New role, expanded vision

Just two months after President Joe Biden announced steps to increase federal protections for the LGBTQ community, it appears public schools in Louisiana will be refusing to implement policies protecting LGBTQ students that would comply with guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.As part of a larger executive order, Biden directed the Education Department to form a working group aimed at advancing pro-LGBTQ policies in schools, in the name of creating “safe and inclusive learning environments in which all students thrive.”The extent of those policies may vary, but will largely embrace the principle that LGBTQ students, especially transgender students, are protected from discrimination under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, a federal law prohibiting sex-based discriminatory practices in taxpayer-funded schools.Last year, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, citing the legal logic underlying a landmark LGBTQ rights case from 2020, clarified that anti-LGBTQ discrimination is inherently a form of sex-based discrimination.In issuing his executive order, Biden noted that over 300 proposed anti-LGBTQ laws have been introduced over the past year, many of which specifically target transgender children and their parents “by banning access to medical care and support at school.” The order, and the formation of the working group focused on pro-LGBTQ policies, were intended to provide a framework with which to implement the principles previously outlined by Cardona.But many social conservatives, including Louisiana state officials, disagree with the premise that Title IX applies to any situation besides those explicitly dealing with a person’s assigned sex at birth.

Republican Governor Ron DeSantis paid an Oregon company with an airport hangar office in Destin, Florida $615,000 to transport approximately 50 asylum-seeking immigrants from Venezuela to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, according to several reports. On Friday he threatened there may be “more flights” to come.

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We don’t know about you, dear reader, but this weekend could not have come soon enough.Whether the fact that six planets are currently in retrograde has real world applications or not, life sure is acting like it does. Just this week, Tyra Sanchez announced her return, Lil Nas X became president, and JVN and Antoni did… whatever that was. Chaos.Thankfully, some of our favorite musicians have come through with tunes to help you hold onto your sanity through it all.From a native rocker to a famous monster, here’s your weekly bop roundup:Bob the Drag Queen is taking her TikTok era to another level with this video, and we’re living for it.

The Inheritance, Part 1 sets the stage for a gay drama unlike any other this century. Its heady, literary beginning frames the story of gay thirtysomethings, Eric and Toby, through the lens of E.M.

In their compelling new series Gutsy, Hillary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton amplify women from around the country and beyond who live their lives with grit and fearlessness often amid trying circumstances. The eight-episode odyssey now airing on Apple TV+ takes viewers from a bowling alley with Wanda Sykes to a drag prom in Arkansas to the wilds of the Catskills where Chelsea learns to rappel.Born out of their 2019 The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience, which profiles women in history like Harriet Tubman and Clara Barton along with modern-day changemakers like Malala Yousafzi and Greta Thunberg, Gutsy the series is an intersectional journey of empowerment that is also deeply heartwarming and funny.

A Texas judge Friday expanded her injunction against child abuse investigations of transgender-supportive families to include all families who are members of PFLAG.Travis County Judge Amy Clark Meachum had already granted an injunction blocking investigations of two of the families who sued, identified by pseudonyms as the Roes and the Voes, while their case, PFLAG v. Abbott, is heard.

Kirk Myers, founder and CEO of Abounding Prosperity Inc., was chosen as grand marshal of the first Pride in Dallas Parade by a vote of the community, according Pride in Dallas President James Ware. Myers has said his activism in the fight against HIV/AIDs began in 1998 with his own diagnosis as HIV-positive. He started volunteering with AIN and then went on to work for an organization called Renaissance III, which offered HIV/AIDS services and programs targeted for the Black community. THe founded Abounding Prosperity Inc. in November 2005. Myers is also head of Dallas Southern Pride, the organization puts on an LGBTQ-focused Juneteenth celebration each June and which is also the driving force behind the Dallas Black Pride weekend in the fall. Read more about Myers and his contributions to the community here.

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a directive in February targeting trans youth and their families with child abuse investigations.

In From The Side since… well, since we first heard someone was making a gay rugby movie!From writer-director Matt Carter, the celebrated British indie is about two rugby players who fall hard for each other. The trouble is, they’re both in relationships, and the secret affair threatens to tear their lives apart—and their teams.The story was inspired by the writer-director’s own time in a South London gay rugby club.

Cards Against Humanity and Exploding Kittens.But a bonkers conspiracy accusing a newly crowned chess champ of using vibrating anal beads to cheat has renewed public interest in the game.On September 4, 19-year-old low-ranked American player Hans Niemann defeated 31-year-old Norwegian five-time world chess champion Magnus Carlsen in the Sinquefield Cup, a chess tournament where some of the world’s best players compete for a nearly $100,000 prize.Carlsen made an early mistake in the match, according to Kotaku, and Niemann — who had studied Carlsen’s earlier matches to anticipate his gameplay style — capitalized on the error to defeat him.Niemann’s victory ended Carlsen’s 53-game winning streak and compelled Carlsen to drop out of the tournament entirely.“[Carlsen] was so demoralized because he was losing to such an idiot like me,” Niemann said in a post-match interview. “It must be embarrassing for the world champion to lose to me.

The Great British Bake Off has returned for another calming, kitsch-core season, and one contestant in particular has viewers hoping to see more of his well-frosted cakes.The latest season premiere has introduced the world to Sandro, a skilled baker and babysitter with a penchant for hitting the weights (and it shows).In addition to the bulging biceps and winning smile, Sandro hosts a virtual baking class specifically geared towards teaching children with autism. Couple that with his tragic backstory of picking up baking to cope with the passing of his father, and the charm is laid on almost too thick.This triple-threat (baker/nanny/gym bro, naturally) serves as a stunning follow-up to last season’s own heartthrob, Chigs Parmar.

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro is up for re-election on October 2. He’s a fanatical far-right politician that seemingly no one took seriously until they had no choice.

Last week, a California man pleaded guilty in a Massachusetts federal court to having threatened to commit anti-LGBTQ+ violence against Merriam-Webster, the dictionary publisher.Jeremy David Hanson, 34, of Rossmoor, Calif., pled guilty in a plea deal to charges of interstate communication for threatening Merriam-Webster employees, as well as a charge of the same offense against the president of the University of North Texas, the Department of Justice said in an announcement of the plea. Additionally, Hanson admitted to sending threats to various corporations, politicians, and others in a written statement of facts included in his plea agreement.

Mancunians who've been invited to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II have expressed their shock and honour to be part of one of the biggest moments in the country's history.

Chief Justice John Roberts and conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh voted with the U.S. Supreme Court’s three liberal-leaning justices September 14 to reject a request that would have undermined a New York City law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in public accommodations.

Yeshiva University, an Orthodox Jewish school in New York City, is suspending all undergraduate club activities at least temporarily to avoid recognizing an LGBTQ+ organization.The U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday declined to block a lower court’s order for the university to recognize the Pride Alliance.

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, right, and Justice Brett Kavanaugh

Reportar sin Miedo es el socio mediático del Washington Blade en Honduras. Esta nota salió en su sitio web el 15 de septiembre.

OrgulloLGBT.co es el socio mediático del Washington Blade en Colombia. Esta nota salió en su sitio web.

Acey D. Morrison, a Two-Spirit member of the Lakota tribe, was shot to death August 21 in her hometown of Rapid City, S.D.She is one of 30 transgender, gender-nonconforming, or nonbinary people reported to have died by violence in 2022. There are likely many more such deaths that go unreported or misreported.

In her speech about hate crimes at the United We Stand Summit, Vice President Kamala Harris invited Pulse Nightclub shooting survivor Brandon Wolf to open as her keynote speaker.The United We Stand summit began on Thursday as an effort by President Joe Biden to counter the devastating effects of hate-related violence. The summit’s website describes the conference as a “bipartisan conversation on countering hate-fueled violence, preventing mobilization to violence, and fostering unity.”In her statement to the summit covered by the Advocate Channel, Harris was introduced by nationally recognized LGBTQ+ civil rights advocate and anti-gun violence proponent, Brandon Wolf.Wolf is a survivor of the Orlando, Fla., Pulse Nightclub shooting.

Watch What Happens this week to promote her co-starring role in the new American Gigolo series on Showtime, but now we feel bad for her.The iconic out comedian, actress, and former talk show host sat down to dish with the Bravo host when he popped a question from viewer Ryan B.Cohen quoted: “‘I loved your iconic Lebanese moment with Ellen DeGeneres on The Rosie O’Donnell Show. But why were you never a guest on Ellen’s show during its 20-year run?'”“Were you really never?” Cohen asked.“Never,” a forlorn O’Donnell replied, shaking her head.“Did they not ask?”“No.”“Really?”“No.”O’Donnell’s fellow WWH guest Kevin from The Office, Kevin Malone, stared in shock.O’Donnell welcomed DeGeneres on her own talk show in 1996, when the still-in-the-the-closet comedian and star of ABC’s sitcom Ellen teased she’d be coming out on the show as “Lebanese.” Ellen’s blockbuster “I’m gay” moment, delivered to the world “accidentally” over an airport PA, came soon after.Cohen couldn’t even believe it: “Really?”O’Donnell explained: “No, like we had a little bit of a weird thing.

Yeshiva University can pick and choose from 87 student organizations to join and engage with fellow students. There’s the Alexander Hamilton Society, the College Diabetes Network, Engineering Club, Jewish Activism Club, Rubik’s Cube Club, Skiing + Snowboarding Club, College Democrats, and College Republicans, but there is not an LGBTQ club.Nor will there be, if Yeshiva University has its way.

(CNN) -- Since the beginning of the monkeypox outbreak, scientists and activists have pushed for the name of the virus and the disease to be changed to something "non-discriminatory" and "non-stigmatizing."Public health experts have worried that stigma could steer people away from getting tested and vaccinated. A new name can help slow the spread of the disease, they say, but it needs to come quickly.Globally, nearly 60,000 cases have been identified, placing the name "monkeypox" in individuals' medical files.

Republicans. The majority of Republicans in the chamber—157—voted against the legislation, while seven Republicans declined to vote.The bill was introduced after the U.S.

sassy Leo on a sea scooter vibes.(Cos you think he's just hot, but he also has this adorable vulnerability that makes him

Peter Debruge Chief Film Critic In the DC Extended Universe, it’s not the villains who have identity issues, but the heroes. Bruce Wayne watched his parents get murdered, adopted a teenage sidekick and now spends his nights cosplaying as the creature everyone associates with vampires. Kal-El also saw his parents die and goes through life trying to pass as the earthling Clark Kent, wearing spandex under his work clothes, just in case. These are not the traits of well-adjusted normies, and as such, there’s enormous subversive appeal in seeing trans artist Vera Drew turn such iconic characters inside-out in the illicitly made marvel that is “The People’s Joker.” Coming from a place of deep fan love and equally profound institutional mistrust, Drew’s anarchic feature-length parody impishly treads the line of fair use, so much so that the helmer pulled the film from the Toronto Film Festival after its raucous Midnight Madness premiere, citing “rights issues.” But what did she expect? The irreverent underground project reimagines the Joker’s origin story as a queer coming-of-age/coming-to-terms narrative, using a mishmash of styles: mostly crude live-action of the kind you expect from public-access programming (shot against greenscreens, then composited with rudimentary CG sets), embellished with various forms of homemade animation.

RYAN MURPHY!,” we don’t know what does.Yes, the über-prolific producer/writer/director is firmly back in his wheelhouse with a Netflix series about the notorious Jeffrey Dahmer, the confusingly multi-titled DAHMER- Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story. (Seriously, why does it have to say “Dahmer” twice?)The project reunites Murphy with longtime American Horror Story pillar Peters in the titular role, donning wireframe glasses to play the coldblooded cannibal who frequently lured gay men back to his apartment to kill them.Dahmer rose to infamy after the revelation that he had murdered and eaten at least 17 men between 1978 and 1991.

What good is parody law if we can’t use it to trans some characters’ genders?The People’s Joker loosely adapts the material of the film Joker into a story of a trans stand-up comedian, with several notable DC Comics characters appearing throughout.The crowdfunded, equal parts progressive and absurd film was set to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). After a strongly worded letter from Warner Bros.

DVtv crew members Corry Williams, Tom Roma and Suha Roma joined the thousands of athletes from around the country who converged on the Cedar Springs Strip on Saturday night, Sept. 3, to celebrate the 2022 GSWS Closing Ceremonies that featured Betty Who, Cassie Nova, Kerri Colby and more.

Tom and Suha Roma went to Euless on Friday night, Sept. 2, to bring you the excitement of the 2022 Gay Softball World Series.

a joint letter to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.The lawmakers also asked the government to increase police protection and ensure the safety of the thousands of people expected to participate in the Pride march in Belgrade and all related events in what is the continent's largest annual LGBTQ+ event."We are aware that there are threats to the security of protestors, yet we maintain that banning this event outright is not the right solution," they said. The document's signatories include the leaders of the socialist, greens, liberal and left groups, together with dozens of their colleagues.

The Dublin Theatre Festival is fast approaching, starting on September 29 and running until October 16. The festival will showcase the finest of what the theatre industry has to offer and to get you in the mood, here’s a short list of three queer shows to look forward to at the festival. Manifesto Transpofàgico by […]

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(CNN) -- It's water under the bridge, but there's a reason why Rosie O'Donnell never appeared on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show.During a recent appearance on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," Cohen mentioned how much he loved the "Lebanese" moment O'Donnell had with DeGeneres on the former's talk show.Cohen was referencing DeGeneres' 1996 appearance on O'Donnell's daytime talk show in which the two playfully danced around speculation about DeGeneres being gay. She formally came out months later.Cohen then asked O'Donnell why she had never appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" that ended its run in May after 19 seasons."After my show went off the air, and her's was coming on the air, Larry King was on with Ellen and he said, 'Whatever happened to Rosie O'Donnell? Her show went down the tubes.

Montana officials say they won’t obey a judge’s order to lift a ban on gender changes on birth certificates.State Judge Michael Moses Thursday issued an injunction blocking enforcement of a rule adopted last week by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to ban any gender marker change on a birth certificate except to correct an error. The injunction would be in place while a court case proceeds against a 2021 law that made it harder to change the gender marker.In April, the judge had ordered the state to cease enforcing the law while the case was heard and to revert to an earlier, easier process.

Coming out and living one's truth as an LGBTQ+ person can often be challenging. Add a cultural and ethnic difference to that, and the struggle can be even greater, especially if one is forced whether overtly or subtly to conceal an aspect of self.

Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, has been seen in public for the first time following the death of the Queen on Thursday, 8 September. Fergie, as she's known, was seen looking at floral tributes left to the late Monarch outside Windsor Castle with her ex-husband Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, with both looking solemn and dressed in black. Sarah, 62, is known to have a close relationship with her former husband Prince Andrew, also 62, with whom she shares two daughters, Princesses Beatrice, 34, and Eugenie, 32, and she and Andrew still live together in the Royal Lodge on the Windsor Estate.

Marjorie Taylor Greene appears to be kicking off an 18-year-old activist in a now-viral video taken outside the Capitol on Thursday afternoon.For some incomprehensible reason, Greene was the one who shared the clip.Related: Marjorie Taylor Greene tries to take down Kathy Griffin, fails miserablyThe Washington Post reports that Greene was “at first appearing to step on demonstrator Marianna Pecora’s foot” and then “appearing to intentionally draw back her foot and aim for Pecora’s leg.”“Oh my God,” Pecora say in the clip.These foolish cowards want the government to take away guns & the rights of parents to defend their children in schools.You have to be an idiot to think gun control will create a utopian society where criminals disarm themselves and obey the law.“Gun-free” zones kill people. pic.twitter.com/1T37HH8jEO— Rep.

Los Espookys!HBO’s idiosyncratic horror-comedy returns this week after three years, “espookier” than ever. The pandemic may have halted production on season two, but the beloved series is back without missing a beat, following the eponymous Los Espookys gang as they create more homemade horrors on demand, all while facing demons of their own—sometimes literally.For queer creators and stars Julio Torres and Ana Fabrega, the new season was an opportunity to dig deeper into their world, more confident in their vision than ever before.

Richard Eyre’s writing debut has been a long time coming. The veteran director, recognised numerous times at the Olivier Awards (including with a lifetime achievement award), finally turned his hand to writing during the pandemic. The result is The Snail House, a two-hour political play which premiered earlier this week at the Hampstead Theatre. Eyre – the former artistic director of the National Theatre – also directs the show, which features Vincent Franklin in the lead role.

Drag Race legends Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme are set to bring their critically acclaimed holiday show back for a 26-city tour.

The post ‘A League of Their Own explores Black trans joy in ways other shows have never succeeded’ appeared first on GAY TIMES.

Lonnie Hambrick was a recent contestant on the reality series, My 600-Pound Life, but what he experienced was nothing short of a let down. Hear his story about finding acceptance and coming out as his authentic self.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis demonizing LGBTQ kids in a file photo

ABOVE: Tower half full.

Some Oklahoma motorists got an eyeful when loads of dildos and lube shot out of the back of an overturned semi. In a collision on Wednesday, a tractor trailer and a box truck crashed, causing the semi to roll over, Oklahoma City television station KWTV reported. The overturned tractor-trailer spilled vibrators on I-40 near Mustang Road on the western outskirts of Oklahoma City and closed the highway off-ramp for several hours.Hundreds of boxes are spread over the road in video footage captured by KWTV.Local Oklahoma blog The Lost Ogle posted a video on Twitter and commented about the spillage on its website.