Category: LGBTQIA

Elliot Page reveals chilling transphobic attack outside LA hotel: ‘I’m going to f–king gay bash you, fa—t’

This blog originally appeared at New York Post.

The actor and advocate recalls coming out as transgender in the new memoir and in an interview for “The Freedom to Exist — A Soul of a Nation Presentation.”

Elliot Page has revealed that LA doesn’t make him feel safe anymore.

Actor Elliot Page has shared he was verbally attacked and threatened by a crazed transphobic man — who shouted that he was the reason “I need a gun” in Los Angeles last year.

Page, 36, was standing on a corner in West Hollywood on his way to the Pink Dot convenience store when the enraged and hateful stranger approached him, shouting obscenities, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“I’m going to f–king gay bash you, fa—t,” the man yelled, forcing the actor to bolt toward the store in fear.

Employees at the Pink Dot escorted a terrified Page into the shop, but the man allegedly followed him and stood at the store’s doorway.

“This is why I need a gun,” the maniac reportedly yelled at Page through the glass door.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://nypost.com/2023/06/06/elliot-page-reveals-chilling-transphobic-attack-outside-la-hotel/

Texas may soon have a process to remove local prosecutors who won’t pursue abortion, election cases

This blog originally appeared at The Texas Tribune.

The bill would allow for the removal of prosecutors who adopt any policy to not pursue certain crimes, including some low-level theft and drug charges. The Senate’s version will need to be reconciled with the House, which had carved out some exemptions.

Screens display case information on May 9 at the Travis County Criminal Court at the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center in Austin.

The Texas Senate recently approved a bill that enables the removal of locally elected prosecutors from office if they choose not to enforce specific laws. This legislation is part of a broader initiative by Republicans to address concerns regarding “rogue” district attorneys in large, left-leaning counties in Texas. These prosecutors have publicly stated their intention to refrain from prosecuting abortion cases and, in some instances, have implemented policies related to the prosecution of low-level theft and drug offenses.

State Senator Joan Huffman, a Republican from Houston and the sponsor of the bill, emphasized the need for a mechanism to hold prosecutors accountable for their refusal to enforce laws passed by the Texas Legislature or any legislative body. The bill aims to address the perceived noncompliance with established laws by prosecutors in certain jurisdictions.

It’s important to note that the bill’s passage by the Texas Senate does not guarantee its enactment into law. The bill will need to go through further legislative processes, including consideration by the Texas House of Representatives, before it can be signed into law by the governor.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/19/senate-prosecutors-abortion-voter-fraud/

Here are the most affordable states for retirees | The Hill

This blog originally appeared at The Hill.

A new study identifies a rugged group of states — Wyoming, Utah, Montana and Idaho — as the most affordable destinations for American retirees. 

Clouds rise above the mountains of the Teton Range as seen from Grand Teton National Park in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on August 15, 2022.

If those places sound cold, consider some warmer states that rank nearly as high in cost of living and other affordability measures: Virginia (5th on the list), New Mexico (7th), Tennessee (10th), Georgia (12th) and South Carolina (15th). 


According to a study conducted by Seniorly, a senior-living site, states were ranked based on eight financial factors important to seniors who are planning to retire on a budget. It is worth noting that the study did not consider lifestyle or climate factors typically associated with retirees moving to warmer states in the South. Instead, it focused on housing costs and living expenses, taking into account recent inflation and retirement account volatility.

Census figures indicate that over 200,000 Americans relocated to new states for retirement in 2022. The most popular destinations were Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, Arizona, and Georgia. While Florida and Arizona have long been favored retirement destinations, it’s worth noting that they have become more crowded and less affordable in recent years.

Despite the desire for warmer climates, a significant majority of older Americans, approximately three-quarters, express a preference to stay in their current homes and communities, as revealed by an AARP survey. This sentiment is often driven by a sense of attachment to the places where they grew up and raised their families, as well as the difficulty associated with changing healthcare providers.

As retirees evaluate their options, they are increasingly considering housing costs and living expenses, recognizing the impact of inflation and market volatility on their retirement savings. While Florida and Arizona continue to be popular choices, retirees are also exploring alternatives that offer a balance of affordability and quality of life.

Montana latest to ban gender-affirming care for trans minors

This blog originally appeared at AP News.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana became the latest state to ban or restrict gender-affirming medical care for transgender kids Friday when its Republican governor signed legislation that exiled transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr told fellow lawmakers would leave “blood” on their hands.

 Montana state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, D-Missoula, alone on the House floor stands in protest as demonstrators are arrested in the House gallery, Monday, April 24, 2023, at the state Capitol in Helena, Mont. Montana’s Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill Friday, April 28, to ban gender-affirming medical care for young transgender people — the battle over which ended with the removal of a transgender lawmaker from the House floor.


Montana is among the growing number of states that have implemented laws to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth, despite strong objections from families who argue that this care is vital for their children’s well-being.

The debate surrounding Montana’s bill gained national prominence when Republican lawmakers took action against Representative Zooey Zephyr for her comments, deeming them personally offensive. House Speaker Matt Regier went as far as prohibiting Zephyr from speaking on the House floor until she issued an apology. To date, Zephyr has not apologized.

This incident reflects the contentious nature of the debate surrounding transgender rights and highlights the challenges faced by lawmakers advocating for inclusive policies. The refusal to allow Zephyr to speak serves as a demonstration of the polarization and resistance to progressive views on transgender issues within certain political circles.

As discussions surrounding gender-affirming care continue, it remains crucial to foster open dialogue that respects diverse perspectives while prioritizing the well-being and rights of transgender youth and their families.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://apnews.com/article/montana-genderaffirming-care-trans-minors-b48aae69e2d46e7d59cab62a3ac72bc6

Trans Eighth Grader Was ‘Shaking and Distressed’ As Texas Agency Pulled Him Out of Class for Investigation

This blog originally appeared at Jezebel.

An ongoing lawsuit exposes the state’s misguided “child abuse” investigations as being incredibly traumatic for trans children and their families.

Earlier this year, when Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed the state’s Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate instances of “child abuse” in families who’ve provided gender-affirming care for their trans children, people were rightly, extremely alarmed. Not only is gender-affirming care not child abuse, the lack of it is actually associated with risks of depression and suicide in trans children and teens. LGBTQ advocacy groups, public health experts, and health associations feared this bigoted and authoritarian directive would harm trans youth. They were right.

On Friday morning, the Washington Post published a story about a trans eighth grader in Texas, Steve Koe (a pseudonym), who was pulled out of class and questioned by the agency. His mother says he was “shaking and distressed;” she observed Steve go from “thriving” after his gender-affirming treatment to being “anxiety ridden” and suffering from frequent panic attacks after being investigated by the state. For nearly an hour the agency reportedly asked Steve personal questions about his medical history, his gender dysphoria, and his suicide attempt. While all of this was going on, Steve’s classmates got to go about their normal, uninterrupted school day.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://jezebel.com/trans-eighth-grader-was-shaking-and-distressed-as-texas-1849517848

Texas drag queen challenges drag ban bill in dress bearing names of mass shooting victims

This blog originally appeared at The Pink News.

A Texas drag queen has given a powerful testimony against a drag ban bill currently making its way through the state legislature.

Texas drag queen Brigitte Bandit made a powerful statement at a state committee hearing on a new drag ban bill.

SB12, introduced by Republican state senator Bryan Hughes, seeks to impose restrictions on “certain sexually oriented performances” in public spaces and in the presence of children. The bill includes penalties for those who allow such performances on commercial properties, with a fine of $10,000, and the potential loss of state funding for public areas like libraries.

The bill defines “sexually oriented performances” as including instances where a male performer presents as a female or a female performer presents as a male, using clothing, makeup, or other physical markers, and engages in activities such as singing, lip-syncing, dancing, or performing before an audience.

Having already passed the Texas State Senate, the bill is currently under consideration by the state House of Representatives, both of which are controlled by Republicans.

During a public hearing before the House’s state affairs committee, Brigitte Bandit, an Austin-based drag queen, expressed her disbelief at recent claims that she poses a threat to the safety of children. Bandit stated that she had never faced concerns about working with children until recently and emphasized that those making such allegations had no evidence to support their claims.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/05/14/texas-drag-ban-bill-mass-shooting-victims/

Montana Republicans call for censure of transgender lawmaker amid debate over ban of gender-affirming care for minors

This blog originally appeared at CNN Politics.

A number of Republican lawmakers from the Montana Freedom Caucus are demanding Democratic state Rep. Zooey Zephyr be censured by the state House for “using inappropriate and uncalled-for language” during a floor debate over amendments concerning a bill that bans medical care for transgender minors.

Transgender Montana lawmaker reacts to calls for censure.

“If you are forcing a trans child to go through puberty when they are trans, that is tantamount to torture, and this body should be ashamed,” Zephyr said during her speech on the amendments on Tuesday. “The only thing I will say is if you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments I hope the next time there’s an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands.”

The Montana Freedom Caucus has called for the censure of Representative Zooey Zephyr following a speech in which Zephyr discussed the devastating consequences of banning essential medical care for transgender youth. In their statement, the caucus misgendered Zephyr, who uses she/her pronouns.

The caucus claimed that Zephyr’s speech contained “hateful rhetoric” and drew a misguided connection to a recent school shooting. They called for immediate censure of Zephyr, referring to her as transgender Representative Zooey Zephyr.

In response to the censure call, Zephyr stood firm in her position and emphasized her commitment to fighting for the rights of transgender individuals in Montana. She defended her accurate description of the consequences of denying essential medical care for transgender youth.

Zephyr’s response highlights her determination to advocate for the transgender community, signaling her unwavering dedication to representing their interests in the Montana Legislature.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL BLOG: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/21/politics/zooey-zephyr-montana-republicans-censure/index.html

For transgender kids, a frantic rush for treatment amid bans

This blog originally appeared at ABC News.

The nationwide push to restrict gender-affirming health care for transgender minors has created a sense of urgency and concern among families whose doctors deem these treatments medically necessary for their children. With the introduction of various bills and laws aiming to limit or prohibit gender-affirming care for minors, families find themselves facing uncertain futures and grappling with difficult decisions. Many parents and guardians believe that denying these treatments could have detrimental effects on their children’s well-being and overall health. As the debate continues, families, medical professionals, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are working together to protect the rights and access to vital healthcare services for transgender minors.

House approves trans athlete ban for girls and women’s teamsThe bill would change Title IX’s definition of sex to one “based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.” Senate passage is unlikely.

In Utah, third-grader Elle Palmer expressed her innermost feelings to a friend, revealing her plans to transfer schools in the hopes that her new classmates would recognize her as a girl. Meanwhile, in South Dakota, Asher Wilcox-Broekemeier found solace in punk rock music as he yearned to join the neighborhood boys playing outside. However, it wasn’t until Asher experienced menstruation and felt increasingly disconnected from his body that he realized he was meant to be one of the boys. These personal stories highlight the journeys of transgender individuals, illustrating the struggles and self-discovery they navigate from a young age. Their experiences shed light on the diverse paths individuals take to understand and embrace their true identities.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG:https://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/wireStory/transgender-kids-frantic-rush-treatment-amid-bans-98772768?cid=alerts_lgbt

Electronic traffic sign in Orlando altered to show threatening, anti-gay message, police say

This blog originally appeared at Fox 35 Orlando.

The Orlando Police Department is attempting to determine who tampered with a digital traffic message board so that it would display a threatening, anti-gay message.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Police Department is attempting to determine who tampered with a digital traffic sign so that it would display a threatening, anti-gay message.

Officers on Wednesday morning responded to a report about a suspicious incident in Orlando’s Medical City, near Lake Nona Boulevard and Nemours Parkway.

On Wednesday morning, the Orlando Police Department received a report about a suspicious incident in Orlando’s Medical City, specifically near Lake Nona Boulevard and Nemours Parkway. The incident involved the tampering of a digital traffic sign to display a threatening and anti-gay message. The police department is currently conducting an investigation to determine the individual or individuals responsible for the act of tampering with the sign.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/traffic-sign-in-orlando-altered-to-display-anti-gay-mesage-police-say?fbclid=IwAR2o_EvG7d_JWUUZOL9jICZ33ATXUqoHAnVlnLfQQtdAI0ESLtGvU42fCiE

Bill restricting sexually explicit performances in front of children heads to the governor

This blog originally appeared at The Texas Tribune.

Originally pitched as an effort to restrict children from seeing certain drag shows, the House and Senate agreed on a version of the bill that could still ensnare LGBTQ performers.

The Texas State Capitol on June 8, 2022.

The Texas Legislature has passed a bill that targets sexually explicit performances involving children and the businesses that host them. Originally focused on restricting minors from attending certain drag shows, the final version of the bill removed direct references to drag performers. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 12, now awaits Governor Greg Abbott’s signature.

Under this bill, business owners would be subject to a $10,000 fine if they host sexually explicit performances that involve nudity or appeal to the “prurient interest in sex.” Performers found to be violating these restrictions could face a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.

The bill reflects the concerns of lawmakers regarding sexually explicit content in shows involving children and aims to deter such performances and hold accountable both the performers and the businesses hosting them. Its passage demonstrates the ongoing discussions and legislative efforts surrounding the boundaries of explicit content and protecting the well-being of minors.

CLICK HERE TO SEE FULL BLOG: https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/28/texas-legislature-drag-show-bill/?utm_source=articleshare&utm_medium=social

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