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LGBTQ+ Rights

Transgender rights flag

Here Are the New Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Texas Passed into Law

This session, the Legislature filed more anti-LGBTQ+ bills than ever before. The dozen that passed threaten to negatively impact queer Texans.

by Joelle DiPaolo

Keep Reading

Republicans Push to Define Biological Sex in Statute 

by Joelle DiPaolo

At UT, a Day of Drag and Defiance

by Joelle DiPaolo

‘It’s About Censorship, Erasure, and Control’: the GOP’s Push for Parental Rights

by Joelle DiPaolo

Jun 05, 2024

‘In All My Childhood Dreams, I Was a Boy’

An excerpt from "Pretty: A Memoir" by KB Brookins, a new book on coming up Black and queer in Texas

by KB Brookins

Mar 14, 2024

‘The Queen vs. Texas’ Revisits the Battle over Lone Star Drag  

Raemonn James, better known as Hermajestie the Hung, teamed up with a filmmaker to tell a moving story of activism and queer culture.

by Kit O'Connell

A man in a crowded, urban protest march turns away from the marchers to face the camera, smiling as he holds up a handwritten sign reading "Trans Rights are Human Rights." Jan 25, 2024

Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws in Texas May Violate Human Rights Treaties

Four nonprofits are urging the United Nations to pressure the federal government to protect queer residents of the Lone Star state.

by Kit O'Connell

The March/April issue of the Texas Observer, featuring some of our best work in 2023. The cover depicts a cartoon of young boy dressed as a militia member. Dec 26, 2023

Top 20 Stories From the Year We Nearly Went Under

After roaring back with an issue on women’s health, we exposed heat deaths at Tesla and USPS, went after Angela Paxton, and broke news on queer rights.

by Lise Olsen and Gabriel Arana

Various LGBTQ+ Pride flags hang from an elevated walkway above the rain-soaked campus of the University of Houston. A few students walk outside while faculty or staff drives past in covered golf carts. Oct 23, 2023

University of Houston’s LGBTQ+ Students Build New Community After Resource Center Closure

Religious leaders and other allies are struggling to fill the gap left by the loss of a vital campus asset.

by Malachi Key

Ray Ray Topaz, an older Black drag queen who looks like Tina Turner, performs in a black outfit with pink and black jacket, standing with her arms spread wide behind her proudly, the microphone in one hand. The sign language interpreter stands to one side. Sep 18, 2023

‘Drag is so Healing’: Austin’s Queens Won’t Back Down

Capitol-area performers remain committed to their art in the face of persecution.

by Kit O'Connell

Protesters outside the Katy Independent School District's central office on August 31 Sep 01, 2023

‘Heartbreaking’: Anti-Trans Healthcare Law Takes Effect in Texas

Despite ACLU win in lower court, an appeal by the state means transgender kids and their families will feel the devastating effects of the ban.

by Kit O'Connell

A post from @LibsofTikTOk on Twitter that says, "This is Michael Gonzales, a teacher in @EISDofSA. Here he is showing off his massive progress pride flag hanging in his classroom to indoctrinate kids with gender ideology. Parents, beware!" Aug 23, 2023

A Queer Teacher in Edgewood Picked a Fight He Couldn’t Win

Learn4Life of San Antonio suspended Michael Gonzales after he tweeted a picture of himself in his classroom beside a pride flag.

by Gabriel Arana

Drag queen Brigitte Bandit performs on an ouitdoor stage in a sleeveless Texas flag halter top over large prosthetic breasts, a bright yellow blonde wig, and red and black tiger-stripe side-tie cowboy pants. Aug 22, 2023

‘We’re Going to Need to Save Each Other’: ‘Drag Ban’ Will Be Fought in the Streets & the Courts

SB 12 has already sent a chill of fear and uncertainty through the LGBTQ+ community.

by Kit O'Connell

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