GLAAD

More than 6,000 United Methodist congregations — a fifth of the U.S. total — have now received permission to leave the denomination amid a schism over theology and the role of LGBTQ people in the nation's second-largest Protestant denomination. The departures have been particularly large in the South and Midwest, with states such as Texas, Alabama, Kentucky and Ohio each losing hundreds of congregations.

June is Pride Month. The annual commemoration is a time when many LGBTQ+ Americans embrace who they are. However, not every Alabamian may be celebrating this year. Alabamians offer their own advice to those struggling on their queer journey.

The second Friday of every month always attracts a crowd for the LoDa ArtWalk in Mobile, but the latest event took on additional meaning for the LGBTQ+ community.

A pair of proposals that would restrict classroom conversations around so-called “divisive concepts” failed to pass this legislative session. However, activists are concerned they may return in 2024.

Alabama lawmakers on Tuesday concluded the 2023 legislative session. Major legislation that won approval this year included removing a portion of the state sales tax on food. Lawmakers also approved a spending plan for pandemic relief funds and an extension of the a tax credit program used to lure industries to the state.

Alabama lawmakers seem unlikely to pass a bill restricting school discussions on sexual identity during the last day of 2023 legislative session. The state legislature is poised to meet on Tuesday, June 6th for the 30th and last day of this year’s session.