⛔ 2023 was the worst year for LGBTQ+ state legislation: HRC

Plus, another death occurred on an Atlantis cruise Happy Tuesday, 🚨 The Human Rights Campaign [published a disturbing report today]( that found 2023 to be the worst year in U.S. history for [LGBTQ]( state legislation. While some states did make progress on LGBTQ+ rights — looking at you, Michigan — other states...well, they rolled them back. HRC's Cathryn Oakley attributes the rash of anti-trans bills to the fact that right-wing politicians have lost on so many other LGBTQ+ rights issues, including marriage equality. “Our opponents are running out of issues that are galvanizing to their base. … They needed a new issue, and they settled on trans kids,” she told The Advocate. 🚨 🪖 [Three gay lawmakers]( have sent a letter to the Department of Defense calling for information following a new Pentagon program meant to ensure those dishonorably discharged due to "don't ask, don't tell" have their records updated to an honorable discharge. 🚗 Florida — why is it always Florida? — [has moved to prevent transgender people from changing their gender on government IDs like driver's licenses](. A letter sent out by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, part of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration — oh, that's why it's always Florida — said it was rescinding a rule allowing individuals to alter their driver’s licenses when they transition. Further, the letter threatened legal action for those who do change their gender. 🏛️ The [E. Jean Carroll defamation damages trial]( showed that former President Donald Trump is “just a guy” and not to be feared, Carroll and her lawyers said on The [Rachel Maddow]( Show Monday night. Trump was ordered to pay Carroll $83 million last week. In other news: - [Chaya Raichik, the creator of Libs of TikTok, has — for some reason — been appointed to an Oklahoma library committee.]( - [We're remembering LGBTQ+ rights pioneer Ann Maguire who died at 80.]( - [Need a new podcast? Here are 4 podcasts on queer film.]( - [Another person died on an Atlantis cruise.]( - [France's new gay prime minister made his first speech to parliament.]( Onward and upward, Alex Cooper [Two Americas for queer people: HRC report finds stark differences in LGBTQ+ rights at the state level]( [4 quintessential queer movie podcasts]( [Yet another passenger dies on world’s biggest gay cruise]( [Oklahoma appoints Libs of TikTok creator - who allegedly inspired school bomb threats - to library committee]( [Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act must be stopped. Now.]( [Gay Democratic reps demand Pentagon resolve cases of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ dishonorable discharges]( [Florida criminalizes changing gender on driver’s licenses in latest attack on LGBTQ+ rights]( [Don't fear Donald Trump, say the women who won an $83 million damages award]( [Gay French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal says his appointment shows the country's evolution]( [Hugh Hefner's widow talks about the Playboy founder's same-sex experiences: report]( Look, queer trivia! Each week, The Advocate newsletter has a little bit of LGBTQ+ trivia. Today, you'll get the question. Thursday, you'll get a hint. And Saturday, you'll get the answer. This week's question is: Who is the first out transgender woman to win a Grammy? Reply to this email with the answer and you may get a shout-out in a future newsletter! What else you should be reading: - [A beer company put a gay bear twist on the Jeremy White's Calvin Klein ad & has our ATTENTION]( (Pride) - [10 most heartbreaking 'RuPaul's Drag Race' eliminations ever]( (Pride) - [Sniffies' newest feature helps you be discreetly horny while cruising in public]( (Out) - [Kristen Stewart says she 'won't make another movie' until this thing happens]( (Out) Do you know someone who would like to receive The Advocate newsletter? Share it with them! [Click to email a link to your friends]( Keep up with the latest LGBTQ+ news -- from politics to entertainment to opinions from queer voices. The Advocate is part of [equalpride]( a proudly LGBTQ-owned and operated media company that serves as a leading voice on equality with LGBTQ, women and people of color. Follow us [X]( [Facebook]( [Facebook]( Copyright © 2024 equalpride. All rights reserved. PO Box 241579, Los Angeles, CA 90024 [Privacy policy]( [Terms of use](