Happy Pride! This month is a time to celebrate the many contributions that the LGBTQ+ community has made to the American story.

However, Pride isn’t just about celebration – it’s also about recognizing the past and current discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. Allyship isn’t just limited to the month of June – it’s important that we show up for our family, friends, and neighbors in the LGBTQ+ community every day. In doing so, we must use our voices to stand up against hate and injustice.

Today and every day, I stand with my sister, my sister-in-law, and everyone in the LGBTQ+ community who just want the freedom to be who they are and love who they love without fear of persecution.

Together,

Carol Obando-Derstine