This has been a week of victories for LGBTQ people in the United States. We continue to fight on an international scale for our rights, even during dark times like today. Check out the recent achievements of our American brothers and sisters – and be inspired by them!
1. “Gay therapy” is banned in conservative Utah
The traditionally conservative state of Utah has become the 13th in the country to ban “reversal therapy” in children. Shannon Minter, director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights and a supporter of the approved bill, said she is hopeful the achievement will inspire similar victories in other conservative states.
2. Also in Utah, university allows gay couples in dance competition
Brigham Young University, linked to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), allowed gay couples to participate in the famous annual ballroom dancing tournament that the university has held for more than 20 years.
BYU follows the decision made to organize the National Amateur Dance and Sports Championship, but contradicts the university's internal code that restricts same-sex relationships: the institution still does not allow men to dance together in its classes.
3. New Jersey bans LGBTQphobic arguments as a defense in homicide cases
New Jersey has become the 9th US state to prohibit the legal defense of those accused of murder from using “panic” provoked by the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity as an argument. This fallacy was used to blame the victim for suffering the attack that cost him his life…
4. Virginia approves set of rights for LGBTQ citizens
It was decided that: professionals, such as psychologists and therapists, are prevented from providing “gay healing therapy” to minors; the creation of dress policies for transgender students in public schools is prohibited; the bureaucratic process for trans people to change their gender on their birth certificate will be facilitated; and the change in state law banning gay marriage has been approved.
The measure passed the Virginia legislature with 25 votes in favor; the 13 who voted against are all Republicans.
