The A.M. READ newsletter is a news tipsheet highlighting LGBTQ+ news and HRC updates. It covers a wide range of topics from breaking news to politics to LGBTQ+ pop culture to sports and everything in between.

THE LATEST TEA

JOY IS RESISTANCE: LGBTQ+ PEOPLE NEAR AND FAR ARE CELEBRATING WORLD PRIDE IN DC DESPITE CONCERNS ABOUT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION: As the Trump administration continues to launch numerous attacks against the LGBTQ+ community, LGBTQ+ people from across the globe are flocking to DC in joy and resistance to celebrate World Pride—in spite of–and in defiance of–the current political climate. Many are sharing their motivations for showing up, recalling how far the community has come and the importance of visibility and unapologetic authenticity in meeting the fight for equality head-on. "WorldPride is going to happen,” said Deputy Director of Capital Pride Alliance June Crenshaw. “This is the year that visibility and showing up and challenging both the narrative and the harm that's being done to our community is more important than ever, and that anyone that is in a position to be here to show up...would be really essential for you to be here." Read more about this here. 

SUPREME COURT RULES ON AMES V. OHIO DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES: Today, the Supreme Court ruled on Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, finding that Title VII does not require nor permit an expectation of additional evidence from majority-group plaintiffs. “Our civil rights laws must protect all people from unlawful discrimination—whether based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics,” said Cathryn Oakley, Human Rights Campaign Senior Director of Legal Policy. “Today’s unanimous decision, written by Justice Kentaji Brown Jackson, emphasizes the ongoing importance of federal civil rights laws. It also comes as we’re witnessing an alarming wave of political attacks targeting LGBTQ+ people across the country, the weaponization of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and unprecedented hostility within parts of the federal government toward our community. LGBTQ+ people, in particular, face heightened and increasingly dangerous forms of discrimination—and too often, fewer paths to remedy it. This ruling must be understood in the context of that rising tide. Fighting discrimination is not just about one case or one person—it’s about defending the broader promise of equality and justice for all.”

GRACE UNDER FIRE: As reported by Them, despite being outed, harassed, and misgendered by a bigoted president, 16-year-old trans athlete AB Hernandez triumphed above it all at California’s state track championships. Even as her identity came under fire from political bullies and last-minute, controversial policy change, Hernandez exemplified true athletic character, remaining focused and fierce. And while she may have been bullied by the President of the United States, she had the support of the people who mattered most–her peers.  “I love both of the people I tied with,” offered one of her competitors. “She’s a rock star,” said a fellow athlete. We couldn’t agree more.

SPOTLIGHT STORY

USA TODAY — “HIS PARENTS REFUSED TO COME TO HIS GAY WEDDING. HIS TIKTOK WENT VIRAL – WITH SUPPORT”: Nick Matson, a 32-year old gay man, was prepping for his wedding when he learned that his father and stepmother would not be attending the ceremony. Citing religious objections, they agreed to come to the reception, but informed him that they would be skipping the “I do”s. Nick took to TikTok to share the story – and it lit up with support. The now-viral post received over 100,000 likes and 14,000 comments, showering him with love, affirmation, and offers to “stand in” for Nick’s parents. Stories like Nick’s have led to that new community phenomenon: supportive people offering to attend queer weddings and stand in for absent family members. There is now an app, called “Stand In Pride”, that helps people do just that. Read more about Nick’s story and the movement to show up for each other here!