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.