[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 68 (Thursday, May 23, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4833]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRIDE/TWIN CITIES

  Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, I rise today to offer my congratulations 
to GLBT Pride/Twin Cities on the 30th anniversary of their Pride 
Celebration. The small march and picnic held 30 years ago has grown 
into a 2-day spectacular, featuring a Pride Block Party, a boat cruise, 
a fabulous Festival, and a very special Pride Parade, all of which draw 
many thousands of participants. It is the largest Pride Celebration in 
the Midwest, and the third largest in the Nation. It has become a 
weekend to celebrate and to honor the many, many talented and 
accomplished men and women in Minnesota's lesbian, gay, transgender, 
and bisexual communities and their friends.
  GLBT Pride/Twin Cities and other GLBT organizations and their members 
have worked tirelessly to raise public awareness and understanding and 
to provide supportive services to GLBT individuals and families. As a 
result of their dedicated efforts during the last three decades, 
Minnesota has made progress towards achieving full and equal rights for 
the women and men in our GLBT communities. However, there is still a 
long way to go. I hope to be here in the United States Senate to 
witness the passage of Federal legislation banning employment 
discrimination, preventing hate crimes, and providing domestic partner 
benefits for GLBT Americans.
  I also join with Pride/Twin Cities in recognizing June as GLBT Pride 
Month. All members of Minnesota's GLBT communities deserve to have that 
pride in themselves, their work, and their accomplishments. I will 
continue to work with you for the achievement of equal rights, equal 
protections, and equal opportunities for everyone in Minnesota's Gay, 
Lesbian, Transgender, and Bisexual communities.

                          ____________________