Thread by @AndyKimNJ

It’s been five years since the Pulse murders. So many of us are gathering now to celebrate #Pride, but we can’t lose sight of how much work is ahead of us. #Pulse5YearsLater THREAD

First, we can’t forget that 49 people were taken from us that day in a targeted attack against the LGBT community. Every one of them leaves behind someone. Every one of them has a story. Learn theirs. clickorlando.com/rememberingpul… 2/11

I recently voted to make the Pulse nightclub a national memorial. Sites like these are important because they help the community heal and make sure we remember. But remembrance and healing only go so far. nbcnews.com/nbc-out/congre… 3/11

Pride kicked off in the midst of a number of attacks on basic LGBT rights. When groups like @HRC are ringing the alarm bell, you should listen. hrc.org/press-releases… 4/11

These attacks are happening at the state level because that’s where anti-LGBT politicians and their backers have power. Remember - states are incubators for legislative ideas. What starts there could end up in Congress. wcyb.com/news/local/ten… 5/11

These attacks also come at a time when anti-LGBT groups are losing the battle for public opinion. Support for gay marriage has never been higher. It may feel like a 50-50 country, but gay rights aren’t a 50-50 issue. nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-ou… 6/11

So where does the real work need to happen? How can we go beyond remembering and bring policy closer to public opinion? Here are three things you can do to make this Pride month a month of action. 7/11

ACT LOCALLY: No matter which state you’re in, there are great LGBT advocacy orgs who speaking out and pushing for progress every day. In NJ, we’ve got @GSEquality you can check them out here. gardenstateequality.org 8/11

GO BIG: I’ve voted to pass the Equality Act twice now. I’m proud of my vote, but it’s absolutely shameful that it’s stuck in the Senate. If you want to know why advocating for the Equality Act is so important, start by learning what’s in it. npr.org/2021/02/24/969… 9/11

SUPPORT: I’m lucky to have some amazing LGBT colleagues in Congress, but there are incredible candidates running at the state and local levels across our country. Find a LGBT candidate and find a way to support. 10/11

Being a good ally means learning, listening and acting. Today of all days is a reminder that action is urgent and necessary, and progress can’t be taken for granted. END