Adams Delivers LGBTQ Pride Month Speech on House Floor
Washington, D.C. – Last night, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) delivered a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives during a special order hour for Pride Month. Adams used her speech to recognize trailblazing elected officials from North Carolina's 12th Congressional District, including former Charlotte City Council members LaWana Mayfield, Al Austin, and Billy Maddalon; Davidson Town Commissioner Jane Campbell, and NC Court of Appeals Judge John Arrowood.
A video of the remarks is available here.
Remarks as prepared for delivery:
My name is Congresswoman Alma Adams, and my pronouns are she/ her/ and hers.
Tonight I rise during Pride month to honor some of the many out LGBTQ elected officials who are working to make North Carolina a more equal and inclusive state.
Last week was Charlotte Black Pride week, so I'm happy to say North Carolina's 12th District is home to LaWana Mayfield, who made history in 2011 as Charlotte's first openly gay or lesbian elected official. Since then, Al Austin and Billy Maddalon joined her as LGBT members of the Charlotte City Council.
In Davidson, Jane Campbell, a retired Captain in the United States Navy, serves on the Davidson Town Commission.
And Charlotte's John Arrowood made history as the first openly LGBT judge on North Carolina's Court of Appeals.
All these individuals put themselves forward for public service because they know we can't sleep on fairness and equal rights!
I am working hard as your ally in Congress alongside members of my Congressional office supporting the LGBTQ community and I promise to continue to fight for your rights.
I wish everyone across our country Happy Pride!
Now, go forth and continue the fight,
Because we can't wait for equality –
We have to win it.
I yield back.
Congresswoman Alma Adams represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte and Mecklenburg County) and serves as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture. Additionally, she serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Education & Labor Committee, where she serves as Chair of the Workforce Protections Subcommittee. She is an original cosponsor of the Equality Act.