(Getty Images/Mark Makela)

(CNSNews.com) - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D.-Calif.) issued a statement on Saturday honoring the beginning of LGBTQ pride month in which she noted that “transgender women of color…suffer a disproportionately high rate of homelessness, drug addiction, HIV, sexual assault and murder.”

In her statement, Pelosi pointed to legislation that Congress has enacted or is currently working on and also Supreme Court decisions that advance the interest of LGBTQ individuals.

“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,” she said. “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.”

“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,” Pelosi said.

Here is the full text of Pelosi’s statement: