(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) joined his fellow LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus Co-Chairs Deb Haaland (NM-01) and Sharice Davids (KS-03) in sending a letter to Ambassador Deborah Birx, Coordinator of the White House’s Coronavirus Response Task Force. The letter, outlines the significant concerns facing the LGBTQ community in the face of the coronavirus crisis and asks Dr. Birx to issue a clear statement that resources are provided to the public in response to the crisis without discrimination. The letter was signed by 87 Members of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.

“As we fight this public health crisis together, we must make sure to take care of everyone and recognize their unique needs. The LGBTQ community still has scars from the last epidemic leaving them with higher rates of HIV and AIDS and making them more vulnerable to the coronavirus,” said Equality Caucus Vice Chair Deb Haaland. “Many LGBTQ individuals have faced discrimination when seeking care, a problem vulnerable, older LGBTQ Americans know too well. I hope Ambassador Birx remains a steadfast ally to the LGBTQ community and she takes our message seriously – the lives of our neighbors depend on it.”

“We should be doing everything we can to protect every community during this public health emergency, including LGBTQ folks, who are at high risk right now. LGBTQ people continue to face discrimination in the healthcare system, and now more than ever, it is crucial that we push to ensure all communities have access to the basic healthcare resources they need to fight back against this global pandemic,” said Equality Caucus Chair Sharice Davids.

Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) equality. The Caucus, led by the seven openly LGBT members of Congress, is committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBT people in the U.S. and around the world.

Full letter is available here.

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