GENDER

While the titles are used infrequently and many people simply refer to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey as "governor," the Constitution directs people to refer to the governor by the honorific of "His Excellency," and to the lieutenant governor as "His Honor."

Educator Gwen Agna and author-photographer Shelley Rotner wanted to create a book to help elementary and middle-school students explore the meaning of gender. They say many kids are starting to reject the male and female binary altogether.

Healey will start her term as governor with a lot of advantages. She's inheriting a state government flush with federal funds and is set to work with a state Legislature controlled by fellow Democrats. Still, political analysts note that several opportunities may also bring significant challenges.

As anti-trans laws pass in other parts of the country, some trans and nonbinary people in Massachusetts say they don’t feel safe choosing the "X" marker, designated for nonbinary people on driver’s licenses and passports.

College students from around the country are returning to the region. If they're seeking an abortion, even in Massachusetts, the process could be quite different.

In a 4-1 vote, the four Republicans on the New Hampshire Executive Council blocked funding for services like STD testing, cancer screenings, and contraception to over 16,000 low-income Granite Staters.

Many transgender and nonbinary people say they feel left out of the conversation on abortion access and reproductive rights.

Abortion in Massachusetts and the rest of New England is likely to remain legal. In Massachusetts, abortion is legal through 24 weeks of pregnancy, under state law.

June 23 marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, federal legislation that requires gender equity in education, including sports. Commentator Martha Ackmann reflects on the legacy of that landmark ruling, and one woman who changed the game.

One of Mac Godinez's first jobs at the age of 16 was behind the counter at a burger joint. He'd already been wondering what kind of future he could have if he lived as the transgender person he knew himself to be.