FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2019, file photo, the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is shown in Salt Lake City. The discredited practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ children is now banned in Utah, making it the 19th state and one of the most conservative to prohibit it. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Discredited conversion therapy banned in conservative Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — The discredited practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ children is now banned in Utah, making it the 19th state and one of the most conservative to prohibit it.

Jan 22, 2020 at 1:59 PM

The cross on top of the First Baptist Church is silhouetted in front of the sun on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017, in Simpsonville, S.C. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

State of Faith

Sexuality remains dividing line among Christian left and right

Where one stands on sexual freedom remains one of the clearest dividing lines among many Christians today.

Dec 22, 2019 at 8:22 PM

This image made from undated video provided by Zola shows a scene of its advertisement. The Hallmark Channel says it will reinstate same-sex marriage commercials that it had pulled from the network. Hallmark Cards CEO Mike Perry said in a statement Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, that pulling the commercials â€œwas the wrong decision." (Zola via AP)

Television

In reversal, Hallmark will reinstate same-sex marriage ads

NEW YORK — The Hallmark Channel, reversing what it called a “wrong decision,” said Sunday it will reinstate commercials featuring same-sex couples that it had pulled following a complaint from a conservative group.

Dec 16, 2019 at 11:21 AM

Brookelyn Wilson, 24, said being nonbinary is often misunderstood by some peers.

Five Questions

Five Questions for Brookelyn Wilson, a nonbinary college student

Wilson recently reached out to the Johnson City Press to tell us more about what it’s like to live as nonbinary, starting with some personal fast facts.

Nov 10, 2019 at 4:25 PM

Dr. Abbey Mann, assistant professor at Quillen College of Medicine’s Department of Family Medicine.

ETSU

ETSU researchers studying ways to improve health care access for transgender individuals

Researchers at East Tennessee State University are conducting two studies that they hope will lead to better access to health care for transgender individuals in South Central Appalachia.

Oct 18, 2019 at 4:03 PM

Seth Manning, front, chats with other students about the significance of coming out as LGBTQ.

ETSU

LGBTQ students honored at ETSU Lavender Ceremony

East Tennessee State University held its second Lavender Graduation Ceremony to honor more than two dozen LGBTQ 2019 spring graduates Wednesday.

May 1, 2019 at 7:00 PM

Joy Fulkerson, left, and Emerson Todd said Thursday's Privilege Walk aimed to generate honest discussions about privilege and oppression.

East Tennessee State University

ETSU walk encourages introspection about privilege, oppression

East Tennessee State University students, staff and faculty participated in an introspective activity held to generate discussions about the different sociopolitical advantages and disadvantages some face in society.

Mar 28, 2019 at 11:48 PM

Herbert Slatery speaks to reporters about his appointment as attorney general in the Tennessee Supreme Court chamber in Nashville, Tenn., on Monday, Sept. 15, 2014. Slatery previously served as Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's chief legal counsel. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig)

LGBTQ Issues

Tennessee AG: Transgender people covered by hate crime law

Based on an opinion issued by Attorney General Herbert Slatery earlier this month, Tennessee became the only state in the South with a hate crime law protecting transgender people.

Feb 18, 2019 at 8:22 AM

LGBTQ Issues

Nashville mayor signs order to help LGBT-owned businesses

NASHVILLE — Nashville Mayor David Briley has signed an executive order to help LGBT-owned businesses.

Feb 11, 2019 at 1:23 PM

Military

Local reactions: Supreme Court to allow ban on transgender service members

The Supreme Court reverses an Obama Administration rule, with a 5-4 vote, to allow transgender service members. The decision overturns previous injunctions to the Trump Administration Policy change, and challenges law-suits made by current service members.

Jan 27, 2019 at 12:21 AM

education

Report: LGBTQ students feel need for inclusivity in Tennessee public schools

Public schools across Tennessee, including local school districts like Johnson City Schools and most recently, Hawkins County Schools, allow students to form Gay-Straight Alliances at high school campuses.

Jan 13, 2019 at 12:30 AM

LGBTQ Issues

Nashville Police name 1st full-time LGBT community liaison

NASHVILLE — The Metro Nashville Police Department has named its first liaison to the LGBTQ community.

Jan 11, 2019 at 4:30 PM

Despite what many have considered political setbacks, TriPride festival organizers said the local LGBTQ community is moving forward with resolve. Founder George Chamoun said the festival of more than 10,000 was only met with a handful of protesters.

Spectrum

Local LGBTQ community members speak about discrimination

In the midst of a recent surge of “alt-right” ideology in today’s political climate, many members of the local LGBTQ community have had more than a few anxieties about what this means in terms of the community’s human rights and well-being in general.

Nov 26, 2018 at 5:03 PM