Since I was elected to Congress, the fight for LGBTQIA+ equality has been one of my top priorities.

For me, it’s simple: Everyone in this country has the right to be exactly who they are.

As chair of the Congressional Transgender Equality Task Force, I have been proud to lead the fight to make sure trans people throughout our country have the necessary protections to ensure equal treatment under the law.

That means leading the effort to ban the absurd “gay and trans panic” defense, introducing major civil rights legislation to ensure that religious freedom cannot be used to justify the denial of basic rights, and fighting to recognize a national Transgender Day of Remembrance.

It means standing with my Democratic colleagues to introduce the Equality Act to finally prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation to all Americans.

And most recently, it means fighting the Trump Administration every single day as they continue to scapegoat and subjugate queer Americans – particularly trans Americans – in our classrooms, our hospitals, and even our armed forces.

I’ve waged this fight in the halls of the Capitol and at home in Massachusetts. I’ve been so proud to stand by the sides of the activists and advocates leading the way. And I am more committed than ever to the fight ahead.

Federal law still does not expressly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. Right-wing groups can still use claims of religious freedom to deny services, opportunity, or care to LGBTQIA+ citizens. It is still legal in many states for people to be denied housing for being who they are. Many states still make it difficult – if not impossible – to change gender markings on official IDs. And LGBTQIA+ people still have higher rates of homelessness, mental illness, and suicide. For too long these things have been “normal.” But we can and must change that.

There are tangible things we can do in government to further the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and I am ready to fight tooth and nail to make sure we don’t stop until we have true equality for all.

It’s clear that “normal” still leaves far too many LGBTQIA+ folks behind. That’s why I am ready to take this fight for equality to the United States Senate – but I need your help to get there. Can I count on you to chip in $3 to support our campaign? The best link to donate is right here: https://secure.kennedyforma.com/Equality

Stay strong. Stay safe. Let’s continue fighting for equality.

Joe