Democrats highlight history-making LGBTQ lawmakers for Pride month

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is celebrating Pride Month by highlighting the work of history-making LGBTQ lawmakers on its official Twitter account. 

{mosads} So far, they have featured Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), the first openly gay and openly bisexual senators respectively; Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (D), the first openly LGBTQ person elected governor; and Minneapolis City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins, the first openly transgender black woman elected to U.S. political office. 

Jenkins is the the second transgender person in any state legislature in the country, according to the DNC’s Twitter account. Sinema was also Arizona’s first female senator.  

To start off our #Pride2019 highlights, we want to recognize Sen. @tammybaldwin who made history as the first openly gay Senator. pic.twitter.com/vrlY79kMVE

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) June 1, 2019 

As our celebration of #Pride2019 continues, we honor @OregonGovBrown, the first openly LGBTQ person to be elected governor. pic.twitter.com/1E4w0l6ujK

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) June 2, 2019 

We’re honored to highlight @andreaforward8, who made history when she became the first openly transgender Black woman to be elected to any political office in the United States and the second transgender person to be seated in any state legislature in the country. #PrideMonth pic.twitter.com/PAIb8yBQUR

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) June 3, 2019

Today we celebrate @kyrstensinema, who made history this past cycle when she was elected as the first openly bisexual Senator and Arizona’s first female senator. #Pride2019 pic.twitter.com/SgpnlYhW5g

— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) June 4, 2019

Pride Month is celebrated annually in June. President Trump recognized Pride Month in a pair of tweets this month, acknowledging the “outstanding contributions” by LGBT Americans, marking the first time a Republican president has made such a statement.

But his administration has been widely criticized by LGBTQ groups and advocates for rolling back LGBTQ rights and protections for transgender people in particular.

“As we celebrate LGBT Pride Month and recognize the outstanding contributions LGBT people have made to our great Nation, let us also stand in solidarity with the many LGBT people who live in dozens of countries worldwide that punish, imprison, or even execute individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation,” Trump wrote in a statement. “My Administration has launched a global campaign to decriminalize homosexuality and invite all nations to join us in this effort!”

Several Democratic 2020 contenders also marked the occasion, with many tweeting support for the community and releasing special Pride-themed campaign merchandise.

“#PrideMonth is a time to proudly celebrate who you are,” wrote 2020 contender Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.). “As we recognize the rich history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, let’s renew our commitment to dignity, acceptance, and equal rights for everyone.”