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NewDEAL Statement: Pride Month 2021

News Category: Statements and Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2021

Contact: Jonathon Dworkin, 202-660-1340 x5

NewDEAL Statement: Pride Month 2021

Washington, D.C. -- The NewDEAL has released the following statement celebrating Pride Month 2021:

In honor of Pride Month, we recognize the history, achievements, and leadership of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Americans. LGBTQIA+ communities have demonstrated incredible resilience and courage in the fight for equality and this month provides an important opportunity to reflect on the encouraging progress that has been made, as well as the important work that remains.

As we slowly emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and strive to build back better by creating an economy and institutions that work for all Americans, we must be mindful of the struggle for equity and justice for LGBTQIA+ Americans and ensure that our efforts reflect the ongoing struggle for their civil rights.

The NewDEAL has been fortunate to benefit from the contributions of LGBTQIA+ NewDEAL Leaders and supporters. The fight for much needed equity and inclusive LGBTQIA+ policies begins at the state and local level.

We are proud that NewDEALers are trailblazers for the LGBTQIA+ community and outspoken advocates for LGBTQIA+ issues, including Pete Buttigieg, who broke barriers as the first openly gay mayor of South Bend, Indiana, during his historic presidential campaign in 2020, and by becoming the first openly gay cabinet-level secretary. They are also leaders like State Senator Sarah McBride, the first transgender state senator in U.S. history, who before taking office successfully advocated for passage of non-discrimination legislation and is now purusing bold proposals for all Delaware families. In Maine, Representative Ryan Fecteau passed bipartisan legislation to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy and has become the youngest and first openly gay Speaker of the House.

These efforts continue today, with Leaders working to ban anti-trans health insurance discrimination and protect access to gender affirming treatment in Washington, and to assist LGBTQIA+ veterans in New Jersey who were discharged solely due to their gender identity or sexuality, expanding their access to veteran’s benefits and support.

We look forward to continuing to elevate the tremendous leadership of members of LGBTQIA+ communities and the state and local policy ideas that will ensure their access to equal justice and opportunity.

About NewDEAL

The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is equitable and sustainable. Most importantly, the organization facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.

Learn more about the NewDEAL and its members by visiting http://www.newdealleaders.org/leaders.

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