Self-care note: While some of the following stories celebrate and affirm LGBTQ+ people, many cover legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community, particularly trans and nonbinary youth. Please be kind to yourself and use your discretion while reading this section. Advisory: State news is representative but not exhaustive due to space constraints; feel free to forward news about your state to [email protected] to consider for inclusion. Bomb threats force evacuations in 18 state capitols. The threats were received on January 3rd in Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, and 13 other states. California - Slate of LGBTQ+-related laws go into effect. Several new laws affecting the LGBTQ+ community went into effect in California on January 1st, including AB 223, which requires courts to seal any petition for a change of gender or sex identifier filed by a minor to protect their privacy; SB 407 which requires foster care officials to ensure LGBTQ+ children in the system are placed with supportive families; SB 760, which requires that all K-12 public schools in California provide at least one easily accessible all-gender restroom for students; and several more. Florida - Monarch High School appeals to reduce fine for allegedly allowing a transgender student to play on the girls' volleyball team. In December, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) fined Monarch High School $16,500 and put it on administrative probation until November 2024, citing alleged violations of Florida's anti-trans athlete ban. The school is appealing the decision. Kentucky - Kim Davis ordered to pay $360,000 to same-sex couple for whom she refused to perform a marriage. The former Rowan County Clerk refused to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2015 despite the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges earlier that same year granting same-sex couples marriage rights nationwide. Ohio - Gov. Mike DeWine vetoes HB 68. The Governor vetoed the bill, which would have banned gender-affirming care and banned trans athletes from participating in school sports, on December 29th. State House leadership has announced their intention to override the Governor’s veto. Take action: tell them to protect trans kids and UPHOLD the Governor’s veto TODAY! Governor DeWine signs executive order banning gender-affirming surgery for trans minors. The Governor also announced proposed rules concerning gender-affirming care, including a requirement that all trans children and adults have a “comprehensive care plan” that ensures they see an endocrinologist, psychiatrist and bioethicist. Maria Bruno, public policy director for Equality Ohio, said DeWine's executive order banning gender-affirming surgery for trans minors is unnecessary because Ohio clinics do not perform gender transition surgery on minors. Equality Ohio is waiting to review the other measures before staking out a position. Openly trans candidate for State House disqualified for not including dead name in her candidacy petition. Vanessa Joy submitted paperwork to run for State House District 50 in Stark County, but the county rejected her candidacy, citing an obscure law requiring candidates disclose any prior names from the last five years in their petitions. This rule was not included in the Secretary of State’s candidate guide and Vanessa’s paperwork was filed with her legal name - Vanessa Joy. PFLAG National is monitoring this matter. New York - Long Island community supports openly gay teacher fired from Catholic school. Michael Califano, a third grade teacher at Maria Regina School in Seaford, was fired on December 27th after two years at the school. Over 100 parents and children protested Mr. Califano’s firing, holding signs saying “God loves Mr. Califano and so do we.” South Carolina - Anti-LGBTQ+ bills filed ahead of legislative session. The state legislature reconvenes on January 9th, and legislators will consider at least nine anti-LGBTQ+ measures, including H 4624, which would ban medically necessary care for trans youth under 18 and ban Medicaid funding for such care for youth under 26. H 4624 will be heard in committee on January 9th - contact your legislator TODAY and tell them to VOTE NO on this harmful bill! | 
