Dear Friends,

I hope you've had a chance to rest and recharge over the holiday period. While we took a brief pause, our work for equality never stops. The past two weeks since the Fourth of July have been a whirlwind of activity and challenges, reflecting the urgency of our mission.

We concluded a record-breaking Pride month, participating in 133 events across 38 states. This expansive presence allowed us to connect with and inspire countless individuals, resulting in the recruitment and renewal of 14,600 members. Each new member strengthens our collective voice in the fight for equality.

A highlight was the debut of our first-ever large-scale Pride floats in New York and San Francisco. These weren't just parade entries; they were moving platforms of education and advocacy, visual representations of our community's strength, diversity, and resilience. Their impact sent a clear signal: We are here, we are proud and we are not going anywhere.

Our momentum carried into high-level engagements with corporate partners. We've conducted numerous meetings, fireside chats, and speaking engagements with industry leaders such as Apple, Nationwide, Morgan Stanley and Marriott. These interactions go beyond mere visibility; they represent opportunities to influence corporate policies, foster truly inclusive workplaces, and leverage the power of the private sector in our fight for equality.

We faced a significant challenge when the Biden-Harris administration released a statement on healthcare for trans youth that contradicted established medical consensus. Working swiftly in partnership and coalition, we pushed back heavily on this announcement.

Our persistence paid off when the White House reaffirmed its promise to oppose and fight any bans on trans healthcare. This victory reinforces the principle that healthcare decisions should always be in the hands of patients, families, and providers. Still we must remain vigilant, in legislative text released this week, the US Senate’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act included multiple provisions to restrict healthcare support for transgender military members and their families.

The bill would prevent the military from providing coverage for gender-affirming surgical care for transgender troops, and transgender children of servicemembers could also lose access to hormone therapy, puberty blockers and other medications.

Let me be clear: everyone deserves medically necessary, best-practice healthcare without politicians standing in the way. That includes those who serve their country bravely and their families. These attempts to hijack the National Defense Authorization Act are outrageous and will cause real-world harm. The Senate should reject these provisions and get back to ensuring those who serve their country are repaid with the dignity and respect they deserve.

As we look ahead to the 2024 election cycle, we're gearing up for the fights to come. Our recent endorsement of Angela Alsobrooks, complete with a fundraiser at HRC headquarters and video recording, is just the beginning of our efforts to support candidates who champion LGBTQ+ rights and equality.

In the aftermath of the recent presidential debate, political chatter and chaos have churned. But amidst this noise, our mission remains clear: our job in November is to defeat Donald Trump, full stop. The risks are simply too high to allow for any other outcome.

The threat we face is not abstract. It has a name: Project 2025. This presidential transition plan, spearheaded by the far-right Heritage Foundation and supported by a coalition of 100 extremist partner organizations, represents a government-in-waiting that poses a real and visceral threat to our community and to the very foundations of our democracy.

Project 2025 is a 180-day playbook of regulations,executive orders, and policy choices that could be signed and implemented by the next president upon taking office. It represents nothing less than a takeover of our government by MAGA forces.. If implemented, this effort would strip away rights and protections, embolden authoritarianism and weaken institutions that uphold American democracy and the rule of law.

The plan's aims are chilling. It seeks to:

• Fire federal employees who oppose or insufficiently support right-wing policies
• End access to abortion and contraception
• Eliminate protections for LGBTQ+ people
• Erase LGBTQ-inclusive language throughout federal agencies

CNN’s Abby Phillip served a masterclass in taking down Donald Trump’s lies about Project 2025. Take a look when you have a chance.

Zora Neale Hurston once observed, "There are years that ask questions and years that answer." My friends, this is a year that demands answers. We are called upon to answer the threats to our freedom, to our rights and to our very existence. And answer we shall.

Together, we will make it clear that we demand a fairer, more equal and just future. We will not allow the clock to be turned back on the progress we've fought so hard to achieve. We will stand united against those who seek to divide us, to diminish us, to deny us our fundamental rights and dignity.

In the coming months, we will face both challenges and opportunities. We will need to be vigilant, to be vocal and to be brave. We will need to reach out to our allies, to build coalitions and to make our case to those who may not yet understand the importance of our cause. We will need to vote, to advocate and to never, ever give up.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to equality. Your passion and commitment drive our movement forward, and we're profoundly grateful to have you standing with us. In this pivotal year, let us rise to the challenge, answer the call and shape a future that reflects our values of equality, justice and freedom for all.

Dear Friends,

As July continues to unfold, the gravity of this election becomes more apparent with each passing day. We stand just 110 days from Election Day, facing significant challenges in our ongoing fight for equality. The stark reality of these challenges was on full display at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

But first, this week, I had the privilege of attending the 115th NAACP National Convention in Nevada — a historic first for an HRC President. From the main stage, I proudly reaffirmed our shared conviction: LGBTQ+ rights are civil rights, and civil rights are LGBTQ+ rights.

The energy continued as we rallied with HRC Las Vegas at the iconic LGBTQ+ Gipsy Bar, where we not only sang and danced but, more importantly, strategized on how to bring our pride to the polls this November.

Meanwhile, the political landscape shifted dramatically with Donald Trump's announcement of J.D. Vance as his running mate. This choice only reinforces what we've long known: the MAGA agenda remains a dire threat to LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive freedoms. Vance's hateful record speaks for itself — from defending dangerous smear campaigns against LGBTQ+ supporters to opposing crucial non-discrimination protections and calling for a nationwide ban on abortion.

The Republican National Convention itself was a disturbing spectacle. For four days, we witnessed what can only be described as a carnival of misinformation and fear-mongering. Trump's speech, in particular, was a surreal attempt to distort reality, positioning failed policies as triumphs. More alarmingly, the convention served as a preview of "Project 2025" — a thinly veiled blueprint for attacking LGBTQ+ equality and turning the clock back decades on our rights.

This upcoming Thursday at 6:00 p.m. ET, HRC is pulling together a panel of experts to discuss the impact of Project 2025. We'll break down Project 2025 in 25 minutes, so you understand how it would deeply impact you and the full LGBTQ+ community. You can RVSP here.

Yet, there's reason for hope. The American people are savvy; they see through the smoke and mirrors. They understand the existential threat this MAGA agenda poses to our democracy, our freedoms and our shared future.

In response, we're building powerful coalitions. We've proudly endorsed Josh Stein for Governor and Jeff Jackson for Attorney General in North Carolina — a critical battleground state. These endorsements reflect our commitment to electing leaders who will champion equality and justice for all.

This week, we released a crucial analysis that starkly illustrates the contrasting impacts of federal agencies under the Trump and Biden administrations on the LGBTQ+ community. The evidence is clear: while one administration has had a demonstrably positive impact on LGBTQ+ Americans, the other was decidedly detrimental.

As I stated about the report, "Actions have consequences. Time and again, the Trump Administration ushered in policies and positions that did damage to LGBTQ+ lives. Meanwhile, in their first term, the Biden-Harris Administration has taken steps to make our lives better."

Our research reveals that during the Trump era, agencies rescinded many existing rules and guidance affirming legal protections for LGBTQ+ people. In contrast, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked tirelessly to implement the Supreme Court decision that protects LGBTQ+ people from discrimination, extending these protections across dozens of federal civil rights laws.

We're also holding businesses accountable. When John Deere announced plans to roll back some of their DEI initiatives, we quickly spoke out. We made it clear that abandoning diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts isn't just morally wrong — it's bad for business. With nearly 30% of Gen Z adults identifying as LGBTQ+ and our community wielding $1.4 trillion in spending power, companies cannot afford to turn their backs on inclusion.

Yes, we face tough times. But our resolve has never been stronger. Our mission is clear: to stay focused, build coalitions and work tirelessly towards a world where we are all truly free, without exception.

This November, we have the power to prove that America's heart beats with compassion, unity, and progress. Together, we will show up, speak out and vote for a more inclusive America — one that lives up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.

Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication. The road ahead may be challenging, but with you by our side, I know we will prevail.

Dear Friends,

This past week has brought about seismic shifts in our political landscape, changes that will profoundly shape our fight for equality in the months ahead. As we process these developments and chart our course forward, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we've been, where we stand, and where we're headed.

This week, President Joe Biden made the difficult but principled decision to step aside as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. This move demonstrates President Biden's deep commitment to the future of our nation and the Democratic party. We extend our deepest gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community throughout his career, and particularly during his term in office.

Under President Biden's leadership, we've seen historic advances in equality. From day one, his administration worked tirelessly to undo the damage inflicted by the previous administration and push forward with progressive policies. The Respect for Marriage Act, expanded protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in healthcare and housing, and a renewed commitment to LGBTQ+ rights on the global stage are just a few highlights of his impactful tenure.

In this moment we carry forward the momentum President Biden has generated and the progress he has achieved. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide our movement.

Looking to the future, Vice President Kamala Harris has stepped forward as the Democratic party's nominee. Her record on LGBTQ+ rights is not just strong — it's exemplary. Throughout her career, from her time as District Attorney of San Francisco to her role as California's Attorney General and then as a U.S. Senator, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to advancing equality for all. That is why HRC moved swiftly to endorse Vice President Harris.

VP Harris has a long history of supporting LGBTQ+ rights, including refusing to defend Proposition 8, California's ban on same-sex marriage, as Attorney General. She established an LGBTQ+ hate crimes unit as San Francisco's District Attorney, advocated for the repeal of the "gay/trans panic" defense, co-sponsored the Equality Act in the Senate, and consistently supported transgender rights, including in the military.

Her vision for America is one of progress, inclusivity, and equal rights for every individual, regardless of who they are or whom they love. VP Harris represents the kind of groundbreaking leadership that can inspire and mobilize our community and allies.

I'm thrilled to report that this week, HRC convened a highly successful "Out for Kamala Harris'' call. This virtual gathering brought together LGBTQ+ supporters, allies, and community leaders from across the nation to rally behind VP Harris's candidacy. The enthusiasm and energy on the call were palpable. We heard from a diverse array of speakers, including LGBTQ+ elected officials, grassroots organizers, and longtime supporters of Vice President Harris. Each shared personal stories of how Harris has fought for our community and outlined her vision for a more equitable America.

But we didn't just talk – we took action. I'm proud to announce that during this single call, we raised over $300,000 for Kamala Harris for President. This impressive show of solidarity underscores our community's commitment to electing a true ally to the highest office in the land.

If you weren’t able to be a part of the call, you can still be a part of the momentum! Visit hrc.im/Out2024 to grow the incredible support!

The success of this call is just the beginning. In the coming weeks, we'll be rolling out a series of similar events across the country, both virtually and in-person where safe and possible. These gatherings will serve as organizing hubs, fundraising opportunities and platforms to amplify Vice President Harris's message of equality and justice.

As we move forward in this campaign, our mission is clear: we must draw a sharp contrast between Kamala Harris's vision for America and the regressive agenda pushed by Trump and his allies. Vice President Harris envisions an America where LGBTQ+ rights are fully protected, where discrimination has no place in our laws or institutions and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

At this moment our job is clear: we must channel the energy from our "Out for Kamala Harris" call into sustained action. Together, we can secure a future where equality is not just a goal but a reality for all Americans.