Pioneering Black feminist Dorothy Pitman Hughes dies at 84

Hughes died Dec. 1 in Tampa, Florida, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, said Maurice Sconiers of the Sconiers Funeral Home in Columbus, Georgia. The home said it did not know the cause of death.

Arkansas town elects youngest Black mayor in America

Only months after graduating high school, Jaylen Smith, 18, is the new mayor of Earle, Arkansas.

Putin signs law expanding Russia's rules against LGBT 'propaganda'

Russia’s new law outlaws advertising, media and online resources, books, films and theater productions deemed to contain such LGBT “propaganda.”

Supreme Court justices spar in latest clash of religion and gay rights

The Supreme Court on Monday heard the case of a Christian graphic artist who objects to designing wedding websites for gay couples.

EXPLAINER: Congress is acting on gay, interracial marriage after Senate passes bill

The Respect for Marriage Act is a historic bipartisan agreement that reflects a wider acceptance of gay rights in both Congress and the country. The bill would protect the rights of about a half million married couples.

First Asian Santa to greet children at Mall of America

For the first time in three years, children are back sitting on Santa's lap at the Mall Of America (MOA), but that's not the only change you may notice at The Santa Experience this year.

Senate passes landmark same-sex marriage bill

The Senate has passed landmark bipartisan legislation to protect same-sex marriages.

Santa's back in town with inflation, inclusion on his mind

Don’t look for plastic partitions or faraway benches when visiting Santa Claus this year. The jolly old elf is back, pre-pandemic style.

Mary Peltola becomes 1st Alaska Native in Congress

Mary Peltola, who is Yup’ik, defeated Republicans including Sarah Palin for the House seat to become the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress.

Russian Duma gives anti-LGBTQ 'propaganda' bill final approval

The bill would significantly expand restrictions on activities seen as promoting gay rights in Russia, another step in a years-long crackdown on the country's embattled LGBTQ community.

Colorado gay bar shooting suspect facing murder, hate crime charges

The man suspected of opening fire at a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs was being held on murder and hate crime charges Monday, while hundreds of people gathered to honor the five people killed and 17 wounded in the attack on a venue that for decades was a sanctuary for the local LGBTQ community.

Senate advances same-sex, interracial marriage bill with 12 GOP votes

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the law is a chance for the Senate to “live up to its highest ideals” and protect marriage equality for all people.

Mormon church shows support for same-sex marriage law, believes act is still unbiblical

The nearly 17-million-member, Utah-based faith said in a statement that church doctrine would continue to consider same-sex relationships to be against God's commandments.

A record 12 women were elected as governors this election, making US history

Eight of the 12 are Democrats, aligning with the trend of more women serving in elected office identifying as Democrats than Republicans in the U.S. House, the U.S. Senate and state legislatures.

Maura Healey becomes 1st lesbian elected Massachusetts governor

Democratic Attorney General Maura Healey has been elected governor of Massachusetts, making history as the nation's first openly lesbian governor.

Beauty pageant can ban transgender contestants, US appeals court rules

Anita Green, who is transgender, has competed in several pageants including Miss Montana USA, Miss Earth and Ms. World Universal.