98 DAYS: Defeating the politics of hate and division to help amazing leaders make history: That’s what we did in NY-15 & NY17. And to take back our democracy, that’s what we’ll have to do up and down the ballot November 3. 

• Three cheers for Ritchie and Mondaire: This week, NYC Council Member Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) declared victory in the race for NY-15 and is poised to become the first openly gay Afro-Latino Member of Congress in history. Mondaire Jones (@MondaireJones) in NY-17 also won his race by more than double digits and is likely to become the first openly LGBTQ Black Member of Congress. 
• Anti-LGBTQ extremists in the mix: HRC invested in these races, including a 5-figure digital ad buy in NY-15. HRC’s involvement in NY-15 was prompted by the real possibility Rev. Ruben Díaz, Sr. a virulently anti-LGBTQ politician, could win the Democratic nomination. 
• Making the difference for equality: A testament to our work alongside our partners, the tide turned in favor of our endorsed candidates. In the end, both candidates won by double digits: results unforeseen by public polling. 
•  “I couldn’t be prouder of the amazing accomplishments of these two new LGBTQ BIPOC Members of Congress,” said HRC President Alphonso David (@AlphonsoDavid). “The strength of our movement and our allies beat back the politics of hate and division and proved that if you stand against our community, we’ll defeat you at the ballot box. Donald Trump and Mike Pence will soon learn that lesson.”  More from HRC. 

WILLIAMS INSTITUTE TO HOST PANEL ON LGBTQ RIGHTS AND BOSTOCK DECISION: The panel, featuring HRC President Alphonso David, will examine the landmark decision and explore the implications for other state and federal non-discrimination laws. The virtual event will take place on Friday, July 31 at 12:00 p.m. PT. Attendees can register here. The panel will feature: 

• HRC President Alphonso David;
• University of Texas at Austin, School of Law Professor Cary Franklin; 
• Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund Executive Director Andrea Marra; and
• Associate Dean of Public Interest Law at UCLA School of Law Brad Sears.

TUESDAY TWEET -- HRC HOSTS INSTAGRAM LIVE EVENT WITH  HRC FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIR JODIE PATERSON AND AUTHOR GEORGE JOHNSON ON BIPOC MENTAL HEALTH MONTH: More from HRC. 

Did you know that only 19% of Black LGBTQ youth say they can openly be themselves at home? Don’t miss our Instagram Live event this week with author @IamGMJohnson and HRC Foundation Board Chair Jodie Patterson discussing #BIPOCMentalHealthMonth. https://t.co/RzBoywnU00 pic.twitter.com/BSOuix80Jk

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) July 27, 2020

MENTAL HEALTH OF LGBTQ PEOPLE IS ESPECIALLY IMPACTED DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: Given the LGBTQ population’s vulnerability to poor health outcomes, economic fallout and social isolation caused by the pandemic, “it is not surprising to see this increase in anxiety and depression among this population,” says HRC Director of Health and Aging Program Tari Hanneman. More from Elemental.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PRESSES LIMITS ON TRANSGENDER RIGHTS OVER SUPREME COURT RULING: On Friday, the Trump-Pence administration’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a proposed rule that would drastically undermine protections for transgender and gender non-conforming people served by HUD programs. As proposed, this regulation equips emergency shelters with a list of ways to turn away members of marginalized communities, especially transgender people. More from The New York Times.

IN THE STATES

RUNNER LINDSAY HECOX AT THE CENTER OF A PIVOTAL CASE AGAINST IDAHO’S ANTI-TRANS LAW: “I just want the chance to run,” said Hecox. “I don’t want to be taking titles or spots away from cis girls.” More from The Washington Post. 

TRANS INMATE SPEAKS ON FAILURE OF CALIFORNIA CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH OF INMATES: More from The Washington Post. 

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HBO MAX’S DOOM PATROL REPRESENTS THE QUEER COMMUNITY: More from Pop Sugar.

NEW ZEALAND OLYMPIC ROWER EMMA TWIGG IS READY TO ADVOCATE FOR LGBTQ ATHLETES: “Sport is a vehicle to shine a light,” said Twigg (@twigge). More from Outsports. 

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