San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement today in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month:

“This Pride Month marks 50 years since LGBTQ Americans, fed up with the constant harassment and persecution inflicted on them and their community, took to the streets outside the Stonewall Inn to fight back against brutality and violence. In a moment that would change the world, these proud LGBTQ Americans refused to be silenced or shamed, declaring that they would no longer stand by and have their rights, their dignity and their lives attacked or denied.

“What began as an uprising in NYC’s West Village soon became an unstoppable movement to secure the promise of life, liberty and happiness for all, regardless of who you are or whom you love. During Pride Month, LGBTQ Americans continue to march through the streets with pride, celebrating the beautiful diversity and vibrancy of the LGBTQ community and the immeasurable contributions they have made to our country. Yet, 50 years after Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera and other courageous, trailblazing transgender women of color bravely led the fight outside Stonewall, too many LGBTQ Americans continue to face discrimination and hate, particularly transgender women of color who suffer a disproportionately high rate of homelessness, drug addiction, HIV, sexual assault and murder. Their stories, too often resigned to the shadows of history, remain powerful reminders that our work is far from over.

“The road from Stonewall has been long and difficult, but our march toward justice and equality will not be deterred. Over the last half-century, we have forged incredible progress for the LGBTQ community, from passing fully-inclusive hate crimes protections, repealing the hateful ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy and ensuring marriage equality for all Americans. Last month, House Democrats passed the historic Equality Act to finally, fully end discrimination against LGBTQ Americans, and remind the world that hatred will never defeat pride. This month, we celebrate these momentous accomplishments and the generations of leaders, activists and allies who helped make them happen, and we recommit ourselves to building a brighter, more just and equal future for all Americans.”