For as long as I can remember, there’s always been a special electricity in the air in June. While I’ve been out and proud for decades, I remember clearly what it was like to be a gay kid, afraid to be myself, and without the support of my community.
It’s remarkable to consider how much things have changed for LGBTQ+ Americans over the course of my lifetime. My teenage self would be amazed to learn that I would one day be legally married to my wife, Elizabeth, a mom to two teens myself, and the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to represent Vermont in Congress.
However — despite the progress we’ve made in my lifetime alone, our fight for equality is far from over. Last year, a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced in state legislatures across the country. That record has already been broken this year.
These coordinated and cruel attacks have been particularly targeted at the freedom and dignity of transgender children, their ability to access gender-affirming care, participate in school sports, and be accepted into their communities.
I knew I was gay at 11 years old – and it was sometimes very lonely and scary. I know how it feels to have your very existence questioned. I know anyone who has ever felt on “the outside” can understand not belonging and feeling vulnerable. You don’t have to be gay or trans to know that we need to stand up for our kids.
We can and we must – loudly and proudly – defend transgender youth who are being used as a rallying cry for hatred and bigotry by partisan extremists. LGBTQ+ children are counting on adults like you and me to stand up and fight for them.
This Pride Month, I pledge to remember the struggles and bravery of our queer ancestors — trailblazers like Leslie Feinberg, Marsha P. Johnson, and Harvey Milk — and do everything in my power to honor their activism through continued action to protect the progress we’ve won in the fight for LGBTQ+ liberation, particularly for our transgender community.
Happy Pride Month, John.
— Becca
Becca Balint made history as the first woman and openly LGBTQ+ person to represent Vermont in Congress. A Member of the Equality Caucus, Becca has become a leading voice against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Washington and an outspoken advocate for transgender children.
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