John–
As a trans person in America, I have a hard time not feeling afraid.
In states across the country, lawmakers are advancing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation while attempting to dismantle gun safety laws—even as transgender and gender nonconforming people are facing record levels of violence, a trend that disproportionately affects Black trans women.
But our movement doesn't just give me hope—it gives me courage.
This Pride Month, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers are joining Pride events across the country to show their support and join the call to #DisarmHate.
And because of this movement's continuous effort, the U.S. Senate is poised to take action on gun safety—action that can prevent gun violence in all forms, including violence that is increasingly targeted at the LGBTQ+ community.
We've fought to get here, and we're not going back. This Pride Month, join me and the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have called on their U.S. senators to take action on gun safety. Send your message now >>
I've been a part of this movement for a little over three years—just shy of the same amount of time I've been out as a trans. Almost the entire time I've spent living as myself I've devoted to working to end gun violence.
For me, this work is how I support my community. Gun violence has been an LGBTQ+ issue for years. From the very first Pride, we've worked to stop violence against us.
And in the time I've been doing this work, I've never seen the energy for action I'm seeing now. This time is different.
That's why I want to make clear that gun violence remains an LGBTQ+ issue. Just this past weekend, we honored the 49 people shot and killed six years ago at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando. We're also seeing more state legislation that's making our communities less safe—particularly for trans and queer youth—and exacerbating a mental health crisis that puts them at increased risk of suicide. This comes at the same time that youth firearm suicide has reached its highest rate in 20 years.
My community can't do this work alone. We need committed allies to help create change—both for LGBTQ+ rights and for gun violence prevention. Because these crises are inseparable.
Right now, we have the chance to act. On the same day we honored the victims of the shooting at Pulse Nightclub, the Senate announced a bipartisan deal that could give our country its first major gun safety law in over 25 years. If passed, it could help prevent hate-fueled violence and save lives.
This Pride Month, demand action from your U.S. senators: Tell them to turn the bipartisan gun safety plan into law now.
Thank you for being a part of this movement, and thank you for helping build a better future for everyone.
Sophie Kozub
She/They
National Digital Campaigns Specialist
Everytown for Gun Safety
