Being trans in Kentucky, Oktoberfest season, here are today's top stories | Daily Briefing

Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer
·3 min read
Amy Figgs, right, embraces her son, Leo Figgs, while holding some of Leo’s empty testosterone vials on July 29 in Lexington, Ky.
Amy Figgs, right, embraces her son, Leo Figgs, while holding some of Leo’s empty testosterone vials on July 29 in Lexington, Ky.

Good morning, readers. I’m Northern Kentucky reporter and resident Jolene Almendarez.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been connecting with transgender teenagers and their families who are facing tough decisions as the new school year starts. You won’t be reading all their stories because being a trans minor in Kentucky right now means living with fear – of potential physical danger, discrimination and bullying.

Two teenagers and their families agreed to share their stories with our readers. As they’ve headed back to the classroom this month, they’ve had to face the most sweeping anti-trans law in the country aimed at minors in schools. That means using bathrooms that clash with their gender identity and facing teachers who can call them by the incorrect pronouns, among many other restrictions.

This is on top of the aspect of the new law that forbids gender-affirming care for minors in the state.

As a result, one of these teens has had to stock up on hormones. Another is in boarding school in another state. They're both considering leaving the state for good.

I hope today's article gives you insight into the lives of teens who don't always get the chance to tell their stories on a major platform. I also hope, if you decide to comment on this article, you remember that the people in it aren’t just fellow Kentuckians. They’re kids. Please, be kind.

What else you need to know Thursday, Aug. 24

🌤️ Weather: High of 98. Hot with more clouds than sunshine.

🍻 Entertainment: Roll out the barrel! It's Oktoberfest season.

🌙 Don't Miss: Blue moons happen all the time. But this one won't appear again this century.

🌻 Things to Do: Need a new profile pic? Here's a list of Greater Cincinnati's Insta-worthy sunflower fields.

⚾ Today in History: On August 24, 1989, Cincinnati Reds manager Pete Rose agreed to a lifetime ban from baseball.

Before you go: The pumpkins are coming!

Starbucks Pumpkin PSL & Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks Pumpkin PSL & Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew courtesy of Starbucks

Calling all pumpkin spice fans! Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte will soon make its grand entrance into the (not quite) fall season.

The coffee giant shared a cryptic post on social media Wednesday, alluding to the popular drink's return date. The post included the date "8.24" in front of a pumpkin background.

So, it looks like Thursday is the big day! The PSL is making an early reappearance this year. Last year, Starbucks didn't release its fall menu until Aug. 30.

Read more than you ever thought you needed to know about the release (including the other fall items coming to the menu) here.

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Today's Top Story

Aug 23, 2023; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) plays the ball defended by FC Cincinnati midfielder Alvaro Barreal (31) in the first half at TQL Stadium.
Aug 23, 2023; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) plays the ball defended by FC Cincinnati midfielder Alvaro Barreal (31) in the first half at TQL Stadium.

• Inter Miami CF downs FC Cincinnati in Open Cup semifinal PK shootout

Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning during game one of a doubleheader at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Aug. 23, 2023.
Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrates a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels in the fifth inning during game one of a doubleheader at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Aug. 23, 2023.

• Reds come back to beat Angels after Shohei Ohtani leaves start

Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, foreground, speaks to state Sen. Vernon Sykes, seated, the co-chair of the Ohio Redistricting Commission, as other members of the panel prepared for a meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Julie Carr Smyth)
Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, foreground, speaks to state Sen. Vernon Sykes, seated, the co-chair of the Ohio Redistricting Commission, as other members of the panel prepared for a meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Julie Carr Smyth)

• Ohio AG Dave Yost rejects language for 2024 redistricting reform ballot measure

From left, Lorraine Villanueva, Rickie Blevins and Brennon Godfrey work in the morning before a heat advisory in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from noon until 9 p.m.
From left, Lorraine Villanueva, Rickie Blevins and Brennon Godfrey work in the morning before a heat advisory in Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory from noon until 9 p.m.

• 'Cincinnati feels like an oven:' The story of the hottest day ever in the city

Surrounded by lawmakers and members of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, center, signs off on the regulations that will guide officials as they roll out sports wagering around the state. July 10, 2023
Surrounded by lawmakers and members of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, center, signs off on the regulations that will guide officials as they roll out sports wagering around the state. July 10, 2023

• Here are the companies licensed to take sports wagers in Kentucky, starting in September

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Being trans in Kentucky, Oktoberfest season | Daily Briefing

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