by B. Burke, Public Training Content material Supervisor for Psychological Well being America
From anti-LGBTQ+ laws to identity-based violence, the LGBTQ+ neighborhood has skilled vital trauma over the previous few years. This Satisfaction Month, you will need to acknowledge the challenges that the LGBTQ+ neighborhood has confronted, whereas additionally celebrating moments of pleasure and optimistic information. Listed below are 10 items of fine information for the LGBTQ+ neighborhood to begin your Satisfaction Month off with a smile:
Laws
1. In nations all over the world, laws was handed in 2023 to make locations safer for LGBTQ+ people. This contains marriage equality, adoption rights, authorized gender recognition for transgender people, and extra.
2. President Biden’s Professional-LGBTQ+ timeline demonstrates the actions the White Home has already taken and can take to guard the rights of LGBTQ+ folks. These embody addressing transphobic violence and making a safer future for LGBTQ+ younger folks.
3. Many states have just lately handed legal guidelines to guard the rights of LGBTQ+ folks, together with Maine, Michigan, and Arizona. More moderen anti-LGBTQ+ payments are failing. For instance, in Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, and West Virginia, nearly each anti-LGBTQ+ measure was defeated this yr.
Arts and Media
4. Nearly 200 younger grownup books with queer characters have been revealed in 2023. LGBTQ+ e-book gross sales have risen considerably over the course of the previous few years.
5. Eight LGBTQ+ activists and artists made it on Time’s “most influential” listing in 2024, together with transgender actor Elliot Web page.
6. Jeopardy! champion Amy Schnieder made historical past as the primary overtly transgender contestant to qualify for the Match of Champions.
Youth Advocacy
7. The U.S. Division of Well being and Human Providers proposed a brand new rule that will guarantee LGBTQ+ youth in foster care can be positioned in an affirming dwelling.
8. The Trevor Undertaking’s new ballot illustrates excessive assist amongst mother and father for transgender and non-binary youth. For instance, the ballot discovered that 69% of adults would honor their little one’s chosen title and pronouns in the event that they have been to come back out as transgender or non-binary.
Sports activities
9. In 2023, coach Kevin Maxen of the Jacksonville Jaguars was the primary NFL coach to come back out as overtly homosexual. This illustration paves the way in which for different LGBTQ+ coaches and athletes.
10. The NHL reversed its ban on delight tape, stating that gamers might present their assist for social causes on the ice.