Issue 9  May 23 2023

Mexico issues first non-binary passport

"Within the framework of #DiaContraLaLGTBIfobia, we endorse our support for sexual diversity. All rights must be guaranteed for all identities. No more hate speech; diversity enriches and flourishes," the Foreign Ministry wrote on Twitter about the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. 

African Human Rights Commission affirms intersex people’s rights

Commission also calls for an end to anti-intersex bias in competitive sports

Namibia's top court recognises same-sex marriages formed elsewhere

the government must recognise the unions of same-sex couples who married in countries where it was legal for them to do so, even though same-sex marriage remains illegal in Namibia itself

U.S. Supreme Court Grants Transgender Woman Opportunity to Appeal Deportation

Supreme Court justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson, wrote in her first majority opinion since joining the court

New Biden Asylum Policy Will Hurt LGBTQ+ Migrants and Others, Activists Say

This ban is a travesty that will cause LGBTQ refugees (and others) with strong, meritorious asylum claims to be sent back to countries where they will be persecuted or killed. By implementing this ban, instead of humane solutions that would effectively and compassionately manage the border, President Biden has broken his promise to protect LGBTQ asylum seekers and refugees

NAACP issues travel advisory for Florida | wtsp.com

NAACP says the advisory stems from "unrelenting attacks on fundamental freedoms from the Governor and his legislative body."

Parents File for an Emergency Order to Block SB 254 as Governor DeSantis Signs Discriminatory Law Criminalizing Transgender Healthcare - National Center for Lesbian Rights

The families, who have a pending challenge to the state Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine rules banning established medical care for their children and other transgender adolescents are also challenging provisions in SB 254 that codify those rules into state law, add criminal and civil penalties, and create additional barriers for families with transgender adolescents.

Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters: Orlando restaurant, Hamburger Mary's, is suing DeSantis and Florida over anti-drag law

 The lawsuit argues the law is broad enough to include “even the most innocent drag performances, to reach into the private homes of Florida citizens, and to determine on behalf of parents what is and is not appropriate entertainment for their children.

Penguin Random House and PEN America Sue Florida Over Book Bans

“The School District and the School Board are depriving students of access to a wide range of viewpoints, and depriving the authors of the removed and restricted books of the opportunity to engage with readers and disseminate their ideas to their intended audiences,” it says. “Such viewpoint discrimination violates the First Amendment.”

In One Day, Ron DeSantis Signed Five Bills Severely Restricting Trans Rights in Florida | Them

That includes Senate Bill 254, which imposes harsh restrictions on gender-affirming care for both minors and adults. House Bill 1069 bans trans students from being able to use their correct pronouns and allows anyone in a school district to flag classroom or library material that contains sexual content for potentially permanent removal. HB 1438 bans minors from drag performances with hefty penalties for establishments that might violate its provisions. HB 1521 would ban trans people from using the correct gendered facilities in schools, prisons, or any “public buildings.” Last but not least, HB 225 gives the state government control over the Florida High School Athletic Association “to ensure women’s sports are protected,” which is right-wing code for anti-trans sports bans. 

DeSantis’ new law: Doctors can’t deny treatment for unvaccinated patients but can refuse LGBTQ ones ｜ AlterNet

in Ron DeSantis’ “Free State of Florida,” it will be legal for a physician or other medical professional to refuse to treat a patient who is LGBTQ for a “specific health care service” if it violates their “conscience.” And legal for insurance companies to refuse to cover patients who are LGBTQ for a “specific health care service” again, if it violates their “conscience.”

Tampa pride event cancelled after DeSantis signs ‘anti-drag’ bill | WFLA

Unlike Tampa Pride’s parade in March, West said drag queens perform in the open at the festival, which could be a violation of the new law.

Wilton Manors Caves to DeSantis Over Drag Shows | The Gazette | News | SFGN Articles

Drag queens and other performers who work up and down Wilton Drive, filed into the city commission chamber at Wilton Manors City Hall.

They, along with other citizens, stood up and spoke out, urging commissioners to stand with them against the tyranny of Tallahassee.

Media Matters busts WaPo for adding 'jet fuel' to GOP anti-trans hate ｜ AlterNet

Per MMFA, the poll does not contain particularly new information, as it was conducted in November 2022, "six months ago and well before this year's legislative onslaught of over 450 bills targeting LGBTQ people."

Many LGBTQ+ Americans Are Unable to Pay Bills, Keep Savings or Hold Bank Accounts, Survey Shows | Them

The survey’s findings align with years of research that LGBTQ+ people experience poverty at high rates, and investigates new aspects of queer economic insecurity.

LGBTQ Food-Stamp Lawsuit by GOP States Dismissed - BNN Bloomberg

A Biden administration rule barring states from discriminating against poor LGBTQ people in the distribution of food stamps and other nutrition assistance programs survived a legal challenge by almost two dozen Republican-led states.