Friends,
I want to wish you a very Happy Pride Month. As the state that led the nation on marriage equality and continues to stand with the LGBTQ+ community every day, Massachusetts embodies Pride like nowhere else.
From Pittsfield to Provincetown, our LGBTQ+ leaders and activists have been an integral part of the history of Massachusetts, and I’m excited to celebrate this month with every one of you.
When I reflect on the strides our community has made, I think of those who came before us and bravely paved the way for acceptance. People like my friend, the late Ann Maguire. Ann managed the campaign of Elaine Noble, whose election to the Massachusetts State House made her the first openly gay person elected to a state-level office in the United States.
Ann went on to found the Boston Lesbian & Gay Political Alliance and serve as the Boston Mayor’s Liaison to the LGBT Community, among countless other contributions. Her passing this past December was a loss for us all, and we owe it to Ann and trailblazers like her to stand proud not only this month, but every day of the year.
We have made strides in Massachusetts — from banning conversion therapy to making sure that no one can be discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. But at a time when our community is under attack around the country, now is not the time to ease up.
This November, we cannot allow hatred to turn back the clock. When I cast my ballot, I’ll have Pride in mind. In the fall, I’ll be voting for candidates who will stand up for our rights and protect the most vulnerable. I hope you will too.
- Maura Healey
