pronouns transgender or nonbinary students prefer, the regulations finds that this could  “constitute discrimination on the basis of sex under Title IX in certain circumstances.”

RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Tennessee lawmakers OK bill penalizing adults who help minors receive gender-affirming care   Seattle hospital won't turn over gender-affirming care records in lawsuit settlement with Texas   Things to know as courts and legislatures act on transgender kids’ rights

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Can We Talk? Mark Johnson speaks frankly about LGBTQ sex

Adam was confused. Bewildered and frustrated might better describe his thoughts and feelings.

https://atoday.org/can-we-talk-mark-johnson-speaks-frankly-about-lgbtq-sex/

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Melania Steps Back Into the Spotlight—to Help Gay Republicans

Melania Trump’s return to the campaign trail is just beginning. But it was notable that she chose a small gathering for Log Cabin Republicans for her first solo event.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/melania-trump-quietly-emerges-from-the-shadowsat-a-sparse-event-for-log-cabin-republicans?

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Moody sues to stop Title IX changes providing LGBTQ protections

TALLAHASSEE — Targeting issues about sexual orientation and gender identity, Florida joined three other states Monday in filing a federal lawsuit challenging a new Biden administration rule about sex-based discrimination in education programs.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/04/30/moody-sues-to-stop-title-ix-changes-providing-lgbtq-protections/?

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United Methodists repeal longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — United Methodist delegates repealed their church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy with no debate on Wednesday, removing a rule forbidding “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from being ordained or appointed as ministers.

https://apnews.com/article/united-methodist-lgbtq-clergy-general-conference-acabe18fe22b6838e3005ad8895534fa?

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🐊 America's least gay-friendly state

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

As Pride Month begins, Floridians will notice a vivid difference: Instead of casting rainbows, bridges around the state will light up in red, white and blue. The DeSantis administration, which issued this year's ban on rainbow lights, is calling it "Freedom Summer." Why it matters: Ever since the headline-making "Don't Say Gay" law, Gov. Ron DeSantis has turned Florida into a test kitchen for anti-LGBTQ+ restrictions, Axios' Jeff Weiner and Kathryn Varn report. State of play: Florida bans transgender women and girls from participating in sports for female students. Trans people can't use bathrooms at schools and government buildings that match their gender identity. Books about LGBTQ+ characters have been pulled from school libraries. Minors are barred from receiving gender-affirming healthcare, despite such treatment having support from every major medical group. State agencies have banned trans people from changing their driver's license to match their gender identity. 💡 What we're watching: LGBTQ+ advocates are actually more hopeful than they've been in recent years. Judges have gutted key pieces of the DeSantis administration's agenda, blocking the enforcement of a law that tried to crack down on drag shows and another that restricted teachers from using pronouns that align with their gender identities.

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Florida's gender-affirming care restrictions are unconstitutional, federal judge rules

Florida's restrictions on gender-affirming care for both minors and adults are unconstitutional and cannot be enforced, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

https://www.axios.com/2024/06/11/florida-ruling-gender-affirming-care-unconstitutional?

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Judge blocks Biden’s Title IX rule in four states, dealing a blow to protections for LGBTQ+ students

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration’s new Title IX rule expanding protections for LGBTQ+ students has been temporarily blocked in four states after a federal judge in Louisiana found that it overstepped the Education Department’s authority.

https://apnews.com/article/title-ix-transgender-sports-campus-sexual-assault-77f524b4ed8fcc2aecd5e863b0442bf4?

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LGBTQ+ homeownership gap

By Brianna Crane

Reproduced from an Urban Institute analysis of Census data; Chart: Axios Visuals People need to earn $150,000 to afford the typical home in LGBTQ+-friendly areas like D.C. — nearly 50% higher than areas without LGBTQ+ protections, according to a recent Redfin study. Why it matters: The homebuying barrier is higher for LGBTQ+ people than their cis and/or straight counterparts. Zoom in: The median household income in the DMV is nearly $30,000 below what's needed to afford the median-priced home, per Redfin's report. Yes, but: The D.C. area is relatively affordable compared to other metros with large LGBTQ+ populations. For instance, there's a $223,000+ gap between median incomes and income needed to afford the typical home in San Francisco. The big picture: The LGBTQ+ homeownership rate is 20 percentage points lower than the rate for straight and cisgender people, per the Urban Institute. Income inequality is partly to blame, especially for trans people of color, research shows. Larger cities (often with higher costs of living) tend to offer more LGBTQ+ protections. D.C.'s proposed 2025 budget includes millions of dollars to support local LGBTQ+ communities. Some of those funds will go toward a rare hub where LGBTQ+ people in the region can access a range of services — from counseling to yoga and meditation classes and free hot meals, Axios Anna Spiegel reports. Between the lines: States with relatively affordable housing may not be safe for the LGBTQ+ communities. For instance, Louisville, Kentucky, is one of few metros where the median-priced home is considered affordable, but the ACLU is tracking 14 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the state currently. Reality check: Even in metros with LGBTQ+-friendly protections, the homebuying process can be scary. Cinde Wollenberg bought her Winchester-area home in 2018, back when she and her now-wife were dating. She used a "queer-friendly Realtor" and did all of the closing paperwork herself. "The house remains just in my name in part to protect us from any local government harassment — and to keep our joint name out of property records which are available to the public," Wollenberg shares with Axios. What they're saying: "Safety is the state you live in, down to your neighbors," David Siroty, a spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, tells Axios. "If your neighbors accept you, would they accept you having kids? There are considerations outside of the financial." Tips for LGBTQ+ homebuyers By Brianna Crane     Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios   For LGBTQ+ people shopping for a home, there is support. The DC LGBTQ+ Community Center has a directory with local LGBTQ+-friendly real estate agents. Plus, Tommie L. Wehrle, broker and LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance member, offered a few tips and resources to know. What might discrimination look like in the house-hunting process for LGBTQ+ people? It is often so subtle, the person or people may not even be aware or know they are being treated differently, denied access or given false information. For example, someone refers you to an agent, you meet with this agent, and they start suggesting other areas to live in besides the one you wanted. Are they "steering" you because you are LGBTQ+ or is it really because there is nothing in that area that meets your needs or price range? Then there are more obvious indications, like certain yard signs posted around a neighborhood. Do you have tips for LGBTQ+ people going through the process? Are there things to keep in mind for safety? Find an LGBTQ+-friendly agent. Do your research about the area you are moving to, and find out how inclusive they are. You can use sites like HRC.org or the ACLU. Trust your instincts. If you feel you are not being treated properly, say something. How real estate pros can be better allies Stark homeownership gap Reproduced from Urban Institute analysis of census data. Chart: Axios Visuals The LGBTQ+ homeownership rate is 20 percentage points lower than the rate for straight and cisgender people, Axios' Brianna Crane reports. Among the factors widening the gap: LGBTQ+ people trend younger. And cities and states with friendly policies are more expensive. People need to earn $150,000 to afford the typical home in LGBTQ+-friendly areas — nearly 50% higher than areas without LGBTQ+ protections, according to a recent Redfin study. Keep reading.

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Biden’s Title IX law expanding protections for LGBTQ+ students is dealt another setback

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Biden administration’s effort to expand protections for LGBTQ+ students hit another roadblock Monday, when a federal judge in Kentucky temporarily blocked the new Title IX rule in six additional states.

https://apnews.com/article/title-ix-education-department-9f7b89ec50657436e0e8110799b576d4?

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Where Texas stands on LGBTQ+ rights

Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

Texas can be a hostile state for LGBTQ+ rights even as many cities celebrate Pride month. Why it matters: Texas, like Florida, has operated as a test kitchen for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that has spread to other states, Michael Rendon of the Human Rights Campaign in San Antonio tells Axios. The big picture: Across the nation, significantly fewer anti-LGBTQ+ bills passed this year than were proposed, per data analysis from the Human Rights Campaign. Zoom in: Texas passed four laws targeting LGBTQ+ rights last year, banning gender-affirming care for children, transgender students in college sports, and certain drag shows. The state also led the nation in proposed anti-transgender legislation, even if few of those bills became law. A judge blocked the ban on some public drag shows. The Texas Supreme Court is considering the gender-affirming care ban, which remains in effect. Gov. Greg Abbott is pushing back on a new federal rule boosting nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ students. Abbott says the changes are illegal and says Texas won't implement them. Meanwhile: Texas has also cracked down on diversity, equity and inclusion programs at public universities. Republicans praised the laws, saying the ban on gender-affirming care protects children from misguided medical treatments that they will regret later. Zoom in: San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and Fort Worth all scored 100 out of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign for ordinances and services that support LGBTQ+ people. Houston scored a 73. The grade is based on things like local nondiscrimination protections, city employment policies and services, law enforcement hate crime reporting, and local leadership support. What we're watching: What Texas legislators choose to tackle in next year's legislative session, which starts in January. LGBTQ+ rights or restrictions were not on Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's list of priorities this year.

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Young gay Latinos see a rising share of new HIV cases, leading to a call for targeted funding

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Four months after seeking asylum in the U.S., Fernando Hermida began coughing and feeling tired. He thought it was a cold. Then sores appeared in his groin and he would soak his bed with sweat. He took a test.

https://apnews.com/article/hiv-latino-hispanic-treatment-prevention-aids-ca5f73b064e5ed491ee0315dd60d69d1?

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Texas Supreme Court upholds ban on youth gender transitions. It’s the largest state with such a law

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The Texas Supreme Court upheld the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youths Friday, rejecting pleas from parents that it violates their right to decide on and seek medical care for their children.

https://apnews.com/article/genderaffirming-care-minors-texas-transgender-6386fcdff6c62818812655e79990735b?

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Ban on gender-affirming care stands

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

The Texas Supreme Court has upheld the state's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Driving the news: The all-Republican court ruled Friday that the Texas Legislature made a "permissible, rational policy choice to limit the types of available medical procedures for children." Senate Bill 14 has been in effect since September. Why it matters: The Supreme Court's decision is a big win for Texas lawmakers who have long sought to trim the rights of transgender people. Catch up quick: Families, medical providers and LGBTQ+ organizations sued the state of Texas in July 2023, alleging Senate Bill 14 violates the state's constitution. Friction point: The parents who filed the lawsuit before the law took effect said the law discriminates against their children and violates their right to make decisions about their child's health. State of care: Texas law prohibits physicians from providing minors hormone therapies, puberty blockers and transition surgeries. The state's health plans are also prohibited from issuing reimbursements for the treatments. Children who had started the medications that were later banned had to be weaned off in a "medically appropriate" manner. What's next: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on X that his office will "use every tool at our disposal to ensure that doctors and medical institutions follow the law." The ACLU of Texas said it will continue "fighting until our trans youth have the health care they deserve and our state is a welcoming place to all." Meanwhile: The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to review a case challenging Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The Justice Department argues that the ban violates the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. The outcome could have implications in Texas and other states with similar bans.

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Gender identity

 

California has become the first state to ban rules that require schools to notify parents if their child asks to change their gender identification. Proponents of the legislation say it will help protect LGBTQ+ students who live in unwelcoming households. But opponents say it will hinder schools' ability to be more transparent with parents. The law comes as several states across the country have introduced bills related to gender identity and sexuality in schools. Some of these bills, for example, seek to impose bans on gender-affirming care, bar transgender athletes from girls' and women's sports, and require schools to out trans and nonbinary students to their parents.

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Florida school board suspends employee who allowed her transgender daughter to play girls volleyball

PLANTATION, Fla. (AP) — A Florida school employee who let her transgender daughter play on her high school’s girls volleyball team is being suspended for 10 days after the district’s board found on Tuesday that she violated state law but said firing her would be too severe.

https://apnews.com/article/transgender-student-sports-florida-625d687b3f234f0b5059b6346b1470d6?

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Governor bans use of ‘conversion therapy’ on LGBTQ+ minors in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear banned the use of “conversion therapy” on minors in Kentucky on Wednesday, calling his executive order a necessary step to protect children from a widely discredited practice that tries to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity through counseling.

https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-conversion-therapy-andy-beshear-93a07354cd0ed2e7fc09c15f204f75c0?

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What to know about the San Jose State volleyball team and why opponents are boycotting matches

The San Jose State women’s volleyball team finds itself at the center of a storm as the Spartans make a run toward their first NCAA Tournament appearance in more than two decades.

https://apnews.com/article/san-jose-state-volleyball-transgender-forfeit-3481bc5bfd68ad9aecef9cff7f497465?

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What to know about Transgender Day of Remembrance and violence against trans people

Wednesday is Transgender Day of Remembrance, which focuses on trans people who have lost their lives because of violence. Here is what to know.

https://apnews.com/article/transgender-day-of-remembrance-deaths-rita-hester-8160deb98febe780aa94577fd59a6758?

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A Missouri judge says a law banning surgery, medications for transgender minors is constitutional

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A Missouri court on Monday upheld a new state law that bans some gender-affirming health care for minors, a victory for supporters of the ban as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a case on the issue next week.

https://apnews.com/article/transgender-law-missouri-courts-8a9cf71ac71853f16898cdd44bbe4704?

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Court rejects request to sideline San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender

A federal appeals court upheld a ruling Tuesday that allows a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member to play in this week’s Mountain West Conference tournament after a legal complaint said she should be ineligible on grounds that she is transgender and thus stronger, posing a safety risk to teammates and opponents.

https://apnews.com/article/transgender-san-jose-women-volleyball-judge-ruling-901f0a74e816d91eca10c37e52a54f7c?

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US biathletes fear retaliation for speaking out about sexual harassment, report finds

U.S. biathletes face “misogynistic” behavior while racing and fear retaliation if they report their concerns, according to an inquiry by an independent contractor hired to assess athlete safety.

https://apnews.com/article/harassment-biathlon-sexual-abuse-retaliation-ecc0efef061dc16bc39a89a324eee7e8?

 

Gender-affirming care

The Supreme Court will dive headfirst into the politically fraught issue of transgender rights today when it hears a challenge to Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors in the highest-profile case of the fall. Attorneys for the Biden administration and transgender youth in Tennessee will press the justices to declare the 2023 law an unconstitutional form of sex discrimination, while the state’s lawyer plans to argue that lawmakers were justified in restricting medical care for residents under the age of 18. The conservative-majority court will examine the law at a critical time for transgender Americans. Since 2020, Republican-led states around the country have passed a wave of laws regulating the lives of trans Americans, with a particular focus on minors. Depending on how the court rules, similar prohibitions on gender-affirming care — and, potentially, other laws targeting transgender people — would be at risk of falling altogether or receiving a powerful endorsement from the high court.

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Judge declares mistrial after jury deadlocks over killing of gay University of Mississippi student

A judge declared a mistrial Wednesday in the case of Sheldon “Timothy” Herrington Jr. in the 2022 killing of Jimmy “Jay” Lee, a gay man who was prominent in the LGBTQ+ community at the University of Mississippi.

https://apnews.com/article/mississippi-murder-trial-jay-lee-herrington-3926048860b3800d7ce942fe287b1f86?