National Coming Out Day is an opportunity to share our pride and support for LGBTQ+ people like me all over the world.

As the first openly gay person of color in Congress, I am overjoyed by the progress we’ve made in protecting the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ Americans.

But there is much more work to be done.

Five years after marriage equality was finally passed in the United States and mere months after the Supreme Court ruled that discrimination against LGBTQ+ people was illegal, right-wing forces are hard at work, dedicated to ensuring that our equal rights are taken away. Just a few days ago, Justices Alito and Thomas stated that they wanted to overturn same-sex marriage.

This is serious. If we don’t act now, LGBTQ Americans could once again be relegated to second-class citizens.

In honor of National Coming Out Day, I’m asking my supporters to join me and demand that our leaders prioritize the fight to protect same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ rights. Please, add your name →

Coming out takes immense bravery and strength. It isn’t easy to publicly declare something so personal. But fighting for what’s right isn’t always easy. This National Coming Out Day, let’s take inspiration from the brave LGBTQ+ activists who came before us and speak out for what’s right — let’s inspire new advocates for equality.

Sign on: https://marktakano.bsd.net/NationalComingOutDay2020

Thank you — and happy National Coming Out Day!

Mark Takano