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.

• Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Conversion Therapy Ban: Since 2020, Gov. Tony Evers has been trying to pass a ban on LGBTQ+ conversion therapy in Wisconsin. A Republican legislature has blocked this ban twice, and the Wisconsin Supreme court has now ruled those actions to be violations of the constitution, clearing the path for the conversion therapy ban. 
• Stonewall National Monument Website Erasing LGBTQ+ History: The website for the historical monument, the Stonewall Inn, has removed bisexual women from its official description. In February, the website removed mentions of transgender people, using the acronym “LGB” instead. Now, the website states that only lesbians and gays were involved in the Stonewall riots. 

• New Same-Sex Marriage Framework Proposed in Hong Kong: In a 2023 court ruling, it was ruled that Hong Kong’s government was to create an “alternative framework” to recognize the “core rights” of same-sex couples. This past week it was released, and has been the subject of scrutiny due to its minimal nature and inclusion. It lacks protections for rights in terms of housing, and is only applicable to certain couples. 
• Historical Phone Used in Early LGBTQ+ Hotline Goes on Display in Bristol, UK: A phone used in the Bristol Gay and Lesbian Switchboard, begun by Dale Wakefield in 1975, has gone on display in an exhibition called Gender Stories at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. The helpline ran until 2012, and for the first three years, Wakefield ran the 24/7 hotline often all on her own.

• Budapest Pride Participants Will Not Be Prosecuted: Budapest Pride had a record-breaking attendance of over 200,000 people despite the ban on the event. While attendees are safe from prosecution, some organizers, such as the city’s mayor, Gergely Karacsony, have been under police investigation and face threats of prison time.