Sophia Bush: New Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights at Human Rights Campaign

Commitment to LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Actor Sophia Bush and soccer player Ashlyn Harris have recently joined the board of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest LGBTQ advocacy organization in the nation. This pivotal move enhances their commitment to fighting for LGBTQ+ justice and equality.

Statements from the New Board Members

Harris, former goalkeeper for the U.S. women’s national soccer team, expressed her dedication on social media, stating, “This is not just a role; it’s a commitment to fight for LGBTQ+ justice and equality with everything I’ve got. Let’s get to work!”

Bush, who came out publicly earlier this year in an emotional essay for Glamour magazine, shared her perspective on identity, stating, “I think the word that best defines it is queer. I can’t say it without smiling, actually. And that feels pretty great.”

Political Climate’s Influence

Bush noted the increasingly hostile political environment towards LGBTQ individuals, stating, “But I’m deeply aware that we are having this conversation in a year when we’re seeing the most aggressive attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community in modern history.”

• Over 500 bills targeting LGBTQ people were considered last year.
• 75 of those bills became law, according to NBC News analysis.
• More than 520 bills have been introduced this year alone.

A Legacy of Activism

The Human Rights Campaign recognized Bush as a dedicated activist advocating for women's empowerment projects. She co-founded a civic engagement organization and serves as a general partner in a capital firm focused on minority ownership.

Harris is also noted for her role in the fight for equal pay in women’s sports, having been a plaintiff in a case against U.S. Soccer that was settled in 2022. As a board member of the Women’s Sports Foundation, she continues to support women’s sports advancement.