LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About

Update from the Runoffs!

Huge news from the runoffs in the San Antonio, TX mayor’s race: Spotlight candidate Gina Ortiz Jones is earning some big endorsements! U.S. Representative Greg Cesar, former mayors Phil Hardberger and Julian Castro are all endorsing her campaign and Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar are endorsing her campaign!

Meanwhile, in Paloma Aguirre’s runoff for the San Diego County Supervisor, she’s earned an endorsement from the San Diego Union-Tribune, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and U.S. Congressman Juan Vargas!

Anthony Tordillos also earned a huge endorsement from The Mercury News, ensuring he’s well-positioned in his runoff for the San Jose City Council!

Supreme Court Rules against Trans Service Members

Last week, the Supreme Court allowed President Trump’s ban on transgender military service members to take effect, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is already working to ban trans troops from the military. A new bill in Congress would make the ban permanent.

And as we wait for the results of more SCOTUS cases on both trans and LGBTQ+ rights, the tea leaves do not read well. President Trump claimed Americans should “forget about” the separation of church and state, bigoted lawmakers in Iowa have introduced a resolution asking the Court to overturn Obergefell, one of many states to do so this year, and Tennessee has signed a bill allowing medical practitioners to deny care if it conflicts with their beliefs.

But LGBTQ+ leaders and allies are still fighting back. Maine Governor Janet Mills – who told President Trump she’d see him in court – just won her case to defend trans rights!

And in Texas, a huge victory was won in the state house today. The Texas House has voted – for the first time! – to repeal the state’s outdated and unenforced ban on “homosexual conduct.” While the law is unenforceable thanks to Lawrence v. Texas, its existence remains a dangerous reminder of past criminalization and a threat for the future.

The bipartisan vote was organized by former Victory Fund candidate and current Texas State Representative Venton Jones, who co-authored the bill with fellow LGBTQ+ Representative Jolanda Jones and co-sponsored it with Representative Ann Johnson. The bill will now head to the Texas State Senate, where former Victory Fund Spotlight candidate Molly Cook, the first out person elected to the Texas State Senate, will co-sponsor the bill.

Daniel Hernandez Continues to Gain Ground in Special Election!

Daniel Hernandez, a former Arizona state representative, Victory Fund candidate and longtime LGBTQ+ advocate, is running in the special election for Arizona’s 7th Congressional District!

Since launching his campaign, Daniel has raised over $505,000, demonstrating strong grassroots and national support. He has secured endorsements from U.S. Representatives Eric Sorensen and Ritchie Torres, as well as organizations like Equality PAC and Equality Arizona!

He’s also been active on the press circuit, emphasizing his commitment to progressive values, including healthcare access, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ equality.

Daniel’s showing real momentum – election day is July 15th!