The nation continues to ride its anti-LGBTQ+ wave of hate and destruction

As of April 12, there have been 452 anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed in 2023, up 53 since The Leader’s last report on this issue on March 14. 

LGBTQ+ Americans have been on the hot seat lately, and so much continues to change daily. One day, there are advancements forward in equality, then the next, major steps back. 

It is hard to keep updated with all that is going on. Here are three updates on various LGBTQ+ issues:

Tennessee Drag Ban gets pushed back

On March 31, a federal judge in Tennessee temporarily halted the initial “Drag Ban” that was signed on March 2 by Gov. Bill Lee. 

“If Tennessee wishes to exercise its police power in restricting speech it considers obscene, it must do so within the constraints and framework of the United States Constitution,” wrote Judge Thomas Parker.

When issuing the restraining order, Parker stated that the bill went against citizens’ First Amendment right to express freedom of speech.

Parker continued to write, “The Court finds that, as it stands, the record here suggests that when the legislature passed this Statute, it missed the mark.”

This all came to fruition due to a Memphis Based theater group, named Friends with George, filing suit against the state, where Parker took their side on the matter. 

Trans Creator Dylan Mulvaney under attack

Trans TikTok creator, Dylan Mulvaney, has received an immense amount of criticism and backlash after scoring campaigns and sponsorships with brands Nike and Bud Light.

These posts have inspired boycotts from the right, with many promising to never buy Bud Light again. Musicians Kid Rock and Travis Titt both have spoken out in protest against the brand. 

Caitlin Jenner called out Nike and Mulvaney in a series of tweets that have since been deleted. 

Jenner tweeted, “As someone that grew up in awe of what Phil Knight did, it is a shame to see such an iconic American company go so woke! We can be inclusive but not at the expense of the mass majority of people, and have some decency while being inclusive. This is an outrage.”

They added, “Equality > inclusivity (stop trying to erase women). Why is it so black and white with the radical rainbow mafia?!”

Mulvaney has yet to make a public statement, but in an Instagram and TikTok post, they commented, “It’s hard to see the light now, just don’t let it go.”

This lyric is from the song “No One Is Alone” from the musical Into the Woods.

Mulvaney continued, “This song felt fitting for the week I’ve been having. All is well! Cheers.”

Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Bill expands

Ron DeSantis’ administration is moving forward with the expansion of the infamous “Don’t Say Gay” Bill. 

This expansion now would forbid classroom materials, including sexual and gender identity, from grades 4 through 12, unless it is required by existing state standards or reproduction health lessons.

Initially, this bill was only for those in kindergarten through the third grade.

This proposal, which does not need legislative approval, is scheduled to be voted on sometime this month. 

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, said, “It’s wrong, it’s completely, utterly wrong.”

When talking about this expansion, Jean-Pierre called it a “part of a disturbing and dangerous trend that we’re seeing across the nation.”

Bradon Wolf, press secretary for advocacy group Equality Flordia said, “Everything he does is about what can further his own career ambitions.”

Wolf continued, “And it’s clear he sees the anti-LGBTQ movement as his vehicle to get him where he wants to go.”