Trump continues War on Maine: The Department of Justice announced that it's suing Maine because the state refuses to ban trans students from participating in school sports.
Why it matters: Like the Cass Report and JK Rowling, anti-trans actions from the UK sometimes have effects on American politics. Moreover, this ruling will have profound effects on trans rights in the UK, even though the court stressed that trans people are still protected from discrimination under the law.
Why it matters: The Trump administration has been investigating several states, including California, for not banning trans girls from school sports, but Maine drew particular ire because Maine Gov. Janet Mills told Donald Trump to his face she wouldn't comply with his anti-trans policies.
Why it matters: Corporations have been pulling out of Pride sponsorships recently and especially this past year. Pride organizations across the country are going to have to find alternate funding models.
Why it matters: The big battles among Democrats at the moment is how forceful to be in their denunciation of Trump and whether to stick to "kitchen table" issues like taxes and jobs. Garcia is taking a bolder approach and even said it's "bulls**t" for Democrats to back away from fighting for immigrants' rights.
Why it matters: Beyond his policies, Trump's election has been a signal to many Americans that it's ok to discriminate against LGBTQ+ - and especially transgender - people. Speaking out is the only way to fight back against this.
