Fred Karger’s Proclamation for Gay Pride Month
On this first day of Pride Month, and for the next 30 days, much of the world will join with us in celebration.
As the first out gay candidate for President of the United States of a major political party, June 2011 has particular significance for me.
My candidacy sends a strong message to millions of Americans that if you are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer you can do anything you want in life, you can even run for President.
As the only full equality candidate running for President in 2012, I will fight for full equality for all Americans.
Fred riding in the Los Angeles Gay Pride Parade last year
When I announced back on April 10, 2010 in New Orleans as I began this journey, I said, “I will campaign vigorously to end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell; Pass the federal Employment Anti-Discrimination law (ENDA); eliminate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); make Gay Marriage the law of the land and make finding a cure for HIV / AIDS and a vaccine to prevent HIV a new national priority.”
Unlike President Obama, I will not let my community down and I will work tirelessly until LGBTQ Americans have all the rights guaranteed us in the Constitution.
As we celebrate this month, we must realize the sacrifice made by so many who have given up so much to fight for our freedom. We honor all of our heroes, and we will always remember the price they paid so that we may all have better lives.