A social media comment by Jennifer Martin, executive director of Shop Local Raleigh, criticizing transgender individuals sparked backlash among Raleigh's small business community, leading to calls for accountability, a petition, and some businesses distancing themselves from Shop Local Raleigh, highlighting ongoing issues of diversity and inclusion.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre affirmed President Biden's support for the transgender community in response to Pope Francis' declaration condemning gender theory. The Pope's document, "Dignitas Infinita," addresses various modern-day issues and reaffirms the Catholic Church's stance on gender theory, abortion, and surrogate pregnancies. While declining to comment on the document specifically, Jean-Pierre emphasized Biden's advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and protections, stating that the President will continue to support the transgender community in the U.S.
Transgender Day of Visibility, celebrated on March 31st, is a day to honor and raise awareness about transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive individuals. It was created to celebrate their lives while acknowledging the discrimination they face. President Biden issued a proclamation recognizing the day in 2024. Tori Cooper, a Black trans woman, emphasizes the importance of supporting the trans community through voting, open dialogue, and education. Financial support for local trans-serving organizations is also crucial, as they understand the specific needs of their communities.
Gina Carano revealed that Pedro Pascal, her co-star on "The Mandalorian," tried to help her during the online backlash she faced for her controversial comments. She said Pascal suggested she put #transrights in her feed to appease critics, but she declined, stating it's not her style. Carano was fired from the show in 2021 and is now working with Elon Musk's X to sue Disney for wrongful termination. She emphasized that she's not homophobic or transphobic and shared that she and Pascal recently spoke after the death of their co-star, Carl Weathers.
Lady Gaga speaks out against the "appalling" hatred directed at transgender actor and activist Dylan Mulvaney following their International Women’s Day post, emphasizing that such vitriol is not "backlash" but violence. Gaga expresses her protective stance towards Mulvaney and the transgender community, urging for equal celebration of all women and people. Mulvaney responds with gratitude, having previously shared her struggles with online bullying. This isn't the first time Mulvaney has faced hate, as she also received backlash for a sponsored post for Bud Light, which was boycotted by some, but the company remained committed to supporting the LGBTQ community.
Cecilia Gentili, known for her role in "Pose" and her advocacy for the LGBTQ community, has passed away at the age of 52. She was a beloved actress, activist, and author, and had a significant impact on the transgender community. Gentili's work extended to partnering with organizations to provide healthcare for sex workers and advocating for the decriminalization of sex work. Her passing has been mourned by her co-stars, fellow activists, and the LGBTQ community.
Will Ferrell's new documentary "Will & Harper" follows his cross-country road trip with longtime friend Harper Steele, who came out as a trans woman in 2022. The film explores their friendship, Steele's transition, and the impact on Ferrell's understanding of the transgender community. The documentary, which received positive reviews at the Sundance Film Festival, aims to provide insight and spark conversations about the trans experience.
Will Ferrell premiered the documentary "Will & Harper" at the Sundance Film Festival, which explores his relationship with best friend Harper Steele, who came out as transgender in 2022. Ferrell admitted to having "zero knowledge" about the trans community before Harper's revelation, and the film aims to provide insight into their journey as friends navigating this new stage of their relationship. The documentary, seeking distribution, offers an intimate portrait of friendship, transition, and America.
Will Ferrell premiered the documentary "Will & Harper" at the Sundance Film Festival, which explores his friendship with Harper Steele, a transgender woman. The film follows their cross-country road trip as they navigate Harper's transition, offering a glimpse into their intimate portrait of friendship and the transgender experience. Ferrell expressed his initial lack of knowledge about the trans community and hopes the documentary will provide an opportunity for cisgender individuals to ask questions and listen. The documentary is seeking distribution following its premiere at Sundance.
Dave Chappelle has stirred controversy again with his latest Netflix special "The Dreamer," where he makes contentious remarks about the transgender and disabled communities. Despite previous backlash for similar comments in his special "The Closer," which led to Netflix employee walkouts and protests, Chappelle continues to address these subjects in his comedy. Netflix has acknowledged the hurt caused by such content and admits there is more work to be done regarding internal and external content policies.
Guitarist Carlos Santana has issued an apology to the transgender community for his "insensitive comments" made during a concert in Atlantic City. In a statement, Santana expressed his desire to honor and respect all individuals' ideals and beliefs, acknowledging that his words had hurt people. The musician also mentioned his goal of promoting happiness, freedom of belief, and authenticity. Santana's comments come amidst a surge in anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures across the United States.
Russian lawmakers have passed a bill outlawing gender reassignment procedures, including changing one's gender in official documents and public records. The bill also annuls marriages in which one person has changed gender and prohibits transgender individuals from becoming foster or adoptive parents. The bill, which is seen as part of the Kremlin's efforts to protect "traditional values," must now be passed by the upper chamber and signed by President Putin. The move has drawn criticism from LGBTQ rights advocates and medical professionals, who argue that it denies necessary medical interventions and infringes on human rights.
U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle has struck down Florida's anti-transgender healthcare rule that denied Medicare beneficiaries coverage for gender-affirming care, calling it a huge win for the transgender community. The ruling came in response to a successful challenge by Lambda Legal, Southern Legal Counsel, Florida Health Justice Project, the National Health Law Program, and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman in the case of Dekker v. Weida. The fight for equality is ongoing, but these rulings should be celebrated and seen as motivation for further calls to action.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones signed an executive order in support of the transgender community, citing recent state legislation restricting access to gender-affirming care and sports competitions. The order includes increasing access to information about gender-affirming care, providing safe opportunities for trans youth to participate in sports, ensuring city government is inclusive of transgender residents, and promoting economic development that supports gender inclusivity. The order also calls for gender-inclusive restrooms in city government buildings and training for city employees on gender inclusivity and discrimination. St. Louis has a non-discrimination ordinance that forbids discrimination based on gender identity and expression.
Author Judy Blume clarifies her support for the transgender community after her comments in support of J.K. Rowling were taken out of context. Blume now states that she wholly supports the trans community and disagrees with anyone who does not fully support equality and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ people. Rowling has become a controversial figure for her statements on trans issues.