Jo Yurcaba
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joyurcaba.bsky.social
Jo Yurcaba
@joyurcaba.bsky.social
16K followers 520 following 340 posts
Reporter for NBC News covering the LGBTQ+ community.
DMs open; email Jo.Yurcaba@nbcuni.com; Signal @joyurcaba.91
Pronouns: they/them
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joyurcaba.bsky.social
Jo Yurcaba @joyurcaba.bsky.social · 26d
This past weekend, I went to the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Reno, which celebrated 50 years of gay rodeo.

I grew up doing rodeo as a teen and felt like I'd never be able to go back because I came out as trans. This story felt like a homecoming.

For @nbcnews.com:

www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-...
Not their first gay rodeo: Celebrating 50 years of queer cowfolks
Contestants and line dancers traveled from across the country to the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Reno, Nevada, to celebrate a half-century of gay rodeo.
www.nbcnews.com
joyurcaba.bsky.social
Teen Vogue was among my first big bylines. What I loved about it was that once I showed them I could report, editors from other sections of the website reached out with assignments. It was the first place that treated me like a strong reporter and not just a reporter for trans/queer stories.
allegrak.bsky.social Allegra Kirkland @allegrak.bsky.social · 7d
Teen Vogue was one of the only outlets that took young people seriously as political actors and covered how they're organizing, voting, and being impacted by state + national legislation.

It was a launching pad for so many great young journalists
November 3, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Reposted by Jo Yurcaba
leximcmenamin.com
I was laid off from Teen Vogue today along with multiple other staffers, and today is my last day.

certainly more to come from me when the dust has settled more, but to my knowledge, after today, there will be no politics staffers at Teen Vogue.
November 3, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Reposted by Jo Yurcaba
oriion.bsky.social
What does our health care system look like? What does our social safety net look like?

It looks like Marcus. At 61, he spends most nights riding the Chicago Red Line or looking for a park bench or bus stop, trying to find sleep. He recently finished radiation treatment for prostate cancer.
Cancer killed his parents. He’s facing the same disease alone — and unhoused.
Marcus Ford, like other Black men around the country, lives with a higher risk of dying from cancer due to factors out of his control. But Medicaid cuts may take away his treatment.
19thnews.org
October 30, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Reposted by Jo Yurcaba
joyurcaba.bsky.social
This past weekend, I went to the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Reno, which celebrated 50 years of gay rodeo.

I grew up doing rodeo as a teen and felt like I'd never be able to go back because I came out as trans. This story felt like a homecoming.

For @nbcnews.com:

www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-...
Not their first gay rodeo: Celebrating 50 years of queer cowfolks
Contestants and line dancers traveled from across the country to the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Reno, Nevada, to celebrate a half-century of gay rodeo.
www.nbcnews.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:17 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
This past weekend, I went to the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Reno, which celebrated 50 years of gay rodeo.

I grew up doing rodeo as a teen and felt like I'd never be able to go back because I came out as trans. This story felt like a homecoming.

For @nbcnews.com:

www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-...
Not their first gay rodeo: Celebrating 50 years of queer cowfolks
Contestants and line dancers traveled from across the country to the World Gay Rodeo Finals in Reno, Nevada, to celebrate a half-century of gay rodeo.
www.nbcnews.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:17 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
This week I spoke to kids and parents at DOD-operated schools about how the shutdown has canceled their sports games and homecoming dances.

Seniors who are trying to get recruited to play sports in college are among those most affected.

For @nbcnews.com:

www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Shutdown cancels sports games and dances for students at military-base schools
Military parents say their kids, especially those who are high school seniors, are devastated by the cancellation of some of their last sports games and school dances.
www.nbcnews.com
October 4, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Reposted by Jo Yurcaba
kissphoria.bsky.social
In 2017, a Republican speaker blocked Texas' bathroom bill over fears that the billl would face a north carolina-style backlash

Almost a decade later, the bill sailed through with no opposition from Republicans and no real pushback from business leaders.
September 23, 2025 at 7:05 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
Texas to become the 20th state with a law restricting what bathrooms transgender people can use

For @nbcnews.com:
www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-...
Texas to become the 20th state with a transgender bathroom law
The bill, which Texas first attempted to pass in 2015, will require transgender people to use restrooms in public schools and government buildings in accordance with their birth sex.
www.nbcnews.com
September 23, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Reposted by Jo Yurcaba
kissphoria.bsky.social
Welp: Texas A&M President Mark Welch just stepped down after pressure from Republicans over a video of a professor who taught about transgender people in a children's literature class
September 18, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Reposted by Jo Yurcaba
ericmgarcia.bsky.social
If you are a parent of a kid you think might #ActuallyAutistic and don't want to get them screened because of RFK Jr., I'd love to talk with you for a piece. DM me or Eric.Garcia@the-independent.com. My Signal is emgarcia.85
September 18, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Reposted by Jo Yurcaba
kissphoria.bsky.social
NEW in @chron.com: Hundreds of LGBTQ+ books were found sitting in a surplus warehouse at Texas A&M University, and the university won't say why. As first reported by @joyurcaba.bsky.social, the books include a memoir by Matthew Shepard's mother and academic texts.

www.chron.com/culture/arti...
Why are hundreds of LGBTQ+ books sitting in a Texas A&M warehouse?
"It just felt really slimy on the university's part."
www.chron.com
September 15, 2025 at 5:33 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
These were the engravings on the bullet casings of Kirk's suspected killer:

"Notices bulges OWO what's this?" (reference to a meme)
"Hey fascist! Catch!" w/ arrow symbols
Another had the lyrics of Italian folks song "Bella Ciao"
"If you read this you are gay lmao"

www.nbcnews.com/video/inscri...
Inscriptions found on bullet casings of Charlie Kirk's suspected killer
Utah Governor Spencer Cox confirmed that inscriptions were found on the bullet casings belonging to Tyler Robinson, the suspected accused of fatally shooting Charlie Kirk. One of the inscriptions had ...
www.nbcnews.com
September 12, 2025 at 3:11 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
Part of the statement from the @transjournalists.org on reporting details of the the Charlie Kirk shooting investigation.

Full statement here:
www.transjournalists.org/tja-urges-ca...
A screenshot of part of a statement from the Trans Journalists Association regarding reporting on Charlie Kirk shooting investigation: It should also be noted that “transgender ideology” is a term coined for and used in anti-trans political messaging to falsely equate identity with politics, which is a way to frame transgender identity as a political choice rather than an innate identity. As it is often unclear what actions or political positions the phrase actually refers to — not unlike how “the homosexual agenda” is an amorphous term that has no real definition — reporters should be careful about using this term; it is used exclusively to attack a minority group for political gain.
September 11, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Reposted by Jo Yurcaba
thelincoln.bsky.social
NYT on the alleged messages on the shooter's weapon:
According to a preliminary internal report circulated inside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, federal and local officials recovered ammunition with the shooter’s rifle that appeared to be engraved with statements “expressing transgender and anti-fascist ideology.” But a senior law enforcement official with direct knowledge of the investigation cautioned that report had not been verified by A.T.F. analysts, did not match other summaries of the evidence, and might turn out to have been misread or misinterpreted. In fast-moving investigations, such status reports are not made public because they often contain a mixture of accurate and inaccurate information.
September 11, 2025 at 4:18 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
This. A reputable news organization would not print this without providing additional detail.

Again, we have a case of a major news organization abandoning basic journalistic standards when the reporting is about trans people.
jaredlholt.bsky.social Jared Holt @jaredlholt.bsky.social · Sep 11
What is “transgender and antifascist ideology?” I know the debate about platforming the words of killers, but this is not really helpful if we only have that nebulous description to go off of
wsj.com The Wall Street Journal @wsj.com · Sep 11
Ammunition engraved with transgender and antifascist ideology was found inside the rifle authorities believe was used in Kirk’s shooting, sources say.
September 11, 2025 at 3:57 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
NEW: A lawyer for former Texas A&M Professor Melissa McCoul, who was fired over a lesson related to gender identity, said her client "has appealed her termination and is exploring further legal action."

For @nbcnews.com:
www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-...
Texas A&M fires professor over gender-identity lesson in literature course
A lawyer for Professor Melissa McCoul told NBC News that her client "has appealed her termination and is exploring further legal action."
www.nbcnews.com
September 10, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Reposted by Jo Yurcaba
chrisgeidner.bsky.social
NEWS: The full Eleventh Circuit, in an 8-5 vote, held that an insurance policy excluding transgender gender-affirming surgical care does not facially violate Title VII b/c — following SCOTUS's Skrmetti reasoning — "it does not treat anyone differently based on a protected characteristic."
In the United States Court of Amperla For the Eleventh Circuit No. 22-13626 ANNA LANGE, versus HOUSTON COUNTY, GEORGIA, HOUSTON COUNTY SHERIFF CULLEN TALTON, in his official capacity, Plaintiff-Appellee, Defendants-Appellants, HOUSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, et al., Defendant. Appeal from the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia D.C. Docket No. 5:19-cv-00392-MTT Before WILLIAM PRYOR, Chief Judge, and JORDAN, ROSENBAUM, JILL PRYOR, NEWSOM, BRANCH, GRANT, LUCK, LAGOA, BRASHER, ABUDU, KIDD, and WILSON, * Circuit Judges. BRASHER, Circuit Judge, delivered the opinion of the Court, in which WILLIAM PRYOR, Chief Judge, and NEWSOM, BRANCH, GRANT, LUCK, and LAGOA, Circuit Judges, joined. NEWSOM, Circuit Judge, filed a concurring opinion. ROSENBAUM, Circuit Judge, filed an opinion concurring in the judg-ment. JILL, PRYOR, Circuit Judge, filed a dissenting opinion, in which JORDAN, ABUDU, KIDD, and WILSON, Circuit Judges, joined. ABUDU, Circuit Judge, filed a dissenting opinion. WILSON, Circuit Judge, filed a dissenting opinion, in which ABUDU and KIDD, Circuit Judges, joined We took this appeal en banc to answer whether the insurance policy facially violates Title VII. We conclude that it does not. Many of Lange's arguments have been rejected by the Supreme Court. See United States v. Skrmetti, 145 S. Ct. 1816 (2025). Although the plan does not cover sex change surgeries, it does not treat anyone differently based on a protected characteristic. Because the exclusion is not facially discriminatory under Title VII, we reverse the district court's judgment, vacate the permanent injunction, and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
September 10, 2025 at 12:31 AM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
New York's LGBTQ film festival to provide free virtual screenings to Arizonans

The Arizona Queer Film Access Initiative will allow Arizonans to access free LGBTQ films after a long-running Phoenix festival was canceled last month.

For @nbcnews.com:
www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-...
New York's LGBTQ film festival to provide free virtual screenings to Arizonans
The Arizona Queer Film Access Initiative will allow Arizonans to access free LGBTQ films after a long-running Phoenix festival was canceled last month.
www.nbcnews.com
September 2, 2025 at 4:30 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
Florida paints Pulse crosswalk black again after protesters colored it rainbow

For @nbcnews.com:
www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-...
Florida paints Pulse crosswalk black again after protesters colored it rainbow
Protesters have used multicolored chalk to fill in the crosswalk repeatedly since the state Transportation Department initially painted over the rainbow colors last week.
www.nbcnews.com
August 26, 2025 at 2:03 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
NEW: More than 20 hospitals and health systems have temporarily or indefinitely rolled back trans care for minors and some young adults this year amid threats of federal investigations and cuts to government funding, an NBC News analysis found.

For @nbcnews.com:
www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-...
At least 21 hospitals have ended or restricted trans care for minors since January
The disruptions follow multiple efforts by the Trump administration to block such care for patients younger than 19.
www.nbcnews.com
August 25, 2025 at 1:32 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
UPDATE: A spokesperson for the NPS told me that the agency and the DOJ are pursuing administrative action against several Yosemite employees and possible criminal charges against several park visitors over displays on El Capitan since 2024.
August 18, 2025 at 10:18 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
NEW: I spoke to SJ Joslin, a park ranger and wildlife biologist who was fired by Yosemite National Park last week for helping to raise a transgender pride flag on the park's iconic El Capitan rock face.

For @nbcnews.com:
www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-...
Park ranger fired after helping drape a transgender pride flag on Yosemite's El Capitan
The ex-ranger said they plan to fight the decision, citing an executive order issued by President Trump that protects Americans’ free speech rights.
www.nbcnews.com
August 18, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Reposted by Jo Yurcaba
davidingram.bsky.social
NEW: Anti-vaccine myths surged on social media ahead of last week's CDC shooting, as platforms such as X and Facebook have become much more permissive of vaccine-related false claims. www.nbcnews.com/tech/interne...
Anti-vaccine myths surged on social media ahead of the CDC shooting
Before the shooting, social media companies relaxed their protocols around misinformation.
www.nbcnews.com
August 15, 2025 at 4:49 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
First NLGJA 2025 roll call: Who's going?

I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water these days, and I'm so excited to see everyone. Message me if you'll be there! @nlgjaofficial.bsky.social
August 13, 2025 at 6:30 PM
joyurcaba.bsky.social
Minnesota teen says server forced her to prove her gender in restaurant bathroom

The 18-year-old high school student alleged the server would not let her exit the Buffalo Wild Wings restroom until she unzipped her hoodie and showed she had breasts.

For @nbcnews.com:
www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-...
Minnesota teen says server forced her to prove her gender in restaurant bathroom
The 18-year-old high school student alleged the server would not let her exit the Buffalo Wild Wings restroom until she unzipped her hoodie and showed she had breasts.
www.nbcnews.com
August 12, 2025 at 8:54 PM