We join pro-equality Texans and Americans in celebrating the election of President-Elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Vice President-Elect Kamala D. Harris.

This is a historic and groundbreaking moment for our country that offers LGBTQ+ people relief from the fear of further degradation at the hands of the current administration. The persistent attacks against the LGBTQ+ community over the last four years have undoubtably left a mark that will require healing. And that healing can begin today.

This election not only denotes a new beginning but also marks important firsts – Kamala D. Harris will become the first woman Vice President, the first Black woman Vice President and the first South Asian woman Vice President. This is a monumental moment. Having intersectional representation in the second highest office of the United States will help our country prioritize the richness and needs of all of our communities.

The Biden/Harris administration has made an explicit commitment to treat LGBTQ+ people fairly, to protect us from discrimination and work to end the epidemic of violence against the transgender community, particularly transgender women of color. And we will work to hold the new administration to account on their promises.

Today, we breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the American people have elected an administration that plans to stand with the LGBTQ+ community to ensure America finally lives up to the promise on which it was founded: equality for all.

We also congratulate the five founding members of the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus, State Rep. Mary González of El Paso, Rep. Celia Israel of Austin, Rep. Julie Johnson of Carrollton, Rep. Jessica González of Dallas and Rep. Erin Zwiener of Driftwood on their successful re-election and congratulate pro-equality Senator-Elect Roland Gutierrez and pro-equality Representative-Elect Ann Johnson on their election.

We believe their representation is critically important to ensure that Texas continues its march toward equal justice under the law and that all people are represented in the Texas legislature and at all levels of government. We stand ready to work with each of them and other legislators to achieve full lived equality for LGBTQ+ Texans.