Hi there,
In June, we celebrated Juneteenth and Pride, and July – for many – started with the commemoration of the United States’ independence. Sadly, in 2023, we know that this nation continues to withhold freedom from so many.
Marsha P. Johnson, one of the leaders of the Stonewall Uprising and arguably the mother of the LGBTQ+ Pride movement, once said, “You never completely have your rights, one person, until you all have your rights.”
URGE works toward freedom for all—all who build families, all who love, all who wish to live in their bodies in peace. Our community is led by queer, trans, low-income young people of color. They are the ones pushing America toward freedom and I want to extend my deep gratitude to every young person doing this work.
While Pride Month has ended, we know that the values of Pride live all year round. Across the South, Midwest, and California, URGE is defending reproductive justice for all as many in power try to take it away. We will never stop fighting until every person in America can be who they are and love who they love. To me, that’s what freedom and independence look like.
Happy Pride!
Toni J. Watkins (she/her)
Integrated Voter Engagement Director/URGE
