First, thank you to everyone who made contributions supporting our campaign last month.

I also want to wish everyone a happy Pride Month! I’m excited to attend Pride parades and events across the district this month and celebrate one of the best things about New Jersey: our diversity and inclusivity. 

Pride Month is about love, acceptance, community, and the fight for equality for all. This year, it’s hard to celebrate fully without recognizing the rise in anti-LGBTQ+ bills across the country.

A new anti-LGBTQ+ bill is filed nearly every day.

According to the ACLU, nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures since the beginning of the year -- including several in New Jersey -- and over 20 of them have been signed into law. That’s more than double the number of such bills introduced last year.

There’s been an alarming spike in bills targeting LGBTQ+ health care, banning books, and scapegoating children to stir up fear in communities. It’s even happening in Congress where House Republicans passed a bill that would trigger the outing of LGBTQ+ students.

I want my kids to grow up in a country where they can be their most authentic selves. I’ve spoken to many New Jersey parents who feel the same way, and I know that sentiment is felt across the country.

Whenever we witness threats to rights and equality, we must speak up and take action. 

I will keep fighting back against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and advancing equality for all -- just like I did last year when I helped get the Respect for Marriage Act signed into law. I’m so grateful to know I can count on you to be part of this fight and our team, too. Thank you again for being committed to our work together.

All the best,

Mikie