Washington, DC – DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement marking the start of LGBT Pride Month, which is June:

This June, we celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. It is an opportunity to recognize the remarkable progress our nation has made towards equality for all Americans and the contributions made by the LGBT community.

Forty-five years ago, in June 1969, the LGBT community had to literally fight for recognition of the discrimination they faced during the Stonewall riots in New York. Last June, the LGBT community achieved a victory when the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act as unconstitutional.

The progress towards equality has accelerated in recent years. Marriage equality now exists in nineteen states and the District of Columbia and public support for gay marriage has reached record highs. Additionally, President Obama oversaw the repeal of the discriminatory Don't Ask Don't Tell policy and ensured hospital visitation rights for LGBT couples.

I’m proud that the world in which my children are growing up is becoming one where people no longer face discrimination based on who they love. There is still work to do, but with each step we move closer to fulfilling our nation’s potential of full equality under the law for every American.