Setting The Right Precedent“Trying to Break My Own Preconceived Notions” About LGBTQ+ Issues, Madras HC Judge Says The judge appointed an LGBTQ+ counselor to help him understand and mediate a dispute between a couple and their families. By Devrupa Rakshit
Thou Shalt NotVatican Refuses To Bless Same‑Sex Marriages, Calling Them a ‘Sin’ These unions are “a choice and a way of life that cannot be recognized" by God, a statement approved by Pope Francis said. By Satviki Sanjay
Right StepChhattisgarh Police Induct 13 Transgender People Into Constable Ranks Until now, across India, only two transgender people had served as police personnel. By Devrupa Rakshit
Indian 'Values'Marriage a ‘Solemn Institution Between a Biological Man and a Biological Woman,’ Centre Says in Affidavit Opposing Same‑Sex Marriage Petitions "Western decisions sans any basis in Indian Constitutional Law Jurisprudence cannot be imported in the Indian context," the Centre said. By Rajvi Desai
Changing TimesAmid Growing Acceptance, More Americans Are Identifying as Queer, Poll Finds “Younger people are growing up in an environment where being gay, lesbian or bisexual is not as taboo as it was in the past.” By Liesl Goecker
Too Little Too LateDelhi Has Ordered Construction of Separate Toilets for Trans People Gendered bathrooms haven't always been the safest places for trans people, but a separate facility may not be the answer. By Liesl Goecker
Reversing BigotryAllahabad HC Orders Reinstatement of Person Fired for Displaying Affection with Queer Partner The court said employers have no business judging PDA between people. By Satviki Sanjay
Without ConsentGrindr Fined by Norway for Sharing Highly Personal User Data With Advertisers The LGBTQIA+ dating app shared location, sexual orientation, and mental health information without users' consent. By Rajvi Desai
Trans Women Are WomenBombay HC Rules Trans Woman Can Contest Election Under Women’s Reservation The ruling is a victory for trans people everywhere as it validates their right to a "self-perceived gender identity." By Devrupa Rakshit
STEM the Gap30% of India’s Science Decision‑Makers Must Be Women, Proposes Centre in Draft Guidelines The proposed policy is part of a broader push to make India's scientific fields more inclusive. By Devrupa Rakshit
Faith Leaps Forward370+ Religious Leaders Call for Ban on Conversion Therapy, Repeal of Anti‑Gay Laws "We ask for forgiveness from those whose lives have been damaged and destroyed on the pretext of religious teaching," the declaration states. By Aditi Murti
Inclusive DataData on Transgender Prisoners Will Be Included in Next Prison Statistics Report, Centre Says Collecting statistics on transgender prisoners is the first step in addressing their unique vulnerability within the prison system. By Aditi Murti
Diversity ProblemsSexual Orientation Gap Exists in STEM Fields, Study Finds Researchers say efforts to close the gender gap in STEM help narrow the sexual orientation gap as well. By Rajvi Desai
Leading The WayAssam Is First State to Add Transgender Option to Civil Services Application Since the update, 42 individuals have identified as transgender in their submission. By Devrupa Rakshit
Inclusivity For The WinNZ Parliament Leads World in LGBTQ+ Representation With LGBTQ+ MPs making up 9% of New Zealand's Parliament, the proportion of government representation reflects society as a whole. By Devrupa Rakshit
Long Live The PopeWill the Pope’s Support for Same‑Sex Civil Unions Mean Greater Acceptance for LGBTQ+ People? "It is late but at least it happened. I think it will help our fight. ... I hope this is a new chapter that is beginning," a Polish activist says. By Devrupa Rakshit
Affirmative PleasureMental Health Counselors Are Not Trained To View Sexuality Through A Sex‑Positive Lens In India. Here’s Why That Needs To Change. Sexuality is either seen through the lens of traumas or disorders, or left unaddressed. By Shivangi Gupta
A New HopeStar Trek’s New Season Features Its First Ever Transgender And Non‑Binary Characters The creators want to show viewers that "a future without division on the basis of race, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation is entirely within our reach." By Devrupa Rakshit