Congresswoman Horn to walk in OKC Pride parade
By Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief
The U.S. Congresswoman who co-sponsored the Equality Act is walking in the Oklahoma City Parade on June 22. Kendra Horn is the US Congresswoman representing Oklahoma's 5th District. Not only did she co-sponsor the Equality Act, she successfully worked to pass it through the US House of Representatives.
This weekend, she’ll walk in the Oklahoma City Pride parade with the Freedom Oklahoma team in solidarity and be among many thousands of people who believe in equal rights for all.
“As a community, we should value every single person,” said Horn. “Treating everyone with dignity and respect isn’t really a choice; it is simply what we should do. So, I don’t even stop to think about what it would look like to not support our family, our friends, and our neighbors.”
The Congresswoman said she believes communities are strengthened through diversity, and it is important to let people know they are valued; that they matter.
“Showing up, listening, being an ally is an important way to send that message,” she said. “Treating people with dignity and respect is a fundamental part of who I am. It is how I strive to approach public service and with my personal relationships.”
The Equality Act she co-sponsored ensures important and necessary updates to the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include a ban on discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
“No matter who you are or who you love, every person should be able to provide for themselves and their families, secure a home, and access quality, affordable healthcare,” she said.
Horn knows she may face scrutiny for marching in the OKC Pride parade.
“Doing the right thing is not always popular with everyone,” she said. “But I know there is more that unites us than divides us — and it is critical that our leaders provide every single person a seat at the table.
“As the Congresswoman for Oklahoma’s 5th District — I represent every single person, regardless of who they are, their party affiliation, or political beliefs. I’m an Oklahoman and an American first. I don’t look for what is politically easy or convenient when I make my choices about what I participate in – service and doing what is right is always my guiding light.”
Congresswoman Horn’s district includes Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Shawnee. Part of Oklahoma County falls within the district's boundaries, as well as all of Pottawatomie and Seminole counties.
Freedom Oklahoma, Oklahoma’s only statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization, endorsed the Congresswoman in her bid for this seat.
“Freedom Oklahoma is a catalyst in changing hearts and minds,” said Horn. “All LGBTQ Oklahomans deserve equal protection under the law. As a policymaker, I must uphold all of the promises provided to all of us under the US Constitution.
“I’m proud to work with Freedom Oklahoma in their ongoing efforts to ensure Oklahomans are valued regardless of who they are and who they love.”
More about events and news surrounding OKC Pride 2019:
This is our story. This is our city. This is our Pride
Celebrate unity and inclusion with Urban Pride
How we got here: OKC Pride features “Legends & Rebels” in 2019 theme
Take the test and access PrEP during OKC Pride
"Faces of Pride" to premier at historic LGBTQ+ club
2019 Pride parade in OKC moves to Saturday
Copyright The Gayly. 6/21/2019 @7:38 p.m. CST.