CONGRESSIONAL EQUALITY CAUCUS MARKS THE START OF PRIDE MONTH 2023

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Congressional Equality Caucus released the following statement celebrating the start of Pride Month.

"Pride is a time to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community and recommit to fighting for LGBTQI+ rights. This year, the Equality Caucus is celebrating Pride with our largest membership to date, 194 members ­– all of whom are devoted to fighting for equality for our community," said Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02). "Pride 2023, however, is occurring at a perilous time for equality. Our community, especially our transgender siblings, are under attack from extremist politicians across the country and in Congress. The Equality Caucus will not stop fighting against these attacks and for explicit protections from discrimination for our community so that every Pride Month can be a joyful one."

"Pride Month is a time to celebrate and uplift the LGBTQI+ community but it is also a call to action," said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08). "Last Congress, Democrats acted with fierce urgency to protect every American's right to marriage in the face of attacks by the radical right-wing Supreme Court by sending the Respect for Marriage Act to President Biden's desk. But our work is not done, and we must continue to stand up and speak out as extreme MAGA Republicans across the country launch dangerous attacks on the LGBTQI+ community and attempt to roll back progress. That's why later this month, House Democrats will reintroduce the Equality Act and recommit ourselves to ensuring that our nation can live up to its promise of liberty and justice for all."

"The story of Pride reminds us that justice can only be won when we all fight together for the safety, dignity, and freedom of every person," said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05). "As right-wing extremists attempt to silence and erase the voices of LGBTQI+ Americans, House Democrats stand with countless, courageous advocates in our shared struggle against this vile bigotry. With the Congressional Equality Caucus guiding our way forward, we will never stop fighting to defend and bolster the hard-won rights secured by our LGBTQI+ friends and loved ones. We have their backs – this month and always."

"Pride Month is a time to celebrate the vibrancy of the LGBTQI+ community and recognize the triumphs of all those who fought tirelessly to enshrine marriage equality into law," said Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (CA-33). "As extreme MAGA Republicans continue their relentless attacks on the LGBTQI+ community, House Democrats stand united in defense of equality for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Together, alongside Chair Pocan and the entire Equality Caucus, we will build on our progress and continue our work to make America a more just nation."

"As we begin observance of Pride Month this year, I stand proudly as the first openly gay person of color elected to Congress and embrace the legacy of LGBTQI+ trailblazers who fought tirelessly for equality and justice. We celebrate the vibrant diversity and resilience of our community and honor those who paved the way for us to live authentically and love without fear," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mark Takano (CA-39). "As attacks on our community continue to rise, let us remember that Pride is not just a celebration, but a call to action - a reminder that our work towards full acceptance and equal rights continues. Together, we will champion love, inclusivity, and progress; building a future where every person can thrive and be proud of who they are."

"The LGBTQI+ community in Minnesota, and across the country, is vibrant and beautiful. As we kick off Pride Month, it's important we take time to celebrate all that our community has overcome – as well as recommit to the critical fight for equality," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Angie Craig (MN-02).

"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 Equality Caucus Co-Chair Sharice Davids (KS-03). "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."

"Pride is an opportunity for all of us to come together in community and celebrate the importance of living as our full authentic selves. It's also an opportunity to stand together against ongoing efforts to discriminate against LGBTQI+ students, families, and individuals across our country," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Chris Pappas (NH-01). "Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in their community, free from discrimination and the harm it brings, and I could not be more proud to continue the fight for equality for LGBTQI+ individuals in Congress. When we work to create a positive environment that respects everyone and protects personal freedoms, we all win. That is how we will continue to change our world for the better."

"As we enter the month of June, I'd like to wish a happy PRIDE Month to the LGBTQI+ community and all who observe and celebrate across the country," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Ritchie Torres (NY-15). "It's more important than ever that we remember PRIDE began as a protest led by activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera – two of my personal heroes – whose bravery and advocacy changed the world and paved the way for younger generations. But as much progress as we've made, it's on all of us to continue their fight for equality today and stand up against countless extreme, bigoted, and hateful anti-LGBTQI+ pieces of legislation introduced at all levels of government that seek to attack and erase our very existence. Our people, history, stories, and culture – both past and present – unapologetically deserve to be seen and told fully, and as Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and the first openly LGBTQI+ Afro Latino elected to Congress, I'm committed to securing a future where all LGBTQI+ individuals are free to love who they love and live their authentic lives with full and equal protections and rights under the law."

"For over 50 years, our community has come together in June to celebrate how far we've come, learn from our history, and fight back against those who want to roll back our rights. As a gay woman in Congress, I lead knowing there are so many young LGBTQI+ Americans who look to us for represent their needs here in Washington," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Becca Balint (VT-AL). "It is incredibly important in the face of relentless attacks that we make space to joyfully celebrate the strength of the LGBTQI+ community. This year in particular, I'm thinking of trans kids and those who love them. I want them to know that there are people in Congress fighting for them every day. Here's to a joyful Pride month ahead."

"As the first gay immigrant elected to Congress, I'm proud to advocate on behalf of the LGBTQI+ community, especially on the issues that intersect with the interests of immigrants and communities of color," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Robert Garcia (CA-42). "As Pride Month begins, we take this time to celebrate the beautiful diversity of our community, as well as the progress we've made through protest. However, we also recognize that more progress is needed. Whether it's attacks on gender-affirming care, bans on drag performers, or attacks on gay rights around the world, we must continue to stand up against these unprecedented attacks and fight back. That is the essence of Pride."

"Celebrating Pride is more important than ever before. Our community is under attack, with extremists seeking to silence our voices and end the progress we are making to create a more accepting and inclusive society for LGBTQI+ Americans. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect our community and ensure that all LGBTQI+ Americans are treated with respect and dignity," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Eric Sorensen (IL-17).