HRC RELEASES ANNUAL STATE EQUALITY INDEX RATINGS: This year, 19 states and Washington, D.C. were recognized in the SEI for prioritizing innovative measures to advance LGBTQ equality, with Hawaii and New Hampshire joining those in the top category for the first time. “The 2020 legislative session was one of the most unusual in recent memory, given the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the shortened sessions in many states, we saw multiple states pass pro-equality laws to protect the LGBTQ community,” said Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). More from HRC.

BIDEN DOJ REVERSES TRUMP-ERA ATTACK ON LGBTQ RIGHTS: Said HRC President Alphonso David: “Today, the Justice Department followed through on Biden’s vision of LGBTQ equality and reversed the Trump administration’s last minute attempt to unjustly limit the Supreme Court ruling in Bostock. It is both welcome and heartening to finally see a new Justice Department uphold inclusion and the rule of law rather than embracing the politics of hate and division.” More from Politico, Pink News.

HRC TO HOST EIGHTH ANNUAL TIME TO THRIVE CONFERENCE: The Conference, an annual gathering for educators, counselors and other youth-serving professionals, will take place virtually from February 9-11, 2021. “While Time to THRIVE will look different in a virtual environment this year, we are proud to be promoting safety, inclusion and well-being for LGBTQ youth just as we have at our seven previous conferences,” said HRC President Alphonso David. More from HRC.

• For information on how to register, please visit www.TimeToTHRIVE.org.

LLOYD AUSTIN CONFIRMED AS SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: Said HRC President Alphonso David: “Having spoken directly with the Secretary, I know first hand his dedication to ensuring our military will value readiness over bias and qualifications over discrimination. He has shared with me his commitment to equality and the importance of having an inclusive armed forces, including prioritizing the immediate reversal of the discriminatory ban on transgender military service. As the first Black man to lead the Human Rights Campaign, this moment is especially poignant.” More from HRC.

FLOTUS DR. JILL BIDEN VISITS WHITMAN-WALKER HEALTH: “By prioritizing the foremost LGBTQ community health center in Washington, D.C. as one of her first public visits, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden has demonstrated the health and wellness of our community is a top priority,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “Dr. Biden’s visit proves she and the Biden administration understand the importance of providing resources to LGBTQ focused health centers and addressing health disparities among the most vulnerable.” More from HRC.

MUST-WATCH MONDAY -- MONTANA LAWMAKERS TARGETING TRANS YOUTH WITH ANTI-LGBTQ LEGISLATION:

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LOVE TO JOJO!: More from HRC.

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