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shoeleatherkate.bsky.social
@shoeleatherkate.bsky.social
LGBTQ+ Reporter at The 19th News (they/them). Ambassador for @transjournalists.org
Reposted
The Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to dismantle protections for trans and intersex people in federal, state and local prisons, jails and youth detention facilities, according to a government memo. 19thnews.org/2025/12/trum...
Trump administration plans to end prison rape protections for trans and intersex people, memo says
A Department of Justice memo obtained by Prism says certain standards under the Prison Rape Elimination Act do not align with Trump’s January 20 anti-trans executive order
19thnews.org
December 8, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Reposted
ICYMI from me yesterday: a DOJ memo shows that the Trump Administration plans to roll back prison rape protections for queer and trans people, including in youth detention facilities. More here 👇🏼
BREAKING: Trump administration plans to end prison rape protections for trans & intersex people, memo says. A DOJ memo says certain standards under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) do not align with Trump’s Jan. 20 anti-trans executive order, @byadamrhodes.bsky.social reports.
Trump administration plans to end prison rape protections for trans and intersex people
A Department of Justice memo says certain standards under the Prison Rape Elimination Act do not align with Trump’s executive order
prismreports.org
December 5, 2025 at 3:56 PM
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The Supreme Court will not hear a case to overturn marriage equality, it announced on Monday. The justices have rejected a petition from Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue licenses in the state a decade ago. @19thnews.org
Supreme Court declines to hear marriage equality case
For the second time, the Supreme Court rejected Kentucky clerk Kim Davis’ attempt to challenge Obergefell v. Hodges.
19thnews.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:23 PM
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“In January 2021 after the politics section had broken our traffic records with coverage of the COVID pandemic, George Floyd protests, election, and Capitol insurrection, Anna Wintour asked [news and politics editor] Lucy Diavolo if we still needed a politics section. After all, Joe Biden had won.”
What We Lost When Condé Nast Unceremoniously Shuttered Teen Vogue
This article is part of TPM Cafe, TPM’s home for opinion and news...
talkingpointsmemo.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Today, is my last day with my editor @chiefrebelle.bsky.social who has shepherded me and my work for the last 3 years. I will miss her so much, and I'm so grateful to her. ❤️
October 31, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Activists have returned to October 26 time and again when looking for a foundation from which to launch protests in the name of intersex justice.

19thnews.org/2025/10/inte...
Intersex Awareness Day highlights a fight for rights that’s far from over
From a Boston protest to global recognition, the history of Intersex Awareness Day shines a light on decades of work to preserve bodily autonomy.
19thnews.org
October 23, 2025 at 3:52 PM
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A fantastic Carly Stern conversation with @shoeleatherkate.bsky.social at @niemanstoryboard.org, about covering trans issues and not burning yourself out as a journalist.
October 20, 2025 at 4:49 PM
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To so many people, Miss Major was the first grandmother to love them for who they are & who they must fight every day to be. She was our anchor, and she didn't care who was in the room; she always spoke truth to power.

Not going to lie, this grief is tough. But I know her legacy will be forever.
October 14, 2025 at 12:18 PM
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Rest in power, Mama Major! 💜🙏🏽

It was a blessing to live in the same earthly timeline as you. A true freedom fighter, you never stopped reminding trans people—especially Black trans people—of our worth and our power.

Because of Major, our foundation is unshakeable and our liberation inevitable.
October 14, 2025 at 2:34 PM
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We honor the legacy of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a fierce protector of our collective freedom. Our hearts are with her loved ones and all who carry her vision forward.

"We will honor Miss Major forever." - @imarajones.bsky.social
October 14, 2025 at 12:14 AM
There was a time when Trump supported trans people using "whatever bathroom" they wanted. And he backed the Equality Act.

My latest @19thnews.org

19thnews.org/2025/10/trum...
Was Trump always against LGBTQ+ rights? Everything in his past says no.
The president’s previous support is at odds with his anti-trans hostility now. What’s behind the shift?
19thnews.org
October 8, 2025 at 2:54 PM
It has historically involved physical, psychological and sexual abuse against minors — electric shock, masturbation reconditioning, starvation, chemically induced nausea and hypnosis.

Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will consider allowing it in Colorado and other states.

19thnews.org/2025/10/supr...
The UN calls conversion therapy 'torture.' Could the Supreme Court greenlight it anyway?
In the first of three blockbuster LGBTQ+ cases on its docket this term, the Supreme Court is about to hear a challenge to Colorado’s conversion therapy ban.
19thnews.org
October 6, 2025 at 3:10 PM
I love the autistic people in my life. They are amazing and beautiful. But it would also be fine if they weren't. Leave people alone and let them live.
September 22, 2025 at 9:06 PM
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For no particular reason whatsoever, I wrote a whole book about why society should stop trying to cure #ActuallyAutistic people and instead focus more on creating a better world and society for them. You can buy it here.
www.harpercollins.com/products/wer...
We're Not Broken
“This book is a message from autistic people to their parents, friends, teachers, coworkers and doctors showing what life is like on the spectrum. It’s also...
www.harpercollins.com
September 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
My latest: LA County is facing a lawsuit over allegedly jailing a trans woman with men, even though her California ID said "F"

19thnews.org/2025/09/laws...
Lawsuit alleges LA County Sheriff’s Department housed trans woman with men
The suit raises questions about how the county is adhering to the law when it comes to detaining transgender individuals.
19thnews.org
September 19, 2025 at 3:14 PM
If you donate to @19thnews.org regularly, I just want to take a moment and thank you. We see your donations pop up, and especially now, they really mean a lot to us.
September 19, 2025 at 2:33 PM
It appears there was nothing about trans people written on the shell casings of the Kirk shooter.

Per authorities at this morning's press conf. one unused casing was inscribed with, "If you read this, you are gay lmao."
September 12, 2025 at 2:13 PM
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“It is highly unlikely they will want to touch her case for lots of reasons,” Young said. “The vast majority of cases brought to the Supreme Court are long shots.”
Take a deep breath — marriage equality is probably here to stay
Legal experts say the Supreme Court is unlikely to overturn its landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision anytime soon.
19thnews.org
September 11, 2025 at 3:42 PM
A bright spot- marriage equality is unlikely to fall, say the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ legal minds, and if SCOTUS overturns Obergefell, we will still be married.

Here’s why:

19thnews.org/2025/09/marr...
Take a deep breath — marriage equality is probably here to stay
Legal experts say the Supreme Court is unlikely to overturn its landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision anytime soon.
19thnews.org
September 11, 2025 at 3:49 PM