A marriage certificate is not a shield from discrimination.
Supreme Court Declares Marriage Equality a Constitutional Right
In a 5-4 decision delivered by Justice Anthony Kennedy this morning, the Supreme Court of the United States declared that same-sex couples fundamentally have equal protections under the Constitution.
Ireland Votes Overwhelmingly to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
Ireland became the first country in the world to pass marriage equality through popular vote on Friday.
Maryland Governor Will Not Veto LGBT Rights Bills
The Maryland General Assembly passed SB 743 / HB 862 and SB 416 / HB 838 by wide margins and with bipartisan support on March 24, after which both were sent to the Governor’s desk.
LGBT Rights Activists Applaud Bruce Jenner Coming Out As Trans
Bruce Jenner, a former Olympic gold medalist and reality TV personality, recently came out as transgender in an interview with Diane Sawyer. LGBT activists around the world applaud the brave move, pointing out the added struggle of being trans while in constant public spotlight.
The Supreme Court Will Hear Arguments Tomorrow in Long-Awaited Marriage Equality Case
The case, Obergfell v. Hodges, will look at whether the 14th Amendment requires the state to allow and license a marriage for same-sex couples, and will address whether the Amendment requires the state to recognize the marriage of same-sex couples when their marriage was licensed out-of-state.
The Obama Administration Has Come Out Against Anti-Gay “Conversion Therapy”
The statement was in response to a WhiteHouse.gov petition that was created after the suicide of transgender teenager Leelah Alcorn, which gained more than 120,000 signatures.
Malta Passes Law to Ban ‘Normalization’ Surgery on Intersex Infants, Allow Self-Determination of Gender
The new law also allows people to change their gender identity on documents by simply filing an affidavit with a notary, which ends the requirement for surgery in order to legally identify as a gender other than the one assigned at birth.
On Transgender Day of Visibility, Advocates are Celebrating Trans Lives and Experiences
Today is a designated day for the trans community to share and celebrate their lives and experiences.
Senate ‘Vote-A-Rama’ Passes Amendments for Equal Pay, Pregnant Workers, Paid Leave, Benefits for Same-Sex Couples
A bipartisan majority of Senators this week voted in favor of budget amendments that show growing momentum for paid sick leave for employees, social security and veterans benefits for same-sex couples, equal pay, and fair treatment for pregnant workers.
Nebraska Could Become the Next State With Marriage Equality
US District Judge Joseph Bataillon ruled Monday morning that Nebraska’s same-same sex marriage ban is unconstitutional.
FMLA Update Will Expand Protections for Thousands of Same-Sex Couples
The FMLA update means employees in legal, same-sex marriages can take family medical leave to take care of their spouse even if they live in another state. The change could affect up to 118,000 spouses.
Kate Brown Just Became America’s First-Ever Openly Bisexual Governor
Brown’s election represents a victory for women and LGBT folks, who are underrepresented in gubernatorial positions as well as in all levels of national and state leadership.
Marriage Equality Has Officially Come to Alabama
The Supreme Court refused to stop a federal court ruling today that requires Alabama state officials to recognize same-sex marriage rights. The state has begun issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Activist Monica Jones Can Now Appeal Her Conviction for “Walking While Trans”
An Arizona appeals court Monday overruled an April verdict that highlighted police profiling of trans women of color.
Protestors Demand Justice After Denver Police Fatally Shoot Queer Latina Teen
On Monday morning, a 16-year-old lesbian Latina named Jessie Hernandez was shot and killed by Denver police. Now, her friends and family are uniting with communities of color and LGBT activists to demand justice.
Mormon Church Moves To Protect Gay Rights
Leaders of the Mormon Church said it is promising to support housing and job protections for the LGBT community in exchange for legal protections for believers who object to others’ behavior.
Trans People Can No Longer Obtain Driver’s Licenses in Russia
The new regulations put trans folks and anyone suffering from “fetishism, exhibitionism, and voyeurism” among those with primarily physical impairments such as blindness who are barred from driving.
Transgender Woman Elected Mayor in India
On Sunday, independent candidate Madhu Kinnar was elected mayor over Mahaveer Guruji of the popular Bharatiya Janata Party by more than 4,500 votes.
Scripps College Will Now Officially Admit Transgender Women
The new policy will be in effect for all Fall 2016 applicants.