Tampa, FL – The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the United Parcel Service have reached agreements on multiple non-economic proposals, including more protections for transgender workers. If the Teamsters and UPS reach a tentative agreement by July 31, it will have updated language to include gender identity and sexual orientation as protected identities under article 36, the non-discrimination section of the contract.

Minneapolis, MN – On June 25 hundreds came together to protest the city-sanctioned Twin Cities Pride parade. Now in its seventh year, the Taking Back Pride protest was a powerful display of solidarity amongst several organizations that demand that there be no cops and corporations at Pride.

New Orleans, LA – Activists convened in an open forum, June 22, hosted by members of an LGBTQ delegation that visited Cuba in early May. About 25 others joined virtually. Gregory William from the Women in Struggle / Mujeres en Lucha and Serena Sojic-Borne of Real Name Campaign New Orleans spoke as delegation members. Speaker Verde Gil Jimenez, a coordinating member of the Trans Masculine Group of Cuba, attended remotely from Santa Clara.

Tallahassee, FL – The Tallahassee District of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO), Florida State University Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), and the Tallahassee Community Action Committee (TCAC) held a rally outside of the Leon County courthouse, June 17, to demand that Tallahassee become a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ people.

Baton Rouge, LA – On May 27, almost 300 people gathered at the Louisiana State Capitol to protest the attacks on LGBTQ rights. The demonstrators then marched to Governor John Bel Edwards’ mansion and listened to several speakers. Protests like this are sweeping the nation as states move to pass anti-LGBTQ legislation. Many of the attendees and speakers were students and young people, who these reactionary bills directly attack.

Appleton, WI – On May 22, Appleton Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) hosted a rally in solidarity with trans rights. Nearly 40 students, faculty and staff, and community members turned out. Appleton SDS was joined by Lawrence University Young Democratic Socialists of America, the Gender and Sexuality Diversity Center, and LU PRISM— two student queer organizations. The rally was a student-led effort in response to the transphobic comments made by Tim Hermes of the Outagamie County Board of Supervisors.

Appleton, WI – Over 50 outraged community members gathered outside the Outagamie County Courthouse on May 23 for a protest demanding accountability around Tim Hermes, a member of the Outagamie County Board of Supervisors. The event took aim at Hermes after recent transphobic comments he made during a board meeting became public. A look at his social media reveals a long history of bigotry and racism. The demand put forward was for Hermes's removal from office.

Havana, Cuba – In a rose and butter-yellow building held up by Greek columns, Cuba’s LGBTQ activists work every day to advance equality. This building, formerly someone’s mansion and now repurposed by the socialist government, houses the National Center for Sex Education (CENESEX).

Havana, Cuba – It’s hard to imagine when you live under state governments banning gender-affirming healthcare, but 100 miles off of Florida’s shore is an island striking unrelenting blows against bigotry.

Appleton, WI – On May 16, a dozen community members gathered outside the Outagamie County Government Center in Appleton on short notice. Their purpose? To demand accountability from County Board Member Tim Hermes, who recently made transphobic comments during a May 9 county board meeting. When confronted about the comments, Hermes deflected by saying he was “simply asking questions.”