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.

Healthcare Company Penn Medicine No Longer Offer Gender-Affirming Surgeries to People Under 19: 

Due to regulations established by the Trump Administration, Penn Medicine will not be providing any surgical procedures in plastic surgery, obstetrics & gynecology, urology or otorhinolaryngology for patients under 19 years old.The Trump Administration has been targeting the University of Pennsylvania since early this year, suspending federal funding of almost $175 million for their decision to allow a transgender woman to compete with other women in sports activities. 

Budapest Pride Will Be Held in Spite of Ban: 

In April of this year, Hungary’s government passed an amendment which aimed to ban Pride events. Pride organizers plan to host the event regardless, and have asked international allies to show up as well. Now, in a show of solidarity, at least 70 members of the European Parliament have decided to join the celebrations, and the EU has threatened legal action if the law is not overturned. 

WorldPride to be Held in Washington D.C. in 2025:

InterPride, an organization that strives to bring LGBTQ+ issues into an international lens, is  hosting Pride in Washington D.C. this year. Many people are refusing to attend, as Washington D.C. is currently seen as an unsafe area following the Trump Administration’s Anti-LGBTQ+ policies. On the other hand, others are viewing it as an opportunity to protest in the face of adversity. WorldPride locations are decided years in advance, so hosting it in D.C. during Trump’s presidency was not intentional. 

Transgender Youth Athlete AB Hernandez Places First in Two Events:

The 16 year old athlete, Hernandez, has tied for first place in two events–the high jump, and the triple jump. While she is under fire from protestors and the Trump administration, her opponents were honored to compete with her, and to share the podium. She competes in California, wherein California Interscholastic Federation rules state that in the event a transgender athlete places in a girls’ event, the athlete who finishes directly behind is to receive the same place and medal.

Per Ardua Artwork Exhibited to Celebrate LGBTQ+ Military Opportunities:

Gay artist Annabel McCourt created her piece “Per Ardua” to reference the banning of LGBTQ+ people in the military in the UK. As part of celebrating 25 years of the ban being lifted, the work was lit up on Wednesday by Pride group Rainbow Youth at the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre in Scunthorpe, and will be exhibited there with her I’m Sorry exhibition until July 5 of this year.