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Idaho bill proposes $2,000 daily fines for Pride flags on government buildings Heated Rivalry cast calls out toxic fans after hateful comments Wave of anti-trans legislation introduced across multiple U.S. states Megyn Kelly attacks soccer star Megan Rapinoe with homophobic remarks Arizona governor vetoes bill tied to anti-LGBTQ organization Historic Quest LGBTQ nightclub destroyed by fire in Alabama Pixar criticized for removing potential LGBTQ storyline Chappell Roan films paparazzi harassment after Paris Fashion Week Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• Orlando unveils design for the Pulse nightclub memorial • St. Petersburg lights up the city with massive rainbow laser display • Pew Research survey reveals global attitudes toward LGBTQ+ relationships • Viral TikTok shows life with two gay brothers • Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers donate $10K to Equality Kansas at GLAAD Awards • “Litter box in schools” myth resurfaces again • Scouting America confirms trans youth remain welcome • Florida anti-DEI bill raises concerns for Pride and cultural events • NYPD investigates explosive device thrown during protest • France sentences man to 25 years for murder of gay man • West Virginia bill could threaten drag performances • Trump administration rescinds Biden LGBTQ+ foster care rule Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• Harry Styles releases Netflix performance of new album KISS ALL THE TIME. DISCO, OCCASIONALLY. • Liza Minnelli receives new honor at GLAAD Media Awards • EEOC ruling allows limits on transgender restroom access in federal workplaces • Brisbane drag performers win appeal in vilification case • Scouting America sues LGBTQ travel company over “Queer Scout” name • Joe Rogan criticized for spreading false claims about trans people • Historic Milwaukee gay bar “This Is It!” approved as Wisconsin landmark • Malta court acquits man prosecuted over conversion-therapy testimony • Gay professional gamer detained by ICE fears deportation to Cameroon Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• British female athletes asked to pay for their own sex verification tests to compete internationally. • Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney lands a new historical drama series at Netflix. • Girlguiding launches a task force to explore new ways to support trans girls and women. • England’s Chief Medical Officer warns politics is overshadowing science in puberty blocker trial debate. • UK lawmakers move closer to making anti-LGBTQ hate crimes aggravated offenses. • Political drama in Washington as Kristi Noem prepares to leave the Department of Homeland Security. • Britney Spears arrested on suspicion of DUI in California. Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• Chick-fil-A faces protests as it prepares to relaunch in the UK • Texas congressional race between Julie Johnson and Colin Allred heads to a runoff • Ghana considers sweeping anti-LGBTQ legislation • Transgender teacher says Florida laws forced her to leave the state • North Carolina Democrats defeat candidates who backed anti-trans legislation • Tim Walz pushes back after Nancy Mace raises transgender issue in congressional hearing • Madonna reportedly filming “most daring” music video for Confessions Part 2 • Reports say Britney Spears briefly detained on suspicion of DUI Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• Manchester United’s Jack Fletcher suspended six games after using homophobic slur during match • BAFTAs controversy erupts after offensive outburst during ceremony hosted by Alan Cumming • Nearly 20 U.S. states restricting access to HIV medication assistance programs • Kesha condemns White House for pairing her music with war footage • Texas lawmaker James Talarico’s speech against Christian nationalism goes viral • Supreme Court blocks California protections for transgender students • Russia bans LGBTQ rights organization “Coming Out” as extremist Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

GLAAD announces Quinta Brunson, Bowen Yang & Matt Rogers as honorees for 2026 Media Awards Tiffany Pollard opens up about identifying as non-binary in interview with Ziwe Lyft offers 50% rides to Kansas trans+ community after restrictive ID law 25 arrested protesting HHS proposed gender-affirming care restrictions Connor Storrie hosts SNL with Olympic hockey stars Texas AG declares affirming trans youth is child abuse USA Rugby bans trans women from women’s divisions Vanderbilt halts gender-affirming surgeries for trans adults Supreme Court blocks California trans student privacy protections Malaysia bans Grindr and Blued Menaka Guruswamy set to become India’s first openly LGBTQ+ MP Joe Locke wins Children’s & Family Emmy Award Pascal Kaiser shares emotional Instagram updates after homophobic attacks Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former AFL player Mitch Brown says coming out as bisexual brought “peace, comfort and confidence.” Seattle and Vancouver to compete in the NHL Unites Pride Cup in British Columbia. Heated Rivalry star Connor Storrie hosts Saturday Night Live with surprise cameo from Hudson Williams. Savannah Pride to host second annual LGBTQ+ Health Summit focused on equity under pressure. Shia LaBeouf sparks backlash after making homophobic remarks following New Orleans arrest.   Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.COM/LISTENUP FBI Director Kash Patel scrutinized over $75,000 taxpayer-funded Milan trip Rep. Robert Garcia pushes back on Nancy Mace’s Hillary Clinton deposition claims Transgender Kansans sue over document revocation law Rep. Bob Onder calls trans people “demonic evil” while introducing anti-care bill 5th Circuit allows Texas drag ban to take effect Nevada judge clears path for trans sports ballot initiative Grace Jones refuses music license for Melania documentary Influencer falsely claims headphones are “making men gay” Brandi Carlile raises $600,000 for families impacted by ICE New Hampshire House passes controversial CHARLIE Act Rep. Mary Miller introduces bill restricting federal funds over LGBTQ+-inclusive material Colton Underwood addresses past controversies at reunion Florida restricts HIV medication access, sparking public health concerns Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trans athlete bans head toward a Supreme Court showdown in 27 states. Kansas begins invalidating driver’s licenses and birth certificates for transgender residents under SB 244. Approximately 360 federal surveys remove LGBTQ+ identity questions following an executive order from the Orange convicted felon. Texas school district removes 142 LGBTQ+-themed books in January alone. House Republicans introduce sweeping federal “Don’t Say Trans” bill, HR 7661. UN experts warn the UK over potential human rights violations in treatment of trans people. Senegal proposes doubling prison sentences for same-sex relationships and criminalizing LGBTQ+ advocacy. Sydney teen avoids conviction in violent anti-gay assault case. Trans man hailed as hero after rescuing baby from Lake Michigan. Niecy Nash-Betts and wife safely return home after violence near Puerto Vallarta. Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.COM/LISTENUP • The psychological toll of constant anti-LGBTQ+ political coverage • Minority Stress Theory and its impact on queer mental health • How doom-scrolling keeps the nervous system in fight-or-flight mode • Practical ways to set boundaries with news consumption • Why protecting your peace is not political disengagement   Follow Zach at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• Demi Lovato and Jonathan Bennett Lead 37th GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles • The Orange Convicted Felon Calls for Federal Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth • North Carolina Man Sentenced for Years of Anti-Gay Cyberstalking • Idaho Republicans Push to Overturn Marriage Equality — Again • Nearly 19,000 Bot Accounts Amplify MAGA Rapper Posts • Heated Rivalry Season Two Begins Filming This August • Malaysia Blocks Grindr and Blued Websites • Brandi Carlile Raises $600,000 for Immigrant Legal Aid • Rachel Reid Delays “Unrivaled” Due to Parkinson’s Symptoms • NHS Pauses Access to Puberty Blockers for Trans Youth Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

• Rob Jetten sworn in as Netherlands’ youngest and first openly gay prime minister • Oscar-nominated short A Friend of Dorothy streaming free • John Waters joins American Horror Story Season 13 • Yosemite biologist sues after trans flag protest firing • Texas LGBTQ+ student club ban temporarily blocked • U.S. women’s hockey team declines State of the Union invite • Al Green escorted out during State of the Union protest • Real Madrid’s Courtois condemns homophobic slurs • Orlando nightclub shooting leaves one dead • Pope Leo XIV signals no change to LGBTQ+ doctrine • Tim Gunn reveals 43 years of celibacy • St. Pete lights skyline with rainbow laser Pride installation Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.COM/LISTENUP Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/listenup LGBTQ+ News - February 22, 2026 LGBTQ+ Olympians  Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/listenup LGBTQ+ News for February 20, 2026   Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump administration cuts HIV and public health funding in four Democrat-led statesCalifornia sues federal government over transgender student privacy protectionsHouse passes SAVE America Act amid voting rights concernsCastro Theatre reopens with leather-themed screening of PillionCynthia Erivo addresses rumors about relationship with Ariana GrandeWorld Anti-Doping Agency investigates alleged ski jumping “Penisgate” scandalGerman referee Pascal Kaiser attacked twice after proposing to boyfriendSign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/listenup Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear cites Bible to defend trans youth care vetoNew Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte vetoes expansive anti-trans billUK updates guidance on pronouns for primary school studentsPhilippine Supreme Court allows same-sex couples to co-own propertyGLAAD reports 1,042 anti-LGBTQ incidents in 2025UK FOI reveals surge in trans youth suicides after healthcare rollbacksTrump administration cuts $600M in CDC STD & HIV fundingChappell Roan and Orville Peck leave Wasserman agencyRalf Schumacher announces engagementArgentine diocese considers discipline after trans wedding Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jayapal and Markey Introduce Federal Bill Expanding Trans Civil Rights ProtectionsPride Flag Re-Raised at Stonewall After Federal Removal Sparks OutrageHigh Court Affirms Trans Women’s Right to Use Women’s FacilitiesCalifornia Court Orders Hospital to Continue Gender-Affirming CareCongressman Calls for Inquiry into Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl PerformanceNBC Apologizes for Misgendering Trans Olympic SkierPornhub Reports Massive Spike in Super Bowl-Themed SearchesTs Madison Secures Restraining Order After Alleged StalkingNCSU Pride Center Director Dismissed After Secret RecordingPortland Police Arrest Man in Alleged Anti-Trans AssaultTrump Excludes Governors Polis and Moore from White House EventKhalid Reflects on Being Outed and Embraces His IdentityCardi B Responds to DHS Criticism with Epstein Files QuestionNetflix CEO Says “Boots” Cancellation Was Not PoliticalNYU Disputes Claims Over Pattie Gonia Event CancellationRemembering James Van Der Beek Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bad Bunny’s Inclusive Super Bowl Halftime Show Sparks Celebration — and Racist BacklashAmber Glenn Steps Back from Social Media After Facing Threats Over LGBTQ AdvocacyTrans Skier Elis Lundholm Set to Make Olympic History at Milano–Cortina 2026Record Number of Out LGBTQ Athletes Competing at 2026 Winter OlympicsOne Million Moms Targets Gordon Ramsay Butter Ad Over Censored ProfanityVirginia Sends Measure to Voters to Remove Same-Sex Marriage Ban from State ConstitutionHuman Rights Watch Warns U.S. Is Undermining LGBTQ+ Rights WorldwideFollow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedmanhttps://www.listenupgirl.com/ Visit Shopify.com/ListenUp and get you business started today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.