Rosie O’Donnell takes the reins at ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’
Rosie O’Donnell is back behind a network talk show desk this week, taking over hosting duties at “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with stories about life in Ireland, her nonbinary child and, not surprisingly, her decades-long feud with President Donald Trump. “They said you can’t come home again, but here I am,” O’Donnell told a cheering audience…
Federal Court restores ACA protections for gender-affirming care
A federal judge has struck down a Trump administration regulation that removed certain gender-affirming medical services from the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Essential Health Benefits (EHB), preserving important insurance protections for transgender Americans enrolled in ACA marketplace plans. U.S. District Judge Nathaniel Gorton of Massachusetts ruled Aug. 14 that the Department of Health and Human…
Hegseth’s anti-trans remarks draw fresh scrutiny of Republican rhetoric
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing renewed criticism after using an anti-transgender slur during an appearance in Iowa while declaring that the U.S. military is now “gender-neutral.” Hegseth made the remarks Monday, Aug. 17, at the Iowa State Fair while campaigning alongside Republican Rep. Zach Nunn. According to reporting by the Iowa Capital Dispatch,…
Pride Journey: Walla Walla, Washington
There’s a particular kind of magic that happens when a small town decides to throw open its doors — not just to visitors, but to everyone. Walla Walla, Washington has long been celebrated as one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier wine destinations, but beyond its acclaimed vineyards lies a welcoming community that embraces creativity, diversity…
Gay or Queer: an old debate revived
“I’m Gay, Not Queer. It Matters.” That was the June 30 title of a New York Times essay written by young, self-identified Christian author Matthew Vines. Vines became a darling of gay Christians in 2015 with the publication of his book, “God and the Gay Christian” argued in his NYT piece that the rise in…
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local news
Former Wells Fargo VP in Charlotte sues bank, claims age and LGBTQ discrimination
A former Wells Fargo executive is suing the bank in federal court in Charlotte, claiming discrimination and retaliation forced him into early retirement after almost 40 years with the bank. Robert Propst, a 63-year-old Rowan County resident, filed the civil lawsuit Aug. 10 in federal court for the Western District of North Carolina. Propst, who…
politics
What is Democratic Socialism, and what are its roots?
When watching the news, it’s hard not to hear the words democratic socialism. To some, it’s a term they haven’t heard in over a decade, and for others it’s a concept they never knew existed. The media alludes that this wave of Democratic Socialists and their values are unheard of and could never work in…
health & wellness
Federal agency blocks Medicaid gender-affirming care coverage for youth
A new federal rule will end Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming hormone therapies and procedures for kids under age 18. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Tuesday a rule that prohibits state Medicaid plans from covering gender-affirming procedures for minors and using federal Medicaid dollars for such care. The rule also prohibits Children’s Health…
