Gayety

Tag: Human Rights Campaign

  • FINESSE’s New Pride Campaign Drags Anti-Trans Laws With Style, Sass, and Satire

    FINESSE’s New Pride Campaign Drags Anti-Trans Laws With Style, Sass, and Satire

    The fashion-forward series “Read All About It” reclaims headlines and turns political attacks into moments of trans triumph.

    Timed perfectly with the federal court’s move to block the Trump administration’s passport restrictions targeting transgender Americans, queer-founded fashion label FINESSE is making headlines of its own. The brand just launched “Read All About It”—a four-part, satirical Pride campaign that calls out some of the year’s most egregious anti-trans laws by giving them a makeover.

    With a lineup of trans Gen Z It-Girls at the helm, each starring in and co-directing their own video, the series reclaims power with humor, glam, and radical authenticity.

    Headlines, But Make It Trans and Talented

    The Read All About It series transforms some of the most politicized moments for the trans community into fashion-forward mini-films. Each segment highlights a different flashpoint: bathroom bills, military bans, sports restrictions, and the infamous passport policy.

    And the dolls are not just starring, they’re co-creative directing every scene. FINESSE worked closely with its trans cast to ensure each story was told with care, flair, and full approval through multiple rounds of feedback.

    Episode 1: Zaya Perysian vs. Passport Erasure

    Leading the charge is Zaya Perysian (@zayaperysian), who made headlines earlier this year after winning a legal battle against the Trump administration. In February, a State Department directive attempted to block the use of “X” gender markers on passports. Zaya fought back, and won.

    In the campaign’s first video, Zaya reenacts and reclaims that policy through an empowering, tongue-in-cheek visual retelling. Known for documenting her transition and being named a TikTok LGBTQ Trailblazer, Zaya is proving once again that she’s more than a viral moment, she’s a movement.

     

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    Episode 2: Ve’ondre Mitchell Calls Out the Military Ban

    Next up is Ve’ondre Mitchell (@veondre), a GLAAD “20 Under 20” honoree and former Human Rights Campaign Youth Ambassador. In February, the Department of Defense banned those with a history of gender dysphoria from serving unless they met strict waiver conditions.

    Mitchell brings the absurdity of this decision to life in her episode, blending military chic with scathing satire. A proud advocate and musician, she also just dropped a new single, “Gay,” timed perfectly with the campaign’s release.

     

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    Episode 3: Stella Menino Takes on Florida’s Bathroom Law

    Stella Menino (@stelluhb), a TikTok star with nearly 60 million likes, brings her signature humor to a sobering topic. In March, Florida enforced its first anti-trans bathroom law, leading to the arrest of a trans woman at the state capitol.

    Stella’s video pokes fun at the twisted logic behind these so-called “safety” policies, using comedy and camp to highlight the real threat: state-sanctioned discrimination.

     

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    Episode 4: Dialló Mitch Dismantles Trump’s Sports Order

    Rounding out the campaign is Dialló Mitch (@__mystylist), a model and stylist known for pushing boundaries in fashion. Her episode tackles Trump’s executive order “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which redefined Title IX to exclude trans girls and women.

    Dialló, who describes her style as “fearless, risky, and expressive as f*ck,” takes on the policy with runway-ready athleticism, pushing back against transphobic tropes with elegance and edge.

     

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    Resistance in Rhinestones

    With “Read All About It,” FINESSE is reminding us that protest can be bold, beautiful, and hilarious. By blending satire, high fashion, and trans-led storytelling, the brand isn’t just responding to political attacks, it’s rewriting the headlines entirely.

    And in a time when the trans community is being targeted across legislative fronts, the message is loud and clear: the girls aren’t going anywhere, but they might show up in full glam to read you for filth.

  • U.S. Retailers Quietly Maintain DEI Efforts Despite Public Rollbacks

    U.S. Retailers Quietly Maintain DEI Efforts Despite Public Rollbacks

    Several U.S. retailers that publicly scaled back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs — including Target, Amazon, and Tractor Supply — continue to support certain DEI initiatives behind the scenes, raising questions about the tension between public and private commitments to diversity.

    Although companies like Target and Amazon have ended or restructured certain DEI programs on paper, many have assured advocacy groups and individuals that they will continue funding LGBTQ+ Pride and racial justice events, as well as supporting internal resource groups for underrepresented employees. This contradiction between public statements made to investors and private conversations with advocacy groups reveals the delicate balancing act companies are attempting to perform amid growing political and legal pressures.

    “Companies are trying to thread the needle — stay true to corporate values, satisfy various stakeholders, but reduce legal risk,” said Jason C. Schwartz, an employment law partner at Gibson Dunn who advises corporate clients on DEI issues. “It’s a challenging time for companies trying to maintain a strong commitment to DEI while navigating the current political climate.”

    Tractor Supply, a retailer that sells home and garden supplies, made headlines earlier this year when it ended a DEI program focused on increasing representation of people of color in management and enhancing support for Black education initiatives. The company also stopped collecting diversity data for the Human Rights Campaign‘s Corporate Equality Index, which evaluates businesses on their treatment of LGBTQ+ employees and customers. A spokesperson for Tractor Supply said the company had made a “purposeful decision” to remove what it considered “perceived political and social agendas” from its operations.

    However, Keayana Robinson, the contractor who led the company’s diversity data collection, said Tractor Supply offered to keep her on in a new, undefined role related to DEI. Robinson added that management assured her the company’s internal diversity initiatives, including support for resource groups for underrepresented employees, would continue. Robinson, however, declined the offer, saying she did not want to work for a company that “wants to hide me.”

    Target also announced in January that it would no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and eliminated a DEI program aimed at increasing the number of Black employees by 20% over three years. A spokesperson for Target emphasized the company’s shift in focus, stating that its new approach was geared toward increasing relevance with U.S. consumers and attracting top talent.

    Despite these changes, Target’s commitment to diversity remains a topic of concern for some advocates. Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, CEO of Rae Mackenzie Group, met with Target executives after the company scaled back its DEI efforts. Smith-Akinsanya, who organizes career events for people of color in Minnesota, said she was reassured by Target’s leadership but noted that the company’s actions were still troubling.

    “Target’s DNA remains intact, and I believe in their commitment to diversity,” Smith-Akinsanya said, adding that she understands the political challenges faced by companies in today’s climate.

    However, some advocacy groups are taking a firmer stance. Andi Otto, executive director of Twin Cities Pride, said the organization declined a $50,000 sponsorship from Target this year after nearly two decades of partnership. Otto cited concerns over Target’s retreat from DEI programs and the removal of some Pride Month products in 2023. “Target can’t have it both ways,” Otto said, referring to the company’s public reassurances coupled with its policy changes.

    Similarly, Sheletta Brundidge, a Black business leader, dropped Amazon as a sponsor of her annual Black Entrepreneurs Day after learning about the company’s rollbacks in DEI programs. Brundidge recounted a phone call in which Amazon representatives attempted to downplay the changes, but she remained firm in her decision to sever ties.

    Despite these controversies, some companies are sticking to their DEI commitments, even in the face of legal and political pressures. In February, investors at Apple voted against a proposal to curtail DEI efforts during the company’s shareholder meeting. A day later, former President Donald Trump criticized Apple for its DEI policies on social media. Although Apple did not respond directly to the comments, the company has maintained that it is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, belonging, and collaboration.

    Costco Wholesale also faced a challenge in January when its shareholders voted against a proposal to limit DEI initiatives. Following this, 19 Republican state attorneys general demanded that Costco clarify its stance on DEI policies. The company has not publicly responded to requests for comment.

    The list of companies pulling back from DEI programs has grown in recent months, with notable names including Walmart, PepsiCo, McDonald’s, and John Deere. Some of these companies have confirmed changes to their DEI strategies, while others have yet to provide detailed responses.

    Lawyers suggest that companies are navigating a complex landscape, considering both legal and political risks when deciding which DEI programs to retain. “Companies are essentially picking their battles,” said Schwartz. “They’re trying to avoid battles altogether while trying to maintain their core values.”

    As these retailers walk a fine line between public and private commitments, the future of DEI programs in the corporate world remains uncertain. While some companies continue to support diversity initiatives quietly, others face growing pressure from both advocates and political figures to either fully embrace or scale back their DEI efforts.

  • Human Rights Campaign to Lay Off 20% of Workforce in Major Restructuring Effort

    Human Rights Campaign to Lay Off 20% of Workforce in Major Restructuring Effort

    The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), one of the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, is set to lay off approximately 20% of its workforce as part of a major restructuring initiative aimed at adapting to shifting political and financial realities. According to sources familiar with the decision, the layoffs, which will impact around 50 employees, will take effect on February 12, 2024. Following the layoffs, the organization plans to operate with roughly 180 staff members, a significant reduction from its previous staffing levels.

    This restructuring comes amid a challenging political and financial landscape, with the HRC leadership signaling the need to “operate differently” in light of growing threats to LGBTQ+ rights and budgetary constraints.

    Financial Realities and Unsustainable Growth

    While the HRC has enjoyed considerable fundraising success in recent years, the group’s leadership has acknowledged that the organization’s financial model is unsustainable. In fiscal year 2023, HRC raised $85 million, exceeding its $63 million fundraising target. However, a review of financial records, including IRS Form 990s, revealed that the group’s total revenue decreased to approximately $75 million in fiscal year 2024, down from the previous year’s $85 million.

    The organization’s expenses, however, have not decreased. In fiscal year 2024, HRC’s total expenses were close to $89 million, resulting in a net asset decline of more than $12 million. As of March 31, 2024, HRC’s net assets stood at $45.7 million, down from $58 million in 2023. Leadership determined that in order to balance the budget and sustain its operations, restructuring was necessary.

    HRC’s president, Kelley Robinson, who has led the organization since 2022, has been tasked by the board to ensure a balanced budget and adapt to the current environment. In an official statement, one senior HRC official explained that the board had instructed Robinson to make the necessary adjustments to ensure HRC remains financially viable and effective in its advocacy efforts.

    External Pressures and Internal Restructuring

    In addition to the financial challenges, HRC officials noted that the organization is facing increasingly hostile political and legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ rights. Robinson pointed out that the political landscape—particularly the growing efforts to roll back LGBTQ+ protections at the state and federal levels—has forced many progressive organizations to rethink their strategies and structures.

    “We are not just responding to threats—we’re transforming them into opportunities for lasting impact,” one senior HRC official explained. “This reset is really about strengthening our ability to win on these critical fights and keep our focus where we have the ability to make the most impact.”

    Robinson also emphasized the importance of focusing on key areas where HRC can make a significant difference: schools, workplaces, policies, and politics. “We’re sharpening our focus on where we can make the most impact,” Robinson said. “This is about ensuring that we are agile and strategic in this moment.”

    Commitment to LGBTQ+ Rights Despite Challenges

    Despite the challenges, Robinson was adamant that HRC’s core mission remains unchanged. “Our success has never been determined by the number of staff we have but by the impact that we make in the world,” she said. She acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized that this restructuring is necessary to ensure the organization can continue to make a difference in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

    “We need to stay laser-focused on how we can create change,” Robinson added.

    One area where HRC remains committed is in its ongoing corporate partnerships. Despite growing opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from conservative forces, HRC continues to engage with companies on its Corporate Equality Index, which ranks businesses on LGBTQ+ workplace policies. Robinson highlighted that over 1,400 companies participated in the index last year, and the organization’s Corporate Equality 100 awards continue to draw support from major corporate allies.

    Reorganization Will Focus on Key Areas

    Moving forward, HRC plans to place a particular emphasis on defending LGBTQ+ rights in schools and workplaces, ensuring that protections and resources are available for LGBTQ+ people in their daily lives. The organization will also continue its advocacy on policy and politics, defending against harmful legislation and working to advance both state and federal protections for LGBTQ+ people.

    In addition, HRC is shifting its approach to countering the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ disinformation that has become prevalent in political discourse. As part of its strategy, HRC will launch new storytelling initiatives to highlight the real-life impact of anti-LGBTQ+ policies. This effort will include media training for advocates and amplifying diverse voices within the community, including individuals like Daniel Trujillo, a Latino transgender advocate, and Emily Shilling, a U.S. Navy commander who has spoken out against anti-trans military bans.

    Union Involvement and Staff Support

    HRC has been a unionized workplace for more than 25 years, with employees represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The organization has already notified the union about the upcoming layoffs and is in discussions with union representatives to finalize the details. Robinson emphasized that the organization is committed to ensuring that affected employees are treated with dignity and respect.

    “We’re in active conversations with our union to make sure that we are honoring those discussions,” she said. The union has not yet responded to requests for comment.

    Despite the financial restructuring and workforce reductions, HRC remains committed to its mission of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Robinson, who is expecting a child in the spring, expressed confidence in the leadership team’s ability to maintain momentum during her maternity leave.

    “A movement is bigger than any single person,” Robinson said. “I am proud to have a great chief of staff, a great chief operating officer, and an incredible team here at the Human Rights Campaign that will continue to move things forward.”

    HRC also reaffirmed its commitment to hosting major events like the National Dinner and regional fundraising galas, which are vital for building community and raising funds to support its work.

    As the organization faces unprecedented challenges, both financially and politically, its leadership believes that these adjustments will ensure HRC remains a powerful and effective advocate for LGBTQ+ communities in the years to come.