Every resident of Missouri’s 4th Congressional district and our nation deserves to live free from discrimination and fear regardless of their gender identity and sexual orientation. Even though marriage equality is the law in all 50 states, too many of our siblings and members of the LGBTQIA+ continue to face discrimination in employment, public services, housing and most importantly, healthcare due to their lack of federal protection.

As your representative in Congress, I will:

• Champion the passage of the Equality Act to update federal civil rights laws and prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, and federally funded programs.
  

• Protect LGBTQIA+ rights by making sure there is equal access to jobs, housing, healthcare, and public spaces—so no one is denied service or dignity simply because of who they chose to love.
  

• Address discrimination and ongoing violence and against our transgender communities, particularly transgender women of color.
  

• Support allocating federal funds for community safety programs, hate crime investigations, and expanded mental health services.
  

• Ensure safety for LGBTQIA+ youth in schools across the country and advance inclusive education policies so that our students can fully thrive. 
  

• Address and tackle LGBTQIA+ homelessness by advocating for targeted resources to fully support this vulnerable population.
  

As a nation, we must lead with compassion and empathy and continue fighting for full equality under the law, so the promises of justice and liberty extend to our most vulnerable communities and every resident of MO-04, no matter who they love or how they identify.