LGBTQ+ Stories You Should Know About

Anti-Trans Bill Passes in the U.S. House

The anti-equality majority in the U.S. House has passed an anti-trans sports ban. They're attempting to rewrite Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in educational institutions.

Our LGBTQ+ Members of Congress – which Victory Fund was proud to endorse and fight to reelect in 2024 – spoke out against the bill on the House floor. Congresswoman Becca Balint leaned on her experience as a mom of teens and former teacher in her speech, while Congressman Mark Pocan highlighted how this culture war does nothing to help Americans, as did Congressman Mark Takano.

The bill will now head to the U.S. Senate, where a previous version of the bill failed to reach the Senate Floor.

Anti-Trans Executive Orders on Day One

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders, defining biological sex, limiting trans rights through federal funding and programming, and clearing the way to bar trans people from military service. U.S. Congresswoman Sarah McBride, the first out trans person elected to the body, responded to Trump’s speech and orders.

LGBTQ+ people are rightfully on guard and feeling the real threats that aim to take away our rights and erase us from existence. The recent news is a loud, clear call to continue our legacy of speaking out, standing up, and fighting for ourselves.

Transgender and nonbinary people exist beyond and without regard for any executive order, law, or policy that aims to erase them. And we know without question that diversity, equity, and inclusion are values to uphold and champion, not buzzwords used to spin hate and division. 

We do not know how or if President Trump’s executive orders will take effect—that will be up to the courts as they are challenged—but their effects will be felt in the interim, especially by our young LGBTQ+ siblings. 

No matter what, we will not be silenced. 

Trans History in Ohio: Arienne Childrey Makes History!

In a piece of good news, Arienne Childrey was sworn into the St. Marys City Council and made history as the first out trans person to serve on a City Council in Ohio!

In an interview with The Advocate, Arienne noted she’s excited to serve, as well as dismantle stereotypes often peddled about trans people. “I think it’s incredibly important to be on the council and show our LGBT community, our trans community, that we can make a difference,” she noted.

QUICK HITS: the News in a Second

Gina Ortiz Jones, our candidate for San Antonio Mayor, announced an endorsement from VoteVets – and that she’s raised $100,000 six days after launching her campaign!

Rozia Henson is hard at work in the Virginia House of Delegates, ensuring marriage equality will be on the ballot in 2026! LGBTQ+ elected official Adam Ebbin has also passed the measure in the State Senate. To successfully reach the ballot, the measure must pass through the state legislature again next year, making it imperative to hold our pro-equality majorities.

Paula Lewis, running for reelection to the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education, launched her first campaign ad! Watch the full video here.