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.

• 10 Years of Marriage Equality in the U.S.: June 26th was the anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, which allowed marriage equality for queer couples in all 50 states. Since then, nearly half a million same-sex couples have gotten married. 

• Kyiv, Ukraine Holds First Pride March Since Russian Invasion: Those celebrating Kyiv Pride moved between two locations, holding the festival at a time of low risk of attack from Russian soldiers. This was Kyiv’s first pride in three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. 

• Pentagon Further Reduces LGBTQ+ History: The USNS Harvey Milk, originally named after a gay rights activist killed in the Korean War, is to be renamed after a WWII soldier. The ship was originally given its name under the Biden administration to honor diverse service members, and the current administration claims to be renaming it to “re-establish the warrior culture”. 

• Supreme Court Defends Exclusion of LGBTQ+ Materials in Schools Under Religious Expression: The Supreme Court ruled in favor of claims that not providing an “opt-out” option for LGBTQ+ materials was a violation of religious freedoms. Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in a dissenting opinion that this decision will lead to chaos, as there is such diversity in this country that there is likely to be many interactions in schools where religions conflict with one another. 

• New Council Policy in UK Removes Rainbow Flags from Buildings: The Reform UK Administration, which was recently elected, has changed their flag protocol, removing their use of the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag. The administration claims to have done this under the pretense of ensuring, “consistent and respectful use of public buildings.”