Team, when I was elected to Congress for the first time in 2012, I was the very first LGBTQ+ person of color to ever be elected.

I knew then that one of my biggest priorities in Congress would be to fight against the countless bigoted, anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in Congress and legislatures across the country. And today is a very important date in that fight.

Ten years ago today the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was repealed.

I was a high school teacher back then, and I was overjoyed. Together, Democrats progressed and put an end to an unjust and painful policy that unfairly discharged tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ service members.

But friend, despite this victory and others, Republicans have worked with vicious rigor to strip LGBTQ+ protections across the nation. They still don’t believe we deserve equal rights!

Team, Republicans hate members of Congress like me who refuse to back down from what we should all know is right. I will never give up the fight to protect this community, but I need you on my side to survive constant Republican attacks against us. Will you chip in just $3 to join me in the struggle for equality? »

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Republicans have always been on the wrong side of this issue.

The Trump administration did everything they could to take away LGBTQ+ rights: targeting our access to health care, undermining transgender protections, and so much more. Meanwhile Republicans in state legislatures have passed increasingly draconian anti-LGBTQ+ policies.

So, we need to keep fighting or the LGBTQ+ community will suffer the consequences. We cannot take our rights for granted.

So, I’m asking for your support today to keep up the fight against hateful Republican attacks on LGBTQ+ rights -- can I count on your $3 donation? »

Thank you for your support -- together we can secure new victories in the fight against anti-LGBTQ+ bigotry.

-- Mark