Happy Pride!

Pride Month today is full of joy. It's a chance for the LGBTQ community and allies to come together and celebrate. But the history of Pride is protest — dating back to the Stonewall riots in 1969.

We need to honor that history and recommit to the work we have to do. That’s especially true this year as the right continues to ramp up their attacks on the LGBTQ community — particularly against trans people and kids, two of the most vulnerable groups.

So many of my Democratic colleagues and I just reintroduced the Equality Act, and now we have to build momentum for it. The Equality Act assures that no one is discriminated against because of who they love.

Will you add your name to say you support The Equality Act? This bill would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and we need to put pressure on Congress to act.

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Bullying LGBTQ kids and drag queens is not popular. The American people are on our side on this issue.

But Republican governors like Ron Desantis have been on a war path against the gay and transgender community. The bills we’re seeing in Florida, Tennessee and beyond are absurd and harmful.

We’ve seen that progress and “settled law” can be undone. Some polling has shown that Republicans’ campaign against the LGBTQ community is working to turn people against equality.

So Pride is more important than ever.

Events like parades, festivals and drag shows are places where everyone is loved and accepted as they are. Pride creates space for people still exploring or struggling with their identity to feel comfortable. It’s also a symbol of hope for so many kids — a testament to the fact that things do get better.

But the LGBTQ community deserves action from their government as well.

We’ve shown that Congress is willing to act on this. Last year, we passed the Respect for Marriage Act to codify same-sex marriage into law. But we cannot stop there.

My colleagues could and should pass the Equality Act today as a way to protect the LGBTQ community and say very loudly and proudly that the federal government will protect their rights.

Please add your name today to become a citizen co-sponsor of the Equality Act. It’s an important but meaningful way to demand action and say we have the LGBTQ community’s back.

We need to show up for our LGBTQ friends, neighbors and loved ones. Not just this month. Every day of the year.

Thanks for adding your voice to this fight.

Every best wish,

Chris Murphy

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