LGBTQ+

It has been over a decade since Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was repealed. The policy was issued under President Clinton in 1993, and it prohibited openly gay, lesbian and bisexual recruits from serving in the military. MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer talked with Lavender CEO Stephen Rocheford and Major General Shawn Manke about the first national guard recruitment ad to be printed in a publication for the LGTBQ+ community.
More LGBTQ+ people can now give blood, but Minnesota donation centers say the change could take months
While the FDA’s new guidance means that more people could give blood, it hasn't yet been implemented at donation centers in Minnesota, and across the country. Experts say that it could take months to implement the new guidance. 
LGBTQ+ activists call for new strategies to promote equality after Target backlash
While the retailer said its actions were aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of its employees after protesters knocked over Pride signs and confronted workers in stores, the controversy comes at a time when conflict over LGBTQ+ rights is simmering.
A new anti-gay law in Uganda calls for life in prison for those who are convicted
The bill, signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni on Monday, calls for life imprisonment for anyone convicted of homosexuality. It drew swift condemnation from rights groups around the world.
Target on the defensive after removing LGBTQ+-themed products
Target removed some LGBTQ+-themed products and relocated Pride Month displays to the back of stores in certain Southern locations in response to online complaints and in-store confrontations that it says threatened employees’ well-being.
Minneapolis nonprofit seeks host homes for transgender youth traveling to Minnesota
As other states pass bans on gender-affirming care, a Minneapolis nonprofit says it's fielding more calls from transgender youth who are coming to Minnesota for care and need a place to stay. It’s asking Minnesotans to help by hosting them.
Queer Youth Resilience & Mental Health
Queer teens and young adults are experiencing a rise in LGBTQ+ discrimination. What’s the impact on their mental health and what supports their wellbeing? MPR News shares a one-hour broadcast special hosted by Kimberly Adams, “Call to Mind: Queer Youth Resilience & Mental Health.”