Dear Friends,

We've all had one of those weeks. A week where the news feels heavy, where the challenges seem daunting, where you might wonder if the progress we've fought so hard for is slipping away. I've had those moments too. But here's what I know for sure: we are stronger than the setbacks, braver than the bullies and more determined than those who seek to divide us.

This week, many of us watched the joint address to Congress with a mixture of concern and anger. As expected, instead of words that unite and inspire, we heard rhetoric that demeaned our LGBTQ+ community and sowed division. President Trump's words weren't just hurtful — they were harmful, especially to our young people who are watching and listening, trying to figure out their place in this world.

I think about our LGBTQ+ youth who already face so much. They navigate hallways where bullying is too common, families where acceptance isn't guaranteed and now a national conversation where their very existence is up for debate. I've met these young people in my work across the country. They're not political talking points — they're our children, with dreams and talents and so much to offer our world.

But here's what I want you to remember: words, even from powerful people, don't define us. We define ourselves through our actions, our compassion and our commitment to creating the world we want our children to inherit.

As Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) reminded us in her response: "Some of the most important movements in our history have come from the bottom up. This isn't the first time we've experienced significant and tumultuous change as a country... And ultimately, we've chosen to keep changing this country for the better."

That's the America I believe in — a place where ordinary people have always been the true agents of change. We've never been a perfect nation, but at our best, we've been a nation that keeps striving, keeps growing, keeps expanding our definition of "we the people" to include more voices and experiences.

This week gave us a glimpse of what's possible when we stay engaged. Despite the challenging political landscape and the President's targeting of transgender Americans, the Senate rejected legislation that would have banned transgender youth from participating in sports. That bill's defeat wasn't a coincidence or a fluke — it was the direct result of your advocacy, your phone calls, your personal stories that helped lawmakers understand the real human impact of such legislation.

At HRC, we've always believed that change happens one relationship at a time, one conversation at a time, one mind and heart at a time. So when you share your stories, when you help someone understand an issue they hadn't previously considered, when you build bridges instead of walls — you're doing exactly what our movement needs to thrive even in difficult times.

In challenging political moments, leadership matters more than ever.

One of the values that guides our work at HRC is consistency. It's easy to hold our opponents accountable, but true integrity means applying the same standards to everyone — including our friends and allies. That's why we will always speak truth to power, regardless of political affiliation.

As we made clear this week in our message to Governor Newsom and other leaders: "The path to 2028 isn't paved with the betrayal of vulnerable communities — it's built on the courage to stand up for what's right and do the hard work to actually help the American people."

One of my guiding quotes comes from the brilliant Audre Lorde, who said: "There is no thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives."

Those words shape our approach to advocacy at HRC. We can't slice and dice our identities or our communities into neat little boxes. We contain multitudes — each of us bringing our full selves to the table with all our complex, intersecting identities and experiences.

Our LGBTQ+ community reflects every race, religion, ability status, economic circumstance and political viewpoint. Our struggle for equality isn't separate from the fight for racial justice, economic opportunity, healthcare access or educational equity — it's deeply intertwined with all these movements. That's why we're committed to an intersectional approach that honors the wholeness of our community.

Our work continues on multiple fronts — challenging harmful policies, supporting pro-equality candidates, building coalitions and telling the stories that change hearts and minds. But equally important is the work that happens in our daily lives — in family conversations, in workplace interactions, in community spaces where we show up authentically and create ripples of change.

I remain deeply hopeful about our future, not because it will be easy, but because I know the character of our movement and the resilience of our community.

Dear Friends,

I've always believed that how we respond in our toughest moments reveals our true character as a nation. Right now, we're facing a coordinated campaign targeting LGBTQ+ Americans through every available avenue — the courts, federal agencies, education policy and more. This isn't just about politics. It's about whether we still believe in that fundamental American promise: equality and dignity for all.

Many of you have reached out about the Supreme Court's decision to hear a case in the fall term challenging state bans on conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth. I share your concern. When powerful groups target our young people, they're trying to divide us, but they've underestimated our strength. Every time someone shares their story, we chip away at the walls built to separate us.

I'm fired up about our endorsement of Gina Ortiz Jones for San Antonio Mayor. Her campaign isn't just about one leader — it's about creating a pipeline where LGBTQ+ voices shape policies affecting all of us. This is exactly the kind of community-centered leadership we need right now.

While we're building up, others are tearing down. Trump and Education Secretary McMahon's attacks on the Department of Education hit close to home for families across America. By firing thousands of employees and closing regional offices, they're targeting protections that keep our kids safe — especially LGBTQ+ students, students of color and those with disabilities. But I've spent time with parents and teachers who are turning their worry into action. These grassroots moments remind me that our movement's strongest roots are in community organizing.

This week, we are once again now staring down another government shutdown, and let's call it what it is: a deliberate choice by Republican lawmakers and anti-equality forces to cut lifelines for families and LGBTQ+ people while padding the pockets of the wealthy. Programs we rely on for healthcare, housing, HIV/AIDS services and basic protections hang in the balance. I've heard from folks worried about accessing medication or keeping their housing — real people facing real consequences while politicians play games. Whatever the outcome of this immediate battle, this is the beginning, not the end. Trump, Musk and anti-equality leaders in Congress seem deadset on moving forward with massive cuts to these essential programs — and we must make our opposition clear. If you’ve not yet called your members of Congress, I encourage you to reach out today.

We must refuse to let fear have the last word — and I know you do too. We have the tools to fight back: our stories, our solidarity and our ballots. The path forward runs through organizing in every community and showing up at the polls.

In the midst of these challenges, we face urgent calls to action. The State Department recently released proposals that would complicate the passport process and even require inaccurate passports for transgender and non-binary people. These discriminatory, unjustifiable proposals demand our immediate response. Please use our digital tool to draft and submit your feedback before the fast-approaching deadline. It takes just minutes to defend our fundamental freedoms.

Friends, I know times are tough. But when I look at what we're building together — expanding our membership, deepening our coalitions and clarifying our vision — I see countless reasons for hope. Every action you take matters, whether you're rallying at your state capitol, having heart-to-heart conversations at kitchen tables or simply being visibly, unapologetically yourself in spaces that need transformation.

In the days ahead, let's hold each other close. Check in on your people. Share resources. Celebrate small victories. Our community's greatest strength has always been our ability to find joy and connection even in the hardest times.

Dear Friends,

"Democracy is not a state, it's an act," civil rights icon John Lewis reminded us — and this week, you've transformed these words into action. With more than 224,000 mobilizations since the new administration took office, we're not just resisting — we're building power. This is what movement work looks like: sustained, strategic and unstoppable.

We’re here. We’re queer. And we're organizing to win.

Let me be perfectly clear: what we're witnessing is not normal. Their threats to cut HIV prevention care and dismantle the Department of Education aren't just policy proposals — they're direct attacks on our communities. But here's the truth: every time they come for us, we grow stronger.

Your organizing is already shifting the landscape. Thousands of you have secured in-district meetings with your representatives, showing up with your stories and your demands. Accountability in action. As a result, 82 members of the House of Representatives are now publicly opposing Trump's anti-trans passport policy, and we flooded the State Department with over 10,000 comments against their discriminatory changes. This is what happens when we refuse to be silent.

Lasting progress requires both government action and private sector leadership. HRC scored a major victory this week when Disney shareholders overwhelmingly rejected an anti-DEI proposal targeting our Corporate Equality Index. When one of the world's most recognizable brands stands firmly with us despite intense pressure to retreat, it sends a resounding message to other companies and creates a protective shield for LGBTQ+ workers nationwide.

The weeks ahead demand more from all of us. We will be including key talking points and actionable steps in our weekly updates to keep you engaged and effective in this fight.

Topline Talkers

URGENT — Lives at Risk! The administration is threatening to cut funding for domestic HIV-prevention programs which could have a devastating impact on thousands of Americans — share this dangerous news. And sign our petition to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration urging them to keep these critical, lifesaving programs.

Power in Numbers: 224,000 and Counting! HRC Members have unleashed an avalanche of resistance in just under 60 days of the new administration. We’ve got eyes on our enemies and we’re fighting back. Challenge your network — and act now to boost our numbers to our new goal of a quarter million!

Take it to their Doorstep! Thousands of HRC members are confronting their U.S. Representatives face-to-face in their home districts — no hiding, no excuses. These grassroots accountability sessions are forcing officials to answer for their support of draconian budget cuts that threaten our communities.

82 members of the U.S. House of Representatives Stand Against Discrimination! U.S. Representatives are formally rejecting Trump’s anti-trans passport policy — share with your colleagues. HRC supporters submitted nearly 10,000 comments against the State Department’s discriminatory U.S. passport changes.

For nearly five decades, HRC has stood in the storm of opposition. But we've never stood alone, and we don't stand alone now. Our power comes from you — from every call you make, every meeting you attend, every conversation that changes hearts and minds. When we fight, we win.

P.S. In case you missed it, for inspiring stories on the ground, be sure to check out our new report, “United Resilience,” on the work of activists in Native communities fighting for justice for LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit people.

Dear Friends, 

We are resilient. No matter how many times they try to erase us, silence us or push us out — we rise. And this week, we rose again.

A federal district court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the Trump administration’s cruel and unconstitutional policy banning transgender people from serving in the military the night before the Department of Defense was set to begin discharging transgender servicemembers in Shilling v. Trump, a lawsuit jointly filed by the HRC Foundation and Lambda Legal.

Let’s be clear: this ruling doesn’t just protect the brave individuals who brought the case — it protects all U.S. transgender servicemembers, no matter where they are stationed in the world.

It’s a moment of relief in a week otherwise filled with reminders of just how dangerous chaos in leadership can be.

We also saw how deeply broken and reckless this administration is. News broke that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared highly classified information about an active military operation in a group Signal chat that included a reporter. Yes, you read that right — top national security decisions being texted like a group project gone wrong. This isn’t just incompetence — it’s a threat to our national security. We said putting reality TV hosts in charge of our lives would end in disaster. This is what that looks like.

And while this administration keeps failing upward, our community continues to suffer the consequences.

New data from Data for Progress shows just how harmful this moment is for trans people. In addition to a federal administration hellbent on discriminating against transgender people, state legislatures across the country are moving bills designed to isolate and harm LGBTQ+ people with a disproportionate impact on transgender youth and their support systems — parents, medical providers and teachers. We are tracking more than 100 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in Texas alone. These policies aren’t just political — they’re personal. Among surveyed transgender adults:

● 85% say recent anti-LGBTQ+ policies have harmed their mental health

● 55% feel angry

● 53% feel anxious

● 49% feel depressed

● 48% feel stressed

Let’s be honest: these numbers should outrage every single person in this country. Character and leadership matter — and our fight for both is far from over.

But we’re not just watching — we’re taking action. Here’s how you can plug in:

Talking Points & Actions to Take:

BLOCK THE BAN! HRC Foundation and Lambda Legal successfully urged a federal judge to issue a nationwide injunction blocking Trump’s military ban. Share with your networks!

COMMUNITY CALL — TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY: Join HRC and our partners for a virtual gathering of celebration and resistance on Monday, March 31, at 7:00 PM ET. Let’s come together and remind each other what joy and power look like. You can join or watch the call Monday here.

HANDS OFF RALLIES — APRIL 5: Trump and Elon Musk think our health care, data, jobs, and dignity belong to them. We say: HANDS OFF! Join us for rallies in Los Angeles, NYC, Chicago, Philly, Phoenix, or D.C. Bring your friends. Make some noise.

This moment is hard — and still, we keep showing up for each other. That’s the difference. That’s the power of our people.