Congressman Neguse Statement on Pride Month

Washington D.C.— Today, Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement in celebration of Pride Month: 

“Over 50 years ago our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, fed up with harassment and persecution, took to the streets outside the Stonewall Inn in New York City to fight back against brutality and violence.  In a moment that would change the world, these proud LGBTQ Americans refused to be silenced or shamed, declaring that they would no longer stand by and have their rights, their dignity and their lives attacked or denied.”

“This year, Pride arrives at yet another moment of great reckoning for our country as Americans throughout the nation demand an end to injustice and violence. Pride reminds us that progress can made when we raise our voices against injustice and discrimination, it also calls us to recommit ourselves to the unfinished work in the fight for equality and civil rights.”

“We have seen so much progress by and for the LGBTQ community, from passing fully-inclusive hate crimes protections, repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and ensuring marriage equality for all Americans.  Last year, I was proud to vote for passage of the Equality Act on the House floor, a historic piece of legislation to fully end discrimination against LGBTQ Americans. Legislation that reaffirms that no American citizen should be denied housing, the ability to attend school, to apply for a mortgage, or to serve on a jury because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Even still, we have so much more work to do. This is apparent every day.”

“This month as we celebrate Pride, we look back proudly at how far we have come, and look forward to a day when we can truly celebrate justice for all.”