NFL trailblazer Justine Lindsay returns, igniting waves as Carolina Panthers’ transgender cheerleader
Justine Lindsay is back with the Carolina Panthers this NFL season, making history once again as the league’s first and only openly transgender cheerleader. Her presence breaks barriers, reshaping the NFL’s cultural landscape while inspiring millions worldwide. Lindsay’s journey is more than about football—it’s a powerful symbol of courage and inclusion. Fans and advocates alike are watching closely as she redefines what it means to belong in sports. How Justine Lindsay electrifies the NFL stage as the league’s only openly transgender cheerleader Justine Lindsay’s return to the Panthers’ squad highlights the NFL’s growing commitment to diversity. As the league’s singular openly transgender cheerleader, she commands attention not just for her talent, but for her bold representation. Her visibility challenges traditional norms and sparks vital conversations around acceptance in professional sports. Each performance sends a message: the NFL is evolving, and inclusion is here to stay. — _MLFootball (@_MLFootball) Justine Lindsay’s powerful campaign to empower trans kids and revolutionize youth sports access Beyond the cheerleading field, Lindsay passionately advocates for transgender children’s rights, especially their ability to participate in youth sports. She emphasizes that sports provide vital opportunities for self-expression, confidence, and community. Lindsay insists that denying trans youth access to athletics not only harms their mental health but also deprives them of essential life skills. Her advocacy fuels nationwide debates, spotlighting the importance of inclusive policies in grassroots sports. How Justine Lindsay’s trailblazing presence inspires millions across the world to embrace authenticity and diversity Lindsay’s story resonates far beyond the NFL stadiums. Her bold visibility empowers countless transgender individuals and allies across the globe. By standing tall in a high-profile role, she dismantles stigma and fosters empathy. Fans from diverse backgrounds celebrate her as a trailblazer, someone who proves that authenticity and talent can thrive together on the biggest stages. Justine Lindsay’s journey isn’t just about breaking records; it’s about breaking down walls. As she returns to the Panthers, she invites the world to rethink who belongs in sports—and why. The NFL may never look the same again. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Free Bus Travel For Girls, Women, Transgender In Andhra From August 15
For passenger safety, the government is considering equipping staff with body-worn cameras and installing CCTV cameras in all buses. Amaravati: All girls, women, and transgender persons holding Andhra Pradesh domicile are eligible for free bus travel under the ‘Stree Shakti’ (woman power) scheme, to be launched statewide on August 15, Principal Secretary (Transport, Roads & Buildings) Kantilal Dande said on Monday. “Beneficiaries include all girls, women, and transgender persons with domicile status in Andhra Pradesh, subject to presenting valid identity proof,” Mr Dande said in a government order. The scheme will be implemented using the existing fleet of the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), with additional buses to be procured based on demand, he added. Free travel will apply only to Pallevelugu, Ultra Pallevelugu, City Ordinary, Metro Express, and Express services. It will not cover non-stop services, interstate operations, contract carriages, chartered services, or package tours. Saptagiri Express, Ultra Deluxe, Super Luxury, Star Liner, and all air-conditioned services are also excluded, he said. For passenger safety, the government is considering equipping staff with body-worn cameras and installing CCTV cameras in all buses. Bus stations will see upgraded amenities such as fans, chairs, drinking water, and toilets. Mr Dande said the procurement of electric buses and extending the scheme to them could also be considered, subject to Cabinet approval. Beneficiaries will receive zero-fare tickets, which APSRTC will submit to the government for reimbursement. Free bus travel for women was a poll promise of the TDP-led NDA government ahead of the 2024 elections. The scheme is estimated to cost Rs 1,942 crore annually-about Rs 162 crore a month-and aims to empower women by improving access to education, jobs, and mobility, Minister K Parthasarathy had earlier said. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Courtesy : NDTV Note: This news is originally published on https:/ndtv.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Third Pride rally held in Agartala, organisers say government needs to create more awareness about transgender rights
Sneha Gupta Roy of Swabhiman – Tripura LGBTQIA+ Collective says transgender protection cells were being formed in different districts of the state. Swabhiman – Tripura LGBTQIA+ Collective organised the third Pride rally of the state on Saturday. Swabhiman, the first registered queer society in the state, had also taken out Tripura’s first Pride rally in September 2022. On Saturday, the rally started from the Umakanta Academy grounds and ended at the same spot after traversing important locations in Agartala. Speaking to reporters, Sneha Gupta Roy, one of the rally organisers, said, “We have held Pride rallies in the past. We had a gap of a year in between; this is our third Pride. Pride rallies are held in all states. Members of the queer community and our supporters joined the rally.” “Our message in this Pride is that we are equally a part of this society like everyone else. We face the same problems others do. So, we have tried to portray problems of different sections of society, including environmental pollution, and women’s education…” Gupta Roy added. Gupta Roy, who is a member of the Tripura Transgender Board, said transgender protection cells were being formed in different districts. “Once these cells are formed, it will be easier for LGBTQIA+ persons to be involved in discussions (with the government) about our issues,” she added. Swabhiman leader Gupta Roy also commented that the Indian society was still “backward” and there was a need for the government to create greater awareness on transgender rights. Saturday’s rally was joined by hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer individuals waving rainbow flags and placards. Written by Debraj Deb Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Bihar govt sets up board to protect transgender community’s rights
A notification for the constitution of the ‘Bihar Rajya Kinnar Kalyan Board’ was issued by the Social Welfare Department The Bihar government has constituted a welfare board to protect the rights of the transgender community and take measures for their social development and empowerment, an official said on Friday. A notification for the constitution of the ‘Bihar Rajya Kinnar Kalyan Board’ was issued by the Social Welfare Department, she said. Bihar Social Welfare Minister Madan Sahni has been made the chairman of the 28-member panel, the official said. The department has constituted the ‘Bihar Rajya Kinnar Kalyan Board’ to protect the rights of the transgender community and take measures for their social development and empowerment. The board has seven members belonging to the transgender community,” Social Welfare Department Secretary Bandana Preyashi told PTI. The measures for the social development of the transgender community will be implemented and monitored by the board, she said. The state government also wants to provide them education and vocational training to prepare them for respectable and regular employment, said Preyashi, adding, “it will also allow them to enhance their socio-economic status”. “The government is trying to provide them an atmosphere where they feel protected and live a respectful life like any other citizen in the country,” she added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Courtesy : BS Note: This news is originally published on https:/businessstandard.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Madurai NGO serves free meals to trans community
Madurai: Abinaya V, 22, a transwoman who travelled from Coimbatore to Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) for treatment, had food at The Transgender Resource Centre (TRC), an NGO that created the first transgender library in India, at the launch of a free meal initiative for the community on Friday. She had to drop out of school at the 8th-grade due to poverty in her family consisting of her mother and sister. “If I had gotten food, perhaps I would’ve continued my studies,” says she. At the age of 14, when she experienced gender dysphoria, she attempted suicide, she said. Within a year, she ran away to Bangalore and lived in the railway station for a month. She was then supported by people of the community. She returned to Madurai at the age of 17, and now lives with her mother. Priya Babu, founder of TRC, told TOI that the meal initiative was born after seeing an increased number of trans members visiting GRH for various hormone-related treatments. Every Thursday, GRH holds medical sessions for transgender people, and of late, many come from various districts, she said. “The transgender clinic in Madurai GRH is by far the most successful in the state,” Priya said. The NGO’s desk functioning in the hospital guides community members. Over time, they also sensitised and increased awareness around gender among hospital faculty, which has made it a more favourable place, she added. “Now we see people coming from Chennai and other districts. Often they may not be able to afford meals and will have to return overnight. Through our new initiative, we will provide them food which they could pack for their travel too,” she said. Hafeez A, a transman and member at TRC, said the initiative aims at providing healthy food to not just those who come for treatment but also transgenders who may not be able to afford three meals a day. Food is available from 12am to 4pm, he said On the inaugural day, TRC served food to 40 transgenders, Priya said. “Every Thursday, we would take a head count at 9.30 at the hospital, and pack food for them accordingly,” Priya added. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Women, transgender drivers get autos
Add Your Heading Text HereMadurai: IT minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan on Thursday distributed welfare assistance, including 11 autorickshaws, to women and transgender drivers at a function at Periyar complex bus stand. The initiative was organised by the department of labour welfare and skill development for beneficiaries registered with Tamil Nadu Unorganised Drivers and Automotive Repair Workers Welfare Board. Nine of the autos were handed over to women drivers. District collector K J Praveen Kumar and mayor Indrani Ponvasanth were present. Officials said that since 2023, as many as 1,126 women autorickshaw drivers from the district applied for financial assistance under the scheme. So far, 644 of them received ₹1 lakh subsidy each. The scheme aims to support self-employment opportunities and improve livelihood security for drivers from marginalised communities in the unorganised sector. PTR said the govt remains committed to ensuring that inclusive welfare programmes reach all eligible beneficiaries. Efforts are being made to streamline application and disbursal processes to help more people benefit from such schemes, he added. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Min pledges support to transgender community
Lucknow: Social welfare minister Asim Arun assured members of the transgender community that he would ensure that they get all govt facilities and basic infrastructure at the earliest. Talking to members of the community in Basti on Wednesday, the minister said that transgender settlements would be identified in Basti and efforts would be initiated to ensure all basic facilities, including roads, water, electricity and sanitation, there. The minister promised govt funding to groups involved in activities like dairy and goat farming so that they can strengthen and expand their businesses. As part of the scheme to ensure financial independence for members of the transgender community, those interested in starting businesses such as beauty parlours, computer centres and public service centres would receive training and get access to easy loans. Besides, a survey will be conducted to identify persons who do not have requisite identity documents. The social welfare department will then assist such persons to get the necessary paperwork done for IDs such as Aadhaar. A ‘Garima Griha’, similar to the one in Gorakhpur, would also be opened in Basti. “The department of social welfare is consistently working to deliver govt schemes and resources to the transgender community. In line with this, a special dialogue focusing on the empowerment of the transgender community was organised in Basti on Wednesday. Approximately 40 members of the transgender community participated and engaged with officials from the administration, police and various departments,” said a department spokesperson. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Govt launches housing scheme for transgender individuals
T’puram: In a move aimed at empowering the transgender community and promoting their social integration, state govt approved a dedicated housing scheme exclusively for transgender individuals. An initial fund of Rs 50 lakh was allocated for the first phase of the project. The scheme, launched under social justice department, is designed to address the housing problems transgenders individuals face. It will provide financial assistance for both land acquisition and house construction. Under the scheme, transgender persons who own land but did not receive support under schemes like LIFE Mission will be eligible for up to Rs 6 lakh to construct a house. Up to Rs 15 lakh will be made available as a loan for those who need to purchase land and build a house. Transgender beneficiaries who received housing support through govt or non-govt agencies but were unable to complete it will receive gap funding. An additional Rs 2 lakh will be given to those allotted houses under LIFE Mission. In the initial phase, five individuals will receive this assistance. Applicants can submit their forms online or in person. Beneficiaries will be selected based on priority. A technical committee, chaired by director of social justice, will oversee the selection process. To avail the financial support, applicants must present valid identity documents confirming their transgender status. Those applying for construction assistance must provide proof of land ownership. Priority will be given to transgender persons who do not own homes, those living in temporary or unsafe conditions and elderly and disabled transgender individuals. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Madras HC directs Tamil Nadu govt to take decision on quota for transgenders
The Madras High Court has instructed the Tamil Nadu government to decide on reservation policies. These policies are for transgender and intersex individuals. The court wants to ensure they do not have to repeatedly seek quota in jobs and education. Justice Venkatesh issued interim orders on a petition. He also acknowledged the state’s policy for transgender persons. The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to take a decision on reservation for transgender and intersex persons, so that they need not knock the doors of the court every time seeking quota in public employment and in educational institutions. Justice N Anand Venkatesh gave the directive while passing interim orders on Monday on a petition filed by N Sushma and U Semma Agarval and posted to September 15, further hearing of the case. The judge placed on record his appreciation over the state government unveiling the Tamil Nadu State Policy for Transgender Persons 2025, made effective from July 31, 2025. Extracting the suggestions made by the authorities, the judge said that amongst all the suggestions made, one important suggestion that requires immediate consideration pertains to Clause 3.7 of the policy, which uses the term “Right to Representation in Employment and Educational Institution”. It was not clear as to whether the government wants to provide horizontal reservation to the transgender and intersex persons, which has always been the request made by the community and which has been reflected in many of the earlier orders passed by the various courts, including the judgment of this court. Hence, the state government was directed to take a decision in this regard, the judge added. The judge said the Additional Public Prosecutor submitted that insofar as the policy for LGBQA+, the same was under process and some time was required to finalise the same. Now that the state government has come out with a policy for transgender and intersex persons, “it is time that the government comes up with a policy for LGBQA+ persons also. This process should be expedited,” the judge added. Courtesy : TET Note: This news is originally published on https:/theeconomictimes.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.
Transgender person ends life in Thane; auto-rickshaw driver held for abetment
Thane, A 23-year-old transgender person allegedly committed suicide in Maharashtra’s Thane district, prompting police to arrest an auto-rickshaw driver on charges of abetment, officials said on Tuesday. The victim and 28-year-old accused, both residents of Bhiwandi town, were in a relationship, Bhoiwada’s assistant police inspector Shivaji Patil said. The accused used to call the victim frequently and also harass him, he said. Fed up with the constant harassment, the victim allegedly hanged himself from the ceiling of his house on August 1, the police said. Based on a complaint by the victim’s brother, the police arrested the accused on Sunday and registered a case against him under section 108 (abatement of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the official said. PTI COR GK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Courtesy : The Print Note: This news is originally published on https://theprint.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights.