It’s June 8th, a week into LGBT Pride Month, and we are reminded of the obstacles the LGBT community continues to face. Declining to set precedence this week, The Supreme Court decided the case of Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission in favor of the baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a gay couple. While the Court declared no business has the “license to discriminate,” it is hard to imagine this decision won’t embolden those who would deny the rights of the LGBT community.
From this ruling to the violence that continues to disproportionately affect the transgender community (and transgender women of color in particular), to a business in Tennessee putting up a “No Gays Allowed” sign in its window, it is clear we have a long way to go. As we celebrate the LGBT community and honor their history, let’s do more than show up to our local Pride parade this month. Let’s make sure our places of work support the Equality Act. The Equality Act would provide consistent and explicit non-discrimination protections for LGBT people, who are currently at risk of being fired, denied housing, and services for themselves or the people they love. Together, we can create a country where everyone is able to live out their human potential.
Onwards,
Jennifer Siebel Newsom & The Representation Project Team