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Washington, DC -- Today, the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus announced that the Transgender Equality Task Force will be led by Co-Chairs Representatives Jennifer Wexton (VA-10), Marie Newman (IL-03), and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) for the 117th Congress. The Task Force will work with the Caucus to amplify transgender issues and take on special projects to help elevate the Caucus’ concerns. As a first step, the Co-Chairs are releasing a resolution that will begin circulating today honoring International Transgender Day of Visibility.

“On behalf of the Equality Caucus, I am pleased to announce that three of our Vice Chairs: Rep. Jennifer Wexton, Rep. Marie Newman and Rep. Pramila Jayapal are taking over leadership of our Transgender Equality Task Force. At a moment when transgender people are facing multiple hurdles, from efforts to exclude them from access to sports to disturbingly high rates of violence, we need strong leadership within our Caucus to amplify these issues and help drive us towards solutions. We are pleased to have their vision and expertise at the helm,” said Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01).

“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Transgender Equality Task Force, I look forward to being on the frontlines in addressing and defending issues of basic human rights affecting my transgender friends and family. The trans community remains under attack with dehumanizing bills going through state legislatures and false narratives being amplified by the right and some Members of Congress,” said Vice Chair Jennifer Wexton (VA-10). “This Congress, it will be my mission to shine a light on the issues and the triumphs of transgender Americans, and to elevate their voices and visibility. I look forward to working alongside my Co-Chairs Congresswoman Marie Newman and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal as we fight for those we love and those who want to be able to live freely and authentically in this country without the fear of discrimination.”

"I could not be more honored to join my colleagues as a Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force, where we will collectively fight to ensure transgender persons achieve equality in our nation and around the world. Transgender Americans like my daughter deserve every right to not only be legally protected from discrimination but also recognized and accepted by their own government for simply being who they are," said Vice Chair Marie Newman (IL-03). "We must and will continue to speak out loudly against hate and injustices against our LGBTQ+ community, especially when it comes to violence against transgender persons and particularly against Black and Brown transgender women. I look forward to working with my colleagues to build on the ongoing efforts of millions of LGBTQ Americans, advocacy organizations, and community leaders who have been fighting for freedom and equality for decades."

“As the proud parent of a transgender child, I am honored to co-lead the Equality Caucus’ Transgender Equality Task Force as we take on the urgent legislative work necessary to finally guarantee that every transgender person can live freely as themselves and free from discrimination,” said Vice Chair Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). “This is a pivotal moment in our fight for equality, and I stand with my child and every LGBTQ+ person in America as we defeat hate, end discrimination, and secure full civil rights across this country.”

Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.

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