Happy Pride Month, Pennsylvania!

Pride Month is a celebration of everything that LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians have contributed to making our communities better, brighter, and more welcoming.

On Team Shapiro, we spent this month criss-crossing the Commonwealth to join in the celebrations because we believe that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.

We want to virtually join you in the celebrations we’ve been part of this month, from Allegheny County to Montgomery County — let’s catch you up to speed.

Kicking off this month in Josh Shapiro’s home community of Montgomery County at the Lower Gwynedd Pride Flag Raising.

“No matter what you look like, where you come from, or who you pray to, or who you love — the law must apply fairly and equally to everyone across the board. Love is love.” — Josh Shapiro

If there’s one thing you should know about Josh Shapiro, it’s that he’s never wavered on his beliefs or values: he’s always fought to protect the freedoms of LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians.

As State Representative, Josh co-sponsored legislation to expand protections for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians because he believes that the law should apply fairly and equally to everyone.

As County Commissioner, Josh helped marry some of the first LGBTQ+ couples in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

As Attorney General, Josh has fought time and again to defend the rights of Pennsylvania’s LGBTQ+ community.

As Governor, Josh has pledged to take action that’ll finally protect every LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanian under the law.

Josh Shapiro has always had the back of Pennsylvania’s LGBTQ+ community, and you can learn more about his vision for a better, brighter, more welcoming future here: joshshapiro.org/policy-lgbtq 

Now, we march!

#TeamShapiro joined our friends at Pittsburgh’s Pride March to unite for freedom: the freedom to love, the freedom to marry, the freedom to be true to yourself.

And folks turned out.

That’s the message that Josh Shapiro and Austin Davis shared with thousands of people that afternoon on the steps of Pittsburgh’s City Council building.

“If they want to come for our fundamental freedoms, they’ll have to get through all of us. Here’s what I know. Here’s what Austin Davis knows. Love is love.” — Josh Shapiro

“Freedom to love” has become a mantra of this campaign, because it’s critical to not forget the stakes of this election — and yes, the freedom to love is on the ballot this November.

Take it from me — the person behind the “type-writer” of this blog post — and a member of the LGBTQ+ community who knows the stakes of this election.

Josh Shapiro? He’ll use his veto pen to protect that freedom.

His opponent? He doesn’t believe that LGBTQ+ couples should be allowed to adopt in Pennsylvania.

That’s the difference.

It would be wrong to not highlight Mayor of Pittsburgh, Ed Gainey sporting Team Shapiro’s pride merch at Allegheny County’s coordinated office opening following Pittsburgh’s Pride March.

You can grab your own merch from Team Shapiro’s Pride Collection here: shop.joshshapiro.org

Speaking of… 

Allegheny County is in the game and ready to win. Check out that crowd!

Back in Philadelphia, Josh Shapiro joined the Liberty City Dems at their annual Pride Month event — where he rallied with members of the LGBTQ+ community to continue fighting for freedom.

From there, Team Shapiro headed to Chester County for Phoenixville’s annual Pride event. Josh shared this message: We must fight to ensure the law applies fairly and equally to every Pennsylvanian.

And while the event was a great time all around, I’ve gotta say — the rainbow crosswalk was a personal favorite.

Now, that you’re all caught up with us — we hope to see you out there with us on the trail at our next event or by getting involved with our team at mobilize.us/allinpa.

Let’s protect the freedom to love, together.