Congresswoman Lee Honors LGBT Pride Month

Oakland, CA – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a founding member and Vice Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, released this statement in honor of LGBT Pride Month: 

“Every year, we recognize June as Pride month across the country and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of LGBTQ Americans.   

“During Pride month and throughout the year, we must embrace the certainty that love is love, and no one should ever have to hide their true self. Our LGBTQ neighbors, friends, and children come from all socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and religions. They have shown leadership from our neighborhoods to our warzones, from courtrooms to classrooms, and everywhere in between. The contributions of LGBTQ people are an essential fabric of the United States of America. 

"This year takes on a special meaning as our country is once again rocked with protests over the prejudice that exists in our society. Over 50 years ago at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, the police arrested LGBTQ patrons on questionable charges, handcuffed them, and very publicly forced them into police cars. Fed up with this treatment, the other patrons responded to this police harassment and brutality by starting an uprising outside the bar. Among them were Marsha P. Johnson, a Black drag queen, and Sylvia Rivera, a Latinx drag queen, whom many witnesses credit as the first two to actively resist the police that night. 

“As we deal with this tumultuous time in American history, we must never forget that LGBTQ people of color have been resisting police mistreatment and fighting for equality for decades alongside the black and brown community. 

"Let us continue to reflect on our nation’s history as we celebrate Pride Month 2020 and recommit to our continued fight for justice and equality. Happy Pride!” 

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