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June 24, 2021

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Quote of the Day

"Maybe somebody is waving" â A researcher on hundreds of stars with unobstructed views of Earth. Imagine how much those apartments are going for.

LGBTQ+ Rights Around the World

The Story

While many countries are celebrating Pride Month, some are setting up roadblocks.

Give me the good news first.

For years, people have celebrated Pride across the globe â doing things like waving flags, marching, and pushing for legislative change. And parts of the world seem to be turning a corner. Northern Ireland and Costa Rica legalized same-sex marriage last year. Thailand, Japan, and Switzerland could soon too. The EU established itself as an "LGBTIQ Freedom Zone" to protect the fundamental rights of LGBTQ+ people. And Canada's gov is hoping to criminalize conversion therapy â something UN officials say can amount to torture. But gay and transgender people don't always get to experience the same protections in some countries.

Tell me what you know.

Some governments are showing their true colors. Hungary's been passing legislation that cracks down on the LGBTQ+ community (see this and this). The latest: making it illegal to show minors content that 'promotes' homosexuality. In Poland, several towns declared themselves "LGBT-free zones." And at least 69 countries still criminalize same-sex relations. In the US, some states intro'd (or passed) bills that stop gender-affirming medical care for trans youth or forbid trans children from playing on sports teams. And 2021 is on track to be the deadliest year for trans people yet.

What's being done?

A few things. In the US, the House passed the Equality Act that would ban sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. Athletes and celebrities have also come out as members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Biden admin could be the most LGBTQ+ inclusive in history. And the number of Americans who support gay marriage has reached 70% for the first time. While that number's on par with other countries' views (like Italy, Philippines, or Mexico), there are dozens of others (including India, Kenya, and Russia) that need to catch up. And the UN is urging change.

theSkimm

The LGBTQ+ community has seen some progress. But there's still a lot left to achieve as states and countries continue to push restrictive legislation that hurts an entire group and adds to queer stigma.

And Also...This

Who's taking actionâ¦

President Biden. Yesterday, he announced a new plan to tackle gun violence. Last year, homicide rates reportedly rose 30% compared to the year before. Gun violence specifically also saw a rise. Things like pandemic stress, economic hardship, and pushback against police have factored into the rising crime rate. Now, Biden says the trend could continue as the country fully reopens this summer. And pledged a "zero tolerance" crackdown on gun dealers who break the law. He's also opening up federal aid for communities to boost their law enforcement. And to expand summer programs to keep youth out of trouble as well as help people find jobs. But Republicans have criticized Democrats for the rise in crime, linking it to calls for defunding the police.

What's showing its free speech spiritâ¦

The Supreme Court. Yesterday, it ruled that a Pennsylvania school district violated a student's First Amendment rights. In May 2017, 14-year-old freshman Brandi Levy posted a Snapchat full of 'f*cks' after she didn't make the varsity cheerleading squad. It was sent to 250 people. And a screenshot was shared with school officials. The school suspended Levy from cheerleading for a year, saying it was apparently to help promote a healthy "teamlike environment." But Levy sued, saying they had no right. The Supremes agreed, reminding schools that students don't lose their constitutional rights "at the schoolhouse gate."

Who found her voice...

Britney Spears. Yesterday, she pleaded with a Los Angeles judge to end her court-ordered conservatorship. Since an apparent mental health crisis in 2008, Spears' dad has controlled much of her personal life and career (think: restricting visitors, negotiating business deals, and overseeing medical decisions). In response, fans have launched the #FreeBritney movement, expressing concerns over the singer's well-being. Spears had reportedly voiced concerns about the conservatorship for years. But she'd mostly stayed silent on it in public. That changed when she took the mic yesterday on:

Reproductive freedom: She told the judge her conservatorship has prevented her from getting married and having a third child. And that she's being barred from removing her IUD.
Other rights: She says she's been forced to work against her will. That she's required to live with the people she works with without privacy. And she compared her situation "to sex trafficking."
Meanwhile: The attorney for Spears' dad said he's "sorry to see his daughter suffering." He has said in the past that the conservatorship is there to protect her from harm.

PS: We get into what a conservatorship is and how it works here.

What's giving updatesâ¦

The CDC. Yesterday, it said there's a "likely association" between rare heart inflammation and some COVID-19 vaccines. The health agency reviewed hundreds of cases among teens and young adults who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. And suffered from symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, and heart palpitations. The majority have recovered. But the CDC's saying 'we're looking into it.' Now, the FDA says it'll add a warning to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines about the rare heart condition. But health experts want people to know that the benefits of getting vaccinated outweigh the risks.

Dive In

It's officially warm enough to swim when you hit the beach (or pool, or lake). Which means you'll wanna know about Summersalt. They make designer-quality suits out of recycled materials. Like fishing nets and old carpets. And they add new products to their site every. single. week. Here's what's topping our list rnâ¦

A one-piece with a flattering tie waist. We're here for this update to their best-seller.

A classic triangle bikini top. In a very cute navy and white square dot pattern. Did we mention the cups are removable and the straps are adjustable?

High-waisted palazzo pants. For an easy, breezy, wrinkle-resistant lewk.

Psst...Skimm'rs get $10 toward their purchase. And free shipping that'll get their order to its destination by the 4th of July. Star-spangled swim time.

What's better than finding $100 in an old purse or coat pocket? Spending it wisely. And we're not just talking about saving it for retirement or paying down debt. You can stretch the payoff in a lot of different ways. We asked Skimmr's on Instagram what they would do with some bonus cash. Check out some of their smart ideas, plus more tips from us.

PS: Want more about money from Skimm HQ in your inbox? Sign up here.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter lifeâ¦

1. Gel that can help hide your late nights. Whether you were binge-watching, or (gasp) socializing. Inspired by tech developed at MIT, this gel helps reduce the look of under-eye bags, dark circles, and puffiness. Get $20 off your first order with code HSN2021. Thanks, science.*

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*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimmârs

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.

Making a pitch...David B (TN). He started the Blechman Foundation, a nonprofit org that provides early-stage funding for neuroprotective research for Parkinson's disease. This month, it's teamed up with a Minor League Baseball team to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's. Catch more here.

Mindful over matter...Nicole W and Tara B (WA). After being laid off during the pandemic, the two nurse practitioners started Pliable. It's an org focused on mindfully-driven health care.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Yrbenka Arthus (NY), Cliff Bayer (NY), Minka Kelly (LA), Lisa Imber (IL), Raphael Tehranian (NY), Ryan Shalley (IL), Emily Hibberts (FL), Liz Diemer (NY), Sara Kauffman (SC), Sue Hoover (IA), Claire Smith (NY), Rachel Lewis (RI), Falon Peters (MI), Teresa Jiang (CA), Allyson Wiener (NY)

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

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