News

Three newcomers face off in Cheney School Board primary without an incumbent

Monday, July 10th, 2023

via The Spokesman Review (Washington)

Board member Stacy Nicol's decision not to run again, after serving on the panel since 2015, leaves the seat vacant for one of three candidates: chauffeur for the elderly Bill Hanson, sustainable hydroponic home farmer Rick Flynn and former West side school board member John Boerger.

School Board – General, LGBTQ+

Indiana appeals court sustains triple murder, arson convictions

Sunday, July 9th, 2023

via NWI Times (Indiana)

The Court of Appeals won't overturn the murder and arson convictions of a Gary man who shot his girlfriend and two of her relatives before setting her house on fire.

LGBTQ+, Book Bans, School Board – General

As conservative activism targets sex ed, new Mass. guidelines are on the horizon

Saturday, July 8th, 2023

via The Boston Globe (Massachusetts)

After five years of working on new standards, the state is bringing some clarity on sex education to the classroom.

LGBTQ+

Spain’s far-right party Vox would abolish law allowing abortion

Friday, July 7th, 2023

via The Gazette (Colorado)

(This July 7 story has been refiled to say 'appropriate,' not 'inappropriate,' in paragraph 6)

LGBTQ+

Eye on Politics: Sign of progress in property tax relief standoff, LGBTQ lawmakers express concerns over recent legislation

Friday, July 7th, 2023

via CBS News (Pennsylvania)

Jack covers the latest in the standoff over property tax relief and LGBTQ lawmakers' concerns over legislation they say targets their community.

LGBTQ+

Cameron’s office: Kentucky school districts should enforce SB 150 as lawmakers intended

Thursday, July 6th, 2023

via Courier Journal (Kentucky)

State education officials recently said districts have the choice between two prohibitions of sex-related lessons.

LGBTQ+

Planned Parenthood’s latest lie about virginity is a doozy

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

via The Washington Times, LLC (District of Columbia)

'The idea of virginity comes from outdated — let's be real, patriarchal — ways of thinking that hurts everyone.'

LGBTQ+

Appeals court upholds 155-year prison term in Porter County child molest case

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

via NWI Times (Indiana)

The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed the 155-year prison term issued to a Griffith man convicted of 9 felonies for his repeated sexual abuse of two teenage girls.

LGBTQ+, Book Bans, School Board – General

Timing feels right for the end of ‘Sex Education’

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

via The Boston Globe (Massachusetts)

I can't say I'm unhappy about it. I'm a fan of leaving audiences wanting more, instead of alienating us by stretching stories out beyond their natural life (ahem, 'Shameless').

LGBTQ+

New name for Indiana veterinarian oversight board

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

via NWI Times (Indiana)

The new name is the Indiana Board of Veterinary Medicine, or VetBoard. It previously was known as the Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

LGBTQ+, Book Bans, School Board – General

Aimed at Trump, DeSantis campaign video described as ‘homophobic’

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

via CBS News (Pennsylvania)

A prominent group that represents LGBT conservatives says a video shared by Ron DeSantis′ presidential campaign that slams rival Donald Trump for his past support of gay and transgender people…

LGBTQ+

The Portland Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Aren’t Looking for Trouble

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

via Willamette Week (Oregon)

The Portland Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence aren't looking for trouble—but they don't mind a little extra attention.

LGBTQ+

For the intersex community, ‘Every Body’ exists on a spectrum

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

via KNPR (Nevada)

Alicia Roth Weigel is one of three activists profiled in Julie Cohen's new documentary. She says intersex is an umbrella term for people whose "anatomy doesn't fit super neatly into a binary box."

LGBTQ+

State senator calls for studies into critical race theory in K-12 Nebraska schools

Tuesday, July 4th, 2023

via Journal Star (Nebraska)

The chair of the Nebraska Legislature's Education Committee is planning to study the use of critical race theory and other controversial subjects in the classroom.

Social Emotional Learning, LGBTQ+, Racism

After the fall of Roe, emboldened activists with LDS ties lobby to restrict abortion in Africa

Tuesday, July 4th, 2023

via The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)

One Christian conservative group helped to develop a 'family values' conference with lawmakers from several African countries this year. African experts worry recent gains in abortion access could be…

LGBTQ+

Two newcomers challenge incumbent Wiser for a seat on Spokane Public Schools board

Tuesday, July 4th, 2023

via The Spokesman Review (Washington)

Voters have their pick among three candidates in this year's primary election for the Spokane Public Schools seat occupied by Mike Wiser: the incumbent or one of two newcomers, Ericka Lalka and David…

LGBTQ+, School Board – General, Racism

DeSantis ad attacking Trump over Caitlyn Jenner ‘divisive and desperate,’ LGBTQ+ Republicans say

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

via al.com (Alabama)

The Log Cabin Republicans said the 'rhetoric will lose hard-fought gains in critical races across the nation. This old playbook has ... failed -- repeatedly.'

LGBTQ+

Critics slam DeSantis campaign for sharing an anti-Trump ad targeting LGBTQ rights

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

via GPB Media (Georgia)

DeSantis' campaign shared a video that attacked Trump for his support of LGBTQ rights, prompting widespread backlash. Both candidates have rolled back protections for trans and gay people in office.

LGBTQ+, Racism

An unlikely provocateur, Miss Texas, takes on the state’s GOP leaders

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

via Texas Tribune (Texas)

Averie Bishop, whose reign ended Saturday, was the first Asian American to win the contest in its 85 years. She spent her year with the crown as an outspoken avatar for a rapidly diversifying Texas.

LGBTQ+