LGBTQ

A 37-page document, which describes itself as “a critical tool at a critical time,” is now under intense scrutiny within Duval County Public Schools.

The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will host its first-ever Pride Night celebration to help LGBTQIA+ youth in our area.

A 37-page document, which describes itself as “a critical tool at a critical time,” is now under intense scrutiny within Duval County Public Schools.

Head of National Center for Lesbian Rights says the “don’t say gay” law isn’t clear about “how and why this discriminates against people.”

A survey found rising rates of suicidal thought, as well as significant disparities among trans youth and LGBTQ youth of color.

Café Maddy Cab, which reimburses cab fares and gives out free ride vouchers for Asian, elderly and LGBTQ people, will relaunch this month

The survey is "one of the most diverse surveys of LGBTQ youth ever conducted," according to the Trevor Project.

What the new law says — and what it does.

Gay rights advocates are suing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to block a new law forbidding classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.

The administration's announcement comes as several Republican-led states have passed anti-trans legislation in the last few months, which the White House calls "un-American."

Disney's reputation with the LGBTQ community has been stellar for decades. Then came Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill.

Many of these laws will be challenged, but it's not just about the threat of legal action. Studies have shown that LGBTQ youth already face higher health and suicide risks.

LGBTQ people have faced persecution in Russia and in separatist-controlled regions of Ukraine. That's why many in Ukraine are deciding whether to flee the war or stay and fight.

Under a law approved by Congress in December and signed by outgoing President Sebastian Pinera, they can also now adopt children.

Guatemalan lawmakers have greatly increased prison sentences for women who have abortions, bucking a recent trend in Latin America toward expanding access to the procedures

The student credited with organizing state-wide school demonstrations in protest of the Parental Rights in Education bill, also called the “Don’t Say Gay bill” by critics, was suspended Thursday from Flagler Palm Coast High School, according to multiple sources.

Life for LGBTQ people in Ukraine had been improving, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has systematically attacked gay and transgender people.

The bill would prohibit schools from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with students in kindergarten through third grade, and limit discussions in higher grades.

Russia "won't allow us to exist peacefully and to fight for our rights as we are able to do that in Ukraine right now," an 18-year-old law student said.

Members of the city council's LGBTQ caucus want Adams to reconsider appointing Fernando Cabrera.

Florida House Republicans have advanced a bill to forbid discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, rejecting criticism from Democrats who said the proposal demonizes LGBTQ people.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of a Colorado web designer who says her religious beliefs prevent her from offering wedding website designs to gay couples.

"That makes me sad, and we should figure it out," said Noem, who signed into law a bill banning transgender girls from participating in female sports.

A record 7.1 percent of U.S. adults identify as LGBT, a Gallup poll found, an increase from the same survey last year.

A new study says that LGBTQ representation on TV series has grown along with the footprint of streaming services.

Until this year, LGBTQ people who contributed part of their paycheck to the pot weren’t getting anything back in terms of survivor benefits — simply because of their sexual identity, a lawyer said.

Emmy-nominated “Pose” star Michaela Jaé “Mj” Rodriguez will be honored at the GLAAD Media Awards.

Supporters say the measure empowers parents to have a say in what their children learn. Critics argue it will harm LGBTQ kids. President Biden slammed the bill, which has Gov. Ron DeSantis' support.

Highlights of this day in history include: the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy; a searing image from the Vietnam War; Ayatollah Khomeini returns to Iran, ending years of exile; actor Clark Gable born. (Feb. 1)

The home of the former LGBTQ nightclub, Club Metro, will be re-developed into a self-storage facility.

Anyone found guilty of using the scientifically discredited practice to try to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity faces up to 3 years in jail.

France has a new law that bans so-called conversion therapies and authorizes jail time and fines for practitioners who use the scientifically discredited practice to attempt to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ people.

Reader's stepdaughter recently came out and he and his wife have been supportive. But her recent gift of a pride flag has him feeling uncomfortable about displaying it.

Known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, the legislation says it protects a parent's "right to make decisions" on "the upbringing and control of their children."

The U.S. Department of Education has opened a civil-rights investigation into how LGBTQ students are disciplined at Brigham Young University, a private religious school. The complaint under investigation came after the school said it would still enforce a ban on same-sex dating even after that section was removed from the written version of the school's honor code, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. Students can be punished for holding hands or kissing someone of the same sex, harsher discipline than that faced by heterosexual couples at the school operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

JASMYN, Jacksonville’s LGBTQ+ Youth Center, broke ground Wednesday and announced its new construction project that will complete the organization’s campus.

Cedric The Entertainer cautions Dave Chappelle that his response to the scrutiny he’s facing for controversial LGBTQ comments he made during his latest Netflix standup […]

Jeff T. Green, an advertising-technology billionaire, formally resigned his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over social issues and LGBTQ rights.

The quad-state supercell and its family of tornadoes draws comparisons to 1925 Tri-state tornado and what's changed since.

The Biden administration is unveiling new plans to fight the spread of the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant. CBS News correspondent Nancy Chen reports on the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the country. Then, Dr. Ben Weston, an associate professor of emergency medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, joins Elaine Quijano on CBSN to discuss the latest.

Administrators at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville are receiving some backlash from a group of students and alumni after a planned dance performance, featuring a same-sex couple, was removed from an upcoming recital.

Police violence is among the myriad challenges that LGBTQ people experience in Tunisia, and observers say officers who can dispense beatings with impunity are becoming increasingly brazen.

If the Supreme Court decides to overturn or gut the decision that legalized abortion, some fear that it could undermine other precedent-setting cases, including civil rights and LGBTQ protections.

Lawyers who argued for landmark LGBTQ rights cases — Obergefell v. Hodges and Lawrence v. Texas — were conflicted on the validity of Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s argument.

Illinois State Rep. Greg Harris, a Chicago Democrat who led efforts to help the LGBTQ community, announces he won't seek reelection in 2022.

At least 47 transgender or gender non-conforming people have been violently killed in the U.S. so far this year, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

Companies are shaking up boards and entry-level hiring. But inequalities will persist if middle managers aren’t involved too.

In Abomey-Calavi near the port city of Cotonou in Benin, a voodoo priestess organises a large, traditional ceremony bringing together dozens of twins to be honoured as deities. In southern Benin, Nigeria and Togo, twins are worshipped as demigods.

A large group of students at St. Johns County’s Allen D. Nease High School gathered in protest on campus before the bell rang Thursday morning.

The comedian has been facing backlash regarding his most recent Netflix special, which released three weeks ago.

Dr Rachel Levine is already the nation's most prominent openly transgender federal official.

What was once a notional solidarity between nationalists on both sides of the Atlantic is turning into something more durable.

Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, and for many LGBTQ+ Americans, there are many reasons to celebrate their Pride.

Doctor on Demand is partnering with Walmart and large employers on a new program to tackle Black health disparities through a telemedicine program.

U.S. Marine Bryan Lett served in Afghanistan in 2010. He recorded a video blog to help him cope with what he experienced.

Just like Kesha said in her hit song “Tik Tok,” well, “the party don’t start till I walk in,” and that goes for her Kesha Cruise that is setting sail in 2022.

At least 28 publicly out Paralympians will be competing in the summer games in Tokyo, more than double the number that took part in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, according to the website Outsports.

The decision came after the 29-year-old rapper directed comments against those in the LGBTQ community and people with HIV/AIDS during his set at the Rolling Loud festival.

Kentucky has finalized its contract with a Baptist-affiliated foster care and adoption agency after months of dispute over whether to include language that expressly bans LGBTQ discrimination, the state announced Friday.

The advocacy group just released its annual film survey, which found the percentage of LGBTQ characters of color also increased. But there were still issues with lack of transgender representation.

The T-shirt depicts a man in biker attire pointing a gun. "In Wyoming we have a cure for AIDS," it reads. "We shoot f---in' f------."

Screenshots circulated on Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter, showing how WeChat accounts run by university LGBTQ groups went dark on July 7.

"Unfortunately, we are not seeing anything positive," Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chiel Alan Cominsky said.

The Hometown Heroes Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. along a stretch of downtown Manhattan known as the Canyon of Heroes.

The storm is expected to make landfall along the north Florida Gulf Coast by late Wednesday morning before it moves across the Southeast.

Flooding the main concern as Elsa churns toward Tampa Bay, but with sustained winds near 70 mph, Florida governor warns residents to "take it seriously."

Elsa is expected to strengthen on Tuesday and could be near hurricane strength before it makes landfall.

Search crews at the collapse site worked through the night while dealing with the rain bands and gusty wind from the storm.

California has added five more states including Florida to the list of places where state-funded travel is banned because of laws that discriminate against members of the LGBTQ community.

President Joe Biden is celebrating Pride Month at the White House, a reflection of the growing stature of the LGBTQ community at the highest level of government.

As we all know, June is Pride Month, and what better way to celebrate the rainbow flag than listening to some music made by those in the LGBTQ community?

Las Vegas Raiders football player Carl Nassib made history Monday when he became the first active NFL player to come out of the closet.

A federal judge on Tuesday denied a request to force the St. Johns County Commission to consider a county-wide Pride proclamation, but the attorney who brought the LGBTQ+ community feels they will ultimately prevail.

It’s Pride Month!

A well-known Jacksonville Beach bakery returned to normal business Tuesday in the wake of an apology it issued after one of its owners posted anti-LGBTQ messages to her social media page.

A well-known Jacksonville Beach bakery issued an apology after one of its owners posted anti-LGBTQ messages to her social media page.

A St. Augustine resident is suing the St. Johns County Commission over its refusal to hear a bill recognizing the county’s LGBTQ+ community, saying the board’s decision infringes on residents’ constitutional rights.

Caitlyn Jenner's Republican campaign for California governor has elicited angry reaction from some members of the LGBTQ community.

Caitlyn Jenner's Republican campaign for California governor has elicited angry reaction from some members of the LGBTQ community.

More than 400 companies __ including Tesla, Pfizer, Delta Air Lines and Amazon __ have signed on to support civil rights legislation for LGBTQ people that is moving through Congress.

Arizona lawmakers have approved changes to sex education laws that make them some of the strictest in the nation when it comes to teaching about LGBTQ issues.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Bills have been filed in 25 states across the country, including Florida, seeking to ban transgender women from competing in women’s school sports. The legislation, which would prevent transgender women from competing in women’s sports, follows multiple instances of transgender athletes winning titles in state and national competitions. The House version of the bill would ban transgender women from competing in women’s sports outright, whereas the Senate version would allow transgender athletes to compete provided they maintain a low testosterone level. AdEskamani said even though there are some restrictions in place for transgender athletes on the professional stage, she believes policies concerning children and student-athletes should be treated differently. In Connecticut, there is an ongoing federal lawsuit challenging whether allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports violates Title IX, a federal civil rights law that aims to shield people from gender-based discrimination.

The Biden administration moved quickly to tackle workplace discrimination, particularly discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community. President Joe Biden’s new executive order prohibits the federal government from discriminating against workers on the basis of sexual orientation or sexual identity. Biden also signed an order Monday reversing a Trump-era Pentagon policy that largely barred transgender individuals from serving in the military. Victoria Pelletier, an expert on diversity and inclusion, said Biden’s orders reflect a shift toward inclusiveness across the country. All is critical.”Biden’s military order directs the departments of Defense and Homeland Security to take steps to implement the order for the military and the Coast Guard.

The percentage of regularly seen LGBTQ characters on streaming as well as prime-time broadcast TV and cable during the 2020-21 season fell. Prime-time broadcast fell to 9.1% after reaching an all-time high of 10.2% last season. GLAAD's report, “Where We Are on TV,” found that 70 out of 773 series regular characters on broadcast scripted prime-time TV were LGBTQ. The group found good news on the second request in the latest study — over half of LGBTQ characters on cable television were people of color, meeting GLAAD’s challenge. The advocacy group noted that nearly half of all LGBTQ representation in prime-time scripted cable is seen on just three networks — FX, Freeform and Showtime.

While most Americans continued awaiting the presidential election results, history was silently being made in Delaware. Sarah McBride, 30, made history on election night by becoming the first openly transgender person to be elected to the state Senate in U.S. history. “I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too,” McBride tweeted Tuesday night after the election was called. McBride is a former spokesperson for the LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign and also became the first trans person to speak at a major political convention. McBride will represent parts of Bellefonte, Claymont and Wilmington, the state’s largest city.

LOS ANGELES – An online channel devoted to women in the LGBTQ community is launching with shows including a pandemic-set romantic comedy and a paranormal drama. The channel debuts Thursday as part of Revry, a digital platform that offers free, queer-focused programming, including the 24/7 Revry News channel. “I’m overjoyed to offer a free, living and breathing space for queer female stories to be seen across the world,” Revry co-founder LaShawn McGhee said in a statement. Now called OML, it's become “a tentpole brand for the lesbian and queer female communities,” McGhee said. OML has expanded its female-driven content and outreach to a larger audience, a goal that will be enhanced by its partnership with Revry, OML founder Shirin Etessam said in a statement.

MANILA – Pope Francis’ endorsement of same-sex civil unions drew mixed reactions Thursday in the Philippines, Asia’s bastion of Catholicism, with a retired bishop saying he was scandalized by it while an LGBT group welcomed the pontiff’s remarks with relief. President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman said the Philippine leader has long expressed support to same-sex civil unions but added it needed to pass through Congress. Retired Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said he “had very serious doubts about the moral correctness” of the pontiff’s position. He said it ran against long-standing church teachings, which explicitly permit only the union of man and woman whether in civil, legal or church sacramental unions. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte has long supported same-sex civil unions and the papal endorsement may finally convince legislators to give their approval.

NEW YORK (AP) – The NFL has launched a series of initiatives associated with LGBTQ History Month, which includes National Coming Out Day on Sunday and Spirit Day on Thursday. Included are a dedicated website (NFL.com/PRIDE ); a PSA celebrating former NFL players who have come out voicing support; expanded partnerships with GLAAD and The Trevor Project; a pride-themed NFL shield; and an assortment of LGBTQ content airing on NFL Network throughout October. “The LGBTQ community is an important audience for our sport and a critical part of the NFL family,” said Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s chief diversity officer. On Thursday, the NFL will join the pledge to “go purple” to support LGBTQ youth in a united stand against bullying. It also helps provide perspective and advises on league initiatives relating to the LGBTQ community and helps administer an advisory working group consisting of players, staff and advocacy partners.

Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, and for many LGBTQ+ Americans, there are many reasons to celebrate their Pride. National Coming Out Day has been celebrated for 32 years now, and it’s an important reminder on just how far the queer community has come since earlier times. There was an entire generation of LGBTQ Americans who had live inside the closet because of laws and discrimination. So if you’re proud to be out and want it to shout it from the rooftops, tell us about it below! If you have advice for people still in the closet struggling with their identity, maybe offer some advice, and tell us how your life has improved since coming out.

I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter himself, was the first star to make a statement on the matter. His thoughts were long, but to many “Harry Potter” fans, his words were very comforting. And in my opinion, nobody can touch that.”Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, tweeted out in support of the trans community. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid.

WASHINGTON, DC – A White House lawyer won Senate confirmation as a federal appeals court judge Thursday despite complaints by lawmakers from both parties about his record on immigration, race, women's equality and LGBTQ rights. Steven Menashi, an associate White House counsel, was confirmed by a 51-41 vote for a seat on the New York-based 2nd U.S. Graham was one of several senators who expressed frustration at Menashi’s refusal to answer questions about his record at the White House and the Education Department during his confirmation hearing in September. Menashi is among more than 150 federal judges nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate, including at least 46 appeals court judges. About one-quarter of federal appeals court judges were nominated by Trump.

After being put in the hot seat about a problematic op-ed he wrote years ago, he less-than-gracefully just walked off. Later in the sketch, Saturday Night Live corrected a complaint they received over an earlier episode in which Julian Castro was left out of a debate sketch. Porter exclaimed as Lin-Manuel Miranda walked out perfectly embodying Castro. "I'm sorry I'm not gay, In the future, I'll try to do better. Eddie Murphy on Returning to Movies and 'Saturday Night Live' | Full Interview Embed Code RestartRELATED CONTENT:Jennifer Aniston Reveals Why She Turned Down a Spot on 'SNL''Saturday Night Live': Matthew Broderick Channels Ferris Bueller in Impeachment-Focused Cold OpenPhoebe Waller-Bridge Just Can't Part With Her Emmys While Rehearsing for 'SNL'

A new report released Wednesday uncovers staggering statistics for rates of violence and victimization among Florida girls, particularly for girls of color and those identifying as LGBTQ. The Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center unveiled its "Status of Florida Girls" research report, shining a light on the experiences of girls in their home lives, neighborhoods and schools. READ: Status of Florida Girls research report (PDF)Overall in Florida, one in 10 girls report having been raped, one in three don't feel safe in school. Ravoira said the Status of Florida Girls research reports are the first nationwide to identify Florida's most vulnerable girls by breaking apart the parts of the child well-being data. One young mom, who is also a teacher in Duval County, said she sees the violence and bullying firsthand.

BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (CNN) - A New Jersey mayor called the LGBTQ rights movement "an affront to almighty God" at a town council meeting and warned that people who support "unrighteous laws" will be held accountable. Barnegat Township Mayor Alfonso Cirulli, a former assistant principal, began Tuesday by condemning a state law that requires LGBTQ-inclusive material be taught in public school. He said, "There is no hate or bigotry intended here," and that his comments did not represent the Barnegat Township Committee. Fuscarino said, however, that Garden State Equality has a "great working relationship" with the Barnegat school district and called Cirulli "an outlier." In a statement posted on its website, superintendent Dr. Brian Latwis wrote that the Barnegat Township School District would comply with state guidelines.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Members of the LGBTQ community gathered Wednesday evening to remember two men they said were found dead a week apart. According to loved ones, Brown was found dead at the University Plaza Apartments. Records from the Sheriff's Office show investigators were called to the scene to investigate a deadly shooting, and they are investigating the shooting as murder. According to friends and loved ones, Brown and Veney were members of the LGBTQ community. The Sheriff's Office only releases victim names when authorized by Marcy's Law, which protects crime victim's rights.

(CNN) - An LGBTQ rights activist who was murdered in St. Petersburg had received death threats and was named on a website urging vigilante violence, campaigners have said. Grigoryeva also protested against Russia's backing of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea, Olga Smirnova, a friend and fellow activist, told CNN. A spokeswoman for the Russian LGBT Network told CNN that Grigoryeva's name was included on a Russian website that identified LGBT activists and called for vigilante action against them. "The situation is scary, especially for LGBT activists. Asked about threats that Grigoryeva received, Smirnova said: "She did not just complain, she kept us informed about all the threats that she received.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Nearly 100 LGBTQ teenagers attended Pride Prom on Friday at The Buckman Bridge Universalist Church after the Jacksonville Public Library's decision to cancel the event due to safety concerns. Around 50 volunteers, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office officers, LGBT veterans, private security and more helped make sure the event ran smoothly. Dozens demonstrate over halted LGBTQ promBeatrice Palmer (BeBe Deluxe), the host of the Pride Prom event, said safety was never an issue. The Pride Prom event was all about friendship, positivity and love. Tim Rogers, director of the Jacksonville Public Library, told News4Jax on Wednesday that he canceled the sold-out event because there were questions about there being enough safety and security.

(CNN) - New York has always been a major Pride destination, but this year's celebration is expected to draw record crowds. "The LGBTQ community is an essential part of NYC," New York Police Department Commissioner James O'Neill said at a news conference on Tuesday. Sunday's march caps off a month of events that included a rally commemorating Stonewall 50, Youth Pride and Pride Island, a three-day outdoor music festival. "New York City is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement," Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted last week. Last year's march in New York City featured more than 550 groups and more than 100 floats.

Lady Gaga made a surprise appearance with her parents, Cynthia and Joe Germanotta, at Pride Lives Stonewall Day Concert in New York City on Friday. The singer and longtime LGBTQ community hero showed up in an epic, Pride-themed rainbow outfit and delivered a heartfelt speech calling for equality and addressing her bisexuality. Actor Wilson Cruz, also addressed the crowd, sharing his own emotional speech about Pride. See more on Pride Month below. RELATED CONTENT:Lady Gaga Celebrates Oscar Win and Pride Month at Intimate, Star-Studded NYC ShowDwyane Wade Says Supporting Son Zion's Attendance at Pride Parade Is His 'Job as a Father'Taylor Swift Performs at the Stonewall Inn -- See the Pride Month Surprise!