Dear Friends,

What an incredible week it's been! I'm thrilled to share some exciting updates and reflect on our recent achievements.

The energy surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign launch is electric. It's been just over a week since the announcement, and we're already seeing clear signs that America is ready for the progressive future she represents. The momentum is building, led by powerful movements like "Win with Black Women" and "Win with Black Men," and our LGBTQ+ community has risen to the occasion magnificently.

Our recent "Out for Kamala Harris" call was nothing short of extraordinary. We witnessed an unprecedented level of engagement, with more than 25,000 attendees joining us to show their support. The enthusiasm was palpable as 1,700 individuals signed up to volunteer, demonstrating their commitment to grassroots organizing. Perhaps most impressive was the financial backing we received — in just two hours, we raised over $300,000 for Vice President Harris's campaign. These numbers aren't just statistics; they're a powerful testament to what we can achieve when we unite for equality.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing hosts, HRC National Press Secretary Brandon Wolf and Vice President of Strategic Outreach and Engagement Nik Harris, whose energy and passion made the call truly special. Their dedication exemplifies the spirit of our movement.

While we're energized by our recent success, and the announcement that today, Vice President Harris became the presumptive democratic nominee, we're also keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

With 95 days until the election, we're gearing up for an intense period of activism and engagement. We're particularly vigilant about threats like Project 2025. Just this week, I had the opportunity to join Joy Reid on MSNBC to discuss the dangers of Project 2025. This interview allowed us to bring these critical issues to a broader audience and underscore the importance of our work in the face of such challenges.

These challenges only strengthen our resolve to fight with everything we have for our rights, our futures, and the America we believe in.

On a brighter note, we have some truly inspiring news from the world of sports. At least 193 LGBTQ+ athletes are participating in the 33rd Olympics in Paris. This remarkable representation is not just a number — it's a powerful statement about visibility and inclusion in sports at the highest level. As these athletes compete (and win!) on the global stage, they'll be breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes with every performance.

The presence of these LGBTQ+ Olympians reminds us that visibility matters. When young LGBTQ+ individuals see people like themselves excelling in sports, it opens up a world of possibilities. It shows them that their identities are not barriers to success but part of what makes them unique and strong.

However, we must remember that this progress is hard-won and constantly under threat. The attacks on trans athletes, in particular, continue to be a pressing issue. We've seen this play out in Florida, where Jessica Norton, a mother of a transgender student athlete, was suspended from her job at Monarch High School. HRC sued on behalf of Jessica, her husband, and daughter to challenge the Florida law that bans transgender girls from playing sports.

And we saw it play out at the Olympics this week too, where MAGA politicians and online trolls pushed misinformation, transphobia and hatred to attack an Algerian female boxer, even though she is not transgender.

This situation is a stark reminder that our opponents are obsessed with pushing restrictive gender norms and controlling our bodies, all so they can hold onto their dwindling power.

Pushing back against these attacks remains our shared responsibility. We must stand united in our support for all LGBTQ+ athletes, from school sports to the Olympic podium. Every time we speak up, every time we challenge discriminatory policies, we're creating a safer and more inclusive world for all athletes.

On the political front, Kari Lake's win in Arizona's Republican primary for U.S. Senate is a reminder of the importance of our continued advocacy. Her anti-LGBTQ+ record and stance on fundamental rights highlight the critical nature of our work in the upcoming election.

As we move forward and anxiously await the announcement of Vice President Harris's running mate, we're filled with a sense of hope and anticipation. This upcoming decision marks another crucial step in our journey towards a more inclusive and progressive America. The energy and commitment you've shown are truly inspiring, and we need to keep this momentum going.

Remember, equality is on the ballot this year. Our rights, our futures, and the very fabric of our democracy hang in the balance. But we move forward with hope — hope that is grounded in the strength of our community, the power of our allies and the righteousness of our cause.

Dear Hillary,

What a week of stark contrasts we've witnessed! On one side, we have hope, progress and a clear vision for an inclusive America. On the other, chaos, division and a disturbing regression of values. The choice before us couldn't be clearer.

Vice President Kamala Harris has once again made history by selecting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. This powerful duo represents not just a ticket, but a promise — a promise to build upon the most pro-equality administration in American history. Their commitment stands in sharp relief against the backdrop of Republican disarray we've seen unfold this week.

Consider the stark contrast for a moment. While Harris and Walz were articulating a vision of unity and progress, we watched Donald Trump spiral into an hour-long, unhinged press conference that left many questioning his fitness for office. Meanwhile, JD Vance has been flip-flopping so frequently, it's hard to keep track of where he stands on any given day. This is the leadership the Republican party is offering America — inconsistent, unreliable and frankly, alarming.

Now, let's look at what Harris and Walz bring to the table:

Governor Walz's record on LGBTQ+ rights is exemplary. From sponsoring his school's first gay-straight alliance in 1999 to banning conversion therapy as Governor, he's been a consistent ally. His opposition to same-sex marriage bans and support for repealing discriminatory laws like the Defense of Marriage Act and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" as a Congressman show a steadfast commitment to equality.

Vice President Harris's dedication to the fight for our basic freedoms is equally impressive. From establishing a hate crimes unit as San Francisco DA to her current role leading the most pro-equality administration in history, she's been fighting for us every step of the way.

This ticket represents stability, progress and a brighter future for LGBTQ+ Americans and all who believe in equality. It's a stark contrast to the chaos and regression offered by their opponents.

But here's the crucial part: despite this powerful ticket and the disarray in the Republican camp, we're still the underdogs. We have just under 90 days until November 5th to secure victory, and we can't afford to be complacent.

Here's how you can help turn the tide:

Volunteer for local campaign activities.

Show your support with our new Harris-Walz t-shirts.

Amplify our message on social media to counter the noise from the other side.

Make a special gift to HRC to advance equality and ensure our victory in November.

Remember, this isn't just about winning an election. It's about protecting the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people across America. It's about choosing a future of progress over one of regression.

A Harris-Walz Administration promises to defend our families and advance equality, creating an America where everyone can thrive. On the flip side, a return to Republican leadership threatens to undo years of hard-won progress.

Let's channel our energy into action. Let's show that unity is stronger than division, that hope is more powerful than fear. Together, we can make history on November 5th and secure a better future for our community and our country.

The choice is clear. The time is now. Let's get to work.

Dear Hillary,

I'm filled with profound gratitude and unwavering determination as we continue the struggle for full equality. This week has been a testament to the resilience and strength of our community.

In recognition of his decades-long allyship, the Human Rights Campaign announced our endorsement of Senator Bob Casey for reelection in Pennsylvania this week. The importance of this endorsement cannot be overstated. In a closely divided Senate, every seat matters. By supporting Senator Casey, we're not just backing a candidate; we're safeguarding the progress we've made and paving the way for further advancements in LGBTQ+ rights.

In a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of our movement, we launched the Cecilia Gentili grant in partnership with Trans Equity Consulting. Cecilia was more than an activist; she was a visionary who dedicated her life to uplifting the trans community, particularly trans individuals of color. The inaugural recipient of this grant, Alianza Translatinx in Orange County, CA, embodies the very values Cecilia championed. This grant is not just financial support; it's a continuation of Cecilia's legacy, a beacon of hope for the Latiné trans community, and a promise that their voices will be heard and their needs addressed.

As we celebrate these victories, we must also confront the challenges that lie ahead. The MAGA movement continues to spread misinformation and stoke fear, particularly as we approach the election. But we will not be silenced. We're actively combating these false narratives, reminding voters of the real stakes in this election.

Looking ahead to the Democratic National Convention next week, we're seizing this national platform to illuminate the stark contrast between those who stand for equality and those who seek to dismantle our progress. We'll be highlighting the significant strides made under the Biden-Harris administration — from the Respect for Marriage Act to the reversal of the transgender military ban. But we won't stop there. We'll also be sharing our vision for the future under a Harris-Walz administration, a future where LGBTQ+ rights are not just protected but expanded, where healthcare is accessible to all and where discrimination has no place in our society.

Next week, we'll be hosting “We Show Up: Volunteer Open House/Watch Party” events in nearly 60 different cities across the span of the Democratic National Convention. We'll be using this national moment of stark contrast between pro-equality and anti-equality candidates to illustrate the full people-power of our community and bring folks up to speed on the ways you can tap into this crucial work ahead of the 2024 election. Find an event near you at hrc.im/volunteer.

I'm filled with hope and determination as we look to the future. We're not just fighting against discrimination; we're fighting for a vision of America that lives up to its highest ideals.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. Together, we are making history and changing lives.

Dear Hillary,

What an incredible week we've had in Chicago! The Democratic National Convention demonstrated that our values and vision for the future with Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket represent the best America has to offer. The Human Rights Campaign spent the last week in full force, fighting for freedom each day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Throughout the convention, our creative studio hosted creators, influencers, elected officials and delegates, providing a space to film content and energize for the fight ahead. We kicked off Monday with a dynamic program focused on the power of LGBTQ+ elected officials, creators and activists and the force of Equality Voters.

See HRC at the DNC here.

On Tuesday, I joined the NAACP for their crucial Project 2025 panel, where we discussed the dangers Project 2025 poses to the Black community.

We heard from pillars of the Democratic Party, including our forever First Lady Michelle Obama, who set the stage ablaze with her defiant message of optimism and her clarion call for all Americans to take action. President Obama, Secretary Hillary Clinton and Oprah also delivered powerful messages.

Wednesday was a particularly proud moment for me as I represented the nearly 20 million LGBTQ+ Americans committed to fighting for freedom across the nation in a speech on the convention stage. I used this platform to center the stories of Daniel, Eric, Kris and Sandy.

I also shared my own improbable path to the DNC stage, reflecting on my family being just two generations removed from slavery to now preparing to elect Kamala Harris.

It was also an honor to nominate Governor Tim Walz, whose longstanding commitment to equality has made us proud to call him, "Coach."

Thursday night, we witnessed history. Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage and delivered a speech that will be remembered for generations. Her vision for the campaign is deeply rooted in protecting our families, our freedoms and our futures. But beyond her words, her very presence on that stage as the first woman of color nominated for the presidency by a major party is a powerful testament to how far we've come as a nation. It's a milestone that represents real progress and opens doors for countless Americans who have long been underrepresented in the highest offices of our land.

Throughout the week, joy permeated every interaction, every speech and every shared moment of celebration. It was a stark contrast to the divisive rhetoric we've seen from our opponents. We came together not just for a party convention but as a community united in our commitment to equality and justice.

Now that the convention has set the stage for the race ahead, our job is to present our story to the American people.

In less than 75 days, we'll answer a fundamental question about who we are as Americans. It's up to us to channel the energy and inspiration from Chicago into concrete action across the country. We must use our time, talent and resources to support candidates who share our values. We need to knock on doors, make calls and have conversations with our neighbors. We must show up at school board meetings, city councils and state legislatures.

The joy and unity we felt in Chicago were real, and so is the challenge ahead. But we have the vision, the community and the determination to overcome it. Together, we'll protect our families, preserve our dignity and push America forward.

Let's take this renewed sense of purpose and fight forward. Our rights, our futures and our democracy depend on it.