LGBTQ

The Florida House on Wednesday began moving forward with a proposal that would restrict the types of flags that can be displayed at government buildings and schools, including preventing the display of LGBTQ pride flags.The bill (HB 901), sponsored by Rep. David Borrero, R-Sweetwater, and Rep. Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, drew heavy opposition from LGBTQ people, activists and parents and refueled legislative battles that have raged in recent years about LGBTQ-related issues.

Three teachers on Wednesday filed a federal lawsuit alleging a new state law restricting titles and pronouns at schools unconstitutionally discriminates against transgender and nonbinary educators.The plaintiffs are Hillsborough County high-school teacher Katie Wood; a Lee County teacher identified as “Jane Doe;” and AV Schwandes, a nonbinary Orange County teacher who was fired by Florida Virtual School in October.

Queer youth will tell their personal stories at an event this week in Naples.

This month marks 25 years since the death of Matthew Shepard, whose brutal murder served as a turning point for gay rights in the U.S. In recognition, Choral Artistry performs Craig Hella Johnson’s powerful three-part oratorio “Considering Matthew Shepard,” Oct. 22 at Naples United Church of Christ. We explore the composition in a conversation with Choral Artistry Artistic Director Trent Brown.

Disney CEO Bob Iger dismissed as “preposterous” arguments by Gov. Ron DeSantis that the company is “sexualizing children” or experiencing a drop in attendance at its Florida resorts because of a long-running fight with the governor.

At least 17 states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, though judges have temporarily blocked their enforcement in some, including Arkansas. An Associated Press analysis found that often those bills sprang not from grassroots or constituent demand, but from the pens of a handful of conservative interest groups.

Seven weeks after Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that places heavy restrictions and outright bans on gender-affirming care in Florida, many transgender Floridians feel uncertainty and dread about their future in the state.Senate Bill 254, signed into law on May 17th, has been criticized for its broad restrictions on healthcare for the estimated 94,900 transgender people who live in Florida.

Naples Pridefest celebrated the LGBTQIA community peacefully this weekend.

New legislation as well as damage from Hurricane Ian have taken a toll on the Naples Pride Center.

A conversation with playwright Monteze Freeman ahead of a staged reading of his play “Dancing in the Blue Light” May 26 at the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota.