The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has suspended a priest, Dmitry Safronov, for three years for leading a memorial service for Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. Safronov was also demoted and transferred to another church in Moscow. The church did not provide a reason for the suspension.
German professional footballers are planning a group coming out for May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia. The historic move aims to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in the world of sports. Several players across the nation, representing various clubs, are reportedly involved in the initiative, demonstrating their courage and solidarity in the face of societal prejudices and expectations. This collective action is expected to have a significant impact on LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in football and beyond.
Thousands of United Methodists have assembled in Charlotte, North Carolina, for their highly anticipated General Conference, a meeting that occurs every four years. Among the attendees are voting delegates representing Methodist churches globally. The delegates will deliberate on various matters, including the possible elimination of bans related to same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy and bishops. Other key issues on the agenda include disaffiliations, regionalization, and budget proposals.
A bill that aimed to ban Pride flags in public school classrooms in Tennessee was rejected by the Republican-controlled Senate. Despite passing the Republican-dominated House earlier, the proposal faced opposition in the Senate, where lawmakers debated potential amendments and delayed voting until the final week of the legislative session. Ultimately, the bill was defeated in a 13-6 vote, with more than 10 senators abstaining. The rejection is part of a broader trend in Republican-led states seeking to limit LGBTQ+ topics and perspectives in schools.
Chicago Pride Fest returns to Halsted and Addison from Saturday, June 22, through Sunday, June 23, 2024, and has announced its full lineup featuring JoJo Siwa, Natasha Bedingfield, Bob the Drag Queen, and Amber Riley as headliners. The lineup also includes Kaleena Zanders, Empress Of, and recent “RuPaul’s Drag Race” finalist Sapphira Cristál.
Eight months after a mass shooting at a DIY punk show in Minneapolis left one person dead and six others injured, a teenage suspect has been charged with seven felonies, including aiding and abetting second-degree intentional murder and six counts of felony assault with a firearm. The shooting is believed to have been motivated by bias against the victims’ gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. Investigators used DNA testing to identify the suspect, who appeared in juvenile court Tuesday afternoon.
Brittney Griner, a towering figure in basketball, has faced challenges and triumphed over adversity throughout her life. Growing up with a tall and athletic build, she endured teasing and bullying in school, but basketball became her sanctuary. Embracing her identity, she came out as a lesbian in high school, despite initial resistance from her father. Drafted by the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury in 2013, Griner became an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and used her platform to support marginalized youth. Throughout her career, she won numerous awards and accolades, including Olympic gold medals with Team USA and the WNBA Championship in 2014. Despite her success, Griner’s journey has been marked by challenges. She has been open about her struggles with mental health and substance abuse. In 2022, she was detained in Russia on drug charges, facing a potential 10-year prison sentence. Griner’s story is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of using one’s voice to make a difference.
Benzino, the former co-founder of The Source magazine, recently expressed compassion for Meek Mill and Diddy amid ongoing speculation about their alleged sexual involvement. During an appearance on VladTV, Benzino stated that their private lives should remain private, emphasizing that “the internet makes all our business everybody’s business.” He also rejected the notion that Meek Mill’s street persona should influence his sexuality, stating that “real street n****s can be gay.” Benzino’s comments have sparked discussion and debate among fans, who are curious about his perspective on the matter.
E. Corry Kole, a former diversity official at Providence College, has filed a discrimination charge with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights. Kole alleges that they experienced discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity throughout their employment at the college.
Kole, who is nonbinary, said they were told by a college official that they were “too liberal” and “cannot identify as queer.” Kole also alleges they were told to use “she/her” pronouns in front of students, but “they/them” pronouns privately.
Kole resigned from their position in March 2023, citing ongoing harassment and bullying.
The college has not yet reviewed the formal charge, but a spokesperson said the institution looks forward to addressing unsubstantiated claims of discrimination.
The tensions at Providence College reflect the strain among Catholics, even as the Vatican has recently taken steps to make the Catholic Church a more welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community.
The first Chick-fil-A within Portland city limits is set to open in a former strip club, The Venue Gentleman’s Club. The fast food franchise has obtained permits to convert the building, which has a history of violent incidents, into a fried-chicken sandwich restaurant. The city has approved plans to alter the building’s exterior and add landscaping to the parking lot. The location will not have a drive-thru. The Venue was the site of a fatal shooting in April, and the alleged perpetrator has been arrested.
