The following commentary has been issued for publication by State Rep. Jimmy Anderson.
Held in June to coincide with the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, we celebrate Pride Month each year to recognize and honor those who have fought so hard for equal rights and to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community.
At the end of June 1969, a series of demonstrations against the systematic persecution of homosexuals took place at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. Although this was obviously not the first protest against the criminalization of homosexuality, it is often seen as the beginning of the modern gay rights movement. That fight continues through today and has grown to incorporate the many groups who make up the rainbow coalition that is the LGBTQ+ movement.
Pride Month is our opportunity to stand with LGBTQ+ Americans and let them know that they are seen, they are accepted, and they are celebrated just as they are. In the last few years, there has been a renewed push to try to marginalize and ostracize members of the LGBTQ+ community, especially in Wisconsin. From blocking Gov. Evers’ attempts to ban harmful conversion therapy tactics to trying to micromanage school sports, the Republican Legislature has been extremely hostile to LGTBQ+ rights in our state. Thankfully, Democrats in the Legislature, along with Governor Evers, have been able to curb most of the extremist Republican anti- LGBTQ+ attacks.
Though America has come a long way since the Stonewall Riots, there is still much that can be done for LGBTQ+ Americans. We should listen and learn from the LGBTQ+ community to better understand how we can make our country a more perfect union. No matter the circumstances, I will continue to fight for the rights of Wisconsinites to be able to live their lives as themselves, in peace. Happy Pride Month!
A member of the Democratic Party, Jimmy Anderson represents Wisconsin Assembly District 47. He is a candidate running for a Wisconsin State Senate seat in District 16, which, following redistricting earlier this year, includes Fort Atkinson. The candidate will run in a Democratic primary on Aug. 13 against State Rep. Samba Baldeh, who is serving in Assembly District 48, and State Rep. Melissa Ratcliff, who is serving in Assembly District 46.
Jimmy Anderson
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