You can view the full video of Joni Madison’s keynote address here.

Find some key excerpts from HRC Interim President Joni Madison’s remarks as drafted below:

“LGBTQ+ people -- no matter what identities we hold -- we need to show up in the fight for abortion access and bodily autonomy and in the fight for women’s rights.

And as feminists -- no matter what identities we hold -- we need to show up for our trans and non-binary family.

Right now, all of our shared progress is on the line. Which means we’re going to have to lean into our shared power as a beloved community.”

***

“All of these attacks are rooted in misogyny and in gender essentialism.

They are in service of achieving a vision of a white nationalist America — where identity is immutable and hierarchical -- where more freedoms for some mean fewer freedoms for others.

This is the vision of America we saw on January 6, 2021.

This is an emergency for our communities and our entire democracy.”

***

“In mainstream media outlets, we’ve seen folks making the argument that inclusive language around reproductive justice erases women.

As advocates, we know that allowing someone to be themselves does not take away your own sense of identity, but instead ensures everyone is able to live authentically.

We understand that inclusive language around issues such as abortion access and reproductive rights doesn't erase women —rather, it highlights just how many people are being impacted.”

***

“Right now, we also have legislation moving in the Senate to help protect marriage equality.

We need your help, we need you to call your senator…and say vote yes to protect marriage equality.

Strike down DOMA as law of the land and codify marriage equality for this nation.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.