Sam Lau
@samuelrlau.bsky.social
Human Rights Campaign Comms. Tar Heel. Guac-Off Champ.
Reposted by Sam Lau
What better way to start 2026 than suing the Trump administration? That’s right: HRC Foundation is launching a class action on behalf of federal workers and their families.
We will not sit back and let these dedicated public servants lose vital health care coverage without a fight.
We will not sit back and let these dedicated public servants lose vital health care coverage without a fight.
Federal employees file complaint against Trump administration's ban on gender-affirming care
The Trump administration faces a legal complaint from government employees over a new policy eliminating coverage for gender-affirming care in federal health insurance programs.
apnews.com
January 1, 2026 at 3:01 PM
What better way to start 2026 than suing the Trump administration? That’s right: HRC Foundation is launching a class action on behalf of federal workers and their families.
We will not sit back and let these dedicated public servants lose vital health care coverage without a fight.
We will not sit back and let these dedicated public servants lose vital health care coverage without a fight.
Reposted by Sam Lau
🧵 The Trump administration just proposed two rules that would effectively ban best-practice health care for trans youth.
Here’s what you need to know:
Here’s what you need to know:
December 18, 2025 at 3:59 PM
🧵 The Trump administration just proposed two rules that would effectively ban best-practice health care for trans youth.
Here’s what you need to know:
Here’s what you need to know:
Mike Johnson's Priorities:
What the House GOP is voting on today:
A bill to criminalize health care for trans youth that could throw doctors and parents in jail for 10yrs
What they are NOT voting on today:
A bill to extend health tax credits that would prevent rising costs for 24M Americans
What the House GOP is voting on today:
A bill to criminalize health care for trans youth that could throw doctors and parents in jail for 10yrs
What they are NOT voting on today:
A bill to extend health tax credits that would prevent rising costs for 24M Americans
December 17, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Mike Johnson's Priorities:
What the House GOP is voting on today:
A bill to criminalize health care for trans youth that could throw doctors and parents in jail for 10yrs
What they are NOT voting on today:
A bill to extend health tax credits that would prevent rising costs for 24M Americans
What the House GOP is voting on today:
A bill to criminalize health care for trans youth that could throw doctors and parents in jail for 10yrs
What they are NOT voting on today:
A bill to extend health tax credits that would prevent rising costs for 24M Americans
.@hrc.org showed the power of our movement in the Peach State. We endorsed Rep.-elect Gisler last week and provided final field push, engaging our 1,000 members and 7,000 Equality Voters in HD-121.
And we're just getting started in Georgia.
And we're just getting started in Georgia.
BREAKING: Democrat Eric Gisler has won the GA HD-121 special election, Decision Desk HQ projects, flipping the seat from red to blue
Just last year, Gisler lost this district by 22 points. The district was Trump +12 in 2024.
Just last year, Gisler lost this district by 22 points. The district was Trump +12 in 2024.
December 10, 2025 at 12:41 PM
.@hrc.org showed the power of our movement in the Peach State. We endorsed Rep.-elect Gisler last week and provided final field push, engaging our 1,000 members and 7,000 Equality Voters in HD-121.
And we're just getting started in Georgia.
And we're just getting started in Georgia.
Reposted by Sam Lau
@wsj.com needs to hear from ALL of us. Take action now to demand a retraction and apology for its dangerous and misleading coverage: hrc.im/wsj
September 12, 2025 at 5:46 PM
@wsj.com needs to hear from ALL of us. Take action now to demand a retraction and apology for its dangerous and misleading coverage: hrc.im/wsj
Reposted by Sam Lau
News outlets like @wsj.com have a critical responsibility to report the truth.
Promoting false information that ties our LGBTQ+ community to the Utah shooting is reckless, irresponsible, and puts trans people especially in danger.
Anyone with a platform must do better. Lives are on the line.
Promoting false information that ties our LGBTQ+ community to the Utah shooting is reckless, irresponsible, and puts trans people especially in danger.
Anyone with a platform must do better. Lives are on the line.
September 12, 2025 at 5:46 PM
News outlets like @wsj.com have a critical responsibility to report the truth.
Promoting false information that ties our LGBTQ+ community to the Utah shooting is reckless, irresponsible, and puts trans people especially in danger.
Anyone with a platform must do better. Lives are on the line.
Promoting false information that ties our LGBTQ+ community to the Utah shooting is reckless, irresponsible, and puts trans people especially in danger.
Anyone with a platform must do better. Lives are on the line.
MORE OF THIS.
"Beshear's biggest applause line came when he explained why he vetoed a bill in 2023, when he was up for reelection, that restricted some medical care and bathroom use for transgender people..."There are some things worth losing over," Beshear said."
www.axios.com/2025/08/13/b...
"Beshear's biggest applause line came when he explained why he vetoed a bill in 2023, when he was up for reelection, that restricted some medical care and bathroom use for transgender people..."There are some things worth losing over," Beshear said."
www.axios.com/2025/08/13/b...
Scoop: Andy Beshear wows Democrats at big donor fundraiser
Beshear's biggest applause line came when he explained why he vetoed a transgender rights measure.
www.axios.com
August 13, 2025 at 2:17 PM
MORE OF THIS.
"Beshear's biggest applause line came when he explained why he vetoed a bill in 2023, when he was up for reelection, that restricted some medical care and bathroom use for transgender people..."There are some things worth losing over," Beshear said."
www.axios.com/2025/08/13/b...
"Beshear's biggest applause line came when he explained why he vetoed a bill in 2023, when he was up for reelection, that restricted some medical care and bathroom use for transgender people..."There are some things worth losing over," Beshear said."
www.axios.com/2025/08/13/b...
Reposted by Sam Lau
Let’s remind this country what’s always been true: WE are the American Dream.
Your story, your joy, your dream—they all matter. Share them with us using our official filter and become a part of the American Dreams Tour: AmericanDreamsHRC.org
Your story, your joy, your dream—they all matter. Share them with us using our official filter and become a part of the American Dreams Tour: AmericanDreamsHRC.org
July 28, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Let’s remind this country what’s always been true: WE are the American Dream.
Your story, your joy, your dream—they all matter. Share them with us using our official filter and become a part of the American Dreams Tour: AmericanDreamsHRC.org
Your story, your joy, your dream—they all matter. Share them with us using our official filter and become a part of the American Dreams Tour: AmericanDreamsHRC.org
Tony has always been the epitome of a public servant--a public servant who won 5 statewide races in the purplest state in the union and did it by being authentically himself: Kind. Tough. Empathetic. Nerdy. Even sometimes boring! And Wisconsin is forever indebted to his leadership. Team Tony 4ever!
July 24, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Tony has always been the epitome of a public servant--a public servant who won 5 statewide races in the purplest state in the union and did it by being authentically himself: Kind. Tough. Empathetic. Nerdy. Even sometimes boring! And Wisconsin is forever indebted to his leadership. Team Tony 4ever!
Reposted by Sam Lau
@lambdalegalceo.bsky.social is spot on. Where would we be had our ancestors waited until the time was "right" to demand their civil liberties?
We must carry their fight forward — now. Our communities deserve it and the moment demands it.
We must carry their fight forward — now. Our communities deserve it and the moment demands it.
"If history teaches us anything, it is that you can’t wait until the U.S. is “ready” for civil rights: You must advocate, educate and litigate to help the country get ready... You choose cases based on whether they’re right — not whether they are popular. That’s how you create change."
My latest ⬇️
My latest ⬇️
Opinion | History shows there is no ‘right time’ for civil rights litigation
Critics are wrong to argue that a trans rights case was brought to the Supreme Court prematurely.
www.washingtonpost.com
July 9, 2025 at 4:43 PM
@lambdalegalceo.bsky.social is spot on. Where would we be had our ancestors waited until the time was "right" to demand their civil liberties?
We must carry their fight forward — now. Our communities deserve it and the moment demands it.
We must carry their fight forward — now. Our communities deserve it and the moment demands it.
Reposted by Sam Lau
With news that the Medicaid ban on gender-affirming care was pulled from the reconciliation bill, I'm breathing a sigh of relief.
But it's important to remember that this bill is still awful for the community. LGBTQ+ people are more likely than average to depend on Medicaid for their health care.
But it's important to remember that this bill is still awful for the community. LGBTQ+ people are more likely than average to depend on Medicaid for their health care.
July 1, 2025 at 3:41 PM
With news that the Medicaid ban on gender-affirming care was pulled from the reconciliation bill, I'm breathing a sigh of relief.
But it's important to remember that this bill is still awful for the community. LGBTQ+ people are more likely than average to depend on Medicaid for their health care.
But it's important to remember that this bill is still awful for the community. LGBTQ+ people are more likely than average to depend on Medicaid for their health care.
Reposted by Sam Lau
I worked at Planned Parenthood.
They diagnose cancers while still treatable. They help women decide what birth control works for them. They help those working through mental health challenges.
Defunding them just harms people who already struggle to find places to get care.
They diagnose cancers while still treatable. They help women decide what birth control works for them. They help those working through mental health challenges.
Defunding them just harms people who already struggle to find places to get care.
June 30, 2025 at 9:31 PM
I worked at Planned Parenthood.
They diagnose cancers while still treatable. They help women decide what birth control works for them. They help those working through mental health challenges.
Defunding them just harms people who already struggle to find places to get care.
They diagnose cancers while still treatable. They help women decide what birth control works for them. They help those working through mental health challenges.
Defunding them just harms people who already struggle to find places to get care.
Reposted by Sam Lau
Among all the terrible stuff in this bill, some good news: we successfully got Republicans to back off their provision to strip gender-affirming care in their budget bill. It's not included in the final text, and will not be voted on.
July 1, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Among all the terrible stuff in this bill, some good news: we successfully got Republicans to back off their provision to strip gender-affirming care in their budget bill. It's not included in the final text, and will not be voted on.
HUGE NEWS: Senate Parliamentarian has rightfully struck provision from GOP reconciliation bill restricting Medicaid/CHIP from covering gender affirming care for trans people of all ages.
Still, this bill is a garbage fire and must be defeated.
Still, this bill is a garbage fire and must be defeated.
June 26, 2025 at 12:50 PM
HUGE NEWS: Senate Parliamentarian has rightfully struck provision from GOP reconciliation bill restricting Medicaid/CHIP from covering gender affirming care for trans people of all ages.
Still, this bill is a garbage fire and must be defeated.
Still, this bill is a garbage fire and must be defeated.
Pride has always been a protest, but a protest is always better with show tunes! Thanks to @senatorhick.govpeeps.us, @baldwin.senate.gov, @schatz.bsky.social, @warren.senate.gov, @rosen.senate.gov and Jeffrey Seller for making this "guerrilla theater" happen tonight! www.nytimes.com/2025/06/23/a...
Democrats to Protest Trump’s Takeover of Kennedy Center With Pride Event
www.nytimes.com
June 23, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Pride has always been a protest, but a protest is always better with show tunes! Thanks to @senatorhick.govpeeps.us, @baldwin.senate.gov, @schatz.bsky.social, @warren.senate.gov, @rosen.senate.gov and Jeffrey Seller for making this "guerrilla theater" happen tonight! www.nytimes.com/2025/06/23/a...
Reposted by Sam Lau
The article frames Skrmetti as a poor strategic gamble by activists. In reality, Tennessee passed a categorical ban applicable solely to transgender adolescents which was framed in sex-based terms. The choices were (a) challenge it or (b) concede defeat in advance and abandon trans teens nationwide.
The NYT decided to kick trans people in the teeth the day after Skrmetti. They wrote a hit piece blaming trans people for their own oppression and attacked the people who have fought hardest to stop this effort to eradicate us.
They turned to Brianna Wu to further their narrative.
They turned to Brianna Wu to further their narrative.
June 19, 2025 at 1:12 PM
The article frames Skrmetti as a poor strategic gamble by activists. In reality, Tennessee passed a categorical ban applicable solely to transgender adolescents which was framed in sex-based terms. The choices were (a) challenge it or (b) concede defeat in advance and abandon trans teens nationwide.
Reposted by Sam Lau
Illinois has enshrined protections to meet this very moment.
In a time of increasing overreach and hateful rhetoric, it's more important than ever to reaffirm our commitment to the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community.
You have a home here always.
In a time of increasing overreach and hateful rhetoric, it's more important than ever to reaffirm our commitment to the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community.
You have a home here always.
BREAKING: The Supreme Court upholds a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors in a huge setback for transgender rights.
Supreme Court OKs Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for minors, big loss for transgender rights
The Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, a stunning setback to transgender rights.
bit.ly
June 18, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Illinois has enshrined protections to meet this very moment.
In a time of increasing overreach and hateful rhetoric, it's more important than ever to reaffirm our commitment to the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community.
You have a home here always.
In a time of increasing overreach and hateful rhetoric, it's more important than ever to reaffirm our commitment to the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community.
You have a home here always.
Reposted by Sam Lau
Reporters covering Skrmetti: We have real people who will face real consequences from this decision available to talk to you today, as I'm sure does every other major LGBTQ+ org and the ACLU. There's no excuse to not include their voices in your story.
June 18, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Reporters covering Skrmetti: We have real people who will face real consequences from this decision available to talk to you today, as I'm sure does every other major LGBTQ+ org and the ACLU. There's no excuse to not include their voices in your story.
Reposted by Sam Lau
We are updating the @washingtonpost.com story now on the Skrmetti ruling, but I wanted to share a few feeds from my interviews today. First, HRC's senior legal director says there are still MANY pathways for fighting laws that target trans people.
June 18, 2025 at 4:56 PM
We are updating the @washingtonpost.com story now on the Skrmetti ruling, but I wanted to share a few feeds from my interviews today. First, HRC's senior legal director says there are still MANY pathways for fighting laws that target trans people.
Reposted by Sam Lau
Everyone who cares about our country must condemn this violent and undemocratic act against Senator Padilla. HRC’s full statement:
June 12, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Everyone who cares about our country must condemn this violent and undemocratic act against Senator Padilla. HRC’s full statement:
Reposted by Sam Lau
This decision is not only insulting to Harvey Milk and the LGBTQ+ community — it's stupid. Our country deserves leaders who take their jobs seriously, not divide our country and politicize our military.
Perhaps we should name a new Secretary of Defense instead. abcnews.go.com/Politics/heg...
Perhaps we should name a new Secretary of Defense instead. abcnews.go.com/Politics/heg...
Hegseth orders Navy to rename ship honoring gay rights activist Harvey Milk
Pete Hegseth has ordered the Navy to strike the name of gay rights activist Harvey Milk from one of its ships, orchestrating the change amid Pride month celebrations.
abcnews.go.com
June 3, 2025 at 8:48 PM
This decision is not only insulting to Harvey Milk and the LGBTQ+ community — it's stupid. Our country deserves leaders who take their jobs seriously, not divide our country and politicize our military.
Perhaps we should name a new Secretary of Defense instead. abcnews.go.com/Politics/heg...
Perhaps we should name a new Secretary of Defense instead. abcnews.go.com/Politics/heg...
Reposted by Sam Lau
It's cruel. It's an incredible escalation of their anti-trans culture war. And there is still a chance to stop the provision in the Senate, so if you have a trans person in your life you care about, I implore you - make your voice heard with your Senators. Both of them. Republican OR Democrat.
BREAKING: Republicans pass ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ stripping transgender Americans of health care
The Human Rights Campaign called the bill "cruel."
www.advocate.com
May 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM
It's cruel. It's an incredible escalation of their anti-trans culture war. And there is still a chance to stop the provision in the Senate, so if you have a trans person in your life you care about, I implore you - make your voice heard with your Senators. Both of them. Republican OR Democrat.
Reposted by Sam Lau
This Pride, These Colors Don’t Run
YouTube video by Human Rights Campaign
youtu.be
May 30, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by Sam Lau
Yes, it's real. Yes, we hear the yearning for merch. We just rolled it out this morning. But keep an eye out for this at your local HRC Pride booth.
May 30, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Yes, it's real. Yes, we hear the yearning for merch. We just rolled it out this morning. But keep an eye out for this at your local HRC Pride booth.
Reposted by Sam Lau
This Pride Month, we are shouting loud and clear: THESE COLORS DON’T RUN.
Our visibility has never mattered more, and neither has our strength. And as HRC’s @brandonwolf.bsky.social says, NO president can push us back into the closet.
(🎥: @msnbc.com)
Our visibility has never mattered more, and neither has our strength. And as HRC’s @brandonwolf.bsky.social says, NO president can push us back into the closet.
(🎥: @msnbc.com)
May 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM
This Pride Month, we are shouting loud and clear: THESE COLORS DON’T RUN.
Our visibility has never mattered more, and neither has our strength. And as HRC’s @brandonwolf.bsky.social says, NO president can push us back into the closet.
(🎥: @msnbc.com)
Our visibility has never mattered more, and neither has our strength. And as HRC’s @brandonwolf.bsky.social says, NO president can push us back into the closet.
(🎥: @msnbc.com)