JASMYN hosted its 18th annual ‘Coming Out’ Day Breakfast to celebrate diversity in Northeast Florida’s workforce and support for LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults on Thursday.

A second high court has ruled that the Japanese government’s policy against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

A local business owner is speaking out against Visit Florida after the state-funded tourism agency removed the LGBTQ+ Travel section from its website.

The Supreme Court is planning to weigh in on whether states can ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

Several hundred LGBTQ Ukrainian servicemen and their supporters have marched in central Kyiv to demand more rights and highlight their service to their country in its war with Russia.

Lawmakers have approved legislation that would rename a New York City subway station in honor of the Stonewall riots.

PFLAG is the nation’s oldest and largest LGBTQ+ support, education, and advocacy group focused on the families and close loved ones of members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Foreign terrorists’ groups and their supporters may be planning an attack on LGBTQ related events during the month of June, which is Pride Month.

United Methodist delegates have repealed their church’s longstanding ban on the celebrations of same-sex marriages or unions by its clergy.

For the past 52 years, the United Methodist Church had officially declared “the practice of homosexuality.

United Methodist delegates have repealed their church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy with no debate.

The University of North Florida’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion shut down Wednesday, along with several campus programs, to comply with a new state law.

LGBT National Help Center offers national support, resources, and information directly. All calls and online services are provided by highly trained LGBTQ volunteers. Calls are never outsourced or answered by other affiliated organizations.

A federal judge on Friday heard arguments in a court battle over a law restricting educators’ use of personal pronouns and titles in schools, in one of a series of challenges to Florida policies targeting LGBTQ people.

The University of North Florida is set to close several on campus centers – after a decision by the Florida Board of Governors – that ends the use of public money towards Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives on campus. This will affect the Women’s Center, the LGBTQ Center, and the Intercultural and Interfaith Center.

Rights groups and lawyers in Nigeria say the West African nation's law enforcement authorities are using the country’s same-sex prohibition law to target the LGBTQ+ community while ignoring abuses against them.

Thousands of community members, Floridians and out-of-towners came to celebrate love during Jacksonville’s Pride celebration this past weekend in Riverside and 5 Points.

A federal appeals court has temporarily reversed a lower court's ruling that had prohibited Tennessee from enacting a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

From a block party in New York City to a movie screening outside of Denver, groups across the U.S. have found ways to merge Pride month and Juneteenth celebrations.

Two events were held Sunday to honor the LGBTQ+ community and protest recent legislation, which eventgoers say is anti-trans.

Sales of Bud Light products in Jacksonville have plummeted in recent weeks, according to a report from the New York Times, following calls for a boycott by conservative figures after the beer’s partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

Three separate civil rights groups have issued their own travel warning for tourists visiting Florida citing recently passed legislation that the groups say has created a shadow of fear in Florida.

The LA Dodgers have uninvited an LGBTQ Charity due to a protest from Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

A group in Nassau County is asking Fernandina Beach commissioners to move Fernandina Beach Pride, an LGBTQ+ event scheduled for next month, to another location.

Ugandan lawmakers have passed a new version of an anti-gay bill to remove a clause which appeared to criminalize identifying as LGBTQ.

Following revelations about multiple faculty members at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, board members also discussed and reviewed the board’s policies on ethics and those that prohibit any staff fraternization with students.

There was outrage on Tuesday from advocates of the LGBTQ community after a Florida lawmaker compared transgender people to “demons”, “mutants” and “imps.”

Clay County school leaders are set to vote on a policy that would ban transgender students from using the bathroom associated with their gender identity.

A prominent leader of Uganda’s LGBTQ community says he is worried about becoming “homeless,” describing anguished calls by others like him who are concerned for their safety after the passing of a tough new anti-gay law.

Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation Thursday that will permanently outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in the state.

Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order protecting the rights of LGBTQ people from Minnesota and other states to seek and receive gender affirming health care.

Governor Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, has collected information from the state’s public universities about the number and ages of individuals who have received or even sought gender-affirming care over the past five years.

A student production of the stage play ‘Indecent’ at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville was called off by school administrators, citing ‘inappropriate’ dialog.

Police in Kenya are investigating the death of a local LGBTQ activist whose body was found stuffed in a metal box.

Israel’s largest medical center and health care workers from hospitals around the country have spoken out against remarks by allies of Benjamin Netanyahu calling for a law to allow discrimination against LGBTQ people in hospitals and businesses.

North Carolina drag performers and LGBTQ community members fear for their safety after an attack on the electrical grid in Moore County left tens of thousands without power for several days.

An organization of Duval County Public Schools teachers and staff plan to speak out against the district’s recent decision to cut ties with a local LGBTQ advocacy group, JASMYN.

Duval County Public Schools ended its decades-long services agreement with JASMYN, an organization that provides resources for the LGBTQ community, citing the perceived use of materials deemed to be inappropriate for children.

In the mostly conservative city of Colorado Springs, Club Q has long been a go-to spot for members of the LGBTQ community — a safe space where many felt they could just be themselves.

There are many reasons to criticize FIFA for the way they’ve handled the Men’s World Cup that is about to begin in Qatar, and at the top of that list is that they chose to have it in a nation with egregious human rights violations.

Several hundred people have joined an LGBTQ pride march in Montenegro that was held amid strong opposition from the influential Serbian Orthodox Church in the small conservative Balkan country.

Hundreds of people have gathered in Montenegro for a protest led by the Serbian Orthodox Church against holding an LGBTQ pride march this weekend.

The energy was high and the vibes were great during the beautiful fall day. The community event had it all — entertainers, vendors, speakers and more.

Thousands of opponents of a pan-European LGBTQ event planned for this week in Belgrade marched through the Serbian capital on Sunday despite an announced ban of Europe’s largest annual gay gathering.

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for an LGBTQ group to gain official recognition from a Jewish university in New York, though that may not last.

Social media sensation JoJo Siwa will be honored by the LGBTQ education group GLSEN next month for her anti-bullying and advocacy efforts.

The bill passed with a 267-157 margin, receiving 100% support from Democrats and from 47 Republicans.

Pressure is mounting on a French government minister to quit over comments stigmatizing homosexuality and LGBTQ people.

As we all know, June is Pride Month, and it’s a time for the LGBTQ+ community to come together and celebrate being out and proud.

Have you ever had dreams of starring in a Broadway show and singing your heart out to hundreds of people in a packed New York theater?

After facing scrutiny for turning off the rainbow lights during Pride Month last year, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority lit up the bridge on Monday night.

After facing scrutiny for turning off the rainbow lights during pride month last year, Jacksonville Transportation Authority is ensuring residents that the lighting plan is on track for next week.

The U.S. is releasing more doses of the monkeypox from a national stockpile as health officials try to contain the global outbreak.

A 37-page document, which describes itself as “a critical tool at a critical time,” is now under intense scrutiny within Duval County Public Schools.

The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will host its first-ever Pride Night celebration to help LGBTQIA+ youth in our area.

A 37-page document, which describes itself as “a critical tool at a critical time,” is now under intense scrutiny within Duval County Public Schools.

Gay rights advocates are suing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to block a new law forbidding classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.

The student credited with organizing state-wide school demonstrations in protest of the Parental Rights in Education bill, also called the “Don’t Say Gay bill” by critics, was suspended Thursday from Flagler Palm Coast High School, according to multiple sources.

Florida House Republicans have advanced a bill to forbid discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, rejecting criticism from Democrats who said the proposal demonizes LGBTQ people.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of a Colorado web designer who says her religious beliefs prevent her from offering wedding website designs to gay couples.

A new study says that LGBTQ representation on TV series has grown along with the footprint of streaming services.

Emmy-nominated “Pose” star Michaela Jaé “Mj” Rodriguez will be honored at the GLAAD Media Awards.

The home of the former LGBTQ nightclub, Club Metro, will be re-developed into a self-storage facility.

France has a new law that bans so-called conversion therapies and authorizes jail time and fines for practitioners who use the scientifically discredited practice to attempt to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ people.

JASMYN, Jacksonville’s LGBTQ+ Youth Center, broke ground Wednesday and announced its new construction project that will complete the organization’s campus.

Administrators at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville are receiving some backlash from a group of students and alumni after a planned dance performance, featuring a same-sex couple, was removed from an upcoming recital.

Police violence is among the myriad challenges that LGBTQ people experience in Tunisia, and observers say officers who can dispense beatings with impunity are becoming increasingly brazen.

If the Supreme Court decides to overturn or gut the decision that legalized abortion, some fear that it could undermine other precedent-setting cases, including civil rights and LGBTQ protections.

A large group of students at St. Johns County’s Allen D. Nease High School gathered in protest on campus before the bell rang Thursday morning.

Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, and for many LGBTQ+ Americans, there are many reasons to celebrate their Pride.

Just like Kesha said in her hit song “Tik Tok,” well, “the party don’t start till I walk in,” and that goes for her Kesha Cruise that is setting sail in 2022.

California has added five more states including Florida to the list of places where state-funded travel is banned because of laws that discriminate against members of the LGBTQ community.

President Joe Biden is celebrating Pride Month at the White House, a reflection of the growing stature of the LGBTQ community at the highest level of government.

As we all know, June is Pride Month, and what better way to celebrate the rainbow flag than listening to some music made by those in the LGBTQ community?

Las Vegas Raiders football player Carl Nassib made history Monday when he became the first active NFL player to come out of the closet.

A federal judge on Tuesday denied a request to force the St. Johns County Commission to consider a county-wide Pride proclamation, but the attorney who brought the LGBTQ+ community feels they will ultimately prevail.

It’s Pride Month!

A well-known Jacksonville Beach bakery returned to normal business Tuesday in the wake of an apology it issued after one of its owners posted anti-LGBTQ messages to her social media page.

A well-known Jacksonville Beach bakery issued an apology after one of its owners posted anti-LGBTQ messages to her social media page.

A St. Augustine resident is suing the St. Johns County Commission over its refusal to hear a bill recognizing the county’s LGBTQ+ community, saying the board’s decision infringes on residents’ constitutional rights.

Caitlyn Jenner's Republican campaign for California governor has elicited angry reaction from some members of the LGBTQ community.

Caitlyn Jenner's Republican campaign for California governor has elicited angry reaction from some members of the LGBTQ community.

More than 400 companies __ including Tesla, Pfizer, Delta Air Lines and Amazon __ have signed on to support civil rights legislation for LGBTQ people that is moving through Congress.

Arizona lawmakers have approved changes to sex education laws that make them some of the strictest in the nation when it comes to teaching about LGBTQ issues.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Bills have been filed in 25 states across the country, including Florida, seeking to ban transgender women from competing in women’s school sports. The legislation, which would prevent transgender women from competing in women’s sports, follows multiple instances of transgender athletes winning titles in state and national competitions. The House version of the bill would ban transgender women from competing in women’s sports outright, whereas the Senate version would allow transgender athletes to compete provided they maintain a low testosterone level. AdEskamani said even though there are some restrictions in place for transgender athletes on the professional stage, she believes policies concerning children and student-athletes should be treated differently. In Connecticut, there is an ongoing federal lawsuit challenging whether allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports violates Title IX, a federal civil rights law that aims to shield people from gender-based discrimination.

The Biden administration moved quickly to tackle workplace discrimination, particularly discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community. President Joe Biden’s new executive order prohibits the federal government from discriminating against workers on the basis of sexual orientation or sexual identity. Biden also signed an order Monday reversing a Trump-era Pentagon policy that largely barred transgender individuals from serving in the military. Victoria Pelletier, an expert on diversity and inclusion, said Biden’s orders reflect a shift toward inclusiveness across the country. All is critical.”Biden’s military order directs the departments of Defense and Homeland Security to take steps to implement the order for the military and the Coast Guard.

The percentage of regularly seen LGBTQ characters on streaming as well as prime-time broadcast TV and cable during the 2020-21 season fell. Prime-time broadcast fell to 9.1% after reaching an all-time high of 10.2% last season. GLAAD's report, “Where We Are on TV,” found that 70 out of 773 series regular characters on broadcast scripted prime-time TV were LGBTQ. The group found good news on the second request in the latest study — over half of LGBTQ characters on cable television were people of color, meeting GLAAD’s challenge. The advocacy group noted that nearly half of all LGBTQ representation in prime-time scripted cable is seen on just three networks — FX, Freeform and Showtime.

While most Americans continued awaiting the presidential election results, history was silently being made in Delaware. Sarah McBride, 30, made history on election night by becoming the first openly transgender person to be elected to the state Senate in U.S. history. “I hope tonight shows an LGBTQ kid that our democracy is big enough for them, too,” McBride tweeted Tuesday night after the election was called. McBride is a former spokesperson for the LGBTQ advocacy group Human Rights Campaign and also became the first trans person to speak at a major political convention. McBride will represent parts of Bellefonte, Claymont and Wilmington, the state’s largest city.

LOS ANGELES – An online channel devoted to women in the LGBTQ community is launching with shows including a pandemic-set romantic comedy and a paranormal drama. The channel debuts Thursday as part of Revry, a digital platform that offers free, queer-focused programming, including the 24/7 Revry News channel. “I’m overjoyed to offer a free, living and breathing space for queer female stories to be seen across the world,” Revry co-founder LaShawn McGhee said in a statement. Now called OML, it's become “a tentpole brand for the lesbian and queer female communities,” McGhee said. OML has expanded its female-driven content and outreach to a larger audience, a goal that will be enhanced by its partnership with Revry, OML founder Shirin Etessam said in a statement.

MANILA – Pope Francis’ endorsement of same-sex civil unions drew mixed reactions Thursday in the Philippines, Asia’s bastion of Catholicism, with a retired bishop saying he was scandalized by it while an LGBT group welcomed the pontiff’s remarks with relief. President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman said the Philippine leader has long expressed support to same-sex civil unions but added it needed to pass through Congress. Retired Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said he “had very serious doubts about the moral correctness” of the pontiff’s position. He said it ran against long-standing church teachings, which explicitly permit only the union of man and woman whether in civil, legal or church sacramental unions. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Duterte has long supported same-sex civil unions and the papal endorsement may finally convince legislators to give their approval.

NEW YORK (AP) – The NFL has launched a series of initiatives associated with LGBTQ History Month, which includes National Coming Out Day on Sunday and Spirit Day on Thursday. Included are a dedicated website (NFL.com/PRIDE ); a PSA celebrating former NFL players who have come out voicing support; expanded partnerships with GLAAD and The Trevor Project; a pride-themed NFL shield; and an assortment of LGBTQ content airing on NFL Network throughout October. “The LGBTQ community is an important audience for our sport and a critical part of the NFL family,” said Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s chief diversity officer. On Thursday, the NFL will join the pledge to “go purple” to support LGBTQ youth in a united stand against bullying. It also helps provide perspective and advises on league initiatives relating to the LGBTQ community and helps administer an advisory working group consisting of players, staff and advocacy partners.

Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, and for many LGBTQ+ Americans, there are many reasons to celebrate their Pride. National Coming Out Day has been celebrated for 32 years now, and it’s an important reminder on just how far the queer community has come since earlier times. There was an entire generation of LGBTQ Americans who had live inside the closet because of laws and discrimination. So if you’re proud to be out and want it to shout it from the rooftops, tell us about it below! If you have advice for people still in the closet struggling with their identity, maybe offer some advice, and tell us how your life has improved since coming out.

I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter himself, was the first star to make a statement on the matter. His thoughts were long, but to many “Harry Potter” fans, his words were very comforting. And in my opinion, nobody can touch that.”Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, tweeted out in support of the trans community. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid.

WASHINGTON, DC – A White House lawyer won Senate confirmation as a federal appeals court judge Thursday despite complaints by lawmakers from both parties about his record on immigration, race, women's equality and LGBTQ rights. Steven Menashi, an associate White House counsel, was confirmed by a 51-41 vote for a seat on the New York-based 2nd U.S. Graham was one of several senators who expressed frustration at Menashi’s refusal to answer questions about his record at the White House and the Education Department during his confirmation hearing in September. Menashi is among more than 150 federal judges nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate, including at least 46 appeals court judges. About one-quarter of federal appeals court judges were nominated by Trump.

After being put in the hot seat about a problematic op-ed he wrote years ago, he less-than-gracefully just walked off. Later in the sketch, Saturday Night Live corrected a complaint they received over an earlier episode in which Julian Castro was left out of a debate sketch. Porter exclaimed as Lin-Manuel Miranda walked out perfectly embodying Castro. "I'm sorry I'm not gay, In the future, I'll try to do better. Eddie Murphy on Returning to Movies and 'Saturday Night Live' | Full Interview Embed Code RestartRELATED CONTENT:Jennifer Aniston Reveals Why She Turned Down a Spot on 'SNL''Saturday Night Live': Matthew Broderick Channels Ferris Bueller in Impeachment-Focused Cold OpenPhoebe Waller-Bridge Just Can't Part With Her Emmys While Rehearsing for 'SNL'

A new report released Wednesday uncovers staggering statistics for rates of violence and victimization among Florida girls, particularly for girls of color and those identifying as LGBTQ. The Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center unveiled its "Status of Florida Girls" research report, shining a light on the experiences of girls in their home lives, neighborhoods and schools. READ: Status of Florida Girls research report (PDF)Overall in Florida, one in 10 girls report having been raped, one in three don't feel safe in school. Ravoira said the Status of Florida Girls research reports are the first nationwide to identify Florida's most vulnerable girls by breaking apart the parts of the child well-being data. One young mom, who is also a teacher in Duval County, said she sees the violence and bullying firsthand.

BARNEGAT TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (CNN) - A New Jersey mayor called the LGBTQ rights movement "an affront to almighty God" at a town council meeting and warned that people who support "unrighteous laws" will be held accountable. Barnegat Township Mayor Alfonso Cirulli, a former assistant principal, began Tuesday by condemning a state law that requires LGBTQ-inclusive material be taught in public school. He said, "There is no hate or bigotry intended here," and that his comments did not represent the Barnegat Township Committee. Fuscarino said, however, that Garden State Equality has a "great working relationship" with the Barnegat school district and called Cirulli "an outlier." In a statement posted on its website, superintendent Dr. Brian Latwis wrote that the Barnegat Township School District would comply with state guidelines.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Members of the LGBTQ community gathered Wednesday evening to remember two men they said were found dead a week apart. According to loved ones, Brown was found dead at the University Plaza Apartments. Records from the Sheriff's Office show investigators were called to the scene to investigate a deadly shooting, and they are investigating the shooting as murder. According to friends and loved ones, Brown and Veney were members of the LGBTQ community. The Sheriff's Office only releases victim names when authorized by Marcy's Law, which protects crime victim's rights.

(CNN) - An LGBTQ rights activist who was murdered in St. Petersburg had received death threats and was named on a website urging vigilante violence, campaigners have said. Grigoryeva also protested against Russia's backing of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea, Olga Smirnova, a friend and fellow activist, told CNN. A spokeswoman for the Russian LGBT Network told CNN that Grigoryeva's name was included on a Russian website that identified LGBT activists and called for vigilante action against them. "The situation is scary, especially for LGBT activists. Asked about threats that Grigoryeva received, Smirnova said: "She did not just complain, she kept us informed about all the threats that she received.