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Wyoming isn’t like other states when it comes to Pride. We don’t have a major population center where a gigantic, well-heeled parade rolls down the street with music blaring and floats sporting every shade of rainbow. Pride is a little bit quieter here – but no less proud.

In states across the country, and at the federal level, legislation like HB 135 has been introduced under the guise of “protecting civil liberties.” In reality, this kind of legislation, known nationally as a “First Amendment Defense Act,” legalizes discrimination against same-sex couples and transgender citizens, and endangers the rights LGBT people have fought hard to secure.

Legislators have introduced a bill would that would legalize discrimination against same-sex couples and transgender people, and would make it impossible for any branch or part of the government to enact or enforce local non-discrimination ordinances and federal protections for the LGBT community.

The Supreme Court granted an “emergency” stay yesterday to stop Gavin Grimm, a 17-year-old transgender boy from Virginia, from using the boys’ restroom at school.

This year, Wyomingites recognized Pride month as opportunity for healing and dialogue. With the recent tragedy in Orlando, Wyoming communities came together to hold vigils for the victims and their families.

During the 2015 Legislative Session, the ACLU of Wyoming was hard at work advocating for civil rights and fighting bills that threaten our freedoms.