Hakeem Jeffries vows that House Democrats will stand with trans Americans ‘always and forever’

As the Trump administration continues its unprecedented assault on LGBTQ+ rights, some of the nation's most prominent queer leaders and allies gathered Tuesday night in Washington, D.C., with a message that was equal parts warning, celebration, and call to action: don't give up.Bob the Drag Queen hosted Equality PAC’s annual National Pride Gala, attended by members of Congress, activists, celebrities, and donors, packed a ballroom just blocks from the Capitol, where speakers repeatedly returned to a common refrain — that the current wave of anti-LGBTQ+ attacks, particularly those targeting transgender people, can be defeated through political organizing, visibility, and persistence.The evening, which included a performance by singer Darlene Love and a speech by actress Lynda Carter, featured appearances by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Sarah McBride, former Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Rachel Levine, and Equality PAC leaders. Actors Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin received the organization's Nancy Pelosi Equality Ally Award, while filmmaker Jacob Tierney, the creator of the popular TV show Heated Rivalry, was honored with its inaugural Game Changer Award.Related: Chuck Schumer & Hakeem Jeffries commit to defending trans rights at star-studded Pride gala Bob the Drag Queen hosted the Equality PAC National Pride Gala.Jon Fleming PhotographyFor much of the evening, speakers acknowledged the fear and uncertainty many LGBTQ+ Americans are experiencing as the Trump administration attempts to strip transgender people of federal civil rights protections, restrict health care access, and remove recognition of gender identity from federal policy.Levine, the highest-ranking out transgender official ever to serve in the federal government, urged attendees not to allow those attacks to divide the broader LGBTQ community."As we celebrate Pride this year, [these are] very challenging times for our community, especially for vulner