Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride of Delaware – Congress’ first openly transgender member – appears in the U.S. Capitol before being sworn in to the 119th Congress on Jan. 3, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)
Thirteen members of the 119th Congress are openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ), according to a Pew Research Center analysis of official biographies, news reports and candidate databases. This total includes Congress’ first openly trans member.
The number of LGBTQ members hasn’t changed since the last Congress, but it has grown markedly since the start of the 111th Congress in 2009. At that time, two members were openly gay men and one was a lesbian, according to data from the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, a political action committee that works to elect LGBTQ+ candidates.
One senator and 12 members of the House of Representatives identify as lesbian, gay, transgender or queer as of Jan. 3, when the 119th Congress was sworn in.
How we did this
This analysis is part of Pew Research Center’s work to analyze the demographic makeup of the 119th U.S. Congress. To determine the number of lawmakers in the current and previous Congresses who are openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, we used data from the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, a political action committee that works to elect LGBTQ+ politicians; Brookings Vital Statistics on Congress; and our own analysis of official biographies, campaign websites and news articles.
Our analysis reflects the 533 voting members of Congress as of Jan. 3, 2025, the first day of the new Congress. It does not include the Florida House seat vacated by former Rep. Matt Gaetz or the Senate seat that former West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice assumed on Jan. 14.
For data on the 118th Congress, we exclude Democratic Sen. Laphonza Butler who was appointed in 2023 to fill a vacancy but didn’t seek reelection. Butler was the first Black openly lesbian U.S. senator. This analysis of LGBTQ representation among senators and representatives is limited to the gender and sexual identities that have been openly represented in the U.S. Congress. As of the 119th Congress, this includes lesbian, gay, transgender and queer members. No current members publicly identify as bisexual.
The only bisexual member of the last Congress, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, did not seek reelection in 2024. That means Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin – elected in 2012 as the first openly gay senator – is again the Senate’s only LGBTQ lawmaker.
All 13 openly LGBTQ members of the new Congress are Democrats. Ten are returning members and three are new.
Across both chambers, six members are gay men. Seven are women who are gay, lesbian, transgender or queer.
Members of Congress who are openly LGBTQ account for 2.4% of the 533 voting lawmakers sworn in on Jan. 3, 2025. But LGBTQ+ Americans made up 7.6% of the adult population overall in 2023, according to Gallup surveys.
November’s election also brought several firsts at the state level. LGBTQ candidates won legislative seats in 39 states, according to Victory Fund data and news reports. In Texas, Molly Cook, who is bisexual, became the first openly LGBTQ person elected to a full term in the state Senate.
The 119th Congress is making history with the inclusion of its LGBTQ members, including the first transgender representative. This milestone marks a significant moment for representation and diversity in the legislative branch of the United States government.
The newly elected transgender representative is breaking barriers and paving the way for more LGBTQ individuals to hold positions of power and influence in Congress. Their presence serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the LGBTQ community, showing that anyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can make a difference in shaping the future of our country.
As we celebrate the achievements of these LGBTQ members in the 119th Congress, let us also continue to advocate for equality, acceptance, and inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of who they are or who they love. This is just the beginning of a more equitable and diverse political landscape, and we must continue to strive for progress and positive change.
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119th Congress, LGBTQ members, trans representative, LGBTQ rights, political representation, diversity in Congress
More than 30 years after Madonna: Truth or Dare, the documentary still has a hold on LGBTQ pop music and cinema.
In Troye Sivan‘s new Grindr campaign Tap or Block, directed by Jake Wilson and produced by Juxtapose Studio‘s Charlie Wilson (no relation), the Australian gay pop-star and his Something to Give Each Other Tour dancers discuss hotel sex, open relationships, communication and more as they pay tribute to the 1991 Alek Kesheshian and Mark Aldo Miceli-helmed documentary.
“What was really fun about this idea is it came around really organically,” Charlie Wilson tells Deadline. “Once we had Troye’s interest and Grindr’s interest, it seemed like such a natural segue from really hearing how proud Troye was about this tour and how close his relationship was with these dancers, and thinking about how Grindr is this boundary-pushing, sex-positive brand.”
He credited Tristan Pineiro, Grindr’s SVP Brand Marketing + Comms, with coming up with the concept, “something reminiscent of Madonna’s Truth or Dare, the iconic Barcelona scene where there’s the gay kiss and how Troye’s current relationship sort of mirrored that in an interesting way.”
Pineiro said the documentary was “a true awakening for so many of us,” adding, “Seeing gay people in mainstream media, talking about sex and intimacy was unheard of. So, when this opportunity with Troye, one of the biggest gay global icons, came up, Madonna’s impact was definitely something we wanted to pay homage to, while leaning into not only Troye’s and his dancers’ experiences, but the highly relatable behaviors and topics of discussion for our Grindr community.”
Documenting her controversial 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour, Truth or Dare served as an intimate behind-the-scenes look at Madonna’s relationships with her dancers, crew, friends and family, as well as then-boyfriend Warren Beatty.
Juxtapose has put $25,000 from the campaign toward writer and actor Andrew Chappelle‘s (Broadway’s Hamilton, The Tick, Blindspotting) upcoming short I’m Gonna Kill You, with matched funding from Google exec and film financier Kate Aitken. The short also received a $5,000 production grant last June when Chappelle won Inside Out 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival‘s two-minute “Pitch, Please!” competition. Filming begins in May.
Chappelle describes I’m Gonna Kill You as “a gay erotic thriller that’s set in a post-apocalyptic … all-gay colony of men, and it explores the perils of monogamy.”
The short comes after last year’s Ripe!, which Juxtapose co-founder Luke Anderson produced alongside college friend, NWSL pro Kelley O’Hara, after re-investing funds from Juxtapose’s Dick’s Sporting Goods campaign, starring Will Arnett and Kathryn Hahn. Directed by Tusk, Ripe! won Tribeca Film Festival‘s Best Narrative Short.
Troye Sivan, the Australian singer-songwriter known for his unapologetically queer music and advocacy, has recently made headlines for teaming up with Madonna to create a Grindr ad in support of LGBTQ filmmaking.
The ad, which features both Sivan and Madonna, promotes the #MadonnaXMTV campaign, a collaboration between Madonna and MTV to support LGBTQ filmmakers and storytellers. In the ad, Sivan discusses the importance of representation in media and the need for diverse voices to be heard in the film industry.
Sivan, who is openly gay, has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights and visibility in the entertainment industry. By partnering with Madonna and Grindr, he is using his platform to support and uplift LGBTQ filmmakers, helping to create more opportunities for queer stories to be told on screen.
The ad has been met with praise from fans and LGBTQ advocates, who appreciate Sivan’s continued commitment to supporting the community. With his involvement in the #MadonnaXMTV campaign, Sivan is helping to push the needle forward in the fight for LGBTQ representation in media.
Overall, Sivan’s Madonna-inspired Grindr ad is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting LGBTQ filmmakers and amplifying queer voices in the film industry. With advocates like Sivan and Madonna leading the charge, the future of LGBTQ storytelling looks brighter than ever.
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Troye Sivan, Madonna, LGBTQ, Grindr, ad, filmmaking, support LGBTQ community, LGBTQ representation, LGBTQ film industry
At the finale of the show, Chavarria walked slowly down the runway wearing the crewneck himself. The powerful moment was magnified by the words of Bishop Mariann Edger Budde playing on the loudspeakers over music. Budde led the Inaugural Prayer Service following President Trump’s inauguration on Tuesday and directly addressed him as she asked Trump to “have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”
“There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican, and Independent families, some who fear for their lives,” the sermon sounded as Chavarria made his way through the church.
The symbolic moment tied the entire evening together, proving that no law can silence someone’s true identity. Aside from the crewneck, Chavarria bought billboards and displays throughout Paris to boost the same notion. “[It’s just really the promotion of love and dignity in this really beautiful, elegant, artistic way.”
@lucatombolini
Willy Chavarria’s show was one of the hottest seats in town, as models included Paloma Elsesser, Bad Bunny’s brother Bernie Martínez Ocasio, rapper Tokischa, Becky G, and more. J Balvin surprised attendees with a performance amongst the models, and a string quartet played off and on.
This isn’t the first time Chavarria has used his runway shows to make a statement. Last season, the designer’s show, “América” was a celebration of his Mexican-American heritage and a nod to the farm workers of America, with reworked uniforms featuring cargo pockets and long keychains. He also partnered with the ACLU and again walked out during the finale wearing a shirt with the nonprofit logo.
Tinder’s own mission has focused on causes that relate to their company, including LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights. The dating app company has worked with designers in the past to raise awareness for a cause — including partnering with Area to create a “Bans Off Our Bodies” shirt that debuted at New York Fashion Week in September. The collaboration included a large donation to Planned Parenthood and invited several volunteers to watch the runway show. Much like reproductive rights, Tinder’s other focus is on LGBTQ+ rights.
When working with Chavarria, Tinder’s Global Chief Marketing Officer Melissa Hobley told Teen Vogue that the designer was curious about their intentions.
“We had the chance to talk to him about connection and about loneliness and about the LGBTQ community and how important it was to have an experience for them and to take a stand,” Hobley said. “Part of our job at Tinder is to understand the rights that are at stake for the LGBTQ community.”
She continued: “Human Rights Campaign is a leader in that space and we’ve had a long relationship with them and supported a lot of their initiatives… It was a really easy, fun, and creative process with [Willy].”
As for Chavarria, he has always planted one foot firmly in social justice through his work, and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon. In 2017, the designer made a statement about putting Mexican immigrants in cages at the border, while those close to him tried to warn him against doing so.
Willy Chavarria’s Paris Fashion Week Debut Made LGBTQ+ Rights Front and Center
Willy Chavarria made a powerful statement at his debut show at Paris Fashion Week, shining a spotlight on LGBTQ+ rights. The renowned designer, known for his bold and unapologetic approach to fashion, used his platform to advocate for equality and acceptance.
Chavarria’s collection featured a diverse cast of models, representing a range of gender identities and sexual orientations. The runway was a celebration of individuality and self-expression, with each look exuding confidence and pride.
The designer also incorporated powerful messages of inclusivity into his designs, with slogans like “Love is Love” and “Pride” emblazoned on t-shirts and jackets. Chavarria’s use of vibrant colors and bold prints further emphasized his message of acceptance and unity.
In a time when LGBTQ+ rights are still under threat in many parts of the world, Chavarria’s show served as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for equality. By using his platform to amplify marginalized voices, the designer made a bold statement that will resonate far beyond the runway.
Overall, Willy Chavarria’s Paris Fashion Week debut was a triumph of style and substance, showcasing the beauty and power of diversity in the fashion industry. His commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and representation is a shining example for other designers to follow, and a reminder that fashion can be a force for positive change.
The 41st annual Sundance Film Festival kicks off Thursday in Park City, Utah, with a heady slate of 90 feature-length films from around the globe. Each film will also screen in nearby Salt Lake City at least once during the festival, which runs through Feb. 2.
Long at the forefront of breaking the best and most daring in LGBTQ cinema, Sundance will bring the goods again, with 15 dramatic and documentary features on the exciting and largely upbeat roster.
“The list is really celebratory,” Sundance programmer Ash Hoyle said. “Sometimes the queer community, we’re so good at looking at and documenting our own histories and our own struggles — and that’s certainly at play with a lot of these, as well — but the tone this year is overwhelmingly really optimistic and really celebratory.”
Jennifer Lopez stars alongside Diego Luna in an extravagant musical remake of the 1985 queer classic “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” while Bowen Yang co-stars with Lily Gladstone in a reimagining of the 1993 gay favorite “The Wedding Banquet.”
A host of returning Sundance directors and LGBTQ audience favorites will also premiere their latest works, including Ira Sachs (“Peter Hujar’s Day”), Zackary Drucker (“Enigma”) and Elegance Bratton (“Move Ya Body: The Birth of House”).
Last year’s Sundance Film Festival premiered several of the year’s most acclaimed LGBTQ titles, including Jane Schoenbrun’s “I Saw the TV Glow,” which recently picked up nine Dorian Award nominations from GALECA, the Society of LGBTQ+ Entertainment Critics.
“I think this shows how audiences are craving something different and films that are in breaking the mold and filmmakers like Jane who are willing to take risks in their work,” said Sundance’s director of programming, Kim Yutani.
Fortunately for those who can’t attend the festival, more than half of this year’s LGBTQ titles will also be available for ticketed online screening starting Jan. 30.
Here are the LGBTQ features that will premiere this year:
Olivia Coleman and John Lithgow in “Jimpa” by Sophie Hyde.Mark De Blok / Sundance Institute
“We’re starting off the festival on Day One with Sophie Hyde’s latest film,” Yutani said. “She’s had many films at the festival — most recently ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’ — but this feels like her most personal film as she looks at intergenerational relationships, with a character who is a filmmaker played by Olivia Colman. Sophie’s own child, Aud Mason-Hyde, is one of the main actors, which adds another layer of things as a close personal story. It’s a really fun film — it’s set in Amsterdam; it’s John Lithgow as you’ve never seen him before.”
Chase Strangio in “Heightened Scrutiny” by Sam Feder.Courtesy Sundance Institute
“Particularly exciting is Sam Feder’s new film that follows Chase Strangio, the ACLU lawyer who went to the Supreme Court for litigation this year,” Hoyle said. “It’s just one of many really prescient, urgent films that are in the festival this year. Really grateful for Sam’s voice in the program and being able to really meet the moment that we’re in in the U.S. this year.”
Dylan O’Brien and James Sweeney in “Twinless” by James Sweeney.Greg Cotten / Sundance Institute
“This one is definitely one that’s already sort of buzzing around and people are going to be really excited by,” Hoyle said of the film about two young men who meet in a twin bereavement group and form an unlikely bromance. “Talk about daring — this is a film about messy dark queerness, with a really interesting angle. It’s funny, it’s sexy, and it’s actually one of a great number of films in U.S. Dramatic Competition this year that are written, directed and starred in by a singular voice, James Sweeney.” (available online)
Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, Han Gi-Chan and Bowen Yang in “The Wedding Banquet” by Andrew Ahn.Luka Cyprian / Sundance Institute
“This one has all the right elements, like the fun, starry cast [including Yang and Gladstone] and direction by Andrew Ahn — who made the beloved ‘Spa Night’ and ‘Fire Island,’ of course — and he co-wrote the script with James Schamus, who was the writer of the original ‘Wedding Banquet,’” said Yutani. “It’s not a direct remake, but rather it uses the Ang Lee film as more of a launchpad to tell its own story.”
Tonatiuh and Diego Luna in “Kiss of the Spider Woman” by Bill Condon.Courtesy Sundance Institute
Already a 1985 queer film classic and a 1993 Tony-sweeping musical, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is reimagined here as a movie musical by director Bill Condon (“Dreamgirls,” “Gods and Monsters”) with stars Lopez and Luna. “This film has such amazing performances and old-school Hollywood grandeur. We couldn’t be happier that this, too, will be one of the buzziest titles at the festival.”
Vince Lawrence and Jesse Saunders in “Move Ya Body: The Birth of House” by Elegance Bratton.Vince Lawrence / Sundance Institute
“This doc by Elegance Bratton looks at the history of house music and its birthplace in Chicago and of course the queer Black community from which the scene erupted,” Hoyle said. “This film has an amazing cast of characters, folks who really touched and started the scene. And it’s really insightful around how some of the history of race in the city and gender politics played into the evolution of house music and which communities have taken it forward and of course gotten credit and financial success from it.”
Amanda Lear in “Enigma” by Zackary Drucker.Lys Arango / Sundance Institute
This documentary feature from Zackary Drucker, who co-directed 2023’s “The Stroll,” explores the lives of two legendary transgender women: English model April Ashley and French singer Amanda Lear. “This is a really fun title that looks at two divergent lives and how they explore and foil one another in terms of how a person navigates queer community,” said Hoyle, who added that the film is a “fascinating story and a rich look at trans history.”
Nina Rask and Magnus Juhl Andersen in “Sauna” by Mathias Broe.Christian Geisnæs / Sundance Institute
Hoyle said this narrative feature “feels so nuanced to a degree that it’s really not anything I’ve seen before. It explores gay male affinity spaces and how trans men do and don’t fit into those. It’s also a romantic love story, but it doesn’t shy away from the parts of love and infatuation that are really approximate to jealousy and to competition. As we hear more and more conversation around belonging and inclusivity, this is a film that is really complicating ‘What exactly does that mean? What does that look like? Where is that easy, and where is it really hard?’”
Ben Whishaw in “Peter Hujar’s Day” by Ira Sachs.Courtesy Sundance Institute
“Ira Sachs [‘Keep the Lights On,’ ‘Passages’] is one of the filmmakers who has played Sundance the most, if not the most,” Yutani said. “This one we were attracted to because it is so different from his other work. I think one of the exciting things about Ira is just how he continues to challenge himself and to work in almost different forms. This is an adaptation of an interview with the artist Peter Hujar, and it’s basically a monologue that Ben Whishaw delivers so exquisitely. This is just a special film that transports you to a different time, a different place, a specific place, and it’s just made with such a delicate touch.”
Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley in “Come See Me in the Good Light” by Ryan White.Brandon Somerhalder / Sundance Institute
“This film is a gut punch,” Hoyle said. “It’s a beautiful portrait of the poet laureate of Colorado, Andrea Gibson, who’s a real talent and who’s navigating a really difficult cancer diagnosis with their girlfriend. It’s a beautiful portrait of their relationship and their sort of loving intellectual approach to the process of dying. And then, of course, it’s interwoven with their poetry, which is just relentlessly moving. This is not one to miss, but not one to attend without a full packet of Kleenex.”
Sally Ride, the subject of “Sally” by Cristina Costantini.NASA via Sundance Institute
This documentary about the life of astronaut Sally Ride “really has everything,” Hoyle said. “It’s got a queer love story, it has an analysis of the implications, and it’s a great way to track the way that being out has changed in the public eye over the years since Sally Ride’s career. It’s also a really incisive look at the culture at NASA, both around queer staff and female staff, in a way that’s just really, really eye-opening. We have here such a triumphant look at our own space program but especially at this time, when we’re seeing gender politics play out in that space so loudly.”
Bhushaan Manoj and Suraaj Suman in “Sabar Bonda” (“Cactus Pears”) by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade.Vikas Urs / Sundance Institute
“This is a semi-autobiographical film about a young man who goes back to his hometown in India and is struggling to be true to his own identity with his family,” Yutani said. “The kind of pastoral gay story that it’s telling is a really special one. It’s probably one of the more explicit gay films I’ve seen out of India, too.”
A still from “GEN_” by Gianluca Matarrese.Bellota Films/Stemal Entertainment/Elefants Films/Sundance Institute
This documentary feature “focuses on a doctor in Milan, Dr. Bini, and we have a very intimate look at how he communicates with his patients, quite a few of whom are dealing with their gender identity,” Yutani said. “If this film offers anything, it’s offering optimism and what medical treatment for all people could be. And it is truly extraordinary to see this doctor at work.”
Tom Blyth and Russell Tovey in “Plainclothes” by Carmen Emmi.Ethan Palmer / Sundance Institute
“This is a period piece about the ’90s, a fun look back into very recent history about a plainclothes police officer who’s entrapping gay men in mall bathrooms and then ends up having an exploration of his own sexuality through the role play that he’s engaging in,” Hoyle said. “One of the things we responded to about this film is just how exquisitely it’s made. We were so excited to see a first-time filmmaker executing technically at the level that Carmen [Emmi] is in a first feature. It’s just beautifully made, really precise and really interesting narrative terrain.”
Santiago Pineda and Sofía Buenaventura in “Rains Over Babel” by Gala del Sol.Sten Tadashi Olson / Sundance Institute
This feature film from Colombia is centered on a group of misfits who hang out a dive bar that doubles as purgatory, according to the film’s description on Sundance’s website. Yutani described it as a “very attractive film with kind of this weird goth punk feel to it” and said it “completely builds its own landscape that is just totally unique.”
The Sundance Film Festival has always been a platform for groundbreaking and innovative cinema, and in 2025, it is pushing boundaries even further with a lineup that explores uncharted queer territory and reimagines LGBTQ classics.
From bold new voices in the queer filmmaking community to fresh takes on beloved LGBTQ stories, Sundance 2025 promises to be a celebration of diversity, representation, and creativity.
Highlights of the festival include a reimagining of the classic film “Brokeback Mountain” from a trans perspective, a documentary exploring the intersection of queerness and disability, and a coming-of-age story about a young non-binary person navigating love and identity.
Sundance 2025 is a festival that is not afraid to challenge norms, break stereotypes, and showcase the full spectrum of queer experiences. Get ready to be inspired, moved, and transformed by the powerful storytelling on display at this year’s festival.
LGBT campaigners say dem dey worry say one executive order wey US President Donald Trump issue on diversity programmes, transgender and LGBT rights dey “dangerous” and fit threaten dia work for oda kontri.
But conservative groups welcome di move and dem tell BBC say e go help redirect resources.
Di order, wey dem call “Defending women from gender ideology extremism and restoring biological truth to federal goment” declare say di US officially recognise only two genders: male and female.
E say all goment employees wey dey act in official capacity must use di term “sex” and not “gender” for policies and documents.
Official documents, including passports, go dey based on di sex wey dem bin record wen dem born di pesin, wey dem describe as “individual immutable biological classification” – and again, must be male or female.
President Trump also order make all US goment staff wey dey work on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) schemes apply for immediate paid administrative leave, before dem close di offices and programmes in question.
Dis na reverse of policies wey dem establish under the Biden administration wey support laws wey protect employees from discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
Joe Biden introduce changes to allow US citizens select X as dia gender marker on dia passport application as alternative to male or female.
Wia dis foto come from, Getty Images
Dis new order from President Trump, dey “dangerous” Julia Ehrt, executive director for ILGA World, one global federation of LGBT+ organisations tok, and add say e fit “snowball into reversing historic advances for global LGBTI equality”.
She fear say e “set precedent wey fit to inspire similar initiatives for oda kontris” and say “dis kian tok from di new US president go make authoritarian leaders across di world to scale up dia game of making minorities scapegoating”.
However, in some ways President Trump executive order echo acts by Argentina president, Javier Milei, wey come office for December 2023.
President Milei close di kontri Women, Gender and Diversity Ministry and di National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism (INADI), and im say dis dey necessary to reduce “unnecessary public spending”.
And President Trump order don begin attract public support from some outside US.
“Trump na strong and influential force,” Alma Sanchez, 25-year-old doctor for Honduras, tok. “Biden administration finance gender and diversity programmes for our kontri – Trump executive order mean say financing for dis kain programme for kontris like Honduras go stop, dat na good tin for us.”
Sanchez na part of Generacion Celeste, one conservative lobby group for Honduras for pipo wey dey under 30.
“Our President Xiomara Castro waste resources dey appoint secretary of gender inclusivity and diversity, following lead from Biden administration.”
Sanchez hope say her kontri go now change path and follow President Trump lead instead. “Honduras na Christian kontri, wit traditional values. Resources suppose go to education, and healthcare.”
Dis move also receive support from groups wey dey criticise di concept of gender identity, as well as some religious groups.
Bishop John Praise Daniel, vice-president of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, tell Voice of America say im welcome executive order wia gender roles dey clarified as binary – male and female – and not fluid.
“We no need dat confusion,” im say. “Bring back righteousness, order and sanity to society.”
Pesin gender identity no always dey di same as di sex wey dem record for dia original birth certificate, wey be either male or female
Gender identity na term wey some dey use to describe how pesin tink of im identity, dis fit be female, male, or exist on a spectrum
According to World Health Organisation, gender identity na social construct, and dey different from society to society and fit change over time
As of November 2024, 21 kontris including Argentina, Pakistan and Nepal, allow gender self-identification without any legal or medical approval
For United States, about 1.6% of adults identify as transgender or non-binary, according to Pew Research Centre. And for one 2023 global survey wey Statistica do, 3% of respondents from 30 kontris identify demsef as transgender or non-binary.
Some global human rights campaigners dey worry say di US executive order fit affect grassroots organisations for kontris wia dem get only small support for trans pipo.
No legal recognition of transgender pipo for some kontirs, like Kenya, and small local organisations rely on US Agency for International Development (USAID) for financial support for LGBT+ pipo.
Groups wey dey support women and gender equality dey also collect funding from USAID – for 2023, President Biden budget bin request for approximately $2.6 billion for foreign assistance programmes wey promote gender equity and equality worldwide, more dan double di amount from 2022.
Wia dis foto come from, Getty Images
Wetin we call dis foto, Some LGBT services for places like India dey currently receive US funding
But “Trump executive order mean say important work wey rely on USAID dey under threat of being defunded”, Patsey Githinji, one transgender activist and influencer for Nairobi tok.
“Funding dey help vulnerable communities for Kenya connect wit oda.
E dey also help provide healthcare and psychosocial support,” she tok.
International gender experts also fear spillover of anti-transgender rhetoric to oda parts of di world.
India officially recognise “Hijra” as third gender, afta Supreme Court order for 2014.
Dem fit mark dis identity on official documents including passports.
However di US executive order dey worry many for South Asia, Rohit K Dasgupta, associate professor of gender and sexuality for London School of Economics and Political Science and co-author of Desi Queers, say.
“I don tok to many queer and trans activists for India wia I dey mainly research and work. Dem dey share concerns say dat kain policies dey hardly remain inside US borders,” im tok. “Dis rollback fit disproportionately impact di most vulnerable, including trans pipo of colour.”
US executive orders dey mostly get limitations and dia implementation fit dey delayed or blocked by legal challenges or opposition from Congress.
And although President Trump act sharply, e go take some time to work out wetin dis mean not just for Americans, but also ppipo for di rest of di world.
Trump on transgender, LGBTQ and sex – What does the ‘two genders’ policy mean for the world?
Recently, former President Donald Trump made headlines once again with his controversial views on transgender individuals, LGBTQ rights, and the concept of gender. In a statement, Trump declared that there are only “two genders” and expressed his support for policies that reflect this belief.
This stance has sparked a heated debate among activists, politicians, and the general public. Many argue that Trump’s insistence on a binary understanding of gender is harmful and exclusionary, particularly for transgender and non-binary individuals who do not fit into traditional definitions of male and female.
Critics also point out that Trump’s policies could have far-reaching consequences for the LGBTQ community, potentially rolling back important protections and rights that have been hard-won over the years. By promoting a rigid and outdated view of gender, Trump’s administration may be setting a dangerous precedent that could lead to increased discrimination and marginalization of LGBTQ individuals.
On the other hand, some supporters of Trump’s stance argue that he is simply upholding traditional values and protecting the sanctity of biological sex. They believe that policies based on a binary understanding of gender are necessary to maintain social order and moral standards.
Regardless of where you stand on this issue, it is clear that Trump’s views on transgender, LGBTQ, and sex have the potential to shape the future of equality and human rights around the world. As we continue to grapple with these complex and deeply personal issues, it is more important than ever to engage in open and respectful dialogue to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Tags:
Trump, transgender, LGBTQ, sex, two genders, policy, world, implications, controversy, debate, equality, discrimination, rights, social issues, politics, current events
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The Bishop of Washington, Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, made a plea to President Donald Trump, who was in-person at an inaugural prayer service, to have “mercy” on Americans, particularly immigrants and LGBTQ people.Jan. 21, 2025
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In a recent statement, Bishop Mariann Budde of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington has called on President Trump to show mercy and compassion towards LGBTQ individuals and immigrants. She expressed concern over the administration’s policies that she believes are causing harm and division within communities.
Bishop Budde urged the president to consider the impact of his decisions on vulnerable populations and to prioritize justice and equality for all people. She emphasized the importance of treating others with respect and dignity, regardless of their background or identity.
As a leader in the faith community, Bishop Budde’s plea for mercy reflects the values of compassion and inclusivity that are central to many religious traditions. She hopes that her message will resonate with the president and inspire positive change in policies that affect marginalized groups.
It remains to be seen how President Trump will respond to Bishop Budde’s call for mercy, but the bishop’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of adversity. Let us hope that her message will be heard and that steps will be taken to promote a more just and compassionate society for all.
Saudi Arabian outlet VGA4A has reported that Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 has been banned in the region due to an unstoppable LGBTQ sequence.
This isn’t the first time that the country has banned a video game for its inclusion of LGBTQ content. The Last of Us Part II was refused release in Saudi Arabia due to it featuring a same-sex relationship, as well as its inclusion of a trans character.
Right now it is not known what the scene in question is, but we do know that Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 features sex and nudity, so there’s no reason why this won’t also feature LGBTQ content. However, right now an official statement from developer Warhorse Studios hasn’t been made yet, so keep that in mind.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is slated for release on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S on February 11, 2025. Earlier this week, Warhorse Studios’ Daniel Vavra claimed that the game’s script is the longest ever in a video game, including current record holder Baldur’s Gate III.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Reportedly Banned In Saudi Arabia Due To Unskippable LGBTQ Scene
Reports have surfaced that the highly anticipated sequel to Kingdom Come Deliverance has been banned in Saudi Arabia due to a controversial unskippable LGBTQ scene. The scene in question reportedly depicts a romantic relationship between two male characters, sparking outrage among conservative groups in the country.
The ban comes as a disappointment to many fans of the popular RPG series, as Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 was highly anticipated and expected to be a major hit upon its release. The decision to ban the game has sparked debate among gamers and activists, with some arguing that censorship of LGBTQ content is a violation of free speech and artistic expression.
Despite the ban in Saudi Arabia, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is still set to be released in other countries around the world. It remains to be seen whether other countries will follow suit and ban the game due to its LGBTQ content.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Tags:
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, Saudi Arabia, LGBTQ scene, banned game, censorship, video game controversy, LGBTQ representation, gaming news, Saudi Arabia censorship, LGBTQ rights
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 developer Warhorse Studios has responded to controversy surrounding the game involving LGBTQ scenes in the RPG. The start of the controversy begins in Saudi Arabia, where it is being reported by VGA4A that the highly anticipated RPG has been banned from release “due to unskippable gay scenes.” These reports then prompted inquiries from some — fueled by the ongoing culture war in gaming — about these scenes. And then the controversy grew from here with accusations that Warhorse Studios began to crack down on the backlash and feedback with forum bans and a new code of conduct. It’s become one of the biggest talking points in gaming this week, and is now at the center of the aforementioned culture war in gaming.
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All of this prompted Daniel Vavra — the co-founder of Warhorse Studios and the creative director on Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 — to issue a statement on the matter. The statement doesn’t address the scenes in question, not directly at least, nor the extra controversy involving the forum bans and new code of conduct, but tackles it from a more zoomed out perspective.
“Turns out that we are once again in the middle of a rather bizarre ‘culture war,’ this time from the opposite side than usual,” writes Vavra. “So here’s a statement, but I’d hate to spoil the plot of the game for the sake of it.”
The statement reads: “The game is exactly what I wanted it to be. No one has tried to influence me as an artist in any way, and anyone who knows me knows I wouldn’t let them anyway. Every character in the game has a very clear reason to be where they are, which you’ll understand when you play the game. Our goal was, and still is, to show life in medieval Bohemia as it easily could have happened and to tell an interesting story.”
The statement continues: “At the same time, it is a ROLE PLAYING GAME, so it is purely up to the player what decisions they make and for all the decisions they make, they are responsible for the consequences that correspond to the morals and social norms of the time. I don’t want to spoil the plot, the important events and the roles of some of the characters for anyone, so you’ll have to see for yourself by playing the game and then | strongly believe you’ll agree with me.”
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is set to release worldwide on February 4, 2025 via PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. It remains to be seen if this controversy will have a negative impact on the game’s sales. So far, games that have been sucked into the gaming culture war have suffered for it, but this incident hasn’t blown up too much, which could lead to it having minimal impact.
For more Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 coverage — including the latest KCD2 news, the latest KCD2 rumors and leaks, and the latest KCD2 speculation — click here.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the hit RPG game, has responded to the controversy surrounding a LGBTQ scene in the game.
In a statement released by the game developers, they clarified that the scene in question was included as a way to portray a diverse and inclusive world within the game. They emphasized that their goal is to create a game that reflects the complexities and nuances of medieval society, including different sexual orientations and identities.
The developers also addressed concerns from some players who felt that the scene was out of place in a historical setting. They explained that while they strive for historical accuracy in many aspects of the game, they also believe in the importance of representation and inclusivity in gaming.
Overall, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 stands by their decision to include the LGBTQ scene and remains committed to creating a game that is both immersive and socially conscious. Fans can look forward to experiencing a rich and diverse world when the game is released.
Tags:
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, LGBTQ controversy, LGBTQ representation, video game controversy, gaming news, LGBTQ community, LGBTQ inclusion, video game controversy response, Kingdom Come Deliverance sequel, LGBTQ characters, LGBTQ controversy response, LGBTQ representation in gaming.
Restrictions on Title IX have been include in the new Republican rules package (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
House Republicans revealed their proposed rules package for the 119th Congress and it includes a measure to restrict Title IX protections for trans people.
The proposed rules package – which the incoming Congress is scheduled to vote on this Friday (3 January) – includes a raft of changes to the House’s order of operations such as making it more difficult to remove the speaker of the House, changing the names of committees, eliminate the House Office of Diversity and Inclusion and allowing committees to adopt electronic voting.
As well as this, the 36-page package also set the stage for fast-tracked consideration of several Republican bills, including amending immigration laws, prohibit any moratorium on fracking and define Title IX protections solely on the basis on biological sex – effectively preventing protection from discrimination for trans athletes.
The section focused on Title IX reads: “…amend the Education Amendments of 1972 to provide that for purposes of determining compliance with title IX of such Act in athletics, sex shall be recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”
Demonstrators listen to the speaking program during an “Our Bodies, Our Sports” rally for the 50th anniversary of Title IX at Freedom Plaza on June 23, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Title IX is a landmark piece of civil rights legislation which protects people from discrimination based on sex, in education programmes or activities that receive federal financial assistance, and is best-known for ensuring gender equality in college sports.
The statute reads: ″No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
In April 2024, president Joe Biden finalised new anti-discrimination rules – first proposed in 2022 – which aim to protect people in public schools from sex-based discrimination and harassment, providing explicit protections for LGBTQ+ pupils and expressly prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
However, several Republican-controlled states vowed to reject the law, suing the Biden administration and labelling the legislation “illegal, undemocratic and divorced from reality”, claiming it puts “women at risk”.
“The Department recognizes that there are multiple pending lawsuits related to the application of Title IX in the context of gender identity, including lawsuits related to Title IX’s application to athletic eligibility criteria in a variety of factual contexts,” a press release from the department on 26 December states.
“In light of the comments received and those various pending court cases, the Department has determined not to regulate on this issue at this time. Therefore, the Department hereby withdraws the Athletics NPRM and terminates this rulemaking proceeding.”
Notably absent in the new rules package there was Republican Nancy Mace’s Capitol anti-trans bathroom ban, which she previously said house speaker Mike Johnson “assured [her] it would be in the House rules package”.
Nancy Mace’s bathroom ban does not appear to be in the rules package (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
South Carolina congresswoman Mace introduced the resolution back in November which sought to prohibit trans lawmakers – namely targeting incoming Democrat Sarah McBride – from using “single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex.”
Mace admitted she solely proposed the ban because of McBride, who will become the first-ever out trans member of congress when she is sworn in on Friday.
When the resolution was passed – ironically on Trans Day of Remembrance – Johnson said: “Single-sex facilities in the Capitol and house office buildings, such as restrooms, changing rooms and locker rooms, are reserved for individuals of that biological sex. Women deserve women’s only spaces”.
However, with it not being included in the new rules package it leaves trans lawmakers and staffers in the Capitol a state of limbo.
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Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities, has long been a critical protection for LGBTQ+ students. However, recent moves by Republican lawmakers have put these protections under fire.
In a rules package introduced by House Republicans, language was included that would narrow the definition of “sex” under Title IX to refer only to biological sex, effectively excluding transgender and gender non-conforming individuals from its protections. This change would have devastating consequences for LGBTQ+ students, who already face high rates of discrimination and violence in schools.
By eroding Title IX protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, Republicans are sending a dangerous message that discrimination and exclusion are acceptable in our education system. It is crucial that we fight back against these harmful policies and stand up for the rights of all students, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
We must urge lawmakers to reject these discriminatory changes and support inclusive policies that protect all students. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and we must continue to advocate for equality and justice for all. #TitleIX #LGBTQ+ #ProtectTransKids
Tags:
Title IX, LGBTQ+ protections, Republican rules, LGBTQ+ rights, Title IX protections, Republican legislation, LGBTQ+ discrimination, Title IX changes, LGBTQ+ community, LGBTQ+ activism
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