At the Human Rights Campaign gala in Los Angeles, Jean Smart and Sterling K. Brown were honored for their LGBTQ allyship, with Smart receiving the National Equality Award and Brown receiving the Ally for Equality Award. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of LGBTQ rights and praising the progress made under President Biden's administration. The event also saw a brief interruption by protestors calling for a Gaza ceasefire, but the evening's overarching theme centered on the importance of voting and continuing to push forward for LGBTQ rights.
Jean Smart and Sterling K. Brown were honored at the 2024 Los Angeles Human Rights Campaign Dinner, where First Lady Dr. Jill Biden delivered a keynote speech. Biden addressed LGBTQ+ issues and victories, while Smart expressed her gratitude for being considered a "gay icon" and shared personal experiences with the LGBTQ+ community. Brown emphasized the interconnectedness of LGBTQ+ rights and racial justice, and the event also featured speeches from other notable figures and served as a fundraiser for the organization.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation awarded 545 companies a perfect score on its annual Corporate Equality Index, which evaluates U.S. based companies on their policies for LGBTQ+ equality. Over 800 companies scored at least 90 out of 100 points. The index, which began in 2002 with only 13 companies earning the highest score, now reflects a growing commitment to diversity and inclusion. Companies such as 3M, Coca-Cola, JPMorgan Chase, and Salesforce were among those with top scores. The index expanded its focus this year to include LGBTQ+ family formation rights and transgender-inclusive healthcare. Despite challenges and protests, companies recognize that supporting LGBTQ+ equality is not only the right thing to do but also beneficial for their bottom line.
President Joe Biden was interrupted during his keynote speech at the Human Rights Campaign annual dinner by a pro-Palestine activist who called for a ceasefire and shouted "let Gaza live." Biden briefly paused and acknowledged the protester before continuing his remarks. In his speech, Biden addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by Israeli bombings and emphasized the need to reject hate in all forms. He had recently spoken with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the ongoing situation.
Wisconsin Democrat Senator Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay U.S. senator, is set to be honored and speak at an LGBTQ+ luncheon organized by the Human Rights Campaign. The event will feature transgender activists who have advocated for children's access to puberty blockers and against restrictions on transgender individuals' bathroom use. Baldwin's appearance comes as she faces re-election in 2024 and has drawn criticism for speaking alongside advocates with controversial stances on transgender bills and issues.
The Equality Ball, supported by Beyoncé's BeyGOOD foundation and hosted by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, celebrated LGBTQIA+ rights and showcased the power of ballroom culture. The event featured iconic names in ballroom, including performances by Maxine Jones of En Vogue and Madame Arthur. The newly formed Kiki House of FuBu made its debut, and Makaylah Basquiat won the final category with a stunning performance inspired by Beyoncé. The event served as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and the importance of allyship.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed two new laws aimed at protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ people, making it easier for gay couples to marry and updating language in existing acts to be more gender inclusive for LGBTQ+ youth in foster care. The laws will be effective on Aug. 8 and on Jan. 1, 2024, respectively. Illinois is one of several U.S. states with Democratic-majority legislatures that has worked to reinforce LGBTQ+ rights, as Republican-led legislatures in other states advance bills that target the community.
President Joe Biden criticized efforts to roll back LGBTQ+ protections, calling proponents of the restrictions "hysterical" and "prejudiced." He announced new actions to protect the LGBTQ+ community, including the appointment of a federal coordinator to address book bans. The American Civil Liberties Union is tracking 491 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced across the US since the beginning of the 2023 legislative session. The Human Rights Campaign has declared a national state of emergency for members of the LGBTQ community.
President Joe Biden marks Pride month with a high-profile show of support for the LGBTQ+ community, announcing new initiatives to protect them from attacks, help youth with mental health resources and homelessness, and counter book bans. The move comes as the Human Rights Campaign declares a state of emergency in America due to an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping state houses this year. Biden urges Congress to send him the Equality Act, which would add civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ individuals to federal law.
The Human Rights Campaign has declared a national state of emergency in the US due to the increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, with over 70 bills signed into law so far this year, more than double last year's record. Most of the recent proposals and policies impact transgender people, with over 525 state bills that "attack the LGBTQ+ community" introduced this legislative session alone, almost entirely by Republican lawmakers. The bills limit bathrooms transgender people can use, ban gender-affirming care, ban transgender people from sports, and ban drag performances, among other things.
Pride celebrations are taking place amidst increasing pressure on the LGBTQ+ community, with states passing or proposing bills that limit the rights and visibility of trans people, drag performers, and LGBTQ+ youth. Corporations have also caved to criticism from conservative groups over their partnerships with members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Human Rights Campaign has declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the US. Despite this, attendees at WeHo Pride in Los Angeles spoke of the importance of standing up for each other, finding community, and being heard.
The Human Rights Campaign has declared a state of emergency for the LGBTQ+ community as state legislatures have introduced over 400 anti-LGBTQ+ bills in the first quarter of 2023, a new record and higher than all of 2022. The organization is releasing a guide of state laws and resources to support residents and visitors in "hostile" states.
The Human Rights Campaign has declared a national state of emergency due to the proliferation of anti-LGBTQ legislation in statehouses across the US. Over 70 bills were passed this legislative session, double last year's previous record, with more than 220 affecting transgender people. The HRC named Florida, Tennessee, and Texas as the most hostile states. The Alliance Defending Freedom called the HRC statement "slanderous," while HRC praised Michigan and Minnesota for expanding LGBTQ rights.
The Human Rights Campaign has declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans in response to the surge in discriminatory legislation sweeping state houses this year. The organization has released a guidebook pointing to laws it deems discriminatory in each state, along with “know your rights” information and resources to help people relocate to states with stronger LGBTQ+ protections. The HRC is calling for action from people in power at every level of government and the business community to fight for LGBTQ+ rights with the same fervor as they’ve fought for abortion rights.
The Human Rights Campaign has declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans due to an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping state houses this year. The organization has been tracking the rise of anti-LGBTQ laws and compiled the information in an impact report that shows 115 bills were introduced in 2015 compared with more than 500 in 2023. The rise of anti-LGBTQ laws is resulting in violence against LGBTQ+ people, forcing families to uproot their lives and flee their homes in search of safer states, and triggering a tidal wave of increased homophobia and transphobia that puts the safety of each and every one of us at risk.
