Top Stories
Andy Burnham’s record on LGBTQ+ issues as he becomes UK’s Prime Minister
The LGBTQ+ stories you don’t want to miss, delivered to your inbox daily. On 22 June, Starmer announced he would be resigning as leader of the Labour party but would remain as prime minister until a replacement is found this summer. It soon became clear that it was a one-horse-race, with Burnham, who re-entered Parliament weeks before Starmer’s resignation when he won the Makerfield by-election, set to take over. Burnham, who was the Mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 until earlier this year, previously held a number of other positions in government, including as Secretary of State for Health under […]
Nonprofit crisis line supports marginalized people wary of police intervention
When Vanessa Green answers calls to Call Blackline, her responses vary widely. Some people need referrals to trusted nonprofits for emergency resources. Others just need to vent to someone who understands their experience, and Green is happy to fill that role. “We don’t give an opinion,” Green, who helped create Call Blackline in 2014, toldThe Advocate in an interview. “We’re there to affirm their experiences navigating racism and white supremacy and anti-immigration in this country.” Stay up to date with the latest in LGBTQ+ news with The Advocate’s email newsletter, in your inbox five days a week. Call Blackline is a nonprofit crisis […]
Depositions reveal how an Ohio school board’s hunt for LGBTQ+ ‘ideology’ began
Last February, the Little Miami School Board in suburban Cincinnati ordered a social studies teacher to remove a “Hate Has No Home Here” poster because it included images of LGBTQ+ and trans Pride flags, alongside other flags. In response, the Little Miami High School teacher George McIntyre sued the districtfor violating his First Amendment rights. Depositions from the board president, superintendent, high school principal, and an affidavit from a former teacher not only point to how the controversy started, but also to how the hunt for LGBTQ+ “ideology” has disrupted learning environments and could endanger students. Stay up to date with the latest […]
Local News
Pride Bowling Pop-Up Event Sunday — Come Bowl With Us
Whether you already bowl with us, have been thinking about joining, or are simply looking for a fun way to meet new people, we’d love to have you join us for a special Sonoma County Pride Bowling Pop-Up Event! Sunday, July 26 at 11:00 AM (sign-in is from 10:30 am – 11:00 am) Double Decker Lanes300 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park $25 per bowler — includes three games of bowling Our Pop-Up Bowling Event is all about having fun, meeting new people, and getting a glimpse of what Sonoma County Pride Bowling is all about! No bowling experience is needed, and everyone […]
Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Market organizers change this week’s musical act after public outcry
A new local band will take to the stage during Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Marketthis week following a last-minute change in the entertainment lineup in response to public outrage over a homophobic comment made on social media by the leader of the previously scheduled local band. The Humdinger Band will now perform, following the city’s cancellation of Big O and Company, during the June 30 Tuesday Night Market, which takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sonoma Plaza. The change was made on Friday, June 26, in response to requests from members of the public who were upset by a homophobic post […]
Arts & Entertainment
Authors of LGBTQ+ books say school visits cancelled after parent complaints
Several authors have spoken out after school visits promoting their children’s books – which feature same-sex families, queer characters, or other LGBTQ+ themes – were cancelled or disrupted following complaints from “homophobic” parents. Authors spoke to The Bookseller in a 16 July interview, describing schools cancelling events at short notice, allowing pupils to be withdrawn from talks, or asking them not to discuss LGBTQ+ themes despite their books focusing primarily on friendship, adventure and family. Author Kristina Rahim said two planned primary school visits were cancelled after parents claimed her books contained sex education because some of her characters are donor-conceived. “My books don’t teach sex […]
State News
California budgets $26 million to protect access to gender-affirming care from federal attacks
In a win for trans people, their families, and healthcare providers in the state, California has passed a new budget that includes funds to protect gender-affirming and reproductive healthcare from federal funding interference. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed the budget, which was the result of extensive lobbying from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including TransFamily Support Services. “This historic investment will help keep care accessible, support the providers doing this lifesaving work, and remind trans young people that California will not abandon them,” said Kathy Moehlig, director of TransFamily Support Services. The 2026-27 budget sets aside $26 million to support gender-affirming care access […]
LAPD officer could face criminal charges for recording colleagues’ discrimination
A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer could face criminal charges for recording his colleagues making homophobic, racist and sexist remarks while on the job. Daniel Flores, who is an officer for the LAPD, secretly recorded the comments before handing the audio over to his superiors as evidence, according to an internal affairs complaint he filed last year. However, recording conversations without the consent of those involved is illegal in the state of California. Flores’ attorney, Greg Smith, told The LA Times that Flores was recently informed that his internal affairs case had been transferred to state prosecutors, who are currently weighing charges against him […]
