Join Lynn's Newsletter

Print

Woolsey Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusion, Equality in Celebrating LGBT Pride Month

6/6/11

Rep. Lynn Woolsey released the following statement in recognition of LGBT Pride Month:

“Each June, we have an opportunity to celebrate LGBT Pride Month.  As our local Pride celebrations wind down in the Russian River, I invite all North Bay residents to join me in recognizing the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to life here in the North Bay.  This is a time to celebrate the diversity and distinctiveness we cherish in Sonoma and Marin Counties, and also to reaffirm our commitment to a community of inclusiveness, equity, and full legal equality.

“We made substantial progress towards this goal in the last session of Congress, expanding hate-crime statutes and laying the groundwork for the final end to “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.”  But much work remains to be done.  It is unacceptable in this country to deny an entire class of people access to the same civil rights and institutions that others enjoy.  That’s why I strongly support repealing the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, removing antigay bias from our immigration code, and finally prohibiting workplace discrimination against LGBT people.

“We also have another task before us, to ensure that our children grow up in an environment free of bullying and intolerance.  Pride Month is a chance to rededicate ourselves to the idea that every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, and to be proud of his or her identity.

“It is fitting that this month we recognize not only LGBT Pride, but also the 30thanniversary of the battle against HIV/AIDS.  The strides we have made since then are owed first and foremost to the strength of ordinary men and women who worked together in the early years of the crisis to support and fight for one another.  In the three decades since HIV/AIDS was first reported, this strength is a source of inspiration and a legacy worth celebrating with pride.  We must continue to fight for federal investments into medical research for treatment and prevention that will hopefully, one day, eliminate this dreaded disease.”