Dēmos President Taifa Smith Butler Calls for Solidarity, Action in Celebration of Pride Month 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Taifa Smith Butler, President of Dēmos, a movement-oriented think tank committed to racial justice, released the following statement in celebration of Pride Month:  

"As we commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprising this month, we must reflect on and celebrate the progress we have made in our country since the brave transgender and queer women of color sparked the beginning of the equality movement that night. More than fifty years later, we find ourselves at yet another inflection point in the fight for justice and equality for all.   

Our collective voices are stronger and louder than those who wish to harm the community by clawing back freedoms, silencing allies, and attempting to force the community back into the shadows. 

"This Pride Month comes against the backdrop of extremist, anti-LGBTQ+ forces attacking that hard-fought progress. There are currently 491 anti-LGBTQ+ bills moving in state legislatures across the country, despite widespread support for protections for LGBTQ+ Americans. The weaponization of public policy and our bedrock democratic institutions is happening at unprecedented levels, targeting education, health care, and civil rights. Fortunately, we know what it takes to protect our communities and strengthen our laws, and that is through building civic power and ways for LGBTQ+ folks to fully participate in our democracy. Our collective voices are stronger and louder than those who wish to harm the community by clawing back freedoms, silencing allies, and attempting to force the community back into the shadows. 

"Pride Month is so much more than a parade or a corporate slogan. It is the celebration of life and love, of Americans exercising their right to be their authentic selves without fear of discrimination and violence. In this month of community and celebration, let us stand in love, solidarity, and power together to protect the rights and freedoms of all facets of LGBTQ+ life.”