Big Wins in Texas, Wisconsin, and More! You’ll Want to Read This

Consent, citizenship, and care; what changed this week because people spoke up.

Hola! Happy Sunday.

Before I share some good news with you, I have to ask:

Did you know that this weekly Sunday newsletter is called The Bright Side because it’s:

Bits of
Real
Inspiration
Giving
Hope
Today

Did I ever share that with you all?

To be fair and honest, I didn’t come up with the acronym. I asked ChatGPT to help me brainstorm because I wanted something cute that felt true to what this series is about: hopeful, real, and grounded.

And have I told you about my pet dragonfly?

There’s this red dragonfly that comes to my garden every summer. Obviously, I can’t be 100% sure it’s the same one… but if you’re thinking “that can’t possibly be true, their lifespan wouldn’t allow it,” I need you to meet the flame skimmer. It lives up to 1–3 years!

Every June, this little guy shows up and spends hours just chilling on a stick we placed in one of our planters. He lets you get really close, too. I like to think he remembers me.

The world feels heavy these days, I know. But we can still find things that make us smile, dragonflies, flowers, sunshine, a good book, or even just watching dogs play at the park.

And since we’re talking about things that bring us joy… I’ve been on a rom-com book streak lately. I know they’re usually a little predictable, but that’s kind of what I love about them. The happy ending is basically guaranteed, which helps my anxious brain relax a little.

I especially love the ones that still manage to surprise you along the way. (The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston is a good one if you’re looking.)

But I have to admit something: I always peek at the last chapter to make sure the couple ends up together. I know, I know, it drives my husband crazy. But I need the reassurance!

Okay. Enough of my silly habits. Let’s get to the good news:

A win for Planned Parenthood and everyone who needs care.

A federal judge stepped in to block Trump’s latest attempt to strip Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood. For now, this means hundreds of clinics across the country can keep their doors open, especially in rural and underserved areas where they’re the only option for cancer screenings, birth control, and more. The case isn’t over, but this pause gives patients and providers a critical lifeline.

A federal judge just paused Trump’s attack on birthright citizenship.

Trump tried to end birthright citizenship for babies born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrant parents, and a federal judge just said, not so fast. The judge blocked the order temporarily while the case moves forward, giving families across the country a moment of relief. That means those children are still recognized as U.S. citizens for now. The fight to protect the 14th Amendment is far from over, but this was an important stop along the way.

Democrats threw a science fair.

After Trump’s administration slashed funding for pandemic prep, cancer research, and more, House Democrats did something creative: they hosted a “science fair for canceled grants” on Capitol Hill. Scientists stood next to poster boards showing what their research could’ve accomplished if politics hadn’t gotten in the way. It was bold, it was smart, and it reminded us just how much is at stake when science is sidelined.

One Survivor’s Fight Led to a Law That Finally Defines Consent in Texas.

Summer Willis was told her assault didn’t “count” under Texas law. So she started speaking out and running marathons to raise awareness. Her most recent act? Crawling 13 miles on her hands and knees to highlight how hard survivors have to fight just to be heard.

It took years of advocacy from her and many others, but Texas finally passed the Summer Willis Act, which closes a dangerous loophole and clearly defines consent. The law is named after her, but this win belongs to every survivor who refused to give up.

A huge win for LGBTQ+ thanks to voters in Wisconsin

Conversion therapy is a dangerous and discredited practice that tries to force LGBTQ+ people, especially kids, to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. This week, Wisconsin’s Supreme Court cleared the way for the state to finally ban it.

And here’s the key: this ruling only happened because voters flipped a Supreme Court seat in April. It’s the same race that Elon Musk spent millions trying to win for conservatives. He lost. And now, LGBTQ+ youth are safer. It’s a powerful reminder: when we vote in local elections, we change lives.

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If you’re feeling a little more hopeful than when you started reading, pass this along to someone who might need that reminder, too.

And if you missed it, last week I shared a story about Deja Foxx, the incredible young activist who is running for Congress in this year’s special election in Arizona's 7th district.

Now I want to hear from you:

What’s your favorite comfort read or a book that made you feel hopeful?

Leave a comment and help me build a community reading list! I’d love to share your recs in a future post.

Con cariño,