Museum wants refund after Florida removes LGBTQ page from state tourism website
Leaders of a South Florida LGBTQ history museum want a refund after the state removed a section from its official tourism website for LGBTQ travelers.
Mom of Broward transgender athlete says Florida’s investigation destroyed daughter’s life
A South Florida public school employee who faces firing because she allowed her transgender daughter to play girls high school volleyball assailed those who outed her child, saying Tuesday that the ensuing investigation destroyed the girl’s life.
LGBTQ soldiers in Ukraine hope their service is changing attitudes as they rally for legal rights
Several hundred LGBTQ Ukrainian servicemen and their supporters have marched in central Kyiv to demand more rights and highlight their service to their country in its war with Russia.
Bill would rename NYC subway stop after Stonewall, a landmark in LGBTQ+ rights movement
Lawmakers have approved legislation that would rename a New York City subway station in honor of the Stonewall riots.
United Methodist delegates repeal their church’s ban on its clergy celebrating same-sex marriages
United Methodist delegates have repealed their church’s longstanding ban on the celebrations of same-sex marriages or unions by its clergy.
United Methodists remove anti-gay language from their official teachings on societal issues
For the past 52 years, the United Methodist Church had officially declared “the practice of homosexuality.
Billy Porter looks forward to sharing his music on Miami Beach Pride’s main stage
Actor Billy Porter, a musical theater legend and advocate who has been living with HIV since 2007, was celebrating Pride in South Beach as a singer-songwriter and performer.
Broward’s Monarch High School gets fine, probation over transgender athlete on girls team
State athletics officials have fined a Broward County high school for allowing a transgender athlete to play on its girls volleyball team, contravening Florida law and athletics policies.
Mass arrests target LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria while abuses against them are ignored, activists say
Rights groups and lawyers in Nigeria say the West African nation's law enforcement authorities are using the country’s same-sex prohibition law to target the LGBTQ+ community while ignoring abuses against them.
India's Supreme Court refuses to legalize same-sex marriage, saying it is up to Parliament
India’s top court has refused to legalize same-sex marriages passing the responsibility back to Parliament in a ruling that disappointed campaigners for LGBTQ+ rights in the world’s most populous country.
Florida law restricting transgender adult care can be enforced while challenged in court
A new Florida law restricting health care for transgender people can still be applied to adults while it is being challenged in court, a federal judge ruled Monday.
GOP lawmakers take aim at LGBTQ+ ‘safe places’ program in small Florida town
Some central Florida lawmakers say they are considering “all legislative, legal and executive options available” to stop business owners in a small town from voluntarily displaying rainbow decals in their windows.
Florida school board reverses decision nixing access to children’s book about a male penguin couple
Months after access to a popular children’s book about a male penguin couple hatching a chick was restricted at school libraries because of Florida’s so-called Don’t Say Gay law, a central Florida school district says it has reversed that decision.
Both Republicans and Democrats criticize DeSantis over new ‘anti-LGBTQ+’ campaign ad
Leaders for both liberal and conservative organizations advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ communities in the United States criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis’s recent campaign ad.
Both Republicans and Democrats criticize DeSantis’s new campaign ad
Leaders for both liberal and conservative organizations advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ communities in the United States criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis’s recent campaign ad.
DeSantis avoids responding to criticism over anti-LGBTQ video
Gov. Ron DeSantis wasn’t responding to criticism after his new campaign video attacked former President Donald Trump on his support of the LGBTQ communities’ rights.
Gatherings combining Pride and Juneteenth give Black LGBTQ+ people a refuge where they can celebrate
From a block party in New York City to a movie screening outside of Denver, groups across the U.S. have found ways to merge Pride month and Juneteenth celebrations.
Florida judge grants injunction against drag show law championed by DeSantis
A Florida judge granted an injunction on Friday for drag show restaurant Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando against a Florida law penalizing businesses letting children attend live performances considered to be “adult” in nature.
‘Gender identity is real’: Federal judge blocks Florida transgender care law
A federal judge is blocking parts of a new Florida law blocking gender-affirming care for transgender youths — but only for some of the parties in the lawsuit.
Hamburger Mary’s sues Florida, claims adult performance law hurting business
A bill Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law involving adult entertainment and children, including drag shows, is already having a detrimental effect on at least one Orlando business and it is suing to stop the bill.
DeSantis signs laws against trans care, kids at drag shows, trans athletes
During his Wednesday morning speech at a non-denominational Christian private school in Tampa, Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized gender-affirming care, a medical intervention when an individual’s gender identity is different than the one assigned at birth.
New blood donation rules allow more gay men to give in US
New blood donations rules will allow sexually active gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships to give in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration guidelines ease decades-old restrictions on blood donations put in place to protect the blood supply from HIV.
LGBTQ community plans to march in Broward against ‘discriminatory’ bills in Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis′ administration is moving to forbid classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades, expanding the controversial law critics call “Don’t Say Gay” as the Republican governor continues to focus on cultural issues ahead of his expected presidential run.
Uganda LGBTQ leader says gay bill threatens homelessness
A prominent leader of Uganda’s LGBTQ community says he is worried about becoming “homeless,” describing anguished calls by others like him who are concerned for their safety after the passing of a tough new anti-gay law.
Florida advances bills on gender identity, defamation
lorida Republicans are advancing a proposal to ban classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity through the eighth grade, expanding the controversial law critics call “Don’t Say Gay.”
Minnesota governor protects rights to gender affirming care
Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order protecting the rights of LGBTQ people from Minnesota and other states to seek and receive gender affirming health care.
Feds: Miami-Dade man pleads guilty to ‘hate-fueled’ Grindr kidnappings, robberies
A Miami-Dade man could face life in prison after pleading guilty to a series of kidnappings and robberies targeting South Florida men who thought they were meeting him for sex, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.
Israeli doctors reject Netanyahu allies' anti-LGBTQ remarks
Israel’s 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.
Miami-Dade school board holds vote regarding which flags can be displayed in classrooms
The Miami-Dade County School Board passed an item on Wednesday that sparked some controversy with LGBTQ advocates.
NC power grid attack stokes fear in rural LGBTQ community
North Carolina drag performers and LGBTQ community members fear for their safety after an attack on the electrical grid in Moore County left tens of thousands without power for several days.
This Week in South Florida Full Episode: December 4, 2022
On the latest episode of This Week in South Florida, hosts Glenna Milberg and Michael Putney welcome Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Tantralis, new Brwoard County Mayor Lamar Fisher, LGBTQ advocate Orlando Gonzales and Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar.
Rubio, Scott explain votes against bill protecting same-sex marriage
Florida Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, both Republicans, explained their decision to side with the majority of their GOP colleagues in voting against the Respect for Marriage Act, which ultimately passed the Senate with support from Democrats and some Republicans.
Site of Colorado gay bar shooting 'celebrated' LGBTQ people
In the mostly conservative city of Colorado Springs, Club Q has long been a go-to spot for members of the LGBTQ community — a safe space where many felt they could just be themselves.
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 they’ve handled the Men’s 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.
Montenegro holds pride march despite opposition from church
Several hundred people have joined an LGBTQ pride march in Montenegro that was held amid strong opposition from the influential Serbian Orthodox Church in the small conservative Balkan country.
Belgrade police clash with hooligans during Pride march
Riot police clashed with soccer hooligans in Belgrade, where an international Pride march has been held despite threats from anti-gay groups and an official earlier ban in theconservative Balkan state.
Thousands protest planned Pride gathering in Serbia
Thousands of opponents of a pan-European LGBTQ event planned for this week in Belgrade marched through the Serbian capital on Sunday despite an announced ban of Europe’s largest annual gay gathering.
This Week in South Florida: Lucia Baez-Geller
We pick up the conversation about the internal struggles South Florida schools now face when it comes to balancing parents' rights, including all families, and the new law meant to ensure that.
Political theater outweighs legal issues during LGBTQ History Month vote, expert says
Lucia Baez-Geller said Thursday disinformation about anti-LGBTQ rhetoric won during the latest Miami-Dade School Board meeting. A Barry University expert agreed with her.
LGBTQ History Month proposal attracts homophobic discourse, activists say
A Miami-Dade School Board member’s resolution to recognize October as LGBTQ History Month attracted activists from openly anti-LGBTQ groups.
Miami-Dade School Board votes against LGBTQ History Month during rowdy meeting
The Miami-Dade School Board is holding a regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday at which time they will discuss whether to recognize October as LGBTQ History Month.
Miami nightclub facing scrutiny after patron identifying as non-binary was kicked out
Bruno Olmedo identifies as non-binary, not specifically a man or woman, and posts photos online of a gender blending fashion sense.
Prosecutors upgraded charges in teen’s ‘hateful’ beating; detectives search for 2 more suspects
Misdemeanor charges have been upgraded to felonies against two of at least three teenagers seen on video brutally attacking an LGBTQ teen at a neighborhood park in Pompano Beach.
Florida to schools: Don’t follow federal LGBTQ protections
In a letter to the districts sent Thursday, Florida Education Secretary Manny Diaz said the proposed anti-discrimination language is not binding law and following the guidance could result in breaking state law.
LGBTQ outrage over DeSantis visit to NYC during Pride Month
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to appear before a conservative Jewish leaders in New York City, despite efforts by gay rights advocates to get the event canceled.
Canadian teen accused of threatening mass shooting at South Florida LGBTQ event
Police arrested a Canadian teenager Monday accused of threatening a mass shooting at an event in West Palm Beach the previous day.
South Florida LGBTQ group keeping eye on monkeypox cases amid links to gay events, sauna
Organizers with a South Florida LGBTQ group say they have no plans to cancel an upcoming Pride festival amid suspected links between the current monkeypox outbreak and gay events and saunas, but they are paying close attention to a rise in cases.
First lawsuit filed against DeSantis, Florida over bill critics call ‘Don’t Say Gay’
They said they would and they did. The first lawsuit is filed in federal court against the bill Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law this week. Opponents call it "Don't Say Gay."
Florida GOP 'Don't Say Gay' bill advances in House
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.
High court takes case involving refusal to serve gay couples
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.
France bans gay 'conversion therapy' with new law
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.
Tunisia: LGBT activist's assault seen as a pattern by police
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 Roe falls, some fear ripple effect on civil rights cases
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.
Sail away with Kesha and a bunch of drag queens on the Kesha Cruise in 2022
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.
California bans state travel to Florida, 4 other states
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.
Why it’s so important for athletes like Carl Nassib to come out of the closet
Las Vegas Raiders football player Carl Nassib made history Monday when he became the first active NFL player to come out of the closet.
Weston mayor signs proclamations in support of LGBTQ and Caribbean communities
Two proclamations, one recognizing Pride Month and a second in recognition of Caribbean Heritage Month, were signed by Weston’s Mayor Margaret Peggy Brown during a commission meeting Monday evening.
Celebrating Pride: Unsung hero was there for HIV and AIDS patients when others weren’t
Some of the darkest days for the LGBT community also became a wake-up call in the battle against HIV, AIDS and equal rights, Joan Schaeffe recalls.
Celebrating Pride: Ruth Shack laid groundwork for anti-discrimination laws
It was way back in 1977 when Ruth Shack, then a Metro-Dade Commissioner, introduced and helped pass a measure to protect homosexuals from discrimination.
Celebrating Pride: Stories about South Florida’s fight for equality
June is Pride Month, and Local 10 News reporter Christian De La Rosa will be presenting a series of stories that recognize the contributions of South Floridians to the fight for LGBTQ equality.
Miami-Dade LGBTQ community debating new version of rainbow pride flag
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – There is a fight brewing to replace the pride flag with something more inclusive, but some in the Miami-Dade County LGBTQ community to don’t want it flying at County Hall. It’s the most iconic, global symbol of lesbian gay bisexual trans and queer pride, and the fight for equality for all. But the historic rainbow flag is now facing a question of whether it should be replaced with a new progressive pride flag, hailed as a more inclusive symbol with black, brown, pink, white and light blue stripes, representing the most marginalized within the LGBTQ community. Now, the Miami Dade County LGBTQ advisory board is debating whether they should follow. Update: Late Wednesday afternoon the advisory board voted 9-to-2 in favor of replacing the rainbow flag with the new, progressive flag at the county building during pride month.
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, “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.
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. “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.
New channel offers fare for women in the LGBTQ community
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.
Mixed Philippine reaction on pope nod on gay civil unions
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.
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 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.
Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office launches initiative aimed at stopping hate crimes against LGBTQ community
MIAMI – The Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s office announced a new effort to protect South Florida’s LGBTQ community. This comes following a new study revealing a startling amount of hate crimes targeting the group. Now a new FIU study is giving insight into just how severe the issue of crime against members of the LGBTQ community in Miami-Dade County really is. Most victims of reported hate crimes in Miami-Dade County tend to be young and Black, and offenders tend to be older and Hispanic. “The phycological, the emotional, the physical trauma that is experienced, now we have the benefit of this research,” said Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.
Sheriff: Silence is standing in the way of ‘Justice for Bree’
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Bree Black’s killer remains on the loose. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said the community can’t allow this and needs to speak up about what they witnessed the night she died. Combined with the offering from Broward Crime Stoppers, that brings the total reward up to $8,000. Bryan Tutler and Detective Louis Bonhomme are asking anyone with information about the murder to call 954-321-4377 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue paramedics found Bree Black dead on July 3.
‘Harry Potter’ actors come out in support of trans community after J.K. Rowling’s 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 “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.
Sexual orientation prevents married physicians from rushing to donate plasma after surviving coronavirus
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Dr. John Whitehead and his husband, Dr. Alain Ramirez were both diagnosed with the new coronavirus disease in March. But they are unable to donate the convalescent plasma because they are gay and sexually active. Plasma donor creates website to help COVID-19 patients in needGay and bisexual men face U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s blood donation restrictions dating back to the 1980s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gay and bisexual men account for about 70% of new HIV infections in the U.S. each year. “We would all like to get our lives back together, but, we have to be safe.”Blood plasma requirements (Local 10 News)
Miami Beach LGBTQ community icon dies of coronavirus
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Henrietta Robinson, who was an icon among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, died on Friday of complications with COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus. Robinson’s friend Troy Kurtz said she recently underwent hernia surgery and was recovering at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach when her health started to deteriorate. When she shared her story, she would say was reborn in 1959 in Miami Beach. TWIST, a famous South Beach gay club, was her second home. LGBTQ icon Henrietta Robinson dies of coronavirus in Miami BeachRobinson loved gowns.
Wade says he is proud dad of 12-year-old LGBTQ child
MIAMI – The Ellen DeGeneres Show released a YouTube video Tuesday showing Dwyane Wade said he is proud of his transgender daughter Zaya. The Miami Heat legend recently told DeGeneres that he and his wife, Gabrielle Union, are taking their role as parents of a 12-year-old child, who is a member of the LGBTQ community, very seriously. “Zion, born as a boy, came home and said, ‘Hey! So, I want to talk to you guys. It’s our opportunity to allow you to be a voice.’”
Drag queens to star in Super Bowl LIV ad
MIAMI – Two drag queens who were RuPaul Drag Race contestants will appear in a Super Bowl LIV commercial for hummus. Sabra Dipping, a joint venture between PepsiCo and the Strauss Group, chose Sang-Young Sin, known as KimChi, and Maxwell Heller, known as Miz Cracker, for their RiDIPulous campaign. "The Super Bowl is the biggest dipping occasion of the year and we’re making sure Sabra plays an unforgettable role in this years, game,” said Jason Levine, Sabra’s chief marketing officer since March 2019. Sabra’s Super Bowl LIV campaign also includes rapper T-Pain and Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Teresa Giudice and Caroline Manzo.