Representative Adriano Espaillat Reflects on Strength and Unity in Recognition of Pride Month

Statement

Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, released the following statement today in recognition of PRIDE Month.

"Imagine a world with no hate or discrimination based on an individual's race, religion, nation of birth, sexual orientation or gender identity. Each year during the month of June, our nation pauses to reflect on the contributions of the LGBTQ community as we celebrate their courage, their identities, and their contributions to American history and society," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "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. It is an observance of those who have fought for equality, in some case losing their freedom or even their lives, as they sought to bend the arc of history toward justice.

"The world is watching us as we continue to face unprecedent challenges in the wake of the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. In communities across this county, individuals of all backgrounds including the LGBTQ community are standing in solidarity to demand action. We have witnessed our strength as a nation during moments in history such as the 1969 riots at Stonewall Inn in New York City, sparked by a brutal attack on queer people of color, that started a movement and set the stage for change. That the House of Representatives one year ago was able to pass the Equality Act of 2019, sweeping legislation to protect LGBTQ individuals from all forms of discrimination under the Civil Rights Act is in no small part due to the actions many courageous individuals took to fight for their rights and raise awareness of the need for change.

"Today is no different than the times that came before us. As African Americans continue to be oppressed, Latino families continue to be separated, and as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to underline inequities in communities around the world, it remains critical that we do more to protect the dignity of all persons and work to ensure true diversity and inclusion of everyone. The stakes are high, and the fabric of our nation depends on how we move forward following this most recent tragedy that resulted in the senseless loss of an innocent life. We are indeed stronger, more resilient and more unified when we join together to demand justice and equality for all."

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