SXSW EDU Featured Panel. All text on graphic is in the text below.

Big News! SXSW EDU Featured Panel

As discriminatory book bans continue to target LGBTQ+ literature and stories, cultural leaders, community organizations and libraries must combat censorship and expand access to the diverse stories that help LGBTQ+ youth feel safe, seen and valued.

Our featured panel at the 2026 SXSW EDU—Beyond Bans: Defending LGBTQ+ Stories and Literary Freedom—is a bold, timely, and urgent discussion deserving of the national spotlight. The panel will feature PFLAG National CEO Brian K. Bond (he/him) alongside #1 New York Times bestselling author Casey McQuiston (they/them) and American Library Association President Sam Helmick (they/them).

The 2026 SXSW EDU is taking place in Austin, TX from March 9-12, 2026, and our panel is on March 11th! Learn more and register today at sxswedu.com/attend. Can’t make it in person? Watch this space for streaming information.

Monday, February 16 is Presidents’ Day

Our office will be closed in honor of Presidents’ Day next Monday, February 16th. We won’t be sending out We Lead next week. Stay tuned for our next We Lead newsletter on Monday, February 23rd.

Action Alert!

Last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed new rules that would restrict transgender youth’s access to medically necessary care. One proposal would put Medicare and Medicaid funding at risk for hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to trans and nonbinary youth under 18. Another would block Medicaid and CHIP from covering this care for young people under 18 and 19. These proposals are not yet in effect, but they would cause serious harm if finalized.

We can push back by submitting public comments to CMS. Visit our guide submitting public comments to learn how to take action—comments must be submitted by Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

PFLAG National | pflag.org