LGBTQ

A new Florida law restricting health care for transgender people can still be applied to adults while it is being challenged in court, a federal judge ruled Monday.

The Miami-Dade County School Board voted no overnight to recognizing the month of October as LGBTQ+ History Month.

Some central Florida lawmakers say they are considering “all legislative, legal and executive options available” to stop business owners in a small town from voluntarily displaying rainbow decals in their windows.

Months after access to a popular children’s book about a male penguin couple hatching a chick was restricted at school libraries because of Florida’s so-called Don’t Say Gay law, a central Florida school district says it has reversed that decision.

Leaders for both liberal and conservative organizations advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ communities in the United States criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis’s recent campaign ad.

Leaders for both liberal and conservative organizations advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ communities in the United States criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis’s recent campaign ad.

Gov. Ron DeSantis wasn’t responding to criticism after his new campaign video attacked former President Donald Trump on his support of the LGBTQ communities’ rights.

From a block party in New York City to a movie screening outside of Denver, groups across the U.S. have found ways to merge Pride month and Juneteenth celebrations.

A Florida judge granted an injunction on Friday for drag show restaurant Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando against a Florida law penalizing businesses letting children attend live performances considered to be “adult” in nature.

A bill Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law involving adult entertainment and children, including drag shows, is already having a detrimental effect on at least one Orlando business and it is suing to stop the bill.

New blood donations rules will allow sexually active gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships to give in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration guidelines ease decades-old restrictions on blood donations put in place to protect the blood supply from HIV.

Ugandan lawmakers have passed a new version of an anti-gay bill that removes a clause which appeared to criminalize identifying as LGBTQ.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis′ administration is moving to forbid classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades, expanding the controversial law critics call “Don’t Say Gay” as the Republican governor continues to focus on cultural issues ahead of his expected presidential run.

A prominent leader of Uganda’s LGBTQ community says he is worried about becoming “homeless,” describing anguished calls by others like him who are concerned for their safety after the passing of a tough new anti-gay law.

lorida Republicans are advancing a proposal to ban classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity through the eighth grade, expanding the controversial law critics call “Don’t Say Gay.”

Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order protecting the rights of LGBTQ people from Minnesota and other states to seek and receive gender affirming health care.

A Miami-Dade man could face life in prison after pleading guilty to a series of kidnappings and robberies targeting South Florida men who thought they were meeting him for sex, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

Israel’s largest medical center and health care workers from hospitals around the country have spoken out against remarks by allies of Benjamin Netanyahu calling for a law to allow discrimination against LGBTQ people in hospitals and businesses.

The Miami-Dade County School Board passed an item on Wednesday that sparked some controversy with LGBTQ advocates.

North Carolina drag performers and LGBTQ community members fear for their safety after an attack on the electrical grid in Moore County left tens of thousands without power for several days.

On the latest episode of This Week in South Florida, hosts Glenna Milberg and Michael Putney welcome Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Tantralis, new Brwoard County Mayor Lamar Fisher, LGBTQ advocate Orlando Gonzales and Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar.

Florida Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, both Republicans, explained their decision to side with the majority of their GOP colleagues in voting against the Respect for Marriage Act, which ultimately passed the Senate with support from Democrats and some Republicans.

At Gay Ocho, a cross-section of people offer a glimpse into Florida opinions on everything from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to a woman's right to choose.

In the mostly conservative city of Colorado Springs, Club Q has long been a go-to spot for members of the LGBTQ community — a safe space where many felt they could just be themselves.

There are many reasons to criticize FIFA for the way they’ve handled the Men’s World Cup that is about to begin in Qatar, and at the top of that list is that they chose to have it in a nation with egregious human rights violations.

Several hundred people have joined an LGBTQ pride march in Montenegro that was held amid strong opposition from the influential Serbian Orthodox Church in the small conservative Balkan country.

Hundreds of people have gathered in Montenegro for a protest led by the Serbian Orthodox Church against holding an LGBTQ pride march this weekend.

Riot police clashed with soccer hooligans in Belgrade, where an international Pride march has been held despite threats from anti-gay groups and an official earlier ban in theconservative Balkan state.

Thousands of opponents of a pan-European LGBTQ event planned for this week in Belgrade marched through the Serbian capital on Sunday despite an announced ban of Europe’s largest annual gay gathering.

We pick up the conversation about the internal struggles South Florida schools now face when it comes to balancing parents' rights, including all families, and the new law meant to ensure that.

Last week controversy and confusion led Miami-Dade’s school board to reject an LGBTQ history month.

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for an LGBTQ group to gain official recognition from a Jewish university in New York, though that may not last.

Lucia Baez-Geller said Thursday disinformation about anti-LGBTQ rhetoric won during the latest Miami-Dade School Board meeting. A Barry University expert agreed with her.

A Miami-Dade School Board member’s resolution to recognize October as LGBTQ History Month attracted activists from openly anti-LGBTQ groups.

Social media sensation JoJo Siwa will be honored by the LGBTQ education group GLSEN next month for her anti-bullying and advocacy efforts.

The Miami-Dade School Board is holding a regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday at which time they will discuss whether to recognize October as LGBTQ History Month.

Bruno Olmedo identifies as non-binary, not specifically a man or woman, and posts photos online of a gender blending fashion sense.

Activists and members of the transgender are speaking out about a recent, brutal attack on an LGBTQ teenager in Pompano Beach.

Misdemeanor charges have been upgraded to felonies against two of at least three teenagers seen on video brutally attacking an LGBTQ teen at a neighborhood park in Pompano Beach.

Broward County deputies arrested two teenagers seen on video brutally attacking an LGBTQ teen at Deerfield Beach Middle School, officials said Wednesday.

An LGBTQ teenager who made national headlines after being attacked at a South Florida middle school has been assaulted again.

Governor Ron DeSantis spoke Wednesday as his administration takes steps to ban transgender care, currently covered by Medicaid.

In a letter to the districts sent Thursday, Florida Education Secretary Manny Diaz said the proposed anti-discrimination language is not binding law and following the guidance could result in breaking state law.

Pressure is mounting on a French government minister to quit over comments stigmatizing homosexuality and LGBTQ people.

School districts across the state are scrambling to establish guidelines for their teachers and staff.

Wilton Drive was already packed with people Saturday evening ahead of the annual Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride parade, celebrating South Florida’s large LGBTQ population.

As we all know, June is Pride Month, and it’s a time for the LGBTQ+ community to come together and celebrate being out and proud.

Have you ever had dreams of starring in a Broadway show and singing your heart out to hundreds of people in a packed New York theater?

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to appear before a conservative Jewish leaders in New York City, despite efforts by gay rights advocates to get the event canceled.

Police arrested a Canadian teenager Monday accused of threatening a mass shooting at an event in West Palm Beach the previous day.

Organizers with a South Florida LGBTQ group say they have no plans to cancel an upcoming Pride festival amid suspected links between the current monkeypox outbreak and gay events and saunas, but they are paying close attention to a rise in cases.

They said they would and they did. The first lawsuit is filed in federal court against the bill Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law this week. Opponents call it "Don't Say Gay."

Disney is pledging $5 million in support of LGBTQ rights.

Florida House Republicans have advanced a bill to forbid discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, rejecting criticism from Democrats who said the proposal demonizes LGBTQ people.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of a Colorado web designer who says her religious beliefs prevent her from offering wedding website designs to gay couples.

A new study says that LGBTQ representation on TV series has grown along with the footprint of streaming services.

Emmy-nominated “Pose” star Michaela Jaé “Mj” Rodriguez will be honored at the GLAAD Media Awards.

France has a new law that bans so-called conversion therapies and authorizes jail time and fines for practitioners who use the scientifically discredited practice to attempt to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ people.

Police violence is among the myriad challenges that LGBTQ people experience in Tunisia, and observers say officers who can dispense beatings with impunity are becoming increasingly brazen.

If the Supreme Court decides to overturn or gut the decision that legalized abortion, some fear that it could undermine other precedent-setting cases, including civil rights and LGBTQ protections.

Just like Kesha said in her hit song “Tik Tok,” well, “the party don’t start till I walk in,” and that goes for her Kesha Cruise that is setting sail in 2022.

California has added five more states including Florida to the list of places where state-funded travel is banned because of laws that discriminate against members of the LGBTQ community.

President Joe Biden is celebrating Pride Month at the White House, a reflection of the growing stature of the LGBTQ community at the highest level of government.

As we all know, June is Pride Month, and what better way to celebrate the rainbow flag than listening to some music made by those in the LGBTQ community?

Las Vegas Raiders football player Carl Nassib made history Monday when he became the first active NFL player to come out of the closet.

Two proclamations, one recognizing Pride Month and a second in recognition of Caribbean Heritage Month, were signed by Weston’s Mayor Margaret Peggy Brown during a commission meeting Monday evening.

Some of the darkest days for the LGBT community also became a wake-up call in the battle against HIV, AIDS and equal rights, Joan Schaeffe recalls.

It’s Pride Month!

It was way back in 1977 when Ruth Shack, then a Metro-Dade Commissioner, introduced and helped pass a measure to protect homosexuals from discrimination.

June is Pride Month, and Local 10 News reporter Christian De La Rosa will be presenting a series of stories that recognize the contributions of South Floridians to the fight for LGBTQ equality.

Caitlyn Jenner's Republican campaign for California governor has elicited angry reaction from some members of the LGBTQ community.

Caitlyn Jenner's Republican campaign for California governor has elicited angry reaction from some members of the LGBTQ community.

More than 400 companies __ including Tesla, Pfizer, Delta Air Lines and Amazon __ have signed on to support civil rights legislation for LGBTQ people that is moving through Congress.

Arizona lawmakers have approved changes to sex education laws that make them some of the strictest in the nation when it comes to teaching about LGBTQ issues.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – There is a fight brewing to replace the pride flag with something more inclusive, but some in the Miami-Dade County LGBTQ community to don’t want it flying at County Hall. It’s the most iconic, global symbol of lesbian gay bisexual trans and queer pride, and the fight for equality for all. But the historic rainbow flag is now facing a question of whether it should be replaced with a new progressive pride flag, hailed as a more inclusive symbol with black, brown, pink, white and light blue stripes, representing the most marginalized within the LGBTQ community. Now, the Miami Dade County LGBTQ advisory board is debating whether they should follow. Update: Late Wednesday afternoon the advisory board voted 9-to-2 in favor of replacing the rainbow flag with the new, progressive flag at the county building during pride month.

The percentage of regularly seen LGBTQ characters on streaming as well as prime-time broadcast TV and cable during the 2020-21 season fell. Prime-time broadcast fell to 9.1% after reaching an all-time high of 10.2% last season. GLAAD's report, “Where We Are on TV,” found that 70 out of 773 series regular characters on broadcast scripted prime-time TV were LGBTQ. The group found good news on the second request in the latest study — over half of LGBTQ characters on cable television were people of color, meeting GLAAD’s challenge. The advocacy group noted that nearly half of all LGBTQ representation in prime-time scripted cable is seen on just three networks — FX, Freeform and Showtime.

While most Americans continued awaiting the presidential election results, history was silently being made in Delaware. Sarah McBride, 30, made history on election night by becoming the first openly transgender person to be elected to the state Senate in U.S. history. “I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too,” McBride tweeted Tuesday night after the election was called. McBride is a former spokesperson for the LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign and also became the first trans person to speak at a major political convention. McBride will represent parts of Bellefonte, Claymont and Wilmington, the state’s largest city.

LOS ANGELES – An online channel devoted to women in the LGBTQ community is launching with shows including a pandemic-set romantic comedy and a paranormal drama. The channel debuts Thursday as part of Revry, a digital platform that offers free, queer-focused programming, including the 24/7 Revry News channel. “I’m overjoyed to offer a free, living and breathing space for queer female stories to be seen across the world,” Revry co-founder LaShawn McGhee said in a statement. Now called OML, it's become “a tentpole brand for the lesbian and queer female communities,” McGhee said. OML has expanded its female-driven content and outreach to a larger audience, a goal that will be enhanced by its partnership with Revry, OML founder Shirin Etessam said in a statement.

MANILA – Pope Francis’ endorsement of same-sex civil unions drew mixed reactions Thursday in the Philippines, Asia’s bastion of Catholicism, with a retired bishop saying he was scandalized by it while an LGBT group welcomed the pontiff’s remarks with relief. President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman said the Philippine leader has long expressed support to same-sex civil unions but added it needed to pass through Congress. Retired Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said he “had very serious doubts about the moral correctness” of the pontiff’s position. He said it ran against long-standing church teachings, which explicitly permit only the union of man and woman whether in civil, legal or church sacramental unions. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte has long supported same-sex civil unions and the papal endorsement may finally convince legislators to give their approval.

Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, and for many LGBTQ+ Americans, there are many reasons to celebrate their Pride. National Coming Out Day has been celebrated for 32 years now, and it’s an important reminder on just how far the queer community has come since earlier times. There was an entire generation of LGBTQ Americans who had live inside the closet because of laws and discrimination. So if you’re proud to be out and want it to shout it from the rooftops, tell us about it below! If you have advice for people still in the closet struggling with their identity, maybe offer some advice, and tell us how your life has improved since coming out.

MIAMI – The Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s office announced a new effort to protect South Florida’s LGBTQ community. This comes following a new study revealing a startling amount of hate crimes targeting the group. Now a new FIU study is giving insight into just how severe the issue of crime against members of the LGBTQ community in Miami-Dade County really is. Most victims of reported hate crimes in Miami-Dade County tend to be young and Black, and offenders tend to be older and Hispanic. “The phycological, the emotional, the physical trauma that is experienced, now we have the benefit of this research,” said Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Bree Black’s killer remains on the loose. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony said the community can’t allow this and needs to speak up about what they witnessed the night she died. Combined with the offering from Broward Crime Stoppers, that brings the total reward up to $8,000. Bryan Tutler and Detective Louis Bonhomme are asking anyone with information about the murder to call 954-321-4377 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477. Pompano Beach Fire Rescue paramedics found Bree Black dead on July 3.

I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter himself, was the first star to make a statement on the matter. His thoughts were long, but to many “Harry Potter” fans, his words were very comforting. And in my opinion, nobody can touch that.”Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, tweeted out in support of the trans community. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – Dr. John Whitehead and his husband, Dr. Alain Ramirez were both diagnosed with the new coronavirus disease in March. But they are unable to donate the convalescent plasma because they are gay and sexually active. Plasma donor creates website to help COVID-19 patients in needGay and bisexual men face U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s blood donation restrictions dating back to the 1980s. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gay and bisexual men account for about 70% of new HIV infections in the U.S. each year. “We would all like to get our lives back together, but, we have to be safe.”Blood plasma requirements (Local 10 News)

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Henrietta Robinson, who was an icon among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, died on Friday of complications with COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus. Robinson’s friend Troy Kurtz said she recently underwent hernia surgery and was recovering at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach when her health started to deteriorate. When she shared her story, she would say was reborn in 1959 in Miami Beach. TWIST, a famous South Beach gay club, was her second home. LGBTQ icon Henrietta Robinson dies of coronavirus in Miami BeachRobinson loved gowns.

MIAMI – The Ellen DeGeneres Show released a YouTube video Tuesday showing Dwyane Wade said he is proud of his transgender daughter Zaya. The Miami Heat legend recently told DeGeneres that he and his wife, Gabrielle Union, are taking their role as parents of a 12-year-old child, who is a member of the LGBTQ community, very seriously. “Zion, born as a boy, came home and said, ‘Hey! So, I want to talk to you guys. It’s our opportunity to allow you to be a voice.’”

MIAMI – Two drag queens who were RuPaul Drag Race contestants will appear in a Super Bowl LIV commercial for hummus. Sabra Dipping, a joint venture between PepsiCo and the Strauss Group, chose Sang-Young Sin, known as KimChi, and Maxwell Heller, known as Miz Cracker, for their RiDIPulous campaign. "The Super Bowl is the biggest dipping occasion of the year and we’re making sure Sabra plays an unforgettable role in this years, game,” said Jason Levine, Sabra’s chief marketing officer since March 2019. Sabra’s Super Bowl LIV campaign also includes rapper T-Pain and Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Teresa Giudice and Caroline Manzo.

iStock/Rikke68(CNN) - A record-breaking number of LGBTQ characters will appear on broadcast television by the time this year's season is over. Of the 120 LGBTQ broadcast characters, 62 (52%) are people of color. Similarly, 48% of recurring LGBTQ characters on cable are people of color, a 2% increase from last year. Just 41% of the 153 LGBTQ characters are people of color, marking a 7 percentage point drop from the previous year. GLAAD reports 33% of broadcast and 30% of cable LGBTQ characters are lesbian, both jumps from the prior year.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The Fort Lauderdale City Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to pass several protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer residents. The 44-page non-discrimination ordinance protects the city's LGBTQ community from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations in the city. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said the ordinance doesn't create special rights for the city's LGBTQ community. "It is to establish equal rights for a population that has long been denied such rights," Trantalis said. "For the city of Fort Lauderdale to specifically step up and be such a leader in the area of policy is exceptionally exciting," Saunders said.

BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (CNN) - A New Jersey mayor called the LGBTQ rights movement "an affront to almighty God" at a town council meeting and warned that people who support "unrighteous laws" will be held accountable. Barnegat Township Mayor Alfonso Cirulli, a former assistant principal, began Tuesday by condemning a state law that requires LGBTQ-inclusive material be taught in public school. He said, "There is no hate or bigotry intended here," and that his comments did not represent the Barnegat Township Committee. Fuscarino said, however, that Garden State Equality has a "great working relationship" with the Barnegat school district and called Cirulli "an outlier." In a statement posted on its website, superintendent Dr. Brian Latwis wrote that the Barnegat Township School District would comply with state guidelines.

(CNN) - An LGBTQ rights activist who was murdered in St. Petersburg had received death threats and was named on a website urging vigilante violence, campaigners have said. Grigoryeva also protested against Russia's backing of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea, Olga Smirnova, a friend and fellow activist, told CNN. A spokeswoman for the Russian LGBT Network told CNN that Grigoryeva's name was included on a Russian website that identified LGBT activists and called for vigilante action against them. "The situation is scary, especially for LGBT activists. Asked about threats that Grigoryeva received, Smirnova said: "She did not just complain, she kept us informed about all the threats that she received.

The executive director of a group dedicated to protecting LGBTQ rights is now apologizing after welcoming four men accused in a hate crime to the organization's Champions of Equality Gala. Copyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

MIAMI - The executive director of a group dedicated to protecting LGBTQ rights is now apologizing after welcoming four men accused in a hate crime to the organization's Champions of Equality Gala. The four men who were welcomed to the gala are accused of beating up a gay couple on Miami Beach last April. Lima said the accused wanted to get involved with his organization, so he offered them the ability to rehabilitate and volunteer. The men bought their own tickets to the gala, Lima said. "I don't remember ever saying 'wrongfully accused,'" Lima said.

MIAMI - The executive director of a group dedicated to protecting LGBTQ rights is now apologizing after welcoming four men accused in a hate crime to the organizations Champions of Equality Gala. "I really am sorry to the victims, Lima said. Lima said the accused wanted to get involved with his organization, so he offered them the ability to rehabilitate and volunteer. The men bought their own tickets to the gala, Lima said. I don't remember saying wrongfully accused, Lima said.

(CNN) - New York has always been a major Pride destination, but this year's celebration is expected to draw record crowds. "The LGBTQ community is an essential part of NYC," New York Police Department Commissioner James O'Neill said at a news conference on Tuesday. Sunday's march caps off a month of events that included a rally commemorating Stonewall 50, Youth Pride and Pride Island, a three-day outdoor music festival. "New York City is the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement," Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted last week. Last year's march in New York City featured more than 550 groups and more than 100 floats.

NEW YORK - As millions of people arrive in New York City to celebrate 50 years of victories in the gay rights movement, a new poll shows that young people are growing less tolerant of the LGBTQ community. "I think our country is very polarized right now," one person in NYC to celebrate Pride said. When it comes to rights for Americans who identify as transsexual, a Pew Research Center poll shows that 39 percent of Americans say enough has been done. Trans activists say that isn't the case, pointing to the Trump administration policies against LGBTQ Americans, including a ban on trans men and women serving in the military. "He's created another, 'Don't ask, don't tell,'" said Monica Helms, a transgender activist and U.S. Navy veteran.

As much of the world prepares to celebrate 50 years of Pride this weekend, there has been a shocking revelation about young people and the LGBTQ community. Copyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

As millions of people arrive in New York City to celebrate 50 years of victories in the gay rights movement, a new poll shows that young people are growing less tolerant of the LGBTQ community. Copyright 2019 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

(CNN) - Please "Believe" that Jake Owen will not allow people to diss the LGBTQ community. The country singer took on an Instagram commenter who had words to say regarding Owen's latest song. "Some of my closest friends and coworkers, are part of the #lgbt community and I couldn't be more happy for the progress they have made," Owen wrote in the caption. Owen went on to say, "I BELIEVE the world needs more love. The singer asked the commenter to come find him for a hug at the concert if he or she attended.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – The LGBTQ community is celebrating Pride Week with several events Friday in Miami Beach. Here is the list:SUNSET SOCIALMusician Emily Estefan is hosting a happy hour with complimentary Tito's drinks from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. atThe Standard Spa at 40 Island Ave., in Miami Beach. ELEGANT GALAThis year Morgan Stanley presents the Pride VIP Gala at the Emanuel Luxury Venue at 1723 Washington Ave., in South Beach. POOL PARTYThis Women's Pride Weekend events includes this Fling party for lesbians from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the rooftop of The Palace at 1052 Ocean Dr. in South Beach. The event benefits Miami Beach Pride.