ASBURY PARK, NJ — The Garden State Equality Action Fund board is proud to announce a special endorsement for Kamala Harris for President. As the first statewide LGBTQ+ organization nationally to issue an endorsement for Kamala Harris for President, we believe her track record and unwavering commitment to LGBTQ+ rights make her the ideal candidate to lead our nation forward.

Kamala Harris has consistently demonstrated her dedication to advancing equality and protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. As a United States Senator, she co-sponsored the Equality Act, landmark legislation that would provide comprehensive protections for LGBTQ+ people in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations. Her support for marriage equality has been steadfast, and she has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights, including access to healthcare and the right to serve openly in the military.

“Kamala Harris has shown through her actions and her words that she is a true ally to the LGBTQ+ community,” said Jeannine Frisby LaRue (she/her), Chair of the Garden State Equality Action Fund. “As a lesbian, and Black Woman first, her commitment to equality and justice is personal just like mine, and we are confident she will continue to champion our rights as President.”

“As a Black Woman who also attended Howard University, Kamala and I share many intersections. We know that Black Women have always served on the front-line in the fight for equality, and their resilience, power, and courage cannot be overstated,” said Brielle Winslow-Majette (she/her), Deputy Director of Garden State Equality.

“As a Latina and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I know firsthand the importance of having leaders who are also of intersecting identities. We need a President who sees and fights for all of us, and Kamala Harris is that leader,” said Laura Bustamante (she/her), Garden State Equality Action Fund board member.

“For me, this endorsement is heartfelt and urgent—the lives and safety of transgender and nonbinary people hang in the balance in this election,” said Jamie Zug (he/him), Garden State Equality Action Fund board member.

Christian Fuscarino (he/him), Executive Director of Garden State Equality said, “Endorsing Kamala Harris for President is a natural progression for the Action Fund board, given our successful collaborations under Governor Murphy’s administration. Governor Murphy has made New Jersey a national leader in LGBTQ+ equality, with landmark laws and executive orders such as the Transgender Equality Task Force, ending the criminalization of HIV and AIDS, and advancing safe school initiatives like inclusive lessons and resources. Kamala Harris shares a similar vision for inclusivity nationally: her proven commitment to equality makes her the best choice to continue and expand upon the progress we’ve seen here in New Jersey.”

The Garden State Equality Action Fund is committed to mobilizing our members and allies to support Kamala Harris’s campaign. We believe her presidency will mark a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in the United States.