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.

• University of Pennsylvania Bans Trans Athletes from Competing: On July 2, the University of Pennsylvania barred transgender athletes from further competing, and will erase records set by Lia Thomas. Thomas was the first transgender woman to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I title.

• Citizens Arrested by Police Prior to Pride Festival in Istanbul: In Istanbul, Pride has been banned since 2015, and Turkish Police arrested 50 people prior to this year’s banned march. Istanbul Bar’s Human Rights Centre stated that the detention was unjust and illegal. 

• Budapest, Hungary Sees Largest Pride Turnout Ever Despite Ban: After Viktor Orbán attempted to ban Budapest pride, more than 100,000 people attended the march, which was the most people to have ever attended. This left protesters feeling inspired after they made LGBTQ+ history with their bravery.

• Two Teenage Girls Shot in NYC Near Historic LGBTQ+ Bar: At the end of NYC Pride Celebrations, shots were fired at a pair of teenage girls near Stonewall Inn. There has been no suspect identified, and it hasn’t been determined yet whether or not it was hate-crime related.

• Court in India Rules in Favor of Trans Women: The Andhra Pradesh High Court in India has ruled that Indian law is not permitted to deny recognition of trans women based on their ability to reproduce. This ruling allows for protections that apply to cisgender women to apply to trans women as well.