Court Matters

Booksellers, publishers sue Texas over book ban. The American Booksellers Association and the Association of American Publishers filed a lawsuit challenging the READER Act in the U.S. District Court of Western Texas on July 25th. The suit argues that the READER Act violates the 1st and 14th amendments by regulating speech with “vague and overbroad” terms and targeting protected speech.

Appeals court allows Kentucky to enforce ban on medically-necessary care for trans and non-binary youth. On July 31st, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that Kentucky is allowed to enforce a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary minors. 

ACLU sues Missouri school district for exclusionary bathroom policy. The ACLU of Missouri filed the suit against the Platte County School District on behalf of a 16-year-old transgender student who was prohibited from using the girls’ bathroom. The student received a two-day suspension for using the girls’ bathroom and was instructed to use either the boys’ or the sole gender-neutral bathroom on campus. 

Federal judge in Montana lifts ban on drag performances. On July 28th, U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris temporarily blocked a new law limiting drag performances days before Montana’s 30th Pride celebration.

Federal Matters

Pres. Biden threatens to veto House funding bills. Pres. Biden promised to veto two spending bills that included policy riders limiting access to abortion rights, transgender rights, migration, critical race theory and diversity, equity and inclusion training.

State Matters

Warning: While some of the following stories describe legislative actions to celebrate and affirm LGBTQ+ people, many cover legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans and nonbinary youth. Please be kind to yourself and use your discretion while reading this  section. 

Advisory: State news is representative but not exhaustive due to space constraint; feel free to forward news about your state to advocacy@pflag.org to consider for inclusion.

California - Residents replace copies of books stolen by anti-LGBTQ+ protesters. In June, anti-LGBTQ+ protesters checked out and then refused to return all the LGBTQ+-related books available in the San Diego library. Thanks to donations from the public, over $15,000 was provided to the library to support LGBTQ+-related programming. 

Michigan - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs a ban on so-called “conversion therapy.” On July 26th, ​​the Governor signed a ban on conversion therapy for minors in the state. 

Texas - Texas county moves to restrict ‘explicit’ and ‘objectionable’ books at public libraries. A Texas county has voted to restrict access to certain books at public libraries. The county’s Commissioners Court voted on 11 July to limit “explicit” or “objectionable” material in public libraries to anyone under 18; this restriction includes LGBTQ+-themed books.

Washington - Successful Pride event in Arlington brings hundreds of LGBTQ+ supporters despite concerns of anti-LGBTQ+ protesters. Hundreds of LGBTQ+ supporters including PFLAGers showed up to celebrate the event called “Camp Pride,” despite rumors of organized counter protests. U.S. Representative Rick Larson (WA-2) attended and expressed his support for the LGBTQ+ community, the Equality Act, and the Transgender Bill of Rights.

Wisconsin - Gov. Tony Evers condemns hate group protest at Pride event. Gov. Evers expressed his disapproval of a hate group’s use of Nazi propaganda and intimidation in an effort to suppress a peaceful LGBTQ+ Pride event in Watertown. 

Texas - Church firebombed weeks after being targeted by an anti-LGBTQ YouTuber. A church in Plano was set on fire a few weeks after being attacked online by a prominent anti-LGBTQ+ YouTuber. No injuries occurred, but an investigation is underway. 

Global Matters

Vatican City - Pope Francis tells transgender person: 'God loves us as we are.' Pope Francis recently addressed a voicemail message from a transgender individual who shared their struggles with their Catholic faith and gender identity. During a podcast, Pope Francis assured the individual that they are loved unconditionally by God. However, the Catholic Church still does not accept the concept of gender identity if it differs from biological sex. 

United Kingdom - Thousands march in Ukraine Pride in Liverpool. Many LGBTQ+ Ukrainians joined the Liverpool Pride attendees in a Pride march. The Pride Foundation of Liverpool promised to hold the pride celebrations of Kyiv, which were temporarily stopped in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion.

Media Matters

Doc Martens faces anti-trans backlash. After the combat shoe brand displayed an illustration by Jess Vosseteig as part of their “DIY Docs” series, calls for boycotts came from anti-trans people, who opposed the inclusion of an illustration featuring a depiction of a nonbinary person with top surgery scars.

Jordan Henderson faces backlash for moving to Saudi Arabia. Henderson, known for his vocal support of LGBTQ+ rights in the past, is criticized for his decision to join the Al-Ettifaq soccer league in Saudi Arabia due to the country's anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

'Drag Race' and ‘American Idol’ star Adore Delano comes out as transgender.  Adore Delano, a contestant on "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "American Idol", came out as transgender in an instagram video shared with her two million followers.

'Drag Race' and ‘American Idol’ star Adore Delano comes out as transgender.  Adore Delano, a contestant on "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "American Idol" came out as transgender in an instagram video shared with her two million followers.

PFLAG National
(202) 467-8180 | love@pflag.org

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