Trans athlete who won her lawsuit tried to give up her victory and end her case due to harassment. But a judge won’t let her stop.

The reasoning: The state of Idaho appealed a trans college athlete’s court victory to the Supreme Court, something that she tried to cancel so that she could end the legal process. The judge said that it would be “fundamentally unfair” to the state of Idaho to just let the state win without the Supreme Court hearing its appeal.

Why it matters: Lindsay Hecox’s case raises legal issues that the Supreme Court can now rule on, but she’s also concerned for her own well-being.

Trans woman who wanted to end her lawsuit due to harassment forced to go through with SCOTUS appeal

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Trump administration cancels LGBTQ+ health programs while blaming the shutdown

What kinds of programs were targeted? The administration fired employees in the Office of Population Affairs, something that it wanted to do anyway. This office, among other things, runs informational campaigns about gender-affirming care and other LGBTQ+ health initiatives, including HIV prevention.

Why it matters: The workers were helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases. “They have made America at risk for outbreaks and attacks by nefarious players. People should be scared,” one former leader at the CDC said about the firings.

Donald Trump ends LGBTQ+ health programs under the cover of the shutdown

Trans rights icon Miss Major Griffin-Gracey passes away at 78

What the people who knew her said: “Her enduring legacy is a testament to her resilience, activism, and dedication to creating safe spaces for Black trans communities and all trans people–we are eternally grateful for Miss Major’s life, her contributions, and how deeply she poured into those she loved.”

Why it matters: Miss Majors was a lifelong activist and leader in the community — her loss will be felt deeply, and her life will continue to inspire future generations.

Trans rights activist Miss Major Griffin-Gracey passes away at age 78

Democratic gubernatorial candidate slams opponent for opposition to LGBTQ+ rights

What she did: Abigail Spanberger’s latest ad attacks her GOP opponent for Virginia governor, Winsome Earle-Sears, for opposing marriage equality and employment protections.

Why it matters: Spanberger has been attacked the entire campaign for supporting the rights of trans kids in sports. But when she struck back at Earle-Sears for opposing LGBTQ+ rights, she chose to make an ad about gay employment protections and marriage. This could be a sign of the Democrats’ strategy for 2026.

Democrat gov. candidate slams GOP opponent for opposing gay job protections

NBC News lays off reporting teams for their minority verticals, including NBC Out

Which verticals were affected by the layoffs: NBC BLK, NBC Latino, NBC Asian America, and NBC Out.

Why it matters: Corporate media invested in reporting on the LGBTQ+ community for a while in the 2010s and early 2020s, but it’s apparently taking a step back. NBC News was particularly good at this through its work under NBC Out.

NBC News layoffs end its reporting team for LGBTQ+ focused news vertical NBC Out

Here’s a picture

The right has been cracking down on rainbow crosswalks across the country, but Milwaukee just installed a new one in the city’s historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, Walker’s Point.

And here are some interesting queer and trans reads

LGBTQ Nation contributor Greg Owen talked to LGBTQ+ refugees from harrowing backgrounds who found safety in the U.S.

These LGBTQ+ refugees fled hatred & found safety in the US. Now they’re navigating Trump’s America.

LGBTQ Nation editor Molly Sprayregen reported on a teacher who was targeted for online hate because he opposed fascism, but who isn’t giving up the fight.

This gay teacher was doxxed by MAGA for opposing fascism. He’s not backing down.

LGBTQ Nation contributor Matt Keeley tells the story of Rebecca “Burger” Heineman, the first person to win a video game championship in the U.S. and an out and proud trans woman.

How an unusual nickname helped this video game legend deal with gender dysphoria

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