Diversity & Inclusion

Every Rhode Islander deserves dignity, safety, and the freedom to live as themselves — without fear or hate.

I grew up in a Rhode Island household where discrimination just wasn’t a thing.

We went to school with Portuguese immigrants. Some kids were older because they were still learning English — and no one cared. We were there to learn together.

I worked alongside gay people, Black people, Hispanic people, Asian people — it didn’t matter where you were from or who you loved. We didn’t distinguish between race, religion, or gender identity. And that mindset? It’s still with me today.

Back then, trans people weren’t as visible. Now, people have the freedom to live openly — and I support that. If someone wants to dress as a man or a woman, my answer is simple: who cares? Live your life.

My stance as Governor? Acceptance for all. Period.

And if your religion tells you something different — fine. But keep it to yourself. Don’t judge others. And never act out in hate. That’s not faith — that’s a hate crime. And we will treat it as such.

We don’t have to agree on everything. But we must agree on this: everyone deserves dignity and safety.

The fighting has to stop. The name-calling — “deplorable,” “demoncrat,” whatever the insult of the day — it’s tearing us apart.

No one is more patriotic than another. You don’t have to wave a flag from your truck to love your country. Everyone counts.

That means everyone — LGBTQ+, transgender, veterans, seniors, and working families. Equality and opportunity for all aren’t just talking points — they’re what make Rhode Island worth fighting for.

That’s Rhode Island.

That’s who I am.

And that’s how I’ll govern.