LGBTQ+ health programs & newsrooms get shut down while gay issues take center stage in Virginia

**Trans Athlete Who Won Lawsuit Tried to End Case Due to Harassment, But Judge Won’t Let Her Stop**

The state of Idaho appealed a transgender college athlete’s court victory to the Supreme Court. The athlete herself tried to cancel the appeal to end the drawn-out legal process amid ongoing harassment. However, a judge ruled against her request, stating that it would be “fundamentally unfair” to the state of Idaho to allow the case to be settled without the Supreme Court hearing the appeal.

**Why It Matters:**
Lindsay Hecox’s case raises significant legal issues that the Supreme Court can now address. While the case is important for transgender rights, Hecox remains concerned for her own well-being amid the intense public scrutiny and harassment.

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**Trump Administration Cancels LGBTQ+ Health Programs Amid Shutdown Blame**

The Trump administration recently fired employees in the Office of Population Affairs, a move that had been planned previously. This office is responsible for important informational campaigns about gender-affirming care and other LGBTQ+ health initiatives, including HIV prevention.

**Why It Matters:**
Those workers played a key role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. A former leader at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that these firings have put America at risk of disease outbreaks and attacks by nefarious actors. The comment, “People should be scared,” highlights the potential public health impact.

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**Trans Rights Icon Miss Major Griffin-Gracey Passes Away at 78**

Friends and community members remember Miss Major Griffin-Gracey as a resilient activist dedicated to creating safe spaces for Black transgender communities and all trans people.

**What People Said:**
“Her enduring legacy is a testament to her resilience, activism, and dedication. We are eternally grateful for Miss Major’s life, contributions, and how deeply she cared for those she loved.”

**Why It Matters:**
Miss Major was a lifelong leader and advocate whose loss will be deeply felt. Her life and work will continue to inspire future generations of activists.

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**Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Criticizes Opponent’s Anti-LGBTQ+ Stance**

Abigail Spanberger, running for governor of Virginia, released a new ad attacking her GOP opponent, Winsome Earle-Sears, for opposing marriage equality and employment protections for LGBTQ+ people.

**Why It Matters:**
Spanberger herself has faced attacks throughout her campaign for supporting the rights of transgender youth in sports. Her ad targeting Earle-Sears’ opposition to LGBTQ+ rights may signal a new strategy by Democrats heading into the 2026 elections.

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**NBC News Lays Off Reporting Teams Focused on Minority Communities**

NBC News has laid off staff from several of its minority-focused verticals, including NBC BLK, NBC Latino, NBC Asian America, and NBC Out, which specifically covered LGBTQ+ issues.

**Why It Matters:**
Throughout the 2010s and early 2020s, corporate media invested significantly in reporting on LGBTQ+ communities. NBC Out, in particular, was known for in-depth coverage. These recent layoffs suggest a potential retreat from such dedicated programming.

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**A New Rainbow Crosswalk in Milwaukee’s Historic LGBTQ+ Neighborhood**

Despite a nationwide crackdown on rainbow crosswalks by conservative groups, Milwaukee has installed a new rainbow crosswalk in the city’s historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, Walker’s Point.

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**Interesting Queer and Trans Reads**

– *LGBTQ Nation* contributor Greg Owen shares the stories of LGBTQ+ refugees who escaped harrowing backgrounds and found safety in the U.S.
– Editor Molly Sprayregen reports on a teacher targeted by online hate for opposing fascism — a fight the teacher refuses to give up.
– Contributor Matt Keeley tells the story of Rebecca “Burger” Heineman, the first person to win a video game championship in the U.S. and an openly proud trans woman.

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Stay tuned for more updates and stories that matter to the LGBTQ+ community.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/10/lgbtq-health-programs-newsrooms-get-shut-down-while-gay-issues-take-center-stage-in-virginia/