Issue Position: Fight for LGBTQIA+ Rights

Issue Position

People in the queer community are disproportionately affected by the same issues we all experience--lack of access to housing, education, and healthcare; violence; workplace discrimination; among many others. I will fight in Congress to uplift the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially when that intersects with other marginalized identities.

29% of transgender people said a healthcare professional refused to see them because of their actual or perceived gender identity

LGBTQIA+ youth are five times as likely to attempt suicide than cis- and/or straight youth

Over one-fifth of LGBTQIA+ workers still report workplace discrimination and more than half of states do not have any protections for sexual/gender identity

Fatal violence against transgender people in the United States is on the rise, disproportionately impacting transgender women of color

Due to the intersection of bigotry and transphobia, Black transgender people face higher levels of employment and housing discrimination, policy brutality, and health care disparities

VISION AND POLICY PRIORITIES
PROTECT LGBTQIA+ YOUTH

All young people deserve to be safe regardless of if they are at school, in public, or at home. I will fight to end the epidemic of bullying and violence against queer youth. Young LGBTQIA+ are disproportionately affected by mental illness, homelessness, and drug abuse and addiction. We must treat these issues as a public health crisis.​

Pass national anti-bullying legislation

Prevent discrimination against LGBTQIA+ youth and families in the foster care system

Ban conversion therapy

Provide funding for culturally competent mental health services geared towards LGBTQIA+ youth

Ensure affordable housing and end youth homelessness

END DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY

We must end all forms of discrimination against the queer community. LGBTQIA+ individuals still report experiencing discrimination at work, at the doctor's office, when trying to rent an apartment, or receive a loan to buy a home.

Fight against any efforts to undermine LGBTQIA+ rights in the name of religious liberty

Strengthen national protections against discrimination for both gender identity and sexual orientation through the Equality Act I co-sponsored that passed the House

Ensure that care specific to the LGBTQIA+ community, such as gender-confirmation surgery, is covered by health insurance plans

Enact protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals who are incarcerated, and ensure transgender people who are incarcerated are placed with their gender identity

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