In Jordan, one of the few countries in the Middle East where same-sex relations do not incur a criminal penalty, the government has initiated a crackdown on LGBTQ+ activists in a coordinated campaign of intimidation.
According to a report released by Human Rights Watch on Tuesday, interviews with 13 prominent LGBTQ+ activists in the country reveal tactics of intimidation and abuse forcing activists to cease their advocacy work or flee the country altogether.
Russia’s Supreme Court declared all LGBTQ+ supporters as “extremists.” Now a Russian company is tracking queer-friendly businesses.
In the past, Jordan has promoted itself as a modernizing influence among Middle Eastern nations compared with its neighbors. The country’s sodomy laws, dating back to British rule, were repealed in 1951.
“Jordanian authorities have launched a coordinated attack against LGBT rights activists, aimed at eradicating any discussion around gender and sexuality from the public and private spheres,” said Rasha Younes, senior LGBT rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Security forces’ intimidation tactics and unlawful interference in LGBT organizing have driven activism further underground and forced civil society leaders into an impossible reality: severe self-censorship or fleeing Jordan.”
The report details how Jordan’s General Intelligence Department (GID) and the Preventive Security Department of the Public Security Directorate have interrogated LGBTQ+ activists about their work, intimidated them with threats of violence, arrest, and prosecution, and forced activists to shut down their organizations.
Some activists have been kidnapped without legal cause and interrogated overnight.
Other tactics have included smearing activists online based on their sexual orientation and deploying other social media users to out activists online and incite violence against them.
In addition to interviewing 13 LGBTQ+ rights activists and others associated with the Jordanian LGBTQ+ community, HRW reviewed statements by government officials, nongovernmental organizations, and individuals, as well as visual media provided by activists documenting incidents of online harassment against them in public social media posts.
One victim, the director of an unnamed LGBTQ+ center, says he was forced into a car by authorities and interrogated overnight. GID agents called his parents and outed him, he said. Others detailed the forced cancellation of events in Amman, the Jordanian capital, and multiple instances of online harassment.
All of the activists targeted described the intimidation as a serial effort, with each of them summoned for interrogation multiple times. Three of the activists described interrogations by the governor of Amman, who interviewed them after they preemptively canceled the screening of a film depicting gay men.
Two organizations’ directors said they were forced to shut down their offices and flee the country following official intimidation.
“We arrived in a foreign country without any plan or support,” said one organization leader who fled with his boyfriend. “We had no choice. Since I fled Jordan, I consistently wake up screaming in terror. It has been the hardest experience I have ever been through.”
One LGBTQ+ activist who has remained in Jordan described her current reality: “Merely existing in Amman has become terrifying.”
The United States on Monday expanded a visa restriction policy on Ugandan officials to include those it believes are responsible for undermining democracy and repressing marginalized groups in Uganda, while also announcing a new visa restriction policy for officials in Zimbabwe.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the visa restrictions and mentioned, among others, the marginalization of groups like the LGBTQ community in Uganda and civil society advocates in Zimbabwe. Blinken’s statements did not name any official.
Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ law, considered one of the harshest in the world, was enacted in May and carries the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” an offense that includes transmitting HIV through gay sex.
In June, the U.S. State Department imposed visa restrictions on Ugandan officials after the passage of the law. The State Department also previously put visa restrictions on Ugandan officials following the country’s 2021 elections, which it called “flawed.”
“Today, I am announcing the expansion of the visa restriction policy to include current or former Ugandan officials or others who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda or for policies or actions aimed at repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations,” Blinken said on Monday.
“These groups include, but are not limited to, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers.”
Blinken also announced a new visa restriction policy for those he said were undermining democracy in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa won a second term in a disputed vote in August, which the opposition described as a “gigantic fraud” amid criticism from election observers who say the election failed to meet regional and international standards.
“Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe — including in the lead-up to, during, and following Zimbabwe’s August 2023 elections — may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy,” Blinken said.
While most of the newly sworn in members to the Central Bucks school board chose to swear their oaths on a bible, incumbent Karen Smith brought a stack of books to Monday’s meeting.
Smith stood out at the Dec. 4 reorganization meeting as she took her oath of office with her hand placed on top of six frequently banned and challenged books.
Smith, who would be named president of the board, and the other Democrats on the board have long cried foul as the former GOP-majority forged ahead with controversial library policy that critics said was a defacto book ban.
Read the full article. The cultist raging below is an Illinois chapter leader of Moms For Threeways.
In a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of embracing diversity and acknowledging the stories of marginalized communities, Nigeria stands as a complex backdrop. Despite a long history of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and legislation, the country has seen the emergence of organizations like Obodo Nigeria, which is dedicated to celebrating and conserving Africa’s queer history. “We are an organization that uses art and technology as a medium for advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in Nigeria,” Matthew Blaise, founder of Obodo Nigeria tells LGBTQ Nation.
Nigeria, like several other African nations, has been caught in the grip of anti-LGBTQ+ hostility. The Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act, passed in 2014 by former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, is a testament to the stigma LGBTQ+ endure, as it criminalizes same-sex relationships and activism. This legislation not only infringes upon the basic human rights of LGBTQ+ individuals but also perpetuates a culture of fear and secrecy, making it difficult for queer individuals to express themselves openly.
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But for centuries, diverse sexual orientations and gender identities have existed within African communities, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of African cultures. However, the pervasive stigma, discrimination, and criminalization of homosexuality have silenced these narratives for far too long.
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One of the many facets from which homophobia stems is the idea that homosexuality is very much a Western import. Amidst these challenging environments and narratives, Obodo Nigeria has positioned itself as an avenue to educate folks on the history of homosexuality in Africa through the lens of art.
Obodo, which means “village” in several Nigerian languages, embodies the idea of inclusivity and community. The organization employs various artistic mediums – including art, literature, music, and theater – to tell the stories of African LGBTQ+ individuals who have often remained invisible.
Earlier this year, Matthew Blaise and their team organized an exhibition called Awa Ni Bi. It spoke to how homosexuality did not originate in the West.
“A few months ago,we held this exhibition called the Awa Ni Bi exhibition, where we showcased the works of artists, like Rachel Seidu, Alexandra Obochi, Yagazie Emezi, Daniel Obasi, and a host of others,” Blaise says. In order to achieve this, they used the three-day event to host exhibitions, panel discussions, intimate gatherings, and zine workshops, which contained ancient contexts of queerness and its longstanding relationship with the African continent. One of these panels, for example, discussed the Orishas, ancient gods from the western part of Nigeria that were largely non-binary.
Art is a powerful tool for social change and activism, and Obodo Nigeria utilizes it to challenge prevailing stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals in Africa. By showcasing the artistic talents of queer Africans, the organization not only provides a platform for self-expression, but it also fosters a sense of pride and unity within the LGBTQ+ community. In presenting these stories in an accessible and relatable manner, the organization encourages empathy and understanding, gradually breaking down the walls of prejudice and discrimination.
Acknowledging and celebrating Africa’s queer history is not only an act of social justice, but also an essential step towards a more inclusive and accepting society. “The LGBTQ+ community has always existed within African communities, contributing to the continent’s cultural wealth,” Blaise shares, “and by silencing our stories, they’re depriving themselves of a deeper understanding of our own history and diversity.”
Organizations like Obodo Nigeria remind us that queer Africans are not a recent import but rather a vital part of our shared heritage. Embracing this history allows us to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, challenging harmful stereotypes and fostering an environment where all Africans can live authentically. In a nation where anti-gay sentiments have often overshadowed the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals, Obodo Nigeria serves as a catalyst for change. The organization stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community in Africa.
Becky Pepper-Jackson, 13, a transgender teen at the center of a legal battle over transgender participation in West Virginia sports, after a hearing in Richmond, Va., on Friday. Shuran Huang for NBC News
Becky Pepper-Jackson, 13, sat in a courtroom Friday morning while lawyers argued over a law in her home state of West Virginia that would ban her from running on the girls’ cross-country and track teams at her middle school.
The hearing in front of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals was the most recent update in her more than two-year legal battle, which began in May 2021, when she was 11, a month after West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signed a bill that bars transgender girls from playing on girls sports teams in middle school, high school and college.
The appeals court will decide whether the law will take effect, and its decision could also start a chain of events that could land Becky’s case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Becky has been allowed to run on her school’s cross country team and throw discus and shot put on the track and field team since the appeals court reinstated a previous injunction against the law in February. The state of West Virginia appealed that verdict to the Supreme Court, which in April rejected reinstating the ban during the lawsuit.
Becky Pepper-Jackson and her mother, Heather Jackson, after a hearing in Richmond, Va., on Friday. Shuran Huang for NBC News
Becky’s mom, Heather, said Becky will often stay late at track and field practice. Sometimes she’ll even practice discus and shot put in their backyard in the rain.
“She likes to do the best in everything, be it algebra or running or shot put or discus,” Heather said. “She tries to excel in everything that she does, just like any other kid.”
Becky said she’s continued her fight after all this time because she loves playing sports.
“I want to keep going because this is something I love to do, and I’m not just going to give it up,” she said. “This is something I truly love, and I’m not going to give up for anything.”
‘It shouldn’t be that hard to be a kid’
Running has always been a family sport for Becky. She has run with her mom and her two brothers since she was a small child, though her running routine has changed slightly since one of her brothers went to high school and Heather is waiting on a knee replacement.
In the meantime, Becky, who is in eighth grade, has thrown herself into discus and shot put. She said she does two types of training for it. Sometimes, she works on her form while throwing lighter or bigger discs or spheres. Most of the time, she said she and her teammates go into what’s called “the pit,” and they get to throw with the high school students. She said she likes how discus and shot put are “polar opposites.”
“With shot put, it’s more like just throw it really hard and hope for the best. You have to be really aggressive,” Becky said. “But in discus, it’s very graceful and all about speed instead, which is what I like best about it.”
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Richmond, Va.Shuran Huang for NBC News
West Virginia was among the first states to restrict some or all trans student athletes from playing on school sports teams consistent with their gender identities. Just days after Justice signed the bill in April 2021, he was unable to provide an example of a trans student athlete in the state trying to gain an unfair advantage.
Rather, Justice relied on his experience as a sports coach to justify the law. “I coach a girls’ basketball team, and I can tell you that we all know what an absolute advantage boys would have playing against girls,” he told MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle at the time.
Heather said she and Becky decided to file the lawsuit because, “if she didn’t start the fight, who’s going to?”
She said their lives haven’t changed much over the last two years, though they are more aware of their surroundings when they’re out in public, since their photos are online and some people might recognize them.
“At school, her friends still treat her exactly the same, her teachers treat her exactly the same,” Heather said. “She’s just a regular kid that just wants to play, so that hasn’t changed at all.”
Ahead of the hearing Friday, Heather said they were hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.
Becky Pepper-Jackson, 13, jokes with her mother, Heather Jackson, outside court. Shuran Huang for NBC News
“We don’t like to be in the spotlight,” Heather said. “We’re just country people from West Virginia, so it’s a little overwhelming. I’m nervous for her, because I know what joy she gets from doing her sports, and every kid needs sports. It’s just a moral foundation they need to get. They learn responsibility, they learn camaraderie, they learn that people depend on them. And I see how much fun she has.”
In the last three years, 23 states in addition to West Virginia have passed similar restrictions on trans student athletes, with many of their supporters making arguments similar to Justice — that trans girls have an inherent advantage over cisgender girls, or those who aren’t transgender. Courts have temporarily blocked laws in West Virginia, Idaho and Arizona. A court has also permanently blocked Montana’s law as it applies to colleges, but not for K-12 schools.
Becky said it’s been “disappointing” to watch state after state pass trans athlete restrictions during her lawsuit. Heather said she gets upset “because it seems to be the issue du jour.”
“Politicians are out there fighting for votes, and they just jump on a bandwagon without ever researching it for themselves, when if people would just do their own research, the biology and the science is out there to prove what we’re looking for,” Heather said. “We just want to be accepted, and she just wants to be a kid. It shouldn’t be that hard to be a kid.”
An ‘equal and fair playing field’
The American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal, which are representing Becky, argue that West Virginia’s law is discriminatory and violates Title IX, a federal law that protects students from sex-based discrimination, and the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.
During Friday’s hearing in front of the 4th Circuit, Becky’s lawyer, Joshua Block of the ACLU, said Becky has received puberty-blocking medication, which has prevented her from going through testosterone-driven puberty and receiving any potential physical advantage. West Virginia’s law, he argued, “goes out of its way to select criteria that do not create athletic advantage but do a perfect job of accomplishing the function of excluding transgender students based on their transgender status.”
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Richmond, Va.Shuran Huang for NBC News
The law “could have been drafted to actually adopt criteria that are relevant to athletic performance, but it doesn’t,” Block argued. “It picks criteria that define being transgender.”
Lindsay See, the solicitor general for West Virginia, argued that the district court, in ruling in favor of the law, “got it right that sports is a uniquely strong case for differences rooted in biology and call for sex-based distinctions to help ensure an equal and fair playing field.”
See also noted that experts for both the state and the plaintiff established that there is at least a slight inherent physical difference between trans girls and cisgender girls even prior to puberty. This, See argued, justifies the law. However, Block argued in rebuttal that the state’s expert conceded that any differences before puberty are “minimal.”
Block estimated that the court could release its decision in the next three to six months.
“We really hope that the judges were able to recognize this for what it was, which was discrimination against trans girls solely based on the fact that they’re trans,” he said in a phone call after Friday’s hearing.
Becky Pepper-Jackson, 13, and her mother, Heather Jackson.Shuran Huang for NBC News
Regardless of how the court decides, an appeal is almost guaranteed. Whichever party does appeal will have the opportunity to appeal to the entire 4th Circuit or to the Supreme Court. The ACLU is also litigating a similar law in Idaho and is awaiting a decision from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Depending on the outcome, that case could also be appealed to the high court.
One of the 4th Circuit judges acknowledged the stakes of the outcome at the end of Friday’s hearing.
“I want to thank all counsel for their arguments today, realizing we’re probably only a waystation on the way to the Supreme Court,” Judge G. Steven Agee said.
Join the Sonoma County Library for eventsthroughout the month of December, from tamale-making workshops to tai chi classes. All events are free and you don’t need a library card to attend; registration is required for select events. See some of our December events below!
All Ages Tamales-Making WorkshopsChef Salomé Arenas will guide you in making traditional Oaxacan tamales. Recommended for ages eight and up! Available at four library locations: Northwest Santa Rosa, Windsor, Central Santa Rosa, and Petaluma.
Kids
Gingerbread House WorkshopsCelebrate the season at our annual gingerbread house workshops for kids and families! Choose from festive candy, graham crackers, and frosting to create a holiday masterpiece you can take home. For grades K-6. Registration may be required; please sign up online or call your local library. At eight library locations: Petaluma, Sonoma Valley, Cloverdale, Windsor, Roseland, Healdsburg, Rincon Valley, and Guerneville. Seeds and Reads: Mushrooms in the WildExplore common wild mushrooms found in Sonoma County and create a mushroom ornament to take home. For grades K-6. Registration encouraged. At six library locations: Roseland, Healdsburg, Windsor, Northwest Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Sonoma Valley.
Teens Festive Cookie Decorating for TeensDecorate your own winter-themed cookie with icing and sprinkles! All materials provided. For grades 7-12. Space is limited; register online or at your local library. At 10 library locations: Cloverdale, Roseland, Rincon Valley, Sonoma Valley, Windsor, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Rohnert Park-Cotati, Guerneville, and Central Santa Rosa.Universal Yums for TeensDiscover a new country every month through music, trivia, and the best snacks and candies they have to offer. For grades 7-12. Registration encouraged. At three library locations: Central Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, and Roseland.
Adults
Crafting with CreativebugLearn to finger knit or fold your own gift boxes with Creativebug! Available at five library locations: Roseland, Cloverdale, Sonoma Valley, Northwest Santa Rosa, and Healdsburg.Tai Chi with David ChungLearn the ancient Asian exercise form to promote balance, relaxation, motion, health, harmony, stability, and inner power. Instructor David Chung teaches tai chi for the Redwood Empire Chinese Association, and specializes in teaching beginners and offering adaptations for people with limited motion.Looking for more? Explore the full calendar! Explore the CalendarThank you for being a member of the Sonoma County Library community. Visit us online or in person at one of our branches. Be sure to check out open jobs at Sonoma County Library here. Questions? Please call your local library branch or click here to send us a message.
Eventos de diciembre Únete a los eventosde la Biblioteca del Condado de Sonomadurante todo el mes de diciembre, donde tendremos desde talleres de elaboración de tamales hasta clases de taichi. Todos los eventos son gratuitos y no se necesita una tarjeta de la biblioteca para asistir; se requiere inscripción para eventos seleccionados.¡Conoce algunos de nuestros eventos de diciembre a continuación!
Para todas las edadesTalleres de elaboración de tamalesLa chef Salomé Arenas nos guiará en la elaboración de los tradicionales tamales oaxaqueños. ¡Recomendados para edades de ocho años en adelante! Disponible en cuatro bibliotecas: Noroeste de Santa Rosa, Windsor, Central de Santa Rosa y Petaluma.Para niñosTalleres de casas de jengibre¡Celebra las fiestas con nuestros talleres anuales de casas de jengibre para niños y familias! Elige entre dulces festivos, galletas y glaseado para crear una obra maestra navideña que podrás llevarte a casa. Para niños desde kinder al 6° grado.
Es posible que necesites registrarte; por favor inscríbete en línea o llama a tu biblioteca local. En ocho bibliotecas: Petaluma, Sonoma Valley, Cloverdale, Windsor, Roseland, Healdsburg, Rincon Valley y Guerneville.Semillas y lecturas: Hongos silvestresExplora los hongos silvestres más comunes que se encuentran en el condado de Sonoma y elabora un adorno para llevar a casa. Para niños desde kinder a 6° grado. Te recomendamos inscribirte. En seis bibliotecas: Roseland, Healdsburg, Windsor, Noroeste de Santa Rosa, Petaluma y Sonoma Valley.Para jóvenesDecoración de galletas festivas para jóvenes¡Decora tu propia galleta festiva con glaseado y chispas decorativas! Te proporcionaremos todos los materiales. Para jóvenes del 7° al 12° grado.
El cupo es limitado; inscríbete en línea o en tu biblioteca local. En 10 bibliotecas: Cloverdale, Roseland, Rincon Valley, Sonoma Valley, Windsor, Healdsburg, Petaluma, Rohnert Park-Cotati, Guerneville y Central de Santa Rosa.Universal Yums para jóvenesDescubre un nuevo país cada mes a través de su música, trivias y los mejores bocadillos y dulces. Para jóvenes del 7° al 12° grado. Te recomendamos inscribirte. En tres bibliotecas: Central de Santa Rosa, Healdsburg y Roseland.Para adultosManualidades con Creativebug¡Aprende a tejer con los dedos o a hacer tus propias cajas de regalo con Creativebug! Disponible en cinco bibliotecas: Roseland, Cloverdale, Sonoma Valley, Noroeste de Santa Rosa y Healdsburg.
Join Positive Images LGBTQIA+ Center and North Bay LGBTQI Families for a Social Saturday/End of year Intergenerational Gathering on December 9th from 12-3pm at Brew in Forestville!
All LGBTQIA+ youth, families, adults, and elders are welcome at Social Saturdays, which are a recurring series of monthly events taking place throughout Sonoma County where we are seeking to bring community across generations, particularly gender expansive youth, teens, and adults.
At our December gathering we invite you to join us in writing letters to LGBTQIA+ elders, art activities and a storytime with grinch!
Image Description: An image with a background of pastel colors including pink, blue and purple colors displaying information of “End of Year Celebration” The logos of the sponsoring organizations appear at the top left of the graphic. Image 1 is in English, Image 2 is in Spanish.
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Acompañe a Positive Images LGBTQIA + Center y North Bay LGBTQI Families para un sábado social y celebración de fin de año Reunión intergeneracional el 9 de Diciembre de 12-3p en Brew localizado en Forestville!
Todes les jóvenes, familias, adultes y ancianes LGBTQIA + son bienvenides en esta reunión, que es parte de una serie recurrente de eventos mensuales que se llevan a cabo en todo el condado de Sonoma, donde buscamos reunir a nuestra comunidad a través de generaciones, particularmente jóvenes, adolescentes y adultes con género expansivo.
En nuestra reunión de Diciembre los invitamos a escribir cartas para ancianes LGBTQIA+, hacer actividades de arte, y escuchar el grinch leyendo historias!
“Through the Parentage Opportunity Program, millions of parents have voluntarily established legal parentage for their children, giving them access to the benefits that they deserve,” said Michelle Santiago, Program Manager, California Parentage Opportunity Program. “Now, with the expanded services to parents within the LGBTQ+ community, families of all shapes and sizes have access to our free services.”
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT: The Parentage Opportunity Program honors the validity and value of LGBTQ+ parenting with more supportive services and accessibility to parents of all sexual orientation and gender identities who wish to take responsibility for their children. Legal parentage benefits children throughout their lives in many ways, including confirming eligibility for military benefits, life and medical insurance benefits, social security benefits, and inheritance rights.
HOW WE GOT HERE: Authored by former California Legislator, Richard Bloom, AB 2684 (2018), known as the Uniform Parentage Act, made significant revisions to the process of establishing legal parentage, expanding eligibility from unmarried birth parents and biological non-birth parents to include married or unmarried same-sex birth parents and parents who have children using assisted reproductive technology, with some exceptions.
At the time of the legislation change, Legislator Bloom stated, “although California has already taken many steps to amend the Family Code to ensure its equal application to same-sex couples, there are still gaps in protection for families.” With the implementation of AB 2684, some of those gaps were reduced to allow same-sex couples meeting specific criteria to establish legal parentage through the Parentage Opportunity Program rather than going through the complicated and costly process of adoption. Eligible couples can sign and have witnessed a “Voluntary Declaration of Parentage,” offered through hospitals, birthing centers, and Vital Records offices throughout the state. The process is completely free of charge and establishes legal parentage with the force of a court order.
Since its inception, the Parentage Opportunity Program has taken great strides to be more inclusive of families of all shapes and sizes. To support LGBTQ+ parents and those that identify as non-binary or transgender, the Voluntary Declaration of Parentage now includes expanded categories of parents and lists “parentage” instead of “paternity”; “birth parent” instead of “mother”; “other parent” instead of “father”; and updated pronouns to support gender inclusiveness.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: In 2021, nearly 40% of babies born in California were born to unmarried mothers, out of a total of approximately 420,000 births. Contrary to standard belief, a birth certificate does not establish a legal parent-child relationship. In order to establish legal parentage in California, parents must complete a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage with the Parentage Opportunity Program or obtain a judgement in Court. Since the formation of the Parentage Opportunity Program, over 4,000,000 parents in California have voluntarily established legal parentage for free, without going to court, saving time and money.
BACKGROUND: Begun in 1995 as a path to legal paternity through the federal Administration for Children and Families, the establishment of legal parentage is administered in California under the auspices of the Department of Child Support Services by the Parentage Opportunity Program.
The comprehensive report, based on The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, presents alarming statistics and underscores the need for targeted mental health support for this vulnerable group.
According to the findings, nearly one-third of LGBTQ+ young people identify as having a disability. These disabilities range from ADHD and learning disorders to physical and autoimmune conditions, with many respondents reporting multiple diagnoses. The data reveals that LGBTQ+ young people with disabilities experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts compared to their non-disabled LGBTQ+ peers.
The report highlights a concerning trend: Approximately 65 percent of LGBTQ+ young people with disabilities have faced discrimination due to their disability in the past year. This discrimination is closely linked to increased mental health issues. For instance, those who experienced such discrimination reported higher instances of depression and anxiety, as well as a marked increase in suicide attempts.
Another critical study finding is the positive impact of understanding and inclusive therapy. LGBTQ+ young people who felt their therapist understood their disability reported lower rates of suicide attempts. This underscores the importance of disability-informed mental health services.
The report also sheds light on demographic variations. Older LGBTQ+ individuals and those identifying as transgender, nonbinary, or multisexual reported higher rates of disability. Notably, specific groups, such as queer, asexual, and gender-diverse young people, also showed elevated rates of disability.
Additionally, the survey found the critical role of supportive environments in mitigating mental health risks for LGBTQ+ young people with disabilities. Participants who reported having access to affirming spaces, whether in schools, communities, or online, exhibited more resilience and lower levels of mental health distress. This suggests that fostering inclusive environments where LGBTQ+ youth with disabilities feel accepted and understood can significantly impact their mental well-being. It also highlights the necessity for policies and programs that not only address mental health concerns directly but also actively work towards creating safer, more inclusive spaces for these young individuals.
The Trevor Project’s study serves as a crucial call to action for improved mental health support and anti-discrimination efforts for LGBTQ+ young people with disabilities. The organization emphasizes the need for further research and intervention strategies to address these challenges effectively.
In response to these findings, The Trevor Project continues to advocate for comprehensive, accessible mental health services and increased awareness and support for LGBTQ+ youth with disabilities, according to a statement by the group. Through their crisis services team and targeted training programs, they aim to enhance understanding and provide vital resources for this particularly vulnerable community.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned that someone you know may be, resources are available to help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 is for people of all ages and identities. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ+ leaders to public office, endorsed 23 more out LGBTQ+ candidates. Victory Fund has now endorsed 260 candidates running in the 2023 cycle and 43 candidates running in the 2024 cycle.
2023 General Candidates
Damian Pardo (he/him)
Miami City Commission, District 2, FL
General: 11/7/2023
Jenna Yeakle (she/her)
Duluth City Council, At-Large, MN
General: 11/7/2023
Heather Rodenborg (she/her)
Delaware City School Board, OH
General: 11/7/2023
Jess Branas (she/her)
Upper Darby Town Council, District 2, PA
General: 11/7/2023
Khalilah Karim (she/her)
Durham City Council, At-Large, NC
General: 11/7/2023
2023 Unopposed Candidates
Andrea Ditillo (she/her)
Churchill Borough Council, At-Large, PA
General: 11/7/2023
2023 General Candidates
Sylvia Swayne (she/her)
Alabama House of Representatives, District 55
Runoff: 10/24/2023
Paul Sanchez (he/him)
South Salt Lake City Council, UT
General: 11/7/2023
Navarra Carr (she/her)
Port Angeles City Council, Position 6, WA
General: 11/7/2023
2024 General Candidates
Clarissa Cervantes (she/they)
California State Assembly, District 58
Primary: 3/5/2024
General: 11/5/2024
Jennifer Esteen (she/her)
Alameda County Board of Supervisors, District 4, CA
Primary: 3/5/2024
General: 11/5/2024
Ari Ruiz (he/him)
California State Assembly, District 52
Primary: 3/5/2024
General: 11/5/2024
Carlos Guillermo Smith (he/him)
Florida State Senate, District 17
Primary: 8/20/2024
General: 11/5/2024
Joe Saunders (he/him)
Florida House of Representatives, District 106
Primary: 8/20/2024
General: 11/5/2024
Malcolm Kenyatta (he/him)
Pennsylvania Auditor General
Primary: 4/23/2024
General: 11/5/2024
Dave Upthegrove (he/him)
Commissioner of Public Lands, WA
Primary: 8/6/2024
General: 11/5/2024
2024 Incumbent Candidates
Ravi Shah (he/him)
Tucson Unified School Board, At-Large, AZ
General: 11/7/2024
Terra Lawson-Remer (she/they)
San Diego County Board of Supervisors, District 3, CA
Primary: 3/5/2024
General: 11/5/2024
Michele Rayner (she/they)
Florida House of Representatives, District 62
Primary: 8/20/2024
General: 11/5/2024
Brandon Woodard (he/him)
Kansas House of Representatives, District 10B
Primary: 8/7/2024
General: 11/6/2024
Brian Knudsen (he/him)
Las Vegas City Council, Ward 1, NV
Primary: 6/11/2024
General: 11/5/2024
Charles Spain (he/him)
Court of Appeals Justice, Place 4, District 14, TX
