LGBTQ+ Issues

Governor Kristi Noem is cancelling a contract that would help prop up a liaison to help transgender individuals navigate the healthcare system. Noem made the move after responding to questions from a conservative media outlet.

South Dakota’s lone congressman voted against a House bill to codify same-sex and interracial marriage. The bill passed with bipartisan support. Forty-seven Republicans joined 220 Democrats to advance the legislation to the Senate.

Despite a 96-degree heatwave, thousands of people gathered in downtown Sioux Falls to celebrate the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

Sioux Falls' Levitt at the falls concert series kicked off earlier this month. Thursday-Saturday, people have the opportunity to stop by the Levitt Shell in downtown Sioux Falls for a summer of free music.This Saturday, Brookings, South Dakota native Eric Holm will be opening for 2018 America’s Got Talent contestant Brody Ray. Holm makes what he describes as "radical queer country music."

A Two-Spirit Wacipi in Sioux Falls honors indigenous LGBTQ community members.

A photographer is making his way through the Midwest taking portraits of transgender youth for a photo project called “Are You Ok?” It documents the experiences and stories of trans and non-binary youth living in states facing anti-trans legislation across the United States.

Alex Rambow spoke with Morning Edition host Stel Kline back in November. His mom, Amy, started a queer community group called "Watertown Love" several years ago to surround her son and other young people with support.

South Dakota lawmakers are part of a nationwide effort to block transgender girls and women from competing on girls' and women's sports teams. Nine states have passed similar laws. Those for and against the proposal say the same federal statute supports their position.

One of the first high-profile bills in the legislative session is already making its way through both houses. Today we listen in to a summary of arguments during the debate on Senate Bill 46 titled “Protect Fairness in Women’s Sports.”

Transgender health issues are no longer classified as "disorders," according to the World Health Organization's diagnostic manual. It's a change new to 2022.