WASHINGTON – On Thursday, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the Promoting Responsive Inclusion & Diverse Engagement (PRIDE) Act, legislation that would expand inclusivity for LGBTQ+ people in federal agencies that regulate financial services. Currently, these agencies have Offices of Minority and Women Inclusion to ensure diversity in management, employment, and business activities tasked to the agency. With Congresswoman Williams’s bill, the offices would be expanded to the Office of Women, Minority, and LGBTQ+ Inclusion. 

Congresswoman Williams, a member of the House Financial Services Committee Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee, said: 

“As a Black woman from the South, I know how it feels to be unheard. We cannot have LGBTQ+ individuals unheard in our financial services agencies. Making inclusivity based on gender identity and sexual orientation part of the mission for these agencies means they will prioritize inclusivity for everyone, no matter who you love or how you identify. The Fifth District has long been known for LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and I am bringing that same spirit to our financial regulators.”

Joining Congresswoman Williams in introducing the legislation are Reps. Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia (IL-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Alma S. Adams (NC-12), and Al Green (TX-09).

The PRIDE Act is endorsed by Equality Federation, Family Equality, Georgia Equality, National Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research (CLEAR), National Center for Transgender Equality, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, OUT Georgia Business Alliance, Out Leadership, and PFLAG National.

Jeff Graham, Executive Director for Georgia Equality, said: 

“With the introduction of this legislation, Congresswoman Williams is again proving what a strong ally she is, not only to LGBTQ+ Georgians, but for LGBTQ+ folks around the country. This legislation will further the goal of ensuring that no one faces discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Chris Lugo, Executive Director for OUT Georgia Business Alliance said: 

“We’re proud to stand with Congresswoman Nikema Williams and support the PRIDE Act. Advancing the diversity of our federal workforce and vendor contracting will have a powerful impact for LGBTQ+ people and businesses in Georgia and across the nation.” 

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Nikema Williams proudly serves Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. Congresswoman Williams serves on the exclusive Financial Services Committee where she is Vice Chair of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Select Committee for the Modernization of Congress. She is Freshman Class President and Co-Chairs the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. Congresswoman Williams builds on the Fifth District’s legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement as a champion of voting rights, closing the racial wealth gap and ensuring the promise of America for all–regardless of their ZIP code or bank account.

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