Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community

Over the past several years we have all seen an unacceptable rise in anti-LGBTQI+ legislation around the country. Congressman Garcia believes that government has a responsibility to protect the LGBTQI+ community—especially transgender and nonbinary Americans—and defend the important progress we’ve made on issues like marriage equality. He knows that we must also take strong steps to enshrine anti-discrimination protections into federal law and ensure the civil rights of everyone in our country are respected. 

More on Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community

PRIDE - Democrat Robert Garcia just got a Thirsty Award and his response is the GAYEST thing ever
April 26, 2024
In The News
Politico's annual Thirsty Awards are here again and our fave gay politician had…
Democratic Representative Robert Garcia is thirsty AF! The out gay politician’s media savvy and love of the limelight just scored him a place on Politico’s second annual Thirsty Awards list, and his response to the honor is sending us.
Issues: Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community
Into - Rep. Robert Garcia calls for more “radical homosexuals” in Congress
March 4, 2024
In The News
Rep. Robert Garcia calls for more “radical homosexuals” in Congress
Out-gay Rep. Robert Garcia has said that Congress would probably work better if it had a few more “radical homosexuals”. He was responding—possibly a little light-heartedly—to a tweet from an anonymous user complaining that it was “radical homosexuals”, such as Garcia, that “controlled” Congress.
Issues: Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community
The Advocate - Gay Democratic reps demand Pentagon resolve cases of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ dishonorable discharges
January 30, 2024
In The News
Gay Democratic reps demand Pentagon resolve cases of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ di…
Three gay Democratic U.S. congressmen have sent a letter to the Department of Defense demanding a quicker response to resolving cases of LGBTQ+ people dishonorably expelled from the military under the former “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and the outright ban that preceded it. Signed by California Democratic U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, the first out immigrant elected to Congress and the president of the most recent class of new legislators; Rep. Mark Pocan, the chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus from Wisconsin; and out Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, the letter was sent to Secretary Lloyd J. Austin.
Issues: Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community
Congressman Garcia Leads Colleagues in Oversight of Pentagon’s Work to Upgrade Veterans Discharged Under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
January 26, 2024
Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Robert Garcia (CA-42),a  Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus, wrote an oversight letter to the Secretary of Defense urging the Department seeking information on their efforts to proactively review and upgrade cases LGBTQI+ veterans who were discharged under less than honorable conditions for their sexual orientation prior to the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) 12 years ago. The Congressman was joined by Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Co-Chair Chris Pappas (NH-01). 
Issues: Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community
Lawmakers want oversight of Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" discharge review
January 26, 2024
In The News
CBS News - Lawmakers want oversight of Pentagon's "don't ask, don't tell" disch…
[...] "Our service members made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country. 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' was a policy that should have never existed in the first place, but we're unfortunately still feeling the repercussions of it to this day. Now, the Department of Defense has the responsibility to uplift LGBTQ+ veterans who were previously degraded because of their sexuality," Garcia said.
Issues: Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community
The Hill’s Changemakers: Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA)
December 13, 2023
In The News
The Hill - Changemakers: Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.)
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) decided to do things a little differently from the moment he took his oath in January, choosing to get sworn in to Congress with a first-edition “Superman No. 1” comic, alongside the Constitution. 
Issues: Defending Democracy Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community
Freshman Lawmakers Explain How Chaotic First Year in the House Changed Their View of Congress
October 26, 2023
In The News
People - Freshman Lawmakers Explain How Chaotic First Year in the House Changed…
"What we just witnessed over the past three weeks is what happens when extremists come into power: chaos," says Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia.
Issues: Defending Democracy Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community Defending the Right to Abortion
Love is in the air at Downey’s Pride Festival
September 2, 2023
In The News
Talon Marks - Love is in the air at Downey’s Pride Festival

A vibrant, rainbow archway made of balloons welcomed guests in Downtown Downey as the city’s third annual Pride Festival took place on Aug. 26.

The festivities began at 3 p.m. and went until 10 p.m., with an after-party at Muevolo’s nightclub that lasted until 2 a.m.

Issues: Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community
Rep. Robert Garcia: 40 years of Pride and progress
July 30, 2023
In The News
Press-Telegram - Rep. Robert Garcia: 40 years of Pride and progress

By Rep. Robert Garcia, Guest columnist

As the both the former mayor of Long Beach and the first openly LGBTQ immigrant to serve in Congress, I’m excited and proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Long Beach Pride this week.

Issues: Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community
Democrats Push to Block Defense Funds to Uganda Over Anti-LGBTQ+ Law
July 11, 2023
In The News
The Advocate - Democrats Push to Block Defense Funds to Uganda Over Anti-LGBTQ+…

"On the heels of Congress returning to Washington, D.C., gay California Rep. Robert Garcia submitted an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act restricting U.S. security assistance to Uganda over that country’s recently enacted anti-LGBTQ+ law.

Issues: Expanding Protections for the LGBTQI+ Community