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Team -- As you likely know, I’m a proud, openly gay man.

But I'll be honest... navigating that identity hasn’t always been easy.

From discrimination to stigma, bullying and rejection, queer adults and young people face a host of uniquely painful obstacles. That’s why Pride Month is such an important time for our community and our nation.

It’s a chance to celebrate, acknowledge, and take pride in our vibrance and resilience.

It’s a time to remember how much Black trans women and queer people of color sacrificed to push our movement forward.

But it’s also a time to reaffirm our commitment to a world without hate, discrimination and inequality.

That means working to pass the Equality Act -- to prohibit discrimination against people across the gender and orientation spectrums.

That means that when homophobic lawmakers attempt to criminalize LGBTQ+ people, I’ll be at the front lines working to stop them.

And as a U.S. Congressman, I take that commitment seriously.

But team, I can’t keep fighting for LGBTQ+ rights without your help. If you’re able, consider chipping in $3 to help me win my re-election to Congress. My campaign needs to raise $3,500 this week to stay ahead of our massive upcoming End-of-Quarter fundraising goal.  »

Friend, I hope you take some time this month to recommit yourself to fighting for LGBTQ+ equality. And take a moment to celebrate all that you are -- even if that means being different.

With pride,

Mark Takano