Thank you, Jerry, for that introduction. And happy Pride, everyone! It’s my honor to join you.

I especially want to thank Matt Phan and Commerce PRIDE for helping to organize today’s event.

This year, we’re raising the Progress Pride Flag, which celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQI+ community, including trans and non-binary individuals, and marginalized communities of color.

With this flag, we’re reaffirming our support for the LGBTQI+ members of the Commerce team, and the Biden administration’s commitment to building a more inclusive society for all Americans.

The theme for this year’s Commerce Pride Month is “Resilience.” Pride Month is an opportunity to reflect on the incredible strength, perseverance, and progress of the LGBTQI+ community.

Commerce is working to advance inclusivity right here at our department.

We’re preparing a Gender Identity Protections policy.

We’re using gender neutral language in agency policies and procedures.

We’re launching a Safe Zone initiative at the Commerce Learning Center to foster a culture of equity and allyship.

And throughout the month, Commerce bureaus and offices will be hosting events to celebrate Pride. I hope you’ll participate.

But we also need to remember that for too many Americans, the fight to live freely and authentically is far from over.

Members of the transgender and gender non-conforming community are facing record levels of violence.

In too many places, workers can still be fired solely based on who they love.

And across the country, states are enacting laws that are restricting schools from even mentioning sexual orientation.

So let’s celebrate this Pride Month. But let’s also recommit ourselves to staying in the fight – for equality, inclusion, and respect for all members of the LGBTQI+ community.

With that, it’s time to raise the Pride Flag.