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LGBTQ+
No, the Catholic Church has not changed its stance on same-sex marriage
LGBTQ+
No, the Catholic Church hasn’t changed its stance on same-sex marriage
While Pope Francis formally allowed Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, the Catholic Church still affirms that marriage is only between a man and a woman.
Social Media
Video of a mom tearing down a pride flag isn’t real. It was a skit
A video appearing to show an angry mom ripping a pride flag off a classroom wall was actually a pre-planned skit.
Health
Yes, blood donation rules have changed for men who have sex with men
The Red Cross and other blood donation centers are implementing FDA guidance that allows more men who have sex with men to give blood.
LGBTQ+
Yes, Sally Ride was the first known LGBTQ+ NASA astronaut
Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983. Her romantic relationship with Tam O’Shaughnessy became public after Ride’s death in 2012.
LGBTQ+
No, the White House pride flag display did not violate flag code
Some members of Congress accused the White House of violating flag code by putting a LGBTQ+ pride flag in between two U.S. flags.
LGBTQ+
Blue, white and pink in Progress Pride flag represents transgender people, not ‘minor-attracted persons’
A viral video claims the blue, white and pink stripes on the Progress Pride flag represent “minor-attracted persons.” That’s false.
LGBTQ+
Yes, Pride Month began as a protest against police brutality
The Stonewall Inn was a popular gay bar in New York City in 1969. It became the site of a weeklong clash between police and protesters that year.
LGBTQ+
No, California is not sending out checks to all LGBTQ residents
San Francisco has launched a guaranteed income pilot program for trans people, but it's limited to 55 low-income San Franciscans.
Government
No, a California law does not allow doctors to perform gender-affirming surgeries without parental consent
SB 107 focuses on how law enforcement should handle out-of-state investigations. It doesn’t allow doctors to perform gender-affirming care without parental consent.
Courts
Yes, the gay and trans ‘panic’ defense is still legal in a majority of states
The LGBTQ+ panic defense is when a defendant argues that the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity/expression justified their violent actions.
Education
No, Florida doesn’t have a statewide banned book list, like viral meme claims
VERIFY viewers asked if a meme showing a list of banned books in Florida is real. It’s not. However, school districts in Florida can choose to ban books.
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