Ep. 250: Trans Shelter Ban, Youth Mental Health Crisis & TN Tracking Bill | Listen Up Girl

Stories covered in this episode: HUD Proposes Trans Shelter Ban — The Department of Housing and Urban Development has put forward a rule that would require federally funded homeless shelters to house people based on their birth sex only, effectively barring transgender people from shelters that match their gender identity. Advocates warn most trans people will avoid shelter entirely rather than risk harassment or violence. Trevor Project 2025 Mental Health Survey — For the seventh consecutive year, the Trevor Project's national survey of over 16,000 LGBTQ+ young people ages 13–24 found alarming rates of suicidal ideation and attempts. 36% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year; for trans and nonbinary youth, that number is 40%. The report directly links anti-LGBTQ+ policy and rhetoric to these outcomes. A separate study found 97% of LGBTQ+ youth can still identify at least one source of hope. If you or someone you know is struggling, visit TheTrevorProject.org or call/text 988 and press 3. Anti-LGBTQ+ Riders in Federal Funding Bill — Republican lawmakers have attached provisions to a must-pass federal spending bill that would eliminate the U.S. Special Envoy for LGBTQI+ Human Rights, defund organizations providing or promoting gender-affirming care, and expand the Global Gag Rule to bar foreign organizations supporting LGBTQ+ rights from receiving U.S. funds. Tennessee Trans Tracking Bill — The Tennessee House passed legislation requiring all gender clinics to submit monthly health data on patients receiving gender-affirming care to the state Department of Health — including age, sex assigned at birth, county of residence, medications, and surgery referral dates. Critics warn the bill creates a de facto surveillance system for transgender residents. Protesters were physically removed from the House gallery during the vote. Florida 2026 Legislative Session Wrap — Equality Florida reports that advocates successfully stopped or neutralized four out of five anti-LGBTQ+ bills this session. One bill did pass — the Anti-Diversity in Local Government bill — pushed through in the final days with suspended rules and the public locked out. California's $26 Million Trans Healthcare Proposal — Equality California is advancing a $26 million state budget proposal to create a state-only Medi-Cal funding pathway for transgender healthcare and stabilize the provider network in response to federal funding threats. All priority bills have cleared initial committee hearings and move to appropriations on May 14th. Queer Pop Culture — May 2026 Drag Race All Stars 11 — Premieres May 8 on Paramount+. 18 queens, Tournament of All Stars format, $200,000 prize. Wanda Sykes: Legacy — Premieres May 19 on Netflix. Directed by Julie Dash, filmed at Hampton University. The Devil Wears Prada 2 — In theaters now. Hosted by Zach Randles-Friedman https://www.listenupgirl.com/ Follow me at https://www.instagram.com/therealzachre/ Podcast music: https://dillonderosa.com/ Thank you Dillion!!! GayBFF: the app where making LGBTQ+ friends is finally as easy as swiping — no dating pressure, just your people. https://gaybff.app/ https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gaybff-make-real-friends/id6795699619 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.