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Skimm'd with our fave last-min Father's Day gifts

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Quote of the Day

"Happy 40th birthday Chris Evans" – Chris Hemsworth as he celebrates his fellow Chris...by posting a pic with Chris Pratt. Where's Chris Pine?

Put Your Vax Into It


The Story

The one word on everybody's lips: vaccines.

Tell me more.

Across the US, many hospitals are requiring their staff to roll up their sleeves and get vaxxed. That includes Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas. In April, the privately run hospital set a policy for its 26,000 employees to get jabbed by June 7. But 117 employees sued, saying they were being coerced into getting "dangerous" vaccines that rose to the level of "medical experimentation." The hospital defended itself by saying 'safety first' – for both patients and staff. Over the weekend, a fed judge sided with the hospital. It looks to be the first federal ruling over COVID-19 vax mandates.

What are people saying?

The lawyer representing the employees in the case says they will bring this thing all the way up to the Supreme Court if needed. And that employment shouldn't mean being forced to act as human "guinea pigs." The judge's response: if employees don't like it, they can work elsewhere. Since the hospital has every legal right to require vaccines, according to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)'s latest guidelines. And businesses across the country are weighing whether to issue mandates of their own. Especially with coronavirus variants on the rise.

Go on.

Health officials are sounding the alarm on the Delta variant. First detected in India in October, the contagious variant has shown to double the risk of hospitalization. And has been found in over 70 countries (including the US). In the UK, gov officials have delayed the country's full reopening by four weeks as a precaution. But it's not all bad news. A UK study found that vaccines are effective against Delta. And while some states like Vermont and Massachusetts are pricking up what shots are putting down, others (hi, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi) don't appear as enthusiastic. Even as the US could be seeing a fourth vaccine in its arsenal.

theSkimm

Over a year into the pandemic, the US has a surplus of three safe and effective vaccines – a major feat. But now the case out of Texas puts a spotlight on an ongoing challenge in the US: vaccine hesitancy.

And Also...This


Where people are speaking out…

Hungary. Yesterday, thousands of people protested over the gov's latest crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights. PM Viktor Orbán's gov has passed laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Last year, the gov amended the constitution's definition of family to effectively ban adoptions by gay couples. Gender changes on official docs are also prohibited. Now, the gov wants to outlaw content that promotes or portrays homosexuality and sex reassignment. The gov says 'this is all about protecting kids.' Critics see it as bigoted. Some opposition lawmakers say they'll boycott today's vote. But the bill's expected to pass.


PS: We don't need data to know that discrimination against LGBTQ+ people has a negative impact on the community's mental well being. But here's some just in case, and info on how to be a better ally.

Who people are talking about…

Aung San Suu Kyi. Yesterday, Myanmar's former leader went on trial. In February, the country's military launched a coup, ousting Suu Kyi from power and arresting her over what they claim was election fraud. The move was widely seen as an attempt to squash the influence of Suu Kyi, who'd been moving the country toward democratization and away from the staunch military rule that had dominated Myanmar for decades. Now, Suu Kyi's facing a long list of charges, including allegedly importing walkie-talkies illegally and violating COVID-19 restrictions. The military – which has reportedly killed more than 800 people and detained nearly 5,000 since the coup began Feb 1 – has yet to show any evidence of election fraud. The UN has called for a return to democracy.

Who's looking in the mirror…

Chrissy Teigen. Yesterday, she apologized, again, for her history of cyberbullying and harassment. From taking on Piers Morgan to former President Trump, Teigen admitted that she was an online "troll, full stop." Last month, model Courtney Stodden, who identifies as nonbinary, brought up tweets from 2011 of Teigen telling them to take a "dirt nap." And private DMs telling them to commit suicide. Stodden was 16 at the time. Teigen apologized, but several department stores reportedly dropped her products. Yesterday, Teigen gave a longer apology, saying there are more people she needs to give an apology to. And that she's "not seeking or deserving any sympathy" but asking for "patience and tolerance."


PS: If you or someone you know needs this, here's the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.

What you'll Wannabe ordering...

Girl Scout cookies.

Thing to Know


1978

The year the rainbow flag made its Pride debut. Commissioned by politician Harvey Milk (one of the first openly gay elected officials in the US), it was created by artist slash activist and drag performer slash military vet Gilbert Baker. Baker later said it expressed joy, beauty, and power.


There have been several iterations of the rainbow flag since then. Including specific patterns for lesbian pride, transgender pride, and bisexual pride. Bombas made a Pride collection that features each one of 'em. On tees, totes, underwear, and socks. And for every item purchased, the brand's donating an item to someone experiencing homelessness in the LGBTQ+ community. Get 20% off your first Bombas buy with code SKIMM.

Skimm'Picks

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…


1. Bedroom essentials that don't require an outlet. And don't discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity or...anything else. Dame Products wants to help everyone bring their solo and partner play to the next level. Learn more.*


2. An easy way to add more green to your home. This faux fiddle leaf tree comes in different sizes so it'll work in almost any space (aka that corner you've been meaning to decorate). And it's on sale until tonight. Faux real.*


3. One and done looks for every summer activity. This brand's chic jumpsuits make it easy to get ready in the morning (or afternoon, or evening). They're comfy AF and sustainably made. Plus, Skimm'rs get 20% off their order with code THESKIMM. Jump to it.*


4. A build-your-own makeup kit. With allll your fave products. Create your own Custom Kit with seven full-size items (yes, we said full-size). It ships free and you can get it for $63 (it's normally $200+) when you add to cart. Beauty-ful.*


5. Some must-read books in honor of Pride Month. We pulled together a list of reads to share LGBTQ+ voices and stories that need to be heard. There are memoirs, novels, essay collections, and more. Grab your bookmark.


PS: Like what you see here? Make sure you're signed up to get more picks like these in your inbox every Thursday. We've got exclusive shopping recs, streaming ideas, life hacks, and more.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm’rs


We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.


One foot in front of the other...Samantha E (CA). She and three other women founded Save The San Marcos Foothills. And partnered with Foothills Forever to raise $18.6 million dollars to purchase 101 acres of land. The land will protect wildlife habitat and honor Chumash heritage.


Write on...Gracelyn B (CA). She co-published "The Grief Workbook" with her aunt. And offers different ways to deal with grief like humor, games, and prompts. A portion of the proceeds go toward Luna Peak Foundation.


(Some) Birthdays...Chloe Himmel (DC), Allison Labovitz (GA), Sharon Prince (CT), Colleen Meehan (PA), Danielle Blazek (IL), Stacy McDowell (FL), Breana Rosenbaum (TX), Mary Nell Williams (GA), Kara Pernice (MA), Divyanka Pillai (WA), Brianna Stevens (CA), Jennifer Tachell (ID), Cara Marie Peppers (MO), Antonella Van (NY)


*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm More

Looking for other smart ways to spend your time?

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain