Hoyer Video Message on LGBT Pride Month

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released a video message today in recognition of LGBT Pride Month, which is celebrated during the month of June.  Below is a transcript and a link to the video. 

Click here to watch the video.

“Hi.  I’m Congressman Steny Hoyer from Maryland and Democratic Whip in the House of Representatives.

“Throughout the month of June, I join in celebrating LGBT Pride Month, an opportunity to honor the contributions gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans have made to our communities, our country, and our world.

“It takes great courage to live openly in the face of discrimination. And because of the determination and bravery of the LGBT community, we have taken important steps to end discrimination and to promote equality for all. 

“However, more work needs to be done to defend the dignity of every person.

“I have been proud to work alongside LGBT Americans who wish to see our country live up to the full measure of its values: that all are created equal.

“In 2010, as Majority Leader, I put on the Floor the repeal to the discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy so that brave men and women who want to serve our nation in uniform do not have to hide who they are or who they love.

“We continue to build on that victory by working to end legal discrimination in the workplace and classroom.

“And today the residents of thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia enjoy marriage equality, covering 70% of the America population. 

“Later this month, I hope the Supreme Court will rule in favor of marriage equality in cases that have been appealed to the court, making that number 100%. Same-sex couples in every state ought to have all of the same rights, recognition, and security that marriage confers.

“As LGBT Americans pursue the American dream for themselves and for their families, I pledge to continue standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them in the fight for equality and opportunity.

“I hope you will join me in celebrating LGBT Pride Month and recommitting ourselves to the important work of making sure that America is a place where every individual is treated equally, protected, and respected. 

“Thank you.”