Daily Skimm Weekend: GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis on the current state of LGBTQIA+ rights in the US.

Happy Pride. Every June, in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, people across the country come together to celebrate the lives and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. This year, that comes as a record number of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures. To learn more about the current state of LGBTQIA+ rights in the US, we spoke to GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis.

Q: You’ve been in your role since 2014. In that time, how have LGBTQIA+ rights changed?

I’ve seen some great accelerations and some setbacks. When I started, we did not have marriage equality yet, so I was able to help GLAAD and other organizations move that forward. And then we saw some great progress tied to that. A lot of hearts and minds changed. Now we see ourselves in a new day, in a new era, with a concerted effort to roll back the rights that we have been fighting for ... Anytime you see aggression towards your community, it makes it a less safe environment. It makes it a place where we look over our shoulder more often than not, and it really impacts — especially the trans community and families with trans youth in it — how they live their lives. I’ve met families who have moved out of states where aggressive laws were passed. I’ve met families who are considering to or can’t afford to. So it’s having a real impact on our community.

Q: What do you find most concerning? 

This year, we saw an unprecedented number of anti-LGBTQ bills proposed at the state level — over 500. That’s an enormous number and most target the trans community. We’ve also seen a real rise in violence against our community: GLAAD has tracked over 160 threats of violence or direct attacks on LGBTQ events in less than a year. So for me, there’s two things happening: One is this culture of hate and aggression against our community and the other is this extremist right wing political body that is using our community as a minority. Eighty-four percent of Americans say that the LGBTQ community should have equal rights. So even though there is this very small minority who is extreme and hateful, they are dominating the airwaves right now. As a community, we need to fight back and flood the airwaves with our stories and counter this misinformation campaign against our community. 

Q: In wake of the Target and Bud Light controversies, what’s your advice for companies that want to foster inclusivity?

There are plenty of companies, like North Face and Nike, who have been tested and threatened by these extremists, but they’ve stood with their values. And then these folks back off. Ultimately, the bottom line is that business has to embrace this next generation — because at least 20% of Gen Z identifies as LGBTQ. If you also count our allies, that’s a big population of consumers and employees. So you have to have the moral compass and the gravitas to stick with your beliefs. If you’ve been saying this is who you are as a company, when you get tested in these moments, you’ve gotta pass the test and stand up.

Q: What keeps you optimistic about the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights?

Our community. It is organized. We care deeply about each other. It has always been the foundation of the advances that we’ve made. And if you take a long view, you can see we’ve made a lot of advances in equality and acceptance. I know we’re committed to making similar advances in the next decades and we’re not going to be stopped … Get involved in an organization, whether local or national, that means something to you. Use your platforms and use your spaces. Be a voice for us in spaces where we might not be invited or allowed at this moment in time. You don’t have to take on the whole kit and caboodle — small acts have a huge impact.

📺 In entertainment…

“The Idol” will finally make its debut tomorrow night, after a whole lot of controversy. Speaking of, Hulu’s shining the spotlight on scandalous influencers. Prefer something a bit lighter? The fourth and final season of “Never Have I Ever” is what you need. In other TV news, Padma Lakshmi says she’ll ‘pack her knives and go’ after this season of “Top Chef.” While in music, Kid Cudi is continuing his pursuit of happiness with a new single — and a new album this fall. And Niall Horan will put on quite “The Show” in just a few days.

👗 In style...

​​’Tis the season for making a splash, so consider dipping your fingers and toes in “pool water.” Or, you could keep mermaidcore afloat with a mermaid mani. In other beauty news: If you feel like everyone suddenly has unbelievably smooth skin, you’re not alone. Expect things to get even smoother when the first skin booster hits the market this fall. And “weird lipsticks” (think: shades of black, blue, and gray) are getting the kiss of approval. No surprise, since weird is apparently the new hot. Also unconventional? Comedians — and Formula 1 drivers — are apparently the latest fashion icons, so you might want to look to them for what to wear next. Oh and while thong sandals have done a flip-flop, dupes still have us flipping out.

💫 In the stars…

No plans tonight? Consider dancing in the (strawberry) moonlight. Then prepare yourself for some summer lovin’ starting June 5, when Venus links up with Leo. Speaking of astrology, turns out, there’s more than just sun, moon, and rising signs. And knowing them all could take your next therapy session to infinity and beyond. Meanwhile, in space exploration: NASA is looking for new ways to spice up astronauts’ dinner plans, while a panel assembled by the agency said there’s “no conclusive evidence” of extraterrestrial UFOs. At least, for now. And scientists are making gravitational waves when it comes to spotting cosmic collisions.

Forward this to a friend. Click here.

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

1. Ultra-soft boxer briefs designed with every body in mind.

Who says boxers are just for guys? LGBTQ-founded Woxer’s comfy, anti-chafing boxer briefs are twice as soft as cotton. Plus they’ve got a no-dig waistband. Psst…don’t miss out on their panties and bralettes, either.*

2. Reads that belong in your beach bag this summer.

Grab your sunnies and get ready to sit lazily on the beach with a page turner that's totally worth it.

3. QVC's first-ever Foodie Fest.

Tune in all weekend for meal ideas (there are two live audience shows) and shop tons of delicious treats too.

*Slams laptop shut until Monday.* We know the feeling. And we’ve got some tips for escape.

Today is World Bicycle Day. So there’s no better time to go for a spin. If you’re traveling, biking can be one of the best (and most affordable) ways to explore a new city. But even if you’re staying home, it’s a great option for getting a little lost — figuratively, of course. Plus, it’s a wheely easy way to stay active, boost your mood, and take in the great outdoors. Here are a few tips to get your wheels turning…

• Gear up. First things first, make sure you have the right bike. That usually depends on the length and type of ride you want to do: Road or hybrid bikes are best for low-key spins on paved roads and bike paths, while mountain or gravel bikes are ideal for more extreme rides. Whatever you choose, don’t forget to get a comfortable seat, an easy-to-access water bottle, and a sturdy helmet. And keep in mind, biking doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to rent one from a local bike store. Or, if you’re in a big city, there might be a bike-share program, like NYC’s Citi Bike or San Francisco’s Bay Wheels. 

• Pick a route. If you need some help planning your adventure, apps like AllTrails, TrailLink, Strava, and Ride with GPS are filled with suggestions for trails in just about any area. And some include important details like elevation gain and estimated time. (Pro tip: If road biking is a new hobby, experts recommend starting small and working your way up.) And make sure to pack a snack or picnic for when you need a brake, ahem, break.

• Get involved. You don’t have to go at it alone. Clubs and orgs across the country offer group rides. To find one near you, check out the online directories from the League of American Bicyclists or USA Cycling. Or, enter “bicycle clubs near me” in your fave search engine.

• Stay safe. Make sure to wear bright clothing, so you’re easier to spot — particularly if you’re hitting the road. In that case, you might also want to invest in some reflective gear and bike lights, and remember to ride with the flow of traffic, not against it. Also, no matter your route, it’s a good idea to double check that your seat and gears are adjusted properly to avoid any issues.