LGBTQIA US News Roundup

By Thomas Maxheimer

South Carolina Elected Its First Openly Gay Lawmaker From A Historically Deep-Red District

South Carolina has elected its first openly gay legislator, a man who originates from the ultra-conservative part of the state.  Republican Rep. Jason Elliott, a 46-year-old divorce attorney, said his sexual orientation is irrelevant to his job at the Statehouse and he is instead concerned with issues such as reforming education, infrastructure, and jobs.  He also indicated that his votes will align with the GOP agenda.

San Francisco To Designate The Nation’s First Transgender Historic District

Following much back-and-forth between local activists, politicians, and the developers of a hotel and condo complex on Market Street, San Francisco will designate the nation’s first transgender historic district which will be located in the Tenderloin district.

IAC Declares Bankruptcy; Gay Prospective Parents Lose Money, Dreams Delayed

Many LGBT couples received the distressing news this week that the Independent Adoption Agency (IAC) was immediately ceasing operations due to bankruptcy.  There is no word on if clients will be receiving back any of the tens of thousands of dollars they have paid to the institution, not to mention the extensive paperwork and other materials.  According to a letter sent to clients [my husband and I included], there were numerous factors contributing to the sudden closure including increasingly restrictive international adoption laws and domestic “societal changes” that have led to a decrease in available birth parents.  According to various news reports, as well as personal experience, couples stand to lose approximately $15,000-$20,000 each.  The IAC had facilitated hundreds of LGBT adoptions since opening in 1982.

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