by B. Burke, Public Training Content material Supervisor for Psychological Well being America
From anti-LGBTQ+ laws to identity-based violence, the LGBTQ+ group has skilled important trauma over the previous few years. This Satisfaction Month, you will need to acknowledge the challenges that the LGBTQ+ group has confronted, whereas additionally celebrating moments of pleasure and constructive information. Listed here are 10 items of fine information for the LGBTQ+ group to begin your Satisfaction Month off with a smile:
Laws
1. In international locations all over the world, laws was handed in 2023 to make locations safer for LGBTQ+ people. This consists of marriage equality, adoption rights, authorized gender recognition for transgender people, and extra.
2. President Biden’s Professional-LGBTQ+ timeline demonstrates the actions the White Home has already taken and can take to guard the rights of LGBTQ+ folks. These embody addressing transphobic violence and making a safer future for LGBTQ+ younger folks.
3. Many states have lately handed legal guidelines to guard the rights of LGBTQ+ folks, together with Maine, Michigan, and Arizona. Newer anti-LGBTQ+ payments are failing. For instance, in Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, and West Virginia, nearly each anti-LGBTQ+ measure was defeated this yr.
Arts and Media
4. Nearly 200 younger grownup books with queer characters have been revealed in 2023. LGBTQ+ ebook gross sales have risen considerably over the course of the previous few years.
5. Eight LGBTQ+ activists and artists made it on Time’s “most influential” record in 2024, together with transgender actor Elliot Web page.
6. Jeopardy! champion Amy Schnieder made historical past as the primary overtly transgender contestant to qualify for the Event of Champions.
Youth Advocacy
7. The U.S. Division of Well being and Human Providers proposed a brand new rule that might guarantee LGBTQ+ youth in foster care can be positioned in an affirming residence.
8. The Trevor Challenge’s new ballot illustrates excessive assist amongst mother and father for transgender and non-binary youth. For instance, the ballot discovered that 69% of adults would honor their little one’s chosen identify and pronouns in the event that they have been to return out as transgender or non-binary.
Sports activities
9. In 2023, coach Kevin Maxen of the Jacksonville Jaguars was the primary NFL coach to return out as overtly homosexual. This illustration paves the way in which for different LGBTQ+ coaches and athletes.
10. The NHL reversed its ban on delight tape, stating that gamers might present their assist for social causes on the ice.
