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
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.
At the heart of the event, the Warren High School dance team performed, tribute acts performed the songs of popular artists such as Jenni Rivera, Beyonce, and Selena Quintanilla, among many others.
Attendees stationed themselves towards the stage and spread as far as the nearby beer garden.
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.
Our city is home to a vibrant, diverse community, and it means so much to me that every year, this continues to be one of the largest events in Long Beach and brings our entire community together.
"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.
Garcia is joined by fellow queer representative Equality Caucus cochair Rep. Becca Balint of Vermont, demanding that no American dollars be sent to Uganda.
Washington D.C.- Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) released the following statement in response to the divisive decision by the L.A. Dodgers to remove the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence from their annual Pride Night.