Schakowsky Commemorates Pride Month

EVANSTON - As Pride Month comes to a close, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement in commemoration of Pride Month:

"Every June, we come together to recognize Pride Month and celebrate the strength and beauty of our vibrant LGBTQIA+ community. The 9th Congressional District is one of the most diverse districts in the country, and it is my belief that nobody should be discriminated against due to their gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. No matter who you are, or who you love, you are treasured just the way you are.

"Despite the great progress we have made towards becoming a more accepting society, the far-right extremists in the GOP have continued to villainize LGBTQIA+ individuals. These MAGA enthusiasts have continued their push for poison pill policy provisions, including the banning of the Pride Flag from Department of Defense buildings, and the banning of gender-affirming care for transgender people. This is on top of the record number of anti-LGBTQIA+ bills proposed in state legislatures last year.

"As the proud grandmother of a young trans man and as a 2015 inductee into the Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Fame, I understand how vital it is to show up for our LGBTQIA+ community, their families, and their friends. It is especially important for LGBTQIA+ young people who have improved mental health outcomes when their homes, schools, and communities affirm their identities. We owe it to our children to support whoever they want to be and stand up to bigotry. The best and only way to help children is to love and support them – it is as simple as that.

"For my entire life, I’ve advocated for basic human rights, including LGBTQIA+ rights, access to health care, marriage equality, and so much more. Everyone deserves to live an authentic life. I was thrilled to see that President Joe Biden expanded Title IX to expand protections for trans individuals. Also, earlier this month, I joined my colleague, Congresswoman Becca Balint, in cosponsoring legislation to ensure that protection for jurors based on sex includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

"Diversity is at the core of our nation’s values. I am committed to ensuring future generations inherit a safer, kinder, and more equal world. This Pride Month, and every month, I vow to use my platform to fight for true and universal equality for all."

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