Here are the top 5 LGBTQ+ stories of the week to help you catch up on what you may have missed.
House passes bill banning coverage of trans health care through Medicaid, CHIP & Obamacare
The short version: House Republicans passed a major budget bill that will increase the deficit because of massive tax cuts, while also cutting public health programs. Transgender people of all ages who depend on Medicaid, CHIP, and the Obamacare exchanges will see less access to gender-affirming care with new restrictions if the bill passes the Senate in its current form.
Why it matters: If the bill passes in this form, it will be devastating for trans people who depend on Medicaid and other federally regulated forms of health care. LGBTQ+ people who depend on Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare will also be affected by the broader budget cuts.
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Tim Walz says it’s a “mistake” for Democrats to abandon trans people
The key quote: “And here’s the thing: We need to tell people your cost of eggs, your health care being denied, your homeowner’s insurance, your lack of getting warning on tornadoes coming has nothing to do with someone’s gender.” -Minnesota Gov. and former vice presidential candidate Tim Walz (D).
Why it matters: After running for vice president, Tim Walz is one of the best-known Democrats in the country. And he’s taking a firm, pro-trans stance in this intra-party debate.
Lesbian teen brutally beaten unconscious & robbed at McDonalds
In just one sentence: Two men called her an anti-gay slur at McDonald’s then kicked and stomped her before their group fled with her wallet and phone.
Why it matters: The brutal hate crime made headlines across the country and demonstrates the impact anti-LGBTQ+ attitudes are having.
A straight ally started the most wholesome Pride tradition & is leaving people with tears of joy
What is it: Straight ally John Piermatteo brings a sign to Pride that says “Play Catch With a Dad,” inviting people to do just that. It’s having a major impact on people at his local York, Pennsylvania, Pride events.
Why it matters: This heartwarming trend could spread to other Pride celebrations, helping LGBTQ+ people heal from trauma from their families of origin.
Car explodes outside of IVF clinic in “intentional act of terrorism”
The casualties: One person (the prime suspect) died, and four others were injured.
Why it matters: LGBTQ+ people often depend on IVF for family building, and the procedure has increasingly come under attack from the right due to the creation of fertilized embryos that often don’t result in a pregnancy.
And here are some interesting queer and trans reads.
Private sperm bank admits to giving sperm samples to FBI without donors’ knowledge
The upshot: LGBTQ Nation’s Molly Sprayregen investigated a claim made by a Seattle Sperm Bank representative that they are selling sperm to the FBI for mysterious reasons.
Robin Tyler was at every key moment of the LGBTQ+ movement. And she’s not done yet.
Why you should read it: Comic and long-time activist Robin Tyler has been a part of the movement for decades and has a lot of insider knowledge about historic events.
A mother is someone who stays: How one woman’s love gave my young queer self the strength to survive
In just one phrase: A heartwarming ode to the chosen mother of LGBTQ Nation contributor Chaaz Quigley.
The invisible queer moms: What it’s like to raise kids in a straight-passing relationship
The nut graph: For bi and pansexual mothers in straight-passing relationships, it can be easy to feel disconnected from the queer community. Oftentimes, there is a need for significant effort to find a sense of beloniging in the queer community. But effort requires time, a commodity mothers don’t often have.
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