{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-celebrates-national-coming-out-day-lgbtq-leaders", "Vasquez Celebrates National Coming Out Day with LGBTQ+ Leaders", "2023-10-12", "2023", "2023-10", "Democrat", "House", "NM", "Gabe Vasquez", "V000136", "vasquez.house.gov", "vasquez", "https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, U.S.Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) hosted a National Coming Out Day celebration that brought together members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies and constituents from across the district to commemorate the importance of acceptance, diversity and equality.\n\n\u201cNew Mexico has been leading the fight towards equality and a safer space for the LGBTQ+ community. In Congress, I am working to bring New Mexico\u2019s values to the federal level and ensure continued progress in the fight for equal rights,\u201d said Vasquez. \u201cI am grateful to everyone who participated in our Coming Out Day event to share their heartfelt stories and experiences. You are valued, accepted and loved just the way you are, and I\u2019m committed to being an ally and advocate in Congress for the LGBTQ+ community.\u201d\n\nImage\n\nNational Coming Out Day, observed annually on October 11, serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight towards LGBTQ+ equality and the courage displayed by those who choose to live openly and authentically. Vasquez is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and this event underscored his unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive society.\n\nDuring the celebration, Vasquez delivered an address, emphasizing the need for continued progress in the fight for equal rights and recognition for all New Mexicans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. He also highlighted his legislative efforts to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, including his co-sponsorship the Equality Act.\n\nThe event featured an array of speakers who shared their personal stories of coming out and overcoming adversity.\n\n\u201cA big thank you to my friend U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez for hosting this event and wanting to know your coming out stories. All of our stories are unique and important as they show the different ways our families and our friends and our community either accept or not who we are and how we love,\u201d said New Mexico State Senator Carrie Hamblen. \u201cHaving people in office like Representative Vasquez matters\u2013people who will speak on your behalf and advocate for you matters.\u201d\n\nVasquez remains committed to being an advocate and ally to the LGBTQ+ community in Congress.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T00:49:26Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://vasquez.house.gov/media/press-releases/vasquez-celebrates-national-coming-out-day-lgbtq-leaders"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9462139569222927, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}