Today brings us historic news from the Supreme Court, friend.
In a landmark ruling, our nation’s highest court affirmed the rights of LGBTQ workers. Now, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity have both been understood to be forms of sex discrimination that are prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. That means that a person cannot be fired for being LGBTQ.
Today is a victory for LGBTQ employees everywhere and our entire country. Our community owes a great deal of gratitude to Aimee Stephens, Donald Zarda and Gerald Bostock, the LGBTQ employees at the center of these cases. My heart, while happy to see this news, is also heavy as only one of the three employees is still alive today — Don passed away in 2014 and, just this May, we lost Aimee, too. They deserved to be a part of this moment.
This much-needed win also comes in the midst of the twin epidemics of COVID-19 and racial violence. A guarantee of employment protections like these couldn’t come at a better time … but you and I both know that they are not enough.
With this momentum at our backs, we must push forward together and turn this win into even bigger ones come November’s elections. Give an urgent donation to HRC right now and help power our critical work in the months ahead — no matter the amount, your gift will help us make a difference.
The stakes have never been higher, friend. We have the power among us to take back the White House and Senate, retain a pro-equality majority in the House, elect leaders who will fight for us on the state and local level and pass much-needed legislation into law.
Today’s ruling may be a step forward for LGBTQ workers, but there are still many gaps in protections for our community in other parts of public life. If we win big in these elections, we can pass the Equality Act — an invaluable bill that would provide clear and consistent non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people nationwide.
As a steadfast supporter of LGBTQ equality, the power of change is in your hands. With a critical gift to HRC today, you can help make the progress of tomorrow. Can we count on you to help fuel our work?
Our future is on the line and it is bright … but only if we keep fighting.
Onward,
