INSIDER
What to know about the US Supreme Court's ruling on public school lessons using LGBTQ books
Read full article: What to know about the US Supreme Court's ruling on public school lessons using LGBTQ booksThe Supreme Court has sided with religious parents who want to pull their children out of the classroom when a public school lesson uses LGBTQ storybooks.
Supreme Court says Maryland parents can pull their kids from public school lessons using LGBTQ books
Read full article: Supreme Court says Maryland parents can pull their kids from public school lessons using LGBTQ booksA lawyer says the Supreme Court's ruling that Maryland parents who have religious objections can pull their children from public school lessons using LGBTQ storybooks is a historic victory for parental rights.
Stonewall Sports Jacksonville scores big for LGBTQ+ community with inclusive leagues, focus on philanthropy
Read full article: Stonewall Sports Jacksonville scores big for LGBTQ+ community with inclusive leagues, focus on philanthropyStonewall Sports Jacksonville, which currently offers kickball, dodgeball, volleyball, cornhole and billiards leagues, focuses on philanthropy by partnering with local nonprofits to support their initiatives.
Honoring the past, embracing the future: Local advocate reflects on 47 years of Pride in Jacksonville
Read full article: Honoring the past, embracing the future: Local advocate reflects on 47 years of Pride in JacksonvilleLocal advocate Richard Ceriello has watched Jacksonville change greatly over the years when it comes to LGBTQ+ acceptance -- dating all the way back to the city's first Pride Celebration in Willowbranch Park 47 years ago.
Reporting with Pride: Jim Piggott held City Hall accountable for decades. Now he shares a more personal story
Read full article: Reporting with Pride: Jim Piggott held City Hall accountable for decades. Now he shares a more personal storyLongtime News4JAX reporter Jim Piggott retired last year, and during Pride Month, we’re sharing a more personal side of the journalist who provided thorough news coverage, no matter the topic, for decades to our Channel 4 audience.
Empowerment through experience: How The Lotus Flower Project supports Jacksonville’s LGBTQ+ community and beyond
Read full article: Empowerment through experience: How The Lotus Flower Project supports Jacksonville’s LGBTQ+ community and beyondFounded by Jacksonville resident Kamala Williams, The Lotus Flower Project is committed to strengthening our community by empowering women to rise above life’s challenges and activate their purpose.
Jax River City Pride closing out month with brunch experience at Tulua Bistro in historic Springfield
Read full article: Jax River City Pride closing out month with brunch experience at Tulua Bistro in historic SpringfieldAs Pride Month comes to a close, one organization is making sure it wraps up June with an experience including flavor, flair and fierce performances.
From stage to service: Drag Queen Karrissa Wade shares 30-year journey of charity and community impact in Jacksonville
Read full article: From stage to service: Drag Queen Karrissa Wade shares 30-year journey of charity and community impact in JacksonvilleLocal Drag Queen Karrissa Wade (she/her) has spent three decades in Jacksonville combating stigma through love and kindness while raising money for children’s cancer research, autism awareness and HIV patients.
From classrooms to courtrooms: How Equality Florida champions LGBTQ rights with nearly half a million supporters
Read full article: From classrooms to courtrooms: How Equality Florida champions LGBTQ rights with nearly half a million supportersFounded in 1997, Equality Florida has grown into one of the largest statewide LGBTQ advocacy networks in the country.
JASMYN names interim executive director after departure of CEO
Read full article: JASMYN names interim executive director after departure of CEOWith the recent departure of CEO Francisco Castro, JASMYN announced Friday that local nonprofit consultant and LGBTQIA+ advocate Tina Wirth will be stepping in as the agency’s interim executive.
Nature’s rainbow: Northeast Florida’s OUTdoorsy Adventure Team blends LGBTQ pride with outdoor exploration and activism
Read full article: Nature’s rainbow: Northeast Florida’s OUTdoorsy Adventure Team blends LGBTQ pride with outdoor exploration and activismFounded in 2012, the OUTdoorsy Adventure Team is a nonprofit Meet-Up group of LGBTQ folks -- and allies -- who find joy in exploring the great outdoors.
Supreme Court signals support for Maryland parents who object to LGBTQ books in public schools
Read full article: Supreme Court signals support for Maryland parents who object to LGBTQ books in public schoolsThe Supreme Court’s conservative majority is signaling support for the religious rights of Maryland parents who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using storybooks with LGBTQ characters.
A prince and knight fall in love and the Supreme Court is asked to intervene
Read full article: A prince and knight fall in love and the Supreme Court is asked to interveneSome parents in a suburban Maryland county want to pull their children from elementary school classes that use books featuring LGBTQ characters.
Supreme Court will hear case of Maryland parents who object to LGBTQ books in their kids' classes
Read full article: Supreme Court will hear case of Maryland parents who object to LGBTQ books in their kids' classesThe Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal from parents in suburban Washington who want to pull their children from elementary school classes that use books featuring LGBTQ characters.
JASMYN hosted its 18th annual ‘Coming Out’ Day Breakfast
Read full article: JASMYN hosted its 18th annual ‘Coming Out’ Day BreakfastJASMYN 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.
Local business owner reacts Visit Florida removing LGBTQ travel guide
Read full article: Local business owner reacts Visit Florida removing LGBTQ travel guideA local business owner is speaking out against Visit Florida after the state-funded tourism agency removed the LGBTQ+ Travel section from its website.
Things to know about the gender-affirming care case as the Supreme Court prepares to weigh in
Read full article: Things to know about the gender-affirming care case as the Supreme Court prepares to weigh inThe Supreme Court is planning to weigh in on whether states can ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
LGBTQ soldiers in Ukraine hope their service is changing attitudes as they rally for legal rights
Read full article: LGBTQ soldiers in Ukraine hope their service is changing attitudes as they rally for legal rightsSeveral 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.
Bill would rename NYC subway stop after Stonewall, a landmark in LGBTQ+ rights movement
Read full article: Bill would rename NYC subway stop after Stonewall, a landmark in LGBTQ+ rights movementLawmakers have approved legislation that would rename a New York City subway station in honor of the Stonewall riots.
River City Plus: PFLAG provides up to $2,000 in unencumbered scholarships
Read full article: River City Plus: PFLAG provides up to $2,000 in unencumbered scholarshipsPFLAG 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.
United Methodist delegates repeal their church’s ban on its clergy celebrating same-sex marriages
Read full article: United Methodist delegates repeal their church’s ban on its clergy celebrating same-sex marriagesUnited Methodist delegates have repealed their church’s longstanding ban on the celebrations of same-sex marriages or unions by its clergy.
United Methodists remove anti-gay language from their official teachings on societal issues
Read full article: United Methodists remove anti-gay language from their official teachings on societal issuesFor the past 52 years, the United Methodist Church had officially declared “the practice of homosexuality.
UNF diversity office shuts down, closes LGBTQ, Interfaith, Intercultural and Women’s centers
Read full article: UNF diversity office shuts down, closes LGBTQ, Interfaith, Intercultural and Women’s centersThe 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.
LGBTQ+ Community Resources in Jacksonville, Florida
Read full article: LGBTQ+ Community Resources in Jacksonville, FloridaLGBT 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.
Judge to decide on Florida’s law restricting teachers’ use of personal pronouns
Read full article: Judge to decide on Florida’s law restricting teachers’ use of personal pronounsA 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.
UNF prepares to close several on campus centers linked to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Read full article: UNF prepares to close several on campus centers linked to Diversity, Equity and InclusionThe 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.
Mass arrests target LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria while abuses against them are ignored, activists say
Read full article: Mass arrests target LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria while abuses against them are ignored, activists sayRights 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.
Photos: Thousands celebrate Pride in Jacksonville during 2023 festival & parade
Read full article: Photos: Thousands celebrate Pride in Jacksonville during 2023 festival & paradeThousands 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.
Tennessee can enforce ban on transgender care for minors, court says
Read full article: Tennessee can enforce ban on transgender care for minors, court saysA 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.
Gatherings combining Pride and Juneteenth give Black LGBTQ+ people a refuge where they can celebrate
Read full article: Gatherings combining Pride and Juneteenth give Black LGBTQ+ people a refuge where they can celebrateFrom 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.
‘We have a lot of momentum’: LGBTQ+ community, supporters come together to protest, vigil
Read full article: ‘We have a lot of momentum’: LGBTQ+ community, supporters come together to protest, vigilTwo events were held Sunday to honor the LGBTQ+ community and protest recent legislation, which eventgoers say is anti-trans.
Bud Light sales dip locally amid backlash to transgender influencer. Employee says local workers are suffering
Read full article: Bud Light sales dip locally amid backlash to transgender influencer. Employee says local workers are sufferingSales 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.
AG Moody hits back at Florida travel advisories issued by civil rights groups
Read full article: AG Moody hits back at Florida travel advisories issued by civil rights groupsThree 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.
Group asks Fernandina Beach commissioners to move pride festival, parade away from city park
Read full article: Group asks Fernandina Beach commissioners to move pride festival, parade away from city parkA group in Nassau County is asking Fernandina Beach commissioners to move Fernandina Beach Pride, an LGBTQ+ event scheduled for next month, to another location.
DCPS committee discusses changes to school bathroom rules, facility renaming process
Read full article: DCPS committee discusses changes to school bathroom rules, facility renaming processFollowing 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.
Florida lawmaker sparks outrage, apologizes after calling transgender people ‘mutants’
Read full article: Florida lawmaker sparks outrage, apologizes after calling transgender people ‘mutants’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 board to consider controversial bathroom policy
Read full article: Clay County school board to consider controversial bathroom policyClay County school leaders are set to vote on a policy that would ban transgender students from using the bathroom associated with their gender identity.
Uganda LGBTQ leader says gay bill threatens homelessness
Read full article: Uganda LGBTQ leader says gay bill threatens homelessnessA 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 adds LGBTQ protections to anti-discrimination law
Read full article: Michigan adds LGBTQ protections to anti-discrimination lawMichigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation Thursday that will permanently outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in the state.
Minnesota governor protects rights to gender affirming care
Read full article: Minnesota governor protects rights to gender affirming careGov. 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.
Students, faculty, alumni blast Gov. DeSantis’ collection of ‘gender dysphoria services’ info from public universities
Read full article: Students, faculty, alumni blast Gov. DeSantis’ collection of ‘gender dysphoria services’ info from public universitiesGovernor 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.
Pulitzer-winning playwright criticizes Duval County school for canceling student production
Read full article: Pulitzer-winning playwright criticizes Duval County school for canceling student productionA 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.
Israeli doctors reject Netanyahu allies' anti-LGBTQ remarks
Read full article: Israeli doctors reject Netanyahu allies' anti-LGBTQ remarksIsrael’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.
NC power grid attack stokes fear in rural LGBTQ community
Read full article: NC power grid attack stokes fear in rural LGBTQ communityNorth 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.
Group of DCPS educators, parents to call for return of JASMYN partnership following controversy
Read full article: Group of DCPS educators, parents to call for return of JASMYN partnership following controversyAn 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.
DCPS ends over 20-year relationship with LGBTQ advocacy group over ‘inappropriate’ materials
Read full article: DCPS ends over 20-year relationship with LGBTQ advocacy group over ‘inappropriate’ materialsDuval 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.
Site of Colorado gay bar shooting 'celebrated' LGBTQ people
Read full article: Site of Colorado gay bar shooting 'celebrated' LGBTQ peopleIn 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.
U.S. Soccer is making a statement with Pride Crest during World Cup in Qatar
Read full article: U.S. Soccer is making a statement with Pride Crest during World Cup in QatarThere 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.
Montenegro holds pride march despite opposition from church
Read full article: Montenegro holds pride march despite opposition from churchSeveral 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.
‘Smashing success’: WJXT & CW17 attend 2022 River City Pride festival
Read full article: ‘Smashing success’: WJXT & CW17 attend 2022 River City Pride festivalThe 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 protest planned Pride gathering in Serbia
Read full article: Thousands protest planned Pride gathering in SerbiaThousands 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.
Rep. Rutherford votes ‘no’ on codifying same-sex, interracial marriage into law, Florida Senator signals opposition
Read full article: Rep. Rutherford votes ‘no’ on codifying same-sex, interracial marriage into law, Florida Senator signals oppositionThe bill passed with a 267-157 margin, receiving 100% support from Democrats and from 47 Republicans.
Acosta Bridge displays rainbow colors recognizing Pride Month
Read full article: Acosta Bridge displays rainbow colors recognizing Pride MonthAfter facing scrutiny for turning off the rainbow lights during Pride Month last year, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority lit up the bridge on Monday night.
Acosta Bridge to display rainbow colors recognizing Pride Month amid state backlash in 2021
Read full article: Acosta Bridge to display rainbow colors recognizing Pride Month amid state backlash in 2021After 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.
Duval County School Board reworks LGBTQ+ support guide, may notify parents of name change
Read full article: Duval County School Board reworks LGBTQ+ support guide, may notify parents of name changeA 37-page document, which describes itself as “a critical tool at a critical time,” is now under intense scrutiny within Duval County Public Schools.
Duval School’s ‘LGBTQ Support Guide’ is being reworked amid new state law
Read full article: Duval School’s ‘LGBTQ Support Guide’ is being reworked amid new state lawA 37-page document, which describes itself as “a critical tool at a critical time,” is now under intense scrutiny within Duval County Public Schools.
LGBTQ groups sue Florida over Parental Rights in Education law
Read full article: LGBTQ groups sue Florida over Parental Rights in Education lawGay 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.
Student organizer of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ school walk-outs suspended
Read full article: Student organizer of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ school walk-outs suspendedThe 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.
Clay County Schools asks judge to dismiss lawsuit filed by anti-LGBTQ parents’ lawyer
Read full article: Clay County Schools asks judge to dismiss lawsuit filed by anti-LGBTQ parents’ lawyerAttorneys for the Clay County School District responded to a lawsuit brought by the attorney for two parents, who claim a school counselor coached their elementary-aged child in a gender identity transition without their knowledge or approval.
Florida GOP 'Don't Say Gay' bill advances in House
Read full article: Florida GOP 'Don't Say Gay' bill advances in HouseFlorida 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.
High court takes case involving refusal to serve gay couples
Read full article: High court takes case involving refusal to serve gay couplesThe 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.
France bans gay 'conversion therapy' with new law
Read full article: France bans gay 'conversion therapy' with new lawFrance 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.
Students, alumni angered after Episcopal School scrubs dance performance featuring same-sex pair
Read full article: Students, alumni angered after Episcopal School scrubs dance performance featuring same-sex pairAdministrators 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.
Tunisia: LGBT activist's assault by police seen as a pattern
Read full article: Tunisia: LGBT activist's assault by police seen as a patternPolice 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 Roe falls, some fear ripple effect on civil rights cases
Read full article: If Roe falls, some fear ripple effect on civil rights casesIf 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.
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Nease High School teacher’s pride flag removed from classroom by admins; students respond with demonstration
Read full article: Nease High School teacher’s pride flag removed from classroom by admins; students respond with demonstrationA 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.
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Sail away with Kesha and a bunch of drag queens on the Kesha Cruise in 2022
Read full article: Sail away with Kesha and a bunch of drag queens on the Kesha Cruise in 2022Just 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.
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California bans state travel to Florida, 4 other states
Read full article: California bans state travel to Florida, 4 other statesCalifornia 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.
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Why it’s so important for athletes like Carl Nassib to come out of the closet
Read full article: Why it’s so important for athletes like Carl Nassib to come out of the closetLas Vegas Raiders football player Carl Nassib made history Monday when he became the first active NFL player to come out of the closet.
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Federal judge denies injunction over St. Johns County Pride proclamation
Read full article: Federal judge denies injunction over St. Johns County Pride proclamationA 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.
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Local sub shop drops Cinotti’s Bakery after backlash over anti-LGBTQ posts
Read full article: Local sub shop drops Cinotti’s Bakery after backlash over anti-LGBTQ postsA 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.
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St. Johns County commission sued over Pride proclamation
Read full article: St. Johns County commission sued over Pride proclamationA 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.