[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 158 (Tuesday, November 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF THE HOUSTON AREA NETWORK ONLINE COMMUNITY (HAN-NET)

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CHRIS BELL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 4, 2003

  Mr. BELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor The Houston Area Network 
Online Community (HAN-NET), a forum for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and 
transgender activists and others committed to the cause of equality and 
civil rights for all. HAN-NET has been in operation since November 1998 
and is ceasing operations on November 1, 2003.
  Throughout its existence and operation, HAN-NET has informed, 
challenged and inspired the Houston GLBT community and has been 
extremely successful in accomplishing its mission to simplify and 
accelerate communication within the Houston GLBT community.
  HAN-NET, a Yahoo groups ``listserv,'' has enhanced GLBT community 
communication through its online announcements, news, and dialogue. 
HAN-NET has made pertinent information immediately accessible to its 
members. Information reached members directly and was packaged for 
quick redistribution.
  The HAN-NET online community participated in several collaborative 
efforts including establishing community priorities and activist goals 
for the Houston GLBT community. I strongly support these goals which 
include: focusing on local and state political issues impacting the 
GLBT community; finding a new home and permanent funding for the 
Houston Lesbian and Gay Community Center; finding permanent funding for 
the operation and growth of the Gulf Coast Archives and Museum; 
building a strong corporate network group; supporting HIV education and 
prevention; and establishing an educational outreach program for the 
transgender community.
  It is my sincere hope that the success of HAN-NET will inspire other 
community leaders to continue and grow the mission of its founders.
  I know my colleagues join me in congratulating HAN-NET moderator 
Brandon J. Wolf and the HAN-NET online community for a job well done 
for Houston's GLBT community. Mr. Wolf's commitment to improved 
communication and outreach for the past five years has been inspiring 
and extremely worthwhile. I wish him great success in his continued 
work for the GLBT community.

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