North America Trans congresswoman Sarah McBride condemns Trump’s anti-trans military ban in powerful speech US Representative Sarah McBride, the first openly trans member of Congress, has delivered a scathing rebuke of President Donald Trump’s ban on trans military personnel, calling the policy “immoral,” “unfair,” and “un-American.” Speaking passionately on the House floor, McBride denounced the Trump administration’s decision to expel trans service By Graham Robson • 1 min read
North America US bans trans athletes from Olympics ahead of LA 2028 In a move that has sparked international controversy, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has announced a ban on trans women competing in women’s categories at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The decision comes just three years before the 2028 Summer Olympics are set to be held By Graham Robson • 1 min read
North America Reclaim the Flag? LGBTQ+ leaders and luminaries share divided views on the American flag in new documentary A new short documentary, Reclaim the Flag, has ignited conversation as LGBTQ+ leaders and luminaries offer candid, and at times conflicting, reflections on the symbolism of the American flag. The 30-minute film, which premiered on YouTube on 17 July, features over 50 voices from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum - including By Graham Robson • 2 min read
North America Barack Obama champions gay friendships as pathway to empathy and kindness Former US President Barack Obama has been praised after advocating for the importance of gay friendships in fostering empathy and emotional intelligence among men. Speaking on the latest episode of IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, a podcast hosted by his wife and brother-in-law, Obama reflected on the emotional By Graham Robson • 2 min read
North America Trans sprinter Sadie Schreiner sues Princeton University over alleged trans discrimination Trans sprinter Sadie Schreiner has filed a lawsuit against Princeton University, alleging discrimination after being barred from competing in a women’s race in May. The suit, lodged in Mercer County civil court, claims Schreiner was removed from the final heat sheet of the women’s 200-metre event just 15 By Graham Robson • 1 min read
North America Trump administration shuts down lifeline for LGBTQ+ youth In a move that has drawn widespread condemnation from mental health advocates and LGBTQ+ organisations, the Trump administration has officially terminated the specialised LGBTQ+ youth service within the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The decision, enacted on Thursday, ends a vital support channel that has served nearly 1.5 million By Graham Robson • 2 min read
News Gay man awarded compensation after ‘exorcism’ at Sheffield church in the US A gay man has received a five-figure settlement from a Church of England-linked congregation in Sheffield after being subjected to a so-called “exorcism” intended to change his sexual orientation. Matthew Drapper, 37, was volunteering at St Thomas Philadelphia (STP) church in 2014 when he was told by prayer leaders that By Graham Robson • 1 min read
North America “Hands off 988!”: Protesters rally outside Trump Tower to defend LGBTQ+ crisis lifeline Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Trump Tower on Saturday afternoon in a passionate protest against the planned dismantling of a vital mental health resource for LGBTQ+ youth. The rally, titled “Hands Off 988!”, was organised in response to the Trump administration’s decision to terminate the specialised LGBTQ+ option on By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Photo by Travis Walser / Unsplash North America Independence Day: Why LGBTQ+ America has no cause to celebrate For many LGBTQ+ people across America, this Fourth of July is not a celebration but a moment of reflection. As freedoms are questioned, communities across the country are quietly showing courage, care, and hope. By Leslie Clarke • 3 min read
Culture INTERVIEW: Cameron Hawthorn unveils new album celebrating queer identity in country music "I think there has always been space for diversity in country music, it just takes brave, passionate, driven artists to raise their voices." By Dale Melita • 6 min read
North America Pro-LGBTQ+ and immigrant church fines police for using its carpark - “We don’t do ICE here.” A progressive church in Florida has made headlines after ejecting local police officers from its premises and issuing a $10,000 (£7,800) invoice for unauthorised use of its car park. Allendale United Methodist Church is known for its outspoken support of LGBTQ+ rights and immigrant communities. On 17 June, By Graham Robson • 2 min read
North America University of Pennsylvania to ban trans athletes from competing in women’s sports The University of Pennsylvania has agreed to ban trans athletes from competing in women’s sports, following a federal civil rights investigation prompted by the participation of trans swimmer Lia Thomas, who will now be stripped of her titles. Texas-born Thomas began her swimming career with distinction, competing for the By Graham Robson • 2 min read
