Happy Pride Month, friend.

Not a day goes by where I don’t feel humbled, and honored to serve openly and honestly as Illinois’ first out LGBTQ+ member of Congress.

Because the truth is, no matter what title I hold today, it wasn't long that I was just a gay kid named Eric who never really believed I'd be accepted as a TV meteorologist -- let alone as a congressional “trail blazer.”

I still vividly remember the words from management at my first job as a meteorologist in East Texas:

“We can’t have a gay meteorologist at channel 7, Eric.”

Being pushed out of my job was horrible, and something too many members of our community can relate to. But I was lucky – I persevered, and after job searching and soul searching, I got the opportunity of a lifetime -- to serve my hometown of Rockford, Illinois -- where I could be my truest, proudest self.

The rest, as they say, is history.

So, yeah, their hate may get louder this time of year. But our diversity is strength and our unity of purpose is power. And they will never have that!

And to those struggling this Pride Month, know that there’s hope. Whether it's your 10th year openly celebrating, your first, or maybe you're not ready to just yet -- know that you are loved and that I'm proud of you. Together, we will come through everything they throw at us stronger than before.

Thanks for your time and support, and Happy Pride Month! 🌈

Eric

Donate >> [link removed]















Eric Sorensen for Illinois
P.O. Box 1172
Moline, IL 61265
United States

We'd hate to see you go, but you can click here if you'd like to unsubscribe: [link removed] .