Latest news with #LGTBQ
USA Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Pride month could be a balm, says bishop Trump blasted over LGBTQ sermon
Pride month could be a balm, says bishop Trump blasted over LGBTQ sermon Show Caption Hide Caption Trump demands apology from bishop after prayer service plea President Donald Trump attacked Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde for remarks she made during the inaugural prayer service at Washington National Cathedral. WASHINGTON ‒ Despite being attacked by him online, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde said she would meet with President Donald Trump if it would lead to a meaningful discussion about protecting the rights of LGTBQ communities. 'I would love to actually have a real person-to-person conversation about the things that matter. I'm always open to that," Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, told USA TODAY. Trump was upset by Budde's sermon during his Jan. 21 inauguration prayer service urging him to 'have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now." 'There are transgender children in both Republican and Democratic families who fear for their lives,'' she told Trump during the service at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump later lashed out on social media demanding an apology from Budde and calling her a 'Radical Left hard line Trump hater." "She was nasty in tone, and not compelling or smart," he wrote. With Pride Month underway, USA TODAY talked with Budde about her work as a long-time advocate for LGBTQ rights and those few lines in her 15-minute sermon that stirred an avalanche of reactions. 'The remarkable thing about my two or three sentences in that inaugural prayer service about compassion and respecting all people is the response that it got,'' said Budde, noting she received boxes of thank you letters. 'That says to me, okay, 'This is who we are. These are the values that we want to stand for and that's who we are as a church, that's who I am as a bishop, that's who my fellow Christians are in the denomination I serve. I'm really proud.'' There was also plenty of criticism. She expected that. Their differences aren't new. Budde slammed Trump in 2020 when he held up a Bible in front of a church near the White House during protests over the death of George Floyd. Still, Budde said, she's 'concerned about the resurgence of rhetoric that target LGBTQ people.'' This conversation with Budde, 65, the first woman elected to her post and the author of 'How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith,'' has been shortened for clarity and brevity. Pride month celebrations Question: Is there anything in particular during this Pride Month that you hope the public and politicians work to protect or push back against? Answer: Pride historically has been this celebration and also an opportunity for churches like ours to witness and to say, 'Hey, we want to celebrate you, the fullness of humanity, God's love for all children' … This year is there a poignancy or urgency to that? I would say so because it feels as if there are some values, some accomplishments, some strides that are being called into question and a fairly aggressive effort on the part of many to take away some of the things that have been so hard fought for. It's both a time of celebration and a reminder that this is who we are, and these are our beloved and this is who we stand with. You've been an advocate for LGTBQ rights for a long time. What drove you to this work? All of this was coming on the heels, frankly, of the churches' ordination of women. They did not ordain women officially until 1979. I was ordained in 1984 … I was hearing a lot of the same arguments both theologically and sociologically that had been used against women and against Blacks in the church. It did not ring true to my experience. And there was a lot of great theological and Biblical work being done in support of full inclusion, affirmation and expansive views of God's love of diversity and the unconditional celebration of all human beings. Pride Month is celebrated every year, but as we talked about some people feel this climate is more toxic. What do you hope happens going forward? I pray that it is a really joyful, inspiring gathering where people feel safe, where they feel seen, where they feel supported, where they can laugh and learn. Maybe it is a good antidote to some of the meaner rhetoric that has been unnecessarily hurtful. And just be a balm for people. We all need that. Coping with the cultural divide You said you've received a lot of affirmations and positive responses to your sermon in January, but I'm sure you received negative ones too. How did you take them? I actually think the cultural divide has been fueled and amplified by the forces in our society that want to keep us divided and that are looking for ways to divide us and also to inspire fear where there should be no fear. That's been hard. In your sermon, you called for President Trump to have mercy on different communities, including the LGBTQ community. Do you think that has happened in the months since he took office? There seems to be a lot to be gained by keeping us divided and to project really false statements onto whole groups of people. That has not stopped, which is just worrisome and a bit heartbreaking. This is not for me, a partisan thing … but I do want to constantly stand for and remind people of the values that are bedrock to me as a person of faith, but also to our country and to emphasize that we have far more in common with one another than we differ. More: President Trump seethes at 'nasty' bishop who told him to 'have mercy,' demands apology When is it time to apologize? Trump called on you to apologize. Do you have any regrets about anything you said or did that day? I'm human. I'm constantly second-guessing myself. Could I've done something better? Could I have said it better? Could I have built a bridge? I couldn't bring myself to apologize for what I felt was the gospel. I was very much in my lane as a spiritual leader in a spiritual context, speaking about what we need in our country if we truly are to be united. Are you saying you would meet with President Trump? To further the good of what we need to do I would welcome it. In my work you respect the dignity of every human being and try to listen to find whatever ground you can upon which to build something together … I would never shut the door on a real conversation. Has an invitation been extended either way? No. I don't operate in those circles. Most of my job is with congregations. I'm not partisan. But when they come to our house and they invite us to pray, we pray. And if I were ever invited into any other spaces, I would gladly go and go with an open heart. Politicians acting in the name of God What do you say to Christians who have left the church because of things politicians have done in God's name? I understand the grief and pain of that. I wish I could assure them that if the image of God that they're carrying as a result of that is of a cruel and judgmental and angry God, that that is not the God that I believe in or worship and that there is always love and mercy and goodness at the heart of God.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Iowa City Pride: The places, people that make this city so LGBTQIA+ friendly
Iowa City Pride: The places, people that make this city so LGBTQIA+ friendly Any list of the country's premiere independent bookstores always includes several from both coasts. Yet, one bright light shines in the middle of the Midwest — Prairie Lights Books in Iowa City. For nearly 50 years, it has been a primary source of cultural understanding and community in this city of 75, point to Prairie Lights as a primary factor in Iowa City regularly appearing alongside San Francisco, New York and Miami as a destination for queer travel.'From the beginning, Prairie Lights has never shied away from whose books and what topics they would carry or what authors they would invite to special events,' says Joe Reilly, a gay man who, as night mayor, serves as a non-elected liaison between downtown businesses and city officials on issues like safety and inclusivity.'Iowa City has successfully planned for a safe and inviting community by providing good lighting, a healthy pedestrian mall and public safety that demonstrates this space is cared for,' he says. It should be noted that Iowa City's elected mayor, Bruce Teague, is openly also credits the transitory nature of many residents for making Iowa City so welcoming. As the original capital of Iowa, the city is home to the University of Iowa and its 30,000 students from around the world.'People come here from so many walks of life and quickly learn from each other and grow together,' Reilly was in this environment 25 years ago that Studio 13 opened in a downtown alley. Despite its offbeat location, it quickly became the most visible LGBTQIA+ space in town. Owner Jason Zeman acknowledges that a supportive local government has contributed to the club's success, but Studio 13's mantra is based on supporting individual identity.'We live by the philosophy that every customer should feel better leaving our venues than when they came in,' he says. 'Making people feel good about themselves and reminding them they're special, important and loved is something I emphasize to our staff.'Complementing businesses such as Studio 13 are Big Grove Brewery, Iowa's largest craft brewery, that produces a Rainbow Connection Brew. Proceeds benefit Iowa City boutique movie theater FilmScene regularly shows movies with queer themes and by LGTBQ directors. The Iowa City Senior Center has a Queer Elders group.A popular boutique hotel, The Highlander, has won numerous recognitions by the gay travel community.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Uptown sex shop says it's 'dangerously close' to closing 'forever'
Uptown sex shop says it's 'dangerously close' to closing 'forever' originally appeared on Bring Me The News. The future of sex-positive sex shop The Smitten Kitten is in limbo. On Wednesday, the Lyn-Lake store sent out a newsletter sounding the alarm. "This week we came to the conclusion that we are dangerously close to shutting our doors forever," the newsletter reads. "Local product based businesses like Smitten Kitten are going up against Big Box stores, tariffs, and the constant struggle and vilification of being queer sex educators under fascism in 2025," the shop continued. While Smitten Kitten is a sex shop selling books, sex toys, and other products, it's also a community space. It offers inclusive, sex-positive classes, discussions, and social gatherings that have helped many in the community build connections. In Wednesday's newsletter, the shop announced a sale that will run on Thursday and Friday as part of an effort to keep the lights on. The company did not respond to a request for comment. "Smitten Kitten is more than just a s*x store, we are a safe place to explore, learn and find community in each other through our collective and individual struggles," the newsletter concludes. "Whether that's coming out, transitioning, cancer, sexual trauma, etc. We want to continue to serve our customers and community for as long as we possibly can." It's assumed that the business' mention of "fascism" is a reference to the second Trump administration, the rise of which has been characterized partially by attacks on sex education and targeting of the LGTBQ community. The administration has taken a series of steps since Trump returned to office that have hallmarks of authoritarianism, autocracy, and right-wing populism, including the suppression of certain political speech, the targeting of immigrant communities, and the minimization of the legislature and judiciary. But the claim from the left that his regime is fascist is the subject of ongoing debate even though the policies listed above tend to feature in fascist story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on May 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
LGBTQ+ Catholics React to New Pope Leo XIV
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Several Catholic LGBTQ+ ministries are cautiously welcoming Pope Leo XIV, expressing hope he will build on Pope Francis' more inclusive tone, while also noting their concern over resurfaced remarks against the community from a decade ago. Newsweek has reached out to some LGTBQ ministries and resource groups for comment via email on Friday. Why It Matters Former Pope Francis died on April 21, marking the end of a 12-year papacy during which the late pontiff tried to adjust the Roman Catholic Church to a changing, modern world. He sparked both praise and controversy throughout his papacy over his relatively progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues. However, he also faced backlash after allegedly using a homophobic slur in a private meeting about gay seminarians. Under Pope Francis, the Vatican did not officially change doctrine on same-sex relationships or gender identity, but it adopted a more welcoming tone. The conclave decided on Thursday that Robert Prevost, a missionary-turned-Vatican official who spent much of his career ministering in Peru, will serve as the new pope. He is the first American pope in the Church's 2,000-year history. Since his election, several 2012 comments from Pope Leo XIV have resurfaced that were critical of the LGBTQ+ community. (L):Cardinal Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pope in history, appears before his faithful on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on May 8, 2025, in Vatican City (Vatican). (R): LGBTQ Pride flags and... (L):Cardinal Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Pope in history, appears before his faithful on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on May 8, 2025, in Vatican City (Vatican). (R): LGBTQ Pride flags and ribbons are viewed in front of the First United Methodist Church on the eighth anniversary of the date when a gunman opened fire on the crowd at the Pulse nightclub, Wednesday, June 12, 2024 in Orlando, Fla. More Phelan M. Ebenhack/ EBENP/AP Stefano Spaziani/ Europa Press What To Know Francis' successor, Leo XIV, may be seen as less progressive on the subject, with many pointing to his 2012 address as reflective of his stance. In that address, Prevost spoke about the "sympathy for beliefs and practices that are at odds with the gospel," citing "homosexual lifestyle" and "alternative families comprised of same-sex partners and their adopted children." While serving as a bishop in Peru, Prevost opposed government plans to add teachings about gender in school, calling "the promotion of gender since they "create genders that don't exist," according to The New York Times. The New Ways Ministry, which advocates for justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Catholics, said in a statement that they welcome the new leader of the Catholic Church and "pledge our prayers for him" as he assumes to the shepherding post. However, they're hoping that his stance on LGBTQ+ issues has changed since Francis took over the church. "We pray that, in the 13 years that have passed, 12 of which were under the papacy of Pope Francis, his heart and mind have developed more progressively on LGBTQ+ issues, and we will take a wait-and-see attitude to see if that has happened," they added, pointing to the Times report. In a similar sentiment, DignityUSA, an activist group for LGBTQ Catholics, wrote in a statement they are offering their "prayers and best wishes" to the new pope. But, the group added that the needs of the historically marginalized, including LGBTQ+ people continue "to be heard and addressed by the Vatican and other church leaders." Many of the ministries said they hope that the new pope will reflect on and mirror Pope Francis' famous comments when asked about homosexuality. "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" Francis said. He also said that being gay is "not a crime" and described the criminalization of the LGBTQ+ community as "wrong." Michael O'Loughlin, the executive director of Outreach, an organization supporting LGBTQ Catholics, told The Advocate that early signs seem to indicate Leo will continue the legacy of Francis. He pointed to his name that honors a "pope committed to justice" and his call for the church to be focused on "peace and dialogue." "While we do not yet know how the new pope will interact with LGBT Catholics, the same was true in 2013 on the night Pope Francis was elected, and his pontificate wound up being inspiring to so many in our community," O'Loughlin said. What People Are Saying Robert Prevost, in his first words as the new Pope Leo XIV: "Peace be with you all. Dear brothers and sisters, this is the first greeting of the Risen Christ, the good shepherd who gave his life for the flock of God. I too would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts to reach your families to all people everywhere to all the earth: peace be with you." President Donald Trump, on Truth Social: "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" LGBT Catholics Westminster said in a Thursday statement: "Opinions and ideas can change, and he supported Pope Francis' change in pastoral practice to allow divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion, and he showed support for Fiducia Supplicans, allowing blessings for same-sex couples. His election is a clear rebuff to those who wanted a return to a rigorous legalism and a more fortress-style Church." The Global Network of Rainbow Catholics said in a May 8 statement citing the new pope's 2012 comments: "But opinions and ideas can change, and he supported Pope Francis' change in pastoral practice to allow divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion, and he showed mild, but present, support for Fiducia Supplicans. He has expressed openness to marginalized groups, though his stance on specific issues like blessing same-sex couples remains ambiguous." Stan "JR" Zerkowski, executive director of Fortunate Families, which supports LGTBQ+ Catholic children, siblings, and family members, said in a May 8 statement: "We rejoice with the Church for the gift of Pope Leo XIV as Fortunate Families continues on our journey toward a more inclusive, affirming, blessing, and supportive Church for our LGBTQ+ siblings. We make the words of Pope Leo XIV our own: 'Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward.'" What Happens Next The church remains divided on LGBTQ+ issues, with some dioceses pushing for more inclusive policies and others maintaining a strict doctrinal stance. New Ways Ministry will be hosting a virtual Zoom panel to discuss their hopes for the Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV on Sunday May 11 at 4 p.m. ET.
CBS News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
In Mansfield, re-elected Mayor says voters sent a message: "People are tired of the uber partisanship"
Re-elected Mansfield mayor says voters sent a message: "People are tired of the uber partisanship" Re-elected Mansfield mayor says voters sent a message: "People are tired of the uber partisanship" Re-elected Mansfield mayor says voters sent a message: "People are tired of the uber partisanship" Mansfield Mayor Michael Evans won re-election over the weekend by defeating challenger Julie Short, who was backed by the Tarrant County Republican Party and other groups. Evans said voters in this non-partisan race like the direction of the city and pushed back against partisan politics being a part of the campaign. "People are tired of the uber partisanship," said Evans. "We won with a cross section of voters, and the people want to make sure that they send a message. That partisan politics on the local level is bad for business. We have to serve everybody." Shift in school board membership It's not just at City Hall. Partisan politics also entered local school board races in Mansfield. The Tarrant County GOP also backed the three incumbent school board members on the ballot. All the challengers won: Ana-Alicia Horn beat the board president, Keziah Valdes Farrar. Jason Thomas unseated Board secretary Craig Tipping. Jesse Cannon II defeated incumbent Bianca Benavides Anderson. "When you have individuals who were saying that they want to keep Tarrant red, or individuals who are saying that, you know, 'Mansfield is turning too blue,'" Evans said. "They did not understand, I don't think, the makeup or the demographics of our city, of our locale. I mean, we've got people that come from everywhere. They have different ideologies." Tarrant County Republican Party Chairman Bo French said he believes his party needs to do a better job motivating Republican voters to get involved in local elections. He said the party backed the candidates after asking them if they wanted their endorsement. "We spent a little money trying to alert people to what was going on in Mansfield," said French. "We always want to help candidates that are going to be for lower taxes, lowering your property taxes, you know, not having the craziness in our school systems with the LGTBQ nonsense and the DEI nonsense." Voter motivation and key issues In a phone interview, school board member-elect Jason Thomas said he believes he and the other challengers won because their opponents didn't attend community forums and that voters disagreed with the school district's policies surrounding reviews of school library books and students using pronouns. Crystal Gayden, Tarrant County Democratic Party Chair, said that voters pushed back against the new school choice education savings accounts law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott over the weekend. French disagreed and said school choice has been a Republican priority and that his party is being falsely accused. "We're the ones who get accused of being partisan," said French. "No, this is a response to the partisanship that Democrats have already injected into the process." Evans feels differently about the message voters sent. "I'm hoping that the actual message that went out is saying, 'Stay out of local matters,'" said Evans. Both party chairs, French and Gayden, agree, there is no such thing as non-partisan races anymore — the only difference is that school board, mayoral and city council races don't go through the primaries. Watch Eye On Politics on CBS News Texas at 7:30 Sunday morning on air and streaming
