Garden State Equality Action Fund, New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization, has officially endorsed Mayor Pete Buttigieg for President of the United States. The vote among the Action Fund board of directors was unanimously in support of Mayor Pete. Over the last twelve months, the Action Fund deliberated and studied each candidate’s policies, public comments, and positions in making its decision.

Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality, released the following statement:

“Mayor Pete’s visionary, robust agenda for LGBTQ equality perfectly aligns with Garden State Equality’s policy priorities for New Jersey and is the most detailed and innovative blueprint for advancing equality nationwide. From reforming HIV criminalization laws to expanding access to HIV-prevention drugs like PrEP/PEP — in addition to ending the blanket ban on blood donation — Mayor Pete has put forward evidence-based solutions to fight stigma and end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030. As hate crimes and violence against trans women of color increase nationwide, he’s committed to rebuilding the bridge of trust between law enforcement and our community with bias trainings for officers and strict enforcement of the Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

More importantly, Mayor Pete has put youth front-and-center in his agenda, including banning ‘conversion’ therapy nationwide, passing the LGBTQ Suicide Prevention Act, funding youth homelessness, and reinstating protections for transgender youth in schools that were callously rescinded by the Trump-Pence administration.

Make no mistake, Mayor Pete’s campaign is absolutely historic. He has thrown the doors of the closet wide open. Many in our community never would have imagined seeing an openly LGBTQ candidate come this close to the White House in our lifetimes, and because of his courage and bravery, the next generation of youth will know they are safe, free, and welcomed in this world.

Because of the current administration, America’s LGBTQ community is fighting back against a never-ending onslaught of discriminatory and divisive policies. We’re excited to see the strongest slate of pro-LGBTQ candidates of our lifetime running for President in 2020, but reclaiming the White House in November requires a leader who can reach voters in every corner of America with a message that inspires a broad coalition to protect and secure equality for all. We firmly believe that person is Mayor Pete Buttigieg.”

During its endorsement deliberations, Garden State Equality Action Fund offered praise for Senator Cory Booker’s campaign:

“Long before he got to Washington — and long before defending equality was popular — Senator Booker was on the frontlines of the LGBTQ movement. Garden State Equality proudly supports its great Senator and is incredibly grateful for his contributions to the ongoing dialogue on LGBTQ equality and for using his voice on the debate stage and on the campaign trail to elevate commonly ignored issues including violence against trans women of color.”