Happy Pride Month, John!
June is the month of brightest light in the northern hemisphere. It’s also when the LGBTQ+ community celebrates stepping into the light with pride in who we are and how far we’ve all come; in judging each other by our characters not by whom we love.
My partner Paolo and I at Palm Springs Pride last year.
Like many, my partner Paolo and I came of age at a time when being gay was still considered a crime in many states. I often reflect back to when I was 17 years old in the months after 9/11. I had a deep sense of duty to serve the country, but policies like
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” discouraged me from joining the military. Thanks to a lot of brave LGBTQ+ Americans who came before me and had the courage to come out, I eventually got the chance to work openly in law enforcement and counterterrorism.
We’ve come a long way, and I never imagined what Pride would mean for me today.
CA-41 is now home to Palm Springs, one of the largest and most vibrant LGBTQ+ communities in the country. Running to represent this city in Congress is an honor, and it certainly carries a weight of responsibility. Not to mention my opponent is Rep. Ken Calvert -- a man whose 30-year career has been defined by homophobia and opposition to LGBTQ+ rights.
There’s much to celebrate this month, but our fight isn’t over. We’re seeing a rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment cropping up across the country -- whether it’s book bans, anti-trans legislation, or boycotts against businesses that prioritize equality.
This month, let’s recommit to standing up to those who seek to divide us. In Congress, I'll never stop pushing for equal protection under the law for every American.
Proud to have you by my side. 🏳️🌈
Will
