Dear Friends,

From your family at the Human Rights Campaign, Happy Pride!

This Pride Month, as we come together to celebrate the remarkable resilience, beauty, and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride, gratitude and determination. Pride Month is more than just a celebration; it is a call to action, a reminder of how far we've come and a testament to the work that still lies ahead.

In a world that often seeks to divide us and undermine our very existence, Pride Month stands as a defiant declaration of our humanity, our worth and our fundamental right to love and be loved. It is a time to honor the courageous activists who fought relentlessly for our rights, celebrate our hard-won victories and draw strength from our collective voice.

As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Human Rights Campaign declaring a national State of Emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans, we are reminded of the urgent crises facing our community, particularly the transgender community. MAGA politicians continue to push harmful legislation aimed at controlling our healthcare, our education, our reading materials and our visibility in society. While these challenges are sobering, they also serve as a testament to our unwavering spirit and commitment to fighting back against discrimination and injustice.

Despite these relentless attacks, our community has shown incredible resilience and strength. Our groundbreaking report, "One Year Later: LGBTQ+ Resilience & Strength Amid National State of Emergency," highlights how we have successfully pushed back against many of these legislative assaults. When we show up, organize and speak truth to power, there is no force that can stop us. This Pride Month and throughout 2024, we must hold on to this unshakeable truth.

As we look ahead to the 2024 elections, the stakes could not be higher. The MAGA movement, emboldened by their relentless attacks on our community, is determined to roll back our hard-fought victories and erase any recognition of LGBTQ+ people in America. They've made their intentions clear: if they gain power in November, they will place new restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights, undermining the progress we've made and threatening our very existence. To kickoff Pride Month, I sat down with the Advocate to discuss what’s at stake for our movement.

This is our ongoing state of emergency, and we must meet this challenge with unwavering resolve. We cannot afford to be complacent or to underestimate the threat we face. The 2024 elections will be a defining moment for our community, and we must be ready to fight with everything we have to protect our rights and secure our future.

Throughout history, when our rights have been under attack, we show up — in the streets and at the voting booth. Time and time again, we show up to fight back and win, delivering for our candidates, our causes and our community. We are 75 million equality voters and allies strong, and our voting bloc is growing by the day because our values are American values. We saw the just how powerful we are this past legislative session. As Axios reported: “Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation faced headwind in this year's legislative sessions following a boom last year, per data analysis from the Human Rights Campaign shared exclusively with Axios.”

We are not without hope and we are not without power. This year, with so much on the line, it's time to choose love over hate, freedom over extremism and acceptance over intolerance. It's time to harness the power of our community, make our voices heard and take back the House, defend the Senate majority and re-elect the most pro-equality Administration we've ever seen in President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris.

So, as we celebrate Pride this month, let us do so with open hearts, unwavering spirits, and a fierce determination to create a world where every person can live with dignity, respect, and love. Pride is not just a moment, but a movement — a testament to the resilience and unbreakable spirit of our community. Even in the face of adversity, we have the power to create change, inspire hope and build a world where love always wins.

As the great Audre Lorde once said, "When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." This Pride Month, let us embrace our power, use our strength in the service of our vision for equality, and march forward with courage, even in the face of fear.

Happy Pride, HRC family! Let us march forward, united and unafraid, into a future where every person can live freely, authentically and with the full protection of the law. Because when we show up, equality wins.

Dear Friends,

As we celebrate Pride Month, we find ourselves filled with hope and determination in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ freedom and equality.

This week, our HRC legal team and our partners won a groundbreaking victory for access to healthcare for transgender adults and adolescents in Florida, as a federal court found these restrictions to accessing care to be unconstitutional. Powerfully, District Judge Robert Hinkle’s opinion stated clearly: “Gender identity is real”. This first-of-its-kind ruling serves as a beacon of hope, proving that when we stand together, we can turn the tide against anti-LGBTQ+ attacks. I am deeply grateful to our HRC legal team and our incredible coalition partners at GLAD, NCLR, Southern Legal Counsel, and Lowenstein Sandler LLP for their unwavering commitment to ensuring trans individuals can access the care they need and deserve.

On June 12th, we honored Pulse Remembrance Day, marking eight years since the tragic Pulse Nightclub shooting, a day that forever changed the lives of countless individuals and left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ community. As we gathered to commemorate this somber anniversary, our hearts ached for the 49 beautiful souls whose lives were cruelly cut short and for the survivors, families, and loved ones who continue to grapple with the pain and trauma of that horrific night.

Among those deeply affected by this tragedy is our own Brandon Wolf, HRC's National Press Secretary and a Pulse survivor. Brandon's journey since that fateful night has been one of resilience, courage, and unwavering dedication to creating change. As a vocal advocate for gun reform and LGBTQ+ rights, Brandon has channeled his grief and pain into action, honoring the legacy of his dear friends and others lost. His tireless efforts serve as a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable heartbreak, we can find the strength to fight for a better tomorrow. As a movement, we are clear that in the face of hatred and discrimination, joy is an act of resistance.

It is in this spirit of resilience and celebration that we commemorated Pride Month with a very special event. Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff hosted a Pride Month reception in partnership with the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) and GIFFORDS, an organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence. Taking place at the Vice President's Washington residence, the event featured myself, GIFFORDS' Executive Director Emma Brown, and unforgettable performances by the incomparable Billy Porter and Nymphia Wind, winner of season 16 of RuPaul's Drag Race.

The occasion took on even greater significance as it coincided with the eight-year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. During the program, Brandon Wolf honored the friends he lost before introducing the Vice President, a poignant reminder of the work that still lies ahead in our fight for equality and justice.

Access photos from the event, via AP here.

In her remarks, Vice President Harris honored those lost at Pulse, spoke to her long career advancing equality and civil rights, addressed the unprecedented attacks on LGBTQI+ rights, and emphasized how it is up to every generation to fight to protect hard-fought, hard-won freedoms.

“Every year that we celebrate Pride, we must also remember all of what is at stake and recommit to fighting for the promise of America, which is a promise of freedom and equality and justice.”

The Vice President also reminded attendees that “when we fight, we win” and that our fight is not “against something, it is for something.” Using a metaphor to a relay race, she went on to mention LGBTQ+ greats such as Harvey Milk and Jim Oberegefell and the fact that they have handed “the baton” to the present generation of activists to carry the movement forward in the race for equality.

On behalf of HRC I called attention to the resiliency of the LGBTQ+ community, especially in the midst of oppression and in the aftermath of violence in queer spaces. I emphasized that we are strong, we are resilient and the LGBTQ+ community is powerful.

Other guests at the event included U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Adm. Rachel Levine, Chasten Buttigieg, Jim Obergefell, Dyllón Burnside, U.S. Reps. Mark Takano and Robert Garcia, Meredith and Brooks Marks, Kevin McHale, Raven Symoné, Jonathan Van Ness,Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, Plastique Tiara, Lee Daniels, NCLR Executive Director Imani Rupert Gordon, Executive Director of A4TE Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, NBJC CEO/Executive Director Dr. David Johns, Charlotte Clymer, Anthony Rapp, David Collins, and leadership from national and state LGBTQ+ organizations, and many more powerful voices.

As we approach Father's Day, I want to provide you with a special membership sneak preview that serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges and sacrifices faced by LGBTQ+ families in the current political climate. Jake and Tom Kleinmahon, loving fathers to two beautiful children, recently made the heartbreaking decision to uproot their lives and leave their home state of Louisiana. This difficult choice was forced upon them by the passage of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ laws that threaten the safety and well-being of their family.

The Kleinmahons' story, which we will be sharing in greater detail with our members soon, is a testament to the lengths parents will go to protect their children and ensure they can grow up in a loving, secure environment. It is also a sobering reminder that, despite the progress we have made, the fight for true equality is far from over. This Father's Day, as we celebrate the love and dedication of all fathers, let us also stand in solidarity with the Kleinmahons and the countless other LGBTQ+ parents who are facing unimaginable challenges and discrimination.

Their story underscores the urgent need for us to come together as a community, to defend families, and to champion love in the face of hate. We must continue to fight tirelessly until every LGBTQ+ family can live freely, authentically, and without fear, regardless of where they call home.

So this Father's Day, let us recommit ourselves to this vital work and to building a world where all families are celebrated, protected, and valued. To learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference in your local community, visit hrc.im/InYourArea.

Together, we will continue to fight for a world where every LGBTQ+ person can live authentically and without fear.

Dear Friends,

As we move deeper into Pride Month, our presence and impact continue to grow stronger and more vibrant. This June, we're not just celebrating — we're mobilizing, educating and making our voices heard louder than ever before. Our dynamic presence across the country is a testament to the power of our community and the urgency of our cause.

We began the week celebrating a critical victory in Oklahoma. In a stunning rebuke, Republican Governor Kevin Stitt and the state legislature took decisive action to curtail State Superintendent Ryan Walters' authority, following months of public outcry against Walters' dangerous rhetoric and policies, particularly those targeting LGBTQ+ youth. This victory demonstrates the power of our collective voice and persistent advocacy following the tragic death of Nex Benedict, both on the ground in Oklahoma and nationally. However, we remain vigilant as Oklahoma's legislature continues to pass anti-LGBTQ+ bills. Our fight for equality in the state, and across the nation, is far from over.

Our week and movement were also marked by the loss of Bruce Bastian, a true LGBTQ+ pioneer and cherished friend to our community.

A Utahn who revolutionized word processing technology, Bruce was also a tireless advocate and generous supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. Troy Williams, executive director of Equality Utah, beautifully captured Bruce's impact: "No individual has had a greater impact on the lives of LGBTQ Utahns." Bruce's unwavering commitment to equality inspired us all, and his legacy continues to fuel our mission.

HRCF launched our advocacy into action with our new "Pride to the Polls'' initiative. As we approach the critical 2024 election, it's more important than ever to harness our collective power to protect and advance LGBTQ+ rights.

The impact of our community at the ballot box cannot be overstated, and our influence continues to grow. Currently, LGBTQ+ people and allies make up 11.3% of eligible voters in the US, a figure projected to reach 18% by 2040. To amplify these voices, we've partnered with CenterLink, OutVote, PFLAG, the Point Foundation, and SAGE to build a powerful coalition focused on registering, informing, and empowering equality voters across America.

We've already hit the ground running in Arizona, a critical battleground state. Our team convened LGBTQ+ youth, business leaders and advocates to rally support for the Biden-Harris re-election campaign. The enthusiasm we encountered was inspiring, reminding us of the vital role Equality Voters play in shaping our nation's future.

Our actions this week extended beyond grassroots organizing. I had the privilege of appearing on "The Context" with Alex Lovit from the Kettering Foundation. In our discussion, we explored how attacks on the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ people are part of a broader antidemocratic movement. We emphasized the critical importance of developing a more inclusive culture for our democracy. This conversation underscores the intersectionality of our struggle and the need for a united front in defending not just LGBTQ+ rights — but the very foundations of our democratic society.

Recognizing the importance of intersectionality in our fight for equality, we've also collaborated the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), in partnership with HIT Strategies, to unveil a groundbreaking national survey exploring how the Black LGBTQ+ community is viewed among Black people. The research was also supported by the LGBTQ Task Force, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Family Equality, and the GLSEN.

VIEW THE FULL SURVEY FINDINGS HERE.

One of the first surveys of its kind, the survey investigates the sentiments, stories, perceptions, and priorities around Black values and progressive policies, to better understand how they impact Black views on Black LGBTQ+ people. This work is crucial as we approach what may be one of the most significant elections of our lifetime this November.

Building on our momentum in the lead-up to the election, we recently launched our "We Show Up: Equality Wins" campaign, investing $15 million to mobilize 75 million Equality Voters. As part of this initiative, we're excited to announce the "We Show Up National Tour." This series of events will share HRC's story, build our people's power, fund the fight, and change the narrative about LGBTQ+ people across the country.

All 30 HRC Steering Committees will host at least one event this summer as part of the National Tour. From Pride celebrations to Federal Club socials, candidate fundraisers to volunteer open houses, and our signature dinner events, there will be numerous opportunities for you to get involved. We encourage you to keep an eye out for events in your area and consider volunteering for local events or joining canvassing and phone-banking shifts.

This week also marked Juneteenth, a time to reflect on the progress made by Black Americans while acknowledging the work still needed to achieve true equality. This commemoration underscores the importance of our intersectional approach, especially in supporting Black LGBTQ+ individuals in our ongoing fight for a more inclusive world.

We concluded our week in Michigan, another swing state crucial to the upcoming election. As we've seen time and again, when we show up, equality wins. From the bottom of my heart, please know that your continued support and engagement are vital to our success. Together we will fight forward, and together we will get free.

Dear Friends,

As we wrap up Pride month, I want us all to take a beat and really feel the power of what we've accomplished. Pride isn't just parades and parties, though heaven knows we deserve those too. It's a living, breathing testament to our resilience, our joy and our unwavering demand to be seen and celebrated for exactly who we are. It’s a reminder of how far we have come.

But let's be crystal clear: our work isn't done. Not by a long shot. For every rainbow flag flying high, there's a kid somewhere who still doesn't feel safe coming out. For every corporate logo turned multicolor, there's a trans person fighting for basic rights. Pride isn't just about how far we've come — it's a rallying cry for how far we still have to go.

And we need you to go the distance with us! Many of you celebrated HRC’s Giving Day this week to ensure that this campaign season is off to a powerful start. If you weren’t able to, good news: it’s not too late! Please make a special Pride month contribution today.

This week in a blog post, I shared more thoughts on the occasion of Pride, what it means for our movement and power that rests in the purpose of our mission.

In this moment, we must be open and honest about the fight that lies ahead. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, last night's debate was tough. But we don't back down from tough. We're the Human Rights Campaign, and tough is what we do.

We should also not be distracted. Even with all the noise, Donald Trump showed his true colors on that stage — a man bent on revenge, spewing lies, and threatening the very fabric of our democracy. But here's the thing: we've faced bullies before, and we've won.

And when it comes to bullies, there is no stronger contrast between candidates. There is no debate who would make a better president for our people — President Joe Biden.

It was fitting that today, I stood with President Biden at Stonewall — a symbol of our unwavering resilience. From the Respect for Marriage Act to protecting our trans youth, this administration has been a beacon of hope in a storm of hatred.

And we must remind each other — and all those who love us — that the work ahead is about two fundamentally different futures for our country.

So here's what we've got to do:

First, breathe and remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint. We've got to listen. Really listen. To the fears, the concerns, the hopes of our community. Because that's where our strength comes from.

Second, we're going to remind every single one of those 75 million Equality Voters that they are the heroes of this story. This is their fight, their future, and by God, it's going to be their victory.

And lastly, here's the big one: we're not going to panic. We're going to organize. Because that's what we do best.

Remember, progress isn't a gift — it's a hard-won fight. And we've got the scars to prove we know how to win those fights. Every time we show up, every call we make, every door we knock on — that's another crack in the wall of injustice.