HAPPY LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH!
Regarding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month, Mayor Brandon M. Scott said in his May 31st Newsletter: "With this month also being Pride Month, we also celebrate our LGBTQ+ immigrant communities, who have made countless contributions to our history, whether in Baltimore or beyond. Know someone who deserves to be celebrated this month? Give them a shoutout on social media using the hashtag #BmoreWelcoming and tagging @mimabaltimore."
While celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ leaders, friends and family, it is important to emphasize that there are still many issues in the path to equality. Because Immigrant Heritage Month coincides with Pride Month, the Human Rights Campaign commented:
"Ensuring safe places and supportive environments are especially important for LGBTQ immigrants. According to information provided by ICE in response to a request by Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-N.Y.), LGBTQ immigrants are detained twice as long as other immigrants and also face lengthy stays in solitary confinement despite ICE regulations that stipulate its use as a last resort.
For transgender women, the situation is even more precarious. Trans women were detained on average more than twice the average length of detainment of all immigrants held in ICE custody during fiscal year 2017. Transgender people have also consistently reported harassment, assault and maltreatment from ICE officers due to their transgender status."
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