Happy Pride!

This month, and every month, it's important to celebrate our LGBTQI+ friends, family, and neighbors. We recognize that all LGBTQI+ people deserve to live freely as their authentic selves.

But 2023 has already been an extremely difficult year for LGBTQI+ individuals, particularly for LGBTQI+ youth.

Across the country, Republican-led state legislatures are passing discriminatory policies under the guise of "protecting our children." But studies have repeatedly shown that LGBTQI+ youth with supportive families, schools, and communities have significantly lower rates of attempted suicide than those who don't have support – so who exactly are they "protecting?"

It's clear that these harmful policies are driven by hate and a lack of human decency.

Even in Oregon, where we have some of the strongest LGBTQI+ protections, youth face discrimination and threats.

LGBTQI+ students should be welcome in our schools and safe from attacks.

• Trans youth should be welcome to participate in sports without harassment.
• School curriculum and books should have accurate and age-appropriate LGTBQI+ representation.
• Most of all, LGBTQI+ students should be free to be their authentic selves in their schools, homes, and communities.

In Congress, I will never stop fighting for LGBTQI+ youth. They deserve to thrive.

I know that together we can create a world where everyone is welcome and respected!

Thank you for standing with me in support of the LGBTQI+ community,

Suzanne