Alabama LGBT

Craft tokens, messy dating shows and angel numbers! Sapphic Craftin' is celebrating two years of bringing queer, sober and creative spaces to Mobile. In this episode of Quick-Fire Quips, co-founders Saige and Audrey talk about building chosen family in the South and what they hope to see for the future of the local LGBTQ+ community. Plus, the best analog hobbies—from felt embroidery to sewing— and a shared love for Black Cat Vegan Bakery pastries.

From witchcraft and tattoos to creating safe spaces for the community, Mambo Baptiste is a force in Birmingham! She talks with Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about Magic City Conjure, the truth about pagan practices and breaking Alabama stereotypes. Plus, why it’s time for Alabama to "get out of its own way."

Tattered index cards. Accidently knocking out teeth (Yikes!). Hot, humid weather. And the need for House of Pies... We get to know Huey Rudder, President of Druid City Pride in Tuscaloosa. He talks to Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about the quintessential experience of living in the Yellowhammer State Plus, the beautiful "quilt" of the West Alabama community.

"Shantay, you stay!" B-Bob's Downtown in Mobile is a popular stop for touring drag performers, including contestants on the iconic reality TV show "RuPaul's Drag Race." Jerry Ehlen owns the nightclub, which is one of the longest operating gay bars in Alabama. He talks with with Quick-Fire Quips host Baillee Majors about LGBTQ+ life in the Port City, the popularity of drag along the Gulf Coast and misconceptions about queer acceptance in Alabama.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has moved to dismiss six of its own cases on behalf of workers alleging gender identity discrimination, arguing that the cases now conflict with President Donald Trump’s recent executive order. This includes a case in Alabama.

Alabama lawmakers on Wednesday gave final approval to legislation that would write definitions of male and female into state law that exclude transgender people from being recognized under their gender identity. The bill now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey who has vowed to sign it.

Alabama and a small but growing number of other GOP-led states are pushing to enact more laws this year to legally define the two sexes based on observations of genitals at birth. Many trans advocates say the bills feel like an attempt to erase trans existence or a attempt to capitalize on prejudice for political gain.

Demonstrators have gathered in cities across the U.S., including in Alabama, to protest the Trump administration’s early actions. They're decrying everything from the president’s immigration crackdown to his rollback of transgender rights and a proposal to forcibly transfer Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

A lawsuit is challenging a new Alabama law that bans diversity, equity and inclusion programs at universities. The complaint asserts the law illegally places restrictions on educators’ speech and classroom lessons.

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, both conservative and liberal politicians say higher education changes in red parts of America could be a road map for the rest of the country. Trump has pledged to dismantle diversity programs, some which have already closed in states including Alabama.