Dear Friends,

This past week has been a testament to the power of our community.

We began the week honoring Trans Day of Visibility on Monday, a day that holds special significance as we celebrate the resilience, contributions, and joy of transgender and gender-expansive people.

In communities across the nation, we saw beautiful expressions of solidarity and affirmation. Even Shonda Rhimes got in on the joy.

Still, this celebration is sobering. We learned of the passing of Kaitoria Bankz — lovingly known as Kai — a radiant Black trans woman and inspiring member of our 2025 ELEVATE cohort. Her leadership and love touched so many, and her loss is a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges our community continues to face.

This moment comes as anti-LGBTQ legislation is being introduced at alarming rates across the country. These bills are not just policy debates — they are direct attacks on the dignity and existence of our trans family members, friends and neighbors.

At HRC, we remain steadfast in our commitment to equality. Our litigation team continues to challenge discriminatory laws in court; our advocacy work amplifies trans voices in the halls of power, and our educational initiatives help create more inclusive environments in schools and workplaces.

Tuesday brought a moment of triumph that will reach far beyond this week. Susan Crawford's victory in the Wisconsin State Supreme Court race represents a crucial win for equality in a key battleground state. Working alongside dedicated coalition partners, HRC helped mobilize over one million Equality Voters in the Badger State to secure this outcome.

This victory is about more than just one seat on a state court — it establishes a blueprint for how to protect reproductive freedoms, voting rights and LGBTQ+ equality in Wisconsin for years to come.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every volunteer who knocked on doors, made phone calls and had difficult but necessary conversations with friends and family. Your work made this possible, and it's a powerful reminder that when we organize and vote, we win.

On Wednesday, I had the honor of speaking at a rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court as they heard arguments in a case that could severely restrict Medicaid patients’ ability to get access to essential sexual and reproductive health care at Planned Parenthood health centers. This is not just a reproductive rights issue but a critical LGBTQ+ healthcare concern as well.

As I stood among the resistors and persisters gathered outside the Court, I was reminded of how deeply interconnected our struggles for justice truly are. Reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ equality, economic justice and racial equity are not separate causes but different facets of the same fight for human dignity and self-determination.

That is why I’m thrilled that this Saturday, April 5th, HRC will join coalition partners for nationwide "Hands Off" rallies to push back against the MAGA takeover threatening our freedoms, financial security and democracy. With Trump, Musk and their followers in Congress threatening everything from healthcare access to Social Security to anti-discrimination protections, we must make our voices heard.

I encourage everyone reading this to find a rally near you, bring friends and family and show up in force.

Our opponents may have resources and institutional power, but we have something far more powerful: a vision of a world where every person is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of who they are or whom they love. And we have you — our members, supporters and allies — whose dedication and passion fuel this movement every day.

Talking Points & Actions:

Celebrating Trans Day of Visibility! HRC honored TDOV on Monday by celebrating the contributions of the transgender and gender expansive community while also acknowledging the systemic challenges still facing our trans siblings. Learn more about HRC’s work on transgender equality — and share with your networks!

Massive victory in Wisconsin! Susan Crawford won her race for State Supreme Court on Tuesday. HRC worked along local coalition partners to mobilize over 1 million Equality Voters to achieve this victory, which will help to protect reproductive, voting and LGBTQ+ rights in Wisconsin.

Protect Medicaid! HRC president Kelley Robinson spoke at a rally at the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to save Medicaid dollars for Planned Parenthood which directly affects the trans community.

Hands Off! Join rallies nationwide this Saturday to tell the administration: Hands off our jobs, our data, our healthcare, our Social Security, Medicaid and government services! Sign up here to join the movement, share with your friends and fight back on 4/05.

Thank you for believing in a more just and equitable future. And thank you for the countless ways, both large and small, that you help make that future a reality.

Dear Friends,

This week reminded us just how powerful storytelling can be in the fight for equality.

From radio to television to film, authentic LGBTQ+ narratives have always helped humanize our lives, our dignity and our rights. That’s why I’m thrilled about Mid-Century Modern — a brand-new (and very gay) sitcom starring Matt Bomer, Nathan Lane and Nathan Lee Graham, with the legendary Linda Lavin in one of her final roles. Centered on three best friends navigating their golden years together in Palm Springs, this show brings joy, humor and heart to the screen in a way only our community can.

Support it. Stream it. Share it. When our stories are told with authenticity, we all win.

We also know that strong allies using their platforms make a real impact. This week, John Oliver devoted an entire episode of Last Week Tonight to exposing the right-wing’s dangerous fixation on trans athletes. Behind the scenes, HRC staff shared resources and community stories with the show’s production team to ensure that their coverage was informed by the facts and the stories of those directly impacted. If you haven’t seen it yet, make time — and share the episode and key clips from our social channels. The truth needs an audience.

We’re also grateful to Governor Janet Mills and the State of Maine, who are standing up to Donald Trump’s extremist agenda. Maine filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to withhold funds from public schools — specifically, money for children’s meals — because the state refused to comply with an unconstitutional federal overreach into school policy.

Let’s be clear: Trump is willing to let kids go hungry to force states to do his bidding. That’s not leadership — it’s cruelty. We stand with Maine, and we’ll keep fighting to make sure every child has what they need to thrive.

And still — we have more to do.

Thousands of HRC supporters have already taken action, demanding the immediate release of Andry José Hernández Romero and others like him who were wrongfully deported. Hernández Romero was legally seeking asylum in the United States due to credible threats of violence against him in Venezuela because of his sexual orientation and political beliefs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem must be held accountable. This is a matter of justice, family and freedom.

If you haven’t yet — add your name. Then spread the word.

Talking Points & Actions:

Go, Maine! HRC applauds Governor Janet Mills and the State of Maine for supporting our community. On Monday, they sued the Trump administration for withholding federal money for public schools — and child nutrition programs — because Maine refuses to comply with Trump’s unconstitutional overreach into school policy. Tell your friends!

Justice for Andry José Hernández Romero! Thousands of HRC members and supporters signed a petition calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to release Hernández Romero and return him to his family safely and immediately. Add your name and spread the word! 👑

New Equality Magazine! The Winter 2025 digital issue is out now with pride — a benefit of your membership in HRC. In these pages, we hope you’ll find inspiration, joy and insights into our critical work together. Share with your networks!

When we fight together, we rise together.

Dear Friends,

This movement has made so much possible — for our people, our communities and for me personally.

Because of the fight for equality that you have helped lead, my wife Becky and I are able to build the family of our dreams. Any day now, we’ll be welcoming a new addition to our family. As I prepare to take some time away to be present for that sacred moment, our incredible Chief of Staff, Jay Brown, will be taking over these weekly updates. Trust me — he’s got it.

But before I shift into that next chapter, I want to share something meaningful with all of you.

This week, I was honored to be named to the World Economic Forum’s Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) — a global network of changemakers under 40 who are driving the world forward in bold, courageous and transformational ways.

It’s humbling to join over 100 leaders across business, government, media, tech, civil society and the arts who are selected for their potential to shape the future of our world. I see my selection as a reflection of the work we are all doing at HRC — and how our fight for liberation here at home is connected to the future of our planet. It’s an honor each and every day to lead this organization, and I’m thrilled for the work we will continue to do together, rooted in community, strategy, justice and joy.

Because this work is more important than ever. We’re staring down the real-time consequences of hate, silence and political failure here at home.

This week, HRC joined Health GAP, Housing Works and iconic AIDS activist Peter Staley in protest outside the U.S. State Department, sounding the alarm on the gutting of PEPFAR — a lifesaving global HIV/AIDS program that’s now been stalled for months. Our own Matt Rose, senior public policy advocate at HRC, spoke powerfully about the reality on the ground: while some medications are trickling through, access is massively low. And that’s unacceptable.

As Matt told The Advocate, “the situation is getting very precarious.” Millions of lives hang in the balance, and our message was clear: HRC will not stand by while bureaucracy and political cowardice threaten a generation of progress. We were there. We were loud. And we aren’t backing down.

Elsewhere, the consequences of violent rhetoric hit devastatingly close to home.

In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were targeted in an arson attack on their private residence. In Indiana, a teacher was threatened by a parent carrying a gun — simply for assigning a project that included the LGBTQ+ Pride flag. Andry José Hernández Romero, Kilmar Abrego Garcia and many others like them continue to be held in a prison in El Salvador after being abducted without due process. And in Florida, another tragedy struck when an active shooter opened fire at Florida State University, leaving two dead and several injured.

These aren’t just stories. They’re reminders of the danger of extremism, fear and disinformation that we’re up against every day. And they’re a wake-up call for every institution, every policymaker, every community member who thinks the fight for LGBTQ+ rights can wait. It can’t.

But here’s what gives me hope: we are built for this moment.

We are led by people who understand that power isn’t given — it’s built. We are anchored by teams who are pushing every day to protect our people and expand our impact. We are part of a global, intersectional movement that knows how to win, even when the odds are stacked against us.

And we have each other.

This is what it means to be in the fabric of freedom — to be woven together across difference and geography, across story and strategy, into community.

Thank you for being part of it. I’m grateful for you, and I can’t wait to keep lifting up our work together in the weeks ahead.

Talking Points & Actions:

ICYMI: Right Wing Labs: What can look like disparate attacks in state legislatures against LGBTQ+ people are actually part of one national strategy to use states as incubators for the right wing’s anti-freedom agenda — with the ultimate goal of enacting these policies at the federal level. Read about this pipeline of hate.

Save PEPFAR: HRC joined Health GAP, Housing Works and iconic AIDS activist Peter Staley in stacking more than 200 coffins in front of the State Department to protest the administration’s cuts to global HIV programs, including the President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Take action with HRC.

Viral post of the week: HRC garnered 7 nearly million+ views across platforms, including over 860K engagements, for its post about a state representative in Texas exposed for pushing an anti-equality amendment that he knows nothing about. Check it out on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok — and share with your networks.

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, Kelley Robinson, our fearless leader, has been on parental leave — and we’re thrilled to share that she and her wife Becky have officially welcomed their little girl into the world!

On behalf of our entire HRC family, we’re sending them love, strength and all the joy this beautiful new chapter brings. We couldn’t be happier for their growing family.

In Kelley’s absence, I’m honored to be stepping in to share weekly updates.

This week, we kicked off Equality in Action — one of the most powerful gatherings of the year for our movement and HRC family. Across Washington, D.C., hundreds of our members, volunteers, board leaders and staff are coming together to connect, build strategy and equip ourselves for the fight ahead.

We opened with a community teach-in — a grounding moment that reminded us of where we’ve come from and how resistance has always been central to LGBTQ+ liberation. From there, we moved into one of the most impactful actions of the week: a die-in protest, staged in response to the Trump administration’s devastating cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services.

This action shined a spotlight on the administration’s cruel attempts to defund programs that literally save lives — especially for Black and Latiné gay and bisexual men and transgender women and young people. These cuts threaten HIV research and treatment, mental health services, suicide prevention, gender-affirming care and much more.

These aren’t abstract policy debates. They are matters of life and death. And we made that clear — visibly, loudly and with the moral urgency this moment demands.

We stand in a long tradition of direct action, one that reminds the world: our lives matter, and we will not be erased.

Read our fact sheet on the HHS cuts and how they impact LGBTQ+ health here.

Last night, we hosted the Guardians of Truth Awards, honoring LGBTQ+ journalists who are making an indelible impact on how our stories are told.

At a time when disinformation and censorship run rampant, the relationship between a free press and human rights has never been more vital. Across newsrooms, LGBTQ+ journalists are not only telling the truth — they’re helping shape a more inclusive understanding of the world around us.

These honorees carry two torches: the pursuit of journalistic excellence and the courage to be visible advocates for equality. We’re proud to stand with them.

This week, we also made a major move in the political arena: HRC PAC proudly endorsed Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger for Governor of Virginia.

Abigail Spanberger has a strong record of championing LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom and democracy — and we are mobilizing to make sure she is the next leader of the Commonwealth.

With more than 2 million Equality Voters in Virginia, we have the power to shape the outcome of this race and ensure our voices are heard. Elections are how we protect our progress — and how we build a better future.

Momentum is also building for the reintroduction of the Equality Act, historic legislation that would ensure clear, nationwide nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.

As a reminder: the Equality Act isn’t just a symbolic bill. It would finally guarantee protections in housing, education, public services and more — protections most Americans assume already exist, but don’t. And in the urgency of this moment, the absence of these protections puts our people in real danger.

Already, HRC members and supporters have sent more than 30,000 messages to their members of Congress demanding action — and that number is growing by the day. If you haven’t yet, write your member today!

This week has shown us what’s possible when we gather with clarity, courage and love. Even in the face of growing threats we are not backing down.

We are building. We are rising. And we are doing it together.

Talking Points & Actions:

Spanberger for Governor! The HRC PAC endorsed Abigail Spanberger for Governor of Virginia. HRC will work to mobilize more than 2 million Equality Voters in the commonwealth to send Spanberger to the governor’s office. Read more about Spanberger’s pro-equality record here.

Equality Act. Over 30,000 HRC members and supporters sent letters to their U.S. Representatives and Senators in support of the Equality Act, which should be reintroduced in Congress as soon as next week. History is watching — take action with HRC now!

Die-in Photos: If you attended HRC’s die-in event to protest devastating budget cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday, please share any photos or videos with membership@hrc.org.

ICYMI: WorthIt. Did you know that the Human Rights Campaign Foundation created a community-centered, digital wellness platform that inspires and motivates LGBTQ+ folks to improve their financial health and well-being? Check out the WorthIt app today and share with your networks.