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Support for those affected by Hurricane Helene

Our hearts go out to all those affected by Hurricane Helene. FEMA has compiled resources for those affected in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Love Votes

The stakes have never been higher for LGBTQ+ youth in the upcoming election, with a coordinated and extreme effort targeting the dismantling of public education and the stripping away of civil rights protections. Join PFLAG National, GLSEN, Advocates for Trans Equality, and the American Federation of Teachers on October 16th at 8pm Eastern in a discussion about what’s at stake in November for LGBTQ+ youth, LGBTQ+ educators, and their families. Learn more and register today!

State Matters

Here is a sample of what’s going on around the country. Please be kind to yourself and use your discretion while reading this section. You can share news from your state with advocacy@pflag.org for possible inclusion in a future newsletter. 

Anti-trans healthcare bans force families to travel for care. With 26 states banning medically necessary care for trans and non-binary youth, families are sometimes forced to travel hundreds of miles to get their kids the care they need. 

Twenty-two state attorneys general threaten to prohibit American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) from endorsing medically necessary care for trans and non-binary youth. Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador is the lead signatory of a letter to the president and vice president of the AAP, accusing the organization of violating consumer protection laws by endorsing the use of puberty blockers and other gender-affirming care for youth. The AAP’s position on gender-affirming care is in line with several medical and scientific organizations and backed by studies and decades of best-practice care. 

California - LGBT Asylum Project assists trans asylum seekers. The San Francisco-based organization provides free legal assistance to immigrants fleeing persecution due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIV status.

Texas - Dallas to help facilitate Pride, other cultural events. The Dallas City Council unanimously passed the city’s budget the week of September 23rd. The budget states that the Office of Arts and Culture will “Increase support for cultural equity through facilitating cultural celebrations throughout the year” including Pride, Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Indigenous People’s Month, and other celebrations.

Court Matters

Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduces federal court reform bill. Sen. Wyden’s bill would gradually increase the number of justices on the Supreme Court from nine to 15, as well as creating two new federal circuit courts, which would add over 100 district court judges and over 60 appellate-level judges to the federal judiciary. The proposal would also require a two-thirds majority ruling at the Supreme Court to overturn laws passed by Congress, among other reforms.

Federal Matters

Former President Jimmy Carter turns 100. Pres. Carter is the first US president to become a centenarian. His administration was also the first to hold a meeting at the White House on the subject of gay rights in March of 1977.

President Biden acknowledges Equality Forum’s LGBTQ History Month launch event. In a letter Equality Forum Executive Director Malcolm Lazin described as “consequential,” the President wrote that “by celebrating stories of bravery, resilience and joy, your example inspires hope in all people seeking a life true to who they are.”

Global Matters

Georgia - President Zourabichvili vetoes anti-LGBTQ+ bill. The bill would ban Pride events and flags as well as gender-affirming care, in addition to nullifying adoption and marriage rights for same-sex couples. The President’s veto can be overridden by the Parliamentary Speaker within five days.

Media Matters

Broadway actor Gavin Creel dies at 48. A longtime friend and supporter of PFLAG National, Creel was known for his leading roles in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hair and the recent revival of Into the Woods. He also leaves behind a legacy of activism for the LGBTQ+ community and other causes. 

LGBT Mariachi group celebrates 10 year anniversary. Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, or Rainbow Mariachi of L.A., is an all-LGBT mariachi group, the first of its kind. The group has performed all over the world in its 10 years.

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

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