John,

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.

But as we celebrate greater inclusion and all the progress we've made, we must remember that the fight is far from over. And it's clear we're facing some alarming new obstacles to equality.

I'm especially concerned by the recent round of state laws that deliberately target the health and well-being of trans youth. Much of this right-wing legislation passed under the guise of "protecting kids" is going to do nothing but lead to more bullying, more ostracization, and more demonization of people who merely want to live their truth.

In addition, the likely prospect of Roe v. Wade soon being overturned has serious implications. If this right-wing Supreme Court can roll back the reproductive rights that we've recognized for nearly 50 years, what's to stop them from revisiting landmark cases that have advanced LGBTQ+ equality?

Let's be clear: our country has come a remarkably long way from where it was even ten years ago. But there's no denying that the forces of hate and division have re-mobilized and re-packaged their agenda. We cannot be complacent.

I'll continue to be a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community. I'll keep advocating for the passage of legislation such as the Equality Act, and as a co-chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, I'll do everything in my power to promote trans visibility and advocate against discriminatory laws.

So as we celebrate Pride Month, let us do so with a renewed sense of urgency to fight against oppression wherever it exists. If we work in solidarity, love can and will conquer hate.

Thank you,

Jennifer