New York, NY - June 1, 2017 - Today, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, released the following statement in honor of LGBT Pride Month.
“Each year during the month of June, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community comes together to celebrate their courage, their identities, and their lives. As we celebrate Pride Month, we also must take this time to remember the 49 people killed and 53 wounded at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida during their “Latin Flavor” night. We embrace the survivors of this tragic shooting and the families who lost loved ones during this hateful attack.
“In communities across this country, LGBT people can still be fired from their jobs, evicted from their homes, and denied services 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. Last month, I was proud to join 194 of my House colleagues in reintroducing the Equality Act, comprehensive civil rights legislation that will provide nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people in communities across the country.
“Pride Month recognizes the courage it takes for LGBT 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. And it is a celebration of how far we have all come.
“I am proud to join countless others this Pride Month to recognize the significant contributions LGBT people have made to the fabric of our nation and stand together in the fight for full and total equality. When we are more welcoming to our LGBT friends and family we are a stronger, more resilient and more unified society.”