Happy Pride!
Every June, I reflect on what Pride means — not just for me, but to so many in our communities who have fought to be seen, to be safe, and to be free.
Pride didn’t begin as a parade. It began as a protest. It was a demand for dignity in the face of violence, for truth in the face of invisibility. And even now, decades later, this spirit lives on in our resistance, in our resilience, and in our refusal to be erased.
The spirit of Pride is about justice. It’s about holding the full truth of who we are: our identities, our stories, our pain, and our power.
I think about my younger self, wondering if there would ever be space for someone like me to live fully, love deeply, and serve openly. I think about Andy and the love we shared. His memory reminds me that Pride is a promise — a commitment to keep fighting for a country where everyone can thrive.
And now, as a member of Congress, I carry that promise into my work every day.
I carry it for trans kids under attack. For families struggling to afford health care, child care, and housing. And for every person who feels unseen in the systems meant to serve and respect them.
And I carry it because I’ve seen the power of our proximity. The more we share our stories, the more we show up in our full humanity, the harder it is to deny our dignity. When we invite people in — not just to see us, but to know us — that’s when hearts change.
So this Pride Month, I hope you take time to celebrate how far we’ve come and recommit to the work still ahead. Whether you’re out and proud, still finding your way, or simply showing up as an ally, your presence matters.
In the face of bigotry and backlash, let’s keep showing up with courage, with grace, and with Pride.
In solidarity,
Sarah
