This resolution formally recognizes the history, achievements, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community while encouraging the celebration of Pride Month and affirming that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights.
Al Green
Representative
TX-9
This resolution formally recognizes the history, achievements, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community in the United States. It serves as a declaration by Congress affirming that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights and encouraging the celebration of Pride Month. The bill highlights key historical milestones, legal victories, and acknowledges the persistent challenges and violence faced by the community. Ultimately, it commits the U.S. to continuing the pursuit of full equality for all citizens.
House Resolution Formally Recognizes LGBTQIA+ History and Rights as Human Rights for Pride Month 2025
This isn't a bill that changes your taxes or creates a new federal program, so don't worry about new forms or sudden regulatory shifts. The Original LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Resolution of 2025 is a formal declaration by Congress—specifically, the House of Representatives—stating its official position: the rights of the LGBTQIA community are human rights protected by the Constitution.
The Official Congressional Stance
Think of this resolution as Congress putting its signature on a long history lesson and a statement of values. It's a non-binding declaration that affirms that every U.S. citizen deserves equal treatment regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. It also makes a point of saying that LGBTQIA history is a crucial, undeniable part of American history. While this doesn't change existing law, it provides a powerful, formal acknowledgment from a branch of the federal government, which can be cited in future policy debates.
A History Lesson for the Record
The bulk of this resolution is dedicated to memorializing key moments that led to modern civil rights. It reads like a syllabus for a required college course on American social movements. It specifically calls out early acts of resistance, such as the 1966 Screaming Queens uprising and the pivotal 1969 Stonewall Inn Uprising, making sure to credit leaders like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. It also notes crucial legal and social milestones, from the American Psychiatric Association removing homosexuality as a mental illness in 1973 to the Supreme Court's landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015 that mandated marriage equality nationwide.
Why a Resolution Matters to the Rest of Us
Since this doesn't create new laws, how does it affect the average person? Primarily, it affects the narrative. By formally recognizing this history, Congress is validating the struggles and achievements of millions of Americans. It encourages the celebration of Pride Month as a time for the whole country to learn about the unfair treatment the community has faced—and still faces—while celebrating successes. For those working in education or advocacy, this resolution provides an official government document that backs the importance of teaching this history.
Acknowledging the Unfinished Work
Crucially, the resolution doesn't just celebrate; it acknowledges the ongoing, serious challenges. It cites statistics showing that LGBTQIA people are disproportionately affected by violence and hate crimes, specifically mentioning the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. It also brings up the high rates of suicide attempts among transgender adults. By including these facts, the resolution serves as a commitment that the United States needs to keep working hard to ensure the promise of equality actually comes true for every person, highlighting that the fight for full protection is far from over.