Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, released the following statement in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month.
“Each year during the month of June, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community comes together to celebrate their courage, their identity, the freedom to love who they love, and their right to equal treatment under the law. In communities across this country, LGBTQ individuals can still be fired from their jobs, evicted from their homes, and denied services simply because of who they are or who they love. It is critical that we do more to protect the dignity of the LGBT community and work to ensure full legal and societal equality. That is why I was proud to join my congressional colleagues last month in voting to pass the Equality Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, which would ensure comprehensive civil rights and protections for LGBTQ individuals in communities across the country.
“Pride Month recognizes the courage it takes for LGBTQ people to come out as their true selves into a society that is not always accepting, and it celebrates what for many is a transition from hiding who they truly are to boldly accepting and being proud of their identity. It is an observance of those who have fought for equality, in some cases losing their freedom or even their lives. This year is particularly important as we recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots -- the starting point for the LGBTQ equal rights movement – and as New York City hosts the World Pride festival.
“As we celebrate Pride during the month of June, we also pause in reflection of the 49 individuals killed during the attack at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and countless others whose lives have been lost due to targeted attacks based on their identity.
“As a strong ally, I am proud to celebrate Pride Month and recognize the significant contributions of the LGBTQ community throughout New York’s 13th congressional district and around the nation. When we are inclusive of all persons, including our LGBTQ family, friends and fellow citizens, we are a stronger, more resilient and more unified society.”
