Political Quotes

“In June, a gay nightclub--what is supposed to be a safe place where the LGBT community can gather and be who they are--was targeted by violence and bigotry. That was 47 years ago in New York City. The Stonewall riots are considered the very beginning of the gay rights movement, and that is why we celebrate June as LGBT Pride Month, pride for progress made against fear, against HIV/AIDS, against violence, and against the silence that too often greets bigotry, including in this Chamber. Here we stand today, so much progress, but still so far from true equality. And we see more hatred-fueled violence at a gay gathering place. What do we do? I know only because I have seen the path well worn by my LGBT brothers and sisters, whose resilience in the face of adversity inspires me. We organize, we fight for equality and against prejudice. We change the hearts and minds of those who have yet to embrace the fundamental American principle that all are created equal. This Pride Month we stand up against bigotry and against the silence, and we do it proudly. ____________________”