New York

US: New York Democrats finally ready to repeal ‘walking while trans’ loitering law

Legislation repealing a long-criticized loitering law advocates say is used by police to harass and target transgender people is finally moving forward. Senate Democrats will bring a bill striking down New York’s law related to loitering for the purpose of prostitution, also known as the “walking while trans” law, to the committee next week.

US: Photos From the George Floyd Protests, City by City

Thousands have taken to the streets to express their anger over racism and police violence. Some of the demonstrations have turned violent, prompting the activation of the National Guard in at least 21 states.

US: HRC Releases Annual State Equality Index Ratings

HRC Foundation and the Equality Federation Institute released their 6th annual State Equality Index (SEI), a comprehensive report detailing statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ people and their families and assessing how well states are protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination.

US: Sex and HIV Education

As debate over the relative merits of abstinence-only-until-marriage messages versus more comprehensive approaches has intensified, states have enacted a number of specific content requirements.

US: Five Key Moments in Queer Activism, from Stonewall to Today

In speeches written for our Queeroes Awards dinner, historian Hugh Ryan revisits some of the most crucial moments of our community's history.

US: ‘Gay Panic’ Defenses Are Banned in N.Y. Murder Cases

Since as early as the 1960s, defense lawyers have introduced the idea that people accused of murdering lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people had acted in a state of temporary insanity caused and justified by their victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

US: It Didn’t End With Cakes

The case is part of a nationwide crusade by evangelical Christians to weaponize the First Amendment and religious freedom to defend anti-gay bigotry.