VP Kamala Harris and husband march in Pride parade

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Vice President Kamala Harris made history when she becomes the first sitting vice president to march in a Pride event.
• Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff participated in a Pride parade in Washington, DC, on Saturday wearing “love is love” and “love first” shirts.
• The vice president called for the Senate to pass the Equality Act — a bill that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Vice President Kamala Harris made history when she becomes the first sitting vice president to march in a Pride event.

Harris walked and greeted marchers “Happy Pride!” with second gentleman Doug Emhoff who donned a graphic shirt that read “Love first” in rainbow lettering.  The VP herself was wearing a pink blazer over a white T-shirt that read “Love is love.”

Harris delivered a brief remark to the crowd, calling for the Senate to pass the Equality Act. The bill would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. It was passed by the House of Representatives in February but it’s unclear whether the Senate will take it up. 

“We celebrate all of the accomplishments, but we need to pass the Equality Act,” the vice president said. “We need to make sure that our transgender community and our youth are all protected. We need, still, protections around employment and housing. There is so much more work to do, and I know we are committed.”

The Biden-Harris administration has shown support to the LGBTQ community.

One of President Biden’s first executive orders called for an end to discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. He also revoked Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the military and restored transgender health protections.

Biden issued a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month and promised to fight for equality for the LGBTQ community.

On Sunday, Harris posted a video on Instagram reiterating her dedication and support for the LGBTQ community.

“LGBTQ Americans, I want you to know: We see you. We hear you,” she captioned the post. “President Joe Biden and I will not rest until everyone has equal protection under the law. Happy #Pride.”

Source: AOL