Statement by National NOW President Christian F. Nunes
WASHINGTON – Every June since 1970, millions of Americans gather to observe Pride – a month of celebration, resistance, and action in support of our vibrant LGBTQIA+ communities. This year’s Pride is especially significant as this diverse population faces some of the worst physical, legislative, and existential attacks in half a century.
It is with immeasurable pride that NOW stands in solidarity with all those whose identities differ from centuries-old oppressive cultural standards deeply rooted in white supremacy. We are honored to celebrate the many courageous LGBTQIA+ activists throughout our history whose accomplishments have shaped our world for the better, and whose legacies endure through all those brave enough to be themselves.
But despite the immense progress we’ve made, extremists are spreading propaganda and proposing laws– many of which have passed – targeting LGBTQIA+ people. According to the ACLU, there are currently 491 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills around the country in the 2023 legislative session. From Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law to gender-affirming care bans to suppressing drag as an art form, efforts to not just discriminate against this community through policy, but to erase all traces of its existence, have reached unprecedented levels. As these leaders engage in this grotesque display of political theater, they are putting lives at risk.
This year’s Pride comes at an urgent, pivotal time. In the face of such bigotry, we must focus on celebrating this important occasion because joy is a critical form of resistance.
LGBTQIA+ rights have long been one of NOW’s six core issues and we remain committed to fighting injustices and discrimination against this important community, now and in the future.