News :: National

Biden announces Harris as Democrats' VP nominee

Biden announces Harris as Democrats' VP nominee

  • by John Ferrannini
  • Aug 11, 2020

California Senator Kamala Harris was selected by presumptive Democratic Party presidential nominee Joseph R. Biden Jr. Tuesday to be his running mate on the party's 2020 ticket.

Biden says he can beat HIV by 2025 — but activists are skeptical

Biden says he can beat HIV by 2025 — but activists are skeptical

  • by Chris Johnson, Washington Blade
  • Aug 6, 2020

Joe Biden is seeking to one-up President Trump on the fight against HIV by pledging to end the epidemic by 2025 — an ambitious goal that would beat the current administration's goal by five years, although some HIV advocates are skeptical the presidential

Federal judge unlikely to stop HHS rule before it takes effect

Federal judge unlikely to stop HHS rule before it takes effect

  • by Lisa Keen
  • Aug 3, 2020

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., indicated Monday he is not likely to grant an injunction to stop a Trump administration change in rules that will eliminate non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people.

Bugs Bunny US stamps first to depict images of drag

Bugs Bunny US stamps first to depict images of drag

  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Jul 30, 2020

In issuing a new series of stamps honoring Bugs Bunny that includes two depicting the cartoon rabbit in women's clothing, the U.S. Postal Service has for the first time featured images of drag on the country's postage.

LGBTQ rights supporters remember civil rights icon John Lewis

LGBTQ rights supporters remember civil rights icon John Lewis

  • by Chris Johnson, Washington Blade
  • Jul 18, 2020

LGBTQ rights supporters are mourning the less of Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a civil rights icon who worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and died late Friday after a battle with pancreatic cancer at age 80.

New military ban on Confederate flags also bans LGBTQ Pride flags

New military ban on Confederate flags also bans LGBTQ Pride flags

  • by Chris Johnson, Washington Blade
  • Jul 18, 2020

New guidance from Defense Secretary Mark Esper on flag displays at military installations is being hailed for prohibiting the display of Confederate flags — but the memo also bans the display of LGBTQ Pride flags, the Washington Blade has learned.

Supreme Court makes anti-LGBTQ discrimination easier at religious schools

Supreme Court makes anti-LGBTQ discrimination easier at religious schools

  • by Chris Johnson, Washington Blade
  • Jul 8, 2020

In a decision that undermines LGBTQ teachers at religious schools, the U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed for Catholic schools an expansive ministerial exemption in hiring practices under civil rights law.

SF, East Coast cities announce commissions on systemic racism in justice system

SF, East Coast cities announce commissions on systemic racism in justice system

  • by John Ferrannini
  • Jul 1, 2020

San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin joined the top prosecutors in Philadelphia and Boston, along with two civil rights advocates, to announce the formation of truth, justice, and reconciliation commissions in all three cities in a Zoom call.

Supreme Court upholds speech requirement for foreign AIDS prevention affiliates

Supreme Court upholds speech requirement for foreign AIDS prevention affiliates

  • by Lisa Keen
  • Jun 29, 2020

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled that a federal law requiring foreign affiliates of U.S. AIDS prevention groups to express public opposition to prostitution is constitutional.

Supreme Court ruling may force Trump retreat on anti-LGBTQ policies

Supreme Court ruling may force Trump retreat on anti-LGBTQ policies

  • by Chris Johnson, Washington Blade
  • Jun 18, 2020

The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling this week on workplace protections for LGBTs may force President Donald Trump to retreat on much of his administration's anti-LGBTQ policies.

Supreme Court rules LGBT workers are protected by federal law

Supreme Court rules LGBT workers are protected by federal law

  • by Lisa Keen
  • Jun 15, 2020

In what is perhaps the most stunning U.S. Supreme Court victory in history for LGBT people, the nation's highest court has voted 6-3 that a federal law barring discrimination on the basis of "sex" also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation

Trump admin makes final rule allowing anti-trans discrimination in health care

Trump admin makes final rule allowing anti-trans discrimination in health care

  • by Chris Johnson, Washington Blade
  • Jun 12, 2020

Disregarding pleas from transgender advocates, the Trump administration made final on Friday a rule enabling health care providers to refuse care to transgender people, including gender reassignment surgery.

LGBTQ athletes urge NCAA to nix events in Idaho over anti-trans sports law

LGBTQ athletes urge NCAA to nix events in Idaho over anti-trans sports law

  • by Chris Johnson, Washington Blade
  • Jun 11, 2020

Lesbian athletes Billie Jean King and Megan Rapinoe are calling on the NCAA to move a major basketball competition from Idaho in the wake of the state enacting a law barring transgender girls from playing in school sports.

LGBTQ Agenda: Florida study will assess usefulness of family acceptance strategies for Latino LGBTQ youth

LGBTQ Agenda: Florida study will assess usefulness of family acceptance strategies for Latino LGBTQ youth

  • by John Ferrannini
  • Jun 8, 2020

A new study will provide free family support services to Hispanic and/or Latino LGBTQ youth to determine which strategies will increase family acceptance and reduce the risks stemming from rejection, such as suicide.