NEWSLETTER
FALL 2026
WELCOME to the Fall issue of the Silver State Equality newsletter. As we move through another important year — and with the midterm elections less than 12 weeks away — I continue to be inspired by the resilience and determination of our community. With your support, Silver State Equality led with purpose during the June primary election, endorsing candidates who share our commitment to fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity. We were proud to see 93% of our endorsed pro-equality candidates victorious in their races, demonstrating that equality continues to resonate with voters across our state. We will continue to announce further pro-equality candidate endorsements before the general election in November. We are proud to support leaders who understand that civil rights are fundamental - not partisan. As election season continues, Silver State Equality encourages every eligible voter to make a plan, learn about the candidates, and participate in shaping the future of our state. You can find important
voter information on our website’s Election Center. The power to influence policies that impact LGBTQ+ people, our families and our allies rests in your hands. Without hesitation, every challenge we face is met with people who are willing to rise up, speak out and work together to build a better Nevada. The road ahead may not always be easy, but optimism abounds because of this incredible community. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping create a future where equality is not just an aspiration, but a reality for all.
André C. Wade State Director Silver State Equality Pronouns: he/him/his
EQUALITY AWARDS
LAS VEGAS
SILVER STATE EQUALITY AWARDS — Don’t miss it! Join us on September 25, 2026 for the annual Silver State Equality Awards cocktail reception and ceremony at the stunning, new Soleia Beach Rooftop Pool at The Vanderpump Hotel in Las Vegas Hosted by Jayson Michael Tucker, Las Vegasarea host, vocalist and Chippendale’s dancer, this year’s celebration will recognize two outstanding honorees. Hon. Shelley Berkley, Mayor of the City of Las Vegas, will receive the Equality Allyship Award; Jon Ralston, founder and CEO of The Nevada Independent, will be honored with the Equality Advocate Award. This signature event brings together influential LGBTQ+ community leaders, elected officials, business and labor leaders, celebrities and more for an inspiring evening to recognize those who have advanced equality and inclusion in Nevada. Ticket and sponsorship information is available here. JAYSON MICHAEL TUCKER Las Vegas Host, Vocalist, & Dancer Host HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY Mayor of the City of Las Vegas Equality Allyship Award JON RALSTON Founder & CEO of The Nevada Independent Equality Advocate Award
GET TICKETS NOW
2026
Silver State Equality Get Out the Vote The Silver State Equality Election Center provides everything voters need in one place – from voter registration and election deadlines to early voting information, polling locations and volunteer opportunities. Visit Silver State Equality Election Center.
IMPORTANT DATES: ∂ Last day to register to vote: October 6, 2026 ∂ Early Voting: October 17-30, 2026 ∂ Election Day: November 3, 2026 Every election is an opportunity to shape the future and voting is one of the most powerful ways to protect and advance LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to providing resources, Silver State Equality organizes voter registration drives, community events, educational programs and volunteer opportunities that connect people with issues and with one another. If you haven’t already, register to vote today and/ or verify your voter registration by visiting Rock The Vote. Progress depends on participation.
Silver State Equality Endorsed Candidates Sweep Primary Election Silver State Equality celebrated an overwhelmingly successful Nevada Primary Election with 93 percent of our endorsed candidates winning their races and advancing to the November general election, demonstrating that Nevadans are choosing experienced , valuesdriven leaders committed to protecting equality, standing up to anti-LGBTQ+ extremism and improving the lives of all Nevadans. Our endorsed candidates secured
victories across federal, state and local Assembly and Senate contests including US Representatives Dina Titus, Susie Lee and Steven Horsford; Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar; Attorney General Nicole Cannizzaro; Senator Melanie Scheible; Assembly candidate Ryan Hampton; Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom, and North Las Vegas mayoral candidate Daniele Monroe-Moreno.
Save the Dates Equality Luncheon Wednesday, October 14 | 12:00pm The annual Silver State Equality Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, October 14 at 12pm. The luncheon will be focused on the upcoming midterm elections and provide important information including how to vote and opportunities to volunteer. We’ll also have an in-depth discussion about two ballot measures: Question 6 which aims to add statewide constitutional protections for reproductive rights, and Question 7 which would add ID requirements for persons who vote. We also plan to introduce our legislative priorities for the 2027 legislative session. More information will be available in the coming weeks!
Las Vegas PRIDE Night Parade Friday, October 9, 2026 | 6:00pm Mark your calendars for Friday, October 9, 2026 and join us in downtown Las Vegas for the annual Las Vegas PRIDE Night Parade – Southern Nevada’s most glamorous celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. The festivities kick off with a pre-show at 6pm, followed by the parade at 7pm, which kicks off from the main stage at 4th St. and Bridger Ave. Enjoy food trucks, beverages, exhibitors and the Block Party on 4th St. If you’d like to walk with Silver State Equality, you can write to email@silverstateequality.org.
Policy Tracking The policy landscape continues to evolve rapidly through executive orders, legislation and court rulings. For weekly updates sign up for the Silver State Equality Brief. Here’s a quick recap of recent activity.
Federal Actions Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a proposed rule that will deny Medicaid funding for medically-necessary healthcare for transgender youth under 18, as well as Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding for youth under 19. The rule is scheduled to take effect on October 13, 2026. Other anti-LGBTQ+ moves by the Trump administration include the Department of Veterans Affairs ending the LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator Program, and the Health and Human Services Department rescinding federal protections for LGBTQ+ youth in foster care. The Justice Department has also announced plans to attempt reinstatement of the transgender military ban, currently undergoing a protracted legal challenge.
Courts In the consolidated cases of B.P.J. v. West Virginia and Hecox v. Little, the Supreme Court upheld restrictions on transgender student participation in school sports under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause in limited circumstances. At the same time, the Court did not disturb existing federal protections against sex discrimination outside the context of school athletics. In federal court,
a judge has required the Pentagon to explain why testosterone treatment is considered acceptable for cisgender service-members but not for transgender service-members. Looking ahead to next term, SCOTUS will hear a case involving parental rights and minors’s access to gender-affirming care and related services.
Healthcare & Public Health An amfAR report found that cuts to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding have significantly disrupted global HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs. Following bipartisan pressure in Congress, previously approved funding is expected to be released. Merck Pharmaceuticals announced licensing agreements with seven manufacturers to produce affordable generic versions of a new HIV PrEP medication, alimatravir, once clinical trials are completed.
States A coalition of 25 states and the District of Columbia filed suit challenging federal Medicaid work requirements. In New Hampshire, Governor Kelly Ayotte signed legislation requiring schools to notify parents when transgender students identify differently at school, reversing previous privacy protections guaranteed by the state constitution.
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EQUALITY BRIEF
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In the news
Why We Rise Up
Parenting Outside the Lines
By André Wade Silver State Equality Director
By Jessica Munger Silver State Equality Program & Policy Manager
Citing a strong tradition of collective action, joyful resistance and the enduring pursuit of equality, Silver State Equality State Director André Wade explains the importance of this year's Pride theme, Rise Up, and the need to continue fighting for the betterment of the LGBTQ+ community.
Jessica writes about life as a queer parent, acknowledging both the fulfillment as well as the fear that comes when entering new and unfamiliar spaces, ultimately concluding, “Building family and community that holds you exactly as you are is everything.”
HIV/AIDS Support and Education In our Spring issue, we announced that thanks to a grant from Gilead Sciences, Silver State Equality was launching an expanded initiative to make HIV prevention information more accessible. You can now access our fully updated HIV resource page featuring the latest advancements in testing, prevention and treatment.
Visit Protected & Proud.
PREVENTION HIV is preventable. You decide what HIV prevention looks like for you.
TESTING
Knowing your status is a routine part of taking care of your health & your community.
TREATMENT People living with HIV can live long, healthy lives with the right care.
As Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, Silver State Equality brings the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power in Nevada and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just and fully equal for all LGBTQ+ people.
You can stay informed and discover ways you can join the fight for LGBTQ+ civil rights and social justice by signing up for Silver State Equality updates.
NEVADA HEADQUARTERS 4780 West Ann Road #5357 North Las Vegas, NV 89031 E: andre@silverstateequality.org P: (702) 755-6288 CONNECT WITH US!
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