LightNews LightNews
603equality.bsky.social
@603equality.bsky.social
420 followers 89 following 140 posts
New Hampshire's statewide grassroots LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. We are a 501(c)4 organization. Find us everywhere at https://linktr.ee/603equalitynh
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted
nhpr.org
A federal judge said the temporary restraining order against NH's anti-DEI law is “an extraordinary remedy” to be used sparingly, but that it’s warranted in this case. buff.ly/4xseuj9
Judge temporarily blocks NH's anti-DEI law for schools
A Republican-backed provision included in the earlier this year state budget was placed on hold Thursday, after a judge found the state actions conflicted with state law.
www.nhpr.org
September 4, 2025 at 9:04 PM
603equality.bsky.social
An important (and heart-wrenching) look at some of the families impacted by New Hampshire’s trans youth healthcare bans.
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/08/25/m...
Mass. is emerging as a haven for trans youth seeking care as restrictions reach deeper in New England - The Boston Globe
Massachusetts has become a "critical refuge" as transgender teens try to navigate a rapidly changing legal landscape.
www.bostonglobe.com
September 4, 2025 at 7:59 PM
603equality.bsky.social
Shame on every politician who forces families— who want freedom and belonging —out of state when their children are transgender. We’ll miss the Manzelli-Turmelle family and are so grateful for their advocacy.

www.concordmonitor.com/2025/08/22/m...
Opinion: Farewell New Hampshire - Concord Monitor
"New Hampshire is barging into our family’s decisions about our daughter’s medical care, directly impeding our ability to get her care."
www.concordmonitor.com
August 22, 2025 at 7:52 PM
603equality.bsky.social
Headlines are never the whole story.
Over the last week, we’ve seen news outlets covering Kim Davis’ ask to the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider the freedom to marry. We know many of you may have questions about what that means and how to protect your family. Here’s what you need to know:
On a navy blue background with slanted thin white stripes and a red frame, a drawing of two rings with small hearts on them appears at the top. Below, white text reads, “Headlines are never the whole story. Over the last week, we’ve seen news outlets covering Kim Davis’ ask to the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider the freedom to marry. We know many of you may have questions about what that means and how to protect your family. Here’s what you need to know [small arrow pointing to the bottom right corner]” On a navy blue background with slanted thin white stripes and a red frame, white text reads, “The Supreme Court takes less than 1% of these asks. The Court has not yet answered whether they will consider Davis’ case. Davis’ case is based on a very narrow question that is well-settled. It would be highly unusual for the Supreme Court to take this up.” In the bottom right corner is a light pink outline of the Supreme Court building. On a navy blue background with slanted thin white stripes and a red frame, white text reads, “The case for marriage equality is stronger than ever. We won the freedom to marry nationwide not just from the Obergefell case, but through every level of the democratic process -in state legislatures, in federal courts, at the ballot and in the United States Congress. We did that by telling stories about love and our families that opened the hearts and minds of our neighbors and decision-makers, and through patient conversations based on discovering shared values and understanding.” In the bottom right corner is a light pink outline of a fist with a circle and three lines. On a navy blue background with slanted thin white stripes and a red frame, white text reads, “Public support for the freedom to marry remains extremely high. There is majority support for marriage equality in every state and bipartisan majority support nationwide. Marriage equality has strengthened the country and harmed no one - and that freedom exists now not just in the United States, but in 39 countries across 7 continents.” In the bottom right corner is a light pink outline of a chart with 4 growing bars and an upwards pointing arrow above them.
August 21, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Reposted
gladlaw.bsky.social
Kim Davis is asking the Supreme Court to revisit Obergefell, but her case is narrow and it would be unusual to grant review in such a matter. Marriage equality is strong, and GLAD Law is here to protect it. For resources on safeguarding your family visit: docs.google.com/document/d/1...
Profile view of Mary Bonauto, Senior Director of Civil Rights at GLAD Law, with the quote: "Kim Davis’ case is extremely narrow...There’s good reason for the Supreme Court to deny review in this case rather than unsettle something so positive for couples, children, families, and the larger society as marriage equality”
August 12, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Reposted
newhampshirebulletin.com
For teens and their families who want to begin after January 2026, the bans will require them to travel out of state to get care. “We’re lucky to be surrounded by states that provide gender-affirming health care to young people,” said Linds Jakows of 603 Equality. From @ethandewitt.bskky.social
Advocates plan next moves after Ayotte signs bans on gender-affirming care for minors • New Hampshire Bulletin
In a series of decisions on transgender legislation this year, Gov. Kelly Ayotte has taken a page from her predecessor’s playbook.
newhampshirebulletin.com
August 8, 2025 at 10:15 PM
603equality.bsky.social
We are so grateful these organizations are challenging the broad ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion in public and some private institutions that was passed in this year's budget!
aclu-nh.bsky.social ACLU of New Hampshire @aclu-nh.bsky.social · Aug 7
BREAKING: We, alongside a broad coalition, are suing the New Hampshire government against a new law that unconstitutionally attacks diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in K-12 public schools, public and private colleges and universities, and public entities.
August 8, 2025 at 1:28 PM
603equality.bsky.social
We’re sorry we missed sharing this news on Bluesky on Friday when it broke.
On a pink to blue gradient background, newspaper-style text reads, “GOV KELLY AYOTTE JUST SIGNED GENDER AFFIRMING HEALTHCARE BANS FOR NEW TRANS PATIENTS UNDER 18.” The 603 Equality logo, those words with a rainbow and trans flag and small gold stars in the middle, appears to the left below the headline. Below is a photo of a patient and doctor. Text below the photo reads, “HB 377 to ban new patients (highlighted in yellow) from accessing puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy effective Jan 1, 2026.” To the right of the photo, is the date, August 1, 2025, and the text, “HB 712 to ban all gender affirming surgeries for Trans teens in NH effective Jan 1, 2026.” Below text reads, “Referrals out of state still available!”
August 5, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Reposted
yuletidegay.bsky.social
Hey #NewHampshire! Please take a moment to complete @603equality.bsky.social's letter template asking Gov Ayotte to VETO HB377 (ban puberty blockers despite their safety in a variety of medical indications) and HB712 (ban on chest surgeries for minors, again despite their use in many indications). 💙
Governor Ayotte: Thank you for vetoing the book ban and bathroom ban. Now, veto trans youth healthcare bans.
Governor Kelly Ayotte just vetoed a book ban and a bathroom ban targeting our LGBTQIA community, especially transgender and gender nonconforming people. Now, she must veto two bills that would block f...
actionnetwork.org
July 23, 2025 at 5:25 PM
603equality.bsky.social
We’re grateful for Rep. David Nagel, MD, clearly + publicly calling on Governor Ayotte to veto cruel and unnecessary bans on gender-affirming healthcare for trans teens. At the same time: we strongly disagree with him that the ideal age for this care would be 25.
www.unionleader.com/opinion/op-e...
Rep. David Nagel: There are a couple more bills deserving of Ayotte's veto
IN MY role as a legislator, physician, advocate, and human being, I have asked Gov. Kelly Ayotte to veto HB 377 and 712. These bills would ban the prescription of
www.unionleader.com
July 22, 2025 at 2:32 PM
603equality.bsky.social
Good news: Governor Ayotte vetoed HB 324, the book ban, and HB 148, the bathroom ban! This is a good reminder: our work pays off. If you were one of the 2,910 people who signed in to oppose the bathroom ban at its first hearing, if you were one of 1,367 people who signed in to oppose the book ban,
On a background that looks like a beige crumpled page, the top of the graphic says “BREAKING NEWS” “603 Equality” “WED JUL 16, 2025” like a header of a newspaper, with the 603 Equality logo in the middle (a white circle with the words “603 Equality,” a rainbow and trans flag in the center surrounded by small gold stars). Below, large text that looks like a newspaper headline says, “BECAUSE OF ALL OF US, GOV AYOTTE DID THE RIGHT THING. VETOED! BOOK BAN VETOED! BATHROOM BAN.” Images at the bottom include a large panoramic photo of many people outside of the state house holding signs, rainbow and trans flags. Covering that image are images of the two actors who acted as “genital observation police” wearing badges and holding cards, and drag performer Bobby Bratworst wearing trans flag colors, a crown, dressed as “Lady Liber-Pee” with a small balloon that says, “pride” on it. On a background that looks like a beige crumpled page, the top left corner of the page has a light blue speech bubble coming from a photo of Linds Jakows, Founder, a white nonbinary person with shoulder-length blond hair. Their quote in the speech bubble reads, “All young people, including LGBTQ young people, benefit from having access to a wide range of school library materials. We are thankful that Governor Ayotte chose to defend the basic freedom to read, rather than side with politicians who instigate fear of what they do not understand.” Below, in the bottom right corner, is a light pink speech bubble with a quote from Julia Hawthorne, a white trans woman with chin length brown hair.” Under her is a name blurb that says, Julia Hawthorne, Board Member. Her quote reads, “The governor’s veto sends a clear message: in New Hampshire, we value freedom, fairness, and the fundamental right of every person to exist in public life without shame or fear. Now, we call on Governor Ayotte to veto the proposed trans youth healthcare bans which will soon reach her desk.”
July 16, 2025 at 6:53 PM
603equality.bsky.social
These bills will be signed or vetoed in the coming days. The healthcare bans still haven’t started the administrative process, so we still don’t know when they will reach her desk. Leave a voicemail with her office as soon as you can!
July 9, 2025 at 9:57 PM
603equality.bsky.social
actionnetwork.org/letters/gove...
July 8, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Reposted
saighghlas.bsky.social
If you are near Manchester, NH this is a queer and trans focused trauma informed, disability inform, self-defense/de-escalation training by Impact Boston. The organizers confirmed this does include active bystander training. We protect ourselves, all of us.
July 6, 2025 at 7:57 PM
603equality.bsky.social
Please register for our first de-escalation and self-defense training on Saturday July 12th, from 10am-6pm in Manchester, led by IMPACT Boston.
Queer De-Escalation / Self-Defense Training
603 Equality is offering a Deescalation and Self-Defense training led by Impact Boston. This is a scenario based training to develop verbal deescalation and basic physical self-defense skills specifi...
actionnetwork.org
July 6, 2025 at 5:03 PM
603equality.bsky.social
March with us in Manchester Pride this Saturday to call attention to the bathroom ban and other harmful bills that will soon be reaching the Governor. We're so excited for Bobby Bratworst to be doing drag on our float! RSVP here: actionnetwork.org/events/march...
On a pale lavender background, green text reads, “March in Manchester Pride with 603 Equality + Bobby Bratworst! Below, in all caps, text reads, “Our float will be decked out with a toilet to say: Flush bathroom bigotry! Saturday June 28 Line up 10 AM Parade Starts 11 AM.” Below is a graphic of a blue truck with a toilet in the back, and a photo of drag performer Bobby Bratworst wearing a crowd, their face and hands green, holding a torch that looks like the Statue of Liberty. On the outside of the truck, there are cartoony graphics of four people dancing and holding rainbow flags, and to their left, the logo for 603 Equality- those words in a white circle with black rim, and a rainbow and trans flag in the center with small gold stars surrounding them.
June 23, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Reposted
mimmymum.bsky.social
Largest trans survey ever finds the top reason transgender people stop transitioning is transphobia

“In almost every single case, the reason was anti-trans discrimination in the form of pressure to ‘detransition’ from one’s family, friends, or community,” the survey found.
Largest trans survey ever finds the top reason transgender people stop transitioning is transphobia
“In almost every single case, the reason was anti-trans discrimination in the form of pressure to ‘detransition’ from one’s family, friends, or community,” the survey found.
www.advocate.com
June 16, 2025 at 12:39 AM
603equality.bsky.social
“My [trans] child is teaching me about freedom” - Rosie Emrich
June 16, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Reposted
therealrnann.bsky.social
The final round of anti-trans youth bills have passed the State House & Senate. Today HB 10 was signed by NH Gov Ayotte. It forces teachers to “out” students to an abusive family, & to tell parents who sexually abuse their child that a child has made a report. Take action.

@603equality.bsky.social
Flyer by 603 equality with information to help voters contact NH governor Ayotte. Call her at (603) 271-2121
June 10, 2025 at 11:04 PM
603equality.bsky.social
We are proud to endorse Billie Butler (@billiethebitter) for state representative, who is fighting for affordable housing, livable wages, quality education for all, gig workers, protecting our environment, government transparency - and of course, LGBTQIA rights!
On a white background, that includes a black and white photo of the New Hampshire statehouse dome on the bottom and right sides, the 603 Equality logo (a white circle with a black rim, the words 603 Equality, and rainbow and trans flags with small gold stars in the center) appears at the top left side. Below on the left, Billie Butler, a white trans femme person with dirty blonde hair, pigtails and glasses, wearing overalls and a flowery collared shirt, holds a tattooed arm up in a performing gesture. To their right, is text reading “BILLIE BUTLER Special Election Tuesday June 24th State Rep Strafford 12 (Somersworth, Rollinsford)”
June 11, 2025 at 4:28 PM
603equality.bsky.social
“Parental rights” have been weapon used to leave vulnerable children at risk. The real parental rights Governor Ayotte should value are those that allow families and doctors to get their children the healthcare they need to live free and thrive.
On a background that is a gradient from gray to dark black, white text reads: “Governor Kelly Ayotte has just signed HB 10, the so-called’ parental bill of rights’” At the bottom, centered, is the 603 Equality logo: a white circle with a black rim, the words inside, and a rainbow and trans flag centered in the middle, surrounded by small gold stars. On a background that is a gradient from gray to dark black, white text reads: “Of course parents should have rights, and they have many already existing in law. But that doesn’t mean that teachers should be forced to “out” a gay or trans student to an abusive family, or that teachers should be prevented from acting to support a student who says they’re being sexually abused at home.” At the bottom, centered, is the 603 Equality logo: a white circle with a black rim, the words inside, and a rainbow and trans flag centered in the middle, surrounded by small gold stars. On a background that is a gradient from gray to dark black, white text reads: “If Governor Ayotte sincerely believes that parents have rights to direct their child’s medical care, she will veto HB 377 and HB 712, which allow politicians to ban decisions doctors, patients, and families have made when it comes to medical care for a gender transition.” At the bottom, centered, is the 603 Equality logo: a white circle with a black rim, the words inside, and a rainbow and trans flag centered in the middle, surrounded by small gold stars.
June 11, 2025 at 4:27 PM
603equality.bsky.social
We’re so sorry to report that the final round of bills attacking transgender young people have now passed both the State House and State Senate.
On a background of a photo of a large trans flag on the upper left side of the graphic (baby blue, baby pink, white stripes) and the back of someone’s head and back in the bottom right corner, text reading “BREAKING NEWS” appears at the top with a green and purple background behind the words. Below, centered, is the 603 Equality logo: a white circle with a black rim, the words inside, and a rainbow and trans flag centered in the middle, surrounded by small gold stars. Below, in white boxes, black text reads, “The NH State Senate just passed: HB 377 - banning puberty blockers + hormones for trans patients under 18. HB 712- banning all gender-affirming surgeries for trans patients under 18. HB 10- requiring teachers to “out” students rather than suggest parents talk to their children directly. The NH State House just passed: SB 96 + SB 72 - requiring teachers to “out” students rather than suggest parents talk to their children directly. On a background of a photo of a large trans flag on the upper left side of the graphic (baby blue, baby pink, white stripes) and the back of someone’s head and back in the bottom right corner, text reading “WHAT’S NEXT?” appears at the top To the right is the 603 Equality logo: a white circle with a black rim, the words inside, and a rainbow and trans flag centered in the middle, surrounded by small gold stars. Below, in white boxes, black text reads, “Gender affirming care is still legal in New Hampshire. Patients and their families should proceed with care. The Senate passed an amendment allowing current patients to continue puberty blockers and hormones, and for referrals for gender-affirming surgeries. There’s still a process where the House and Senate are asked to agree to the same amendments, and an administrative process before the bills reach Governor Ayotte’s desk. On a blue background with a slight white gradient, black text reading “CALL GOVERNOR KELLY AYOTTE AND DEMAND SHE VETO ALL ANTI-LGBTQ+ BILLS NOW! 603-271-2121” appears at the top. An image of Kelly Ayotte wearing a pink and green flannel and holding a graphic of a red pen appears on the right side toward the top. To the right is the 603 Equality logo: a white circle with a black rim, the words inside, and a rainbow and trans flag centered in the middle, surrounded by small gold stars. Below, in white boxes, black text reads, “HB 324- BANNING SCHOOL LIBRARY BOOKS AND CRIMINALIZING SCHOOL LIBRARIANS. HB 148- ALLOWING ANY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ORGANIZATION TO ORGANIZE RESTROOMS BASED ON ‘BIOLOGICAL SEX’. HB 377 - BANNING PUBERTY BLOCKERS AND HORMONES FOR TRANS YOUNG PEOPLE. HB 712- BANNING ALL TRANSITION-RELATED SURGERIES FOR TRANS YOUNG PEOPLE. SB 96, SB 72 AND HB 10- FORCING TEACHERS TO ‘OUT’ LGBTQ+ STUDENTS RATHER THAN SUGGEST A PARENT TO STUDENT CONVERSATION.”
June 7, 2025 at 3:46 PM
603equality.bsky.social
A great opportunity to connect with community and support Manchester True Collaborative's work at the same time! Wed June 4th at 6:30 PM facebook.com/events/s/man...
Redirecting...
facebook.com
May 29, 2025 at 7:45 PM
603equality.bsky.social
We are working to connect with people all over the state at pride events this summer. Sign up here to volunteer: linktr.ee/603equalitynh Table with us: sell t-shirts, hats, stickers, play our Pride Bingo, + share information with the community about bills impacting our health, freedom, + safety.
On a background that is a photo of a blue tent with a t-shirt and a trans flag, a rainbow flag, a table, and a large progress pride flag in front of the table, white text reads, “TABLE WITH US AT PRIDES! Link in bio to sign up!” At the bottom, centered, on top of the progress pride flag, is the 603 Equality logo, a white circle with a black rim, the words “603 Equality, and in the very center, a rainbow flag and a trans flag with small gold stars surrounding them.”
May 27, 2025 at 5:23 PM
603equality.bsky.social
Families shouldn't have to consider uprooting everything just to access healthcare for their children - but that's exactly what Rosie & Ian are grappling with so that their child, Emily, can be themself.
wbur.org WBUR @wbur.org · May 20
Emily is 8, loves guinea pigs and treehouses, and pays almost no attention to the lawmakers debating whether children like Emily can be transgender. But Emily's parents pay close attention. If New Hampshire lawmakers approve bills that would make transgender care a felony, they're ready to move.
Emily started puberty blockers during a raging state and national debate
Emily's family is preparing to move to Massachusetts, or Thailand, if New Hampshire lawmakers make it a felony to provide the puberty suppression drug the 8-year-old takes.
www.wbur.org
May 21, 2025 at 5:48 PM