FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 19, 2020

DELRAY BEACH, FL – Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus President Stephen Gaskill issued the following statement regarding Juneteenth:

“On this day 155 years ago, enslaved people in Texas finally learned the news that they were free. Since then, America’s Black community has been on the path to freedom, and even though much progress has been made, the struggle for equality continues today. We stand in solidarity as members and allies of the LGBTQ+ and Black communities in celebrating this historic day. We also commit to redouble our efforts in fighting for the value that every person is created equal.

“As a movement, we must break the systems of oppression that we are part of, and which are further marginalizing people of color, queer and transgender individuals. It means demanding justice for victims of police brutality and investigations into the unsolved murders of black trans women. It means investing in communities of color to close education gaps and healthcare disparities. It’s knowing that we haven’t achieved equality until every person, regardless of what they look like, who they are or who they love, can live their life truly liberated and free.”

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