To mark the end of pride month, Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) met with members of the Hawaii Department of Health’s Sexual and Gender (SGM) Minority Working Group June 28 to discuss the services they offer and the challenges facing the communities they serve.
Hirono met with the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, the Lavender Clinic, Kumukahi Health and Wellness, Tomita Psychotherapy and Consultation, the Maui AIDS Foundation, and Ka Aha Mahu, according to a press release from her office.
“As we celebrate Pride month and Hawaii’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community, we must also remain vigilant about the many challenges LGBTQ+ people still face in Hawaii and across the country,” Hirono said in the release. “Hawaii has long been a leader in advancing equal opportunity for all, including the LGBTQ community. However, even in Hawaii, LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face discrimination when it comes to living safely in their communities, access to health care, job security, housing and more. That’s why organizations like the ones I met with today, who provide resources, support, and care for LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities across Hawaii, are so critical.”
A persistent voice for LGBTQ+ rights, Hirono blocked efforts by Senate Republicans June 23 to pass anti-transgender legislation which would ban trans women and girls from participating in sports consistent with their gender, the release stated. Hirono also introduced legislation to formally recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
“I appreciated the chance to learn more about the important work these organizations do, and I’ll continue fighting to make sure everyone can live safely and openly as their authentic selves,” Hirono said.