Sarah Griffin

As LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. continue to evolve, conservative-leaning or “red” states have increasingly become battlegrounds where both progress and pushback are experienced daily. These states, many of which hold deeply rooted conservative values, present unique challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals and activists fighting for equality. Despite significant progress nationwide, the situation for many LGBTQ+ … Read more

A groundbreaking federal survey reveals that approximately 3% of U.S. high school students identify as transgender, with an additional 2% questioning their gender identity. These findings, from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, mark the first national effort to quantify the transgender and gender-questioning adolescent population in American schools. The survey, conducted in 2023, gathered … Read more

The San Jose State University (SJSU) women’s volleyball team has become the focal point of a growing controversy over the inclusion of a transgender athlete, Blaire Fleming. The situation has led several opposing teams to forfeit matches, including high-profile teams such as Boise State and Utah State. These forfeits highlight ongoing tensions surrounding transgender athletes’ … Read more

Pansexuality is a sexual orientation where individuals are attracted to people regardless of their gender. Unlike more binary sexual identities, such as heterosexuality or homosexuality, pansexuality is inclusive of all genders—male, female, non-binary, genderqueer, and more. The term “pan” comes from the Greek word meaning “all,” reflecting the expansive nature of this orientation. Pansexual individuals … Read more

Did you know that some of the most common phrases you use every day have deeply racist origins? This isn’t just about being “politically correct”—it’s about understanding the history behind our words and striving for more inclusive language. How many of these phrases have you unknowingly used, and what can we do to change this? … Read more

The political landscape in the United States has seen a gradual increase in diversity and inclusion, particularly with the rise of LGBTQ+ representation. However, for Black LGBTQ+ individuals seeking political office, the journey is far more difficult, as they face the dual challenges of both racial discrimination and homophobia or transphobia. Despite efforts to promote … Read more

White privilege continues to stir heated debate in America, and in 2024, its existence and influence remain a contentious issue. Originally coined in 1988 by activist Peggy McIntosh, the term refers to the unearned benefits white individuals enjoy solely based on their race. Even after decades of growing awareness, white privilege remains a powerful and … Read more

The phrase “go woke, go broke” has become a popular cautionary slogan among critics who believe that companies paying too much attention to social justice or progressive causes risk alienating their customer base. Here’s a look at 20 U.S. companies that faced backlash after taking stands on various issues. 1. Bud Light In April 2022, … Read more

California is leading a historic movement to address the long-lasting impacts of slavery, systemic racism, and discrimination against Black residents. The California Reparations Task Force, established in 2020, has recommended both financial reparations and policy changes to combat these ongoing harms. Their work, spanning two years, has focused on key areas such as housing discrimination, … Read more

J.K. Rowling has become one of the most vocal public figures on transgender rights, sparking intense backlash and debate. The controversy began in 2019 when Rowling tweeted her support for Maya Forstater, a researcher who lost her job after stating that gender cannot be changed. Rather than retreating in the face of criticism, Rowling has … Read more

Transgender politicians continue to face significant challenges in the U.S. political landscape, where their campaigns often contend with systemic barriers, media bias, and deep-rooted prejudices. Research and election data show that despite the growing visibility of transgender individuals in society, trans candidates frequently encounter hurdles that make it more difficult for them to win public … Read more

In Michigan, a state pivotal to the U.S. electoral landscape, the Arab American community is asserting a growing influence on political outcomes, particularly as national elections approach. This demographic shift is drawing increased attention from political analysts and candidates alike, given Michigan’s history of tight races and its significant Arab American population. The Heart of … Read more

A comprehensive report by Human Rights Watch highlights the ongoing struggles and discrimination faced by lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ+) women and non-binary individuals across the globe. The 211-page document titled “‘This Is Why We Became Activists’: Violence Against Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Women and Non-Binary People,” examines the violence, legal discrimination, and social injustices … Read more

Pop icon Janet Jackson recently found herself at the center of controversy following statements she made regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity. In a now widely discussed interview with The Guardian, Jackson referenced conspiracy theories circulating in certain right-wing circles, suggesting that Harris is “not Black.” The comments came just weeks before the 2024 … Read more

In the upcoming November 2024 election, New York voters will be tasked with deciding on a key amendment to the state’s constitution, known as Proposal 1, or the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). This proposed change would expand protections against discrimination, specifically targeting areas of sexual orientation, gender identity, reproductive rights, and more. Proponents argue that … Read more

Ready to cringe at how much cultural appropriation is masked as American innovation? Here are 21 things white Americans have co-opted, rebranded, and often butchered, ignoring their rich and diverse origins. It’s time to set the record straight. 1. Yoga Yoga, which originated in ancient India over 5,000 years ago, has been commercialized in the … Read more

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins, a Republican, came under fire for making derogatory and false comments about Haitian immigrants in a now-deleted social media post. In his post, Higgins described Haiti as “the nastiest country in the Western Hemisphere” and falsely suggested that Haitian immigrants were responsible for eating pets in America. These comments quickly triggered … Read more

In September 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1078 into law, effectively banning the removal of books that contain LGBTQ+ content or address racial issues from public schools and libraries. This new legislation aims to counter growing trends of book censorship across the United States, especially those disproportionately targeting LGBTQ+ communities and people … Read more

The recent controversy surrounding the installation of viewing windows in gender-inclusive restrooms in the South Western School District of Pennsylvania has sparked significant public debate. The school district claims that the windows were installed for safety purposes, but many parents and LGBTQ+ advocates argue that the measure invades students’ privacy, particularly targeting transgender and gender-nonconforming … Read more

It’s easy to fall into common misunderstandings, especially when it comes to matters of faith. Are these misconceptions impacting your beliefs and practices? 1. All Sins Are Equal While all sins are wrong, some carry heavier consequences than others. For example, 1 John 5:16-17 mentions a “sin that leads to death” and a “sin that … Read more

Why do Americans often find themselves on the receiving end of eye rolls when they step off their home turf? Is it just about being the loud tourists, or do personal behaviors weigh heavily in global perceptions? 1. Speaking Louder Than Necessary Americans often speak at volumes considered too loud in many cultures, which can … Read more

As anti-LGBTQ+ laws continue to proliferate in various parts of the world, the United States has stepped up its efforts to provide a safe haven for LGBTQ+ refugees fleeing persecution. Through new initiatives like the “Welcome Corps” program, the U.S. government is working to resettle those facing threats in countries that have enacted severe anti-LGBTQ+ … Read more

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, Kamala Harris has taken center stage as the Democratic nominee after President Joe Biden stepped aside and endorsed her. Harris’s stance on gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights has made her a significant figure in the ongoing cultural debates in the U.S. Her policies contrast sharply with her Republican … Read more

The debate over what should be taught in American schools regarding race and LGBTQ+ issues has reached new heights, sparking intense protests, legislative battles, and public discourse across the country. As teachers grapple with these contentious topics in their classrooms, the impact is being felt by students, educators, and communities alike. At the heart of … Read more

Massachusetts recently passed a groundbreaking new gun safety law, signed by Governor Maura Healey, marking one of the most significant overhauls of the state’s firearm regulations in a decade. The legislation aims to tighten restrictions on untraceable firearms, commonly known as ghost guns, and further regulate the possession of assault-style weapons. The new measures follow … Read more

Canada recently witnessed widespread protests and counter-protests across several cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, and Kelowna, as citizens debated LGBTQ-inclusive sex education in schools. The “1 Million March 4 Children” protests, led by conservative groups, opposed the inclusion of LGBTQ+ topics in school curriculums, arguing it “indoctrinates” children with ideas they are too young to understand. … Read more

A recent groundbreaking study has revealed that prolonged exposure to racial discrimination can lead to physical changes in brain structure, offering new insight into the profound impacts of systemic racism on individuals’ mental and physical health. The findings, published in ScienceDaily, suggest that discrimination goes beyond emotional and psychological damage—it leaves a lasting imprint on … Read more

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has been ramping up its efforts to prosecute hate crimes, particularly focusing on racially motivated violence and antisemitic attacks. The increase in racially charged incidents, particularly against Jewish and Black Americans, has led to a surge in DOJ actions, with numerous cases making headlines across the country. A Surge … Read more

Hate crimes are on the rise across the United States, with a significant uptick in racially motivated violence and threats, according to recent reports from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The trend reflects a disturbing increase in incidents targeting Black, Jewish, Asian American, and LGBTQ+ communities. As the country grapples with growing racial tensions, … Read more

In a landmark decision, California has banned legacy and donor preferences in college admissions at private universities across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1780 (AB 1780) into law on September 30, 2024, making California the fifth state to take such a step. The new law, which takes effect in September 2025, prohibits … Read more

Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis has made headlines for his steadfast refusal to remove a massive American flag at his RV dealership in Statesville, North Carolina. The flag, measuring 40 feet by 80 feet and flying atop a 130-foot pole, has been the subject of legal disputes with city officials over the past few years. … Read more

A recent federal court ruling determined that a straight, cisgender principal, Mary Kay Thomas, from Marshall, Minnesota, cannot claim protections under Title VII or Title IX in a case involving her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Thomas, who was removed from her position as a middle school principal, alleged that the school district retaliated against her … Read more

A Virginia school board has agreed to pay a $575,000 settlement to former West Point High School French teacher Peter Vlaming, who was fired in 2018 for refusing to use a transgender student’s preferred pronouns. Vlaming’s case has been the subject of legal battles for several years, ultimately leading to a landmark ruling by the … Read more

The UN Women’s report titled “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2023” reveals alarming global setbacks in achieving gender equality by 2030. Conducted in collaboration with the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the report analyzes gender equality progress across various sectors, focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The … Read more

Research increasingly shows that members of the LGBTQ+ community face higher risks of mental and neurological health conditions, including depression and dementia. A comprehensive study published in Neurology in 2023 evaluated data from over 393,000 individuals, of whom 39,632 identified as LGBTQ+. The findings highlight that LGBTQ+ individuals are 27% more likely to experience late-life … Read more

The University of Maryland is facing a lawsuit from Palestine Legal and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) after the university canceled a planned interfaith vigil organized by the student groups Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP). The vigil, originally scheduled for October 7, was intended to honor lives … Read more

In a pivotal ruling for religious freedom, U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor has granted a preliminary injunction that temporarily protects the Catholic Diocese of Bismarck and the Catholic Benefits Association (CBA) from federal regulations that require religious employers to accommodate reproductive health decisions, such as abortion and in-vitro fertilization (IVF). The ruling, delivered on September … Read more

Missouri’s Senate Bill 49, which bans gender-affirming care for minors and limits access for adults, is under fire as it heads to court. The ACLU of Missouri, Lambda Legal, and several families have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the law, which restricts transgender people from receiving vital healthcare. This trial is set to … Read more

Hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ+ community in the U.S. saw a dramatic increase in 2023, according to the FBI’s latest annual Crime in the Nation report. With over 2,400 incidents related to sexual orientation reported, this marks a troubling rise from 1,947 cases in 2022. The numbers, coupled with growing political rhetoric against LGBTQ+ individuals, … Read more

In a year defined by culture wars and polarizing politics, Republican lawmakers have introduced a staggering number of anti-LGBTQ bills. Across the United States, more than 500 anti-LGBTQ bills were proposed in 2023, with nearly 300 additional measures already filed by mid-2024, targeting everything from healthcare to education, and stoking tensions around transgender rights. Transgender … Read more

Despite remarkable advancements in HIV prevention and treatment, the epidemic continues to disproportionately impact certain groups in the United States. A sobering study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 1 in 2 Black gay and bisexual men and 1 in 4 Latino gay and bisexual men will be diagnosed with … Read more

Many classic and contemporary American books have faced bans or challenges due to their exploration of sensitive themes such as race, sexuality, and violence, sparking ongoing debates about censorship and freedom of expression. 1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel deals with racial inequality and injustice in the Deep South … Read more

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a controversial Indiana law that bans gender-affirming surgery for incarcerated individuals, marking a significant victory for transgender rights in the state. The ruling, which centers around an inmate’s request for surgery to address gender dysphoria, challenges the constitutionality of the state’s 2023 law, arguing it violates the U.S. Constitution’s … Read more

The state of California finds itself at the center of a fierce legal battle involving the rights of transgender students and their privacy in public schools. Several school districts, led by the Chino Valley Unified School District, have implemented policies that require schools to notify parents if their child begins identifying as transgender. These policies … Read more

Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, where daily life is marked by the constant threat of Russian airstrikes, the country’s LGBTQ+ community continues to fight on two fronts: against the invasion and for their right to equality. Despite the dangers posed by Russian bombs, LGBTQ+ activists in Kharkiv, a city near the Russian border, organized … Read more

Pixar’s Inside Out is a visual and emotional masterpiece, but some sharp-eyed fans have noted what might be a deeper, subtextual exploration of LGBTQ+ themes woven into the film’s narrative. The 2015 animated hit follows the internal emotions of Riley, an 11-year-old girl navigating a major life transition, but is it possible that Pixar dropped … Read more

In a case that has sparked national debate, lesbian social worker Elizabeth Pitt won £55,000 in compensation after claiming workplace discrimination over comments she made about a colleague’s gender-neutral dachshund. The tribunal, held in September 2024, ruled that Pitt’s gender-critical beliefs were protected under UK law, granting her a significant victory. The Incident Pitt, employed … Read more

In a move that has sparked national attention, a Florida school district agreed in September 2024 to restore 36 books that had been removed from its libraries. Nassau County, in northeast Florida, had previously pulled titles following the state’s controversial policies designed to “protect children” from what it deemed inappropriate content. The settlement, reached after … Read more

America’s gun violence crisis continues to escalate, with 2024 already marking over 500 mass shootings by September, according to Gun Violence Archive – costing more than 48,000 lives in 2024 alone. The frequency of these tragedies is compounded by two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, highlighting the increasingly dangerous political landscape. The Rise … Read more

It’s September 2024, and America’s gun violence crisis continues to spiral out of control.  In the wake of yet another record-setting year of mass shootings, the national focus appears fixated elsewhere—namely on curbing transgender rights and dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Despite widespread public support for stricter gun control measures, lawmakers have channeled … Read more

In recent years, several major U.S. companies have recalibrated their approach to “woke” policies, responding to public and internal backlash by shifting their strategies and adjusting their focus. 1. Disney Disney faced backlash over its response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill and its handling of social issues. The company has since recalibrated its public … Read more

In recent years, the intersection of corporate strategy and social justice has become a high-stakes battleground. Brands that once proudly waved the LGBTQ+ flag are now being scrutinized for their inconsistencies, and the financial fallout is real. As companies struggle with the complexities of maintaining inclusivity while facing backlash, the impact on their bottom lines … Read more

In a move that has sparked both outrage and confusion, Florida’s tourism agency, Visit Florida, quietly removed its LGBTQ+ travel section from the official state website. This section previously highlighted LGBTQ-friendly destinations, events, and accommodations, showcasing spots like Key West, Fort Lauderdale, and St. Petersburg—regions celebrated for their welcoming atmospheres toward the LGBTQ+ community. This … Read more

In a move that starkly contrasts with Florida’s recent removal of LGBTQ+ travel information, Connecticut has launched a robust, inclusive tourism campaign designed to welcome LGBTQ+ travelers. The small but progressive New England state is making a bold statement: everyone is welcome here. From celebrating diversity through its arts scene to hosting vibrant Pride events, … Read more

A recent court ruling in California has garnered national attention after a white teacher successfully sued his local teachers’ union over alleged racial discrimination. The case, brought forward by Isaac Newman, a history teacher in the Elk Grove Unified School District, challenged the legality of a union position reserved exclusively for members who identify as … Read more

A California court has temporarily blocked a controversial Chino Valley Unified School District policy that would have forced schools to notify parents if their child expressed a change in gender identity or pronouns. The ruling came after Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against the district, claiming the policy would put transgender and nonbinary … Read more

The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, known for showcasing extraordinary athleticism and determination, also became a flashpoint for controversy surrounding transgender athlete Valentina Petrillo. As the first openly transgender Paralympian, Petrillo’s participation in the women’s T12 400-meter event ignited fierce debate, including sharp criticism from prominent author J.K. Rowling. Rowling’s Accusation Rowling, who has been outspoken … Read more

A new report from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law highlights the disproportionate impact that strict voter ID laws can have on transgender individuals in the United States. The report, titled The Impact of Voter ID Laws on Transgender Voters, examines the barriers faced by transgender people when attempting to cast their ballots, … Read more

Molson Coors has made headlines by announcing the rollback of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, sparking debate in the corporate world and beyond. The decision, aimed at refocusing the company’s efforts on core business objectives, comes at a time when public discourse around corporate DEI initiatives is intensifying. The move has been met … Read more

During the highly charged September 2024 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, transgender and LGBTQ+ rights took center stage. Trump, known for his hardline stance on these issues, made provocative claims about Harris’s policies regarding taxpayer-funded medical care for transgender individuals. His comments specifically targeted Harris’s support for gender-affirming care for prisoners, accusing … Read more

In the wake of yet another mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, which tragically claimed the lives of four students and injured dozens more, campaigners for gun reform have once again intensified their efforts. The incident, which marks another devastating blow in America’s ongoing gun violence crisis, has spurred calls for Congress to … Read more

America’s history is undeniably steeped in the experiences, contributions, and struggles of Black Americans. From slavery and Jim Crow to the Civil Rights Movement and ongoing systemic racism, Black history forms an essential part of the nation’s story. Yet, even in the 21st century, there is a persistent and widespread effort to deny, distort, or … Read more

Florida, once known for its sunshine and sandy beaches, is now making headlines for something far more divisive: its aggressive stance against LGBTQ+ rights. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, a slew of bills has been introduced and passed that target everything from gender identity discussions in schools to life-saving healthcare for transgender individuals. … Read more