Happy Pride, John!
It is a privilege to serve such a vibrant LGBTQIA+ community across the state. I have been fortunate to celebrate Pride Month by attending community events and speaking with local advocates, families, and friends.
As a member of the Equality Caucus, I have worked with my colleagues to ensure that we are addressing the unique needs of the LGBTQIA+ community in legislation that is brought to the floor.
Fighting against the sustained and elevated attacks on LGBTQIA+ people starts with strong leadership and my work on this issue has been endorsed by the Equality PAC and the Human Rights Campaign.
I have fought to preserve the rights of LGBTQIA+ Americans and remedy injustices by voting in favor of legislation to protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ Americans, which includes:
- Voting for the Equality Act to ensure that the LGBTQIA+ community has equal access to protection in employment, housing, credit, jury duty, and federally funded programs under the law.
- Voting for the Respect for Marriage Act to enshrine the right to marriage for LGBTQIA+ couples into law.
- Co-sponsored the Pride in Mental Health Act, ERA Now Resolution, Mental Health Awareness Month, Pride Month Resolution, and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act, all legislation that includes protection and support for the LGBTQ community.
- Voted AGAINST legislation that would enable schools to ban books that mention LGBTQIA+ characters and the National Defense Authorization Act which contained harmful amendments that targeted transgender and gender non-conforming service members and banned the Pride flag, among other issues. I also voted against legislation that would ban transgender athletes from participating in sports programs that align with their identity.
During my time in Congress, I have voiced support for protecting transgender youth from vicious attacks to ensure they are free from bullying and raised this concern to Xavier Bacerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services, during a hearing asking that he use his authority to protect LGBTQIA+ youth. I have also delivered floor speeches and observed moments of silence to acknowledge the achievements, pain, trauma, and history of the LGBTQIA+ community.
One of the most impactful ways that we all can show up for the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole this Pride month is by electing leaders who will acknowledge the humanity of the LGBTQIA+ community and support legislation that reflects that.
Will you contribute $5 or any amount to my campaign today to stand by my side in fighting for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community? Every dollar of your support will make a difference in stopping these horrendous attacks.
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Let us join the LGBTQIA+ community not only this Pride month but all year in celebrating and defending our freedom to express our true selves without fear.
— Jahana Hayes
