Congressional Equality Caucus & House Democrats Celebrate Pride Month 2025

Washington, DC — To celebrate the beginning of Pride Month, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Equality Caucus and the leadership of the House Democratic Caucus released the following statements:

“Pride isn’t just about rainbows and parades. Pride is—and always will be—a protest. As we celebrate Pride Month this year, we as a community also make a demand: treat us as equals, not as ‘others’,” said Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “For years now, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have been relentlessly attacking our community—especially our transgender siblings—to distract Americans from their cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, handouts to their billionaire donors, and the destruction that Trump’s tariffs have wreaked on our economy. While Trump and the GOP try to attack and dehumanize our community, I’m proud to be joined by my co-chairs in leading a coalition of more than 190 Members of Congress that honors the spirit of Pride and is fighting every day for LGBTQI+ equality.”

“Pride Month is a time to celebrate the strength, courage and resilience of the LGBTQI+ community—and also a call to action,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). “Everyone deserves to live free from hate, discrimination and fear. This month and every month, House Democrats will continue to push back against extremist Republicans who are determined to attack the LGBTQI+ community and turn back the clock on progress. I am proud to fight alongside the Congressional Equality Caucus to ensure that America lives up to its promise of liberty and justice for all.”

"Pride is a celebration of joy, expression, liberation, and resilience. It shines a spotlight on the progress we've made toward a more equitable future for every American — and reminds us of just how far we have left to go," said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05). "As we honor the trailblazers who made Pride possible, I am proud to stand with the Equality Caucus in carrying their legacy forward. Together, we will continue confronting hate and building an America where everyone can live freely and authentically."

“Pride Month is a time to celebrate the resilience, courage and unwavering spirit of LGBTQI+ Americans who have fought, and continue to fight, for a more inclusive, vibrant and prosperous nation,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and Member of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “House Democrats will continue to stand up in support of the LGBTQI+ community. I’m proud to work alongside Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Mark Takano and my CEC colleagues to end hate and discrimination, combat anti-equality legislation and guarantee equal opportunity for every person.”

“Pride is a time to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community’s strength, joy, and perseverance in the face of oppression,” said Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “But right now, our community, especially our transgender siblings, are under constant attack by anti-equality extremists who seek to undermine our rights. We must not lose sight that the fight is not yet over. In honoring the spirit of Pride, I’m grateful to help co-lead the Equality Caucus by fighting every day to defend against these attacks and to advance LGBTQI+ equality here in Congress.”

“This Pride Month, we come together to celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ communities in Minnesota and across the country,” said Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “LGBTQI+ communities have been at the forefront of the fight for progress, not only for LGBTQI+ Americans, but for folks from all walks of life. During Pride Month, we honor the progress we have made and recommit to fighting for equality for everyone.” 

"As we celebrate Pride Month, our nation is at a critical inflection point, and we must stand up for what is decent and right," said Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "Progress has never come easily, but LGBTQI+ Americans are resilient, diverse, and joyful, and we have a proud history of activism. I am grateful to represent folks in every corner of Kansas' Third District, including LGBTQI+ Kansans, as we work to create a country where future generations can prosper."

“During Pride, we come together as a community to celebrate living as our full authentic selves and stand together against hate and the ongoing efforts to discriminate against LGBTQ+ students, families, and individuals across our country. As a gay person growing up in New Hampshire, I wasn't always sure there would be a place for me. But Granite Staters welcomed me for who I am, and I could not be more proud to serve them in Congress and fight for equality for LGBTQ+ individuals in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “In light of the challenges our community continues to face, I want to say to every person who may find themselves wondering what the future holds for them: you are seen, you are supported, and you deserve the chance to be yourself. So be proud of who you are.”

"As a child of the Bronx who grew up in public housing, I was petrified to come out of the closet in my youth," said Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "Now, as the first openly LGBTQI+ Afro-Latino Member of Congress, I feel the weight of history on my shoulders. I know firsthand the discrimination members of the LGBTQI+ community face and am determined to make a positive change for my community. This Pride, I am thinking about how we are both so close and yet so far to realizing the full vision of equality in America. It's crucial that we aggressively combat LGBTQI+ discrimination with federal action. Millions of Americans still live in fear of losing their jobs, homes, or livelihoods because of who they are and whom they love. Happy Pride. Let's never give up on the fight."

“This year, Pride is more important than ever. While the Trump Administration and Republicans all over the country obsess over rolling back our rights, we are loudly saying that you cannot erase us,” said Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “As the first openly queer person to represent Vermont in Congress, I’m committed to making sure our queer and trans friends, family, neighbors, and especially our youth know that we are worthy of equality, dignity, and respect. As Republicans use their power to restrict our health care and attack and dehumanize our community, I’m not standing down. They cannot take away our voice or our joy. Pride Month is ours to celebrate.”

"For so many of us, Pride Month is about showing up, speaking out, and being seen, especially when our community is facing relentless attacks," said Rep. Robert Garcia (CA-42), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "As the first gay immigrant elected to Congress, I know just how difficult the challenges are that so many people are facing. Right now, LGBTQ+ people, especially our trans community, are being targeted by extremists. This Pride Month and always, I will fight to protect our rights and push for real equality."

“Pride Month is a time to celebrate how far we’ve come—and recommit ourselves to the work still ahead. As the first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress from Illinois, I carry with me the voices, hopes, and struggles of millions of Americans who deserve to live openly, safely, and equally,” said Rep. Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. “This month and every month, I’m fighting to expand protections and advance real equality for all members of our LGBTQ+ community. Because everyone, no matter who they are or who they love, deserves a country that stands with them.”

“Pride Month is a celebration of resilience and the ongoing fight for equality,” said Rep. Julie Johnson (TX-32), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "LGBTQI+ Americans still lack explicit federal nondiscrimination protections in too many areas of life, from the workplace to the doctor’s office to housing and more. We’ve seen state legislatures across the country—including in Texas—introduce bills that target our rights and attempt to erase our existence. That’s why this month, and every month, I’m committed to standing up for the LGBTQI+ community in Congress—not just in celebration, but in action. We must pass federal legislation, such as the Equality Act, that guarantees every person can live openly and safely, with equal rights under the law, regardless of who they are or who they love. Equality isn’t optional. It’s a constitutional promise—and one we must fulfill.”

"Pride is a celebration of who we are and a reflection of who we can be—when we lead with compassion, courage, and community," said Rep. Sarah McBride (DE-AL), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "In towns across Delaware, I see LGBTQI+ people living their truth, supporting one another, and pushing for progress, even when the odds feel steep. That's the spirit of Pride: resilience in the face of adversity and a relentless belief in a fairer future. As hopeless as this moment may seem, our shared history is one of progress. This month, and every month, we stand together—for dignity, for equality, and for a world where every person is free to thrive."

"For the queer community, living our lives authentically has always been political. We’ve had to fight to dance in public, to get married, to have children, to work at our jobs free from discrimination,” said Rep. Emily Randall (WA-06), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. "As the first openly queer Latina elected to Congress, I carry that legacy with pride—and with purpose. And our fight is far from over. From Republican controlled legislatures around the country to the Oval Office, our ability to live our lives and love who we love is under attack. We are under attack. But there was no past without us, and there sure as hell won’t be a future without us. The struggle for full equality continues—from the halls of Congress to communities across the country. I’m proud to be a leader in that fight as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. This Pride Month, let’s honor our history and our future, uplift our voices, and keep pushing forward. ¡Viva con Pride!"