LGBTQ Advocates Face Pressure, Mobilize Voters

LGBTQ+ communities and advocates are responding to a changing political climate with both concern and organizing. In Columbia, South Carolina, local advocates describe growing reluctance among businesses and allies to publicly show support amid political pressure and the rollback of protections, as the city prepares to host its Pride celebration. In Ohio, PFLAG chapters are using a voter-registration campaign honoring longtime volunteer Joyce Strommen to encourage LGBTQ+ voters and supporters to cast ballots with compassion. In Washington state, LGBTQ+ advocates oppose two proposed ballot measures, arguing one would impose invasive eligibility checks for girls’ school sports and the other could expose vulnerable students to harm by weakening confidentiality protections. Separately, an HRC Foundation survey cited in a report found that 87% of surveyed registered LGBTQ+ voters said they definitely intend to vote in the 2026 midterms.