HRC condemns the effort as 'cruel' and 'discriminatory'
Press secretary's promotion was reported on Monday
Oval Office sit-down was the first for an LGBTQ newspaper
New nondiscrimination rules took effect last week
Advocacy groups praise vice president, President Biden
Karine Jean-Pierre also highlighted mental health efforts
'When we fight for our rights, we see progress — and we win'
Diverse group includes 11 LGBTQ judges
On the two-year anniversary of her appointment, she says, 'representation matters'
8 queens vie for $200,000 prize for charity in new season, premiering May 17
