As we enter this pivotal moment in our nation's history, I'm filled with unprecedented optimism and determination. Since our last issue, we've witnessed a seismic shift in American politics. President Joe Biden's decision to step aside has paved the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket, and her choice of running mate has electrified our movement.

Gov. Tim Walz brings to the ticket a lifetime of unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights. From his early days as a high school teacher in rural Minnesota, where he sponsored one of the state's first gay-straight alliances, to his tenure as governor, where he signed landmark legislation banning conversion therapy, Walz has consistently championed our cause. His addition to the ticket cements the Harris-Walz campaign as the most pro-equality presidential ticket in American history.

I've been crisscrossing the country, and let me tell you, the energy out there is electric. It reminds me of my days organizing for Obama — that same sense of hope, that feeling that we're on the verge of something big. From big cities to small towns, people are fired up and ready for change.

Now, I won't sugarcoat it — we've got our work cut out for us. Our opponents are pushing hard, trying to roll back the clock on our rights. It's tough, and sometimes it's scary. But here's the thing: We've got 75 million Equality Voters across this country. That's not just a number — that's power. Real, transformative power.

In the months ahead, we at HRC are going all in. We're going to educate, we're going to mobilize, and we're going to make sure every single one of our voices is heard at the ballot box. Because this election isn't just about politics — it's about our lives, our loves, our families.

With Harris and Walz, we've got a shot at a future where everyone can be themselves, love whom they love, and live with dignity. A future where gender-affirming care isn't a battle, it's a given.

Where our marriages are respected, full stop. Where discrimination is a relic of the past.

Friends, this is our moment. Our chance to turn the page on hate and write a new story of equality. The energy is there; the momentum is building, and victory is within our grasp.

As we embark on this journey together, I'm filled with hope and conviction. We have the momentum; we have the numbers, and we have the righteous cause of equality on our side. Victory is within our grasp — we just have to come together across lines of difference and claim it as ours.

And speaking of coming together, mark your calendars for September 7th. We're gearing up for what I like to call the Olympics of HRC programming — our National Dinner. This is our chance to join in community, to energize ourselves for the fights ahead and to remind ourselves of the power we hold when we stand united. It's going to be a night of inspiration, celebration and renewed commitment to our cause.

My heart is fixed for this fight and its an honor to struggle alongside you every day.

With unwavering determination and hope for our shared future,