‘Equality CANNOT be conditional’: HRC launches national tour to fight anti-LGBTQ+ attacks

LGBTQ+ Rights & Advocacy - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) launches the "American Dreams Tour, Equality Across America" initiative, a high-profile storytelling campaign focused on red and purple states [2] - The campaign addresses nearly 1,000 anti-LGBTQ incidents reported nationwide in the past year, including a rise in attacks on transgender people, and roughly 600 anti-LGBTQ bills in state legislatures [3] - The LGBTQ+ community is experiencing a backslide on rights for the first time in decades, necessitating a shift in strategy beyond relying solely on the courts [5] - Storytelling is a key strategy to change hearts and minds, influence behavior and voting patterns, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in communities [6][11] - The campaign aims to galvanize the power of Gen Z, the most queer and trans generation, to drive change [7] - The HRC declared a national emergency for the LGBTQ+ community due to legislative restrictions, balancing celebration with the need to address ongoing struggles [8] Campaign Strategy & Outreach - The "American Dreams" campaign emphasizes that LGBTQ+ people are an integral part of the American story and that pride and patriotism go hand in hand [9][10] - The campaign will involve town halls, intimate discussions, and community-based events to engage people and foster dialogue [18][19] - The campaign aims to combat misinformation and lies by sharing stories and familiarizing people with LGBTQ+ experiences in their own communities [15][13] - The HRC will reach out to legislators, faith community leaders, and others who may not be supportive to foster dialogue and understanding [17]