“To the people who identify as LGBTQIA around the world—I see you. You’re not alone.” He pauses. Each second of silence charges the air with more electricity. “I’m committed to doing my part to make this a more equitable place. Homophobia is vile, and it has no place in any organization or society worth its salt. I know that it can seem bleak at times, but you deserve to live authentically. You deserve to flourish. You deserve to be here.”
