Southern Queer Newsroom
This year has been particularly difficult for trans and queer people in the United States and other countries around the world, and it can be easy to only focus on the bad and painful news surrounding us. But I want to shine some light on positive news stories I and other writers have missed so that it's easier for people to keep pushing on.
Georgia Inmates Get Access to Hormones Again
On September 4, 2025, a lawsuit against Georgia's SB 185 cleared the first hurdle to restoring care to trans inmates, as a judge issued a temporary injunction against the ban. This means that inmates will continue getting hormone replacement therapy and other medical treatment as necessary while the lawsuit goes forward.
Judge Calvert wrote in her order, "When a prisoner presents evidence that the treatment decision was based on something other than medical judgment, and backs it up with uncontroverted expert evidence that the prison's decision put them at a serious risk of harm, the prisoner generally prevails. When properly framed this was, the result here is straightforward." This is a long-winded way of saying that the judge is likely going to find the law unconstitutional, much like other laws in other states.
This is a giant win for the over a hundred transgender people in state custody that had their healthcare stripped from them based on nothing but the whims of the majority party. In a statement, Chinyere Ezie for the Center for Constitutional Rights (which is representing the plaintiffs), said "[Georgia Department of Corrections'] decision to impose a blanket ban on gender dysphoria treatment and forcibly detransition those in its custody is cruel, unusual, and indefensible."
More Institutions Oppose Trump Administration, Sue for Trans Rights
While multiple institutions, both medical and political, have seen fit to discard support for transgender people in the face of federal opposition, others have dug their heels in. As reported by Erin Reed, Chicago Public Schools have refused to comply with the Trump administration's demands to end the Black student success plan and throw transgender and gender non-conforming students under the bus. Children's Healthcare of Philadelphia is asking a judge to quash multiple subpoenas demanding the hospital turn over information on young transgender patients.
While many medical institutions have backed off of providing the same services they had provided to trans youth for years, like Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and fears mount over a ban on federal funds towards any institution that offers gender-affirming care, this hopefully serves as a reminder that the fight is not over yet.
Better yet for trans people, courts are routinely deciding that anti-trans policies put forward by the Trump administration are unconstitutional, whether that be in performing arts or passports. While it hasn't been perfect, there are a lot of wins for trans people to find comfort and strength in.
Atlanta Pride Goes On Strong
Here in Georgia, the second weekend of October is our annual Pride festival and parade. This is partly to put it closer to National Coming Out Day and partly because heat stroke is bad and more prevalent in the summer, especially down in the South. This year's theme is "Rooted in Resistance," and the art reflects that.
According to the designer, Edwin Villalba:
The roots coming up from the bottom of the fist represents the strength and growth of the community through a strong rooter system. The brown fist represents the resistance people of color have shown, pairing with the green fingers to form a tree. Backlit by a rainbow – the main symbol of the LGBTQIA+ community; filled in with the colors of the PRIDE flag.
The spirit of resistance is expected to be on full display during the Atlanta Pride Festival and Pride Parade, especially after a year as difficult and straining as 2025. Other things happening the weekend of Oct. 10-12 include a Pride Shabbat (Oct. 10) organized by SOJOURN (Southern Jewish Resource Network) held at Congregation Bet Haverim, and a Trans March (Oct. 11) during the main festival. Organizers have planned heavily to ensure safety and health at the parade. While some counter-protesters are expected, they are sure to be minor disruptions to a time of community, joy, and resistance.