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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 29, 2021

CONTACT:
Alia El-Assar
202-938-6511
alia@communicationsshop.us

Hispanic Federation Celebrates Pride, Reminds Us That We Must Keep Fighting for Equality

The following is a statement from Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation:

“Pride Month is a reminder to acknowledge the positive impact of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities on movements for progress and human rights and to remember our struggles over time. Prior to 1962, every state in the U.S. criminalized private same sex sexual activity - 50 years later we won the right to marry. Between 1996 and 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court helped establish many of the rights LGBTQ+ communities now have, with five different landmark rulings invalidating discriminatory state and federal laws. Yesterday, the Supreme Court gave us a victory by leaving in place a decision to allow a transgender student to use the bathroom of their choice.

Public support for the rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender people has increased significantly and rapidly in recent decades - including with widespread support among Latino families and communities. The majority of people in the U.S. support the rights of LGBTQ+ people to marry, parent, serve in the military and live free from discrimination. We have come far, but there is much more work needed to ensure that no one is denied their rights and dignity solely because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Pride Month is not just about celebrating the beauty of our communities and how far we have come; it also reminds us of the need to continue doing the hard but necessary work to ensure we are truly equal in the eyes of the law. The Equality Act is a bill in the United States Congress that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, education, federally funded programs, public accommodations, and jury service. The type of discrimination the bill addresses is still too commonplace and a reminder that there is work left to do in our country to be truly inclusive.

At Hispanic Federation, we will continue to fight for protections of both the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities in recognition of the continued need for equality and the right to live free from discrimination.

As a member of both the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities, I know firsthand the importance of recognizing the intersections between these identities. The Pulse tragedy was a stark reminder of our intersectional lived experiences and histories as queer folks, Latinos, immigrants, and people of color - and the necessity of recognizing, validating, and protecting our communities through the lens of our rich, intersectional identities.

As we pause to celebrate Pride Month this year, join us in pushing for Congress to pass the Equality Act to ensure protections for LGTBQ+ people are available uniformly across the country. We must remain vigilant to future judicial and legislative attempts to undermine our rights and carry on the legacy of the brave and outspoken LGBTQ+ leaders since Stonewall. As many leaders push to secure progressive agendas, Hispanic Federation will continue our fight to ensure LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities are not left behind.”

Read more reactions and reflections from Hispanic Federation during Pride Month 2021: