OP-ED: I’M 16. I WENT TO A DRAG SHOW. I WASN’T TRAUMATIZED: More from Los Angeles Times.

HOPES BRIGHTEN FOR RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT PASSAGE IN SENATE: Senate negotiators expect to reach a deal to protect same-sex marriages in time to begin considering the Respect for Marriage Act on the floor next week, which would put it on a path to pass before the end of the month. More from the Hill.

REPORT: ADVANCING HEALTH CARE NONDISCRIMINATION PROTECTIONS FOR LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES: New data underscores that LGBTQ+ communities encounter discrimination when interacting with health care providers and insurers, highlighting the importance of strengthening nondiscrimination protections in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. More from Center for American Progress.

COMMENTARY: THE GEOPOLITICS OF BEING BRITTNEY GRINER: More from LGBTQNation.

📍 IN THE STATES

HRC ENDORSES SLATE OF LGBTQ+ CANDIDATES FOR FLORIDA’S STATE LEGISLATURE: “At a time when extremist politicians are working to roll back our rights, LGBTQ+ visibility and representation matters. This slate of LGBTQ+ candidates for Florida’s state legislature have advocated for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and have been leaders on a range of issues to advance equality for women, people of color, and other marginalized communities. They represent the diversity of America and are role models to LGBTQ+ people of all ages who aspire to positions of leadership,” said HRC Associate Regional Campaign Director Ryan Wilson (he/him). More from HRC.

HRC ENDORSES TRUDY BUSCH VALENTINE FOR U.S. SENATE IN MISSOURI: “If elected, Valentine will not only advocate for legislation that codifies marriage equality, but she will co-sponsor the Equality Act to protect LGBTQ+ people, women, and minorities from discrimination under federal law. She knows our country cannot be a free society until all Americans have the same rights, opportunities, and protections – including the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ lives are on the line this November, and Valentine is ready to join the fight,” said HRC National Campaign Director Geoff Wetrosky (he/him). More from HRC.

MOM SAYS TRANS EIGHTH-GRADER WAS QUESTIONED BY TEXAS OFFICIALS AT SCHOOL: While his eighth-grade classmates continued their studies, the child sat in a conference room at his middle school being questioned by a Department of Family and Protective Services investigator probing his family following a directive from Gov. Greg Abbott (R) to investigate the use of gender-affirming care in minors as child abuse. More from the Washington Post.

📺 GET CULTURED

‘PEPPA PIG’ INTRODUCES SAME-SEX COUPLE AFTER PETITION FOR MORE LGBTQ+ CHARACTERS: More from NBC News.

SHANGELA WILL BE THE FIRST DRAG QUEEN TO COMPETE ON THE U.S. ‘DANCING WITH THE STARS’: More from LGBTQNation.

OAKLAND CELEBRATES TRANS JEOPARDY! CHAMP WITH AMY SCHNEIDER DAY: More from the Advocate.

🌍 GLOBAL EQUALITY

SAD BUT SAFE, LGBTQ+ RUSSIANS FIND REFUGE ABROAD: More from Gay Times.

WHAT WILL NEW BRITISH PM LIZ TRUSS DO ON LGBTQ+ ISSUES?: More from Openly.

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