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Erik Bottcher (openly gay Democrat) winning New York State Assembly District 47 special election

• LGBTQ Nation: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/02/gay-democrat-clobbers-gop-opponent-in-special-election-im-excited-to-get-to-work
• amNewYork: https://www.amny.com/politics/democrats-erik-bottcher-keith-powers-special-elections

New Hampshire Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte vetoing GOP-led anti-trans bill SB 268

• GLAD Law (advocates' statement): https://www.gladlaw.org/advocates-applaud-governor-ayottes-veto-of-anti-lgbtq-bill
• Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/06/metro/nh-governor-ayotte-veto-bathroom-bill-transgender

Iowa protesters/advocates rallying against bill (HSB 669/related)

• The Gazette: https://www.thegazette.com/state-government/love-not-hate-iowans-protest-gop-bills-targeting-transgender-protections-and-parenting-rules
• We Are Iowa: https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/politics/statehouse/bills-iowa-capitol-legislature-conversion-therapy-local-civil-rights-authority/524-244c8072-d9d6-41e7-8dfc-363bf69f54d4

Oregon coalition (ACLU of Oregon, Basic Rights Oregon, Planned Parenthood) dropping/ending Equal Rights for All constitutional ballot initiative on gender-affirming care, abortion, same-sex marriage

• KLCC / Oregon Public Broadcasting: https://www.klcc.org/politics-government/2026-02-09/oregon-advocates-drop-ballot-measure-that-would-secure-rights-to-transgender-health-care-abortion-same-sex-marriage

• OPB (related announcement coverage): https://www.opb.org/article/2026/02/09/oregon-advocates-drop-ballot-measure-equal-rights-all/

Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Pride House events/advocacy in Milan, Italy

• Washington Blade: https://www.washingtonblade.com/2026/02/09/olympics-pride-house-really-important-for-the-community

• Advocate (Italy LGBTQ+ rights context at Games): https://www.advocate.com/news/italy-olympics-lgbtq-rights