Truthout
LGBTQ Rights
![Screenshots from video of anti-drag protesters and activists defending an event in Wadsworth, Ohio.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/03/2023_0314-drag-protest-400x300.jpg)
Neo-Nazis, Far Right Protesters Storm Drag Queen Story Hour in Ohio
Protesters of the story hour carried swastikas, spewed Nazi jargon and threatened violence.
![Drag Queen Ona Louise reads a book during a story time reading at the Cheer Up Charlies dive bar on March 11, 2023, in Austin, Texas.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/03/2023_0313-drag-story-time-400x300.jpg)
Texas Lawmakers Propose Drag Ban Modeled After Anti-Abortion “Bounty Hunter” Law
Republicans in Texas have introduced six anti-drag bills, including one that would allow people to sue drag performers.
![LGBTQ and transgender pride flags fly over blue sky](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/03/2023_0313-pride-flags-400x300.jpg)
Iowa Is Set to Become Eighth State to Ban Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth
Families with trans children are considering leaving the state if the governor bans gender-affirming care for youth.
![Revelers celebrate on 7th Avenue during the Tampa Pride Parade in the Ybor City neighborhood on March 26, 2022, in Tampa, Florida.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/03/2023_0310-florida-say-gay-400x300.jpg)
Florida GOP Introduces 3 New Bills to Expand DeSantis’s “Don’t Say Gay” Policies
The bills include vague "age-appropriate" guidelines that will likely stifle any discussion of gender issues even more.
![Advocates for transgender rights pack the West Virginia state capitol in Charleston, West Virginia, on March 9, 2023.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/03/333273096_736561381208372_2445536334593807154_n-400x300.jpg)
West Virginian Activists Pack State Senate as Anti-Trans Bill Advances
Researchers estimate that the state of West Virginia has the highest percentage of transgender youth in the country.
![Cropped shot of man in t-shirt with pride flag sitting in front of glass of water and pill.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/03/GA-HRT-400x300.jpg)
“Legislative Disgrace”: GA Bill Banning Gender-Affirming Care Passes Senate
The bill passed the Republican-controlled state Senate along party lines.
![Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a campaign rally at First Avenue on January 17, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/03/2023_0309-tim-walz-400x300.jpg)
Gov. Tim Walz Signs Order to Create Refuge for Trans People in Minnesota
The order bars state agencies from complying with other states’ orders to prosecute trans people.
![A performer in drag reads a book while singing to seated diners within a restaurant](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/03/2023_0309-drag-brunch-400x300.jpg)
Tennessee’s New Anti-Drag Law Could Subject Performers to Up to 6 Years in Jail
Under the state law, performing publicly in drag is a misdemeanor, and “repeat offenders” could be charged with a felony.
![Public restroom sign with outlines of people](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/03/2023_0308-restroom-400x300.jpg)
Arkansas Senate Passes “Most Extreme” Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill in the US
The measure now heads to the GOP-run state House of Representatives, where it is expected to pass.
![The Tennessee State Capitol is pictured in Nashville, Tennessee.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2023/03/2023_0308-ten-400x300.jpg)
TN House Passes Bill Letting Clerks Refuse Marriage Licenses to LGBTQ Couples
The bill is a direct challenge to federal marriage equality protections.