🗳️ Here's the plan to get more LGBTQ+ politicians elected

Plus, Cate Blanchett is supporting women, trans, and nonbinary filmmakers Hello! How is your Tuesday? 🗳️ As the 2024 election draws nearer and the stakes could not be higher, money continues to be the ingredient that can make or break a campaign. [Democratic U.S. Reps. Ritchie Torres of New York and Mark Takano of California]( York and Mark Takano of California]( co-chairs of Equality PAC, are spearheading a formidable fundraising campaign to double the number of [LGBTQ]( members in Congress this election cycle. Already, they've raised about $12 million. The two spoke exclusively with The Advocate to discuss the importance of these efforts. 🗳️ 🐊 Florida's bridges won't be lighting up for Pride Month this year after a GOP official mandated bridges only be lit up in red, white, and blue throughout the summer. Florida Transportation Secretary James Perdue recently announced on social media that as part of the state’s “Freedom Summer,” all bridges will be[lit in patriotic colors from May 27 to September 2](. 🐊 “As Floridians prepare for Freedom Summer, Florida's bridges will follow suit, illuminating in red, white, and blue from Memorial Day through Labor Day!” he wrote. “Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida continues to be the freest state in the nation.” Really? Really? 🎬 Unlike DeSantis and his cronies administration, one person who is trying to help the world is Cate Blanchett. The Oscar-winning actor is working with her producing partner, Coco Francini, and Stacy Smith, founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at the University of Southern California, to support women, trans, and nonbinary filmmakers through the Proof of Concept accelerator program. [The first 11 creatives were just announced.]( and upward, Alex Cooper Do you have a news tip for us or know a story you think The Advocate should pursue? Get in touch. Email us at news@equalpride.com. [Trump-appointed Alabama judge threatens to jail LGBTQ+ rights lawyers; attorneys fight back]( [Cate Blanchett program announces first 11 women, trans, and nonbinary filmmakers to support]( [Inside the plan to double the number of LGBTQ+ members of Congress (exclusive)]( [Florida won't light bridges in rainbow colors for Pride Month this year]( [Richard Gadd talks about the success and impact of 'Baby Reindeer' (exclusive)]( [From Meta to X, most major social media companies are failing LGBTQ+ users: GLAAD]( Look, queer trivia! Each week, The Advocate newsletter has a little bit of LGBTQ+ trivia. Today, you'll get the question. Thursday, you'll get a hint. And Saturday, you'll get the answer. This week’s question is: What office was Harvey Milk elected to in 1977? Reply to this email with the answer and you may get a shout-out in a future newsletter! Check out the latest issue of Plus magazine! The [issue includes some real talk]( from cover star Todrick Hall, Elton's Oscar party pics, Oprah's endorsement of U=U, and more. Do you know someone who would like to receive The Advocate newsletter? Share it with them! [Click to email a link to your friends]( Keep up with the latest LGBTQ+ news -- from politics to entertainment to opinions from queer voices. The Advocate is part of [equalpride]( a proudly LGBTQ-owned and operated media company that serves as a leading voice on equality with LGBTQ, women and people of color. Follow us [X]( [Facebook]( [Facebook]( Copyright © 2024 equalpride. All rights reserved. PO Box 241579, Los Angeles, CA 90024 [Privacy policy]( [Terms of use](