Butler has served as a senior strategist in VP Kamala Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign, has worked as the director for public policy and campaigns at Airbnb, served as president of the California chapter of the Service Employees International Union, and served on the University of California Board of Regents.
Laphonza Butler of California becomes the first out LGBTQ+ senator of color in the U.S. Read more
The panic defense is a legal defense strategy used to justify violent crimes against LGBTQ+ people due to a perpetrator “panicking” over discovering their victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The state Senate voted unanimously to ban this harmful legal strategy.
Delaware bans LGBTQ+ panic defense with overwhelming bipartisan support Read more
The city’s Common Council unanimously approved a bill to emphasize existing anti-discrimination laws and protect access to gender-affirming care.
It also said the city would not work with out-of-state law enforcement officials looking to punish those who traveled to New York to receive legal healthcare.
Ithaca, New York declares itself a safe haven for trans people Read more
Brazil’s Supreme Court has ruled with a vote of 9-1 that homophobic hate speech is on par with racial hate speech and punishable with a prison sentence of two to five years.
Brazil makes homophobic hate speech punishable by prison Read more
The law prohibits state-licensed providers from engaging in the psychologically-damaging practice. Michigan is now the 22nd state in the United States to ban such “therapy.”
Michigan bans conversion therapy for minors Read more
In a historic moment, Jacksonville Jaguars assistant strength and conditioning coach Kevin Maxen has come out, becoming the NFL’s first male coach to publicly identify as gay.
Justice Shrestha’s interim order will allow same-sex couples and other LGBTQ+ couples to legally register their marriages immediately, while the government prepares legislation to amend the civil code and formally legalize same-sex marriage.
Nepal’s Supreme Court orders government to register same-sex marriages Read more
The unanimous ruling came after a 50-something trans woman – who chose to remain anonymous – sued the Economy and Trade Ministry for relegating her to the men’s restroom or a women’s bathroom two floors away.
Japanese Supreme Court rules in favor of trans employee in landmark bathroom case Read more
The British Home Office is expanding a program that pardons people convicted of any offense related to homosexuality. Previously, the program was only available to men, but it is now open to women.
U.K. to pardon women convicted of homosexuality Read more
Same-sex marriage in India is not currently legal and queer couples in the country are only afforded certain rights if they live together as a cohabitating couple.
More than half the population of India supports same-sex marriage Read more
