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Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Is on the Rise. Here’s How Activists Are Fighting Back.

From the “gayest city council in America” to the relentless joy of queer prom, activists are showing that even local actions can spur major change.

American Journalism Project

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Pocket has teamed up with the American Journalism Project to bring some of the best local journalism from across the country right to you—no matter where you live. Each month we’ll highlight deep dives into local stories with national impact—the kind of journalism that brings nuance and context to the major issues we face on a national scale. Read more about our partnership here and browse past collections to get your local fix.

A disturbing rise in discriminatory legislation has prompted the Human Rights Campaign to declare a National State of Emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans. But in communities across the country—from Portland to Kansas City to Sheboygan—there’s no shortage of pushback: Improved representation on city councils, new nonprofits devoted to marginalized communities, and protests that highlight the creativity and initiative of a new generation of activists. It’s not a panacea, but these stories plant seeds of hope for how even seemingly small actions can add up to serious change.

Photo Essay: Celebrating Joy at NAYA’s Queer Prom

The Native American Youth and Family Center invited students from all over Portland to show up authentically at Queer Prom.

Trans Montanans and Doctors Agree: Montana’s Ban on Gender-Affirming Care will Hurt Trans Minors

“If Montana bars [Scarlet van Garderen] from accessing medical care that has helped her live as the girl she knows herself to be, she struggles to imagine how she could continue to live here.”

Chicago Is About to Have the Gayest City Council in the Country

“The LGBTQ community crosses race, class, ethnicities and wards, so it’s exciting to be part of a City Council that reflects that.”

Trans Women of Color and the KCPD’s Rocky, Violent History

Amid a rash of legislation attacking trans health care and the appointment of a new police chief, Kansas City trans women of color need more say in shaping policies regarding their community.

Law Marks Turning Point for LGBTQ Rights in Wyoming. How Did We Get Here?

A 2023 law banning transgender girls from competing in girls sporting events breaks with the state’s 46-year tradition of defeating bills to restrict LGBTQ civil rights.

El Paso Families Face Uncertain Futures Over Transgender Care Ban

Emiliana Edwards joked and laughed with her friends as they inflated rainbow-colored balloons to help prepare for the Sun City Pride Youth Prom, knowing that her future in the community she became a part of is uncertain as a transgender teenager in Texas.

‘Unwanted and Unwelcome’: Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies Common at Wisconsin Voucher Schools

Many taxpayer-funded ‘choice’ schools in Wisconsin have anti-LGBTQ+ policies, often justified by Christian beliefs. And there’s little the state can do about it.

Minnesota Voters Sweep in the State’s Most Diverse Legislature After Historic Wins at the Polls.

At least 35 of 201 members of next year’s Minnesota Senate and House are people of color. The Legislature will also see its first non-binary and transgender legislators, and the first lawmaker from Generation Z.

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American Journalism Project

The American Journalism Project (AJP) is the first venture philanthropy dedicated to local news. AJP makes grants to local nonprofit news organizations to build their revenue and business operations, partner with communities to launch new organizations, and mentor leaders as they grow and sustain their newsrooms. Learn more about the independent, community-driven nonprofit news organizations AJP supports.