Dear Friend --

As we close out Pride Month, I'm thankful for the opportunities we've had to uplift the history, activism and accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community.

Last week, I had the chance to represent Long Beach at the White House at an event hosted by President Biden and the First Lady. We marked the progress that we have made on LGBTQ+ rights and advocated to pass the Equality Act in Congress.

When passed, this bill will incorporate LGBTQ+ protections into the 1964 Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations and education.

As our city's first openly gay mayor, I'm grateful to represent a community where people of every sexual orientation and gender identity are welcome and included — as well as for the strides we have made to ensure equity is central to our mission as a city.

I want to thank the President for his generous invitation, and for the opportunity to celebrate with other LGBTQ+ leaders and advocates from around the country. This was an amazing chance to uplift the voices of our community and recommit to building the equal, inclusive future that LGBTQ+ people deserve.

Thank you and happy Pride Month,

Mayor Robert Garcia