LGBTQIA+

The LGBTQIA+ community has made important strides in the fight for equality, however, the fight to secure the rights, safety, and wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community is far from over. Homophobic and transphobic hate crimes are on the rise, particularly against transgender women of color. The LGBTQIA+ community still lacks consistent basic legal protections across the United States. This is unacceptable. I stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and I will advocate for and support legislation that seeks to protect the civil and human rights of the LGBTQIA+ community to the greatest extent possible under the law.

LGBTQIA+ Objectives

I support:

• The Equality Act:

  It is time that federal law includes sexual orientation and gender identity as a protected class ensuring non-discrimination protections in areas such as employment, housing, jury service, and public spaces.

• Legislation that extends quality and affordable healthcare,

   inclusive of gender affirming services, and that will not permit the denial of medical services based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. 

• The Do No Harm Act

  and other legislation that does not allow discrimination on the basis of religious freedom. 

• Legislation that seeks to undo the harmful policies put in place by this administration that bans transgender service members from the military.

  I will support legislation that protects the rights of transgender and non-binary service members to serve this country openly and safely. The courage to serve must be unconditionally supported.

• The Every Child Deserves a Family Act

  and other legislation that protects the right for LGBTQ Americans to start a family including through adoption agencies.

• Fair and Equal Housing Act

  and other legislation that makes it illegal to discriminate against an individual for their sexual orientation and gender identity in public housing and public accommodations. .

• Legislation that bans conversion therapy practices.

I also recognize that LGBTQIA+ issues do not exist in a silo; identities are intersectional. Advocating for full equality for the LGBTQIA+ community also means supporting legislation that will advance the rights of people of different races, ethnic origins, abilities, immigration status, and all other marginalized identities.

I am so very grateful to Christine DiBiase, the driver behind this policy platform and a true community leader. It’s an honor that she has given me the chance to be an ally. I look forward to her continued leadership.