WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the introduction of over two dozen bills to curb LGBT rights at the state and federal level, and in observation of International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus released a video campaign, led by Co-Chair Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), to show support for the LGBT community. Featuring over 25 members of the LGBT Congressional Equality Caucus, Rep. Maloney released a video titled “We’re With You,” which is aimed at showing solidarity and support for LGBT equality at a time when many federal, state and local leaders are advancing blatantly discriminatory policy proposals. These proposals have far-reaching consequences beyond simply legalizing discrimination, including reinforcing feelings of isolation and desperation among already targeted populations. One suicide helpline for trans people has reported that call volume has doubled since the passage of HB 2 in North Carolina. The video aims to combat this trend and echoes this year’s IDAHOT theme of mental health and wellness.
“Discrimination has no place in the law, and these attempts to legalize hate are shameful. These laws tell LGBT people that who they are or who they love makes them less valuable as human beings – and that’s just wrong,” said Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), a Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. “I started this campaign because, from North Carolina to Missouri, I want LGBT Americans to know that they are not alone. So I am asking my colleagues in Congress and folks across the country to join me and tell our LGBT brothers and sisters, ‘we’ve got your back, and we’re going to keep fighting for you until we win.’”
Twenty four Members of Congress joined Rep. Maloney in the video, including Lois Capps (D-CA), Tony Cardenas (D-CA), Joe Crowley (D-NY), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Ted Deutsch (D-FL), Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Joe Kennedy III (D-MA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Alan Lowenthal (D-AZ), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Jared Polis (D-CO), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Mark Takano (D-CA), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL).
Watch the video above.
Gay rights are supported by the laws that protect the rest of us, special provisions provide the platform for recrimination.
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