As the saying goes, the news never stops — but there’s a lot of it out there, and all of it doesn’t always pertain to our readers. In this weekly news roundup, we’ll cover the top news stories that matter most to our diversity focused audience. 1. How the World…
Tag: Transgender
US Government Will Now Allow Veterans To Identify As Trans on Veteran Affairs Medical Records
In another giant leap forward for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in the military, the federal government has announced that military veterans can now officially identify as trans in their official medical records. Brody Levesque of the Los Angeles Blade reported that Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough has confirmed that veterans…
In First Full Week of 2022, Lawmakers in At Least 7 States Propose New Anti-Trans Legislation
Although 2021 was dubbed by many, including the Human Rights Campaign. as the “worst year in recent history for LGBTQ state legislative attacks,” many equality and advocacy experts warn 2022 appears to be getting off with an equally hate-filled start. Matt Lavietes of NBC News reported that “throughout the first…
Canada Enacts Nationwide Law Banning Controversial and Medically Unfounded ‘Conversion Therapy’ for LGBTQ Individuals
While LGBTQ advocates in the U.S. have fought for years for a nationwide ban on conversion therapy — the controversial idea that medical treatments such as electric shock, starvation and hypnosis can “turn” a gay person straight — our neighbors to the North have beat us to it, approving legislation…
Supreme Court Allows Transgender Man’s Discrimination Suit Against a Catholic Hospital in California To Move Forward
In a major win for transgender individuals across the country, the Supreme Court has declined to take up the case involving a trans man who was denied a needed surgery because of his gender identity. By denying to hear the case, the court decided his discrimination lawsuit against the hospital…
Dr. Rachel Levine Becomes the First Transgender 4-Star Officer in US History
In a history-making show of diversity and inclusion, Dr. Rachel Levine has become the first openly transgender four-star officer to earn a position in one of the nation’s eight uniformed services. As we reported back in March 2021, Dr. Levine was also the first openly trans person to be confirmed…
Transgender Individuals in North Carolina Allowed To Sue State Over Exclusions in Their Health Care Coverage
In 2018, transgender individuals living in North Carolina, employed by the state, and enrolled in the state’s health care coverage plan lost the right to seek out vital and needed transition-related treatment. But a new 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals court ruling has reversed that decision. Barbara Grzincic of…
Pew Study Reveals Transgender Acceptance Remains Low Despite Increased Awareness of Trans People and Issues
Even though more Americans either know a trans individual or know someone who prefers gender-neutral pronouns, a new survey from the Pew Research Center has revealed that acceptance of trans rights and equality remains incredibly slow to change. The Advocate’s Trudy Ring reported on the Pew survey that included 10,000…
Tennessee Judge Stops New Transphobic Bathroom-Sign Law From Going Into Effect
In their ongoing attack of transgender citizens within Tennessee, lawmakers have attempted to enact a law that would require businesses to post signs outside their restrooms “warning” customers they supported transgender rights — thereby potentially turning customers away from their businesses. However, just days before the bill was set to…
Kataluna Enriquez To Become First-Ever Transgender Contestant Competing in Miss USA
In another historic example of inclusion and representation, newly crowned Miss Nevada Kataluna Enriquez will become the first-ever transgender pageant winner to compete for the Miss USA title. Dan Avery of NBC News reported on Enriquez’s win at the Miss Nevada pageant on Sunday, June 27, a precursor to the…