Just over one in five schools in Northern Ireland have said they cover lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) issues with pupils. That is one of the findings of a Department of Education (DE) survey of more than 420 schools. Schools were asked whether they covered LGB issues in relationship and sex education (RSE) or other parts of the curriculum.
Last year, an elementary school classmate came out as a transgender boy to Dean Inserra’s fourth-grade son. So, the Southern Baptist pastor turned it into a teachable moment. Inserra, who leads City Church in Tallahassee, Florida, said he told his son that nothing changes about their friendship, and the loving thing to do was to use the name his classmate preferred. However, at home, the Inserra family would make clear his friend is biologically a girl.
President Trump signed a long-awaited directive on Friday that precludes transgender individuals from joining the military but gives Defense Secretary Jim Mattis wide discretion in determining whether those already in the armed forces can continue to serve. Mr. Mattis’s decisions will be based on several criteria, including military effectiveness and budgetary concerns, a senior White House official said in briefing reporters.
A fundraising campaign has been launched to open Britain’s first homeless shelter for LGBT people. The shelter, based in London, will comprise a former tour bus previously owned by the rock band Status Quo remodelled to temporarily house those most at risk from the dangers of rough-sleeping – many of whom also face compound problems resulting from hate crimes, domestic abuse, family rejection, and poor mental health.
The Waldensian Evangelical Church on Friday became the first Protestant church in Italy to formally offer to “bless” same-sex couples in civil partnerships, a common practice in Protestant churches across Europe. While same-sex couples in the country are not allowed to legally marry in a church, gay and lesbian couples will now be able to mark and celebrate their civil partnerships in a church service – or “blessing” ceremony.
As an openly gay male athlete in a pro team sport, I feel like a distinct minority and wish more athletes would take the plunge and come out. I am from Canada and play pro volleyball and it hasn’t been easy being openly gay. Volleyball isn’t as high profile as some of the other major sports throughout the world and especially in North America, so I feel that my impact is limited to the volleyball community. But I think my experiences as a team sport athlete are not unique.
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