National

Via press release: The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) has long championed protections for LGBTQ+ communities, adopting a policy condemning discrimination against gay and lesbian people in 1984 and supporting marriage equality in 2009. Through policy, action and the leadership of the Conference’s LGBTQ+ Alliance, established in 2019, America’s mayors have worked to advance equality, oppose discrimination, and help ensure LGBTQ+ residents and their families feel safe, included, and supported in their communities. This week, during its 94th Annual Meeting, the Conference will inaugurate San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria [photo] as its 84th president, marking a historic milestone as the first […]

Nashville’s ABC affiliate reports: As Pride Month begins across Tennessee, the state’s recent designation of June as “Nuclear Family Month” is drawing renewed attention. On Monday, Tenn. Representative Andy Ogles posted on X: “Homosexuality has no place in America. Happy Nuclear Family Month.” The post came less than two months after Gov. Bill Lee signed House Joint Resolution 182, formally recognizing June as Nuclear Family Month in Tennessee. The resolution defines a nuclear family as one husband, one wife, and their children, including biological, adopted, and foster children. It describes family structure as foundational to society and cites research linking family […]

What’s Up Newport reports: Gov. Dan McKee signed a proclamation Tuesday recognizing June as Pride Month in Rhode Island. “By proclaiming June as Pride Month, Rhode Island has the chance to honor the contributions and recognize the resilience of the LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the Ocean State,” McKee said in a statement. “Rhode Island is a state built on love, respect, and inclusion; and as Governor, I will continue to fight for equality for everyone.” Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos said the proclamation reflects a commitment to maintaining protections for the LGBTQ+ community. According to the governor’s office, the State House will be […]

The Huffington Post reports: Conservatives on social media engaged in their favorite June activity: losing their minds over a “Sesame Street” Pride Month post that celebrated the LGBTQ+ community. However, many users were quick to rebuke the hateful rhetoric plastered all over X. “Happy #PrideMonth from Sesame Street! Join us in celebrating and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ members of our community,” the official “Sesame Street” X account posted on Monday. It didn’t take long for MAGA-adjacent and conservative figures to sound off in the comments of the PBS show’s post, accusing the program of grooming and sexualizing children. Many users rebuked the hateful […]

El Paso’s NBC affiliate reports: The City of El Paso installed Pride-themed decorative cylinders on streetlights surrounding Pride Square in Downtown El Paso in recognition of Pride Month. Officials stated that the installation is meant to add colorful visual elements to the downtown area, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors. The colorful streetlights are a smaller design compared to last year’s rainbow-colored sidewalks, but still honor LGBTQ+ pride. This change is most likely a result of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s demand to remove “all political ideologies” from the streets, as it violates federal and state guidelines regarding road safety. […]

Happy Gilbert Baker Day! Thanks to a proclamation from Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed Friday, we can celebrate the life and work of Parsons native Baker this June 2. He created a piece of American iconography that has spread across the globe and into the hearts of those who care for their gay neighbors: the rainbow pride flag. Kelly Wall, a board member of PFLAG Lawrence, requested the day after reading about Baker in an authoritative piece by founding Kansas Reflector opinion editor C.J. Janovy. Inside the governor’s ceremonial office, group members realized that no one had actually brought a rainbow flag […]

Boston’s ABC affiliate reports: Massachusetts lawmakers, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and allies celebrated Pride Month in Boston by raising the State House pride flag Wednesday. Speakers and singers celebrated contributions of LGBTQ+ community members throughout the state during the event, including Governor Maura Healy, who highlighted the need for support in the face of homophobia, and vowed that Massachusetts will stand strong against hate. “In a time when too many are out there trying to take us backwards, where too many are engaged in acts of cruelty and inhumanity, and not who we are as a country, when it comes […]