Skimm'd while learning about a mother's breast cancer journey

"Seems to be related to a breeding display" – A scientist, musing about why a walrus was clapping. Clap, clap that (walr)us.

Pride over Prejudice

The Story

It's the end of Pride Month, and there are a few things to celebrate.

*Grabs rainbow flag*

You're not the only one. 70% of Americans support same-sex marriage. And 5.6% of American adults identify as LGBT. The country could be seeing the most LGBTQ+ inclusive admin in US history, including the first openly transgender official confirmed by the Senate (hi, Dr. Rachel Levine). By one count, 981 elected officials nationwide are members of the LGBTQ+ community. This week, SCOTUS handed the LGBTQ+ community a win. We're (finally) seeing an openly transgender woman compete at the Miss USA pageant. Starting tomorrow, Wisconsin will have gender-neutral options for parents on birth certificates. New York will let people use a non-binary sex designation on their state driver's licenses. And California's sending a message to states with anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

That's great.

It is. But progress hasn't been linear. 2021 broke records for the most anti-trans bills introduced (over 100) – some of which have become law. Arkansas and Tennessee banned gender-affirming treatments for trans youth. Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida banned trans athletes from competing in female sports teams at public schools. SCOTUS sided with a Catholic adoption agency that wouldn't work with same-sex foster parents. Sexually active gay and bisexual men face restrictions to donate blood in the US. This year is on track to be the deadliest year for trans people yet – especially for Black transwomen. And LGBTQ+ activists are calling out companies (like CVS, Walmart, AT&T) for using Pride Month as a front for their support of the LGBTQ+ community when their internal policies say otherwise – aka rainbow-washing.

What can I do?

You can: Call your elected officials and encourage them to take action on LGBTQ+ rights bills. Talk to your HR department and ask what they're doing to protect LGBTQ+ employees. Donate to orgs like The Trevor Project, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA), Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Volunteer at local LGBTQ+ community centers. Get educated on queer stigma. And dedicate yourself to being an ally and creating an inclusive atmosphere (like sharing your gender pronouns).

theSkimm

Pride Month may be coming to an end, but for a community that's been fighting for civil rights for decades, peer support is needed 365 days a year.

And Also...This

Where the search continues...

Florida. Search and rescue teams have been working tirelessly to find survivors after a section of a condo in Surfside, FL, collapsed last week. The death toll is now at 12 and 149 are still unaccounted for. Crews and officials say they're still holding out hope they'll find survivors. The federal gov is reportedly investigating the cause – which is still unknown. And President Biden and first lady Jill Biden are planning to visit the site of the collapse and meet with families tomorrow.

• Search efforts: Rescuers have been working through downpours, Florida heat, and mounds of concrete. And the Miami-Dade mayor said over 200 workers are looking through the pile at all times.

• Negligence?: A 2018 engineering report found "major structural damage" to the building. And the condo board president warned things were getting worse in April, asking residents to pay at least $15 million in a special assessment for repairs. Payments were reportedly supposed to begin this week.

Who could be going to the 'big house'...

Jacob Zuma. Yesterday, South Africa's highest court sentenced the country's former president to 15 months in jail. Zuma led South Africa from 2009 to 2018. His tenure was racked with corruption allegations over scandals ranging from multi-million-dollar upgrades to his private home to reportedly accepting bribes from a French defense firm when he was deputy president. And investigators took note. But Zuma defied court orders to appear at an inquiry and answer questions. Now, the court is saying he's guilty of contempt. Zuma has less than five days to turn himself in or police will detain him.

Who's manifesting safe travels...

United Airlines. Yesterday, the company announced it's buying 270 new planes – the airline's biggest purchase and the largest from any airline carrier in the past decade. UA also shared plans to create 25,000 more jobs by 2026. It's a big rebound for the company after a turbulent year for airlines. But with demand for travel picking up, UA's hoping to stay aflight.

Who everyone's rooting for...

Randy Moore. Next month, he'll be the first African American to lead the US Forest Service in its 116-year history.

Who said 'cheese' for Vogue…

Dr. Jill Biden.

Skimm Steals

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We repeat: for the next 24 hours, Skimm'rs can try the club for just one (1) dollar. Wheels up.

Sad but true: There's been a recent spike in eating disorders, because they have a strong link to stressful and traumatic events (see: a global pandemic). And a lack of structure and social connection only makes matters worse. But know that support is out there. Meet Tierra — she can speak personally about that. After struggling with anorexia, she's now a health advocate in recovery. Watch her story here.

If you or someone you know needs help with an eating disorder, call or text the National Eating Disorders Association helpline at (800) 931-2237.

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

1. Award-winning moisturizer that doubles as foundation. With aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and mineral SPF (oh my). This brand created a tinted moisturizing formula that nourishes and protects your skin. And it's finally back in stock in every shade. Plus, Skimm'rs get 10% off. Skin-credible.*

2. Comfy button-ups that'll take you from brunch to beach. And everywhere in between. This women-led brand created light and airy linen shirts for all your warm weather activities. And you can get 20% off your first purchase. Breezy-peasy.*

3. Canned wine to add to your 4th of July cooler. This female-founded brand has six refreshing, zero-sugar wines — including two bubbly flavors to make your Independence Day extra sparkly. And they always cover shipping. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off their first order. Cheers.*

4. 22 things every book lover needs in their life. Besides ya know, peace, quiet, and time to read. On your book(marks), get set, go, go, go.

5. Products that'll help keep your kids entertained for hours. School's out and the camp counselor of the house is...you. Here's everything you need to bring on the good times.

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.

Money moves...Fiona S (FL). Also known as The Millennial Money Woman, she is a personal finance ninja who started a blog to help others navigate the world of money. She says within 12 months her blog was featured in Forbes. Learn more.

Not slowing down...Metra F (MN). While raising three kids under the age of four, she made her debut as an author. Metra published her novel "All The Blues Come Through." She wants other moms to know they can still achieve their dreams and rock a side part.

(Some) Birthdays...Cheryl Minikes (NY), Bianca Schuman, Monica Burger (IN), Kortney Easterly (NY), Julie Hooper (NY), Rebecca Johnson (SD), Anna Lasseter (TN), Ashley Grates (NY), Cara Jorgensen (AZ ), Linda Alperin (NC), Calli Cardillo (CO), Sarah Sheldon (NY), Brooke McKay (IL), Connie Mistler-Ferguson (NY), Lauraine Garten (MO)

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

This week on "Skimm'd from the Couch": Fashion designer, entrepreneur, and former J.Crew Group president Jenna Lyons on building an authentic personal brand. Plus, how she maintained a sense of identity, even after she left her job.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain