Happy Pride Month, Team.

 

This month, we celebrate the LGBTQ+ equality movement and the many community leaders, activists, and trailblazers who have stood up and fought to honor the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and legal rights of LGBTQ+ Americans.

 

It’s important that we reflect on the history behind the first Pride march 50 years ago. What started as a protest movement led by two trans women of color, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, has become the catalyst needed in our collective fight for equal rights and respect for all.

 

Earlier this year, we lost a tireless LGBTQ+ activist, Jim Toy, who worked in Ann Arbor and across the nation to ensure people could live with pride without fear of discrimination.

 

Jim was a champion for equality, a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights, and a dear friend. In my work, I often think of Jim’s words: “I am committed to making as much trouble as I can to create and maintain justice.”

 

In Congress, I will continue to fight for equality for all LGBTQ+ individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or class.

 

We must keep fighting and making trouble until everyone is equal.

 

As we celebrate Pride Month, I urge you to also celebrate and acknowledge the history of the LGBTQ+ community and the trailblazers who got us to where we are today. We must keep fighting for equality not only during Pride month but every day of the year.

 

Thank you for standing with me this Pride Month,

 

Debbie