June is National Pride Month, and PA Dems are pumped up and proud to celebrate our LGBTQ neighbors and friends!
But even as we celebrate, we recognize that massive progress is needed before the LGBTQ community is equally protected and represented in PA. Here’s what we have on our minds this Pride Month (and every month).
Our Fearless Firsts in LGBTQ Leadership
In recent years, LGBTQ individuals have, at long last, broken into leadership positions within PA government, bringing with them fresh energy and a rush of progressive policies.
A Surge of LGBTQ Candidates
Amongst the deserved attention given to the explosion of female candidates nationwide, the corresponding surge of LGBTQ candidates has largely flown under the radar.
But rest assured, LGBTQ candidates are running with unprecedented momentum across the country, and Pennsylvania’s right at the head of the pack with at least nine openly gay, lesbian, or queer candidates on the ballot this fall.
Ending Public Discrimination (PA Fairness Act)
Pennsylvania’s the only Northeastern state that has NOT acted to protect people from discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, but PA Dems are on the verge of changing that.
With enough victories this November, we can finally send Rep. Dan Frankel’s PA Fairness Act—currently stalled by bigoted Republicans—to Governor Wolf, who’s eager to sign it into law.
And on the federal level, our Democratic congressmen continually push LGBTQ-friendly legislation, most notably the Equality Act cosponsored by Senator Bob Casey.
Taking Bigots Out of Power
Harrisburg and DC are filled with bigoted legislators, who show their true colors (which definitely don’t include rainbow) by repeatedly blocking pro-LGBTQ legislation.
Their poster boy is Daryl Metcalfe, the raging heterosexual legislator who made national news by screaming at a male colleague who touched his arm. We’ve repeatedly called for Metcalfe’s removal without result. He’s well protected by his fellow Republicans.
In November, we can unseat not only the outright homophobes like Metcalfe, but also their enablers in leadership positions.
The Bottom Line
LGBTQ rights have come a long way but still have far to go. You can have immediate impact by supporting Democratic candidates that understand LGBTQ rights are simply human rights.