LGBTQ+ Rights Take Center Stage at “No Kings” Protests Across the Country
What happened: Around 7 million people participated in demonstrations nationwide, protesting the administration’s policies. One of the key points of discontent expressed at the protests was the administration’s attacks on LGBTQ+ people. In a notable show of support, a U.S. senator wore a trans flag during the events.
Why it matters: Despite some Democratic Party insiders suggesting that LGBTQ+ issues might be downplayed or abandoned in future elections, the values of equality and inclusion remain deeply important to the party’s liberal base.
Insights for the LGBTQ+ Community
President Grants Clemency to Disgraced Former Congressman George Santos
Why was he in jail? George Santos was sentenced to seven years in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, a sentence he began to serve this summer. However, the president granted him clemency, citing party affiliation as the reason—Santos is a Republican.
Why it matters: Santos’ victims were denied justice, and his release raises concerns that he may continue to commit scams. The decision highlights the politicization of the criminal justice system.
Amy Coney Barrett Explains Why She Doesn’t Think the Supreme Court Will Overturn Marriage Equality
Her reasoning: The Supreme Court has yet to decide whether to take up Kim Davis’ challenge to Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark case legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. Justice Coney Barrett believes there are too many “social reliance interests” at stake to overturn it. People have built their lives around marriage equality, and businesses and local governments have as well, making reversal difficult for the Court.
Why it matters: As one of six conservative justices, Coney Barrett’s position suggests that, at least this year, overturning Obergefell would require all five other conservatives to unite—a significant hurdle.
Federal Judge Blocks Administration’s Plans to Halt Funding to Pro-Trans Schools in 16 States and D.C.
What the president wanted: The president ordered schools to deny the existence of trans people and demanded that “gender ideology” be removed from federally funded sex education programs. Schools that failed to comply faced the threat of losing federal funding.
Why it matters: For many LGBTQ+ young people, school is the only place where they might learn about their identities. Blocking this directive ensures that students continue to have access to accurate information about gender, as schools are more likely to comply with the court’s ruling than risk funding cuts.
Maine Governor Janet Mills Highlights Support for Trans Rights as She Announces Senate Campaign
What she said: “I told him I’d see him in court,” Mills recalled, referring to the administration’s attempt to pressure the state to ban trans athletes by cutting funding. “Well, we did see him in court, and we won.”
Why it matters: Some Democrats are realizing that standing up to the administration can lead to victories. Moreover, they are doing so in defense of trans rights—even in states that aren’t traditionally deep blue.
Photos from the “No Kings” Protests
LGBTQ+ issues were a central concern at the “No Kings” protests on October 18. Here are some photos capturing the energy and spirit of those demonstrations.
Recommended Queer and Trans Reads
- Daniel Villarreal, editor at LGBTQ Nation, spoke with a gay Iraqi refugee in Dallas whose life has been deeply impacted by the current administration. He now fears for his future.
- Greg Owen, contributor to LGBTQ Nation, interviewed Senate candidate Dakarai Larriett about the unjust arrest that inspired his campaign, his experiences growing up gay in Alabama, and encounters with ghosts.
- Faefyx Collington, columnist at LGBTQ Nation, argues why it is time to question the president’s mental health and consider invoking the 25th Amendment to remove him from office.
