LGBTQ News Briefs: Trans service members lawsuit, Women's Tennis genetic testing
Fri. July 24, 2026 4:23 PM by Gerald Farinas
photo credit // renith r via unsplash.com
Also update on 988 LGBTQ crisis hotline and 30 years of 'Bound'
CHICAGO, ILL. -
Federal court rejects attempt to dismiss claims by transgender service members
A federal judge in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims denied a motion by the Department of Justice to dismiss a lawsuit brought by 17 transgender service members against the military. The plaintiffs, all members of the U.S. Air Force, had been granted early retirement orders with earned pensions and benefits following federal policy changes targeting transgender troops. According to reporting by The Advocate, the Air Force later revoked those retirement orders without explanation. The ruling allows the service members to proceed with their legal challenge to recover their earned retirement compensation.
Women's Tennis Association implements mandatory genetic testing
The Women’s Tennis Association became the first major women’s professional sports body to institute a mandatory genetic testing requirement for players competing in tour events, including the four Grand Slams. As reported by Tennis Grandstand, the policy requires players to undergo a one-time screening for the SRY gene. A positive result renders a player ineligible for women’s category competition unless they meet specific medical exemptions for recognized differences of sexual development.
Advocates push back after federal government ends 988 LGBTQ subline
Mental health organizations and advocacy groups continue to raise concerns over the decision to end the dedicated LGBTQ youth option on the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. As detailed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the specialized subline had connected more than 1.3 million callers with crisis counselors specifically trained in LGBTQ youth support. Public health organizations are urging federal officials to restore the culturally competent service, while several states explore local measures to fill the gap in crisis care.
Despite the federal absence of the LGBTQ crisis hotline, Illinois requires its continuation within the state.
Lilly Wachowski and original cast reflect on 30 years of "Bound"
Filmmaker Lilly Wachowski reunited with cast members Jennifer Tilly, Gina Gershon, Joe Pantoliano, and Christopher Meloni to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1996 neo-noir thriller "Bound." Directed by Lilly and Lana Wachowski in their feature directorial debut, the film gained classic status for its portrayal of a lesbian couple outsmarting the mob. In a retrospective recap published by New York Women in Film & Television, the creative team reflected on the film’s initial reception, its lasting cultural footprint, and how representation in cinema has shifted over the past three decades.
A federal judge in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims denied a motion by the Department of Justice to dismiss a lawsuit brought by 17 transgender service members against the military. The plaintiffs, all members of the U.S. Air Force, had been granted early retirement orders with earned pensions and benefits following federal policy changes targeting transgender troops. According to reporting by The Advocate, the Air Force later revoked those retirement orders without explanation. The ruling allows the service members to proceed with their legal challenge to recover their earned retirement compensation.
Women's Tennis Association implements mandatory genetic testing
The Women’s Tennis Association became the first major women’s professional sports body to institute a mandatory genetic testing requirement for players competing in tour events, including the four Grand Slams. As reported by Tennis Grandstand, the policy requires players to undergo a one-time screening for the SRY gene. A positive result renders a player ineligible for women’s category competition unless they meet specific medical exemptions for recognized differences of sexual development.
Advocates push back after federal government ends 988 LGBTQ subline
Mental health organizations and advocacy groups continue to raise concerns over the decision to end the dedicated LGBTQ youth option on the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. As detailed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the specialized subline had connected more than 1.3 million callers with crisis counselors specifically trained in LGBTQ youth support. Public health organizations are urging federal officials to restore the culturally competent service, while several states explore local measures to fill the gap in crisis care.
Despite the federal absence of the LGBTQ crisis hotline, Illinois requires its continuation within the state.
Lilly Wachowski and original cast reflect on 30 years of "Bound"
Filmmaker Lilly Wachowski reunited with cast members Jennifer Tilly, Gina Gershon, Joe Pantoliano, and Christopher Meloni to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1996 neo-noir thriller "Bound." Directed by Lilly and Lana Wachowski in their feature directorial debut, the film gained classic status for its portrayal of a lesbian couple outsmarting the mob. In a retrospective recap published by New York Women in Film & Television, the creative team reflected on the film’s initial reception, its lasting cultural footprint, and how representation in cinema has shifted over the past three decades.