On the recordJune 9, 2016
I am thrilled to be here on the floor of the House this evening with my Congressional Progressive Caucus and LGBT Equality Caucus as we join millions of Americans around the country in celebrating Pride Month. Pride Month offers an opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of the LGBT community and the progress we have made toward a society that accepts LGBT Americans as equals. It is a chance to honor the trailblazers and leaders that have contributed so much to the lives of LGBT individuals worldwide. And it gives us the space to remind one another that we are all humans, deserving of dignity, acceptance, and equal treatment. The LGBT community, along with allies like myself, have fought to see the end of discriminatory laws and policies. We have applauded as society itself opens its arms. And we have watched as more and more LGBT ``firsts'' make their mark in public service, Hollywood, and every corner of our world. {time} 2000 From the Stonewall riots that set the stage for the pride celebrations that we have today, to the end of ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' in our Armed Forces, to the landmark Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, to the recent confirmation of the very first gay man to serve as Secretary of the Army, we have made clear, forward progress. But even as we celebrate the countless achievements of the past few years, we must also acknowledge the continuing uphill battle for LGBT equality.…
