Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Celebrates the Beginning of LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Washington D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia,a member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, released the following statement in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month.

"This Pride Month, and every month, I promise to my constituents to always fight for the LGBTQ+ community. I also recommit to always using my platform and power as a U.S. Representative to continue building a more inclusive society where all LGBTQ+ people feel safe to be who they are."

"I was proud to vote earlier this Congress for the Equality Act to ensure protections for the LGBTQ+ community against discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, jury selection, and credit. I was also proud to vote for the Global Respect Act to advance international LGBTQ+ rights by blocking people who have committed human rights abuses against LGBTQ+ people abroad from traveling to the United States. I will always stand side-by-side with the LGBTQ+ community."

"Fifty-three years ago, police raided the Stonewall Inn, targeting their patrons simply for being LGBTQ+. As police began conducting arrests, members of the LGBTQ+ community, led by transgender women of color, said ‘enough is enough' and fought back. A year later, activists organized pride and protest marches throughout the country to mark the Stonewall riots. These Pride marches and celebrations have continued to this day. Today, Pride remains a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and to commit to fighting for a world where all LGBTQ+ people can be their true selves."

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent the Texas 29th Congressional District. She serves on the House Judiciary, Financial Services, and Armed Services Committees