It's hard to describe all of the feelings that go along with being granted new rights. Sometimes it's waking up and checking the news after several nights of phone banking in one of the three states which first passed same-sex marriage by popular vote, waving to neighbors who affirmed you from the window while drinking your coffee. Other times it's having to pull over while listening to the radio on the way home from work as your eyes fill with joyful tears upon hearing the ruling protecting you and so many people you care about from workplace discrimination. Another, walking down the sunlit sidewalks of your neighborhood with a stupid smile on your face after the landmark ruling that all states grant and recognize same-sex marriage. If you haven't experienced those feelings, it's pretty incredible. Would recommend.

But there's an unfortunate flip side to that coin. When a presidential memorandum is signed to prevent transgender people from serving in the military and when it is later upheld by the courts. When Health and Human Services chooses the 4th anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting to restrictively narrow the interpretation of sex as it applies to sex discrimination under the ACA. When, as a bright-eyed college freshman, the overwhelming majority of your home-state votes against your right to marry. Those on the other hand can be absolutely devastating.

With all of the recent appointments not only to the Supreme Court but of circuit and district judges, the legal battles continue, and unfortunately, nothing can be taken for granted. It has alway been a privilege to support Lambda Legal, to volunteer, to hear the stories of plaintiffs in person, to strut down the runway, and most importantly to donate in support of the monumental effort that goes into winning and defending rights.

Supporting Connecticut Cares was never about the drinks, food or the runway. It was about you. It was about showing up for Lambda Legal and for Connecticut's LGBTQ and allied community to powerfully demonstrate a resolve to further the case for equality. Your continued, renewed and increased support is needed now. Even amidst a global health crisis, our opponents are unrelenting in their efforts to roll back our hard won victories and deny LGBTQ people of equal justice under the law. We need you here with us. this year knowing every dollar we raise goes directly to funding Lambda Legal's attorneys for whatever fight lays ahead. With you alongside us, our CT community can again demonstrate the we too are here no matter what.