LGBTQ
Louisiana could lose sporting events, conventions if transgender restrictions are approved
Leaders in Louisiana’s tourism industry — particularly those centered on New Orleans — said the restrictions on transgender people currently under consideration in the state Legislature may drive away major sporting events like the NCAA’s Final Four and the large business conventions that sustain the New Orleans economy. If people and corporations avoid Louisiana to […]
NCAA: No more championships in places hostile to transgender people
The National Collegiate Athletic Association Board of Governors announced Monday that it will hold NCAA championships only in locations that are free from discrimination against transgender student-athletes and welcoming of all participants. The NCAA said in a press release that it “firmly and unequivocally” supports the participation of transgender student-athletes in collegiate sports. The organization […]
Louisiana lawmakers looking at restricting transgender access to health care, sports
Conservative Republicans in the Louisiana Legislature have filed four bills to restrict transgender people’s access to sports and health care in the state. The legislation mostly targets children and teenagers who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming. It will be debated in the upcoming session that starts April 12. A few states have adopted new […]
STD legislation that criminalizes exposure runs afoul of latest research, critics say
A state legislator has introduced a bill that would make it a crime for someone to intentionally expose another with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). But some in the health care industry and LGBTQ community fear the bill will do the opposite of what is intended. House Bill 238, sponsored by Rep. Patricia Moore, D-Monroe, […]
Trans Day of Visibility offers chance for community to stand in solidarity and support | Jay A. Irwin
Visibility within the transgender community is often a Catch-22, especially for trans people of color, or those living in rural, conservative areas. Hiding one’s identity can be a damaging experience and increase feelings of isolation, stigma and shame. But standing out as a trans person can make someone a target for discrimination or violence. As […]
Louisiana senator files anti-transgender legislation
Louisiana Sen. Mike Fesi, R-Houma, has filed legislation that would require people under 18 years old to get written permission from their parents before pursuing medical care and mental health services based on their gender identity. The bill would make it more difficult for transgender and gender nonconforming minors to get medical assistance if either […]
Pennsylvania’s Rachel Levine confirmed as highest-ranking openly transgender federal official
WASHINGTON — Pennsylvania’s former top health official, Dr. Rachel Levine, on Wednesday became the first openly transgender individual to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate for a federal position. The Senate voted 52-48 to confirm her as an assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services. Two Republicans, Sens. Susan Collins of Maine […]
U.S. Senate panel advances nomination of transgender doctor from Pennsylvania for HHS post
WASHINGTON — Pennsylvania’s former top health official, Dr. Rachel Levine, moved one step closer on Wednesday to becoming the highest-ranking openly transgender official in the federal government. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted 13-9 to advance Levine’s nomination to serve as assistant secretary of Health and Human Services for a vote by […]
COMMENTARY: RBG is gone. This is why we fight.
By Susan J. Demas, Editor-in-Chief, Michigan Advance Ruth Bader Ginsburg, best known as a steely champion of women’s equality, gave voice to the voiceless. And as a legendary Supreme Court justice, she was committed to ensuring their rightful place in America until the day she died. We have lost so much as a country during […]