Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra was one of many executives to reflect on the importance of Pride Month following the raising of the Progress Pride Flag outside the department’s headquarters.
Becerra noted how HHS is committed to protecting individuals and the families of individuals who are targeted due to their gender identity, according to a June 1 news release.
“Every year, during Pride Month, we honor and celebrate the many ways our family, friends, colleagues, neighbors and fellow Americans in the LGBTQI+ community contribute to the health and wellbeing of our great nation,” Becerra said in the release. “Today and every day, the department works to ensure that every American has access to health care – including gender-affirming care – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
He also thanked all of his "LGBTQI+ colleagues, in HHS and across the health and human services field" for their tireless work toward improving the lives of those in need, the release reported.
“We are honored to lead the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to put the health and human services of all Americans above the hateful and harmful beliefs of a narrow-minded few,” Becerra added, according to the release.
HHS Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm echoed a similar sentiment and expressed pride over being part of an effort to end discrimination in health care, the release noted.
“During Pride Month, we honor the contributions of LGBTQI+ Americans across the country,” Palm said in the release. “They have and continue to fight to make our society more inclusive, welcoming and supportive. This month and every month, we will work to ensure all our programs and services are equitable and inclusive, and all our LGBTQI+ colleagues know they are valued. Pride is a reminder that until everyone enjoys the full promise of equity, dignity, protection and freedom, our work is not finished.”
Administration for Children and Families Assistant Secretary January Contreras said its agency doesn’t limit celebrating LGBTQI+ children, youth and families to just one month, the release reported.
“Our work to promote the well-being of these and all children and families continues year-round,” Contreras said in the release. “In light of alarming discriminatory state laws over the past year targeting transgender children, we reaffirm our commitment to promote the rights and safety of all LGBTQI+ people. To the parents who support your transgender children, we say thank you for loving and affirming your children, and we are with you.”
