LGBTQ people
Coldplay concert in Malaysia can be stopped by organizers if the band misbehaves, government says
A Malaysian minister said organizers of a Coldplay concert are able to stop Wednesday’s show if the British rock band misbehaves.
Methodist Church approves split of 261 Georgia congregations after LGBTQ+ divide
The North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church has voted to allow 261 churches to leave the denomination amid a schism over LGBTQ issues.
For this group of trans women, the pope and his message of inclusivity are a welcome change
Pope Francis is hosting a special lunch for more than 1,000 poor people to mark the Catholic Church’s World Day of the Poor.
Moms for Liberty reports over $2 million in revenue, with bulk of contributions from two donors
Moms for Liberty has reported $2.1 million in total revenue in 2022. That’s more than five times what the conservative “parental rights” nonprofit made in its inaugural year in 2021, according to a tax filing provided to The Associated Press on Friday.
Defeated Virginia candidate whose explicit videos surfaced says she may not be done with politics
The Virginia Democrat whose legislative campaign was rocked by the disclosure that she had livestreamed sex acts with her husband lost this year’s race but isn’t giving up on politics.
Russian authorities ask the Supreme Court to declare the LGBTQ ‘movement’ extremist
The Russian Justice Ministry says it has filed a lawsuit with the country’s Supreme Court to outlaw the LGBTQ “international public movement” as extremist.
Hungary issues an anti-EU survey to citizens on migration, support for Ukraine and LGBTQ+ rights
Hungary’s government has released a set of questions for an informal survey it will send to voters on a number of divisive issues including migration, LGBTQ+ rights and support for Ukraine.
Moms for Liberty removes two Kentucky chapter leaders who posed with far-right Proud Boys
Moms for Liberty says it’s removed two Kentucky chapter chairs from leadership positions after they posed in photos with members of the far-right group the Proud Boys.
Conservative Muslims in Indonesia protest Coldplay concert over the band’s LGBTQ+ support
More than 200 conservative Muslims marched in Indonesia’s capital, calling for the cancellation of Coldplay’s concert on Wednesday night over the British band’s support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Texas school reverses decision that banned transgender student from role in musical
A Texas school district has apologized and reversed a decision that ousted a transgender student from a part in the musical “Oklahoma!”
Mexican officials send conflicting messages over death of LGBTQ+ magistrate
Mexican authorities are sending conflicting messages about the violent death of a leading LGBTQ+ figure after thousands of Mexicans marched demanding justice.
Thousands in Mexico demand justice for LGBTQ+ figure found dead after death threats
Thousands have marched in Mexico’s capital demanding justice for an influential LGBTQ+ figure who was found dead at home in the city of Aguascalientes after receiving death threats.
Mexican LGBTQ+ figure found dead at home after receiving death threats
The first openly nonbinary person to assume a judicial position in Mexico has been found dead in their home in the central Mexican city of Aguascalientes.
Conservative Muslims protest Coldplay’s planned concert in Indonesia over the band’s LGBTQ+ support
Dozens of conservative Muslims are calling for the cancellation of Coldplay’s concert this month in Indonesia.
NY is developing education program on harms of medically unnecessary surgery on intersex children
New York is requiring state health officials to develop an outreach program to educate the public on the harmful impacts of medically unnecessary treatments performed on young children born intersex.
Pastor’s suicide brings grief and warnings of the dangers of outing amid erosion of LGBTQ+ rights
A small-town Alabama mayor and pastor killed himself after a conservative news site reported he had a social media persona where he dressed in women’s clothing while wearing a wig and makeup.
Librarians turn to civil rights agency to oppose book bans and their firings
Some librarians who’ve been fired as they take a stand against discrimination and banning books are turning to a federal civil-rights enforcement agency for help.
Hungary has fired the national museum director over LGBTQ+ content in World Press Photo exhibition
Hungary’s cultural minister has fired the director of the Hungarian National Museum in Budapest and accused him of failing to comply with a contentious law that bans the display of LGBTQ+ content to minors.
Supporters celebrate opening of Gay Games in Hong Kong, first in Asia, despite lawmakers’ opposition
Scores of athletes have celebrated the opening of the Gay Games in Hong Kong despite opposition from anti-LGBTQ lawmakers, marking the first time the international sporting event to be held in Asia.
Oregon man sentenced for LGBTQ+ hate crimes in Idaho, including trying to hit people with car
An Oregon man who pleaded guilty in connection with LGBTQ+ hate crimes, including trying to hit people with a car in Idaho, has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Asia’s first Gay Games to kick off in Hong Kong, fostering hopes for wider LGBTQ+ inclusion
Hong Kong is set to launch Asia’s first Gay Games on Friday, fostering hopes for wider LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Asian financial hub.
Hungary bans teenagers from visiting World Press Photo exhibition over display of LGBTQ+ images
People younger than 18 have been barred from visiting the World Press Photo exhibition in Hungary after the government determined some of its photos violate a contentious law restricting LGBTQ+ content.
Pope’s meeting on church future says it’s ‘urgent’ to guarantee governance roles for women
Pope Francis’ big gathering of Catholic bishops and laypeople on the church’s future says it’s “urgent” to guarantee fuller participation of women in church governance.
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.
North Carolina Republicans put exclamation mark on pivotal annual session with redistricting maps
The North Carolina General Assembly has given final approval to new redistricting maps poised to empower the state GOP for years to come.
Japan’s top court strikes down required sterilization surgery to officially change gender
Japan’s Supreme Court has ruled that a law requiring transgender people to undergo sterilization surgery in order to officially change their gender is unconstitutional.
Pennsylvania Senate passes bill opponents worry targets books about LGBTQ+ and marginalized people
A bill passed the Pennsylvania state Senate that would require parents to opt in to allow children to view books deemed sexually explicit.
NHL rescinds ban on rainbow-colored Pride tape, allowing players to use it on the ice this season
NHL players will be allowed to use Pride tape this season after all. The league, players union and a committee on inclusion agreed to give players the option to represent social causes with stick tape during warmups, practices and games.
A Hong Kong court upholds a ruling in favor of equal inheritance rights for same-sex couples
A Hong Kong court has upheld a ruling that favored the granting of equal inheritance rights to same-sex couples. It’s the latest victory for the city’s LGBTQ+ community.
Tennessee GOP is willing to reject millions in funding, if it avoids complying with federal strings
Tennessee Republican leaders are escalating their calls to reject millions of federal dollars rather than comply with requirements over LGBTQ+ rights, abortion access and other hot-button issues.
Judge temporarily blocks Tennessee city from enforcing ban on drag performances on public property
A federal judge has temporarily blocked city officials in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, from enforcing an ordinance designed to ban drag performances on public property.