SOUND OFF: Have your Bud Light buying habits changed amid backlash to transgender influencer promo?
Sales of Bud Light products in Jacksonville have plummeted in recent weeks, according to a report from the New York Times, following calls for a boycott by conservative figures after the beerโs partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
DCPS committee discusses changes to school bathroom rules, facility renaming process
Following revelations about multiple faculty members at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, board members also discussed and reviewed the boardโs policies on ethics and those that prohibit any staff fraternization with students.
Students, faculty, alumni blast Gov. DeSantisโ collection of โgender dysphoria servicesโ info from public universities
Governor Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, has collected information from the stateโs public universities about the number and ages of individuals who have received or even sought gender-affirming care over the past five years.
Israeli doctors reject Netanyahu allies' anti-LGBTQ remarks
Israelโs largest medical center and health care workers from hospitals around the country have spoken out against remarks by allies of Benjamin Netanyahu calling for a law to allow discrimination against LGBTQ people in hospitals and businesses.
DCPS ends over 20-year relationship with LGBTQ advocacy group over โinappropriateโ materials
Duval County Public Schools ended its decades-long services agreement with JASMYN, an organization that provides resources for the LGBTQ community, citing the perceived use of materials deemed to be inappropriate for children.
U.S. Soccer is making a statement with Pride Crest during World Cup in Qatar
There are many reasons to criticize FIFA for the way theyโve handled the Menโs World Cup that is about to begin in Qatar, and at the top of that list is that they chose to have it in a nation with egregious human rights violations.
Student organizer of โDonโt Say Gayโ school walk-outs suspended
The student credited with organizing state-wide school demonstrations in protest of the Parental Rights in Education bill, also called the โDonโt Say Gay billโ by critics, was suspended Thursday from Flagler Palm Coast High School, according to multiple sources.
Clay County Schools asks judge to dismiss lawsuit filed by anti-LGBTQ parentsโ lawyer
Attorneys for the Clay County School District responded to a lawsuit brought by the attorney for two parents, who claim a school counselor coached their elementary-aged child in a gender identity transition without their knowledge or approval.
Students, alumni angered after Episcopal School scrubs dance performance featuring same-sex pair
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.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/3QNILU34LBBHFDQMXF2N4I74IA.jpg)
Bill seeks to ban transgender athletes from womenโs sports in Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. โ Bills have been filed in 25 states across the country, including Florida, seeking to ban transgender women from competing in womenโs school sports. The legislation, which would prevent transgender women from competing in womenโs 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 womenโs 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 womenโs sports violates Title IX, a federal civil rights law that aims to shield people from gender-based discrimination.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-28-2021/t_d25bf605be994ea2bb600772a70220ee_name_image.jpg)
โItโs about inclusionโ: Expert reacts to Bidenโs policy changes related to LGBTQ community
The Biden administration moved quickly to tackle workplace discrimination, particularly discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community. President Joe Bidenโs 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 Bidenโs orders reflect a shift toward inclusiveness across the country. All is critical.โBidenโs military order directs the departments of Defense and Homeland Security to take steps to implement the order for the military and the Coast Guard.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/KPKEIKD2MJBNRFWGS6VUEDD22U.jpg)
Study: Pandemic eats into LGBTQ representation on network TV
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, โWhere We Are on TV,โ 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 โ over half of LGBTQ characters on cable television were people of color, meeting GLAADโs challenge. The advocacy group noted that nearly half of all LGBTQ representation in prime-time scripted cable is seen on just three networks โ FX, Freeform and Showtime.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/GIFO6ACE55F4RCNSQO3REVUPKI.jpg)
Sarah McBride becomes the first openly transgender person to be elected state senator
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. โI hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too,โ 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 stateโs largest city.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/C7X6OTGZUZFMLDPW3YB2BOE3S4.jpg)
New channel offers fare for women in the LGBTQ community
LOS ANGELES โ 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. โIโm overjoyed to offer a free, living and breathing space for queer female stories to be seen across the world,โ Revry co-founder LaShawn McGhee said in a statement. Now called OML, it's become โa tentpole brand for the lesbian and queer female communities,โ 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.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/SMPZSNHHQNCULOIQD2IF7PCIEE.jpg)
Mixed Philippine reaction on pope nod on gay civil unions
MANILA โ Pope Francisโ endorsement of same-sex civil unions drew mixed reactions Thursday in the Philippines, Asiaโs bastion of Catholicism, with a retired bishop saying he was scandalized by it while an LGBT group welcomed the pontiffโs remarks with relief. President Rodrigo Duterteโs 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 โhad very serious doubts about the moral correctnessโ of the pontiffโs 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.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/JNHYWAPDBJDVNGWDEVUK7TI4Y4.jpg)
NFL launching initiatives throughout LGBTQ History Month
NEW YORK (AP) โ 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. โThe LGBTQ community is an important audience for our sport and a critical part of the NFL family,โ said Jonathan Beane, the NFLโs chief diversity officer. On Thursday, the NFL will join the pledge to โgo purpleโ 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.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HLOMINGA5BGRJGCELJCOV44VMQ.jpg)
Show us your Pride to celebrate National Coming Out Day
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 itโs 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 youโre 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.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RVKJK4IFT5F37B7JIQBH24LADU.jpg)
โHarry Potterโ actors come out in support of trans community after J.K. Rowlingโs comments
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 โHarry Potterโ fans, his words were very comforting. And in my opinion, nobody can touch that.โEmma 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.
:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/BWVG53SGDVHADM3ERGYX3LAJMY.jpg)
Senate confirms White House lawyer as appeals court judge
WASHINGTON, DC โ 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 Menashiโs 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.

Billy Porter and Lin-Manuel Miranda Make Epic 'Saturday Night Live' Cameos in CNN Town
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'

Researchers: 1 in 10 girls in Florida say they have been raped
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.

NJ mayor: LGBTQ rights movement 'an affront to almighty God'
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.

LGBTQ members hold memorial for men found dead week apart
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.

LGBT activist murdered in Russia
(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 church holds Pride Prom after library controversy
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.

Thousands expected to take to NYC streets for WorldPride
(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 Makes Surprise Appearance at NYC Pride -- See Her Heartfelt Speech and Epic Outfit
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!

Riot Act: What Happened the Night of the Stonewall Uprising
Police were notorious for raiding bars in the West Village and downtown Manhattan, havens for the LGBTQ community, that were suspected of serving homosexual customers. If you sat at a gay bar, you could not turn around, Tree said. It reopened with new money thanks to members of the Genovese crime family syndicate and became popular in the LGBTQ community. The rebellion mobilized the LGBTQ community and its allies in a way not yet seen. In 2011, New York State legalized same-sex marriage, becoming the sixth state at that time to do so.

Country star Jake Owen claps back at anti-LGBTQ commenter
(CNN) - Please "Believe" that Jake Owen will not allow people to diss the LGBTQ community. The country singer took on an Instagram commenter who had words to say regarding Owen's latest song. "Some of my closest friends and coworkers, are part of the #lgbt community and I couldn't be more happy for the progress they have made," Owen wrote in the caption. Owen went on to say, "I BELIEVE the world needs more love. The singer asked the commenter to come find him for a hug at the concert if he or she attended.