Former Vice President Joe Biden kicked off Pride Month Saturday by delivering the keynote speech at Human Rights Campaign's annual gala in Columbus, Ohio.

Introduced by HRC president Chad Griffin, the 2020 presidential candidate described the Trump administration as a "disaster for human rights," referencing its continued attacks on the civil rights of LGBTQ Americans.

He also called out "the current vice president" for using religious freedom as an excuse to discriminate against LGBTQ people.

“Just like with racial justice and women’s rights, we are seeing pushback against all the progress we’ve made toward equality,” Biden said, specifically citing how the administration has rolled back protections for transgender citizens. “It’s wrong and it is immoral what they’re doing.”

Biden noted rampant anti-LGBTQ discrimination, the "vile practice" of conversion therapy, suicide rates among LGBTQ youth, and the recent murders of black trans women in America. "It’s outrageous," he said. "It must end. And the fastest way to end it is end the Trump administration."

He also confirmed his support of the Equality Act, which passed in the U.S. House last month and would explicitly grant federal non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ citizens. Biden pledged that if it does not pass in the Senate, it will become his top legislative priority.

In conclusion, Biden promised that even if he is not elected president, "I’ll be back as a private citizen and make sure I stand with you in this fight. It matters to my children. It matters to my granddaughters. We got to push back. You have a real partner, so don't give up. We are just beginning this fight. There’s no reason we can’t do it all."

A Biden campaign statement said his decision to visit Ohio proves he wants to have conversations about LGBTQ rights “not just on the coasts of this country, but in the heartland and with any and all Americans.”

Biden officially joined the 2020 presidential race in April. His campaign announcement focused on the events in Charlottesville and Trump’s response, calling the upcoming election a “battle for the soul of this nation.”

The Democratic frontrunner has long been a champion of LGBTQ rights, even coming out publicly in support of marriage equality before former President Barack Obama, which he proudly noted in his HRC speech.

Last August he and his Biden Foundation launched the “As You Are” campaign, an initiative focused on the importance of family and community acceptance of LGBTQ youth. The Biden Foundation also partnered with the YMCA to foster LGBTQ equality in communities nationwide.

The Biden campaign's Pride merch is now available.

Watch the full HRC speech below.