Elijah McKenzie-Jackson had the honor of speaking at the first-ever White House Pride event, addressing the intersection of climate justice and LGBTQ+ rights. This occasion marked his second time at the White House, where he engaged directly with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on social impact issues.
Following his advocacy at COP27, where he worked on policies addressing LGBTQ+ climate refugees, Elijah’s participation at White House Pride underscored the urgent need for inclusive climate solutions that protect marginalized communities disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.
During his speech, Elijah stated:
"The climate crisis is not just an environmental issue—it is a human rights issue. LGBTQ+ communities, especially those already displaced or marginalized, are among the first to experience the consequences of climate disaster. We cannot separate climate justice from social justice, and we must ensure that solutions are inclusive, equitable, and driven by those most affected."
A special thank you to the White House for creating space for these critical conversations and ensuring LGBTQ+ voices are part of the climate dialogue.