To anyone living in a state that doesn't respect you for who you love or who you are: Illinois has a place for you.

You are seen, you are celebrated, you are protected, and you are welcome here in our state.

Go ahead, keep complaining…

Despite Republican Attacks, Americans Are Queerer Than Ever In Latest Poll According to a Gallup Poll released on Thursday, more Americans identify as LGBTQ+ than ever before, despite heavy attacks from right-wing politicians.

1. Despite Republican attacks in recent years, America is queerer than ever before.

LGBTQ+ identification has risen to 9.3% in the last Gallup Poll, a huge jump from 7.6% last year.

I cover the latest numbers in my story.

Subscribe to support my journalism.

Federal judge blocks Trump order on health care for transgender youth A federal judge in Baltimore blocked executive orders signed by President Donald Trump that targeted transgender people and their health care, giving temporary relief to LGBTQ individuals and their fa...

The gender affirming care ban executive order has been blocked in court!

www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/...

LA STUDENT WALK OUT:

Students are back out in front of city hall for another day of anti-ICE, immigrants rights protest 👀👀👀
Solidarity with the youth!

Democracy is Crumbling. Is Anybody Doing Anything? Yes. And You Can Too.

Yes. “People are doing things. You will meet them when YOU start doing things.”

Lots of information and resources in this one.

open.substack.com/pub/sherrily...

Starting to play with watercolors. This is from an anti-deportation protest in La Villita Park in Chicago last weekend.

#chicagoprotest #urbansketchers #chicago @uskchicago.bsky.social

Graphic showing arms holding up the trans flag. Wording says "Join the protest to fight for trans healthcare. Gender affirming care saves lives."

Sat, Feb 15, 1:00 pm: Stand with us & other orgs at Seneca Park (220 E Chicago Ave) outside Lurie Children’s Hospital to protest Lurie's decision to halt life-saving, trans-affirming surgical care & Trump's hateful Exec Orders targeting our trans loved ones 19 & under. INFO: bit.ly/3Qh04e8

What I'm seeing here is the safe East Coast elite Dems hamstringing the Midwest fighter Dems

"Even when you wish for them not another moment of painful breathing, nothing can really prepare you for the moment. Not the moment they depart this life, but the moment you realize you must continue to exist, even though they are gone." -Sharon McMahon

2 years without you here. Miss you pops.

This isn't a dream.

These same Commanders — the ones who went 4-13 last year, who had two playoff wins in the Dan Snyder era — are one win away from the Super Bowl.

Let that sink in, writes @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/607...

Cobweb-Covered Skeleton Gripping Senate Desk Expected To Seek 15th Term -The Onion

Gotta say it’s wild that every time Democrats win an election Republicans form an unbreakable bloc on every issue they prioritize but when Republicans win, Democrats go “oh yeah, mass deport, f the queers, defense of democracy what?”

It’s a frustrating feature of American politics.

Trans folks held a dance party in the Capitol bathroom to protest the bathroom ban on there.