Friend,

Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, promote their visibility and dignity, and recommit to fighting for their equal rights. We honor the countless LGBTQ+ activists and trailblazers who've led the way -- and we especially recognize the people of color who have so often been at the forefront of this movement, including throwing the first brick at Stonewall.

After four years of an administration that repeatedly worked to curtail equality and legalize anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry, I was delighted to see Vice President Harris march at DC Capital Pride this weekend. I'm looking forward to Virginia's Pride events later this month, and I'm thinking back to wonderful memories of past years.

But as we celebrate greater inclusion and all the progress we've made, we must remember that the fight is far from over. Across the country, states have been introducing laws that target the healthcare and well-being of trans youth. And in a majority of states still, Americans can be fired from their jobs or denied credit because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

I'll be urging the Senate to pass the Equality Act this month, and as a co-chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, I'll continue to do everything in my power to promote trans visibility and advocate against discriminatory laws.

No one should face oppression or hate because of who they are or who they love. I will always be a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community, and I hope everyone has a safe and joyful Pride Month.

Sincerely,

Jennifer