As Queer Kentuckians, staying informed about LGBTQ+ news worldwide is essential. Changes in policy, activism, and culture in other regions can impact our community and efforts locally. Our weekly global news roundup keeps you updated on important LGBTQ+ developments, ensuring we remain informed and connected.

Dylan Mulvaney and Gus Kenworthy Launch Book Clubs Supporting LGBTQ+ Rights: Transgender activist Dylan Mulvaney and Olympian Gus Kenworthy have partnered with RuPaul’s book marketplace, Allstora, to launch book clubs aimed at distributing banned books to LGBTQ+ organizations nationwide. Their initiative includes donating 2,500 banned books over the holiday season, contributing to a total of 10,000 books by the end of 2024.

Right-Wing Twitter Baselessly Insists a Mass Shooter Is Trans: Following a tragic mass shooting at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, right-wing activists have been spreading unsubstantiated claims that the perpetrator was transgender. Despite official statements clarifying that the individual’s gender identity is unknown and irrelevant to the incident, misinformation continues to circulate, perpetuating harmful stereotypes against the LGBTQ+ community.

The Push for Puberty Blockers Got Ahead of the Research: The Supreme Court is considering a Tennessee law that restricts puberty blockers and other medical transitions for minors with gender dysphoria. This has sparked a debate over the scientific validity and ethical implications of such treatments, highlighting a polarized landscape in the U.S. regarding medical interventions for transgender youth.

Montana Judge Blocks Rule Preventing Transgender People from Changing Sex on Documents: A state judge in Montana has temporarily blocked policies that prevented transgender individuals from changing the sex designation on their birth certificates and driver’s licenses. This decision is seen as a victory for transgender rights advocates in the state.

U.K. Indefinitely Bans Puberty Blockers for People Under 18: An emergency ban on hormones used to suppress puberty in transgender young people has been implemented in the United Kingdom. While this decision directly affects the U.K., it has implications and is being closely watched by LGBTQ+ rights advocates in the United States.