Happy Pride Month, John!

As both a mom and a legislator, Pride is a joyous celebration that I hold close to my heart.

In 1969, the Stonewall riots in New York demanded an end to anti-LGBTQ+ violence and discrimination. One year of hard struggles and brave advocacy later, thousands of LGBTQ+ community members and allies held the first Pride March to commemorate the anniversary and celebrate the vibrant diversity, progress, and love that unites us.

I’m reminded every day when I see my beautiful, brilliant son Taylor of how far our society has come since these early days of Pride, and I am grateful.

I am grateful that in 2022, he can legally marry the love of his life. I am grateful that he can live as his true, authentic self and know he is accepted with open arms and loving hearts. I am grateful that our District is paving a better future for LGBTQ+ Nebraskans.

I’m also reminded of how much work there is to be done.

In 29 states including Nebraska, LGBTQ+ Americans are denied basic equality. As a State Senator, I introduced multiple bills that would protect LGBTQ+ people against workplace discrimination, and each time those efforts were blockaded by anti-LGBTQ+ legislators.

LGBTQ+ Americans are twice as likely as the rest of the population to not have health insurance. Media pundits are waging a cruel culture war against LGBTQ+ children, and legislators are repeating their intolerant talking points. And an ultra-conservative Supreme Court may even roll back our rights to marry whom we love.

My son deserves better from our country. His light in my life is why I go to work each day, working to ensure that all Americans can live and love authentically, and why I will never give up the fight.

Whoever you are, whomever you love, and however you choose to express your identity, I support your right to be you.

Happy Pride!!

Patty Pansing Brooks