Dear Friends,

As we reflect on another week in our ongoing fight for equality, I'm reminded of the power of storytelling in our movement. This week, we've seen how personal narratives can illuminate the challenges we face while also showcasing the resilience and determination of our community.

The Washington Post recently published an in-depth story that exemplifies this power. Reporter Casey Parks worked for months with HRC’s team to write a deep-dive profile of HRC Foundation plaintiff Jessica Norton, a Florida mother who faced an 8-month employment investigation by the Broward County School Board. This investigation came after Jessica filed a lawsuit on behalf of her transgender daughter, Elizabeth. The article paints a vivid picture of the real-world consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ backlash on families, affecting everything from employment to education and safety. Yet, in the face of these challenges, Jessica continues to fight tirelessly to protect her daughter and combat anti-transgender discrimination.

Stories like Jessica’s underscore the critical importance of leadership at all government and public office levels that stand up for LGBTQ+ rights. As we approach the election, now just 30 days away, we see this play out on the national stage. The recent debate between Governor Walz and JD Vance offered a stark contrast in visions for America. Governor Walz demonstrated a firm commitment to fighting for freedom and justice, building on a record that includes sponsoring a gay-straight alliance as a teacher in the 1990s and enacting laws protecting LGBTQ+ youth as Governor. This stands in sharp contrast to JD Vance, who has spearheaded bills to strip away lifesaving healthcare for transgender youth and even turned against his own LGBTQ+ loved ones in service of the extreme MAGA platform.

The need for strong, supportive leadership extends beyond politics and into our communities and families. Recognizing this, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation has released two crucial resources: the 2024 Parents of Trans Youth Report and our first-ever "Caring for Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Expansive Children Guide." These tools reveal both progress and persistent challenges. While 92% of surveyed parents support their child's trans identity, these youth still face disproportionate bullying and mental health challenges. Our new guide offers practical steps for parents to support their trans children, from using correct names and pronouns to advocating for inclusive school policies.

Read the full report here.

However, as we make strides in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and their families, we continue to face coordinated attacks on vital protections and inclusive practices in the business world. Toyota's recent decision to roll back participation in the Corporate Equality Index is a troubling example of this trend. This retreat comes in the face of pressure from fringe elements, reminding us that our work extends to all sectors of society.

At the self-proclaimed forefront of this regressive movement is Robby Starbuck, a failed filmmaker and politician whose extremist views have been rejected even by his own party. Starbuck, despite lacking any credible experience in business management or economics, has taken it upon himself to attack companies for their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. His rhetoric, promoting baseless conspiracy theories and perpetuating harmful stereotypes about the LGBTQ+ community, is not just misguided — it's also dangerous.

For more than twenty years, the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) has been a tool used by the country’s largest employers to ensure a fair playing field for their LGBTQ+ workers. It ensures that everyone from the factory floor to the board room has access to equal benefits and policies and is a trusted, transparent tool for business leaders that drives more innovation and success among their workforce.

In the face of such attacks, it's crucial to remember why diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just moral imperatives but essential for business success in the 21st century. The LGBTQ+ community represents $1.4 trillion in buying power. Diverse and inclusive companies consistently prove to be more productive and profitable. They're better positioned to understand and serve diverse customer bases.

When companies like Toyota consider retreating from their DEI commitments, they're not just betraying their LGBTQ+ employees and customers — they're making a poor business decision with long-lasting consequences. Eight in 10 LGBTQ+ adults would boycott a company that rolls back these initiatives — with 9 out of 10 folks looking to the CEI as an indicator of a company’s commitment to the community. Fortunately, despite setbacks, the CEI has more participation among the nation’s largest employers than ever before — with 1400 companies committed.

Our HRC community will continue to fight these baseless attacks privately and publicly, understanding that our fight toward equality requires persistence and defiance, especially in times of crisis.

From supporting families facing discrimination to holding our political leaders accountable to providing resources to parents of trans youth and standing up against corporate backsliding on LGBTQ+ rights — every action we take moves us closer to a world where everyone can thrive, regardless of who they are or whom they love.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication. Together, we will ensure that progress is not just protected but advanced.

Dear Friends,

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to change, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in our ongoing fight for equality. Today, on National Coming Out Day, I'm filled with a profound sense of pride and hope as I reflect on the incredible strides we've made and the challenges that still lie ahead.

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt salute to every individual who has found the strength to live authentically. Whether you've recently come out or have been proudly out for years, your courage is the bedrock of our movement. To those still on their journey, know that you are seen, valued and supported. Your truth is your power, and we stand with you, ready to embrace and amplify your voice whenever you're ready to share it. Have you taken our Coming Out to Vote pledge yet?

This week has been a whirlwind of activity and progress, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination that defines our community. Last night, the energy in Philadelphia was electric as HRC and Out For Harris-Walz kicked off our ambitious 10 Days of Action campaign. The enthusiasm and dedication I witnessed were nothing short of inspiring. Imagine over 170 events spanning across key battleground states, each one a beacon of hope and a call to action for LGBTQ+ individuals and our allies. Except you don’t have to imagine, because that’s exactly what we’re about to do as we sprint toward Election Day!

As I stood among the crowd, listening to Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz deliver her powerful headline address, I was reminded of the immense impact we can have when we come together. From bustling phone banks to spirited rallies, we're not just making our voices heard — we're creating a symphony of change that resonates across the nation. This grassroots mobilization is the heart of our democracy, and it's how we ensure that equality isn't just a concept but a lived reality for all. Please join us and find a way to engage over the next ten days at: www.mobilize.us/hrc/

Our commitment to fostering change at every level of society is unwavering. That's why I'm particularly proud of our ongoing Trans Justice Initiative Small Grants program. These grants may seem small in dollar amount, but their impact is immeasurable. They empower local organizations that are doing the crucial, often unsung work of advancing transgender rights and equality in their communities. From providing safe spaces and resources to advocating for policy changes, these grassroots efforts are the threads that weave the fabric of a more inclusive society.

As we approach the critical juncture of the upcoming election, we're ramping up our efforts to ensure that equality is on the ballot and in the minds of voters. I'm thrilled to announce that the Human Rights Campaign Equality Votes PAC has launched a groundbreaking seven-figure digital ad campaign. This initiative is laser-focused on turning out Equality Voters in four key battleground states: Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The scale of this campaign is a testament to the urgency of our cause. Through a mix of streaming video, radio and display ads, we're reaching over 1.5 million Equality Voters. But it's not just about the numbers — it's about the message we're conveying and the stark choice we're presenting to the electorate.

Our ads, "Not Going Back" and "Shadows," paint a vivid picture of what's at stake in this election. They juxtapose Kamala Harris's long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ equality with the regressive policies proposed by Donald Trump and his MAGA Republican allies. We're not just highlighting political differences; we're illuminating two vastly different visions for the future of our nation.

In "Not Going Back," we remind voters of the hard-fought progress we've made and the very real threat of having that progress reversed. It's a powerful call to action, urging us to stand firm and push forward rather than allow ourselves to be dragged back to a less equitable past.

"Shadows" takes a different but equally compelling approach. It sheds light on how the rhetoric and policies of the Trump administration have emboldened those who would marginalize and discriminate against our community. In contrast, it showcases Kamala Harris's consistent advocacy for the safety and freedoms of all families, regardless of their composition or identity.

Watch: Not Going Back
Watch: Shadows

These ads are more than just campaign tools — they're a reflection of our values and a declaration of our resilience. They speak to the heart of what we believe: that love is love, that gender identity should never be a barrier to equality and that the strength of our nation lies in its diversity.

As we navigate the final weeks leading up to Election Day, I want to remind each of you of the power you hold. Every conversation you have, every post you share, every vote you cast is a building block in the foundation of a more equitable world. The road ahead may be challenging, but I've never been more confident in our ability to create lasting change.

Remember, when we show up — at the polls, in our communities, and for each other — equality wins. It wins in ways both big and small, from landmark legislation to the simple act of a young person feeling safe to be themselves at school.

In these times of political polarization and social unrest, our unity is our greatest strength. The Human Rights Campaign isn't just an organization; it's a family of individuals committed to a singular vision of a world where every person can thrive regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

As we continue our 10 Days of Action and look beyond to the election and the challenges that will follow, let's carry with us the spirit of National Coming Out Day. Let's celebrate our authenticity, embrace our diversity and channel our collective power into creating the change we wish to see in the world.

Thank you for your unwavering support, your tireless advocacy and your boundless compassion.

Dear Friends,

Today, on National Coming Out Day, we celebrate the courage it takes to live authentically. Each person who shares their truth helps build a world where everyone can be their full selves without fear. While we celebrate those who can live openly, our hearts are with those who, due to very real threats to their safety and well-being, cannot yet share their truth with the world.

In the fight for freedom without exception, our goal is a world where coming out is met with love and acceptance, where diversity is cherished and where every individual's journey is honored. We want every lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer person to be proud of their place within our world.

That’s why we’re asking you to pledge to Come Out and VOTE. Confirm your voter information and registration today!

Hit up HRC’s OutToVoteGenerator.com to create your own bold, fearless message and lock in your voting plan!

HRC just released a new ad as part of a six-figure buy that’s aimed at encouraging voters to make their voices heard at the polls. Watch it here, flex your power and vote your way!

National Coming Out Day is also a call for recognition from our allies, inviting them to truly see and support us. Their support can make days like today possible for those near and dear.

Our contributions as LGBTQ+ people and allies are woven into the fabric of our nation. However, we should never forget that LGBTQ+ individuals often lack fundamental legal protections and are under a national state of emergency in many states, making the decision to come out a deeply personal choice.

So, on this day, we’re asking you and our entire HRC community to come out against hate, sign our pledge and join us for 10 Days of Action to make a real difference in our lives.

National Coming Out Day can also inspire us to shape the outcomes of critical political processes together. So, check out HRC’s Out to Vote Generator, make a voting plan and cast your ballots by November 5th! We need to support and elect steadfast pro-equality candidates at every electoral level, ensuring our voices reflect the need for leaders who advocate for our values.

Let's honor our visibility's power to shift perceptions and win key elections. It's incredibly courageous to come out.

Be assured, we will always be in your corner.

Proudly,

Kelley Robinson
President of HRC
she/her/hers

P.S. Download and share HRC’s coming out resources and get your exclusive Keith Haring t-shirt from the HRC shop today!