OneAmerica worked over the course of a decade to bring the movement of immigrants and communities of color together with the movement for marriage equality in Washington.

Pramila Jayapal’s quote highlights the efforts of OneAmerica, an organization dedicated to advancing the rights of immigrants and communities of color, to create a coalition that bridges these communities with the movement for marriage equality in Washington. By stating that OneAmerica worked for a decade, Jayapal emphasizes the long-term commitment required to build coalitions that can tackle intersectional issues. This effort aimed to unify different social justice movements, recognizing that the struggles of immigrant communities and LGBTQ+ communities are interconnected, and that the fight for equality in one area should support the other.

Jayapal’s statement underscores the idea that immigrant rights and LGBTQ+ rights, particularly the fight for marriage equality, are not separate or isolated movements. Rather, they are part of a broader justice movement, where the fight for civil rights and human dignity for all marginalized groups is intertwined. By linking the movement for immigrants with marriage equality, OneAmerica worked to create a more inclusive, diverse vision of equality that reflects the needs and aspirations of various communities.

The reference to Washington is significant because it speaks to the political action and advocacy that took place at the state and national levels to achieve marriage equality and secure rights for immigrants. Jayapal’s quote highlights how policy change is often driven by collaboration between multiple grassroots movements, each with their own focus, but united in the broader goal of social justice and civil rights.

Originating from Jayapal’s work as an activist and U.S. Congresswoman, this quote reflects her commitment to building coalitions and advancing intersectional causes. Jayapal has long championed the rights of immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized groups, and her efforts with OneAmerica exemplify her belief in collective action as a means to secure meaningful social change.