US soprano, offended by blackface, pulls out of Italy opera

Angel Blue posted a note on Instagram saying she will be bowing out of “La Traviata” because the theater recently mounted another opera with performers in blackface.

Montana rejects new library logo over similarity to pride flag

The commission that oversees the Montana State Library has rejected a proposed new logo after a member said the main feature brought to mind a rainbow LGBTQ pride flag.

Video: Suspect with flamethrower torches flag at Uhuru House in St. Petersburg

St. Pete police are looking for a suspect with a flamethrower who set fire to the African flag raised in front of the St. Pete Uhuru House Black community center Friday.

Florida may become abortion services safe haven for women in southeastern states

Florida's new law banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy has been controversial, but after the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, Florida could become the closest southeastern state that allows abortion and has operating clinics for women who seek one.

World swimming bans transgender athletes from women's events

World swimming’s governing body has effectively banned transgender women from competing in women’s events.

Tampa raises Juneteenth flag, recognizing history with new tradition

For just the third time ever, the city of Tampa raised its Juneteenth flag, marking the day in 1865 when Union soldiers brought news of freedom to enslaved people in Texas. 

Historical marker honors Tampa’s largest forgotten African American cemetery

A new historical marker was unveiled Friday at the site of the old College Hill Cemetery in Tampa, where hundreds of minorities, mostly African Americans, were buried more than a century ago, before they were erased from maps in the mid-20th century.

New Florida law would allow cities, counties to restrict smoking at parks, except cigars

A measure that would allow cities and counties to restrict smoking at beaches and parks that they own, is waiting for a signature from Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to information posted on the Florida Senate website.

Florida moves forward on proposal to deny Medicaid coverage for transgender treatments

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is moving forward with a proposal that would deny Medicaid coverage for treatments such as puberty-blocking medication and hormone therapy for transgender people.

Nebraska's capital city council rescinds LGBTQ fairness ordinance

The Lincoln, Nebraska city council voted to rescind its LGBTQ fairness ordinance, an anti-discrimination measure that extended protections to sexual orientation and gender identity, just four months after they had unanimously approved it.

Fight looms over transgender treatments in Medicaid

National and state legal and LGBTQ-advocacy groups are preparing to fight a move by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to deny Medicaid coverage for treatments such as hormone therapy and puberty-blocking medication for transgender people.

Men's World Cup will have female referees for the 1st time ever

Female referees will make World Cup history this year by working games at a major men’s tournament for the first time in Qatar.

Florida teacher says she was fired after discussing sexual orientation with middle school students

A Florida teacher says she revealed her sexual identity to her students only after she was asked, adding that "a lot of kids" came up to her and told her they were non-binary, bisexual, or gay. "A discussion happened in class and because of that, now I’m fired."

Kansas lawmaker said she didn't want to share restroom with transgender colleague

LGBTQ-rights advocates are calling for a Kansas state lawmaker to be formally censured after she said she didn't want to share the women’s restrooms at the Statehouse with a transgender colleague.

'Prom Sovereign': Jacksonville high school adds gender-neutral title to prom court

A Jacksonville high school is the first in Florida to add a gender-neutral title, "Prom Sovereign," to prom court. Any senior can run for the new prom title, regardless of their gender identity.

Alabama governor signs law banning medication for transgender youth

Alabama lawmakers approved sweeping legislation Thursday to outlaw gender-affirming medications for transgender youths, as well as a separate measure setting rules about school bathrooms and prohibiting early classroom instruction on sexual and gender identity — a bill critics have dubbed "Don’t Say Gay."

California city to give universal income to transgender, nonbinary residents regardless of earnings

Transgender residents in one California city are eligible to receive a universal basic income of up to $900 per month solely for identifying as transgender or nonbinary — no strings attached.

NYC mayor buys billboards in Florida to denounce controversial law, lure unhappy Floridians to move north

New York City is launching an advertising campaign in Florida with billboards across the Sunshine State, including here in Tampa, to denounce the state's controversial Parental Rights in Education law that forbids instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in grades K-3. The billboards invite Floridians unhappy with the new law to move to NYC.