John,

This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to speak at the Transgender Day of Visibility Rally at the Texas Capitol.

It was a bright and sunny day in which hundreds of Texans came together to celebrate a community that needs our support now more than ever, as do their families.

But it was not lost on me that a dark cloud continues to hang over transgender Texans, whose very existence is under threat because too many craven politicians wish to stigmatize and discriminate against the transgender community, all for political gain. One of those politicians lives right across the street from where we held the rally, in the governor's mansion.

So while the rally should bring us hope that there are plenty of Texans who want all of us -- including transgender people -- to have a fair shot at thriving in this great state, we know that we still face plenty of challenges. But at least for one day, we were able to freely celebrate and uplift a community that is very much a part of Texas and is not going anywhere as long as people like you and me stick together.

Your continued support in the face of these attacks against our democracy keeps us strong. Please help us keep up the fight by donating to our Defend Democracy Fund today!

Thank you for everything you do.

In the fight,

Val Benavidez
TFN President